Style Me Pretty: Wedding Blog for the Style-Obsessed Bride

Romantic, Candlelit Wedding at Camp Lucy in Texas

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Greens, blues, and whites[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The couple, who met in Colorado, have always had a love for a fresh breeze and rustling leaves which made Camp Lucy their perfect location. Their Texas soiree was romantic and fun and they were surrounded by their closest friends and family. The couple said their I Dos tucked under the grand oak trees of Camp Lucy planned by Simply XO of Austin, Texas, the design was inspired by the lush late summer colors. [/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Kyra left no eyes dry when she emerged in a breathtaking one shoulder gown by Francesca Miranda from Stanley Korshak Bridal. The dress was created by layers of delicate floral embellished lace creating a one of a kind look. [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bride opted out of traditional matching dresses and instead had her best friends select any blue and green dresses they felt their best in. This mismatched color palette was inspired by the tones of summer. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groom selected to create a custom tuxedo by Mister Tuxedo located in Dallas, Texas. The tartan patterned jacket featured a print of the groom’s family crest on the inner lining nodding to his family’s history. [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The bride and groom utilized the incredible catering at Camp Lucy, starting with small bites at cocktail hour including a smoked chicken and roasted tomato Arancini. Upon entering the reception guests were delighted with dinner which included a show stopper, chili and pineapple braised short ribs. Of course, the bride and groom surprised guests with a late night bite of truffle grilled cheese and it certainly was a fan favorite! [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The late summer lush greens were a huge point of inspiration for both floral selection and design. The florist, Daughters Floral, crafted a ceremony arch to compliment the natural beauty of the location while also adding an extra layer of texture to highlight the couple as they said their I Dos. These organic greens were also brought into the reception bringing the feeling of nature inside. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The two tiered white cake was created by Michelles Patisserie of Austin, Texas. The cake was laced with delicate white fondant flowers as a nod to the brides all white bouquet and floral embellishments of her own dress. [/field]
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An Elegant Red Rose Garden Wedding at Castle Green

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]The wedding colors are red and cream with black accents.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The design, vibe, and vision for the wedding are centered around an elegant red rose garden. The bride’s love for and signature red lipstick complements the venue, which is nestled in the heart of Pasadena, CA, home of the Rose Bowl. This design choice was perfect for them.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Erin Parker and Amiyr Jackson first matched on the dating app, The League, in the fall of 2021. Their chemistry was put to the test at the outset of their first date. Erin intended for them to enjoy Filipino rice bowls and get to know one another—but her best laid plans went astray as the restaurant was closed for the evening. Instead they ended up at a downtown LA bar called La Cita, where they began to fall for each other over cheap tequila and Corona.

Erin’s eyes sparkled as she listened to Amiyr talk about real estate debt, while Amiyr lovingly gazed as Erin explained the underpinnings of business insurance. Originating first mortgages and underwriting middle market business risk—could they be any more interesting!

The date was going so well they decided to continue the evening at another downtown LA bar, Las Perlas, where they enjoyed tacos and mezcal cocktails. From then on they would continue to feast and share new adventures.

In early 2022, Erin and Amiyr kicked off an exciting period, where they would test Amiyr’s ability to sit in a plane seat for an extended period of time. From weekend trips with friends to flying abroad in Colombia and Italy, Amiyr and Erin took pictures with angry llamas and learned patience as they crossed the Canadian border. They took subway rides in Harlem and did karaoke in Montana, and with each flight they had more jokes and were more deeply in love.

While Amiyr brings energy to any situation, no one was more spirited about this budding romance than their dog Rex. His life was immediately upgraded from watching for the mailman to belly rubs and treats in his bowl. As Erin and Amiyr’s love continued to grow, Amiyr knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Erin.

He deviously plotted a proposal under the guise of a business meeting and basketball game. Amiyr invited her to take a quick picture, which she was excited to do in her new high heels. As they looked into each other’s eyes on Pier 7 in San Francisco, Amiyr shocked Erin by getting down on one knee and asked her to be his forever partner. Unbeknownst to Erin, the entire business meeting setup was a lie, but she was excited to watch her basketball team as a newly engaged couple.

Now, as they prepare to start their new life together, Erin and Amiyr are excited to celebrate their love with a beautiful wedding. They cannot wait to begin this next chapter of their lives filled with surprises, laughter, and fun with those who mean the most to them![/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Pantora Bridal[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”][/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Groom – Grooms Grotto
Groomsmen – The Black Tux[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Little Lilys Kitchen Catering –

First Course
Spinach, Arugula, Cherry Tomatoes, Strawberries, S&P Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, Ricotta Salat
Champagne-Honey Vinaigrette
Plated Dinner Entrées Options
Red Miso Braised Short Rib
Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Broccolini
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Roasted Northern Halibut with Lemon Beurre Blanc and Preserved Lemon and
Herb Salad
Herbed Rice, Sautéed Kale
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Seitan in Berbere Tomato Sauce
Carrots, Spinach, Bell Peppers, Cauliflower over Buttered Rice

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Floral N5 – 1. Ceremony Aisle: A lush display of individual red roses arranged in clusters outlines the aisle. The vibrant red color stands out beautifully against the green grass, creating a romantic and dramatic pathway for the bride’s entrance. 2. Reception Table: The tablescape features a cascading floral runner of red roses paired with green foliage, extending the length of the elegant white-linen-covered table. This centerpiece adds depth, texture, and a bold pop of color, while candelabras elevate the overall luxurious ambiance. 3. Indoor Floral Installation: A grand piano adorned with a lavish arrangement of red roses and greenery draws attention. The florals cascade gracefully down, creating a soft, natural flow that enhances the vintage charm of the indoor setting. These florals emphasize romance, grandeur, and cohesion, seamlessly tying together the ceremony, reception, and indoor spaces. Let me know if you’d like ideas for a similar design!

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Cake Centerpiece: A two-tier white cake with gold leaf accents is adorned with red roses and delicate baby’s breath, tying the floral theme seamlessly into the dessert table.

Cupcakes: Surrounding the cake on a tiered gold stand are red velvet cupcakes topped with creamy white frosting. The gold cupcake liners add a luxurious touch.

Macaron Tower: To the right, there is a pastel macaron tower featuring shades of pink, mint, and cream, creating a playful yet sophisticated element.

Mini Desserts: A variety of mini desserts in glass cups are displayed, including panna cotta, layered mousse, and what appears to be fruit-topped parfaits. Each is elegantly portioned for easy serving.

Cake Pops and Pastries: Cake pops with white chocolate coating are presented on a modern stand, and bite-sized tartlets are plated on a gold pedestal.

Overall Styling: The table is draped with a rich, red velvet cloth, echoing the romantic theme of the event. Gold-toned accents, such as the stands and candle holders, add to the luxurious vibe, while the inclusion of red roses throughout ensures the table matches the wedding’s overarching aesthetic. This dessert station is a perfect balance of elegance, variety, and visual appeal!

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Classic Elegance in Summertime at Chateau de Varennes

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Clear blue, rose, peach & purple
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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The welcome party takes place at the iconic Château de Varennes and offers a “Filipino barbecue to the guests”. The intimate wedding celebration takes place in the château’s garden and the cocktail hour featured a “Mary Poppins” touch with parasols for the guests! Aurélie from Peony Moments designed and created beautiful and delicate decor combining clear blue, peach, rose & purple flowers based on these vibes.

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The food at Château de Varennes is a real story. The “Chef” George Winterford offers a unique menu totally amazing with raw salmon as a starter. The dessert is a stunning “deconstructed lemon tart”.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Marie Chicchirichi designs stunning and elegant intimate weddings with a personalized style and “Lila’s Wood” sublimates the design with refined and curated flowers.[/field]
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The cake is a typical French “Croquembouche”!

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Thomas Audiffren

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Two Globetrotters Say “I Do” at a Barcelona Wedding Inspired by the Enchanting Spirit of Spain

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Fucsia/Orange/Pink/Cream/Gold/Blue[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Gillian and Chris are passionate travelers who found themselves enchanted by the vibrant joy and colorful spirit of Spain. This embodies the essence of their own union—filled with joy (alegría), vibrant colors, a touch of groovy fun and a cheerful atmosphere that sparkles with friendliness. From the very first talk with their wedding designers, Azalea Events House, they emphasized how important it was for them to have included into the celebration elements that represent them as a couple: their dog Butter, personal notes to their guests, little touches of themselves into the bar menu proposals or colors of the day chosen.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Chris & Gillian got engaged in October 2022 in Jardin de Tuileries. Gillian, who was joyfully exploring Paris on a vacation with her mother, found herself swept up in Chris’s surprise proposal, orchestrated with the heartfelt support of her mother, who helped Chris plot the surprise. There was no doubt in Gillian’s mind when she wholeheartedly screamed ‘yes’ in Jardin de Tuileries, making strangers around them applaud their romantic moment![/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Gillian wore a gorgeous Vera Wang dress that matched the venue’s overall hue and style inspiration. The dress was strapless, mermaid cut with lace and open back, and it fully looked like it belonged within Gran Villa Rosa’s Spanish moorish design and pinkish stone background.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The ladies wore colorful long dresses inspired by the weddings’ color theme and design concept of “Spanish Color Alegria”[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]It seemed appropriate that under the intensity of the Spanish sun, the men’s suits would be adequate for a summer vibe and style, hence linen blends and handkerchiefs were fully present on the day.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The Spanish style made itself known from the chilled cava with which the guests were welcomes at the venue. Tapas & cocktails moments started the celebration, which was followed by the reception dinner where traditional Spanish dishes were incorporated all throughout.
A touch of the bride and grooms personalities was spotted also into their personalized bar Signature Drinks – “Who’s a good boy? Margarita – tequila, triple sec, lime juice & sugar syrup” “Big picture woman! Vodka Martini, Babs’ way – straight vodka, no vermouth, with an olive & a bag of chips”[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]As guests arrived at Gran Villa Rosa they were greeted by a personalized mirror welcome sign, and invited to take a selfie and a glass of cava (Spanish sparkling wine). The ceremony aisles then awaited the guests with personalized hand fans, sun umbrellas, colorful handkerchiefs and lots of flowers to bring out even more of the locations colorfulness. The cocktail hour afterwards brought on more flowers galore and a Spanish fountain to refresh the guests’ view and spirits while they enjoyed the Jamon Serrano and oysters with glasses of cava or summery drinks. The custom built seating chart, personalized with individual notes for each of the guests was a cherished surprise for both bride and groom as for the guests. The dinner table setup was layered with luxurious flowers that brought up perfectly the surrounding natural beauty onto each table, together with the orange handmade place cards and custom made stationery beautifully bringing the design elements in view throughout the tables. Candles and fruit, flowers, cutlery and every piece of dinnerware was thought of to represent the Spanish Alegría concept brought to the table as well.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The cake perfectly brought together the Spanish Color Alegria concept within the cake design, which was also put together by one of the Azalea Events House’s designers. Sun dried orange slices mixed with a design of fresh colorful flowers, on a two tier salted caramel delight buttercream cake made this particular moment stand out even without the sparkles that usually join a cake reveal.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Gillian and Chris’s vows exchange and ceremony was presided over by Chris’s brother, Dave , who was a fantastic showman and brought many funny moments that fully represented the family and couple’s vibe within the ceremony moments. Guests were invited to take a selfie before the ceremony began, cheers were loud and petals thrown over the bride and groom, and happiness was shared! Chris and Gil exited the aisle shouting “we did it!” Sharing not just one but three incredible “first kisses” as they were exiting the ceremony, the guests joined in their enthusiasm as they threw petals during their entire exit![/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]From their first call with their wedding designers, Gillian and Chris were adamant about having their beloved dog, Butter, present somehow throughout the wedding day of his parents. Butter was present from the very welcome moment within the venue, being represented on the welcome mirror sign, greeting the guests and telling them “drinks are on me!” He was at the bar, owning up to his promise on the drinks, and he was present in the party and dancing afterwards and on Gil’s personalized hand fan, with her throughout the day.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]The bar menus represented a few signature drinks and cocktails, bringing to the party not only the favorite drinks of family members not present but essential for the bride and groom, but also their words of wisdom as quotes representing their signature drinks (for example “ Big picture woman – Vodka Martini Babs’ way”)[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Azalea Events House

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Just Maui’d in Paradise for the Most Inspiring Bride With One Special Story

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]vintage blush, ivory, gold accents[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Romantic, elegant, very magical and whimsical.

Our bride Ashley has an amazing survival story – please see details in Special Detail #1.

Planning this wedding for Ashley meant a world to her mom Dianne. She stated: it was time together that meant the world to me. As her mom, there were times in Ashley’s life when I didn’t know if we would get to that day. So, for her wedding day to come and to plan this wedding with her was everything I could’ve ever possibly imagined and dreamed of for my little girl.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Ashley and Trevor’s engagement was a beautiful time. Trevor wanted it to be quiet and not in the public eye. He’d always said he wanted to propose to Ashley before her 30th birthday. So Trevor started planning his proposal for January 2, 2023, at our family home in Phoenix, Arizona. He wanted it to be in the backyard under all the palm trees and beside the pool, with our family and puppies by our side. Their puppy, Koda, was the main part of the engagement. Trevor had purchased a tuxedo collar for Koda, and on that collar was a beautiful clip that held her engagement ring.

Ashley was taken out for lunch that day by her stepdad, and little did she know what was awaiting her at our home. Trevor had Koda set up and ready to go. The photographer set up the most beautiful pink roses, as they are Ashley’s favorite color, along with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, awaiting her arrival. As Ashley returned from lunch, she was guided to the backyard. When she walked through, Koda ran to her with Trevor right behind him. He picked Koda up, brought him to Ashley, and looked at Koda, asking, “What is that? You want mommy to marry daddy?” And the tears began. The moment that Ashley had been waiting for so long was finally there, and she said yes to the love of her life![/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Wedding gown, Gali Lahav, Los Angeles, California.

The journey of her dress was quite wonderful. Ashley had a vision of a gown. She originally wanted a ball gown with floating lace down the arms and a blush color. So, as her mom and wedding planner, I got on the phone and started researching exactly what she wanted. It took several months of talking to many different bridal stores. I wanted to take Ashley somewhere special so we could experience it together. This wasn’t just at home, after all, this was the most special time for us. When I called Galia Lahav, I told them about her vision. They were absolutely amazing. They sent photos of dresses, and Ashley was thrilled and extremely excited to go and try them on.

When we booked our first trip, several of her bridesmaids came, along with myself and the mother of the groom. It was an absolutely wonderful trip. She found her dress on that trip, but little did she know she ended up with a style that was different from what she had dreamt about. While we were in Galia Lahav, she was trying gowns on, and there was a gown hanging on the rack. I kept looking over at it. I’d walk over, hold it up, and put it back on the rack. I did that three times. Finally, I held it up, looked at Ashley, and said, “Sweetheart, what about this one?” She looked at it and said, “Oh my God, Mom, it’s beautiful. I’d love to try it on.”

When she came out of that fitting room, we all had tears in our eyes. We knew it was the one. It was different from what she thought she wanted, but in the end, it was the most perfect gown for her in every way possible. It made her feel like the princess that she is. I’ll never forget that journey. We had to go back two more times for fittings, but it was time together that meant the world to me. As her mom, there were times in Ashley’s life when I didn’t know if we would get to that day. So, for her wedding day to come and to plan this wedding with her was everything I could’ve ever possibly imagined and dreamed of for my little girl.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Azazie Canada, beaded custom belts was from Etsy.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Custom suits… Endochino West Edmonton Mall Edmonton Alberta. [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Ashley, Trevor and Koda each picked a drink as their signature drink and they featured a hand painted picture of Koda on the drink menu, the drink stir sticks, as wells as the napkins.

The ingredients were locally sourced for a delicious farm to table style dinner.

A super cute 3-inch individual mini cake with a pink rose on top was prepared as dessert for each guest.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]We wanted the florals and decor to be magical, whimsical, and airy. Ashley’s favorite color was blush, so her mom wanted to incorporate that with ivory and minimal greenery. For the decor, she had many custom details made through Etsy, including puppy napkins of Koda, a custom puppy cake topper of Koda, and drink skewers featuring their puppy Koda. It was very important to incorporate Ashley and Trevor’s puppy since he was such a big part of their engagement but unfortunately couldn’t attend the wedding in Hawaii. He is very special to them, so having him incorporated into the wedding will be forever remembered.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The wedding cake was featuring their puppy Koda as the cake topper… stealing the first bite of the cake![/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The groom and his parents walked down the aisle to “Marry Me”. The bridesmaids walked down the aisle to “Cannon in D”. Ashley, the bride walked down to “I Get to Love You”.

Ashley chose “Hero” for her dance with Dr Aronyk, who saved her life over and over again. The words are so perfect. They’re so fitting and from the moment she heard that song she always said that was her song to Dr Aronyk.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]A very touching story written by Ashley’s mom Dianne who planned most of this amazing wedding. Sorry it’s long, but it’s so special!

Ashley was born a healthy baby, but when she was about 14 months old, we noticed she was very ill. She was unable to keep food down and couldn’t use her right arm and leg. We took her to the hospital, where they performed several tests and an MRI. It showed that Ashley had a tumor in her brain, or so we thought. We were then introduced to Dr. Keith Aronyk, who took over Ashley’s medical care from that moment on. We had no idea what we were facing, but we knew Ashley was dying. She was rushed to emergency surgery, where Dr. Aronyk performed a 12-hour brain surgery, not knowing if he was dealing with a tumor, an aneurysm, or cancer.

After the surgery, Dr. Aronyk explained Ashley’s medical condition to us. Although there was much uncertainty about her future, he was confident that he and his medical team had done their best. Ashley was diagnosed with a cavernous malformation on her brainstem. She had a contained cavity filled with millions of little blood vessels that kept breaking and filling the cavity, putting pressure on her brain and causing paralysis. At the time, Ashley had a 25% chance of survival, but she made it. She, God, and Dr. Aronyk had other plans for her future.

From that surgery on, Ashley grew into a healthy, active young girl. We had MRIs every month, then every three months, then every year for almost 10 years as her medical condition was closely monitored. When Ashley was 12 years old, we noticed she was starting to drop things, become clumsy, and her left eye was starting to close. We immediately took her to Dr. Aronyk, and once again, Ashley was hemorrhaging in her brain, just like when she was 14 months old. They had to go back into surgery, which would take another 12 to 14 hours. They said she would probably be in a 3 to 6-week coma.

After the surgery, Ashley survived but was paralyzed on her right side. She had to learn how to walk and talk all over again at 12 years old. It was very difficult for her at school. She spent her school year at the Glen Rose Rehabilitation Hospital learning how to walk and talk again. Ashley was recovering well, but eight months later, we noticed another change. We took her immediately to Dr. Aronyk, and once again, she was hemorrhaging. We had to cancel a planned family vacation to Hawaii because she needed her third brain surgery. The surgeons thought she would never walk again and would live in a wheelchair.

I can’t begin to tell you how hard this was for her and for us as a family. It was incredibly difficult, but through every moment, Ashley never lost her hope or strength. She knew she would get through it and helped us get through it too. Another 14-hour surgery was performed, and once again, Ashley had to learn how to walk and talk. The brain does not fully recover after three surgeries, but she was determined. Things were different, and accepting that was the hardest part for her and for us. But she was alive, and that’s all that mattered to us.

Ashley never regained full use of her right side, but she can walk, talk, and drive a car with modifications. She continued with her MRIs and medical appointments. Life was difficult, especially dating. Many people have a hard time accepting those with disabilities. It was not an easy time for Ashley for many years. She needed to be okay with who she was and to love herself. As time went by, she became stronger and accepted her life and all the blessings she and we had been given.

One day, she told us she was going on a date. She met Trevor through a dating website. I was worried and scared, as a mom should be, but Ashley needed to be Ashley. After meeting Trevor, she came home and said, “I’ve never met anybody like him. I truly believe he’s the one.” As their time together grew, and their love story began, I was so grateful and blessed to see my daughter loved by someone as wonderful as Trevor, so accepting, and so encouraging.

I also wanted to let you know that Dr. Aronyk has been a part of our family since the day he met Ashley at 14 months old. When Ashley graduated from high school, Dr. Aronyk was there to walk her across the stage. We have always kept him updated on her milestones. When he retired, Ashley was one of the first patients to speak about her journey with him. When Ashley and Trevor set the date for their wedding, Dr. Aronyk and his beautiful wife, Rebecca, were included in that special day. Without him, she wouldn’t be here, and that special day would never have happened.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Words from their Maui wedding planner, Laurie Terry, who is very special to the bride’s family:

I had the privilege of meeting Dianne and Denis Dale in 2002 while planning their beautiful Maui wedding. This was the first time I met Dianne’s beautiful 9-year-old daughter, Ashley, who was so bubbly and full of life.

Dianne and Denis returned a few years later for a simple beach vow renewal. Not long after, Ashley had her second brain surgery (the first was when she was 14 months old). Ashley was determined this would not hold her back from anything she wanted to do. Yet, a year later, she needed her third brain surgery. She was told she would not walk or talk again. Devastating news for a 13-year-old active in sports, dance, and life! With the support of her very loving family, friends, and medical team, Ashley was determined she would, in fact, run, talk, and live life to the fullest. Dianne and Denis returned again to Maui for a grand 20-year vow renewal in 2022.

Then, on June 4, 2024, we had the honor of watching beautiful Ashley walk down the aisle at her own wedding, escorted by her dads, Denis and Rob. Ashley and Trevor’s wedding ceremony was officiated by her “Uncle” Al Terry, who had performed all three of her parents’ celebrations. There were happy tears shed by everyone throughout this entire day. One of the most memorable moments was witnessing Ashley dance to “Hero” with Dr. Keith Aronyk, the incredible neurosurgeon who saved Ashley’s life three times. Now part of the family, he traveled to see this very special young woman get married.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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MeewMeew Studios

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How To Find Wedding Day Beauty Inspiration – Wisely!

You will absolutely have all eyes on you on your big day, and the photos will last a lifetime! Because of this, it’s important to find hair and makeup styles that make you feel your best. To find the right look for you, you’ll need to do a little research first and at least meet up with your potential glam squad armed with some must-haves and must-nots. To find out the best places to round up wedding day beauty inspiration, keep on scrollin’!

Photography by Julia Kaptelova Photography

“Ideally, we love when brides have an idea of the desired hair and makeup look for her wedding day. If she doesn’t have inspiration yet by the time we meet, knowing what she doesn’t like can be equally helpful.” – Tanya, Page Beauty

Finding Inspiration

Style Me Pretty

Hit up our Real Wedding and inspiration features to find styles and events you love. Categorize by style or location, search your favorite venues or vendors, and view full galleries to see how all the elements came together for that event!

Photography by Sandy And Odysseas Photography

Instagram

The Gram is also a great place to explore beauty looks and styles (and we’ve got tons of content on there, too!). With their new “save” feature, you can hold onto your favorite vendors and looks, much like how you can on Pinterest. You can also vet potential vendors based on their overall portfolio, too!

Photography by Anya Kernes Photography

Pinterest

You can also explore Pinterest! Create a board dedicated to the hair and makeup styles you like. Seeing them side by side as a collection will help you compare and contrast the different looks you’re considering. You can also search to see how others have styled their hair and makeup with dresses similar to yours.

Photo by We Are Origami

Physical Binder

You can also go old school and rip out pages from your favorite bridal mags, or print them off from online. Don’t feel like you need to stick to only researching weddings, either—inspiration can come from anywhere, and, actually, some of the non-bridal beauty cues can be even better. The limits do not exist, so keeping your eyes open is key!

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Page Beauty

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An Intimate Ceremony and a Reception for Just the Bride and Groom at San Ysidro Ranch

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]From the bride:

As someone who has a passion for dishes, I knew that I wanted to bring in my own fine china and teacups for the place settings. The pattern, Royal Crown Derby Royal Antoinette, helped to inspire the colour scheme of soft pinks, creams, sage and purples with gold touches throughout the day.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]From the bride:

Beau and I are both Canadian but I moved to the US in 2021 during Covid for work. We were planning on having one big wedding with around 150 people somewhere in the US in fall 2024, but then in December 2023 as I was getting ready to file my green card, we learned that we needed to be married in order to file together. This drastically changed our timelines. There was no way we would have been able to pull a 150 person destination wedding together in 3 months. So we decided to split the celebrations! Beau and I would elope with only family in April 2024, and then the following year in spring 2025, we would do a larger church wedding back in Canada with all of our friends and family.

The aesthetic was based on the venue and the fact that we were getting married in this beautiful garden in the mountains that also had these famous lavender fields right at the gate. I also took into account that it was a spring wedding one week after Easter, and SYR often has bumblebees and bunny rabbits running around. I sort of wanted an “Alice in Wonderland” feel without the “mad hatter” vibes. Alice in Wonderland has always been my favorite Disney movie and since SYR truly does feel like a magical place that doesn’t exist in the real world, it felt very fitting.

[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]From the bride:

For 9 months leading up to it, I had been working on the biggest tech deal of my life. Two weeks prior on October 30th, I had left Canada to move to the United States which meant Beau and I were beginning a long distance relationship. Beau met me in LA on November 8th knowing the deal was soon coming to a close. Poor Beau scrambled to get to Burbank and back from Beverly Hills in rush hour traffic without me noticing to get my dads permission in person for the engagement while I was busy trying to get the deal closed. Finally, the next day, on Tuesday November 9th at the Beverly Hilton, I completed the majority buyout with my company, Kira Talent which does holistic admissions software for colleges and universities, to ETS, a multi-billion dollar not for profit. The deal closed and was followed by 3 days of press releases and total bliss.

On Friday, Beau and I got in the car and drove to Vegas for the first time together (he had never been). We spent the weekend at the Wynn and on Sunday evening, after a full weekend of celebrations with friends, he proposed on the beautiful rooftop balcony of the Legacy Club overlooking both old and new LV as the sun was setting. Literally, best week ever! (Until April❤️) [/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]From the Bride:

Seeing as how the wedding plans came together in less than 6 months, I knew that finding the perfect dress would be a challenge. I was looking for a beautifully feminine and romantic, yet non-traditional dress that would fit both the whimsicalness of SYR and the grandeur of Sunstone.

After trying on several Old Hollywood glam dresses from Oscar de la Renta and very floral forward dresses at Galia Lahav and Monique Lhuillier, I opted for a fitted lace gown by Berta with a gorgeous overskirt and full train by Ines de Santo to create an elegant contrast in shape. My mom wore a lace wedding dress which I always found romantic so wanted to have an ode to my mother in that way.

The reception dress was a short and flirty lace number by Galia Lahav.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]N/A[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]N/A[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The couple chose to elope and have an intimate dinner just the two of them in the famous Old Adobe at San Ysidro Ranch, but they invited their parents to join in beforehand for the ceremony and for a celebratory champagne toast. Each champagne glass was adorned with a die cut acrylic name tag as a keepsake for their families.

After the champagne toast and some photos in the lavender fields, the bride changed into her short reception dress and they made their way to dinner at the Old Adobe. The couple started with a little gem lettuce salad and slow braised venison agnolotti, followed by steak Diane and an herb crusted rack of lamb, finished off by their petite wedding cake for two.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The decor was inspired by Alice in Wonderland with lush garden roses and floral motifs that matched my personal collection of vintage china, which used for our wedding dinner.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Since the wedding cake was just for two, a miniature one was made decorated with wildflowers and the first tier was pink champagne chiffon with strawberries and whipped cream and the second tier was vanilla sponge with fresh raspberries and white chocolate[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]From the Bride:

We kept the ceremony intimate, just us and our parents and my two aunts. In today’s day and age, when weddings have become so expensive and extravagant, I truly believe elopements are the way to go. I really appreciated having just a few people with us. Everyone who was there was so happy to be with us, and during the weekend leading up to the wedding day, we were able to spend so much quality time with each person that every attendee felt loved and appreciated. [Beau and I have even commented that we are afraid next year’s wedding will not compare to our elopement because there will be so many people and it will be hard to get real time with anyone + emotions, drama, logistics].[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]On the morning of April 8th 2024, my mom and two aunts arrived early to the beautiful Acacia cottage where we were staying to get hair and makeup done for the big day. We kept our 6 person elopement to only a few family members, so I had my mom as my pseudo maid of honour and my two aunts as my bridesmaids. That felt so special since I knew at the wedding next year, I would be mostly with my girl friends. My aunts helped raise me in so many ways so I loved being able to have them as my little bridal party. We all got ready in our silk pjs that I had brought back from Florence two weeks prior and sipped our baileys and coffee while listening to everything from Dolly Parton to the theme from the Godfather. Beau got ready in his fathers room with an ocean view and was honoured to have his great-grandfather’s cufflinks for the occasion which were over 100 years old.

Our wedding day happened to fall on the day of the eclipse. When the eclipse started, the room and porch were filled with little crescents everywhere. That was UNREAL. Although Montecito only had a partial eclipse, it felt like our marriage was written in the stars and the little half suns were positively adorable. Also, I couldn’t believe how perfect the weather was. It was like God was smiling down on us the whole day. Montecito was 72 degrees and sunny with a light breeze. Utter perfection.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]We were married at San Ysidro Ranch, but went over to Sunstone for portraits in the early afternoon. The limo ride to Sunstone was special because Beau and I had 55 mins each way to ourselves. We played our favourite country songs, had snacks, listened to the Bible, took selfies, looked at the gorgeous coastal view, and just soaked in every moment together in happiness.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]Taking pictures in my reception dress and having the giggly “drunk on love” feeling! Just feeling on top of the world and like the day was a huge success was so amazing.

In the months leading up to the wedding, I probably spent 2-3 hours a day on various wedding websites and instagram combing through reviews, photos and video clips of other real weddings. Ultimately though, we chose the team that I thought would best bring to life our vision: photo and video that were bright yet soft and ethereal, and florals that were cloud-like and dreamy. Your photographer will be with you all day and can significantly influence the tone and feel of your wedding day. Before booking a photographer, I highly recommend getting to know them first over Zoom, in person, or through a call. Make sure you get along, discuss your vision, your hopes, your concerns, and truly determine if they will be the right partner for your big day! Consider how you want to feel on your wedding day and ask yourself if this person will enhance that feeling or detract from it. I also recommend allocating more of your budget to the photographer than you might have initially planned. A good photographer can capture you in your best light and can make anything look amazing (even bad weather, poor lighting, unexpected mishaps, wind—you name it!). You’re paying for their creative genius so that you don’t have to worry about planning every shot. Reflecting on our photos, there are so many unique shots that never would have occurred to me. Every time I share our wedding photos with friends and family, they can’t help but rave about the photography quality in addition to everything else.[/field]
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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

TEAM Hair and Makeup

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Rebecca Yale Photography

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Organic Garden Style Meets Grandeur at Chicago History Museum

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Classic white and green [/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Yijia and Huck’s wedding was a romantic garden affair at the Chicago History Museum, where the venue’s classic elegance and grandeur—highlighted by its black and white checkerboard floor and timeless architecture—blended effortlessly with soft, organic garden elements. Delicate, all-white floral arrangements created an enchanting atmosphere, while touches of greenery in the bridesmaid dresses, table decor, and escort board added a fresh, airy vibrance. Intricate lace details in the linens and my wedding dress evoked a sense of classic, royal sophistication. The ambiance was intimate and relaxed, seamlessly merging garden romance with timeless sophistication, making it a truly unforgettable celebration.

[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”](from the couple) We met back in 2014 during a physics class at the University of Illinois. Huck had noticed me from our first lab, but it wasn’t until a month later, when we ended up at the same discussion table, that we introduced ourselves. After class, he asked for my WeChat, and that’s where our story began. Fast forward to June 2019, we were on a trip to Alaska. I had a feeling he might propose, but I didn’t know when. One day, we took a helicopter ride to a glacier with just the pilot and a photographer. We explored, took photos, and admired the scenery, but still no proposal. Finally, in the center of the glacier, with the photographer ready, Huck got down on one knee. Using a metaphor from our first physics class, he said in Mandarin, ‘I am a planet around you.’ I said ‘yes,’ and he slipped the ring on my finger.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Yijia’s wedding gown was the ‘Viviana’ by Monique Lhuillier, featuring intricate lace details that beautifully matched the lace accents in our table linens, creating a sense of classic, royal sophistication. For the reception, she chose a glamorous dress from Needle & Thread and Zimmermann, adding a touch of elegance and charm to the celebration.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids wore mix-and-match dresses in various patterns and green floral designs, perfectly reflecting our wedding color palette. The dresses, from Reformation and Show Me Your Mumu, added a unique and cohesive touch to our garden-inspired celebration.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Suitshop[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Paramount Events Chicago [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The florals and décor were beautifully crafted by Blooms by Morgan, capturing an organic, garden-inspired vibe. The arrangements featured classic white and green blooms, perfectly complementing the natural elegance of their day.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Their wedding cake was a beautiful creation by ECBG Studio. It featured a custom design in a soft green palette, adorned with pressed florals that tied in perfectly with their garden theme, making it as much a piece of art as a dessert.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]For their readings, we included the poem ‘A Beam’ by Chinese poet Bei Dao. This poem, through its concise language, explores the relationships between time, the future, and memory, evoking a sense of serenity and depth. It added a meaningful and introspective touch to the ceremony. Their music playlist was curated and played by Toast & Jam DJs, with ‘Lucky Me’ by Jake Miller serving as a beautiful reflection of our relationship.[/field]
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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

bonphotage

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A Breathtaking Castello Oldofredi Wedding on Lake Iseo in Italy

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Blue, yellow, orange, purple & pink[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]A welcome party by the Lake Iseo with the bride wearing a breathtaking white and blue dress, a beautiful ceremony also in front of the lake and a boat tour for the couple session, that’s exactly what the bride and groom had in mind for their wedding in Italy.

Based on these vibes, The Parade Wedding team designed and created a colorful design for the wedding day with a large color palette.

The experience also included a wine tour at Bellavista, the day before the wedding. So many beautiful memories for all the guests ![/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride wears a beautiful gown designed by Rebecca Schoneveld during the wedding.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The Castello Oldofredi created a typical Italian food experience on the wedding day.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The Petali Di Alice team created a breathtaking & colorful decoration for a timeless ceremony with a lake view.

Following this color palette, the dinner decor “Al Fresco” also shows a pop of fantastic colors ![/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The Red berry pie cutting during the firework is really a memory that the bride & groom will forever cherish[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″][/field]
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Thomas Audiffren

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NHL Hockey Player Darnell Nurse Marries High School Sweetheart at Graydon Hall Wedding

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Darnell and Mikaylas wedding palette was a neutral blend of soft greys, creams and a hint of sage. [/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The vision from the beginning of the design process to work within the context of the beautiful gardens and traditional look of Graydon Hall. Rachels’ creative team curated the perfect blend between garden wedding romance an elegant and up country feel to every element of the beautiful day. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]
Our proposal was a quite simple one. Darnell and myself have been dating since our senior year of high school. He asked me to be his girlfriend in my parent’s driveway with a teddy bear and a huge smile. He proposed to in October 2020, simply the same way he asked me to be his girlfriend all those years ago. A full circle moment to our relationship.[/field]
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My wedding dress is from the designer Rita Vinieris. I altered the original design of the dress to remove the sleeves.
[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]My Bridesmaids wore a sage green twisted halter dress from Dessy Group. They all matched so perfectly.[/field]
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The Groomsmen had custom suits made by the team Maison Cloakroom Montreal.[/field]
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The food was all made in house at Graydon Hall Manor. We featured a pasta course with angel hair pasta and shrimp and a choice of beef duo, miso salmon or roasted chicken. Cremee Brûlée for dessert. Our specialty drinks were his and hers. His was Le Vesuvio which was vodka, pear, lemon, ginger beer and soda water. Hers was Ada Rose which contained tequila, watermelon and basil. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Rachel’s team created the most beautiful collection of florals. The design for the entire day included cream and champagne toned garden roses, ranunculas, lisianthus, stock and peonies were used through out the wedding design. A beautiful custom floral circular wedding arch included all these varieties and detailed with various types of greenery. The aisle was lined with beautiful florals that were designed to look like they were growing organically from the ground. Guests dined at gallery tables on the terrace that were detailed with elegant crystal candle sticks and pillar candles. Cane back chairs added the upcountry touch. Trailing greens were added to the ceiling and to the chandeliers for an added detail. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]
The cake was four tiered cake by Nadia and Co. A simple white cake with greenery and beautiful white flowers diagonally across to finish the cake off. [/field]
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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Event Design

Rachel A. Clingen Wedding & Event Design

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MUSE Event Co.

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Emerald and Gold Elegance Meets Gilded Age Glamor at Elkins Estate

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Chelsea selected a color palette of Emerald, Blush, Ivory, Gold, Sage, and Burgundy. These colors provided the perfect compliment to the Gilded Age grandeur of Elkins Estate.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Colin and Chelsea have a fairytale love story, so it is only fitting that their wedding weekend exuded ethereal romance, gilded age glamor, in a classic, timeless, elegant fashion. They were thrilled to find a venue so close to both of their families that could accommodate a garden ceremony, inclusive rooms, and the party of the century.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]From our groom, Colin:

“When you’ve been dating a person for seven years, hiding a proposal is a challenge. You know too much! You know what time they like making tea at night, you know what their favorite show to fall asleep to is, and you definitely know the signs that there’s a proposal brewing. Great for the newly-wed game, terrible for surprises. My instructions for Chelsea were, “it’ll happen at some point ‘soon’, but don’t go searching for presents if you don’t want to ruin Christmas”. Fortunately, she agreed. That, along with some classic misdirection and subterfuge thanks to her very helpful family, kept the train on the tracks.
Grandiose trips or elaborate dinners would give away too much, so we opted for a different route. Her family had been asking to do a coordinated Christmas card photo shoot for years, but as it often does, life would get in the way. This would act as the perfect opportunity for both of us to be dressed up without raising suspicion. Using that as the cover, her mom came up with a brilliant plan. The “photo shoot” would be at Longwood Gardens, but we’d get there “before” her family. That way, we could walk around and try to find a nice spot to “take pictures”!
What Chelsea didn’t know was that my parents and some family friends already scoped out a number of spots in the Gardens that would be quiet, secluded from others, and beautiful to propose in. They even went as far as to draw on a map the exact route I should take to get to the spot — the bridge next to the Eye of Water. There was a small stream running under the bridge that led into beautiful willow trees, providing a gorgeous atmosphere.
I had my sister hide with a camera in the pavilion nearby before we even walked over. I suggested we cross the bridge, got down on one knee in the middle of it, and pulled the ring out of my pocket to propose. I said my small prepared speech and asked if she’d marry me. Chelsea, too stunned to speak, stood there with her hands over her mouth until I said “you’ve gotta say something!” — which caused her to immediately say “yes, yes, absolutely yes!”.
As planned, her family and my family were given the green light to walk over and celebrate with us which was incredible. Unplanned, were a number of women dressed in fairy costumes (doing a photo shoot of their own nearby) who had watched this happen and came out to say congrats and cheer after we kissed post-proposal. The moment was pretty magical. Maybe a bit extra because of the fairies.”
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Chelsea’s vision was clear, a strapless, sweetheart ball gown, ideally accessorized with elbow length gloves, a pearl-encrusted cathedral-length veil, and Christian Louboutin Sandale du Désert heels. Van Cleve helped Chelsea find “THE” dress: Royal Highness designed by Sareh Nouri, and the perfect veil to match. [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids wore the color Pine from Azazie. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groom wore a tux by Ventresca LTD in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, and sported a Datejust Rolex, and socks adorned with pictures of the happy couple’s cat Fibonacci. The groomsmen were fashioned via Men’s Warehouse, styled in BLACK by Vera Wang.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]For cocktail hour Colin and Chelsea served a Dark and Stormy and French 75 as “His and Hers” Cocktails respectively. Guests had the opportunity to snack on passed hors d’oeuvres, sushi from an in-person sushi chef, pasta, and protein from the carving stations.

At the reception, guests enjoyed a first course of a fall Harvest Salad with apples, field greens, goat cheese, candied pecans, cider vinaigrette. For their entree, guests had a choice of roasted chicken with butternut squash, maitake mushrooms, and rosemary jus; filet mignon with creamed spinach, fingerling potatoes, and bodelaise sauce; braised short rib with sweet potato puree, brussels sprouts, and pickled-roasted shallots; or the vegetarian option of baked eggplant with a tomato conserva, pecorino, and fresh basil.
For dessert, wedding cake was passed as well as platters of milkshake shooters, mini cupcakes, chocolate covered strawberries, petit fours, mini creme brûlée, and mini fruit tarts. At the afterparty, guests enjoyed the luxury of cheese burgers, fries, and a seasonal donut wall before departing for the evening.
[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Stacia from Petals with Style collaborated at Chelsea to bring her floral vision to life. In addition to bouquet, boutonnieres, centerpieces, and garland, the florists also bedecked the ceremony space in beautiful blooms, including the arch that wrapped around the magnolia tree, under which the wedding ceremony was performed. The floral arrangements consisted of soft blush café dahlias, peachy apricot ranunculus, white anemones in a blush hue, peachy apricot sweet peas, peachy blush garden roses, soft orange dahlias, reddish hellebores, cosmos, and accents of maroon and green magnolia leaves. Table centerpieces consisted of the wedding flowers with ivory candlesticks in golden holders, giving the tables an ethereal, elegant look.

Guests found their seats on the mirrored seating chart which matches the miniature mirrored table numbers. All signage, including the welcome signs and bar signs were created by Rosier Rentals.
[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Bredenbeck’s Bakery supplied the most marvelous, four tiered confection that was delicious from inside and out. With two layers of pumpkin spice sponge filled with a salted caramel buttercream and two layers of chocolate sponge filled with cookies and cream buttercream, guests were treated to the best flavors that fall has to offer. The entire cake was coated in vanilla buttercream and adorned and florals.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]During the ceremony, they had a string quartet play some of their favorite music: Four Seasons by Vivaldi, Canon in D, and Clair De Lune for the Entrance of the Bride.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Every Little Something created the most beautiful, bespoke invitation suite for Mr. & Mrs. Hoffman’s wedding day. She incorporated the tree that the couple said their vows under into the design on the details card and also on the wedding program. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Both of the wedding bands held symbolism for the bride and groom. Chelsea’s band has nine diamonds, while Colin’s band has nine engraved stars on the inside. The number nine represents the number of years the couple was together before their wedding. The stars are a nod to the secular wedding reading, which was chosen because of the couple’s deep love of stargazing. This passion started because Colin and Chelsea spent the first four years of their relationship across the country from each other while they felt physically far apart, they would spend nights looking up at the stars, knowing they were under the same sky, admiring the same moon. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]In the welcome bag of all of the guest rooms, Colin and Chelsea added a crossword puzzle “The Newly Wed Times” which was written by Colin Hoffman, edited by Chelsea Hoffman. All of the clues are general questions asked in the standard way crossword clues are posed but all of the answers relate back to our relationship. This gave guests a fun pass time to complete in the morning as well as some fun trivia about the happy couple. Colin and Chelsea used to call each other on Sundays with coffee in hand and complete crosswords over the phone. They continue this tradition of “coffee and crosswords” to this day.[/field]
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Every Little Something

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Lush Floral Design and an Epic Getaway Car at Old Waverly Golf Club

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]The wedding colors were shades of pink and green.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The vision for the wedding was inspired by the beautiful pink peonies. Bride, Taylor was a fashion major and elected to pair peony pink with chartreuse green.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Taylors Wedding Gown was Milla Nova, and her reception gown was Ines Di Santo.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”][/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Food and Drink were provided by Old Waverly Golf Club.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The Florals for the whole design were modeled around the 5,000 (yes, 5,000!) peonies that groom and specialty flower farmer, Jake provided from his farm. From a 30 foot fountain towering over guests and overflowing with pink and green flowers and touches of orchids.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]A traditional style wedding cake added a vintage touch to the weddings current design trends.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The couple completed the age-old southern tradition of burrying bourbon for luck against rain and truly warded off what the weather app called a fully rainy day and we never saw a drop!
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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Lunden and Olivia, tik tok stars were in attendance dressed to perfection in alignment with the overall wedding design.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]The reception included permanent jewlery for each guest, Old Waverly Golf Club hats, glow in the dark ice cubes, and Taylor’s brother surprised her with a confetti filled ending to the reception![/field]
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BBJ La Tavola

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A Symphony of Vivid Pinks, Oranges, and Yellows at the Pear Tree Estate

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”The Inspiration”]For this spring editorial wedding day, the inspiration drew from the vibrant energy of a blooming garden in full swing. The design team envisioned a celebration where the colors of spring would not only be seen but felt, creating an immersive experience of joy and renewal.
This editorial was a celebration of spring’s vitality and beauty, brought to life through a bold and vibrant color palette, immersive floral installations, and a gown that perfectly embodied the season’s enchanting spirit.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

The palette was a symphony of vivid pinks, oranges, and yellows, capturing the essence of the season’s exuberance. These hues danced across the scene, from the bold floral arrangements to the carefully curated table settings. The vibrant colors were carefully balanced to evoke both warmth and freshness.

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[field title=”The Venue”]The venue exuded warmth and enchantment, creating an atmosphere that felt both luxurious and inviting. The chandeliers, fireplaces, tall ceilings, and drapery worked in harmony to create a venue that was both enchanting and welcoming. The interplay of light and shadow, along with the rich textures and warm tones, crafted an atmosphere that was as comfortable as it was awe-inspiring—a perfect backdrop for a celebration of love and joy.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The wedding gown mirrored the spirit of the day, ethereal and feminine, with delicate fabrics and a flowing bodice that captured the light and movement of spring. Its sleeve design added a touch of whimsical grace, enhancing the overall theme and tying together the visual and emotional elements of the celebration.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Party”][/field]
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The striking triple floral arch was more than a backdrop; it was a statement piece that perfectly captured the spirit of the editorial. Its grandeur and the bold color palette created a sense of awe and wonder, marking the occasion as a truly unforgettable celebration of spring’s beauty.
The suspended greenery and florals created a canopy of color, as if the wedding guests were dining beneath a living chandelier. The tables were adorned with lush, vibrant arrangements that extended the ethereal, garden-like ambiance throughout the venue. Each design detail contributed to the garden aesthetic. [/field]
[field title=”Favorite Design Element”]My favorite design element was the triple floral arch, a magnificent focal point that redefined the concept of floral décor. This arch was not merely an arrangement; it was a grand statement, towering and opulent, designed to captivate and enchant.[/field]
[field title=”Tips To Pull Off The Look”][/field]
[field title=”DIY Moments”][/field]
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Elle Taylor Photography

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Every Pink-Obsessed Bride Needs to See This Wedding at the Broadmoor

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Our wedding colors were blush and navy.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Once Hayden and I got engaged, I dove headfirst into the search for the perfect “pink” wedding venue. Being a total girly-girl, I knew my guests wouldn’t be surprised by my choice! The day I inquired at The Broadmoor, Hayden came home and asked, “Have you ever considered The Broadmoor?” At that moment, I felt it was destiny! The Broadmoor is more than just pink; it added a beautiful layer to our story, reflecting the western culture that means so much to Hayden. His family has deep roots in agriculture, running a long line of sales barns throughout the Midwest, and they cherished staycations at The Broadmoor over Thanksgiving breaks, making it all the more special for us. From there, our design and vision came together effortlessly. The Broadmoor radiates sophistication, class, and all-out glam. I wanted our wedding to be timeless, elegant, and intimate—not a day I’d look back on with regrets. Emily Mayne Designs crafted the most stunning watercolor illustration of The Broadmoor for our wedding invitations, complete with a sweet trifold opening tied with a delicate bow, setting the tone for a weekend of love and luxury. Looking back, I have absolutely no regrets! While I wanted everyone to have a blast, I felt overwhelmingly grateful that they were there to celebrate us because they truly love us (and not just for the open bar!).[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Hayden proposed over Fourth of July weekend at Grand Lake, nestled in Northeast Oklahoma in the beautiful Ozark Mountain Range. After six years of dating, I was all prepped with full glam, fresh nails, and a cute outfit ready for action. But this weekend felt different. Coincidentally, my brother, who was working in Wyoming, was headed to the lake with us. I’ll admit, I wasn’t entirely aware a proposal was in the works—I’d had several “it’s the day” moments before with our families being so close. After a full day on the lake, we headed to Hayden’s house to get ready for dinner at The Summit Club. I made it clear to him that he should never wake me up with a proposal or pop the question while hiking (fashionista priorities!). But the moment became real when, fully glammed up, Hayden asked me to help him clean the jet ski. Tears started flowing down my cheeks because I knew this was our moment! His sarcastic quip of “Why are you crying?” only confirmed it. Once we reached the dock with the stunning lake views, he said, “Caroline, I’ve known since the moment I met you that you’d be my wife.” That’s all I remember before I blacked out and said yes! I was so shocked—he always said his dad was a nervous wreck—but he kept it together with total confidence. He slipped the ring on my finger, which was even better than the Pins on my Pinterest board. He then told me to look up and show my sister, who had flown in for the occasion. It was the best day ever—I ugly cried, laughed, and soaked up all the excitement![/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Working in the wedding industry, I always had an idea of what I wanted for my gown. What I didn’t expect was to find “the one” at my very first appointment! Don’t get me wrong; I went to several other boutiques just to make sure I wasn’t experiencing the newly engaged jitters. But when I tried on the dress, I instantly knew it was special by my family’s reactions. At Bella Rose Bridal, the fitting rooms don’t have full-length mirrors, which became a delightful surprise! I could see the dress on the hanger, but not on me until I stepped out. Tears streamed down my mom’s face, my brother stood up, and my sister whipped out her phone. This reaction was different from anything else! When I finally saw myself, I was head over heels. The mermaid gown was fully laced with subtle sequins that shimmered, and the cathedral train boasted stunning 3D floral appliqués that I absolutely adored. Once the long, glitter-infused veil was added, I was sold, but I still played coy. When I returned for my second appointment, it was an easy yes! I even asked Hayden what he envisioned my wedding dress looking like, and he hit the nail on the head—classic but with drama![/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Bella Bridesmaid is renowned for carrying chic dresses that elevate any event. From the moment I decided on a pink-palace wedding, I knew Bella Bridesmaids had to be part of it! I wanted my girl gang to look polished and stunning—and they certainly did! They had a variety of styles to choose from, but I insisted they all wear the same shade of pink. With our wedding being a pink and navy affair, I wanted them to stand out in style. My seven bridesmaids are lifelong friends, and everyone involved in our wedding day holds a special place in our hearts.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Groomsmen attire was quite the topic of discussion! Hayden had a few must-haves: open bar, no bar line, live band, and preferably jeans. While I could tick most of those boxes, I had to veto the jeans. We opted for The Black Tux, and Hayden’s midnight navy tux with black lapels was just different enough to convince him! My wedding gift to him was an Hermés bowtie with a subtle “H” pattern—perfect for someone whose name starts with an “H”! Even though we’ve only been married for a month, he’s already had a chance to wear the bowtie again.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Where do I even start with the food and drinks?! The Broadmoor treated us to an exceptional tasting with my mom and our wedding planner, Amanda from Embellished Weddings. Narrowing down the mouthwatering options was a delicious challenge, and we ended up with a feast of fresh, hot, juicy goodness! We kicked off our sit-down dinner with oozing burrata, ripe tomatoes, and a sprinkle of mint. For the main course, we served red wine-braised beef short rib with mashed potatoes and asparagus. Guests raved about how The Broadmoor was one of the few caterers providing hot meals for all! Throughout the day, they treated our guests to a luxurious experience. As they entered the ceremony, guests were greeted with the option of champagne. During cocktail hour, servers roamed Pompeiian Hall with white wine, rosé, and my mother-in-law’s favorite, Ultra! We had an open bar all night, and our signature drinks were a huge hit. Hayden’s drink, named after a longtime family friend, “JayJay,” was a crowd-pleaser featuring Kettle One vodka, Topo Chico, and an orange slice. The JayJay is Hayden’s go-to, and it holds special meaning for us. JayJay’s family celebrated our engagement with an “It’s Almost Winter” theme a year in advance, showering us with thoughtful gifts and messages every month! My signature drink was a chocolate martini, honoring our beloved Chocolate Labrador, Wally. My dad is famous for his chocolate martini too, which my friends still rave about. Plus, the edible chocolate topper that resembled Wally’s face was a fun touch! We also had custom cigars, beautifully wrapped with The Broadmoor illustration and monogram designed by Emily Mayne Studios—another big hit![/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Working with Southern Charm Floral was a highlight! Cheri has an amazing eye for design and instantly understood my vision. She even sourced gorgeous silk white bows for the inner ceremony seats that were later moved to the head table. Amanda from Embellished Weddings brought her expertise in decor and rentals, suggesting a stunning blush linen from Nuage Designs that echoed the 3D floral appliqués of my gown! I loved how so many elements tied together throughout the evening, creating a cohesive and elegant look. Design Works supplied essential items—bars, band backdrops, and more—adding flair with vinyl designs. The Pompeiian Hall bar featured Hayden’s family livestock logo, while the ballroom bar proclaimed “Cheers to Forever,” a nod to our engagement motto, “It’s Winter Forever,” which graced the dance floor.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The moment I spotted a cake that resembled my dream design, I knew we had a winner! The Broadmoor crafted a stunning tall-tiered cake adorned with the same floral appliqué I adore. We even had adorable to-go cake boxes featuring our Chocolate Lab, Wally, with the playful tagline “it’s paw-sitively delicious!” This was the perfect late-night snack for our guests, alongside the brick oven pizza we offered, all beautifully packaged with our monogram and the sweet phrase “love at first bite”![/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Every song we chose for our wedding day was carefully selected. The biggest surprise was the song I walked down the aisle to—Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline”! As a fellow Caroline, it was a nostalgic choice that only my parents knew about. I can’t wait to watch the film from Ty Uhles to see everyone’s reactions because, honestly, it’s hard to focus on anything else when you’re trying not to trip! For our first dance, we chose “Hold My Hand” by Lady Gaga. With Hayden being a huge Top Gun fan, we went all out with spins and twirls in a chandelier-filled ballroom. I even tossed his cowboy hat to the audience mid-dance, which got a great response! For my dance with my dad, we went for something sweet—Cody Johnson’s “God Bless The Boy” perfectly encapsulates my upbringing.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]One of the details I was most excited about was our seating chart! With so many creative inspirations out there, it was a bit daunting to find something that truly felt like us. Southern Charm Floral provided a gorgeous gold stand, and Embellished Weddings brought the vision to life. The top of the seating chart playfully welcomed guests with “Come, Sit, Stay.” Using elements from Emily Mayne’s invitation suite, Amanda set a floral backdrop at a soft opacity and pinned each seating arrangement with a sweet Chocolate Labrador pin at the top. It was a lovely way to honor Wally while keeping the look classic and elegant![/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Instead of a typical guest book filled with engagement photos, Embellished Weddings suggested using The Broadmoor coffee table book! I knew I wanted this pink-palace gem to grace our home post-wedding, serving as a beautiful reminder of our special day. Each page is filled with heartfelt notes from our nearest and dearest, and I couldn’t be happier with that decision!
Speaking of heartfelt messages, my dad delivered the most incredible toast to kick off our formal dinner, and I just have to share it because no one says it better than the man, the myth, the legend himself!
My Dad, John Blevins’ Toast: “I once heard someone say, ‘Your wedding might be the only time everyone you love is in the same room together.’ As I look around tonight, I realize how true that is. You can’t imagine how much it means to me and Stephanie, Mark and Katrena, and Caroline and Hayden, to have you all here with us. We deeply appreciate the effort and sacrifices you’ve made to be here, and we are incredibly grateful.
Mark Twain once said, ‘The two most important days in your life are the day you were born, and the day you find out why.’ Caroline and Hayden, from the moment you met, I believe you discovered your ‘why.’ You were meant to be together, and I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness.
Here’s to Winter forever!”
His words truly captured the spirit of the evening and the love we felt all around us![/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]The accessories I wore and the little gifts I shared added a delightful touch to the day. The prongs on my engagement ring are shaped like an “H” and “W,” representing my husband’s initials! He also gifted me a stunning diamond tennis necklace for the occasion. But the most meaningful gift was from my father-in-law, who surprised me with a sixpence, a lovely tradition I learned about on the day itself! This mini-coin symbolizes luck and prosperity in marriage, and while I wore heels during the ceremony, I tucked it into my party sneakers later. I danced the night away with this special token, forever reminding me of our day, my love for Hayden, and the warm welcome into his family.[/field]
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BBJ La Tavola

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Embellished Weddings

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Emily Mayne Studio

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Veils, Vows, and Vines: A Dream Wedding at The Estate Yountville in Napa’s Wine Country

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Soft neutral color palette, shades of white, cream, and a very light sand with touches of a caramel brown in the florals, touches of light tan and sand in the linens, minimal accents of gold [/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Overall RJ + Eric were going for a clean sophisticated wedding with a modern touch. It was important to them that everything was sleek and then we brought in a texture through florals all while keeping the colors neutral and soft. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]In December 2022, Eric suggested that we take a walk through the Boston Commons before a “Bruins game” that we supposedly had tickets for. We generally never walk anywhere without our dog, so when Eric told me that we should leave him behind, the plan became a little suspicious. We walked from our apartment in the South End through the Commons, and when we got to the bridge, he got down on one knee. While he was proposing, I started to hear people yelling – I assumed it was random people walking by, but when I looked over I saw both of our families running towards us out of the bushes. This was a total surprise, especially since my family lives farther away. [/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]For the bridal gown, I wanted something that I felt most comfortable in and kind of mimicked my everyday style, so I went with a simple strapless gown and added some excitement with my embroidered veil.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]For the bridesmaids dresses and groomsmen, we wanted a clean, chic look so we had everyone in matching color and style. Bridesmaids were in silky champagne to feel cohesive with our color palette. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Groomsmen were in black to keep with our elevated and sophisticated feel. [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]We kept the hors d’oeuvres on the lighter side due to it being summer and outdoors
We absolutely loved the halibut entree! Food was very important since were bringing guests a long distance, we wanted to make sure they were impressed with the Napa cuisine! It was the best we’ve ever had. Our specialty cocktails were His – Espresso Martini, Hers – French 75 and for our dog a – Spicy Margarita. They all were such a huge hit, especially the espresso martinis.
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]We leaned into soft tones of sand and caramel to bring a little more warmth to the overall look. Linens had a slight texture to them to enhance the elevated feel while keeping them white to let the florals and gold accents shine. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Keeping with our clean and sleek aesthetic, our cake was smooth white with pops of real blooms to tie into our whole look. It was the perfect accent to a fun moment where guests cheered as we took our first bites of cake as newlyweds! [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]We kept our ceremony super short and sweet, which our guests loved. Although it was short, our officiant added in a surprise personal excerpt that was really thoughtful and special to us. We did private vows earlier in the morning over coffee and it was perfectly us. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The first dance – we were kind of dreading this because it’s not anything we were comfortable with doing, even after taking lessons. But we both had so much fun and it was one of the highlights from the day for both of us!
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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]We are obsessed with how all of out florals came out! Although our overall design was clean, the super textured florals were really additive to the vibe and we loved them. The ikebana style allowed us to showcase some true floral artistry and is so different from many of the weddings we have been to. They were stunning and truly brought the whole vision to life.
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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]After the ceremony our planner whisked us away to the bridal suite and we got to sample all our passed hors d’oeuvres and have a few minutes to ourselves. This moment ended up being so special to be able to have some time alone to let the huge moment sink and we got to nibble on some seriously tasty bites.
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Ditto Dianto

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Carly Saber Events

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Forest Wedding Inspiration at Langdon Hall in Canada

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”The Inspiration”]A lover of architecture and history, the Photographer and Creative Director, Lisa Vigliotta Photography was firstly inspired by the stately grandeur of Langdon Hall, wanting to tell a love story on its storied grounds. Surrounded by old forest, sitting up top a hill over the Grand River and the beautiful town of Cambridge, it is one of the most romantic venues in Canada to get married at. Inspired but the surrounding old forest, Tiziana of Forever Events and the collaborative Creative Director team comprised of Photographer, Wedding Planner and Florist (Genevieve of The Dulce Dwelling and Lisa of Lisa Vigliotta Photography) wanted to design a wedding where the wedding ceremony, reception and cocktail table scapes felt forest like, elegant and whimsical with touched of gilded gold.
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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Canadian forests are lush with muted and gently coloured floral and fauna and as such we chose a muted palette of moss and fern green, maroon, eggplant, and dusted blush pink.

With intimate small gatherings, each guest counts, so a wedding guest colour palette was created to visually compliment the entire wedding and give a cohesiveness to the love story. The men were asked to dress in black tie only and the women were given inspiration colour palette in shade of green, maroon, pink, blush, soft yellow, purple and gold.
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[field title=”The Venue”]Built in 1902, in American Federal Revival style, in dawn of the Gilded Age, Langdon Hall encapsulates that romantic Edwardian golden age of long summer afternoons spent playing crochet, strolling the grounds under parasols and effortlessly elegant garden parties. This grand home was intended as a summertime contrast to life in New York, London and a château in the Loire Valley by its owner and name sake Eugene Langdon Wilks, who was the son of an Englishman who inherited American wealth. Langdon Halls British inspired gardens were designed by John Charles Olmsted, son of Fredrick Law Olmsted, who is known as the father of American landscape architect and best known for designing New York City’s Central Park.

Today, Langdon Hall stands as one of the greatest hotels in the world.
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Our love story features two gowns. When crafting a love story, like a real wedding, all the elements set the tone for the visual storytelling of the wedding day. Like characters in a movie, all the elements play a role. The couple are obvious main characters, but fashion plays and an extremely important lead role as well. Fashion sets the tone. We wanted two looks for our bride that would both feel iconic: soft and old world glamorous, and black-tie-esqe avant-garde cutting edge fashion.

The Loved One is a Toronto icon for bridal accessories and their inaugural capsule collection of wedding gowns caught the eye of the photographer Lisa Vigliotta, specifically the Keiko gown. Loosely inspired by the Wong Kar Wai masterpiece “In The Mood For Love”, The Loved One’s premier collection of gowns and separates features references to the beauty of various Asian cultures. The Keiko Jacket features a Mandarin collar, layered short capped sleeves over full length sleeves, and a generous, sweeping peplum. Small couture-like details such as velvet ribbon trim with a tiny bow and covered buttons add to the overall sophistication of the look. The Keiko Dress features a chic flat front, with a gently gathered back for extra fullness, and like all dresses from The Loved One, pockets! The minimalism of the dress lets the bride, and the details of the unique eyelash lace, take centre stage, and creates a perfect complement to the maximalism of the jacket. The jacket is designed to be worn beyond a walk down the aisle, over jeans perhaps, or with the Keiko Mini Skirt for a second bridal look.

As with Loved One’s accessories seen throughout this love story, all garments are designed and made by hand in Toronto with exacting care, using exquisite fabrications, many of them eco-friendly. With the goal of sustainability in mind, all of The Loved One’s pieces are made to order and carefully crafted to reduce as much waste as possible.

We paired the Keiko Gown with the regal Imogen Crown made from Austrian crystal pearls, polymer clay, Mokuba ribbon, silver plated gold wire and handmade ruscus. Together the Keiko Gown and Imogen Crown pulled together the regal forest aesthetic we were vision casting.

The show-stopping veil, also from The Loved One is 100% hand-painted Italian tulle. The leafy brush strokes evoke a luxe, but still natural feel, while the cathedral length, complete with blusher adds the perfect amount of drama. Because they are hand-painted, no two are alike – perfect for a bespoke bride.

Why though, have one wedding gown when you can have two and celebrate two look. Being able to rent a gown can make the reality of that easier. The ballgown wedding gown, with is bows and ribbon laced corset to accentuate the waist and ballgown skirt is from Rent the Couture’s RTC Label wedding gown from their new collection of exclusive line of wedding gowns. This stunning gown added a classic softness, elegance and old world glamour that suited our heritage Langdon Hall Venue.

The perfect pairing to this stunning gown is the handmade Désirée Choker by The Loved One with its luxe, lustrous baroque pearls punctuated with tiny gold beads and tied with an ebullient organza Mokuba ribbon bow; a surrounding glory around our brides neck finished off with a romantic bow.

The gorgeous evening gowns from Rent the Couture on our wedding guests were selected to compliment the colour palette of the wedding.
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[field title=”Wedding Party”]Lisa Vigliotta Photography wanted to capture the beauty of an intimate wedding and not just a styled shoot. Smaller gatherings with its curated guest count surround the couple with a more mindful and meaningful gathering of loved ones and can often afford the couple more opulent design choices. The wedding party was envisioned to celebrate the connection of family, and was cast with children and teenagers to play the role of honoured younger family members being the wedding party. To give life to this love story, they needed a real couple in love and joy-filled guests to cheer them on. Lisa looked to her much loved real wedding couples from weddings past to play the roles of the guests who enthusiastically gave their time and presence to help tell this love story. Their gathering was a reunion of sorts and filled with genuine connection and love.
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]To carry our colour palette, Dulce Dwelling hand selected exquisite blossoms of hellebore, sweet pea, ranunculus and other forest inspired flowers. She covered and cascaded the reception table and fireplace arch with moss and ferns, and the naturalized ceremony arch with spring blossoms

Tiziana of Forever Events envisioned the reception table scape of bare wood and brass antique candlesticks. Each sage green floral-toiled plate was topped with the essence of the gilded age: antique French Ormolu golden filigree and glass jewelry box, intended to be opulent wedding favours for the wedding guests.
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[field title=”Favorite Design Element”]No Intimate wedding would be complete without the element of delicious food. The cocktail caterer, Amazing Graze envisioned a round cocktail grazing table teared with multiple levels of overflowing food that resulted in creating the “jewel” of the cocktail hour that encouraged the wedding party and guests to gather around.
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[field title=”Tips To Pull Off The Look”]Your venue will set the stage for your wedding day love story to unfold. Choosing a venue that aligns with your dream will inspire your design choices and be the environment your memories are flavoured by. Selecting a colour palette that touches all the layers of your entire wedding will help your vendors catch your vision and bring your dream to reality.
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[field title=”DIY Moments”]To add an element of sound and whimsy, and to give the wedding guests something to be apart of, the Creative Director team made the ribbon wands for the ribbon wand exit with bells, wooden wands and ribbons that resulted in a magical moment for the bride and groom’s send off.
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Lisa Vigliotta Photography

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Splendid Settings

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A Vibrant Summer Wedding in the Heart of Alabama

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Light pink, olive green[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]My vision for our wedding was to keep a timeless and traditional feel, while also incorporating elements that felt unique to us. I made all decisions, on even the smallest details, with the intention of everything being cohesive in photographs and representing us so well. From the cake topper, to the music selections, every detail had meaning. I wanted to be able to show our future children these photos and tell them all about our wedding and how personal it was. In terms of design, I did not want to include anything that I did not think would stand the test of time. I wanted everything to look classic, formal, and timeless while still being unique to all the weddings I have been to. When choosing our wedding colors, I wanted to stay with a bridesmaids dress color that would look nice next to black and white, because I knew I wanted the groomsmen in classic black tuxes. I was on the fence about going with creamy white bridesmaids dresses and doing all white florals because I have seen others pull it off so well and I think it is beautiful, but that just didn’t feel like us. I also wanted our wedding to keep some traditional aspects in our wedding, so I wanted to be the only person in a white dress. We ended up going with blush dresses and olive green in other elements of the wedding. I felt like the combination of the two kept the esthetic feminine and masculine at the same time. Our wedding could not have represented us any better. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Brent and I met our freshman year of college at South Alabama. When we met, we had almost nothing in common and were both unavailable at the time, but we had no idea how things would change. We did not exchange more than a “hello” from freshman year to junior year. Our junior year, we started nursing school at the same time and became more familiar with each other since I was good friends with Brent’s best friend, Connor. By our third semester, Summer of 2021, we found each other in the same clinical group and I started studying with him and his friends occasionally. One night, all of his friends left us to go pick up dinner while we were all studying, leaving me and Brent alone to talk about our personal lives to each other for the first time; they were somehow gone for hours! Since that night, we were immediately inseparable. We would take drives around Mobile most nights for hours just to talk and share music with each other. We went on our first date on September 10, 2021 to Wintzell’s Oyster House in downtown Mobile. Fast forward, we graduated nursing school in Mobile, and we moved to my hometown, Birmingham, both working as nurses at UAB and Children’s Hospital. We knew that what we had was so special and rare, that Brent was willing to change all of his plans to move home to Ocean Springs, Mississippi and took the leap to Birmingham to be close to me. Ever since we graduated, I dreamed of the day he would propose to me, and I couldn’t wait until forever with him. I was supposed to be going to a co-workers bridal shower with one of my best friends, Taylor. I got ready at my mom’s house and met Taylor at her apartment and she was supposed to be driving us. We got in the car and she had bought a card for us to sign for our friend, along with a gift for her. At that point, I was skeptical of a proposal anytime I was forced to get dressed up, but this really threw me off! We signed the card and she started driving to our friend’s “aunt’s” house in Vestavia Hills. I could tell that something felt off when she started taking wrong turns and seeming really nervous. We end up pulling up to the Temple of Sibyl and I immediately knew what was happening when I looked at her– it was written all over her face. I walk up to the temple and see Brent standing there. He takes my hand and talks to me about all of the dreams we had talked for our life about since our first date, and how this was the start of them. He got down on a knee and pulled out the most perfect ring I have ever seen and asked me to marry him. After I said yes, both of our families came out from hiding and I noticed one of my best friends of 20 years was photographing this moment for us. I will never forget how loved I felt that day when he proposed to me on September 10, 2023, exactly 2 years from our first date. [/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]My gown was apart of Eddy K’s 2023 collection. I originally went to this bridal gown retailer looking to buy a dress from a different designer specifically. When pulling dresses to try on, I told them I really only wanted to look at that designer because I was in love with their dresses for years and could see myself in many of their gowns. When looking through the racks, I pulled only one gown that was not made by that designer and did not really tell anyone that I pulled it; I just wanted to be able to say I tried another one to prove I considered all my options. I tried on all the other gowns and loved many of them. The last dress I tried was this Eddy K dress and when I came out of the dressing room, we all knew it was the perfect dress for me. I was so surprised I did not go with my original dream designer, but this dress fit me so well and felt much more elegant and timeless than the other options I tried. It was a satin mermaid gown with a pleated bodice and buttons to the end of the train. It had a detachable bow that was not too big and flashy, but the perfect addition. I chose a long veil covered in pearls, which matched my pearl covered Betsy Johnson pumps and my Tuckernuck pearl cluster earrings. After our cake cutting and champagne toast, I changed into a short dress because I wanted to be able to move around freely all night, and I LOVED my reception dress! It was a For Love and Lemons dress that still felt formal while being a short dress, with draped puff sleeves, a deep V, open back, and rosettes placed throughout it. All of these details were so perfect and exactly what I wanted, but my favorite accessory was the pink heirloom ring that my mom gifted me on my wedding day. It belonged to my great grandmother, “Big Mama”, and she had passed down to my mom before her gifting it to me. I always loved all the rings that my mom has that belonged to her, and my mom had my favorite one sized to fit me to wear on my right hand on the wedding day. It was so special to have a piece of her with me, because she meant so much to my family, and she was such a fabulous icon that I aspire to be like always. [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]My bridesmaids’ dresses were designed by Amsale and purchased through Bella Bridesmaids. They wore a strapless blush gown with a fitted foldover bodice with a wide dirndl skirt with side pockets. It was the most perfect dress for my girls and flattered all of them so well. I loved how formal and unique they were while also giving a southern traditional feel. The girls said they felt so comfortable all night in them and it was perfect for dancing the night away! These dresses were undoubtedly one of my favorite details from our wedding.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Brent and his groomsmen were styled by Jos. A. Bank. We wanted the groomsmen in classic black tuxes with a cummerbund and black bowtie. We wanted Brent to stand out and wear something different so when trying different styles, we loved him in a white tux jacket with a cummerbund and a black self-tie bowtie. He wore his Datejust 36 Rolex that was gifted to him by his late aunt that he was very close with. I adored every detail of his look and he had never looked so handsome. [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]After the ceremony, our guests indulged in a buffet style dinner consisting of a spring salad and dinner rolls to start, followed by a choice of braised flank steak with a demi glace and bowtie Alfredo pasta with grilled chicken. On the side, we offered roasted herb potatoes and mixed grilled vegetables. In classic southern style, we opted for the options of water, sweet tea, or lemonade to drink with dinner. The bar was opened after dinner and we offered options of beer and seltzers, as well as Josh Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir and Korbel Brut that was offered after our champagne toast. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]When designing our florals with Samantha and Missy, they immediately understood my vision and executed it perfectly. I wanted the florals to look different from the traditional all white florals that are popular nowadays, but not too bright and distracting. We went with mostly white florals and pops of blush and greenery to play into the bridesmaids dresses and olive details. They featured some of my favorite flowers consisting of white hydrangeas, white and blush roses, and white ranunculus. My bouquet was all white florals, clean cut and wrapped in a white silk bouquet wrap. The bridesmaids bouquets were slightly smaller than mine and wrapped in an olive green silk sash. Florals were incorporated in our ceremony space at the back of the aisle, where guests entered, in two large urns to mark the start of the aisle. They were also used at the altar, in short white vases standing on pedestals of varying heights. They looked exactly how I envisioned and were the perfect combination of whimsical and elegant. The florals in the reception space consisted of a large, dreamy arrangement in the center of the room in the middle of the long dinner table with bud vases and white and blush candlesticks along the center of the rest of the table. We had round tables with white tablecloths around the rest of the reception space that had a smaller floral centerpieces and shorter white floating candles to dramatize the larger arrangement in the middle of the room. After the ceremony, we used the floral arrangement from the altar and moved it to a spot in the reception space for guests to take pictures in front of during the reception. The outdoor space had high-top tables with short white candles and our guest book table was decorated with a medium-sized floral arrangement in a tall gold urn. We also used blush rose petals to surround our champagne tower for the champagne toast. Every detail was so beautiful and executed so thoughtfully– it was everything I wanted and more![/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Our wedding cake was an absolute dream. Kathy, who owns Valor Bakery, did a phenomenal job creating the most beautiful cake I have ever seen. We decided on doing a five-layer ivory cake consisting of four different flavors: white almond, red velvet, strawberry, and lemon with cream cheese icing. I really wanted our cake to be very detailed with lots of piping and it turned out even better than expected. We went with a classic, vintage style cake that was absolutely breathtaking and incredibly delicious! We had many guests ask what bakery we used, saying it was the best cake they have ever had! It stood on a beautifully detailed vintage gold cake stand and it was accompanied by a bottle of Prosecco and a pair of stunning Waterford flutes gifted to us by my aunt and uncle. Instead of doing a grooms cake, Brent wanted to do Krispy Kreme doughnuts stacked on an acrylic cake stand. The doughnuts were a HIT and everyone raved about how it was the perfect treat for those that are not huge fans of cake.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The music was one of the most thought through components of the wedding. Since music was one of the things we first bonded over, we spent so much time going through all the music we used to listen to together when we would take those long car rides sharing our favorite songs- new and old! Since we wanted a wide variety of music genres, we decided to go with DJ Prez of Superior Sound Entertainment. Robert was incredibly accommodating to all of our needs and created the most fun night we and our guests have ever had. He had us come up with a list of songs we wanted played for each portion of our wedding and he added additional songs to match the types of music we enjoy and listen to together all the time. I could not recommend DJ Prez enough for brides and grooms that want their guests out on the dance floor all night. For the ceremony, we did piano versions of some of the songs that mean the most to us. The parents and grandparents walked to Pianofy’s “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” and Brent and the bridal party walked down the aisle to Pianofy’s “Faithfully”. We both love classic rock and both of these songs represent our love for each other so well. My dad and I walked down the aisle to “Until I Found You” by Stephen Sanchez. I will never forget the overwhelming feeling of emotion when the doors opened in front of me at the start of the chorus. It was a moment of my life that I will never forget. Our recessional song was “Burning Love” by Elvis Presley which is one of our favorite Elvis songs and was so fun to hear walking back down the aisle as we were elated to finally be married to one another. During the dinner, we had DJ Prez play some of our favorite songs from the 60s and 70s from Billy Joel to Elton John to Eric Clapton. After the dinner, we were announced into the reception to “Celebrate!” by the Jonas Brothers, my favorite band that I have loved since I was little. Our first dance was to “Heaven” by Bryan Adams which was the perfect song for us to dance to. I remember the first time Brent played that song for me in his car, and us both getting emotional relating it to our relationship. I danced with my dad to “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw which has been our song for as long as I can remember. Brent danced with his mom to “I’ll Be There” which was a really special moment for the two of them. Once the dance floor opened up, we danced the night away to all of our favorite songs with all of our favorite people. We had a private last dance, just us two, on the dance floor and we danced to “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green. It was another song Brent showed me when we first started seeing each other and I loved it so much, I knew immediately when planning that I wanted it to be the last song we danced to together on the best night of our lives. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]One special detail from our wedding day that I was so excited about, was us using my grandparents cake topper from their wedding on our cake. They were gracious enough to let us use it on our wedding day and I thought it was the perfect addition to our dream wedding cake. It was an incredibly detailed porcelain figurine of a bride and groom. The bride has dark hair, like me, and wearing a wedding gown with a lace veil attached to the back of her head. The groom has dark hair, like Brent, and is escorting her while wearing a light blue tux. It was so special to have a piece of their sacrificial love incorporated in our wedding day, because they mean so much to me and have made incredible sacrifices for me in my life.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]One detail that Brent and I were very excited about, was our getaway car! We said goodbye to all of our guests and pulled off in Brent’s stepfathers white convertible Camero with the top down. His mom and step dad were so willing to drive it all the way from Ocean Springs, Mississippi to Alpine where we got married. When we pulled away, we both looked at each other like “wow that was the best day of my life” and it was only the start of something special! That was such a special detail and I am so thankful that they did that for us![/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Elizabeth Hall Photography

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An Emotion-Filled Garden Party in Maryland Drenched in Family Heritage

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Ushering in spring, the couple opted for a palette of soft pastels and neutrals: lavender, blush, light blue, mauve, and greenery.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Together with Jessica Ashley Events, the couple brought their inspiration of a garden party with hints of European elegance to life! They wanted the event to feel welcoming and complimentary to the stunning natural backdrop of their venue. Highlighting their family and Jewish heritage was another extremely important element to their design.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Caroline wore a timeless Anne Barge gown with a bit of ruching on the bodice that added an element of whimsy. With off-the-shoulder sleeves and a pearl-encrusted cathedral-length veil, her look aligned perfectly with the garden party vision. [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”][/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Spilled Milk Catering presented a beautiful multi-course meal that echoed the vibrancy of spring. The couple started their event with Kabbalat Panim and a Bedecken, components of traditional Jewish ceremony. Because of this, they welcomed their guests with champagne, straight into cocktail hour, so that they could participate in these events prior to the ceremony. Guests also enjoyed a variety of hors d’oeuvres during this time. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Whimsical and organic garden-style florals livened the event and carried the soft pastel color story throughout the event. Fluttery arrangements added movement and a lightness to the beautiful, mauve velvet linens. A second table look with a mauve patterned linen added interest to the design, and floral patterned china pulled the garden-party inspired look together perfectly. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The couple chose to forgo a traditional wedding cake and instead treated their guests to passed desserts as they were dancing and mingling after dinner.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The Chuppah was lovingly handcrafted by the groom, using wood from his family’s property in the Adirondacks.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]The couple have a shared love for musical theatre, so the DJ played instrumental versions of various shows during dinner. A nod to their love for musicals was also displayed with the “Be Our Guest” escort display.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]The day was filled with such palpable emotion– joy, peace, and a distinct sense of oneness and family.[/field]
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Anna + Mateo

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Summertime Garden Wedding at Villa Valentini Bonaparte

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

Our color palette mainly included pastel colors. We had three main colors, which were blush, sage/ olive green and cream. Besides that, we also included golden details, especially within the stationery and the table decoration.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Our wedding vibe was a typical summer garden wedding. For us, the scenery felt as if we would get married in a fairytale. The whole vibe was dreamy, magical, and romantic. Our wedding had different places, and we switched places during the celebration. Most of them were in the beautiful garden area of the Villa Valentini Bonaparte.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]We got engaged in Madrid, Spain. When we visited Madrid for vacation together with our siblings, me (the bride) did not expect the proposal to take place during this vacation. As I was starting my master’s degree in Spain, we just wanted to explore the city together. At that day – it was me and my twin sister’s birthday – my husband took me to the botanical rose garden in Madrid and then proposed to me under the olive trees. As we are both Turkish, this felt perfect, as Olive Trees are also found everywhere in Türkiye. It was a perfect day – just the two of us. [/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The wedding dress was very dreamy, elegant and romantic. It was a A-Line dress, so that it was more ‘flowy’ when walking. The dress had many glitter, flower and lace applications on the top, which went down until the skirt. One of the layers of the dress included glitter lace, which made the dress shine in the sun. It had a long veil in the back which also included flower applications. [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The dresses were in a sage green color, perfectly fitting the color palette of the scenery. They were quite long, which made them look very elegant. Every bridesmaid decided to wear the dress differently, as the dress had different options to tie it in the neck. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groomsmen all wore black suits to look similar on pictures and give the wedding an elegant vibe. They were all told to choose the color black, as the groom wore a cream white suit. Black groomsmen suits were just the perfect complimentary for this. [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The food was traditional Italian, as the couple wanted to incorporate the Italian Tuscany vibe into the food. From pasta dishes to fresh and grilled seafood, to Italian pastries and cookies…everything was well planned, fresh and delicious. The cocktail party offered a variety of cheese selections, which the guests remembered the most. Together with Italian red vine, it was the perfect combination. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The flowers followed the same color palette as the decoration – blush, sage/ olive green and cream. The flowers were mainly roses – the favorite flowers of the bride. All flowers did perfectly fit to each other. The ceremony included a huge flower arch and white rose petals were thrown across the aisle. The table setting incorporated handwritten and illustrated name and table cards from a local Italian illustrator. Each seat included the illustrated names of the guests, which added a personal touch to the whole scenery. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The wedding cake was huge, including chocolate and strawberry flavors. The cake was coated with a white vanilla frosting. To make the cake more magnificent, than it already was, the cake included 3D flowers from the top to the bottom. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The ceremony was one of the best parts of the wedding. The groom awaited the bride at the aisle. Before the bride’s entrance, each bridesmaid entered with a groomsman, one by one. After that, the bride entered with her father. The ceremony was packed with laughter and emotions. The ceremony speecher added a special touch to the whole ceremony. The music was played by a Turkish Live Band, which come from Germany. The band included a female vocal singer, a pianist, a guitarist and a saxophonist. They played a mix of Turkish, International Pop Music and some traditional Turkish music as well. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]One special detail was the inclusion of traditional Turkish elements within the wedding decoration. The couple chose the blue evil eye (nazar boncuk) to be included within the table setting. This element is known to protect from bad energy and bad luck. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Between the wedding ceremony and the wedding dinner/ dancing, the couple organized a cocktail party in one of the backyard gardens of the villa. One special detail here was the delicious food and the live music, which was played by the live band, the couple has flown in from Germany. The saxophonist created a magical atmosphere perfectly complementing the cocktail party. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]The couple chose six close family members and friends to hold speeches for the couple during the ceremony. All the speeches were emotional and added a huge nostalgic atmosphere to the ceremony. Every speech included different memories and gave the guests a glimpse into different experiences during childhood and their relationships with the family members and friends.[/field]
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Carolina Serafini Photography

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A Captivating Fusion of Classical Sophistication and Laid-Back Glamour at Meridian House

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]White, cream, blush, soft blue, green, gold[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The wedding design artfully wove together the groom’s passion for history and the bride’s love for California’s enchanting al fresco lifestyle, resulting in a celebration that was truly one-of-a-kind. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Meridian House’s timeless elegance and the lush serenity of Linden Grove, Alexandra Berry Events orchestrated a seamless blend of vintage allure and modern charm. This Black Tie luxe garden party emerged as a captivating fusion of classical sophistication and laid-back glamour, enveloping guests in an unforgettable experience amid a stunning, picturesque setting.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]Whitney, who grew up in the breathtaking coastal paradise of Laguna Beach, captured Nick’s heart in a way that inspired a truly unforgettable proposal that celebrated her roots. During their trip out west, he crafted a oceanside proposal, knowing how much her hometown meant to her. They celebrated with a surprise engagement party with family and friends, turning an intimate proposal into a festive celebration full of love and support.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride radiated classic elegance in a sophisticated Suzanne Neville gown, sourced from Zoya’s Atelier in Washington, DC. The gown featured a dramatic slit and exquisite lace sleeves, perfectly blending modern flair with timeless beauty.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids wore a range of styles by Amsale in the soft shade of Ice, creating a cohesive look while allowing each to express their personal taste and complement their individual figures.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groom was dressed in a sleek black tuxedo from Ede & Ravenscroft, which complemented the wedding’s sophisticated vibe. The tuxedo featured a cut that highlighted his silhouette while offering a classic touch.

With attention to detail and a nod to tradition, the groom’s attire was not only a reflection of his style but also harmonized beautifully with the couple’s romantic celebration.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The wedding celebration was a culinary delight from Susan Gage Caterers, showcasing an exquisite array of food and drinks that catered to every palate. Guests were greeted with a selection of refreshing hors d’oeuvres, including peking duck crêpes, lamb bruschetta, mini lobster rolls, and a raw bar station. The seated dinner featured a tableside selection of entrees, paired perfectly with the couples’ curated selection of wines. To complement the meal, a top-notch open bar awaited, including signature cocktails that perfectly captured the couple’s personality—think refreshing lillet roses and classic old fashioneds.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Floral arrangements by Sophie Felts transformed Meridian House and Linden Grove into a breathtaking garden party. Lush greenery and summer florals in shades of white and blue created a stunning foundation, with playful pops of blush pink and golden yellow intertwined throughout.

The florals were thoughtfully incorporated into every detail, from the whimsical, garden-style centerpieces to the tailored and elegant bouquets. Each arrangement captured the essence of the couple’s love story, blending sophistication with a fresh, vibrant spirit. Guests were immersed in a floral wonderland, perfectly complementing the serene garden setting and creating an unforgettable atmosphere of romance and joy.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]In a delightful twist on tradition, the couple chose a stunning dessert display instead of a traditional tiered wedding cake. Guests were treated to an array of delectable treats from Susan Gage Caterers, including miniature chocolate mousse, daffodil cakes, manchego cheesecakes, lemon meringue pies, chocolate chip baked Alaskas, and charming heart-shaped cookies.

Adding a heartfelt touch, the couple recreated a cherished photograph from Whitney’s parents’ cake-cutting ceremony, using the chocolate mousse as a sweet nod to her parents’ 40th anniversary celebration just days away.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The church ceremony held deep significance for both Whitney and Nick, marking one of the most cherished moments of their wedding day. Marrying in the presence of loved ones, they were officiated by Nick’s cousin and thoughtfully crafted every aspect of the ceremony. It included heartfelt readings and prayers from family and friends, as well as a special musical performance by one of the groomsmen.

As the reception festivities unfolded, Whitney and Nick took to the dance floor for their first dance, swaying to “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra. The evening was made even more poignant when Whitney shared a father-daughter dance to a beloved adaptation of “Once Upon a Dream” from Sleeping Beauty, a nostalgic song that held special memories of her and her father from her childhood.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The couple’s love story is beautifully intertwined with their choice of wedding venue. During the first six months of their relationship, they both called Northwest DC home, frequently strolling back and forth to each other’s places near Meridian Hill Park. When it came time to select a venue, Meridian House emerged as the perfect choice—a heartfelt nod to their early days together, as well as the perfect blend of his love of history and her laid back California vibe.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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