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

How to Smoothly Change Beauty Looks Between Ceremony and Reception – Tips From the Experts!

Is your ceremony style more romantic and dreamy while your reception style leans more towards let’s get down on the dance floor? Then today’s editorial is right up your alley! The experts at Page Beauty, Southern House Events and Timeless Event Planning are sharing their tips on how to smoothly change bridal looks between ceremony reception – both from a beauty perspective and a planning perspective… ’cause we all know the logistics are just as important as all the pretty details. Need some style inspo? The full gallery from Anya Kernes Photography has got you covered!

Hairstyling

“If you prefer to wear your hair up for the ceremony, ask your hairstylist to add some waves before pinning, and use minimal pins to secure the updo. Use a soft-hold, flexible hairspray to allow the hair to loosen after wearing it up. Strong-hold hairsprays won’t allow the hair to loosen and the hair will look stiff after an updo. When taking the hair down, pull the pins, flip your head upside down, and gently shake the hair from the roots. You won’t need to add any product as the hair has already been treated, and you don’t want to weigh the hair down with additional product. If you have a curling iron available, take the bottom sections of your hair and reboot the waves. Some brides prefer to wear their hair up at the reception so she can dance the night away and not overheat. For a do-it-yourself easy updo after ceremony, take the front section of each side of your hair, and set aside. Pull the remaining hair into a low pony, but don’t pull the hair all the way through, thus creating a bun. Take the front hair from each side and wrap each section around the hair tie and pin to secure. Give your hair a final spray of strong hold hairspray and get on the dance floor.”

– Stefanie Cuesta, Page Beauty Hairstylist

Makeup

“An easy quick change with your makeup is bumping up the eyes with a cream eyeshadow stick that you can manipulate with your fingers. If you’ve started with a soft eye makeup, you can add a rich shade of brown or smoke around the lash line to add drama. Smudge with your fingertip for a soft smoky effect. Another option is to add a fun sparkle on the ball of the eyes and inner corners. If lip colors are your jam, add a rich matte red or a bold shot of pink for the reception and keep the eye makeup soft for balance. Don’t forget to check your radiant skin! Add a drop of cream or liquid highlight to the tops of cheeks to add more radiance.”

– Tanya Bures, Page Beauty Owner | Lead Makeup Artist

Timing and Logistics

Typically the time immediately following your ceremony is focused on taking photos with family, friends and your bridal party, and doesn’t always leave much time to facilitate a second look before being announced into your reception. That’s why I recommend budgeting and planning time for your second look well before the day-of. — This should definitely not be something you try to “squeeze in” in-between photos and family hugs. Your best resource to help with this timing expectation would definitely be your Beauty professionals. You can take advantage of their knowledge during your beauty trial by asking for their advice on how much time should be budgeted for your second look…. Will 10 minutes be enough or do you need to budget more like 20 – 30 minutes? Next you’ll want communicate this timing expectation to your Planner or Day-of team, so they can find the perfect moment for your to step away without feeling rushed or stressed out. I usually recommend extending your cocktail hour, if possible, and budgeting a minimum of 20 minutes so you can combine your beauty change with the bustling of your dress and removal of your veil. Planning for this second look from the very beginning not only helps you to not be rushed on the day-of, but it also gives you a few quiet moments to freshen up, use the ladies room and prepare yourself for dancing the night away! “

— Kayla Gantzer, Southern House Events Owner

Having two wedding looks is always better than one! You get to express two personalities and show off how fabulous you look in both. During the ceremony, many of my brides will use lighter tones of makeup and wear their hair down. Think of this as the most romantic, whimsical part of your wedding. The reception is the part of your wedding where you then get to party and celebrate your love for one another. The moment dancing starts, many of my clients will want to put their hair up and let loose with their friends to celebrate. This also gives you time to sneak away, take a breather and freshen up. No one wants smudged eyeliner, so it’s important to add this into your timeline. If you’re feeling a little daring, throw on a bold lip to really make the change stand out. My last reason is that you will have two sets of photos with different looks. If you really want to go all-out, pick out a reception dress and completely change the feel. You will love having two galleries and various photos to hang on your living room wall.”

— Sandy Brooks, Timeless Event Planning Owner

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Page Beauty

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Two Wedding Photographers Tie The Knot At A European-Inspired Wedding In Connecticut

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]We selected a venue that would act as a canvas and would use color to bring it to life. I feel when done right color has no season and so our tones would be a warm wash of blush, cream, gold, burnt sienna, a blend of summer with a kiss of fall! Color plays into every aspect of a wedding from the design to the dress attire, it all has a role in your visual narrative. Since we had an intimate wedding where all of our guests were considered our wedding party we requested they too be inspired by our color palette, and they sure understood the assignment! [/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Imagine being in the south of France on a late summer’s day. The cool ocean breeze making its way up to the charming cliffside villages. The florals, a feast for the eyes, as if painted by Claude Monet himself. We blended modern simplicity with the rich historic tones of the past and brought our travels abroad to a hidden gem in Connecticut, Wadsworth Mansion. As professionals in the wedding industry, we have a deep love and appreciation for events. We are inspired by each vendor’s craft and want to highlight the beauty and craftsmanship that set them apart. I believe an experience is seen, felt, and heard, and to be fully immersed is to have these moments rooted with intent. A wedding is the reflection of a couple, and after being together for a decade, we had a lot to say! Our “theme” was L’art de vivre; the frech way of living. We drew inspiration from the elegance and artistic beauty of our travels abroad, which mirrors the philosophy of the great masters who understood that art is a reflection of life itself.

[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]It was our 5th anniversary and we decided to celebrate with a long weekend in France. This was Joe’s first time in France so I wanted it to be special and hired a driver of a vintage Citroën DS to show us the sights. Later that night we took a train to Versailles where we would spend the day touring the gardens. Now Versailles is one of my absolute favorite sights, I seriously could spend days in those gardens. When Joe and I travel we often take portraits along our journey and this trip was no exception, I had been planning our outfits for months! It was a chilly fall morning as we made our way to the palace grounds. A thick fog had rolled in making the vast grounds invisible and creating a unique and intimate feeling. We knew the fog would lift and the crowds would pour in so we would need to find our spot to set up for tripod portraits. Once I found the spot we quickly setup and begun taking photos with a timer. I heard a sound in the distance and I look over my shoulder, when I look back I saw Joe getting down on one knee! Everything was a blurr after that as I grabbed the ring and kissed him. We spent the rest of the day walking on a cloud enjoying the gardens and each other.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

Fashion is everything which is why so much thought went into our selection and my wedding gowns! I found my ceremony gown on my first trip to Vows. I went in with one designer and silhouette in mind and came out with the opposit but stunning Martina Liana! After trying on what I thought would be my dream dress, I was underwhelmed. Dress after dress nothing felt right that’s when my stylist said she had one more in mind. It was the last dress, and the moment I put it on I knew it was the one. I had it customized to be open back with a more fitted silhouette. I paired it with Bella Bell shoes, Maison Sabben earrings and a stunning cathedral veil that shimmered in the light. However, I couldn’t get the idea out of my head that I had always thought I’d be in a form-fitted gown. I was also not a huge fan of a bustle, I mean after all when you have a train like mine it’s meant to be seen! That is when I discovered the talented designer of Bremelia. I went back and forth with her designing a reception look I could dance the night away. I wanted something that would be the complete opposite of my ceremony dress. Bre crafted the most beautiful bespoke gown that literally lite up like a star underneath the lights and it had such an impact when we came out and opened up the dancefloor to cold plays “sky full of stars”. I really wanted a full transformation with this gown and so with the help of my bridal stylist Lindsay, and makeup artist Michelle, I went from a romantic updo and A-line gown to a high-pony bold lip, fitted silhouette with a plunging neckline and high slit ready to party. If you want to be stress-free and picture-perfect having and amazing team there to keep you looking fresh, and fluffed is key! A wedding curator will allow your photographer and videographer the freedom to focus on their craft and capture stunning behind the scenes moments for you to enjoy instantly! For my reception dress I paired it with a simple badgley mischka heel and understated earring.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

We did not have an official wedding party; however, we did invite our guests to dress within our color pallet and see gowns from Reformation, Revolve, Lulu, and more! We did order stunning tulle gowns for our flower girls from Azazie, with the gown for my daughter customized by my dress designer, Bremelia Custom Bridal, for that extra attention to detail that made it perfect for our special day.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

The groom’s entire look was from Suit Supply. His search was not as simple as we had expected. Originally, we purchased a tux from another designer online, but when he put it on at home, we both were underwhelmed. Although we had announced it was a black tie event, I said let’s just try going to suitsupply and see if maybe a color tux would help. We tried on a blue suit, and that didn’t work, but then he tried on their black tux, and it clicked! The fit was perfect, and the details were just right.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

When I reached out to Buck and Bloom with my vision for a renaissance still-life-inspired grazing table with marble peacock and dripping honey, they were just as excited as us and completed a stunning 12-foot masterpiece! I am known by all for my love of chic-fil-a, and so what better way than to serve it avant-garde style nuggets as a passed order! Joe and I are craft cocktail enthusiasts so having a his, hers and ours, as a selection for our guest of three craft cocktails was something we were excited to feature. With one cocktail being culturally inspired and garnished with lychee, another inspired by my wedding scent, and the third inspired by our travels abroad, we wanted to create an experience for our guests beyond the traditional bar experience.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

I really wanted to incorporate a unique floral selection with minimal greenery, full of blooms that felt light and allowed arrangements to breathe. One of the fun floral elements was our custom-built welcome sign that featured a flower box. Our bar not only had stunning florals on top but a beautiful meadow below that added a nice symmetry to the bar. Our florist, Sabrina, did an amazing job, and I was blown away by the three-foot meadow she created on the custom seating chart wall. For our reception, we chose to do a variety of centerpieces in the ballroom featuring both high and low designs. We repurposed our ceremony centerpieces for the cocktail hour by placing them at the main doors, where we would also hold our speeches. Design: As industry professionals, while we did many things in-house, like our bespoke invitation suite, which I designed, hand tore, hand foiled, and hand stuffed, to our 8-foot seating chart wall I designed and my husband built, we fully believe in entrusting other professionals in areas that may not be in your wheelhouse. With a venue like ours, we wanted to spend as much time on the outside as possible. For the ceremony, we kept it simple with two floral urns and white flowers, which tied into the giant white hydrangea bushes that were in full bloom. I knew photographically I wanted my ceremony space to be a 360 view so that my photographer and videographer had an amazing view no matter the angle. I spent a lot of time finding the perfect urns, building their pedestals, and painting them so that they were just the right proportions. Details are extremely important to me, and the last thing I wanted was my 5’2 frame to be dwarfed by an oversized urn. I was very excited to create our seating chart wall. As photographers, we couldn’t help but incorporate a fun nod to our profession and a treat for our guests. We wanted something different, and I found Papershoot, which provided rentable digital paper cameras that gave the impression of disposable but without the expense of developing film. I was really intrigued by this sustainable option, and it was a hit with our guests! Our seating chart arch was full of bells. This inspiration came from my parents. As entrepreneurs, they had this tiny bell that they would always ring with every sale. My dad said it was important to celebrate in life, even the little moments. So, I wanted to gift our guests a small bell to ring, not just for that night, but for all the little moments to come. For the cocktail hour, I put a lot of thought into the special order linens. I wanted colors that enhanced the warmth of the building vs. going with the included standard white. When I think of an event, I don’t just think of the item at hand but the bigger picture and how it will impact not just the images but the guest experience. It was important for me to transition and breathe in the spaces, which is why we went understated for the dinner in the ballroom. The space was stunning on its own, and I felt a timeless touch was all that was needed.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

We had a simple but stunning white, two-tiered cake cascading in pearls. The surprise was when you cut into the cake for a rainbow of color! Confetti cakes have been my favorite since childhood, and I always knew that one day, when I would get married, it would be with a confetti cake!

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

Since we had an intimate wedding with only 65 guests, one of our favorite parts was being able to connect with each one of them truly. We did things a little differently during our ceremony and had our officiant start off speaking to our guests from the side. We had also asked our family to switch “sides” so that my family sat on the “grooms” and he sat on the “brides.” When the ceremony started, we stood in the center, looking outward together. I was able to see the faces of the ones I loved. I was able to connect not just with him but with those who have supported us on our journey. We wrote our own vows and kept things sweet and simple. Directly after our ceremony, we went back to our cocktail hour, where we started off the celebration with a toast thanking those for being there and kicking off the party with a champagne tower! Our first dance was to You’re Still The One by Dave Moffatt (Shania Twain cover). We have been together for a decade, so this song resonates with us. We had our first look at Stephen Sanchez’s – Until I Found You, which is a song dedicated by my husband to me. And we opened up the dancefloor to coldplays- skyfull of stars. I danced with my father to Heartland ~ I loved her first, a song that I grew up singing with my dad and always cry to when I hear it now. Joe and his mom danced to the sweet song You’ll Be in My Heart, which was fitting for their relationship.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

Guest Illustrator: When we would spend time abroad, we loved meeting street artists and thought, what better gift to our guests than a custom illustration! I found sammia lynn illustration and fell in love with her work and knew she was the one. Our guests loved showing off their illustrations and it was one of the major talking points through the night.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Still life Grazing Table: I mentioned this before but it was such a visual feast! I wanted to go beyond a traditional grazing table and make it feel like a work of art. I also wanted to include the grooms culture by bringing in tropical fruits. Buck & Bloom did such an amazing job carrying out my vision with her own twist![/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]A detail that goes beyond the obvious elements like our custom invitations is the quiet experience that is being felt by guests from crafting an immersive journey. From seamless transitions to the personal attention of the teams ensuring everyone feels cared for, this experience is the ultimate detail. With the rise of bridal stylists, content creators and wedding curators, guest experiences is at the forefront of wedding planning. As a wedding curator myself, I understand the importance of designing these transitions to create a sense of luxury and enchantment. From selecting the perfect music to orchestrating events that guide guests from one space to another, every detail is intentional to evoke emotion.[/field]
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BBJ La Tavola

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A Send off by Boat and a Reem Acra Dress at Belle Haven Club in Greenwich, Connecticut

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Blue, Lilac, Pink[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The beautiful event design with HMR Designs was a romantic mix of modern coastal elements and old world European vibes, including custom bars, a custom dance floor as well as custom stage backdrop and lighting.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Although they had looked at rings together, Elizabeth did not know that Andrew had ordered it or arranged for pick-up by Elizabeth’s younger sister, Kitty.

Elizabeth’s older sister, Caroline, and brother-in-law, Rhett, wanted to be there for the proposal and drove from Chicago to Connecticut in a day (in the pouring rain, with their two dogs) a couple weeks early than they’d planned to visit to be there for the weekend

Andrew’s initial plan for Saturday was foiled when Elizabeth didn’t want to go walk on the beach because it was overcast, her car didn’t have the right beach permit, and they didn’t have a reservation at the private beach (ha!)

Though Elizabeth knew it was coming at this point, she didn’t think Andrew would ask the next day (Sunday) when he asked at her parent’s club (the same location the wedding was!) while they were walking on the beach

They were able to celebrate with both of their families that day, first with Elizabeth’s in Greenwich and then with Andrew’s as they already had plans to drive to Chatham for Andrew’s birthday, which made the proposal very special[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Elizabeth was an absolute regal stunner in a custom Reem Acra dress. [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The Bridesmaids wore a mix match of dresses. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Belle Haven Club offers in-house catering services. Elizabeth and Andrew worked with the club’s culinary team to create a customized menu to suit their tastes. Their signature cocktails were a (Filthy!) Martini for Elizabeth, a Negroni for Andrew and a Spicy Margarita for their dog Commodore. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]HMR Designs were at the helm of the design for this stunning wedding, utilizing a magnificent combination of blue, purple, pink and white flowers to enhance this waterfront property.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Nine Cakes created a beautiful 5 tiered cake covered in realistic sugar flowers that complemented the floral design perfectly. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Elizabeth’s Dad drove her to the church ceremony in a vintage car owned by a friend of the family and also played a surprise song on the guitar together with the band for her during the reception. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Elizabeth and Andrew had a special send off at the end of the night. All their loved ones cheered them on as they made their way down to the docks by Belle Haven where a special boat was waiting to whisk them away to their mini moon location.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Boho Accents and Bold Bougainvillea at Carlouel Yacht Club

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]shades of pink, coral, tan, white, with gold accents [/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

In the sunny setting of clearwater beach, the design was inspired by the beautiful yet bold hues of bougainvillea. Vibrant colors, boho accents, and patterned linens were used playfully throughout the design, creating a whimsical yet elegant style.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]In the early chapters of their love story, Steve asked Katie to be his girlfriend amidst the breathtaking scenery of Aspen, Colorado. It was a place that held a deep significance in their relationship, and Steve had always known that he wanted to take their commitment to the next level in this very location. Two years had passed since their first date, and on a tranquil morning, they embarked on a picturesque hike to Maroon Bells. On the quiet mountain, Steve got down on one knee and asked Katie to spend forever with him! This was a beautiful beginning to their journey to forever.
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Katie said yes to her dress at The Bridal Collection in Denver! Her gown was simply stunning with a heart shape neckline and a tool skirt that was layered beautifully creating a fairytale flare. Her look was completed with a beautiful veil lined with delicate lace details adding more elegance to her overall bridal style. [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]To compliment the vibrant colors in the wedding design, the bridesmaids wore shades of pink, coral, and magenta. Each gown effortlessly brought the theme to life, creating a harmonious ensemble that contributed to the overall theme of the wedding day. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]For their menu, the couple selected a family style meal. The first course included a selection between a caprese salad and spinach salad. The entrees included Braised Beef Short Rib, Chilean Sea Bass, and Vegan Bolognese accompanied by Creamy Grits, Broccoli, and Rainbow Carrots. These selections were perfect in easily accommodating common dietary restrictions. The couple offered an Aperol Spritz as their specialty cocktail, which we think matched the wedding aesthetics perfectly! [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Designed by MMD Events, this wedding was nothing short of spectacular. The wedding day included the most beautiful bursts of color throughout the design. The ceremony was set with a beautiful ocean backdrop. The couple was framed by a white arch accented with bright blooms of pinks and corals. Cocktail hour was adjacent to the ceremony keeping the panoramic ocean views. Centered was a beautiful round pink bar from Vivant Rentals that was designed to perfection creating a major visual impact to this space. Above the bar stood a pergola structure created by Infinity Event Solutions, coated with bougainvillea blooms. Hanging from the structure was macrame chandeliers bringing the boho touches to complete the bar. Bloom Shakalaka adorned the sailcloth reception tent with italian ruscus greenery, floral accents, and an assortment of rattan chandeliers. Below the tables were dressed in pattered linens (BBJ La Tavola and Nuage Designs) and layered place settings (Treasury Rentals) bringing whimsical yet elegant details. Following dinner, guests were directed inside to where Aspen met Florida. The ballroom was transformed into the couples very own ski lodge, a theme that played a special role in their love story. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The 4 tiered wedding cake created by Hands on Sweets was simple yet stunning and was cohesive with the design of the day. The soft pink hue and cascading bougainvillea florals were the perfect pair. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″][/field]
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BBJ La Tavola

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Parties A' La Carte

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Refined Villa Aurelia Wedding In The Heart Of Rome

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]
The wedding colors were white, blush pink, and gold.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

In the magnificence of Villa Aurelia in the heart of Rome, on a warm July day, the romantic and sophisticated wedding of Celine and Jake enchanted all the guests who arrived from all over the world. The vibes of the entire event were very refined, and the pure colors of white and powder pink, together with the luxurious design of the imperial tables with the chandeliers, creating a refined and classy atmosphere, made everything timeless.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]We met at school when we were only 15 years old. After going our separate ways because we moved to different countries we got back into contact via social media. After a couple of years of dating, Jake surprised me with a romantic candlelit dinner on the beach at the One & Only in Dubai where he proposed. Jake had spent months planning not only the proposal but also the engagement ring, picking out every element of the ring to make it as perfect as possible. The proposal was a complete surprise to me and I couldn’t have picked a more perfect proposal or ring. The night ended with our families joining us at the hotel where we celebrated.
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Celine wore a dress by Bloomfeld Bridal, a luxury brand from Belgium. The fine lace dress with the low back was very romantic and elegant. For the party she wore a second dress, a short one in white satin, it looked great on her and was very suitable for dancing. Jake and his groomsmen wore very elegant Tight suit giving a touch of royalty.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

The bridesmaids wore gorgeous blush pink chiffon dresses by SHow Me Your Mumu. They were all different but in the same style, perfect with the wedding colors.

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After moving on from the ceremony in Villa Aurelia’s secret garden, Canapés were served in the Italian Garden while a harpist and violinist duo played. These included Giant prawns in crispy kataifi dough in coriander sauce, miniature bruschetta, and a live cooking deep friend corner. Drinks included Peroni’s and Aperol Spritz.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The tables were white, with pastel-colored candles on the tables and chandeliers covered in gypsophila to create a romantic atmosphere. The table flowers included hydrangeas, roses, and lilies in white and pink pastels.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

The wedding cake was a simple and classic 4-tier white cake with a bride and groom statue that had been passed down from the bride’s grand parent’s side. As the cake was cut, cold fireworks went off behind the couple.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The bride walked down the aisle to How Long Will I Love You, played by a violin and harp duo. They chose two readings, the first one read by the maid of honour, “ sooner or later” and the second one a passage from a letter Johnny cash to June Carter (1994).
The couple had a ribbon tying ceremony with 3 ribbons, White to symbolise innocence and purity, pink to symbolise romance and tenderness and Green to symbolise prosperity and generosity.
Music & Lights @weddingmusicandlights
band @theshakes[/field]
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Carolina Serafini Photography

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Marrying Old World European Aesthetic With Contemporary Hawaiian Design

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]The couple prioritized a soft yet moody ambiance filled with hues of burgundy, cappuccino and ivory. As a nod to the tropical environment in which the couple married, various notes of deep and subtle greens pervaded throughout, as well. [/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The overarching aesthetic for this Wedding design was to marry old-world Europe with contemporary Hawaii. We achieved this by curating a space that dripped with greenery and blooms, cliffside on the island of Maui, while also incorporating deep moody tones and textures that nodded to European design and architecture. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]From the couple: “For Samantha’s 26th birthday, Farouk organized a trip to Zion / Lake Powell as a fun weekend retreat with our puppy, Finnley. Per above, we are fun-loving and adventurous so Samantha thought little of it. After an exciting couple days hiking in Zion, we went to Amangiri for the final portion of the birthday surprise. Farouk hired a photographer (which wasn’t suspicious since we had recently done a photo shoot in Cabo for Valentine’s Day) and after a couple of hours of pictures around the resort, Farouk gave her a fake present and then got down on one knee with the backdrop of the mesas and canyons.”[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Sammy chose a gown, timeless and classic, encased in vintage lace. One of the most special aspects of this gown was the removable sleeves, providing the Bride with two, seamlessly stunning looks between the Ceremony and Dinner Reception. [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids opted for floor-length gowns of muted emerald, which complimented their moody, burgundy bouquets to perfection. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groomsmen, alongside the Groom, chose classic black tuxedos for the affair. [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The couple served as exceptional hosts throughout their Wedding Week! Specialty tropical cocktails, delectable passed canapes, and a selection of fresh island catch, Italian gnocchi, and Petite Filet Mignon adorned each place setting. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]White garden roses, brownie tulips, berry scabiosa and mauve lisianthus took centerstage and were crowned with touches of lunaria and baby’s breath. The Bridal bouquet was “lush, organically composed bouquet consisting of premium cream and white blooms with hints of mauvey pinks and plum tones. It was finished with a raw silk ribbon wrapped around exposed stems,” says Moss Floral Designs’ owner, Adri Smith. The staging for Farouk and Sammy’s exquisite Wedding Reception tent was a cracked mirror-wrapped dance floor provided by KCK Entertainment Productions. The tent greenery was composed of native foliage draping from the ceiling to create a natural, organic touch. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The Wedding Cake was stunning in classic white draped in blooms of luneria and mauvey baby’s breath. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The Bride chose to speak the words of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice for the Ceremony, which brought everyone to tears: “I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.”[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The Wedding Planners, Taryn and Dani with Taryn Stark Wyant Event Planning and Design, gifted the couple with an incredible Seating Chart Display that stood paramount within the Reception Tent. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Farouk’s young nephew stole the show at the Dinner Reception when he surprised the couple with a speech he had written, “I loved Farouk since I was a baby since he did ‘The Tickle Monster’ and the ‘Seek-Seek-Hide-Hide.'”[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]The couple ended their Dinner Reception with a sparkler-surrounded Last Dance on the mirrored Dance Floor, which was nothing short of magical. [/field]
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BBJ La Tavola

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Taryn Stark Wyant Event Planning and Design

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Savoring the Sweetness of Pastel Hues in the Cycladic Island of Paros, Greece

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Pastels and greek sunsets were the wedding colors and inspiration![/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]John’s mom's side of the family is Greek and he grew up going there every
summer. We went together in the summer of 2019 and I fell in love with the islands. We knew
having our family and friends flying across the globe was a big feat, so we did everything in our
power to make the trip worth it. We wanted to make the most out of the island, allowing for the
effortless views of Paros to set the vibe for the wedding, ultimately the Greek sunset was our focal
point and theme. It was the inspiration behind our invitations, flowers, color scheme, everything
really! We also love the feeling you get when you’re in Italy so our wedding planners did an
incredible job merging the Greek and Italian influences together when it came to the design and decor.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]John and I met
in Long Island, (shout out to Bumble for the formal introduction) the summer of 2018. We both
lived in NYC when we matched and realized we would both be away that weekend, staying about
20 minutes away from each other. Once the weekend came, both of our friend groups made plans to
go to a bar called Southampton Social, what were the odds? We met up at the bar, took shots (lol),
feeling like we had known eachother forever. After that weekend, days barely went by without us
hanging out and seeing each other, friend groups blending seamlessly together. Fast forward to 4 ½
years later, John proposed in our apartment in Greenwich Village. I was rushing back home from a
workout class to get ready because we had dinner with his brother and sister in law that night, or so
I thought. I walked into our apartment with Rihanna’s Love on the Brain blasting and roses
everywhere. I was in complete shock and could barely put words together besides WTF, the
proposal video could attest. We had dinner at our favorite restaurant, L’Artusi, and John had our
friends waiting at a bar nearby to celebrate with us. Round 2 of celebrations started the next day,
we flew to Miami to celebrate with my family and friends back home.[/field]
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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]John’s uncle is a designer and owns a bridal
company called Demetrios, so I was lucky enough to get both of my dresses custom made. I had a
vision in mind and we went back and forth, with the final sketch being exactly what I envisioned.
For the second dress, they showcased a piece that they created for me and I was in complete awe! I
wanted to do something fun, vibrant and light for the second dress since the father daughter dance
was a salsa song (I’m half cuban) – and the dress served its purpose![/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]We decided to go for soft pastel colors for the bridesmaid
dresses. The girls did an amazing job choosing the dresses, they all meshed perfectly.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]We went with creams and neutral for the groom. We wanted a sophisticated and
relaxed look for his suit and he opted for dark brown suede gucci loafers.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Our cocktails we’re
so inline with who we are and our everyday cocktail choices, we got a kick out of naming them – we
chose Steph’s Green Juice (Gin, Cucumber, lime and mint) and J-Nice Margs (a mezcal margarita),
and Maria’s Mojito (needed to add a little cuban cocktail to the menu, of course)The food menu was influenced by our greek and latin roots – eating dinner family style. We decided
to create a menu that incorporated fish, lamb and pork with every side you can think of.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]greek florals meets tuscan greenery inspired the
florals and decor. I wanted the decor to feel inviting, cozy yet still allowing for a wow factor, and i
think we captured it![/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]We’re a bit embarrassed to admit, we didn’t give
the wedding cake too much thought until “last minute” so we went for a simple vanilla cake with
florals that went with our decor. It ended up coming out beautiful![/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]We decided on live music for the cocktail hour and a DJ for the reception and party.
We loved hosting dinner parties at our NYC apartment so we created a playlist
specifically for dinner that helped set the vibe with the likes of Frank Sinatra, The Johns – Legend
& Mayer, Mariah Carey, Fugees, Stevie Wonder – you get the jist.
Party playlist was a mix of our favorites from the 2000’s with a mix of dance songs.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The flower girls and ring bearers outfits were SO cute. The flower girl dresses even had a bow to
match mine. I’m proud of those outfits.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]The entire day felt like a dream but some of my top favorite moments were our first dance and the
dance with my dad.
For John and mine’s first dance – we chose To Love Somebody by the Beegees, leading up to the
day I couldn’t hear the song without crying (happy tears) and you can tell by the wedding day we
were smiling and laughing together as we danced, no tears in sight.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]For my second look, I decided to change in time for my dance with my father to Marc Anthony’s
Vivir La Vida. Being Cuban and Peruvian, it was important to incorporate my roots into the day,
and our dance did just that. Our guests, especially those who aren’t Latin, got a kick out of a father daughter salsa dance! I’m so grateful I was able to share such a special moment with my father. My
grandparents would’ve been so, so proud.[/field]
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Deux Foskolos

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Timeless Elegance in the Heart of Wine Country at the Estate Yountville

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Ivory, white, blush, brighter light pink, green, and touches of gold and wood elements[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The overall vision was to create a romantic and classic design with a playful touch. We used the natural wood and landscaping of the venue to lead our design. We brought in wood tables with the head table and accented the dining tables with green napkins, gold flatware, and pink goblets. The florals were soft, whimsical, and a complementary balance of white and blush/pink. Alex + Robb wanted the whole event to feel timeless while also bringing in a unique touch of their sense of style. Place cards had meal indicators that were delicate line drawings of different florals to bring in the sweet and romantic touch to the signage. We went bold with the green welcome sign and seating chart that complemented the green napkins and green lounge furniture. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]We had been dating for six years and Robb was definitely “on the clock” from my friends and family. Every weekend was one of those weekends where there was a feeling of whether or not this “could” be the weekend.

With that in mind, Robb knew he had to keep things as close to the vest as possible otherwise he might lose the element of surprise. So, he did not tell hardly a soul about his plans: only his dad, mom, and brother knew what he had planned!

Robb proposed to me on a a pretty non-chalant walk to dinner through our favorite park in Corona Del Mar, CA. It was where we spent many date nights (beautiful ocean views), especially through the pandemic. The best part was that our dog was there to surprise me!

It was a special night followed by a surprise dinner and celebration with friends and family.

Robb definitely surprised me and it ended up being the absolute perfect proposal![/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Fashion is one of my favorite things ever. I was very particular about my dress and accessories. I fell in love with my Vera Wang silk gown the second I tried it on. It fit my perfectly and went flawlessly with our venue. [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]My bridesmaids dresses were from Show Me Your Mumu and I chose the champagne color to go with our wedding theme.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The grooms all wore Hugo Boss custom tuxedos. [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Robb and I fell in love in Napa and shared a love for wine ever since our first date. We wanted our guests to experience the gourmet food and phenomenal wine of Napa Valley by serving a top notch menu and serving some of our special wine.

Our family decided to pour a barrel of wine they bought from Dakota Shy winery. It was so fun to share our love of wine with our guests.

We carefully selected the menu and wine parings because we wanted to ensure our guests received the best of the best!

There was a lush cheese & charcuterie station at cocktail hour paired with some tasty passed appetizers. Guests then sat down for a delicious 2 course dinner with a decadent dessert station during dancing. Late night sliders and tacos came out as well!
[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Florals were truly the show stopper of this wedding. Our floral arch was lush and filled with whites and pinks. It contrasted so nicely in front of the olive trees. It truly took guest’s breath away and we saw tons of guests taking photos in front of it after the ceremony. On the dining tables we went with classic garlands with pops of blooms on the long tables to tie in the greenery inside and went with stunning soft and whimsical centerpieces on the rounds. For the head table we gave it a little more modern twist with the mix of bud vases and textured taper candles. The signage was delicate and brought in our color palette in stronger tones with romantic and elegant fonts. We brought in the white washed dining chairs to bring a little more lightness to the indoor space and paired that with a heavier wood/padded chair for the head table. Assorted pink goblets brought a touch of playfulness to the settings. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Our wedding cake was so special to us because it was made by one of our close family friends and world famous baker, Marisa Schorer. We also had to include our pup on the cake and had a gorgeous custom statue made of our Australian Labradoodle, Sunny. She was the star of our day and of course our cake! [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Processional: Girls like You
Bridal March: Wildest Dream (bride is a HUGE Taylor Swift fan)
Recessional: Dancing Queen [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The Estate Yountville is significant to us because one of our first trips together was in Yountville. The venue was stunning and the perfect place to celebrate our union and of course our love for wine. Plus they were dog friendly so our dog could join the festivities!
[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]One of the best moments from our ceremony was when a butterfly, unplanned, flew in between us as we shared our first kiss as husband and wife. We didn’t know until after, but everyone at our ceremony thought we planned it! It was significant because it meant someone was looking over us.
[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Carly Saber Events

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Gilded-Era Inspired Newport Wedding At Rosecliff Mansion

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

The vibrant hues were lively and delightful! We showcased Cara & Jesse with a palette encompassing shades of pink, blue, rose, lavender, and greens.

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

To capture Cara & Jesse’s enchantment with the Gilded Era, our design concept integrated elements such as blue toile, custom vintage place settings, and a French Rococo painting as the liner. Ink & Press Co. played a pivotal role in enhancing our vision by incorporating stunning gilded elements into all of our paper goods. For the ceremony at Rosecliff Mansion, we embraced a distinctive approach, positioning Cara & Jesse at the top of the lawn steps with the mansion as their backdrop, departing from the traditional waterfront orientation. Their enthusiasm for our design concepts was substantial, and with Stoneblossom‘s floral expertise, we transcended our vision to new levels of elegance and sophistication.

[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]In March 2022, Jesse took Cara on a surprise trip to Utah. Jesse managed to keep the destination a secret until landing. The proposal happened after hiking in Antelope Canyon. The tour guide doubled as a photographer, allowing for the moment to be a surprise for Cara. Other than Jesse opening the ring box toward himself, the proposal was a success. After the proposal, they returned to Cara’s favorite resort, Amangiri, to celebrate among the secluded desert landscape of Utah.[/field]
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Cara’s Wedding Gown was made by Martina Liana, along with a custom veil from Kleinfeld Bridal. Cara was always in awe over royal weddings, admiring the long trains and regal veils. Inspired by Grace Kelly, Cara searched for a dress with fine lace details and delicate sleeves. The lace on the dress and roses complement the namesake of the venue.

Rehearsal Dinner Dress: Cara’s rehearsal dinner dress was her mother’s wedding dress, reconstructed and reimagined by Lovellfaye. She surprised her mother on the day of the rehearsal, and it was the perfect way to incorporate her into their big day.

[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

The bridesmaids picked their own dresses as we wanted them all to be as comfortable as possible and have something they would wear again.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

For our signature cocktails, we made sure to incorporate their beloved pets into the celebration. We achieved this by featuring a line sketch of their furry friends alongside their signature drinks – an Old Fashioned and a Cosmo, each named after their cherished companions. Additionally, we provided a linen bar sign detailing the available beverage options, ensuring guests knew what was at their disposal. As for the cuisine, we curated a delightful selection of seafood and locally sourced Rhode Island dishes. Our aim was to offer guests a taste of coastal flavors, allowing them to experience the essence of the region, especially as many were traveling from afar.

Guest Experience Highlight: Elevating our celebration, we chose a Champagne wall rental from La Affitto, offering guests a distinctive and lavish experience. A mere ring of the bell unveiled the delight of butler-passed champagne emerging from a picture frame. This interactive twist created a memorable moment, swiftly becoming a favorite among attendees.

[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The transformation of our floral vision into reality left us all in awe. Stoneblossom not only captured our ideas but elevated them into a magical, vibrant display of flowers. The arch they crafted for the ceremony, adorned with cascading blooms, surpassed all expectations. In the ballroom, our goal was to create a dynamic atmosphere with high and low centerpieces adorned with crystal glass elements. Serving as the pièce de résistance, a magnificent cascading floral runner adorned the head table, commanding attention with its sheer beauty. Enhanced by an abundance of candlelight, the evening exuded a romantic aura, creating an enchanting ambiance that lasted throughout the celebration.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

For the wedding cake, our aspiration was to evoke a vintage-inspired charm, drawing upon beloved styles from the past. Opting for a six-tiered masterpiece, we incorporated elements from the bride’s dress into the design, along with delicate sugar flowers reflecting her floral palette and colors. Confectionary Designs skillfully crafted a cake that surpassed our expectations, capturing the essence of nostalgia and elegance. For the wedding cake, our aspiration was to evoke a vintage-inspired charm, drawing upon beloved styles from the past. Opting for a six-tiered masterpiece, we incorporated elements from the bride’s dress into the design, along with delicate sugar flowers reflecting her floral palette and colors. Confectionary Designs skillfully crafted a cake that surpassed our expectations, capturing the essence of nostalgia and elegance we envisioned for Cara & Jesse’s special day.

[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Jesse and Cara were set up through their mutual friends. Jesse hosted a gathering at his house, and Cara was impressed that Jesse made his own Hors D’oeuvres. Cara’s job at the time required her to travel every week, and Jesse was on the road often, coaching college lacrosse. As Cara and Jesse could no longer travel during the pandemic, the quarantine presented the perfect opportunity for them to settle down and get to know each other better. They are now each other’s perfect travel partner.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

The bride, born in Rhode Island, visited the Newport mansions as a child. Together, the couple have an admiration for the East Coast’s charm, and the opulence of the Gilded Age, which made the Rosecliff Mansion the perfect choice for their big day.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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BBJ La Tavola

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Infinite Events

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Brooke Nash Photography

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This Couple Brought Romantic French Chateau Vibes To Their New York Wedding

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

The wedding colors were Champagne, Cream, Sage, and Ivy.

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

The vibe was a Romantic/Modern French Chateau wedding. “We started our love story while studying abroad in college and traveling to Paris for a weekend trip, and made several trips back to France for vacations, and ultimately while getting engaged, so the mutual love and connection to the beautiful country, it’s gorgeous gardens and chateaus inspired our venue and many of the course elements of our wedding”

[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]”To celebrate our 5 year anniversary, and both of our completion of graduate programs and the end of many years of long distance following undergrad, we traveled to Paris, one of our favorite places. While there, we visited the Château de Chantilly in the idyllic Chantilly region – where everywhere seemed to smell of fresh roses. Marc proposed in front of the castle, which was followed by a surprise engagement shoot all around the beautiful grounds. Afterwards, we trained back to the city and spent the afternoon and evening in romantic Montmartre visiting the love wall, eating french fries and drinking champagne all while Facetiming excited family members and friends and capping off the night by adding our lock to the love fence in front of Sacre-Coeur.”[/field]
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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]”My wedding dress perfectly combined the timeless a-line silhouette I always envisioned with modern elements like sheer and embroidered detailing along portions of the corset and a custom neckline that was created to achieve the sweetheart, strapless style that felt the most akin with my vision.”[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”][/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]”Our menu was designed with an homage to some of our favorite meals and cuisines. Our cocktail hour allowed us to bring in variety, which is something we incorporate into our daily life (always searching for new recipes, restaurants, etc.), while our main appetizer and entree options represented some of our favorite meals to eat on special occasions (short ribs, french cut chicken, risotto).”[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

“The vision for our flowers was inspired by romantic and organic floral arrangements that would accentuate/compliment the already very present beauty and grandeur of our venue without trying to overpower it. With this in mind we kept our color scheme to muted accent colors of champagne, peach, white and greens that built on the existing ivy and sandstone colors around OHEKA CASTLE. We also wanted florals that highlighted each section of the venue like flowers and greenery weaving through the railing of the grand staircase entryway, a stunning arch framing our garden ceremony, and tall table arrangements drawing your view to the beautifully tall ceilings in the ballroom area.”

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]”Our wedding also featured an entire desert room that in addition to featuring the stunning, elegant and yet minimalistic wedding cake that Daniel created. We also included a flambe station, patisserie goods, a shoe-bun tower and more.”[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]”We each prepared our own vows, and both agree that this was the most special moment in the entire wedding. What started out as a nerve-wracking proposition (having to share some of your most intimate thoughts with all of your closest friends and family) is something we both found to be the most powerful and connecting experience in our wedding. “

“We had a special signing of our marriage license during the reception. We were lucky enough to have one of our closest friends officiate our wedding and when we got to get together in a room with him, my sister (MOH) and Marc’s brother (Best Man) to finally concretize the marriage it was a joyous, hilarious, laughter filled moment that we will never forget.”[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

“One personal touch we particularly loved incorporating during our wedding was using watercolors of places we had traveled to together as a couple as our table numbers instead of traditional numbers. Travel has been a big part of our relationship and it was such a special touch to be able to seat our loved ones at some of our favorite places.”

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

One part of the day that was especially meaningful to Marc and Becca were their portraits in the garden. Becca says, “The garden at OHEKA CASTLE is particularly special to Marc and I because we went out to dinner at Oheka and walked around the gardens the final night before starting our 5 year long distance journey during graduate school. The gardens are where we decided to commit and put in an incredible amount of effort and time to make a relationship work across multiple states.” The couple worked with photographer Katie Trauffer Photography to maximize time and locations throughout the magnificent gardens on their wedding day and to take portraits that would capture their love and joy artistically, authentically, and timelessly.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

Though all of the dancing was incredibly fun, especially moments like being hoisted up in chairs by our closest friends, and screaming some of our favorite songs on a packed dance floor, the final dance of the night was just the two of us and it allowed us to relish in all the beauty and love that filled the day while remembering it was about us two, our connection and our enduring love.

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Katie Trauffer Photography

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Classic Vineyard Wedding in Portugal at Six Senses Douro Valley

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]White / very light nudes and lots of greenery to match with the vineyard view.
[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The wedding ceremony was set against a stunning vineyard backdrop, with white and light nude florals and plenty of greenery to complement the natural beauty of the location. The floral arrangements were designed to look like they were growing from the ground, avoiding the use of floral foam for a more sustainable approach. The bride’s dress was elegantly simple, ensuring she stood out against the stunning floral and landscape backdrop.

For the cocktail hour, natural and raw materials were used for the furniture, including wicker, natural wood, linen upholstery, and fresh flowers in recycled paper vases. The furniture was designed to match the pool deck and the overall aesthetic of the hotel.

The dinner reception was a modern and contemporary affair, with a custom-made wooden pergola creating the perfect natural vine structure for the occasion. The florals featured a touch of orange to match the color of the old manor venue, with 100% linen napkins and plenty of taper candles and tealights. The cutlery, china service, and glassware were carefully chosen to match the menu and the overall style of the event. Lounge areas and a bar structure were set up to create a club-like atmosphere, while the audio-visual team did an incredible job with the DJ set.
[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride wore a beautiful Carolina Herrera dress with sophisticated Stuart Weitzman shoes, complemented by stunning heritage Cartier jewelry. The bride even changed into a stunning Alejandra Alonso Rojas dress to finish off the night.
[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”][/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groom had a custom-made suit paired with elegant Salvatore Ferragamo shoes, along with his IWC watch to complete the look. [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]As guests sipped on delicious Portuguese wines, they were treated to an unforgettable culinary experience that showcased the region’s rich culinary heritage. Fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and freshly baked bread filled the air with mouth-watering aromas. The sommeliers were on hand to guide guests through the wine tastings, sharing their knowledge and passion for the region’s wines.
[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The wedding ceremony was set against a stunning vineyard backdrop, with white and light nude florals and plenty of greenery to complement the natural beauty of the location. The floral arrangements were designed to look like they were growing from the ground, avoiding the use of floral foam for a more sustainable approach. The bride’s dress was elegantly simple, ensuring she stood out against the stunning floral and landscape backdrop.

For the cocktail hour, natural and raw materials were used for the furniture, including wicker, natural wood, linen upholstery, and fresh flowers in recycled paper vases. The furniture was designed to match the pool deck and the overall aesthetic of the hotel.

The dinner reception was a modern and contemporary affair, with a custom-made wooden pergola creating the perfect natural vine structure for the occasion. The florals featured a touch of orange to match the color of the old manor venue, with 100% linen napkins and plenty of taper candles and tealights. The cutlery, china service, and glassware were carefully chosen to match the menu and the overall style of the event. Lounge areas and a bar structure were set up to create a club-like atmosphere, while the audio-visual team did an incredible job with the DJ set.
[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]At the end of the night, the couple and their guests gathered to cut the cake, accompanied by a toast of champagne to celebrate their union. The cake itself was a stunning white creation, accented with a delicate touch of lavender sourced from Six Senses’s gardens.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Diane Sotero Photography

View Portfolio

The Crachá

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A Romantic and Whimsical Wedding at Serra Plaza

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

With the help of their planner, Rachelle from Radiant Love Events, Elaine and Tom transformed their unique wedding space by using a color palette of dusty rose, taupe, green, and steel blue that blended well with the deep tan walls at Serra Plaza.

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

Elaine and Tom’s keywords for their wedding were “romantic and whimsical.” The vendor team and couple achieved this by combining a soft palette, floral textures, and magical lighting. Elaine’s floral textured dress inspired other elements, such as the invitation suite and wedding cake design. “We loved Serra Plaza the moment we saw the venue – the arches, beautiful water fountain, and Spanish vibe were the perfect style we were looking for. We also loved that it had a combination of indoor and outdoor vibe. Did I also mention that the bridal suite is every bride’s dream?! :) The venue was also very close to the historic Mission, where we took our first look. On our actual wedding day, we felt like we were transported to Spain – setting a destination wedding vibe for Tom and me.” – Elaine

[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Tom proposed to me at our favorite winery in Santa Maria, CA — Presqu’ile Winery. I am not the type that loves a lot of attention, especially in public places. Knowing this, Tom booked a private tour at the winery and popped the question when we were overlooking the views on a private deck. We enjoyed a bottle of wine and lunch right after and enjoyed the rest of our day in the city of Santa Barbara. – Elaine

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

Elaine wore an a-line chiffon dress with delicate 3-D flowers and pearls designed by Dany Tabet. She completed her bridal style with steel blue satin evening sandals by BADGLEY MISCHKA (that also matched the bridesmaid’s dresses!) and a floral appliqué cathedral length veil. “I loved the simple yet delicate style that it offered. It had a hint of blush undertone with glitter underneath the dress that created the right sparkle.” – Elaine

[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

“Since I was wearing chiffon, I wanted my bridesmaid to match the same fabric. I loved the steel blue color that made the wedding party stand out from our color scheme. They deserve to shine as well” – Elaine.

[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Tom wore a classic black tux, “skinny fit” as it looked best on his body type.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

Elaine and Tom worked with Jay’s Catering to provide a delicious Buffet-style dinner. “We wanted to have a balanced meal offering a full variety of options – from Shrimp spring rolls appetizers to Santorini Chicken and Tri-Tip carvery paired with a pear salad. We also had the classic old-fashioned and cosmopolitan as His and Hers drinks.” – Elaine

[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The team at De Flora Event Flowers used an array of pastel hues and greenery to transform the ceremony and reception. Floor floral bunches lined the ceremony aisle, and the fountain, which served as a focal point for the ceremony, was decorated with overflowing florals, adding an enchanting element to their nuptials. Elaine and Tom held a tea ceremony during their cocktail hour. To honor this, the team decorated the fireplace backdrop with greenery and delicate florals. Flower types: butterfly ranunculus, ranunculus, brownie tulips, taupe lisianthus, light blue sweet peas, roses, light blue larksphur, jasmine vine, and sage greenery.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

Elaine knew she wanted to incorporate her wedding dress details when it came to her wedding cake. MCakes Sweets designed a two-tiered wedding cake with a delicate flower design that matched Elaine’s wedding dress. Elaine and Tom wanted to surprise their guests with a late-night snack of one of their favorite treats…a boba bar incorporating their favorite tea flavors: peachy-lychee green tea, winter melon milk tea, strawberry guava green tea, and green Thai tea.

[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

It was important to Elaine and her family to honor their heritage by incorporating a tea ceremony. She envisioned a backdrop setting that would create a focal point for tradition with a chic twist. With the help of De Flora Event Flowers and Radiant Love Events, they worked on creating a design that feels modern and airy with an asymmetrical design with smilax greenery. Elaine wore a beautiful red-laced Qipao to honor her Chinese culture.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Elaine and Tom dedicated time after their first look to be with their wedding party, they first heard beautifully written words by the junior bridesmaid and junior groomsman and then exchanged vows privately among the rest of their wedding party.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Tom surprised Elaine by playing his guitar and singing “Lucky Me” by Jack Miller during their reception.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]These two love spreading joy, and their friends do too – one of the groomsmen surprised the couple with a cat costume during their grand entrance – everyone was up on their feet![/field]
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A Cozy Mountain Wedding at Brush Creek Ranch

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Kicking things off on Thursday, as a warm welcome to the ranch, was a High Country Supper. Leather and copper elements accented the celebration with a palette of terracotta, rust, olive and denim.
After a day filled with winter activities, the Rehearsal Dinner took place on Friday night in a moody wine cellar tunnel. For this more formal affair, rich red wine tones were balanced with peach and greens on top of luxe teal linens for a 50′ table covered in candles.
For the wedding day, we created a sparkle filled celebration as a nod to the falling snow.
Ivory, champagne and gold with pops of black elevated this black tie affair at the Ranch adding to the perfect grand finale for a beautiful winter weekend. [/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Our Bride, India is a porcelain beauty with incredible fashion taste. For her and her fiance Michael, they wanted their intimate 50-person guest list to enjoy all that the Mountain West had to offer over a three-day weekend, including the coziness of the season, so they partnered with Lindsey Morgan of byBello Events to design three distinct events for everyone to enjoy. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]While India was living and working in NYC she tried on gowns at Elie Saab and fell in love. She said yes to her gorgeous, sparkling, off the shoulder ball gown, and found a veil from the same designer to match. She accessorized her look with a white Christian Dior purse, (a wedding gift from her mom) and Manolo Blahnik pumps for a pop of ‘something blue’.

For jewelry, she wore a pair of earrings from David Wilkinson Design, a gift from Mike’s parents. The designer is based in Cleveland, Ohio, Mike’s hometown, and also designed India’s engagement ring setting. The stunning diamond is a family heirloom on Mike’s side.
For dancing later in the evening, the bride shed her formal ball gown and changed into a Western inspired Markarian dress accessorized with a cowboy hat for the dance floor.
[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]To complement the sparkle in India’s gown, the bridesmaids wore ivory gowns from Needle & Thread. We loved the feminine details and ruffled sleeves, and the sparkling ivory & blush beading, and intricate embellishment was stunning with the Winter backdrop and the glittering snow. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The gentlemen donned classic black tuxedos, a timeless and dapper look that contrasted beautifully with the white tones carried throughout the wedding day. [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The culinary program at BCR is world class. Over the course of three days guests were treated to a variety of farm to table food and craft beverages.
For the wedding day, in addition to the open bar, the bride and groom highlighted His & Her favorite cocktails. His: Pecan infused old fashioned Hers: Gin & Tonic (G&T)

After a cozy fireside cocktail hour with passed hors d’oeuvres of Smoked Salmon Canapés, Caramelized Onion Tartlets and Mini Wagyu Beef Wellingtons with black truffle aioli, guests transitioned to the dining room for dinner.
The first course was a beautiful rendition of a classic Wedge Salad, and the entrees offered choices of Hearth Grilled Brush Creek Wagyu NY Strip Steak with Whipped Yukon Potatoes, Cipollini Onion, Roasted Garden Carrot and Blackberry Bordelaise, or
Pan Seared Halibut with Creamy Polenta, Roasted Garden Carrot, Cipollini Onion and Olive & Tomato Tapenade
The third course was served with champagne for toasts — a beautiful Local Goat Cheese Cake with Macerated Strawberries, Pollen Tuile and Chantilly.

When guests transitioned to the dancefloor, Sunkissed wedding cake was passed for everyone to enjoy. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]We loved that the floral, linens and decor for the three days of events each embodied the personality of the celebration. After two days featuring more colorful designs, the wedding day highlighted fluffy white blooms.
India’s bridal bouquet was all white Sweet Peas, and roses, blooming branches, ranunculus and delphinium dressed both the chuppah and the dining tables. The florals would not have been complete without the abundance of candlelight warming the space and providing an ambient glow for the intimate ceremony and dining experience. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The three tiered cake designed by the talented pastry chef at Brush Creek Ranch was covered in Ivory buttercream and dressed with white floral vine details, and gold leaf. Inside, raspberry buttercream and lemon cake, a flavor called “Sun Kissed” brought a warmth to this Wintery dance party. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The couple who are of Jewish faith wed under a custom chuppah in an old school house by candlelight. The bride processed to Canon in D played by a string quartet. After breaking the glass, they recessed down the aisle to a classic rendition of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy as family and friends showered them in faux snow confetti. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]After the High Country Supper, and listening to the bluegrass band play by the fire, guests transitioned to the Saloon on property for Texas Hold ’em, late night snacks and cocktails. For the western themed event, the bride wore a Miguelina dress, a jacket from Maje, and Pearl Jimmy Choo shoes.
Her Stetson cowboy hat was custom designed at Kemo Sabe Jackson Hole. The hat has several brands – including their wedding date, her new initials, and a fish because they like fishing together [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]After a cozy candlelit dinner in a wine tunnel, guests ended the evening with stargazing at the Ranch. An expert astronomer was brought in to point out constelations and planets to guests through a special telescope as they enjoyed specialty cocktails and desserts. For the rehearsal dinner, India wore a Monique Lhuillier gown, Mach & Mach heels, and a fur vest from Gorsuch. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]The stationery designed by Cheree Berry Paper was extra special and really set the tone for the western weekend. Individual pieces were designed for each event, each speaking to the personality and theme of the celebration. Upon arrival, everyone received a ‘year book’ of sorts complete with photos and names for a ‘Who’s Who in the Brush Creek Crew’. All items were buttoned into a custom leather folio with India & Michael’s brand which was created special for the weekend. The details carried through to each event, and for the wedding, place cards with wax seals and beautiful velvet and gold foil stamped menus were at each place setting adding to the luxurious tablescapes at the reception.
[/field]
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Southern Hospitality Meets English Charm At Euridge Manor

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

As the wedding was to be held within the gardens at Euridge Manor our inspiration for the colour palette was based around an English Summer garden. We drew on the colours from the rose garden and used a vibrant and joyful palette of ombré pinks. For the ceremony we added in touches of purple too to reflect the backdrop of the stained glass windows.

[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Our Texan couple’s vision for their celebration was clear from the start; they wanted to create a multi-day celebration that seamlessly blended Southern hospitality with enchanting English Cotswold charm. From a Texan welcome dinner to a romantic wedding day amidst English rose gardens, their journey was a captivating fusion of two distinct cultures and styles.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Emily and Matt got engaged in arguably the most romantic city in the world … Paris. They wanted to give their guests a taste of their love for Europe and so they decided that the next chapter of their love story would be held in the enchanting setting of the English Cotswolds.

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

The bride wore a dress by Romona Keveza but to add her own personal style to the gown she embellished it with a giant bow detail to the back. The bow was by Ines di Santo.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The design of the culinary experience was as carefully thought out as the aesthetics of the day. The wedding celebration menu unfolded as a culinary journey that honoured the couple’s Texan roots and embraced the quintessential flavours of the English countryside in Summer.
The welcome dinner menu featured the smoky allure of a Texan BBQ with key dishes such as slow roasted brisket, blackened chicken, ranch style beans, and slaw. Finished with sweet treats like Dr Pepper Cake and Bourbon Banana Pudding. Guests enjoyed the experience of watching their food cooked in front of them by Chefs at BBQ stations. The biggest hit of the night was however the bespoke margarita bar featuring the bride and groom’s favourite signature flavours and salts to garnish.

The wedding day menu was a more formal 3 course dining experience and embraced the English Summer produce found locally. The bride and groom wanted to give their guests a flavour of the English Countryside and as such their menu featured “A Plate from the Garden” which was a locally grown summer salad, and Halibut with New Season Courgette and Jersey Royals. Being a summer wedding it was also the perfect season for English strawberries which the couple made the most of by choosing the Strawberry Bavarois dessert for their guests to enjoy. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]As our couple and their invitees were all travelling in from Texas for the celebration, the bride and groom wanted to make sure their guests felt right at home from the start. The festivities commenced with a Texan BBQ dinner held amidst the lush green gardens of Euridge Manor. They asked us to create an ambiance of understated elegance and relaxed homeliness to welcome their guests. We worked with them to curate an aesthetic that echoed the warmth of a Texan soirée with soft green patterned linen and a floral design that included vibrant yellow roses and bluebonnets in homage to the state flowers of Texas. The effect was a perfectly relaxed welcome party that felt authentic to the couple and allowed guests get to know each other at the start of the weekend of celebrations.

We wanted to take guests on a journey throughout the weekend and as such the styling for the wedding day was elevated to reflect the sense of occasion. The design was a blend of traditional English elegance with modern flair, reflecting the couple’s contemporary style. This was evident in the ceremony design which featured traditional quintessentially English garden flowers but presented in a modern ombré curved wall which embraced the couple during their vows. The juxtaposition of the modern floral design against the old timely romance of the church window ruins behind them formed the perfect backdrop to the ceremony and the blend of old romance and contemporary style that underlined the whole celebration.

To make the most of a perfect English Summer’s night dinner was held within the Rose Arbor. Here bold pink patterned linens added depth to the decor and a modern edge whilst the meandering roses overhead created a whimsical atmosphere reminiscent of a fairytale setting. The enchanted garden aesthetic was continued with the high touch detail added to each place setting in the form of layered butterfly charger plates, hand illustrated placards, and personal menus. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The wedding cake design married contemporary sophistication with elegant garden whimsey. It was a six tier design featuring tiers of varying heights and widths which gave it a modern edge and architectural interest. It was pristine white in colour for a timeless classic style and featured delicate sugar flowers climbing the 6 tiers. The blooms included peonies to reflect the seasonal English garden flowers used throughout the wedding day design. Adding an element of playful whimsy and tying into the dinner design details, butterflies danced around the blooming peonies and appeared to flutter away from the cake. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The bride and groom opted to surprise their guests with a champagne tower on their way into their after party. As dusk fell the bride and groom led their guests to the 6 tier tower of champagne coupes before pouring the bubbles and handing guests a glass to enjoy and get the party started! It was a perfect timeless photo moment amidst the festivities.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]As a fun addition to their after party the bride and groom personalised their signature espresso martini cocktails with printed topper photographs of their much loved dogs! As it was a destination wedding and the dogs couldn’t be included in person this was a fun way to bring them into the day. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Westacott Weddings & Events

View Portfolio

Spring Garden Wedding at Woodbine Mansion

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]White, Cream, Blush, Peach, and Small touches of Lavender [/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Happy, Fun, Whimsical, Garden Party[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]After 4 years and a dog together, Nick began to prepare for the surprise of Chelsea’s life. As she regularly does, Chelsea was planning to meet up with some girl friends for drinks after work over on the Austin’s east side. It was Friday February 25th, 2023, extra memorable because of the record-holding cold temperature that hit Texas that week. After getting dropped off by her Uber at Sekrit Theater, Chelsea turns the corner to hear instrumental music playing and a picture frame with a handwritten love note waiting for her. Turns out, Nick had planned a beautiful three-part proposal with the help of Chelsea’s two best friends. After Chelsea said “YES!!!”, they met their families for an intimate dinner at Juniper followed by a surprise with all of their local Austin friends waiting to celebrate with them at Central Machine Works. [/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Pronovias (Wedding Dress)
Galia Lahav (Reception Dress) [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Esther & Co
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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The Black Tux [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Nick and Chelsea were delighted with their decision to go with SoHo Catering for their wedding! Throughout the reception, many guests raved about the delicious food. The menu included Braised Short Rib, Pecan Crusted Chicken, Green Beans, Mac & Cheese, and a definite crowd-pleaser – the bread rolls! Rebecca from SoHo was a pleasure to work with from beginning to end. The signature drinks were never up for debate as the couple knew what they wanted early on. For Nick, he went with the classic Old Fashioned topped off with a “G” engraved ice cube. Chelsea had to have her favorite espresso martini that flowed through an ice luge, also courtesy of Spectrum Ice. However, the most popular might have been the “Rusty-rita” which was a spicy margarita with a tajin rim complete with a stir stick of their dog Rusty. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Working hand in hand with Simply XO Events during the design process was so much fun. They made everything feel collaborative from talking through the ceremony design, design of the reception in the tent, to even the small details such as the design of the dance floor, lighting, and rented bar. Once the couple booked Heather with Reverie Floristry, they knew they were going to be taken care of. Heather took the design deck from Simply XO Events & brought the color palette to life. She knew which areas were important to the couple, and what mattered vs didn’t matter to them. The bride, Chelsea, had fallen in love with the idea of a tan & white checkered dance floor, which served as the focal point of their mood board early on. The clear-top tent was transformed with luscious white draping, cascading twinkle lights, and clusters of rattan fixtures wrapped in greenery. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The wedding cake selection process was one of the easiest of them all. Immediately upon meeting Brittany from @Morganpearlcakes and describing their vision for the cake, Chelsea and Nick knew they could trust her. Opting for a stunning white 5-tiered cake in a sleek, modern design complete with scalloped detailing, their cake commanded attention as the centerpiece inside of Woodbine Mansion’s cake room. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Upon entering the ceremony, guests were greeted with Champagne & Topo Chico bottles along with the sound of live piano from The Nightowls band. The ceremony began to Nick, the bridal party and family walking down the aisle to the instrumental version of Bruno Mars’, “Marry you”. The bride’s recessional was to a rendition of “Here comes the sun”, a fitting tribute to the delightful April weather that graced their special day. During the ceremony, the couple chose to express their vows to one another, leaving not a single dry eye in the audience. One very special detail to the couple was that the same Pastor who married the bride’s parents was able to marry the two of them, 36 years later. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]There was no shortage of ways Nick & Chelsea incorporated their dog, Rusty, into their wedding details. From his seamless walk down the aisle in his custom tuxedo from @barkandgo, to the hand-painted champagne bottle with his portrait from @petportraitsbycaitlin, and finally cut-out Rusty heads as props in the Mir-Mir photo booth. With him being such a huge part of their lives & love story, Rusty needed his time to shine as well. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]As silver streamers pop around them, Nick and Chelsea departed down the mansion’s steps with The Nightowls second line parade following behind. For their getaway vehicle, the couple rented a gorgeous toffee cream vintage car. In fact, the same car was featured months earlier in their “Save the Date” engagement shoot at their favorite date night spot, Mattie’s. Leaving it’s mark on each stage of their growing love story, but now as husband and wife! [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]As an ode to one of their first dates, the couple had Via313 pizza delivered as their late night snack in order to keep the guests fueled for more time on the dance floor! Our only advice to couples planning would be to order MORE as the pizza was such a hit and went too fast. [/field]
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Your Wedding Day Shot-list Guide to Make Sure Your Photographer Doesn’t Miss A Single Moment

Hiring a photographer to document your wedding is one of the most daunting tasks, and once you’ve found the one–you’re not quite finished yet! An experienced wedding photographer will have a general idea of what shots are expected but the only way to make sure that you are both on the same page is to make a shot-list ahead of time. A shot-list is simply a list of the moments that you want to have documented. It is important to think it through ahead of time because it is easy to overlook things when you’re caught up in all of the festivities on the day-of. Your wedding day flies by in a beautiful blur and you want to make sure you have every special moment captured–here’s our shot-list guide to make sure you don’t miss a single thing!

PHOTOGRAPHY + DESIGN | Dear Lovers

1. Getting-ready Shots

Normally, the thought of having someone document your getting-ready routine would be hair-raising, but on your wedding day, it’s a surprisingly pretty process. To make these moments as photogenic as possible, consider investing in an attractive robe for you and your bridal party or at least requesting that everyone wears matching or coordinating colors.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Mary Claire Photography

Hair and Makeup

Getting your hair and makeup done on your wedding day is a great time to sit back and relax before all of the action. To make yourself more comfortable, you can ask your photographer to wait to start shooting until after you have your base layer of makeup on (foundation and cover-up).

The Zip

Whether you are having your mom do it or one of your bridesmaids, make sure that your photographer captures the moment that you get zipped (buttoned or laced) into your gown. It is a sweet moment and you’ll be glad you have it to look back on.

Candids of Bride(s) and Bridesmaids Getting Ready

Ask your photographer to snag some candids of you and your girls are getting ready and sipping champagne.

Candids of Groom(s) and Groomsmen Getting Ready

Tying ties and clinking crystal glasses make for great candid shots of you and your guys getting ready for your big day!

Putting on the Jacket

Make sure your photographer is there when you’re ready to put on your jacket.

Putting on Shoes

Shoes are usually the last accessory to be donned in your wedding-day ensemble, making that moment the perfect photo-op…bonus points if you’ve got a cute chair to sit in while you do it.

2. Details

You spend so much time and money getting all of the details just right, so make sure you document them!

PHOTOGRAPHY | Sophie Epton Photography

Accessories Bride(s) and Groom(s)

A lot goes into your wedding ensemble; those designer shoes you sprung for, earrings, your grandpa’s heirloom cufflinks–make sure you get detailed photos of them all.

Invitation Suite Flat Lays

Not only is this a great way to remember your anniversary date, but invitation suites make for beautiful photos!

Tablescape

We recommend getting close-ups of the tablescape for your reception before your guests arrive, this way everything is still in the right place. This can be anything from china, to glassware, to floral centerpieces.

Rings

Probably the most important close-up of the day–your rings! We recommend investing in pretty ring boxes that compliment the rest of your wedding decor. Don’t forget to get close-ups of the rings on your hands as well.

Written Vows

If you and your fiancé(e) are writing your own vows, get close-ups of those. Even if your handwriting isn’t the best or you’ve nervously crumpled the paper, that is a memory you’ll want to have down the road.

The Cake

Who doesn’t like a photo of a wedding cake? Get close-ups of that baby from every angle!

Florals

These probably make for the prettiest wedding photos. Remember to have your photographer document all of the florals: the bouquets, the centerpieces, aisle runners, installations, etc.

Escort Card Display

Most couples get creative with their escort cards, so why not document that? It is also a great way to remember all of the guests that came out for your big day!

3. Individual Portraits

It’s easy to remember the group photos, but it’s also important to get individual photos of the Bride(s) and Groom(s) in their ensembles. You also want to get one-on-one photos of the couple with each of the people that mean the most to them.

PHOTOGRAPHY | O’Malley Photographers

One-on-one with all bridal party members

Take a minute to grab a photo with each of the bridal party members on your side. Frame them and send them with your thank you cards to add an extra special touch.

One-on-one with parents

These photos are always some of the most touching! You can pose or keep it candid, it’s up to you.

One-on-one with siblings

This one is easy to overlook, especially if your sibling(s) isn’t getting ready with you. Coordinate with them to come to the room where you are getting ready at a certain time to make sure you don’t miss this photo-op!

One-on-one with grandparents

We can’t stress how important this one is! If you are lucky enough to have one or all of your grandparents at your wedding, make sure you get a photo with them. You will treasure it for the rest of your life and so will they!

Group photo with bridal party

Now that you’ve gotten all of the one-on-one photos out of the way, make sure to get a few group photos with your bridal party. Candids or walking shots are great for these!

4. First Looks

A first look is the first time someone sees you in your wedding outfit and they usually evoke some pretty strong reactions, so make sure you get it on camera! It’s also worth mentioning that these can be quite emotional, so make sure your makeup artist uses waterproof mascara and is on hand for any touch-ups.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Michael and Carina Photography

Bridesmaid’s First Look

The first time your girls see you in your gown is always a sweet moment.

Parents First Look

This can be combined with the zip/jacket moment mentioned above or can be done separately, depending on how you roll, but either way, there’s sure to be a few tears of joy.

Siblings First Look

Having a first look with your siblings is a great way to capture some sweet candids.

Grandparent’s First Look

Your grandparents have been dreaming of this day since the day you were born, so their reaction is sure to bring the waterworks.

THE FIRST LOOK

Some couples do a first look before the ceremony and some are totally against it. If you do decide to do a first look, make sure you have your photographer right there with you to capture both of your reactions.

5. The Venue

Chances are you and your fiancé(e) spent a lot of time selecting the perfect venue for your wedding, make sure to document it!

PHOTOGRAPHY | Luna de Mare Photography

Daytime Outside Shots

Before everyone arrives get some outdoor shots of your venue.

Venue Details

Ask your photographer to get detail shots of the venue like chandeliers, design accents, etc.

The Ceremony Space

Once your ceremony space is set up, ask your photographer to grab some shots before your guests arrive.

The Reception Space

While your guests are enjoying their cocktail hour, your photographer may have time to sneak in and get some nice photos of your reception space.

6. The Ceremony

This is the most critical moment to document, the reason you and your family and friends are all together to celebrate…the ceremony!

PHOTOGRAPHY | Blush Wedding Photography

Live Musicians

If you have live musicians like a band or a string quartet, these make for beautiful photos. Consider talking with them about what to wear to make sure that it is either neutral or coordinates with your wedding dress code.

The Officiant

Whether you are having a religious leader that you grew up with or a friend or family member perform the ceremony, it is important to remember the person that made your vows official.

The Procession

This is the moment when each member of the wedding party walks down the aisle, including the Bride(s) and Groom(s). Ask your photographer to get a separate shot of everyone as they walk down the aisle.

The Reaction

This is by far our favorite wedding moment when you and your fiancé(e) lock eyes for the first time. If you have it in the budget to have two photographers, we definitely recommend it, this way you can capture both of your reactions.

Vows

The moment you recite your vows to each other is a must for your wedding photos!

Rings

Ask your photographer to get a photo of each of you placing the ring on the other’s finger. These photos can be farther away for the ceremony and then you can recreate the moment later for close-ups.

The Kiss

This is probably the most iconic wedding photo you will take, so take your time and make sure you give your photographer a few seconds to snap the winning shot.

The Recessional

It may seem like these photos would be pretty similar to the procession, but they are a totally different vibe and worth getting!

7.Couples Portraits

Most photographers allow about an hour for couples portraits, either before or after the ceremony, depending on whether or not you and your fiancé(e) are planning on doing a first look before the ceremony or not. For these photos, you will likely move to several different locations around your venue while your guests enjoy the cocktail hour. Consider asking a family member or someone in your wedding party to come with you to help hold bouquets, trains, etc. as you two pose for your photos.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Stephanie Gan Photography

8. Cocktail Hour

It’s a nice idea to document the cocktail hour if you have a second photographer. Ask them to get a few photos of the space, any specialty cocktails, and some candids of your guests.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Oliver Fly Photography

9. Reception

Even though the ceremony is over, there are still some must-haves on the shot-list for the reception.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Jen Huang Photography

Wedding Party Entrance

After everyone is in the reception space, ask your photographer to get a photo of everyone in the bridal party as they make their entrance.

The Grand Entrance

Now it’s time for you and your spouse to make your grand entrance. This is always a cute moment so feel free to ham it up a bit. If you decide to do an outfit change, this is a great time to do it so you can show off your second look.

The First Dance

This moment makes for some of the most frameable photos from the entire wedding. It may seem awkward dancing in front of all of your friends and family as your photographer snaps photos of you, but you will be so happy to have this moment to look back on forever.

Dances with Parents

If you and your fiancé(e) are planning on doing Father-daughter or Mother-son dances, ask your photographer to stay and document those. They are special moments that last a lifetime.

Toasts

These sweet moments make for great candid shots of the people that you’re closest to.

Guests with Couple

Ask your photographer to join you and your spouse as you make your rounds to the different tables to greet your guests.

Guests Dancing with Couple

If you’ve booked your photographer to stay through the reception, ask them to join you and your guests on the dancefloor.

Bouquet and Garter Toss

If you and your fiancé(e) are planning on doing the bouquet and garter toss, these moments make for some fun photos.

Cake Cutting

It’s time to cut into that precious pastry and hopefully feed it to each other in a civilized fashion (or not!).

10. The Send-Off

We love send-off photos, especially when the couple goes over the top with fireworks, confetti, or bubbles! If your photographer is still around, ask them to capture this epic moment. If you cannot afford to have your photographer stay until after the reception, consider staging your send off a little earlier in the day…it’s truly a photo worth faking!

PHOTOGRAPHY | Lauren Fair Photography

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Photography

Jen Huang Photography

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Lauren Fair Photography

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A Quintessential Nantucket Wedding in Summertime Blues

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”The Inspiration”]The vision for this full weekend design on Nantucket developed by Keri Ketterer Walter of Always Yours was intentionally intimate, original and evoked a modern take on coastal charm. We balanced Summer-inspired pops of color with a quintessential base palette of blues, greens and whites. For the welcome reception, we focused on highlighting the poolside space of the estate, adding a dash of Slim Aaron’s poolside glamour to keep the vibe energetic and start the weekend with a truly exciting kick-off celebration. We went bolder, brighter and more vibrant with the palette and details, channeling a 60s colorful design from the linens, to the florals and the playful stationery from Gus and Ruby Letterpress.

For the ceremony, this meaningful moment was floral-focused and built into and around the existing gardens and pergola of Green Market. This created a fully immersive and romantic setting that enveloped guests from the first moment of the celebration.

For the reception, we focused on an al fresco intimate dinner with a unique tablescape against the traditional Nantucket shingled homes on the estate. This tablescape was comprised of a dynamic series of round tables featuring various coastal inspired linens from Reverie Social. The place settings were filled with cut crystal glassware from La Affitto felt like an extension of home, alongside the effortless vignettes of stunning florals by J Landry arranged in hand selected vases, rattan vessels and textured candles.
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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Welcome Party:
Pink, Yellow

Wedding:
Blue, green, Lavender
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[field title=”The Venue”]The Green Market Farm is a private estate on Nantucket and was selected for its coastal charm, luxurious finishes, pristine landscaping featuring all-white florals, and variety of spaces for entertaining.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Eva Franco. Chosen for its understated and delicate charm for an at-home wedding.[/field]
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]It was important for florals to elevate each event, while seamlessly complimenting the existing structures and landscaping. Bold hues of pink and yellow were chosen to add elements of surprise and fun to the welcome party. Plush, all-white couches and chairs supplemented the space and created visual connection to the displayed bar backs. In juxtaposition to the prior events, the wedding day florals and decor were delicate shades of blue, green and lavender. For the reception, round tables with varying linens, aligned in alternating directions, created one grand head table. Delicate florals arranged in basket-weave vases and green taper candles acted as a through-line centerpiece.[/field]
[field title=”Favorite Design Element”]The reception table – bringing individual rounds to create one head table was perfect for the intimate setting.[/field]
[field title=”Tips To Pull Off The Look”]Ways to Achieve this Quintessential Coastal Tablescape with a Twist:
This modern yet timeless tablescape can be recreated by combining a classic color palette, sourcing textiles with patterns found in coastal home interiors and adding layers of local garden florals in vases found naturally at home or from the potting shed. Try choosing china, silver and glassware that feels like it has been pulled straight from the cupboards and cabinets – this is one of our favorite ways to give a design that feeling of “home.” And then the final ingredient is the twist, which comes from unique implementation. In this case, we chose round tables instead of long tables to allow us to mix patterns, fabrics, vases, candles and florals, while giving a dynamic shape to a long and intimate table. When creating this look, think of ways you can turn a few classic details on their heads to add that modern twist that will surprise and delight guests.
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Amie Decker Beauty

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A Breathtaking Summer Wedding on the Shores of Lake Como Done In Shades Of Pink

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This stunning editorial by AMV Weddings on the shores of Lake Como was designed to compliment the sheer beauty of the surroundings. The villa’s terraced gardens, adorned with blooming flowers and ancient statues, created an ethereal atmosphere perfect for a breathtaking summer wedding celebration.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]The design featured a palette of pink tones that offered the perfect fusion with the surrounding gardens of the Villa while providing a sense of romance and sophistication. From the invitations to the floral arrangements and fashion, shades of pink were seamlessly integrated into every element of the wedding. The balance of soft and vibrant tones created a harmonious and visually stunning effect.[/field]
[field title=”The Venue”]

Nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Como, Villa Del Balbianello stands as a timeless symbol of romance and elegance. This breathtaking venue offers an atmosphere for enchanting celebrations that are nothing short of a fairytale. Against the backdrop of the serene lake and the lush Italian landscape, the wedding design was curated to complement the natural ambiance of the location.

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The bride wore a beautiful gown by Monique Lhuillier for the ceremony and later changed into a chic fitted look by Berta for the reception portion of the affair.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The couple exchanged their vows in an outdoor ceremony within the iconic Loggia of the Villa overlooking Lake Como. The natural beauty of this space in combination with the lush florals adorning the aisle leading up to the altar, offered an awe-inspiring and dreamlike backdrop.

Following the ceremony, the dinner table was set on the upper terrace of the gardens overlooking the expansive gardens of the property where butterflies casually danced across the tabletop. Rich and abundant florals completed this garden style look with a touch of glamour and luxury.
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[field title=”Favorite Design Element”]

The wedding at Villa Del Balbianello was a celebration of love, surrounded by the timeless beauty of Lake Como. The carefully curated pink color palette added a touch of romance and sophistication to the event, creating an atmosphere that was the perfect blend of vibrant and soft against the stunning backdrop of the villa.

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Kirsten Ann Photography captured every detail of the celebration perfectly, from the design elements to portraits of the stunning couple amidst the sprawling gardens of the property.

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[field title=”DIY Moments”]**PLEASE USE THESE FULL CREDITS FOR INSTAGRAM POSTING**

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AMV Weddings

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A Modern Mountain Wedding in Summer at North Star Gatherings

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]From the bride: “Original colors would’ve been a lot of cream, white & ivory florals with luscious greenery. However, after choosing our venue we added complimentary soft color palette of soft blush, mauve and champagne (with navy accent to complement the grooms tux), to enhance the stunning natural landscape at NSG. We focused all decor into our florals, and our floral proposal from Floral Wild was beyond perfect! When asked wedding colors I would send the floral inspiration. All ladies chose their dresses accordingly and they nailed it, it looked so stunning!”[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]From the bride: “Being in the mountains is a place we enjoy to escape to. The vision was a classic and elegant, modern mountain wedding. We searched and searched for the perfect venue without the rustic Rocky Mountain vibe. As soon as we came across NSG it was stunning and perfect in every way possible. We booked it before even seeing it in person.”[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride adorned a contemporary wedding gown and veil, both elegantly crafted by Anne Barge.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]from the Bride: “For drinks, we added a drink stirrer of our miniature golden doodle, Auggie. Everyone loved having him accessorize their cocktail. It was a fun touch!”[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]From the bride: “The florals were incredible and I loved Adrianna from Floral Wild so much. She was so personable and made our day so special and working with her was lovely.”[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]From the Bride: “One funny note was that our cake didn’t make it to the wedding, but the day was so perfect I hadn’t even noticed until Nick shared with me at dinner.”
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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]From the Bride: The most special part of our day was sincerely being surrounded in a room full of our people. The wedding was a destination for almost everyone, as we are from Saint Louis and married in Colorado. All of our guests made the trip to celebrate our day and we were overwhelmed with love having them with us.
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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]From the Bride: “Our invitations were a standout detail of our day, working with Artfully Overjoyed was a delight as we created a stunning invitation and wedding crest that everyone thought was a perfect detail, as it even captured our yellow boat on the water, one of our favorite past times together.”[/field]
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Alicia Rinka Photography

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Maine Wedding At Inn By The Sea For Two College Sweethearts

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]The wedding palette centered around serene shades of blue, green, and neutral tones, accentuated by the earthy textures of basket weaves and wicker.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Emily and Ted’s wedding exuded an atmosphere of refined simplicity, heavily influenced by New England’s understated elegance and natural grandeur. The celebration was meticulously crafted to incorporate their favorite colors, blues, and greens while showcasing a deep commitment to sustainability. From the farm-to-table cuisine featuring locally sourced native foods to the conscientious planning to encourage sustainable practices, their reverence for the environment was evident in every aspect of the event. Their desire to embark on their joyous journey together while leaving a gentle footprint on the earth shone through.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Emily’s gown was a precious item passed down through generations. Her grandmother and mother wore it on their wedding days, leaving behind a legacy of love and tradition. For Emily, putting on this heirloom piece meant much more than simply wearing a dress. It was a poignant symbol of her family’s deep commitment to timeless elegance. By making subtle changes to the gown, Emily could infuse it with her unique style while preserving its rich heritage.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids wore a rich, deep green hue, artfully chosen to complement the enchanting beauty of the surrounding natural scenery.[/field]
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Emily and Ted ensured that their wedding guests had a wide range of food options that showcased Maine’s flavors. They included vegan options as well as seafood that was underutilized and sustainably sourced from the Gulf of Maine. Most of the ingredients used in the food were grown on-site or sourced locally.

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Beach Plum Floral created stunning wedding florals with a color scheme inspired by shades of blue and green. All flowers were sourced sustainably from local sources, and natural textures were incorporated into the arrangements. The florals were designed without foam or plastic mechanics and included various plants and herbs that could be planted after the wedding, creating a lifelong memory of the special day. The bride was committed to having an eco-friendly wedding, making the use of sustainable materials a crucial element in the floral design. The Sperry sailcloth tent created an enchanting ambiance, elevated by the exquisite embroidered linens from Stradley Davidson Linen Collective, which added a touch of elegance and sophistication to the space. The tabletop rentals from Peak Event Services seamlessly integrated into the overall design scheme, while bespoke paper goods from Ivory Isle Designs incorporated the intricate embroidered pattern from the linens into their paper designs. Peak Event Services added to the atmosphere by providing a new bar and back bar in a coordinating sage green tone, which served as a captivating focal point within the tent. The harmonious blend of linens and rentals transformed the tent into a captivating haven, where guests could revel in the beauty of their surroundings while enjoying the festivities of the celebration.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]They chose a seasonal, local flavor for their wedding cake – spice cake with maple cream cheese icing – adorned with florals matching the rest of the design.[/field]
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Nestled along the picturesque coastline of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, the Inn By The Sea was the perfect venue for the wedding of Emily and Ted. The couple had first met as college sweethearts at Colby College in Maine and they wanted to return to where their love story began, surrounded by their closest loved ones. With meticulous attention to detail, the talented team at Kate Murtaugh Events & Design flawlessly orchestrated their fall wedding, resulting in a breathtaking celebration that will be cherished for years to come.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

When Emily and Ted started planning their wedding, they were determined to make sustainability and eco-consciousness their top priorities. They wanted to ensure that their celebration aligned with their values of conservation and responsible consumption. They carefully selected locally sourced and seasonal flowers and plants and selected decorations crafted from recycled materials. They also made a conscious effort to minimize the use of single-use plastics. Choosing Inn By The Sea as their venue was an obvious choice due to the hotel’s commitment to blending luxury and service with environmental preservation. Emily and Ted were inspired by the hotel’s mission to minimize its ecological impact and appreciated its dedication to using local resources. The hotel’s commitment to sustainability wasn’t just limited to its mission statement. Its culinary offerings and indigenous gardens further supported Emily and Ted’s eco-friendly endeavor by providing locally sourced food and fostering wildlife habitats. By choosing Inn By The Sea, Emily, and Ted were able to not only enjoy their special day in a beautiful setting but also reflect their deep respect for the planet and its resources.

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The wedding ceremony took place on the main lawn of the Inn By The Sea, which provided breathtaking views of Cape Elizabeth. The designers aimed to create a space that seamlessly blended with the surrounding conservation lands to ensure that the natural beauty of the area remained the focal point. Beach Plum Floral created a beautiful ground arch using a collection of baskets and vessels, arranged in an artful manner to embrace the couple as they exchanged their vows. This thoughtful design framed the ceremony space and blended effortlessly with the surrounding landscape, enhancing its beauty instead of detracting from it. In a display of sustainability and creativity, these pieces were repurposed later in the evening in front of the band, serving as a charming backdrop that echoed the natural elegance of the ceremony. This seamless integration of design elements added a touch of whimsy and continuity to the celebration, further enhancing the enchanting ambiance of the occasion.

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