They say when you find the one, you just know. And, yes, I am talking about the dress. THE dress you’ll wear to marry the love of your life on one of the most important days you’ll ever have. And for this drop-dead gorgeous (+ amazingly beautiful) bride, it wasn’t the dress she expected to fall for, but this White by Vera Wang gown was most definitely made for her AND for her intimate seaside affair with her dashing beau. Together they make one VERY stunning duo… and the images of the day captured by Sophan Theam Photography? Serious eye candy. See them all here.
From the Bride… Let’s just say I had no idea what I was doing — but I knew we couldn’t spend a ton of money on our wedding. I had no idea what I wanted, but I surely could tell you what I didn’t want. I knew that I wanted it to be different. Not different like “that’s weird,” but different like “I should’ve thought of that.” Regular wedding chairs were unacceptable. Suits, unacceptable. A white dress — who does that!? We both wanted an outdoor wedding. As opposed to buying decorations, it seemed logical to go to a place where we could take advantage of nature’s beauty. And the wedding had to be SUPER small. Neither of us wanted the attention of 200 or so people on our day. We wanted our families to really get to know each other. So, needless to say, we went from having our wedding on a mountain top, to under a waterfall, to near a lighthouse, and then on a beach — but we never imagined a private beach.
I knew that the two most important things to me were my dress and the pictures. We could’ve eaten at Waffle House for all I cared. So I knew where I could slash the budget and where I was going to splurge. I created all of my paper items. I am a total DIY freak, and that stuff was right up my alley. My programs, wedding invitations and menus were all inspired by items I saw online. Let me say, I NEVER wanted a princess-style dress. Not me! No how! I went on my first trip for a dress and tried on every trumpet and mermaid-style dress the store had. I hated them! Someone suggested that I try on another style, and it just so happened to be this dress in blush. I was floored. After that, my entire wedding centered around THAT dress. I have to admit, originally I was in denial (and a little upset) that I even liked it — I had my heart set on a mermaid dress at the time.
The wedding day did NOT turn out exactly the way I wanted it. I was surprised at the level of chaos and confusion that occurred (even when there were only 14 people there!). However, the ceremony went off without a hitch. Both of us “wrote” (really, made-up on the spot) our own vows, and it was over WAY too fast. The reception took place on the beach as well. It was nice to have everyone seated at the table by the beach — the atmosphere was exactly what we wanted. All in all, I am happy with the way it went. Our families had a great time, we didn’t break the bank, my dress hit the spot, and the pictures are gorgeous! I couldn’t ask for more.
Wedding Photography: Sophan Theam Photography / Wedding Venue: Extreme Polynesian Beach House in Jewfish Key, Florida / Officiant: Reverend Frank McGrath / Wedding Cake: Publix / Violinist: Anton Cutajar / DJ: DJ Thomas / Wedding Dress: White by Vera Wang