I’ve lived in Las Vegas for almost nine years now, and never once have I met a handsome stranger at Emeril’s sports bar, totally hit it off and fell in love by the end of the night. I guess that’s the kind of event that happens for a perfectly matched duo like these sweeties, a twosome that you can just tell is meant.to.be. Their story is EPIC… and their wedding planned by SPARK Event Consulting? Just as amazing as you think it would be. See it all captured by John & Joseph Photography in the full gallery.
From SPARK Event Consulting… Planning sessions preparing for Whitney and Greg’s wedding would typically result in my cheeks hurting and stomach aching from laughing so much after spending time together! It was the same great energy that made Whitney and Greg such an amazing couple and an obvious favorite amongst their friends and peers as displayed in the outpouring of love on their wedding day, celebrating the new Mr. and Mrs. Peyser! It was beyond my pleasure to be a part of their wedding experience and a privilege to share their story.
The bride comes from a small farming town at the southernmost end of California, while our groom grew up clear across the country in a little north shore enclave in New York. And yet, they were destined to meet one fateful March Madness weekend in the loud and busy city of Las Vegas.
For their wedding day, the couple wanted it to feel like their relationship: romantic, fun and filled with love. They chose La Costa Resort in Carlsbad and while a large resort, fell in love with an intimate lawn location with a bright bougainvillea arch and large trees with beautiful, draping branches for their ceremony. They wanted this space to look natural, simply enhancing the existing setting. Flowers ~ Annette Gomez perfectly interpreted their wishes by lining the aisle with small and large ivy topiaries and lush ficus trees mixed with blooming bougainvillea that “naturally” enhanced the open space. Rustic Spanish style lanterns also accented the aisle and hung from garlands of ivy from the tree branches. To the existing bougainvillea arch, additional blooms, topiaries, and trees, as well as warm candlelight from the lanterns were added to frame the couple at the altar. The sentimental ceremony included readings by their soon-to- be brother-in-law and Whitney’s longtime family friend marrying them.
As a tribute to Whitney’s farming hometown and Greg’s new business venture, sprigs of lavender were used to elegantly accent the flutes of champagne welcoming guests to the cocktail reception, overlooking La Costa’s expansive golf course. Inside the ballroom, dining tables displayed a mixture of tall centerpieces in gorgeous cut-crystal vases and elegant candelabras and low silver mercury footed pedestals. Artfully composed by The Vines Leaf, arrangements were filled with all of the bride’s favorites, including dreamy Juliet garden roses, full-sized blush Café au Lait dahlias and draping ivory tulips. And LOTS and LOTS of warm candlelight romantically illuminating the ballroom. Large French doors to the side of the room led to a sprawling terrace and a lounge setup of tufted and mirrored furniture, also highlighted by candlelight and soft lighting. Just as impressive as the room décor was the amazing wedding cake from Filigree Cakes, which our groom and his sweet tooth were MOST anxious to enjoy! Tiers of vanilla cake, Bavarian cream and fresh berries and decadent chocolate cake filled with layers of chocolate hazelnut were complemented with fresh flowers, pearl accents and the couple’s monogram. And symbolically tying all the details together were the toasting glasses from Whitney’s parents’ wedding, displayed by the bride and groom.
The evening began with our father of the bride giving an emotionally touching speech, reflecting on special father-daughter moments he and Whitney shared together and also warmly welcoming Greg into the family. Following suit, our maid-of-honor cleverly recounted many of the youthful adventures she and Whitney shared, including the fateful trip to Las Vegas where the bride and groom first met. And not to be outdone, Greg’s brothers and co-best men thoroughly entertained and simultaneously humiliated their middle brother by reading entries from a journal Greg kept as a child, while in the end, concluding their speeches with heartfelt words exhibiting the deep bond and connection the three brothers shared. The remainder of the evening was all about dancing and celebrating. Even with many guests having to board planes in a few hours to return to the east coast, the incredible 16-piece band from Wayne Foster Entertainment kept the dance-floor packed and by the designated end time, guests were repeatedly chanting “ONE MORE SONG,” refusing to call it a night!
From the Bride… What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas… right? Not in this case. I was in town with a friend wanting to watch March Madness at a low key spot ,while Greg, in from NYC, shared the same idea. We both landed at Emeril Lagasse’s sports bar, and as the famous chef would say: “BAM!” Sparks flew and Greg ended up on one knee and offered me a ring made from a cocktail straw promising eternity – it was truly love at first sight! Just seven months after Greg had proposed with a cocktail straw ring, and coordinating dates all over the country from Austin, NYC, San Diego, Park City, Seattle, and a 2,980 mile road trip, Greg officially made the move to Southern California and this time proposed to me with the real thing.
The day was EVERYTHING we had hoped for… Love filled our hearts, romance filled the air and we had so much FUN until the early hours of the morning! We are forever grateful to Sin City!
Photographer: John & Joseph Photography Inc. | Event Planning: SPARK Event Consulting | Wedding Cake: Filigree Cakes | Bridesmaids Dresses: Dessy Collection By Vivian Diamond | Lighting: G2 Audio and Lighting | Band & Ceremony Music: Wayne Foster Music & Entertainment | Bridal Boutique: Mary Me Bridal | Bridal Gown: Allure Bridal | Bridal Stylist: Hope Stanley | Ceremony & Reception: Omni La Costa Resort & Spa | Ceremony Decor: Flowers Annette Gomez | Chair Rentals: Chiavari Chair Rentals | Event Stationery: Cherish Paperie | Invitation Design: Checkerboards | Invitation Retailer: Paper Paper | Invitation Retailer: Paper Paper | Linen Rentals: Wildflower Linen | Reception Decor: The Vines Leaf