You know it’s going to be good when you immediately recognize the special couple; how could you forget an engagement as fab as this one? But the wedding? Even better. Once again captured by Love & Light Photographs and per usual, her pics are pure beauty. From the gorgeous Bride in her gown from Gabriella’s Bridal Salon to a reception that’s as chic and personal as can be, it’s an absolute delight. Between Sleep and Awake filmed it all live – see it below and more in our Vault right this way!
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From the Bride… What was most important to Mike and I was that everyone we loved and cared about was there to celebrate with us so we wanted to keep it local. We aren’t very traditional and knew that we weren’t going to get married in a typical wedding venue. We attended a black tie fundraiser at Stillwell Stables three years prior to our wedding and we both knew immediately we wanted to be married there. Once we got permission from a dear family friend, we started planning. First on that list was hiring a wedding planner. Paige of Gilded Lily Events was a lifesaver. We needed to bring every single thing in to bring our wedding to life and without her I don’t think that would have been possible.
For the overall design choice, we envisioned a soft romantic outdoor theme. We were planning to enjoy the natural beauty of the farm as our backdrop for the ceremony. However, Mother Nature wasn’t on our side and the day before our wedding we decided to tent the entire ceremony space. Ironically, our favorite part of the day was as we said our vows, you could hear the tiniest rain drops hit the sail cloth tent amongst our vows and the string quartet. It was absolutely the most romantic and memorable experience of the day.
Our wedding colors were blush, copper, navy blue and white Carrara marble. For cocktail hour, we wanted to create a lounge yet party like vibe. The sailcloth tent had a large black round bar in the center of it where our signature drinks were served; his & hers mules. Our escort cards doubled as favors and everyone loved their copper Moscow mule cups. The ceiling of the tent was something out of a dream. There was bistro lights intertwined with fabric swags and geometric lighting above the bar. Each part of our wedding day had its own theme/vibe and I wouldn’t have changed one thing!
Our vision for the wedding was black tie meets rustic. The barn itself was a stunning active riding arena that we transformed with floor to ceiling draping and hanging florals. Mike’s one suggestion was to have our photo booth in one of the horse stalls inside the barn. We used old white doors, greenery and a laser cut calligraphy sign with our new name and hashtag, “The Oppelts”. We didn’t want any props in the photo booth except extra-large photos of our two fur babies, Pearl and Reese.
Advice for future brides: 1. Enjoy every single moment of the day whether good or bad. There will be imperfections and hiccups that will not go accordingly; just laugh about it and live in the moment. As we cut our cake, the knife broke and sliced Mike’s hand open, all we could do is laugh and make the best of it! 2. Try to take at least five minutes and go somewhere private with your new husband. Whether it be the bridal suite or just stepping away outside. Take this moment to enjoy each other alone without all the excitement. You will thank me later! Your wedding day is about the new life you are creating with your soulmate and everything else doesn’t matter.
From the Planner, Gilded Lily Events… Nicole and Mike were fortunate enough to be able to host their wedding at Stillwell Stables, however it is not your typical wedding venue. In fact, they very rarely host weddings at this venue so it was quite an undertaking. The horses in the stable had to be relocated, the barn needed to be fully floored, luxurious draping suspended, and the crystal chandeliers hung and lit. All of this was orchestrated to transform this riding arena into the black tie elegant affair that it was. Their wedding vision was inspired very much by their own personal style. Being that this was a riding barn, Nicole and Mike wanted to elevate the space using premium flowers, elegant linens, marble and copper accents and a soft, neutral palette. The barn was completed transformed and the guests couldn’t believe their eyes. Although the sight was stunning, guests were entertained the entire night by the incredibly engaging and energetic Hank Lane band. I don’t think I have ever seen a dance floor so packed.
Nicole and Mike had a very intimate tented ceremony with the soft sounds of raindrops falling while they said their vows. Followed by a gorgeous cocktail hour with a 16 ft bar that encircled the tent and Moscow Mule cups for every guest. It was truly a celebration not to be missed.
Photography: Jessa Schifilliti, Photographer | Cinematography: Between Sleep and Awake | Event Planning + Design: Gilded Lily Events | Floral Design: Blade Floral and Event Designs | Wedding Dress: Reem Acra | Cake: The Vintage Cake | Shoes: Givenchy | Jewelry: Leonardo Jewellers | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Joanna August | Catering: Brennans | Makeup: Make Me Up Eva | Hair: Beautiful Hair by Heather Turner | Band: Hank Lane Music | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Venue: Hale Koa phineas Estate | Bar + Linen Rentals: Paul David Partywares | Bridal Boutique: Gabriella New York Bridal Salon | Bride's Makeup: Sara Talias | Draping: Drape Kings | Laser Cut Signage: Ever Laser | Paper + Calligraphy: Moira Ink | Photo Booth: Premier Event Rentals | Rentals: Party Rental LTD | Rolls Royce Rental: Concorde Worldwide | Tents, Flooring + Lighting: Sperry Tents | The Color Condition Cocktail Hour Swag: Patina | Vintage + Specialty Rentals: Dovetail Vintage Rentals | Welcome Boxes: That's Darlin'