The Bride’s Monique Lhullier Tuileries Gown Set the Tone for This “Bridgerton-Esque” Garden Wedding

Lauren Megerdichian
August 12, 2022
Categories: Real Weddings, Romantic, The Blog

Whimsy with a touch of Bridgerton! Monique Lhuiller’s iconic Tuileries gown set the tone for Chelsea & Max’s ultra-romantic day at The Ringling Museum. With the creativity of NK Weddings, this sunny day in Sarasota, Florida was blooming with florals by Botanica Design Studio. The Ringling Courtyard became a fantasyland of chandeliers, maximalist floral arrangements, and romantic linens & drapery. The beauty of this day would be enough to capture the fancy of the Duke and Duchess themselves! Bask in the grandeur in the full gallery by Hunter Ryan and in the video by Baby Blue Film.

From The Bride… Max and I both grew up in Sarasota, Florida. We met in middle school at Pine View and have been by each other’s side ever since. Sarasota is very special to us and we try to travel back as much as we can (currently reside in San Francisco). We knew we wanted to have the wedding in our hometown to share our little piece of heaven with our family and friends. The Ringling was a no-brainer for us – it felt like you were in another country but rich with old Florida history. The Ca’d Zan, where we held the ceremony, provided a Florida waterfront atmosphere with sailboats in the distance, dolphins jumping, and a spectacular sunset as we said our vows. The guests took a 1 min trolley ride to The Ringling Courtyard for a walk through the art museum that led to the most breathtaking view of the reception. The courtyard is gorgeous as is but our wedding vendors truly took it to the next level – the lighting, flowers, tablescapes, live music.. it was magical!

The most meaningful parts of the wedding were from the family…

– we surprised guests with having the father of the bride officiate the wedding – it was a secret until it happened!

– the mother’s of the bride & groom gifted each guest with a hand painted oyster shell ornament – the oyster shells were collected from the beach behind the groom’s house! the bride and groom collect ornaments from every place they travel and wanted to share that tradition with friends and family.

– the mother of the bride made the cake topper – miniatures of the bride and groom – with the bride’s dress the Ca d’Zan floor, the bouquet and all!

– the bride’s uncle played the sax and a musician played the bride’s grandmother’s violin when the bride walked down the aisle

– the bride’s aunt made the bridal party’s flowers

– the most special gift of all was the wagon built by the bride’s father. during the ceremony we had a bunch of little ones walk down as flower girls, ring bearer, page boys. it was a complete surprise for everyone – including the bride and groom – when the ring bearer walked down pulling a wagon in the shape of a boat with the littlest flower girl riding inside. the wagon was then put on display in the reception and surprised guests that it had a dual purpose – it was a baby cradle for when the bride and groom have their first child! the bottom of the wagon also transformed into a custom coffee table! needless to say the bride was in tears as soon as she saw the incredibly special gift!

From the Photographer… Inspired by the romantic secret garden feel of her Monique Lhullier Tuileries gown, this wedding design by Botanica Design Studio and NK Weddings channeled all the “Bridgerton-esque” royal vibes in the courtyard of The Ringling Museum.

The brides stunning flowy gown took center stage as the couple said “I do” at sunset overlooking the Sarasota waterfront. They chose their destination wedding back in their hometown of Sarasota because it’s where they fell in love as “middle school sweethearts,” and have been together ever since. “We knew we wanted to have the wedding in our hometown to share our little piece of heaven with our family and friends. The Ringling was a no-brainer for us – it felt like you were in another country but rich with old Florida history. The Ca’d Zan, where we held the ceremony, provided a Florida waterfront atmosphere with sailboats in the distance, dolphins jumping, and a spectacular sunset as we said our vows. The guests took a 1 min trolley ride to The Ringling Courtyard for a walk through the art museum that led to the most breathtaking view of the reception. The courtyard is gorgeous as is but our wedding vendors truly took it to the next level – the lighting, flowers, tablescapes, live music.. it was magical!”

Off-setting the soft pinks of the Ringling courtyard’s loggia, the pastel-filled tables with romantic florals, curated vintage china, and pastel stemware completed the royal Bridgerton garden vibes. Tables perfectly suited for a Duke and Duchess.

When I first saw the monique lhuillier tuileries wedding dress I was in love – it had all the characteristics I was looking for with the dramatic cathedral length train, unique accent sleeves, conservative yet flirty cut lines. I had always imagined myself in a classic white wedding dress though. When I found out the tuileries gown could also be made in all white – I immediately made an appointment to try both options on. There was something so special about the floral design that made me feel both comfortable and confident at the same time. I knew it wasn’t the traditional look but it felt like me. I am so unbelievably happy I chose this dress. If I could, I would wear it every day!

When it came to the design – the dress really did set the tone. We ran with the elegant garden vibes which were carried throughout the flowers, tablescapes, and overall decor. The Ringling Courtyard was transformed into a magical, whimsical atmosphere covered in chandeliers, over the top flower arrangements that tied to the colors of the dress, floral china patterns, romantic table linens and drapery. It was perfect.