[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]The soft color palette featured white and creams with light blue, gold, and white-washed wooden accents.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]This botanical-inspired wedding, planned by Dream A Little Dream Events was set in the San Francisco Ferry Building. The iconic clock tower and Beaux Arts architecture was a grand backdrop to the dreamy, spring design.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]From the bride: It was a COVID proposal – everything had shut down right before the holidays in California, but Chance and I had already booked a weekend in Santa Barbara months prior. I asked a couple times if we should cancel since EVERYTHING would be closed, but he said it would still be a welcome break from being cooped up in our apartment. After dinner in our hotel room, he told me he had an “early Christmas present” for me to open. I LOVE my ring. Chance designed it for me in the LA jewelry district. It is a pear-shaped solitaire diamond with a gold band, a very beautiful shape and setting. It feels unique, yet timeless.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride was radiant in her Eden gown from Adam Zohar’s Lago Collection. The gown featured a beaded applique and 3D flowers on top with a flowy soft tulle bottom, the perfect combination for a boho glam ball gown. The delicate floral details were harmonious with the spring theme.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Bridesmaids wore a mix of Jenny Yoo styles in Whisper Blue.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groom and groomsmen were dressed in classic black tie with tuxes rented from The Black Tux.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The delicious menu created by Global Gourmet Catering featured California farm to table ingredients. Guests started with a delicious strawberry burrata salad with pine nuts and balsamic-rosemary vinaigrette. Entrees included coconut poached king salmon with spring peas and thai curried broth, along with a cabernet-braised short rib and mushroom risotto with duck egg, crispy kale and pecorino.

Specialty cocktails included a Negroni and a “Twisted Paloma” with tequila, ruby red grapefruit juice, Cointreau, a pinch of salt and cayenne pepper for some heat.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Delicate florals designed by Golden Fields Floristry featured the best of spring’s bounty. Single-element bridesmaid posies included astilbe, sweet peas, tweedia, and alstroemeria. The bridal bouquet brought all elements together, along with a dogwood, a spring favorite.

The long dining tables were adorned with soft blue Sublime Ocean linens from Napa Valley Linens. Theoni Collection Olivier chargers with matte gold leaves, and gold foil accents on the menus and table numbers printed by Minted, brought the whimsical vine motif together. Centerpieces set in white ceramic compotes featured a mix of ranunculus, hellebores, foxglove along with delicate ferns and meandering vines. Ivory and taupe taper candles in hurricanes, along with sweet votive candles, gave a warm, romantic glow to the tables.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]One of the bride’s fondest memories as a child was a grand cupcake display at her aunt’s wedding. Shannon wanted to re-imagine this for her own wedding. It was also very important for the couple that their family contribute their creative talents to the wedding design. The groom’s father custom built a large, white wooden cupcake tower display, which was decorated with loose white blooms and delicate greenery. Delicious cupcakes came from Sift, a local San Francisco bakery.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]As the dancing party kicked off, a fire alarm caused the party to temporarily evacuate the building. Once determined that it was false alarm, DJCAMS ignited the party once again with the apropos song “Disco Inferno” by The Trammps. Guests belted “Burn baby burn” while dancing the rest of the night away. It truly was a celebration to remember![/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″][/field]
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Photography: Meg Messina Photography | Cinematography: Silver Tie Films | Event Planning: Dream A Little Dream Events | Floral Design: Golden Fields Floristry | Ceremony Venue: Sts. Peter And Paul Church | Reception Venue: San Francisco Ferry Building | Catering: Global Gourmet Catering | Entertainment: Synchronicity Strings | DJ: DJ CAMS | Beauty: Artists by Sherrie Long | Rentals & Decor: Standard Party Rentals | Rentals & Decor: Theoni Collection | Rentals & Decor: Got Light

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Rust, burnt orange, beige, soft mustard, cream, off-white[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Melding two design aesthetics into one unique wedding is always exciting! The combination of “elegant boho garden” and “summer festival” allowed a lot of opportunities for some fun elements while still making sure it was elevated! The playfulness came from fun fonts and shapes in the stationery and rich green and dried ferns with an abundance of colorful blooms for a lush garden feel. The combination of moody warm tones with lighter neutrals was a fresh take on this popular color palette. Texture played a large role in this wedding design as well with woven mats to anchor the place settings, wood and linened tables, modern gold flatware, patterned napkins, a fringed macrame chandelier for the sweetheart cabana. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]From the Bride: We met back in high and dated for a little bit. We ended up going our separate ways for college and had no communication. He added me on social media after college and I DM’d him on instagram and we started dating again. We dated for 5 years.

He took me to Palm Springs for the weekend. We went to the tramway in Palm Springs all the way up the mountain and from there we walked around a little. We were walking around the forest and then came up to an area where there were roses on the floor leading up to a bridge with flowers on each side. He walked me to the bridge and got down on one knee and asked me. When I said yes the photographers came out and then we did our engagement shoot there. It was amazing. [/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The gown designer was Calla Blanche – flirty, romantic and chic and the perfect style for the event aesthetic.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Allyson was very intentional with the bridesmaid dress colors. She wanted to keep with the elevated boho feel in the varied colors to compliment the florals, and she also wanted soft flowy fabric, perfect for a summer wedding. The dresses were from Azazie.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The Groom’s burgundy tux was from The Black Tux.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]They had a farm-to-table dinner complete with herbs and greens from the resort’s garden. They each offered signature cocktails to their guests with a fabric banner hung above the bar; hers being a Tequila Mule and his being a classic Old Fashioned.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]We wanted the blooms to feel warm, summery and lush to align with the boho garden vision. Lots of fluffy texture and a wild-picked look were at the forefront of the design.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The cake carried the design aesthetic through as well with a neutral, textured base and hand-made wafer flowers to add romantic softness To ensure it created a statement, we lined the base of the table with more blooms to frame the cake[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]You wouldn’t know it by the photos but it was 105 that day so the vendor team worked together to keep everyone safe, cool, and hydrated as much as possible. We actually had a stand-alone restroom at the venue that was very well air-conditioned (thank goodness) so we were able to cool the bride down inside that for a bit for her hairstyle change and before grand entrance.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
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[iframe https://www.youtube.com/embed/rq9inl15fZE 600 338]

Photography: Allie Lindsey Photography | Cinematography: Amari Productions | Event Design: Michelle Garibay Events | Event Planning: Michelle Garibay Events | Floral Design: Soiree Floral Design | Cake: Laura Marie Cakes | Invitations: Something Lettered Designs | DJ: C Squared Events | Beauty: Jay Kay Braids | Beauty: Makeup By Cris | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Temecula Creek Inn | Photo Booth: Lauren of Everly by MGE | Rentals: Folklore Vintage Rentals | Rentals: Catalog Atelier

By the time the rehearsal dinner rolls around, after months and months (and sometimes years!) of planning, the countdown is on. Out of town guest have arrived and settled in, friends and family wait with baited breath to officially begin the celebration of your tying the knot. While rehearsal dinners have traditionally been pretty predictable–a more formal affair the night before, regardless of the style or feel of your actual wedding day–they can occasionally, dare we say, give the party at the reception a run for its money. With more and more couples infusing every single element of their nuptials with their personality, we’ve rounded up some fresh, inventive ways to kick off the weekend festivities with the ultimate rehearsal dinner.

Photography by This Modern Romance | Florals by Wild Club Design

1. Serve feel-good food

If you’re a foodie, opt for a killer menu featuring all your faves. Have your favorite restaurant be the star of the show for dinner or dessert (or both), and make a presentation out of each and every dish. Pay homage to a dish you and your future spouse shared on a first date for the ultimate sentimental move, introduce rehearsal dinner guests to dishes you can’t live without, or let the entire menu consist of bite-sized morsels for dinner with an epic dessert to end the night with. Bite into the groom’s cake early to guarantee everyone gets a little slice of heaven before the next day’s reception festivities!

Photography by Koman Photography

2. Host a rehearsal brunch

Kick off the wedding festivities with a rehearsal brunch! Even if your rehearsal won’t take place until later in the day, breaking bread with your nearest and dearest over a breakfast or brunch spread might give you a little extra cushion time the night before the big day, guaranteeing you’ll at least have the opportunity to call it a night early and catch some extra zzz’s.

Photography by Erich McVey | Linens by La Tavola Fine Linen Rental | Design by French Kiss Events | Stationery by La Happy

3. Entertain yourselves

Save the band and the DJ for the big day, and let your friends and family hear your vocal chops–and show off their own. Load the karaoke playlist with all the hits, and be sure to add a tune or two that’s perfect for a duet or trio, something that’s sure to emerge once the music’s started and your bridal party gets in on the action!

Photography by This Modern Romance | Rentals by Elan Event Rentals

4. Pick a location with a story

We love when things get personal: why not give guests a unique perspective of your love story with a rehearsal dinner ripe with meaning? Maybe the site of your proposal or the restaurant you hit on your second date are the perfect spots to welcome guests to.

Photography by Oliver Fly Photography

5. Go with a theme

Go all out with everything from decor to the menu; make it a fiesta, or a seaside clambake, or a country-themed hoedown that calls for cowboy hats and spurs. It might be night and day different from the design of your wedding the next day, but take the theme and run with it!

Photography by Rebecca Yale Photography

6. Make it a costume party

Everyone loves a chance to dress in costume, and that’s a fact! Give your guests a chance to spend the rehearsal dinner in character for a few hours; choose a theme that’s easy for everyone–like your favorite decade–or assign your guest (and their plus one) a character that might perfect for them. Make sure you hire a photographer willing to capture the night before…chances are you’ll want to remember everyone’s creativity in years to come!

Photography by Greg Finck Photography | Dress by Gössl | Headpiece by Miss Lillys Hats

7. Give guests a taste of the town

Have a large percentage of your guest list traveling near and far to make it to your celebration? Show off the city of your nuptials the best way you can, by selecting a rehearsal dinner venue that’s either a key to the city, talk of the town, or showcases all the best things about where you’ve gathered. Consider the hidden gems that only locals know about, and treat your guests to what feels like a best kept secret.

Photography by Lacie Hansen | Venue: San Francisco Ferry Building

8. Head to a unique location

Turn tradition on its head and host a rehearsal dinner somewhere completely unconventional: maybe at a bowling alley to keep things light-hearted and fun or even host a ‘field day’ for friends and family at the park with a casual barbeque dinner. Rent out one theater at the movies and treat everyone to all the movie snacks their hearts can stand–and see if management will let you stay a little longer after flick is over to so you can turn the lights up and make time for speeches. Guests will love the idea of getting to do something out of the ordinary as part of your weekend celebration.

Photography by Jose Villa Photography

9. Pick a place with a killer view

On the beach, at the dock, or tucked away in a mountainside hideaway, a stunning location can serve as the perfect backdrop. With an unbeatable view, the rest of the details, from tablescapes to food to music, will lend themselves to an unforgettable experience that you’ve offered guests, and perhaps even hint at what’s the come the next day as you say “I do.”

Photography by Katie Grant Photography

10. Hold an official game night

If you’ve got a competitive streak, or perhaps want to provide a more relaxed, casual environment, providing games are the perfect way for guests to have fun, but also get to know each other, as members of both sides of the family might want the opportunity to not only catch up, but embrace new members too. You are, afterall, joining two families together, and they’re there to celebrate it! Lawn games are always a hit, as croquet or lawn chess or even jenga are universal games that pass time for young and old alike. But step it up a notch by perhaps dividing into teams for a classic round of charades or the like, and offering a great first place prize–like being served dessert first!

Photography by O’Malley Photographers

Francesca Barger is a wedding enthusiast and the founder and CEO of First Vangarde, the first management group facilitating the representation and management of talent within the bridal industry. Based in the Midwest, she’s worked with companies coast to coast, elevating the careers of a robust portfolio of artists through a commitment to the championing and celebration of their creative talent.

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

The wedding colors were pink, blue and white with touches of gold.

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

The two words I kept returning to, to describe my wedding vision were romantic and elegant. I wanted a classic Southern wedding with a few unique, modern elements. The wedding was formal, but it was important to us that the flow of the night created a warm and relaxed feel for our guests.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Warren and I visited NYC (his first time!) last April, and on the first morning in the city, he got down on one knee in the middle of the mall in Central Park. The combination of him being extremely relaxed, and me thinking a proposal would be coming later in the year, was truly the best surprise! It proceeded to rain the entire day, but we were lucky to have the sun shining and see the cherry blossoms that morning. We spend the rest of the weekend celebrating in the city and will remember that trip forever!!

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

Monique Lhuillier has always been my favorite wedding dress designer due to her signature feminine, romantic lace gowns. I went to several different boutiques but found my dress at the Neiman Marcus Bridal Salon in downtown Dallas. After trying on many dresses that weren’t the one, I thought we would leave the salon empty-handed until my amazing consultant brought in a sample from Monique Lhuillier that she thought matched my vision. Before I even tried it on, I thought it was the most beautiful gown I had ever seen. The dress has layers and layers of lace paired with a corset top, low back and subtle shimmer. A few months before the wedding, I decided that I wanted to get a reception dress that was a bit more modern and that contrasted the classic ballgown style of my first dress. I have always loved the signature bow dresses from designer Alexia Maria and thought the Margaret Gown perfectly fit my vision for a second dress! It was so much fun wearing that dress; I never wanted to take it off!

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

I have always wanted blue bridesmaids dresses, and Bella Bridesmaids has the perfect icy, satin, pale blue fabric. The dress I chose is a trumpet style with a square neckline and slit — all of my girls looked incredible in it, and I’m so happy with our choice!

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

The groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos with bowties and suspenders from The Black Tux.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

We stuck with the Southern vibe when it came to food. Hors d’oeuvres included bacon-wrapped chicken, brie in mini Filo cups, and filet mignon crostini. Dinner was a wedge salad paired with a delicious pecan-crusted chicken with mashed potatoes and haricots verts. One of the night’s highlights was having a coffee cart pre-ceremony and during cocktail hour, which served all of your classic coffee drinks, espresso martinis, and Irish coffees! It was a bit chilly, so a warm drink was just what we needed.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

I wanted to figure out a way to pair pink and blue (my two favorite colors) together without it giving baby shower vibes. We kept blue in the accents like napkins and bridesmaids’ dresses with our florals being white and lots of different shades of pink. Our florist made everywhere you look magical, gradually bringing more color in as the event progressed.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

Panini Bakery designed a 5 tier cake showcasing our wedding crest, the lace from my gown, and lots of real florals between each tier. I gasped when I saw how beautiful it turned out! We chose a white chocolate mouse with raspberry filling and dark chocolate mousse. SO delicious!

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

We had a true mix of classic and modern songs for our ceremony, which were all played on a string quartet. I walked down the aisle to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis, and our recessional was to “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love),” a song I have always loved since watching The Parent Trap!

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Since early on in wedding planning, I was obsessed with the idea of using French Macarons as place cards at each guests seat. I thought it would be cool aesthetically, but really wanted them to be a delicious treat that guests got when they first sat down at their table. We tried a few macarons from various places and didn’t love them, so my mom and I decided to try making them ourselves. A few tries (and errors) later and after turning my parent’s kitchen into a bakery, we had 300+ macaroons made. Not only did they turn out cute, many guests told us it was the best macaron they’ve had![/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]The bide’s sister embroidered our head table napkins with our wedding monogram that was used in many details. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]I’ve always loved the classic look of a checked black and white dance floor and incorporating this in to the design was a must![/field]
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Photography: TheLockharts | Event Planning: Social Graces Weddings and Events | Floral Design: Twigs & Twine Events | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Reception Venue: Arlington Hall At Lee Park | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | Lighting: Absolute Dfw | Band: The Motion Band | Groomsmen's Attire: The Black Tux | Ceremony Music: Serenata Strings | Vintage Car: DFW Vintage Cars | Beauty: styles by vero | Coffee Cart: Night Owl Coffee Bar | Rentals: Simply Chic Rentals | Rentals: Big D Party Rentals | Rentals: Lone Star Stitches | Wedding Dress Boutique: Neiman Marcus

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Off-White, Silver, and Green (sage and oil) with small accents in baby blue[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]From the start, I envisioned our wedding day to be an elegant and timeless affair inspired by the romanticism and magic of Portugal, particularly Sintra. Our aim was to create an intimate yet tasteful wedding that captured the essence of my now husband’s beautiful country.
After visiting several venues, we finally chose the picturesque Camelia Gardens in Sintra for its castle-like architecture and lush greenery. To complement the venue’s yellow castle, we opted for green as our main wedding color, with accents of white, yellow, and baby blue for contrast. Our wedding was a daytime event held in late summer/early fall, featuring a beautiful sunset and cake-cutting ceremony, al-fresco dining, and plenty of dancing.
We had the pleasure of celebrating with family and friends from all over the world, including Portugal, the Dominican Republic, Spain, Italy, France, the United States, Nicaragua, Colombia, and Ecuador! It was a fantastic celebration of love and culture that we will always cherish.
Today, thanks to our amazing photographer, Alice, we are able to relive every moment and every detail of this beautiful day.

Fernanda, our wedding planner, was an absolute gem and we were incredibly fortunate to have her as our wedding planner. After researching and interviewing several wedding planners, we stumbled upon Fer’s website and knew immediately that she was the perfect fit for us. Not only was she fluent in all three languages – English, Spanish, and Portuguese – making communication with our families and vendors a breeze, but her exceptional organizational skills kept everything on track and running smoothly.

On the day of our wedding, Fernanda exceeded all expectations and went above and beyond to ensure that everything was perfect. Her hands-on approach and unwavering dedication to her craft and clients were evident in every detail of our special day. We cannot thank her enough for making our dream wedding a reality.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Typically we are both very involved in the planning of a weekend. However, this time Gustavo had already handled everything: hotel, dinner reservations, and transportation, hence there was a hint of speculation on my part.

The couple, Maria Clara and Gustavo were in Madrid, Spain, the city where they had first met. Gustavo planned a surprise weekend getaway for Maria Clara in Toledo, Spain, taking care of all the details from hotel reservations to transportation and activities. The couple spent the day exploring the beautiful city before enjoying a romantic dinner at the luxurious Two MICHELIN Star restaurant, (Iván Cerdeño-Cigarral del Ángel Restaurant)
During a stroll through the restaurant’s breathtaking gardens, Gustavo got down on one knee and proposed to Maria Clara, speaking in her native language of Portuguese. Overwhelmed with happiness, she said “sim” and the couple basked in the romantic atmosphere.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Unlike other brides, I wasn’t certain about the dress style I wanted for my special day. So, my mother and I set out on a journey to find the perfect dress. We headed to Miracle Mile in Miami, renowned for its plethora of bridal boutiques, and tried on countless dresses from various styles and stores. After an exhaustive search, I finally stumbled upon a dress that spoke to my heart. The moment I donned the dress, I knew it was the one for me! The dress was a breathtaking princess gown with a plunging neckline, made of soft tulle with an organza lining for added definition. It was named “Yiya” and designed by Marchesa for Pronovias.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]In the Dominican Republic, the tradition is to have several flower girls and ring bearers along with a maid of honor, instead of a large group of bridesmaids. For my wedding, my sister Lourdes was my maid of honor, and she looked stunning in a custom-made strapless mermaid gown. The dress was made of a beautiful green fabric, inspired by the lush greenery and gardens at Camelia Gardens, the picturesque location where the reception was held.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groom, Gustavo, looked dashing in an elegant three-piece suit tailored by the renowned Alfaiataria Lusa in Porto. The suit featured a tasteful blend of silver and baby blue colors, which were carefully chosen to be part of the wedding color palette, and added a stylish touch to his overall look.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The catering for the wedding was done by Casa do Marques, which was exquisite. We encountered some cultural differences due to the Portuguese tradition of having large dinner feasts and the Dominican culture’s emphasis on dancing and lively party atmosphere, but we managed to incorporate both. As the wedding took place in Portugal, we opted for a plated, 3-course sit-down dinner with an appetizer followed by a fish and steak dish. However, to infuse the Dominican culture, we ensured plenty of dancing and a lively party atmosphere. Our guests from both cultures had a great time celebrating our union, enjoying the delicious food, and dancing to a mix of Latin music. We also included traditional Portuguese pastries, such as Pastéis de Nata on the dessert table.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The venue we chose was breathtakingly beautiful and we knew from the start that it would need very little decoration. Our goal was to enhance the venue’s natural beauty with subtle floral arrangements and decor.
To achieve this, we opted for “flowy” and organic floral arrangements, using daisies, white hydrangeas, baby breaths, and peonies. We also incorporated accents of baby blue flowers in the arrangements throughout the house and on the cheese tables, adding a pop of color and creating a cohesive look.
We wanted to strike a balance between sophistication and effortless beauty, and the floral arrangements and decor we chose perfectly reflected that. The result was a stunning display that perfectly complemented the venue and created a romantic atmosphere for our special day.
The result was an elegant, romantic, and timeless wedding that perfectly captured our vision, thanks to our one-of-a-kind wedding planner, Fernanda that made it all possible.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The elegance, simplicity, and sophistication of our wedding were perfectly embodied in our stunning 3-layer cake, displayed on an exquisite silver platter from Gustavo’s family. Real flowers added tasteful accents to the cake, enhancing its visual appeal. The table itself was a work of art, adorned with lush greenery cascading gracefully on the sides and two resplendent silver antique candle holders, also heirlooms from Gustavo’s family.

As the sun set over the majestic mountains, the cake, table, and candle holders all came together in perfect harmony, leaving me awestruck.
Casa do Marques did the cake and Ion Rotaru decorated it with real flowers and lush greenery.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Our ceremony was held at the stunning Igreja de Nossa Senhora in Lisbon, which had a charming pink exterior reminiscent of traditional Lisboeta houses. Inside, the church was adorned with exquisite gold details that added to its beauty. The ceremony was conducted in Portuguese, but what made it truly special was when my 84-year-old grandmother, who had traveled all the way from the Dominican Republic, did the second reading in Spanish. It was a touching moment that I will always cherish.
We had a violinist play these songs for the key moments during the ceremony:

Groom & Mother of the Groom- Divertissement- Saint Preux
Bride & Father of the Bride- Thousand Years – Christina Perri
Bride & Groom Exit Church- Wildest Dreams – Taylor Swift
Reception – Music for Moments

Bride & Groom- First Dance (2 songs: One in Spanish and the other in Portuguese)
Chichi Peralta- Amor Narcótico
Alok- Meu Amor
Bride & Father of the Bride Dance: Juan Luis Guerra – Si Tu No Bailas Conmigo
Groom & Mother of the Groom: Frank Sinatra – Blue Moon
Bride & Groom Entering the Cocktail: Bomba Stereo- To My Love
Cake Cutting Moment & Speeches: Maldita Nerea- Un Planeta Llamado Nosotros[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Lourdes Desangles, the mother of the bride, played an integral role in the wedding party styling. She curated everything from selecting the fabric for the maid of honor’s dress to designing the flower girls and ring boys’ outfits in elegant Irish linen fabric and French lace. Lourdes also ensured that all the men in the family, including the bride’s brothers and both fathers, had ties that perfectly matched the wedding color palette. Additionally, Lourdes’ own dress was a stunning work of art with magnolia hand-painted flowers, designed by none other than herself.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]When Gustavo and Maria Clara locked eyes for the first time at Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid on Día de Los Reyes, it was the start of a modern romance that quickly turned into a Shakespearean love story. Their first date in El Retiro was full of ambitious plans and ended with a fun night out in Madrid with Maria Clara’s sister, Lourdes (Yuyi), and her friend, Elaine. But the odds were against them, as Maria Clara was from the Dominican Republic and living in Miami, while Gustavo was Portuguese and living between Dublin and Madrid.
Despite the distance and their busy schedules, Gustavo and Maria Clara’s connection only grew stronger. They became long-distance relationship survivors, with 4,154 miles between them, and pandemic beneficiaries who found themselves in some of the coolest cities in the world, including Lisbon, London, Madrid, Mexico City, Miami, and Porto.
Eventually, the couple decided to tie the knot in Lisbon, the city where they had spent the most time together. Their wedding was a celebration of their love and the journey they had been on together, from their first meeting in Madrid to their travels around the world. It was a testament to the power of love and how it can overcome any distance or obstacle.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]The bride carried a delicate bouquet that featured a touch of blue, representing the “something blue” tradition. The bouquet was a combination of white and green-colored flowers with delicate blue accents, adding a subtle pop of color to the overall look.

For her “something borrowed,” the bride wore a stunning pair of diamond earrings that belonged to her mother. Her father had gifted the earrings to her mother on their 35th wedding anniversary, making them a sentimental and meaningful addition to the bride’s wedding day look.

As a “something new,” Gustavo (the groom) surprised the bride with a beautiful pearl and diamond necklace, which she wore on their wedding day. The necklace complemented her elegant bridal gown and added a touch of sparkle to her overall look.[/field]
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Photography: Alice Vicente Weddings | Cinematography: Memories For Life | Event Planning: Fernanda Martinez Events | Styling: Lourdes Desangles | Floral Design: Ion Rotaru | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Invitations: DM invitaciones | Catering: Casa Do Marquês | Makeup: De La Oz Makeup | Hair: Mariya Sazonova | DJ: Groovebox | Groom's Attire: Alfaiataria Lusa | Wedding Venue: Camélia Gardens | Accomodations: Verride Palácio de Santa Catarina | Flower girl/Ring boys' outfits: JP Ricami

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

Our sweet bride wanted every color imaginable in her boho/coastal heart! We married all of the natural hues you could find in a wild flower field and long stretch beachfront—tones of blue, tan, orange, pink, yellow, and green.

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

Her vibe was a reflection of her. A boho queen who was marrying a maritime officer! Lots of pampas grass, oysters, textured linens, watercolor & meaningful touches. We brought out those bright colors from the custom stationary, from Coffee & Calligraphy, all the way to the detailed place settings from Something Vintage Rentals.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Micaela knew she wanted to show off her amazing hourglass figure, but it was also important to have a touch of modesty. She went with a gown that fit the theme perfectly. She had stunning textured floral appliques that ran through the entire gown. Her soft off the shoulder tulle was the perfect modest to pull her dream wedding dress together. [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]We knew each bridesmaid needed a dress that would fit their personality, figure and attitude. Micaela put together a spreadsheet of several different dress options from color to cut and texture. Each bridesmaid picked their perfect floor length gown from the many options our bride presented. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Our groom is a Navy officer, but officially decided not to wear his uniform, and instead, a classic and perfect slim fit, black tuxedo. [/field]
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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]

Food and Drink was the most important element to our Father of the Bride. We spent hours tasting, planning, and designing the perfect 2-hour oyster festival cocktail time, and then 4-course meal for guests once they entered the tent.

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

Florals were also very high on the brides list of important details. We worked with a favorite DC florist, Bee Inspired, to bring different personalities to each table. Between candles, driftwood, blooms, and even more candles! Long farm tables were dressed with over 48 feet of floral garlands and hundreds of candles. Those two rows were flanked with square and round tables with even more candles and blooms.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

Since every other element in the tent was swimming with color, texture and personality, we wanted the cake to stand alone by size. We worked with Charles Street Bakery to bring her cake to life, feeding almost 300 guests!

[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The ceremony was one of the most important parts for our special couple. The bride is a teacher at a private school, with a heart and soul for Jesus Christ. They had 5 priests overseeing the ceremony.
[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Since the bride was born and raised in Southern Maryland, seafood was the heart and soul of the cocktail hour. She requested a two hour oyster festival, filled with a beer truck, hanging capicola- sliced on site, live music and almost 2000 oysters! [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

The reception took place in the brides childhood backyard. The same hedge wood maze where her family looked for Easter eggs is where 260 of their closest friends and family celebrated the happy couple. We brought in a 60×100 clear top tent with start-light strands. She wanted to dance under the stars to their favorite music, thanks to the Bachelor Boys,

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

The bride had her heart set on two different send-offs! One from the ceremony location, where guests threw hundreds of rose petals. The other had a lot more flair, literally! They had a sparkler grand exit and left the wedding reception in the Father of the Grooms baby blue, vintage Mustang.

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Photography: Mandy Ford Photography | Event Planning: The Hitched Company | Floral Design: Bee Inspired | Wedding Dress: Serendipity Bridal | Cake: Charles Street Bakery | Invitations: Coffee & Calligraphy | Ceremony Venue: St. Johns Church | Reception Venue: Parents Estate- Mt. Air | Catering: Classic Catering | DJ: Bachelor Boys Band | Beauty: S&T Beauty | Rentals: Sugarplum Tents | Rentals: Something Vintage Rentals | Rentals: Ivory Rose Vintage | Rentals: Select Event Group

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”The Inspiration”]Touches of whimsy tie the early spring florals with garden ethereal blooms full of fresh sprigs that serve as center pieces for the intimate dining experience. Designed and planning by Carter Events Co, the selection of colors, florals, and design elements Brough together a perfect blend of a low country wedding. Along the shore of the low country property at River Oaks, the inspiration comes from the tones naturally surrounding the venue. Watercolor tones for the invitation set the scene of a perfect South Carolina gathering in honor of our couple. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Carolina blues set against the emerald greenery of watercolor hues from the invitation and natural settings, while the bouquet and arch are full of playful pinks, lilac, and creamy whites. [/field]
[field title=”The Venue”]River Oaks in Charleston, South Carolina is the perfect low country setting for this early spring inspired celebration. [/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]A princess cut Monique Lhullier with lovely floral patterns throughout the dress compliment the delicate fresh spring arrangements. The cathedral veil softens the iconic bridal look while creating a timeless elegance for our bride. [/field]
[field title=”Bridal Party”][/field]
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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Salt Stem Charleston curated a lovely sampling of fresh greens and white florals to grace the tablescape and add a touch of whimsy, texture, and playfulness to an elegant dining experience. The linens and scalloped edged plating were a beautiful tone of Carolina blue and creamy white. The invitation by Dragon Fly Paperie perfectly bought the color palette together, setting the perfect welcome for guests to the wedding celebrations and al fresco dining. [/field]
[field title=”Favorite Design Element”]Outdoor al fresco dining is often a rarity in low country where late afternoon and evening thunderstorms might drench guests in a heavy rainfall. The entire design for this intimate al fresco setting was my favorite element as it complimented the serenity of River Oaks. [/field]
[field title=”Tips To Pull Off The Look”]Observing the natural environment for a venue is key as well as noting the seasonality of your wedding celebrations to create an immersive experience that is set against a wonderfully juxtaposed backdrop. [/field]
[field title=”DIY Moments”][/field]
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Photography: Jenna Wren | Cinematography: Little Kings Media | Event Planning: Carter's Event Co | Floral Design: Salt & Stem | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Invitations: Amy Elizabeth Artistry | Ceremony Venue: RiverOaks Charleston | Callligraphy: Alli Cat Calligraphy | Concept Director & Workshop Host: Meghan Baskin Photography | Painted Champagne: Pens & Needles Co. | Rentals: Nuage Designs

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

We used candles, white flowers, greenery, and crystal vases. We wanted to keep it clean, and eliminate any clutter or colors that took from the venues…we wished to enhance what was already there.

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

We chose the Palace Of Fine Arts for our ceremony because Scott’s great, great grandfather was the architect. We knew we always wanted classic/formal.. and this was just the place! We chose for our wedding party to be in black and keep flowers white with greenery as it went nicely with the stone of the rotunda.

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

I am obsessed with the holidays. The family time, the decorations, the trees! I love it all. Scott took me to NYC for a week as my boss kept telling me I needed to use my PTO. I had never seen the tree at Rockefeller or the light show at Saks 5th Avenue… and I am a planner, so we had an agenda while we were there. He canceled our dinner reservations the first night so we could get some Christmas spirit in at the beginning of our trip. As we wrapped around the light show to the tree, he got down on one knee… he had a photographer and had been chatting with my closest friends about the ring, and I was in the dark! I felt like I was in a movie, and for a guy who claims to hate planning… he KILLED it!

[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

I had two gowns! I wanted classic and elegant for my ceremony gown. Marriage means a lot to me, and coming from a traditional family, I wanted something timeless. It had a high neck, long sleeves, and buttons down the train. For the party, I went for the other side of me. FULL glam with sparkly feathers to dance the night away.

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

Food and drinks were the catering team from the Fairmont San Francisco. They had an open bar & their signature cocktails were a Skinny Spicy Margarita and Old Fashion. Menu items included:

Baked Rolls with Butter starter

Vine-ripe Tomato Salad, Ciliegine Mozzarella, Pesto Vinaigrette, Aged Balsamic, Cheese Straw

Mains:

Seared Salmon, Cauliflower Puree, Herb Gnocchi, Mushrooms, Lemon Butter

Ravioli, Mushroom Ravioli, Mixed Mushrooms, Bellwether Farms Ricotta, Marinara

Seared Fillet, Creamy Horseradish Whipped Potatoes, Roasted Asparagus, Grilled Maitake Mushroom, Peppercorn Sauce

Dessert:

Lemon Wedding Cake

Coffee & Tea:

Royal Cup Cafe

Sumba Coffee & Decaffeinated Coffee

Fairmont Teas with Milk, Honey & Lemon

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

The florals were white and romantic. The bridal bouquet consisted of roses, peonies, and cascading greenery.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

Kelly at Inticing Creations made the cake – it was a 4 layer lemon wedding cake!

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

We LOVED our venues and our BAND! Lucky Devils Band 10 piece – would recommend it to anyone and everyone! Music is a huge part of our lives and we are so pleased with how they brought up the energy and kept the dance floor full all night!

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Photography: Apollo Fotografie | Floral Design: Floramor | Cake: Inticing Creations | Wedding Venue: Palace Of Fine Arts | Accomodations: Fairmont San Francisco | Beauty: Danielle Dentoni Artistry | Live Music: Lucky Devils Band

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]White, Blue, Neutrals[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]From the planner: It’s a classic, California summer wedding in every sense – fluffy florals, tented, black tie, an exquisite garden setting, and that perfect combination of elegant neutrals with just a touch of ‘something’ blue. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]From the planner: A chance meeting of two people working for the same company but in different cities that turns into a long-distance love story, characterized by a love of world travel, and eventually MBAs together at Stanford. [/field]
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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Megan wore an incredible v neck, A-line gown with a floral overlay.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids wore a dusty blue full length gown. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]All groomsmen were in full tax and bowties. [/field]
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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]The couple selected 2 signature cocktails for the guests to enjoy including a spicy
“Meg”-arita made with Casamigos tequila, jalapeño, agave, lime and Orange juice. And the “Peter found gold” -a buffalo trace bourbon based cocktail with honey syrup, lemon juice, orange bitters and a thyme sprig. For dinner the couple served a three course meal including a salad, salmon, and wedding cake[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Kasia of Plenty of Petals created dreamy neutral florals of cream, white and dusty blue in a stunning floral arch for Megan and Peter’s ceremony along with a floral aisle and gorgeous pedestal floral arrangements for the reception tables. Florals were also featured at each opening of the tent, the escort card display, lovely urn arrangements featured on the bars and throughout the cocktail hour space. Megan and her bridesmaids carried hand tied bouquets featuring garden roses and greenery.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Megan and Peter’s wedding cake featured four tiers in all white with gorgeous hand made sugar flowers By Hey There Cupcake. The guests were served 2 different flavors; Vanilla Almond with sprinkles or Lemon Raspberry[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Megan had her bridesmaids pass out ceremony programs from baskets upon guests arrival.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The escort card display featured etchings of significant locations to the couple and each table number was personalized as well.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Photography: Sposto Photography | Floral Design: Plenty Of Petals | Stationery: Foundry Paper Co | Hair: Beauty Bespoken | Band: The Mighty Untouchables | Ceremony and Reception: The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Dessertier: HEY THERE CUPCAKE | Dresser: The Bold and Bridal | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Photo Booth: Pixster Photo Booth | Planning: HauteFetes | Rentals: Theoni Collection | Rentals: Hostess Haven | Tent, Rentals: Bright Event Rentals

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

The wedding colors were green, white, nudes, creams, and a touch of yellow and blue.

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

Nicole and Felipe had a destination wedding in California. They were looking for a California coastal vibe. We incorporated beach elements for the design, such as linen napkins, woven chargers, seagrass woven baskets, bamboo furniture, driftwood vases, and wooden elements to tie everything together. The goal was to create something minimalistic yet intentional.

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

We are high school sweethearts- we started dating our Sophomore year in Tokyo while attending the American School in Japan. We then both went to college in California (Loyola Marymount and Claremont McKenna) and stayed together throughout the four years. After graduating, we decided to move to New York City together, and we currently live in the Financial District with our Cocker Spaniel puppy named Luca! Felipe works as a graphic designer, and I work at a marketing agency.

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”][/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”][/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

The groom wore The Black Tux.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]For dinner we wanted to create a surf and turf meal. Guest received sea bass along with fillet mignon topped off with chimichuri sauce. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The beach inspired the design. So many different elements that you find at the beach were incorporated into the design. We had the same intent with florals. We selected seagrass, soft light, airy and delicate flowers to create softness.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

The wedding cake design was all white fondant with white sugar flowers mimicking bleached bougainvillea. The cake flavor was lemon lavender flavor with road marzipan buttercream filling.

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

The bride is Protestant, and Felipe is Catholic. The couple preferred to have a priest marry them as it was essential to the Groom and his family.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

The bride had her parents visit her from Korea, and it was a very special moment as she doesn’t often see them.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Photography: Simply Adri Photography | Event Design: Weddings by Susan Dunne | Event Planning: Weddings by Susan Dunne | Floral Design: With Love Floral Co. | Cake: taste like heaven | Invitations: Minted | Invitations: Paper Cliche | Catering: Made By Meg | hair and makeup: Kelly Zhang | lighting: Vox DJ Company | band: Lucky Devils Band | venue: Malibu Seaview Estate | Rentals: MTB Event Rentals | rentals: Luxe Linen | video: Perfect Union Films

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”The Inspiration”]Maria & Amanda are a real couple who are eloping in the Amalfi Coast later this year at the breathtaking Palazzo Avino in Ravello. They were so excited to participate in this shoot to capture some more precious bridal moments for them within the settings of this intimate and luxurious elopement dinner at the Larz Anderson House in the heart of Washington, DC. The concept was inspired by the beautiful Winter Garden of the Anderson house which is beautifully adorned with gold accents and crisp white interiors. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]We used the gold in combination with a classic white palette to also design the dinner space in the stunning grand hall of the venue which is dripping from floor to ceiling with historical pieces of art in the form of tapestries and antiques.[/field]
[field title=”The Venue”]The Anderson House, with its grand staircases and European style gold adorned sitting rooms provided the perfect setting for the most gorgeous portraits with the couple. It truly was the perfect day of memories and a bonus “elopement” for Maria & Amanda as they prepare for their real celebration in Italy this fall! [/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The brides wore gowns by Ouma Couture and Carine’s Bridal Atelier, both very romantic yet classic styles.[/field]
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The florals were designed by Love Blooms who created soft yet whimsical bouquets, a ceremony altar and a beautiful luxe tablescape.[/field]
[field title=”Favorite Design Element”][/field]
[field title=”Tips To Pull Off The Look”]We recommend a clean palette with minimalistic decor when working in a venue with so much natural character so it does not overshadow the luxurious ambiance of the space, but rather compliments it perfectly.[/field]
[field title=”DIY Moments”][/field]
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Photography: Kir2ben | Cinematography: Kirsten Beatley Films | Event Design: AMV Weddings | Event Planning: AMV Weddings | Floral Design: Love Blooms | Wedding Dress: Ouma Couture | Wedding Dress: Carine's Bridal Atelier | Wedding Dress: Mira Zwillinger | Cake: Two Teaspoons | Invitations: Studio Wren & Co. | Beauty: Madeline Eleanor | Rentals: White Glove Rentals | Weddings Rings: Victor Barbone Jewelry

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

The wedding decor at this Lake Como celebration was exquisite, with elegant touches of white adding a sense of sophistication and style evident in every detail. From the white floral arrangements to the white table settings, every decor aspect was carefully curated to create a truly magical and unforgettable atmosphere for the newlyweds and their guests.

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

The wedding had a romantic and elegant vibe, reflecting the couple’s deep love for one another. Their vision of a simple and sophisticated celebration was brought to life through the beautifully designed decor, with all of their guests dressed to impress, creating a truly unforgettable atmosphere.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

Berta Bridal‘s exquisite embroidery brought a touch of glamour to the chic and elegant white wedding gown, creating a stunning and unforgettable look for the bride’s special day.

[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids’ dresses were a collection of sophisticated and stylish salmon hues, adding pops of color to the wedding party while maintaining a sense of elegance and grace. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]

Guests at the wedding were treated to a mouthwatering array of Italian delicacies, such as prosciutto, Parmesan cheese, cherry tomatoes, and aperitivos, all perfectly paired with a selection of creative cocktails. The delectable food and drinks added to the festive ambiance of the wedding, creating a truly memorable experience for all.

[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The wedding venue was adorned with elegant white floral arrangements and decor, featuring delicate roses that added a romantic and timeless touch to the space. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

The three-tiered white wedding cake was a true masterpiece, delicately crafted with precision and care to create a stunning centerpiece for the reception. Each layer was expertly decorated with intricate details, and the flavors were absolutely divine, leaving a lasting impression on all who enjoyed it.

[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

The ceremony at Villa Pizzo was a magical experience. A quarter orchestra playing in the background as Sydney and Steven exchanged their vows with the lake sparkling in the background. The well-dressed guests further enhanced the elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, creating an unforgettable and truly enchanting wedding celebration.

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

Following the ceremony, the newlyweds embarked on a romantic boat ride to Lake Como, accompanied by their talented photographer Sotiris Tsakanikas. With his impeccable eye for detail, Sotiris flawlessly captured every precious moment, preserving the couple’s love in stunning images that will serve as a timeless reminder of the magic and beauty of their unforgettable wedding day.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]Written by the wedding planner: My Lake Como Wedding
What could be more romantic than an Italian lake wedding in the summertime. Sydney and Steven wanted an inviting setting, one that was also elegant, timeless and romantic. Lake Como was perfect and ensured their family and friends would have the most magical and memorable destination wedding experience.
They chose the lakeside setting of Villa Pizzo, a charming villa with manicured gardens and an ancient woodland. The ceremony took place at the villa’s Darsena overlooking a shimmering lake and lush green mountains, their guests watching on as they started the rest of their lives together. After the ceremony their guests enjoyed refreshing signature cocktails & delicious canapes in the Italian garden whilst the couple sped off in a traditional Italian Riva speedboat for a romantic photo shoot on the lake. Following the aperitivo an alfresco dinner was served in the walled courtyard under a canopy of low lit string lighting, and as if the day couldn’t get any more special, a trio of live singing tenors appeared from the villa and performed to Sydney and Steven as they cut their wedding cake. Then it was time to party, the DJ accompanied by sax and percussion, ensured no one left the dancefloor until the early hours of the morning. That’s Amore.
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Photography: Sotiris Tsakanikas | Videography: Moon & Back | Event Design: My Lake Como Wedding | Event Planning: My Lake Como Wedding | Floral Design: The Scent of Flowers | Wedding Dress: Berta | Stationery: Grigio Cielo Studio | Reception Venue: Villa Pizzo | Catering: AFM | Celebrant: Fabio Albonico | Bridal shoes: Harlo Shoes | Furniture Rentals: Smack Rent | MUAH: Daniela Guanziroli | Music: Blunotte Events | Riva boat: Matteri

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]A soft color palette of sage green, mauve, pinks and burgundy.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Romantic, timeless aesthetic inspired by the bride’s hometown of Bordeaux, France.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]The backstory in their words:

Like all great romantic comedies, our story began with a “meet cute”. The first time Lili saw Chris, he was walking down the sidewalk wearing a pink collared shirt and boat shoes, carrying a pair of wine glasses. Just another cliché DC bro, she thought. Much to her chagrin, he entered her friend’s apartment building right in front of her, and as they shared an elevator to the same floor, it became apparent they were both headed to the same dinner party. Fortunately for our story, over the course of the evening, Lili discovered Chris to be not only less bro-y than anticipated, but actually quite sweet, funny, and most importantly, the dog papa to an incredibly cute puppy, Kita. Chris found Lili to be one of the most interesting people he had ever met, and on top of that, kind, caring and nerdy (in a cute way). The next time they saw each other at a local beer garden, Lili and Chris spent the entire evening chatting, and after impressing her with a few karaoke songs at Wok n Roll, Chris summoned up the courage to ask Lili for her phone number. They went on their first date shortly thereafter, and before long were falling fast in love.

Three years later after many hikes, trips up and down both coasts, more nights of karaoke and living together through a global pandemic, Chris proposed to Lili on the eve of a holiday trip to see Lili’s family in France.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”][/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]No wedding party. Lili and Chris opted not to have a formal bridal party, which gave them the benefit of having a laid back timeline for getting ready and photos. They finished the majority of their formal photos prior to the ceremony which allowed them to attend cocktail hour and spend ample time with their guests.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Guests were greeted with signature cocktails inspired by each of their hometowns – Lili’s a French 75 and Chris’ a Kentucky Mule, a nod to his hometown of Louisville, KY.

Lili and Chris dined with their guests in DAR’s O’Byrne Gallery. An abundance of candlelight, romantic florals and thoughtfully curated place settings created an intimate, laid back dining experience that made it easy for guests to mingle amongst themselves and revel in the moment. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]In addition to the venue setting, we drew inspiration from Lili’s French family roots and her hometown of Bordeaux, France. A luxe, yet laid back aesthetic with a soft color palette of sage green, mauve, pinks and burgundy set the scene for the romantic, timeless aesthetic.

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed an open-air cocktail hour on the Portico. A statement bar covered in florals continued the French Garden theme with bistro string lights overhead as the sun set into the evening.

A custom backdrop wall featured monochromatic gallery art inspired frames in sage green to lead guests to their seats for dinner. The top of the frame included the French phrase “Trouvez Votre Place” translating to “Find Your Place” – with so many of Lili’s family having traveled in from France, it felt like a thoughtful way to make them feel at home.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Ending on a sweet note, a Chambord buttercream cake featured a deckled texture and hints of subtle sage green with fresh flowers, along with quintessential French macaron towers in passion fruit and lemon. Florals from the ceremony were repurposed for a wow factor to complete the dessert table look.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]They exchanged vows on DAR’s Portico overlooking the Washington Monument. French garden inspired floral arrangements lined the aisle and the stone banisters behind the altar to soften the space while feeling organic and elegant. A string quartet performed “La Vie En Rose” as Lili came down the aisle with her dad. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Lili and Chris selected their wedding venue, DAR in Washington DC for its quintessential DC atmosphere to host their loved ones in the city where they fell in love and now call home. The classic architecture, views of the Washington Monument and opportunity for dancing under the stars felt perfect for their early autumn wedding. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Following dinner, Lili and Chris shared their first dance to “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” under the Portico columns. Guests continued to dance the night away under the stars. Following the wedding, Lili and Chris headed to none other than their favorite karaoke bar where they continued the party into the early morning hours with their guests.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Photography: Nikki Daskalakis | Event Design: Sarah Kazemburg Events & Styling | Event Planning: Sarah Kazemburg Events & Styling | Floral Design: Springvale Floral | Cake: Buttercream Bakeshop | Invitations: Minted | Stationery: The Dandelion Patch | Ceremony Venue: DAR Continental Memorial Hall | Reception Venue: DAR Continental Memorial Hall | Bride's Shoes: Loeffler Randall | Catering: Spilled Milk Catering | Calligraphy: Jessica McSweeney | DJ: Dan Goldman Events | Transportation: Fleet Transportation | Beauty: Makeup by Ana B | Bride's Dress: Suzanne Neville | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Table Manners | Rentals: Party Rental LTD | String Musicians: Two Rivers Chamber Music

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

Powder blue (in various shades) was the dominant color of the wedding colors, with lots of creams and whites with touches of toffee, blush, and golden tones in the florals.

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

From SBS Weddings & Events: Hurricane Ian devasted Southwest Florida just three weeks before Brooke and Michael’s wedding date (October 22, 2022) and severely damaged their reception venue located on the beach. Most hotels and businesses lost all power for several weeks following the hurricane. We had such limited time and resources to try and find a new venue that could accommodate their hotel room blocks, welcome party, and reception for 200+ people. Naples Grande Beach Resort reopened on October 10th, and they graciously agreed to accept the wedding. In less than two weeks, we had to pivot and rework some of the major design elements, reconfigure the entire layout to fit the new space, finalize food and beverage, redesign florals, print new stationery, etc. A beautiful event never comes without challenges. Many vendors were still dealing with the aftermath, working without power and internet and juggling their own personal issues while attempting to serve others. What we witnessed from every vendor that weekend was truly impressive, and their efforts did not go unnoticed. Twenty different vendors rallied together and pulled out all the stops to make this wedding happen. When designing this wedding, we kept “relaxed elegance” at the forefront, which is most fitting to Brooke and Michael’s personal styles. Our goal was to create that perfect balance of classic meets modern and the feeling of luxurious yet inviting by incorporating elements like the two-toned flatware and matte chargers from Treasury Rentals and beautiful textured linens. Guests loved being able to relax on the lounge furniture with a front-row seat around the dance floor and a cocktail in hand.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]From the bride: Being the avid golfers we are, we couldn’t wait for a bucket list trip to play Pebble Beach in California for my birthday. After we finished the round on the 18th green, Michael dropped down to one knee and asked the important question with the picturesque views of the Monterey Peninsula and the ocean in the background. I loved that he was so thoughtful to do it during something that we mutually enjoy and in such a beautiful and iconic place – it was perfect![/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

From the bride: I didn’t really know what style of dress I wanted but knew because of the Florida heat and being near the beach I would not want sleeves or extra tulle on the bottom. My maid of honor walks by the Pronovias flagship store in NYC every day and said I needed to check it out. I would have never expected to choose a strapless dress, but the stylist brought it out and I loved the intricate details. Even the sample fit like a glove. We still went to other bridal shops, but I couldn’t stop thinking about my Pronovias dress and went back to get it that same day.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

From SBS Weddings & Events: Guest experience was a high priority for Brooke and Michael, with great food and statement bars being at the top of the list. Brooke and Michael were both collegiate golfers, so it’s only fitting that one of their featured signature drinks was The Transfusion aka “Golf’s Greatest Cocktail”. Guests were served a duet of filet and lobster then sipped on espresso martinis as a post-dinner treat before hitting the dance floor with None Other the rest of the night. The edible martini topper added a fun touch and was a huge crowd-pleaser! The bride and groom currently reside in New York City, which is also where they first met, so we chose to include all of their favorite NYC street foods at the after-party, complete with a hot dog bar, fresh pretzels with mustard and dipping sauces, and slices of pizza.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

From SBS Weddings & Events: We opted for all low centerpieces on the guest tables, using a mixture of round and long tables paired with two different chair styles to create variety and dimension in the room. Isn’t She Lovely Florals designed a canopy of loose greenery and florals over the head table and lined the full length of the table underneath with varying heights of pillar candles. The linens from Nuage Designs really inspired a lot of the design details including the cut of the menu cards which mimicked the white scalloped pattern. We were thrilled to debut the matte blue chargers and plates from Treasury Rentals, which were just a perfect match to the powder blue linens. Brooke was drawn to both silver and gold elements, so the two-toned flatware was also a natural choice. The gold handles on the flatware complimented the thin gold rim on the plate chargers without being over the top. The overall look exuded an effortless elegance, with thought and intention behind every detail.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

From SBS Weddings & Events: Brooke and Michael chose two flavors for their 4-tier wedding cake – pineapple cake with cream cheese icing and chocolate cake with raspberry mousse filling. The all-white cake was adorned with fresh florals and we chose a powder blue velvet linen to elevate the table.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

From SBS Weddings & Events: We collaborated with Coastal Event Decor and Luster Designs for the custom-wrapped dance floor, the three-panel escort display, and the statement bars. The dance floor included the gold palm tree monogram from the couple’s invitation suite, which we also carried through to the cocktail napkins and stir sticks. Sean from Coastal Event Decor built two, large custom bars (18 feet each) for the reception space, which served as a major focal point on each side of the room. Luster Designs created the blue pattern for the bar fronts that also replicated the linens.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

From SBS Weddings & Events: Guests were served champagne as they transitioned from cocktail hour on the terrace to the reception upstairs. Servers held acrylic trays that were lined with the same blue pattern used on the bar fronts. There were personal touches at every turn for the guests.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]From SBS: The couple had a live event painter who captured their first dance. Guests loved being able to watch the progression of her painting throughout night. [/field]
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Photography: Hunter Ryan Photo | Cinematography: IheART Films | Event Planning: SBS Weddings & Events | Floral Design: Isn't She Lovely Florals | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Cake: Sweetified Bakery | Invitations: Luster Designs on Paper | Ceremony Venue: St William Catholic Church | Reception Venue: The Naples Grande | Jewelry: Verstolo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Band: Wiley Entertainment | Groom's Attire: Indochino | After-Party Dress: Nadine Merabi | Beauty: Duality Artistry | Live Event Painter: Event Painting by Nancy | Rentals: Coastal Event Decor | Rentals: Trinity Special Events | Rentals: Swag Decor | Rentals: Party Time Rentals | Rentals: Vivant Rentals | Rentals: Treasury Rentals | Rentals: Nuage Designs | Weddings Rings: Albert's Fine Jewelry

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”The Inspiration”]This luxurious editorial is the perfect inspiration for a spring wedding in east Hamptons. From baskets overflowing with fresh pastel spring blooms to the charming and beautifully manicured grounds of The Reform club, the day was an iconic Hamptons wedding. Detail touches of butterflies and green checked napkins brought a charm that the Hamptons are famous for. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]A selection of Spring pastel tones of pinks, blues and yellows, paired with soft whites and neutrals. [/field]
[field title=”The Venue”]”The Reform Club is an idyllic setting for a wedding or celebration, with sprawling spaces for the event and overnight accommodation for the guest list. Each outdoor space can accommodate up to 200 guests, for a private event that can be held within sunken gardens, walls of roses, hydrangeas, silver maple trees or enchanted nooks and brickwork.”[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride wore two perfect gowns from Marchesa. The classic strapless white bridal gown with soft applique embellishments was perfect for the ceremony. A bold and colorful, pink gown brought a pop of romance to the reception. [/field]
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Soft pastel tones filled the grounds of The Reform Club. Baskets over flowed the reception table and the ceremony site, create a light spring vibe for the day.[/field]
[field title=”Favorite Design Element”]The table setting for the reception was a favorite design element of the day. The lush baskets filled with florals and the green checkered linens gave the feel of an elevated picnic. [/field]
[field title=”Tips To Pull Off The Look”][/field]
[field title=”DIY Moments”][/field]
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Photography: Tara Hodges Photography | Event Design: Britt Jones Co. | Event Planning: Britt Jones Co. | Floral Design: One Flower by L | Wedding Dress: Marchesa | Wedding Dress: Marchesa Fashion | Cake: Cakes by Lana New York | Invitations: Dayflower Designs | Wedding Venue: The Reform Club Inn | Beauty: Alison Farfan | Beauty: Juliana Fink - JFink Beauty | Bridal Accessories: Erin Rhyne | Flat Lay Mats: Willow Canvas | Rentals: Borrowed Blu | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]The vision included soft pinks and creams with pops of peach, lavender, and gold. The bride chose mismatched bridesmaid dresses in pink to compliment the color palette while the floral design by Mulberry & Moss completed the overall color scheme. [/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The wedding day took place at Cielo Farms, a beautiful vineyard venue surrounded by lush greens and overlooking the rolling hills of Malibu, CA. As such, the vision for Courteney and Michael’s wedding day, designed and planned by Kelly Patrice, was to create an elevated garden party that complimented the European feel of the location while offering a sophisticated take on a dreamy, Summer celebration with stunning California views. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Michael and Courteney have been friends since freshman year of high school but only started dating years later after college when their social circles became intertwined during their first few years living in New York City.

For the proposal, Mike and Courteney went out to lunch at their favorite restaurant in New York the day before Thanksgiving and drove out to New Jersey, where both of their families live, for dinner. Mike made a stop on the way home, asking to go for a walk in a local garden where he proposed. A little nervous, Mike opened the ring box upside down so Courteney’s first impression was that the box was empty – a funny moment that lightened the mood. Both of their families and a few friends were waiting to celebrate at Courteney’s house!
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride chose a stunning sheer J. Andreatta gown with floral lace overlay and a short train. The California light danced through the delicate fabric creating a dramatic silhouette that was beautifully captured by Taylor Kinzie Photography. [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]A collection of blush dresses by Show Me Your Mumu. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groom put his trust into his groomsmen to select a black tux that they had in their closets. Each of them a bit unique, it makes for a great story!
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Food and beverage was provided by Tres LA Catering. The bride & groom offered two signature cocktails for guests to enjoy: “Courteney’s Malibu Marg” and “Mike’s Teton Tequila”, an ode to Mike’s love for the outdoors.

The evening’s menu consisted of a wild Arugula salad starter with choice of dry herb marinated New York Steak, Pan Seared Branzino, or Butternut Squash Ravioli. Guests were served Mini Pots of Mac & Cheese along with California Beef Sliders as late night bites. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Mulberry & Moss, the floral designer for the event, created a collection of floral centerpieces to adorn the reception space. The collection of mismatched vineyard & round tables had varying design elements with some including textured cream linens while other tables were left bare to highlight the textured grey oak tabletops. Each place setting included gold flatware with cream napkins & plates atop handwoven floral shaped chargers provided by Casa de Perrin. Each table setting had a beautiful handmade paper menu with letterpress matching the custom invitation suite designed by Kelly Patrice to create a cohesive design.

The most show stopping floral element, however, was perhaps the jaw dropping floral ceremony arch. The design of the arch incorporated the pink, peach, & cream color scheme while providing the perfect frame for the stunning views behind it. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The bride and groom chose a SOCAL classic, Susie Cakes, which was a hit for all of the guests attending.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The invitation suite was custom made with Cielo’s beautiful sketch as the liner right when guests opened the invitation, setting the tone for the weekend. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]One of Mike and Courteney’s favorite wedding moments was the few minutes they got to spend together after the ceremony and cocktail hour – just the two of them enjoying appetizers and a drink together in private, soaking it all in before the night continued on.
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[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Photography: Taylor Kinzie Photography | Videography: Luxury Lifestyle Studio | Event Planning: Kelly Patrice Event and Design | Floral Design: Mulberry & Moss | Cake: SusieCakes | Reception Venue: Cielo Farms | Catering: Tres LA Catering | Hair and Make Up: Veiled Vanity Artistry  | DJ: Krieger | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Papillon Rentals | Rentals: Premiere Rentals | Rentals: Casa de Perrin | Stationary & Signage: Kelly Patrice Event and Design | Violinist: Alan Milan

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

The wedding colors were neutral tones with a pop of soft blush.

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

After all, we had been together as a couple; naturally, we were ready to celebrate and go BIG! We held a 3-day affair in Northern NJ on my family’s farm estate that I grew up on. We had 225 guests in attendance from 15 different countries and 14 US States, as well as 60 guests from London specifically! We incorporated British, American, and Indian wedding traditions over the course of our multi-day celebration. Each event was hosted on properties in the area that hold significant meaning to me and have been in our family for over 100 years.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

My love story is far from picture-perfect. It’s quite the opposite, but it’s still far more captivating and inspiring than any other fairytale love story could be. My husband Arijit and I met back in 2018 in Ibiza, Spain when I was in the middle of traveling the world for a year. I had recently experienced a devastating heartbreak while living in Bali and found myself on my own version of an “Eat Pray Love” journey. Eventually, that journey brought me to a holistic wellness retreat in Ibiza, where I happened to meet my husband. While he is from London and I am from NJ, a relationship between us seemed pretty far-fetched, but we ended up beginning to date a few weeks later while he was visiting NYC. A few days into our relationship, Arijit unexpectedly discovered he had Stage 4 Cancer. I ended up moving to London that summer while he was undergoing treatments, and for the rest of the year, we continued to date long-distance, as I would go back and forth to London every few weeks to be by his side as much as possible. We received the best gift by Christmas – Arijit was in remission! We continued our long-distance relationship but began traveling more together as he continued to recover; we were finally finding a sense of normalcy in our relationship. Three months later, we were propelled into a worldwide pandemic, and our relationship hit yet another hurdle as we battled quarantines, lockdowns, and travel bans together. We became engaged during the lockdown in London on the balcony of our apartment when nonessential retail was still shut down. Arijit proposed with a beautiful placeholder ring that his mother provided, and later we designed a ring with it as our inspiration!

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

As quite the nontraditional bride, my dress was a custom blush floral gown from Suzanne Neville in London.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

My bridesmaids wore mismatched dresses from Revelry in champagne and blush to compliment my gown.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

Our menu featured nods to American, Indian & British fare with a 90-minute cocktail reception, plated dinner and late-night food truck with classic New Jersey munchies!

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

As a wedding planner myself, I designed all of the florals with one of my all time favorite floral teams, Blomst Floral Design! I was inspired to create a garden-style aesthetic that didn’t overpower the beautiful outdoor landscape where we hosted the event but rather complimented the surrounding foliage. The style was romantic and whimsical, with a lush floral arch at the ceremony, varying tablescapes, and a dramatic 30-person head table! We also implemented a seating wall with greenery weaving between antique mirrors as the entrance to the reception area.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

We had a three-tiered Cheesecake from the famous Anthony’s Cheesecake of NJ.

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

My Italian Friend Lorena sang an Italian love song as the entrance song for my bridesmaids, and my entrance song was my husband’s favorite techno song, Robert Miles: Children. A highlight of the reception was when the DJ played “Eye of the Tiger,” which has always carried a tradition for my dad to attempt some one-arm push-ups on the dance floor! My husband and some friends joined in for a hilarious performance mid-dance party!

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

Our welcome event which was hosted at our family lake house where I spent summers as a child, featured an arrival by boat, Indian attire, a Hennah artist, and a cigar roller to kick off the party!

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

The main event was held on the main farm property which still has 7 of our families living on it. We used the main barn hill, which overlooks the rolling hills of Northern NJ, for our ceremony location. This hill is also the same place where my parents got engaged as high school sweethearts! The cocktail hour followed in the Orchard with a live band, a petting zoo, and games. We incorporated many performances throughout with an extended format to keep our guests entertained over the course of our 10-hour party! Moving into the main tented reception, we had an aerialist who poured champagne, a main choreographed aerial performance during dinner, and a party set with an LED lyre and electronic violinist suspended from the ceiling later in the evening!

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]Being that so many guests came from a distance, the following day we hosted a farewell recovery pool party complete with free flowing prosecco, another epic performance by a contortionist while floating on the pool in a ball, a pizza food truck, and dunking tank!

VENDOR TAGS:
Main Wedding Day
Wedding Planning & Design: AMV Weddings @amv_weddings
Photographer: Andreas Georgiou @andreaskgeorgiou
Videographer: Martin Weddings @martinweddings.co
DJ: Anthony Priore @anthonyismydj_
Florist: Blomst Floral Design @blomstfloraldesign
Caterer: Encore Catering @encorecateringnj
Wedding Cake: Anthony’s Cheesecake @anthonyscheesecake
Cocktail Hour Music: Boho Entertainment @bohoentertainment
Hair: Prostyled Bride @prostyled.bride
Make-up: Looks by Katiness @looksbykatiness
Dress: Suzanne Neville @suzanneneville
Shoes: Emmy London @emmylondonofficial
Stationary: Laura Elizabeth Patrick @lauraelizabethpatrick
Signage: VG Custom Artwork @vgcustomartwork
Site Coordinator: Honeycomb and Prince @honeycombprinceweddings
Babysitter: My Fair Nanny @myfairnanny
Aerial Artists: Inverted Aerial, Jennifer Kovacs @jakdance @invertedaerial
Other Performers: Cirque Central @cirque_central
Wedding Late Night Food Truck: Shore Good Eats and Treats @realshoregood
Vintage Style Rentals: Rustic Charm Vintage Rental @__0rusticcharmvintagerentals__
Tent: Sperry Tents @sperrytents @sperrytentsnj
Rentals: Please be Seated @pleasebeseatedrentals & TriState Rentals @tristaterentalsnj
Linens: Nuage Designs @nuagedesignsinc & Choice Party Linens @choicepartylinensinc
Cigar Roller (Welcome Event): The Mobile Cigar Lounge @themobilecigarlounge
Hennah (Welcome Party): Dhara Suvarnakar, Mehndikälogie @mehndikalogie

Pool Party
Wedding Planning & Design: AMV Weddings @amv_weddings
Photographer: Andreas Georgiou @andreaskgeorgiou
Videographer: Martin Weddings @martinweddings.co
DJ: Anthony Priore @anthonyismydj_
Florist: Blomst Floral Design @blomstfloraldesign
Signage: VG Custom Artwork @vgcustomartwork
Performer: Cirque Central @cirque_central
Tent: Sperry Tents @sperrytents @sperrytentsnj
Rentals: TriState Rentals @tristaterentalsnj
Linens: Nuage Designs @nuagedesignsinc & Choice Party Linens @choicepartylinensinc
Food Truck: Pie Oh My @pieohmynj
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Photography: Andreas Georgiou | Cinematography: Martin Weddings | Event Design: AMV Weddings | Event Planning: AMV Weddings | Floral Design: Blomst Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Suzanne Neville | Cake: Anthony's Cheesecake | Invitations: Laura Elizabeth Patrick | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Revelry | Catering: Encore Catering | Beauty: Prostyled Bride | Beauty: By Katiness | Engagement Ring Designer: Reve Diamonds | Rentals: Please Be Seated | Rentals: Rustic Charm Vintage Rentals

Couple Kim & John wanted to have a wedding that embodied “garden party’ vibes with romantic and glamorous nods. They incorporated a traditional Chinese tea ceremony into their ceremony, and the tea set pattern was mirrored in the reception linens to tie it all together, along with Chinese cookie favors with unique fortunes for each guest.

Love blooms at this beautiful garden party wedding. Every magical moment is artfully captured in must-see photography by Kristin La Voie Photography. The wedding day expertly planned by LOLA Event Productions was filled with lush greenery, delicate florals, and touches of glamour. Floral design by Life In Bloom delights, with beautiful installations at every turn. Take a closer look at the captivating details inside the full gallery where you’ll enjoy a harmonious blend of tradition and modern romance.

Kim and John wanted to have a wedding that embodied “garden party” vibes with romantic and glamorous nods.

They incorporated a traditional Chinese tea ceremony into their ceremony, and the tea set pattern was mirrored in the reception linens to tie it all together, along with Chinese cookie favors with unique fortunes for each guest.

Infused with traditional elements and meaningful nods to their heritage, Kim and John blended their vibrant cultural backgrounds with modern sophistication, creating a memorable experience for all.

Photography: Kristin La Voie Photography | Videography: Snowshoe Productions | Event Planning: LOLA Event Productions | Floral Design: Life In Bloom | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Cake: Cake Chicago | Invitations: Steracle Press | Ceremony Venue: Chicago Botanic Garden | hair: Nika Vaughan Bridal Artists | DJ: The DJ Firm | Decor: Elegant Event Lighting | Photo booth: Pixster

Couple Kim & John wanted to have a wedding that embodied “garden party’ vibes with romantic and glamorous nods. They incorporated a traditional Chinese tea ceremony into their ceremony, and the tea set pattern was mirrored in the reception linens to tie it all together, along with Chinese cookie favors with unique fortunes for each guest.