Style Me Pretty: Wedding Blog for the Style-Obsessed Bride

An Epic Destination Wedding Celebrating Summer In Italy

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Shades of Elegance – A Symphony of Pink, White, and Gold. Picture a world where romance dances with sophistication, as delicate hues of pink and pure white intertwine with subtle touches of radiant gold. This carefully curated palette is a testament to love’s timeless allure, capturing the essence of tenderness, purity, and luxury. Our Shades of Elegance theme is more than just colors; it’s a journey into an ambiance that transcends trends, crafting a wedding experience that is both enchanting and unforgettable. [/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Design: A Fusion of Cultures and Timeless Elegance Step into the world of Chenyi and Gou, a young and dynamic couple whose love story spans continents from Shanghai to Zurich. Their wedding, hosted at the historic Villa Grabau, unfolded as a masterpiece of cultural fusion and timeless elegance. Vibe: Harmonious Blend of Traditions The air was filled with an enchanting blend of traditions as guests from around the globe gathered under the Tuscan sun. The Villa’s Arancera, a beautifully renovated structure nestled amidst a lush garden of olive trees, citrus fruits, and fragrant blooms, provided the backdrop for an unforgettable weekend celebration. The venue itself whispered tales of history while effortlessly accommodating the mingling of diverse cultures and backgrounds. “We had our dream destination wedding in Tuscany, and it wouldn’t be possible to realize without Benedetta. We were onsite two times only to scout the locations and to taste the menu. The rest was coordinated by Benedetta. Most importantly, she understood our taste. Hence, she made sure everything was implemented according to our wishes. At this point, I’d like to quote our wedding guests «It was by far the most magical wedding we’ve ever attended.» – No need to say more”, says Chenyi.

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Chenyi’s wedding gown choice encapsulated the essence of sophistication and minimalism. The gown elegantly accentuated her physique, highlighting her natural grace and beauty. This carefully selected attire perfectly mirrored her refined taste and added a touch of understated allure to the entire celebration.

However, the magic didn’t stop there. After the cake cutting, the bride underwent a captivating transformation, slipping into a beautiful short ruffled red dress. This change allowed her to fully immerse herself in the festivities, dancing and celebrating alongside her loved ones.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids graced the occasion in a harmonious ensemble of elegant long dresses. While each dress showcased a unique design, they shared a common thread of sophistication and a mesmerizing shade of mint green. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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Following the ceremony, a delightful on-tray service of Franciacorta was offered to the guests. Later, they transitioned from the fountain area, where the ceremony took place, to the Limonaia zone, where exquisite food and beverage buffets awaited. For beverages, Italian Spritz, the Tuscan gym tonic known as Frida, Virgin Cocktail Belle Epoque, and infused water with rosemary and lemon were served to refresh the guests, along with an array of fruit juices. Attentive waitstaff served a variety of appetizers, including baccalà mousse, melon Bavarian with black pepper and Parma ham, kataifi-wrapped prawns, and crispy panzanella made with Tropea onions, multi-grain bread, and Italian tomatoes. Velvety pea cream, squid ink coriander, and vegan-friendly crudités with pinzimonio were elegantly presented in shot glasses. Banana cones filled with seasonal fried delicacies, such as shrimp and vegetables like zucchini blossoms and artichokes, delighted the guests. An inviting rustic gourmand corner showcased freshly cut Tuscan ham and an assortment of cheeses accompanied by various sauces, jams, and honey. These savory treats were enjoyed alongside a selection of bread and focaccia prepared by the chef. For dinner, the first course featured pappardelle with quail and blueberries, as well as ricotta and spinach ravioli with charred tomato and basil breadcrumb crumble for vegetarians. The main course consisted of a succulent Florentine-style beef tagliata with roasted potatoes. Vegetarians were treated to eggplant Parmigiana. Throughout the meal, guests savored Tuscan red wines and Vermentino whites. An exquisite dessert corner beckoned with fresh fruit, panna cotta, mini tiramisù, pistachio mousse, and macarons, providing a sweet finale to an unforgettable culinary journey.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]A Symphony of Modern Elegance: Anthuriums in delicate shades of pink stood as bold statements of passion, while an array of roses, each unique in its color and character, symbolized the diverse facets of love. The graceful presence of pampas grass added a touch of whimsy, swaying gently with every breeze, and lush foliage lent an earthy elegance to the arrangements.

These compositions, meticulously curated, stood as living works of art, enhancing the elegance of the historic Villa Grabau and harmonizing effortlessly with the Tuscan landscape. Through a thoughtful interplay of form, texture, and color, our floral design set the stage for a celebration that celebrated both the present moment and the promise of a shared future.

Witness the story of each bloom and the emotions they encapsulated in the vibrant tapestry of Chenyi and Gou’s union.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]This two-tiered masterpiece is a true testament to the artistry of culinary craftsmanship.

Dressed in a pristine white, adorned with delicate touches of edible gold leafs, the cake stands as a work of edible art.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The melodies of Chenyi and Gou’s wedding were nothing short of enchanting. As they exchanged their vows, a talented singer accompanied by a skilled guitarist, set the perfect emotional tone. The celebrant was Brigitte Stetter (www.traurednerinitalien.it)

However, the rhythm continued to captivate during the post-dinner celebrations. Guests and newlyweds alike danced the night away to the beats of DJ Fabio Mago.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]One of the standout features was the enchanting canopy adorned with a myriad of twinkling lights above the imperial tables set outdoors in the beautiful garden of Villa Grabau. This captivating setup added a touch of magic to the evening, creating an unforgettable ambiance under the stars.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Adding to the romance of the occasion was the stunning floral arch before which Chenyi and Gou exchanged their vows. Two half arches, varying in height, adorned with anthurium roses and pampas grass, created a mesmerizing backdrop for their heartfelt promises. [/field]
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Wedding Planners in Tuscany

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Petit Bouquet

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This Couple Got Married In A Chapel Built By The Bride’s Grandparents

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]We really didn’t have a color palette per se. I wanted the florist to be able to pull things that were beautiful and worked together. So we had some dusty blue, blush pinks, yellows, ivory, peach and coral.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The couple wanted something soft and romantic. Because the chapel was so important to the bride, they insisted on holding the reception in the attached public park with a rundown barn and cemetery as the backdrop. Nevertheless, it was a challenge to soften the space and have something breathtaking that would make the rest of the space fade into the background.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]

The groom proposed at Chrissy Field in San Francisco.

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The bride wore a very simple and classic gown. One of the things that I think is appealing about this wedding is that the couple went very simple with their look. They were not overstyled or glammed up. They kept things clean and classic. Her dress was from Enzoani and the style is Alanis.

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The guests had a wonderful plated dinner by Elaine Bell Catering based out of Napa. The meal was farm-to-fork style with locally sourced ingredients. They had a full open bar for guests to enjoy throughout the evening.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Our florist knocked it out of the park with gorgeous florals! The guests were greeted with a beautiful “tentrance” dripping in flowers. The tables had lush and romantic arrangements set atop BBJ La Tavola‘s newest collection of linens. We mixed in a few of Theoni Collection‘s wood tables as well. I love ensuring that the tables are not just cookie-cutter duplicates of each other. So we had some rectangular wood tables, some round tables, some with linens, some without. The floral arrangements were different on various tables, and some tables were accented with tall candles while others had votives. My favorite part of the design was the chairs from Theoni. I had been eyeing these chairs for quite a while and I was so excited to finally use them in a design! I love their curved shape and nailhead details.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]We asked our baker to create a custom design incorporating a variety of colors and textures. The guests also noshed on some amazing mini desserts from the caterer.[/field]
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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

Some could say that this love story really began back in 1859 when the Old St. Raymond Chapel was built in what is now known as Heritage Park in Dublin, CA. It was constructed with wood from the Oakland Redwood Forest, and in the early days, Father King from St. Mary’s in Oakland rode a horse/ donkey over to Dublin once a month for mass. By 1967, the church had fallen into disarray, and this is when a group of local residents banded together to save it. At the time, a little girl named MeChell Piazza helped her parents paint that church, and 50 years later, she would have never known her daughter Haley would be married there. Haley grew up seeing this photo of her mom painting the church and, at a young age, had it set in her mind that one day, she would marry her one true love in that chapel. Throughout high school, Haley would drive by the chapel and just dream of her wedding day. Fast forward to 2020 when Haley and Rob met and realized they lived just a few houses down from one another. After their engagement at Chrissy Field in San Francisco, the very first thing they put into place for the wedding was booking Old St. Raymond Chapel and the adjacent park for their reception. Once they had that locked in, they enlisted the help of Stephanie Teague with Teague Events to produce the event.

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From the Bride: The wedding day was like a dream! Just like what everyone says – it goes by in the blink of an eye. One thing that meant a lot to us as well was that our family and friends had a blast too. Serving them a delicious meal, yummy drinks and having a rockin’ dance floor were priorities. We are still receiving compliments on how fun the wedding was! If we could do it over, we wouldn’t change a single thing. Stephanie and her team were incredible! It was important to me that we had an expert at the table and that we were able to enjoy the wedding planning process. Stephanie went above and beyond what we hoped for. She assembled the perfect team of vendor and took our hopes and preferences for the wedding and made them a reality.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]The paper goods were made custom for this wedding day and I love how she hand drew the chapel that was so special to the couple as one of the detail cards. The stationer also incorporated the same pattern on the linens onto some of the envelopes and other paper goods.[/field]
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BBJ La Tavola

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Liz Zimbelman Photography

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Spring Wedding at Mission Ranch in Carmel-By-The-Sea

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]We focused on a color palette of dusty blue, sage and olive greens, buttery yellows and mustard to bring the outdoors in. Emily & Jack’s wedding evoked such a feeling of spring. The custom stationery suite showcased illustrations drawn by the godmother of the bride.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

We wanted to bring the outdoors in. Emily & Jack’s wedding evoked such a feeling of spring. Transforming the space at Mission Ranch was no small feat. We brought in draping to soften up the rustic structure of the ballroom, hung floral-filled chandeliers from the ceiling to make the room more fitting for the intimate group, and made sure to fill the event with soft mood lighting to set the tone.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Various patterns in green, yellow and blue for a Spring vibe[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Mission Ranch Steakhouse[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Another element we absolutely loved was the couple’s seating chart display – featuring a polaroid image of every single guest at their wedding, complete with calligraphy name and table number. We hung floral-filled chandeliers from the ceiling to make the room more fitting for the intimate group. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]classic white cake with spring floral designs[/field]
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BBJ La Tavola

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Bright And Beautiful Backyard Wedding In Birmingham

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

The wedding colors were pink, yellow, blue, and green.

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

My dream was to get married in the backyard of the home I grew up in. I have always loved everything bright and vibrant so I knew I wanted the day to be colorful, yet still feel elegant and classic. Rachelle Youd Designs, designer and florist, made all of my wedding dreams come true! It was colorful, whimsical, and magical, and was the most beautiful backdrop for the incredible fun we had with all of our friends and family. It was an absolute dream to celebrate my marriage in the place where I have so many childhood memories.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]My husband and I grew up in different cities, went to different colleges, but spent our summers working at Kanakuk Kamps in Branson, Missouri. We spent many summers as best friends, and when he finally asked me on a date, I said yes! In September of 2022, I was visiting Luke and his family and we were spending the weekend on the lake. I had no idea what the weekend would hold! While we knew we wanted to get married, I thought it would be months before we got engaged. We went to go for “brunch and a walk,” and I had no idea what Luke had planned! During our walk, Luke went to one knee, and I couldn’t speak for a couple of minutes due to my shock! After we were engaged, he surprised me by having my family and some of my closest friends in town. It was the sweetest weekend. [/field]
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The bride wore Monique Lhuillier from Mandi Jackson Bridal in Atlanta, GA.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids wore all different shades and styles of pink dresses to match the bride’s bright color palette, while allowing each girl to choose a dress she loved. The matrons of honor were the bride’s sisters, who matched in their bright pink ruffle gowns.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]I am from Alabama and my husband is from Arkansas, so I wanted to incorporate southern food into our wedding day. We had a yummy spread including fried okra and shrimp and grits. For cocktail hour, we had specialty margaritas and a delicious array of Mexican food, the groom’s favorite! [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

My florals and decor were colorful and whimsical, adding a joyful and fun spin on an elegant garden party. Rachelle Youd Designs created a beautiful pattern play in the seating areas to bring out all the colors in the florals. A favorite detail was the many string lights hanging around the yard and tent. The dance floor, which was occupied the entire night, had incredible silver globes hanging above with greenery — it was so fun!

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

When I was designing my wedding cake, I stuck with my theme of colorful, summery, and joyful. We also found special butterflies that I knew I wanted to be part of it. Diane Olexa made my cake, and I wish I could have it as decor in my house! There were beautiful florals and my favorite touch was the butterflies that looked like they were flying around the cake.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

One of my favorite details was a little treat we had. Throughout the night we passed strawberry, peanut butter, and chocolate milkshakes around to the guests. My parents had the same exact milkshakes at their wedding, and it was a special way to incorporate the memories of their day into my day! They were made and served by O’Carrs, a childhood favorite.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]I have always been a jeep girl, and one of my favorite things was getting to leave in an incredible, old white jeep, ending the night perfectly! [/field]
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A ‘London Tea Party’ Wedding Brought to Life in Savannah!

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Dusty blue, sage, blush, lavender, butter[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]When we first met Olivia about design, she came to us with a vision of a retro London Tea Party. We were excited to put together a design with lots of patterns and colors, while still looking timeless.

With her hand drawn custom invitations, guests got a sneak peek of what was to come. By adding special details in the sketch of actual florals that were going to be used, The Ford rice barrel, her puppy and wildlife native to the Savannah area.

Her venue backdrop is gorgeous on its own, so we wanted to make sure to design each space to accented the . Ceremony was designed with wood chairs and a structure at the altar adorned with florals. As guests transitioned to the back for The Ford home, they were greeted with mini cocktails and quaint hor d’oeuvres. With a setting of the Ogeechee river, we played with colors to compliment the outdoor space and let the view be the focal point.

We created her reception with a clear top tent and turf flooring, then added a simple lighting pattern, to be functional yet intentional with design, and brought the outside in with trees and garden inspired florals.

We adored the blue and white patterned linens and leaf patterned napkins. Tables were created with beautiful layers of patterns and texture to bring her vision of an elegant tea party to life.

Her design was accented with intentional details and surprises wherever you looked. From the hand painted candles, to the decal of their puppy Henry to the custom colors of her bars + stage and the matching snake sketch on her cake we wanted her design tailored to her.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]From the bride, Olivia: We were in Montauk for the weekend for a trip Sean planned for Olivia’s birthday. It was our first trip away since getting our puppy (Henry) and were so excited for a weekend of relaxation and sleeping in. Sean planned a fabulous weekend and went to some of my favorite spots on the island. On Saturday morning, Olivia (I) as usual was up at the crack of dawn so I woke Sean up and we went to the beach for a walk. Once we were at the beach, we were sitting taking in the morning, when Sean turned around and pulled out the most gorgeous ring. He said the most beautiful thing to me and then asked me to be his wife! I couldn’t believe it! [/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]From bride: I got my dress at the White Dress by the Shore. When I first went shopping, I had a very clear style in mind, but when it came to trying on, I didn’t feel comfortable or like myself in anything I thought I would. Who knew there were so many different types of fabrics! I found the ‘Elliot’ after describing my vision; timeless, silently elegant, and most of all comfortable. I feel in love with the square neckline – a personal style staple – and the mid back versus a very low back. I loved that you could almost dress it up and down depending on the accessories and became a canvas for my coveted headband by Jennifer Behr. Also – my bustle, done by the amazing https://www.demelisatelier.com/ was a combination of a French and Ballgown bustle. Allowing the dress to keep its intended shape on the bottom!
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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]From bride: When searching for bridesmaids’ dresses, I wanted something that reflected the design inspiration of the wedding; a 60’s garden party with a splash of French Parisian, and a pop of chinoiserie – and something my girls could and would want to wear again. The V Chapman Lily Dress in sage was the perfect fit! With a feminine and retro ruffle silk details, but a more modern silhouette I feel in love instantly! The sage complimented the colorful and unique flowers and linens. We paired them with the Shashi Botanique Earrings for a flirty but elegant statement piece.
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]From Bride: We wanted to combine the authentic cuisine of the low country and tie in some of our favorites but remaining on theme. Elegant, bite sized hors d’oeuvres and of course a flirty cocktail for the ladies and a classic for the grooms signature cocktail. Our hanky panky featured edible flowers, and the pink of the paloma popped against backdrop. Henry’s Way was an ode to our pup, and Henry Ford’s home who we so enjoyed![/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]From Florist, Andrea – Olivia’s flowers were a florist’s dream. The best of Spring and definitely not afraid of color. For her bouquet, we incorporated poppies, sweet pea, allium, ranunculus, spirea, and phlox together to create a light and ethereal design. Her bouquet was tied with a floral embroidered ribbon. The bridesmaids carried similar petite bouquets tied with wide lilac colored silk ribbons.

For the ceremony, we made a wooden a-frame backdrop that we adorned with bursts of pastel colored blooms. The entrance to the aisle was designed with similar blooms and felt like the ceremony was nestled amongst a lush garden.
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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]From Bride: Cake / Talk about some inspiration behind what you wanted for your wedding cake. We wanted our cake to be a vignette of our entire affair, and it was spot on. Elegant, unique, and full of surprises! With the natural elements of the Georgia peaches and flowers varietals from my bouquet, and ceremony, to the rattan riser it was on, it was perfect. Too beautiful to eat. I think one of the first times I cried that day was when I first saw my cake. Not only was it beyond gorgeous, it was incredible. We also did le peite pastries to finish out the evening which was a hit!

Throughout my entire wedding, I left a bunch of easter eggs – which fun when someone realized them. In our invitations, hidden in the design were odes to the low country, Georgia, and some of our favorite things. My headband was called the Meadow, which is my niece’s name. The bridesmaids earrings were called the Botanique which is a nursery for unique botanicals, which Gray Harper absolutely delivered on. Henry popped up a few times (cake, dance floor etc). The cake also featured the snakes from the paper designs, and the butterflies were throughout the evening!

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]One of our favorite features was the recessed bar at cocktail hour. We placed vibrant Spring blooms inside this shape to create a true focal point for this portion of the reception. The dancing purple allium flowers made the design feel so playful.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Guests were greeted at the entrance of the tent by billowing baskets of blooms and lush Spring trees. The reception bar featured two dutch master style arrangements with tulips and hyacinths overflowing out of the vase. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]There were two different styles of guests tables featured at the reception. An estate table with meadow style arrangements running down the center of the tables, and square tables featuring a lush round arrangement full of blooms. We paid attention to including small details such as the moss colored ribbed taper candles on each table. The pillar candles at the sweetheart table also featured a hexagonal design. Chandeliers and tent poles were even draped in vine-like greenery.

Following the ceremony, the aisle meadow arrangements were repurposed on the stage giving them a whole new life at the reception.
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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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A Golden-Toned Autumn Wedding on the Coast with Lanterns Instead of Flowers

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

Warm golden colors from the surrounding coastal landscape in the fall season were chosen to create a seamless palette from the acres around Castle Hill Inn, the gowns for Jess’s friends, and the tablescape and tent decor. The look was as if the autumn breeze blew in the most beautiful blooms from right outside the tent door to the tables and ceremony arbor.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]In lieu of bouquets for her attendants, Jess chose the girls to carry vintage lanterns, which shone beautifully in the golden hour sun. The vibe was a jovial, family-focused event with family playing a big roll in the wedding – from bridesmaids to groomsmen and also officiant! [/field]
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Jess chose a strapless Carolina Herrera gown with a high-neck lace overlay. She changed into a sparkling silver jumpsuit for dancing.

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The bridesmaids and female attendants wore various shades of golden autumn tones, including pinks and mauves, in dresses of their choosing.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groomsmen and male attendants wore navy blue suits and neckties in golden tones, while the groom choose a pale green. [/field]
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Cans of local beer, Narragansett Ale Fresh Catch, were passed along with mini lobster rolls and other seafood hors d’oeuvres, including a full raw bar. Dinner was a multi-course plated meal prepared by the chefs of Castle Hill Inn.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Flowers and a huge overhead floral installation were chosen in seasonal shades and varieties of gold and pale pastels. Some tables had centerpieces while others had small antique bottles with only a few stems. The head table was dotted with centerpieces of all sizes. Bridesmaids carried bouquets and female attendants carried lanterns. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]A small cutting cake for the ceremony only was on display, while guests enjoyed plated cake. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The groom’s godmother Erika Pearsall Jannotta served as the officiant. Grandmother’s performed readings.[/field]
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An Elegant Midsummer Wedding at Villa Regina Teodolinda on Lake Como

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]white, blush, ivory, yellow, peach, green, antic rose[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Elegant garden looking and fun! Like the bride told – I am Californian girl, let’s make it bright![/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]After two years of friendship and four years of dating, Russell proposed to Jordyn at his family’s mountain house in Winter Park, Colorado while on an early morning walk with their rescue Husky, Bodhi, in knee-deep snow. Jordyn definitely didn’t know it was coming…if she did, she would have definitely brushed her hair and chosen a better outfit. ;)
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that I tried on over 60 dresses before I found the one. As an artist, I had a very clear idea of what I was looking for – I was looking for something sophisticated and timeless, but still unique. When I found Liz Martinez’ collection at En Blanc in Santa Monica, I knew she was the designer for me. Looking at her dresses…I felt like I was in a museum. Her craftmanship is extraordinary…and every single dress is made to the bride’s exact measurements. The custom detachable skirt she made for me was magical. I felt like a piece of art on my big day.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The worst part about being a bridesmaid is having to buy a dress that you don’t look good in and will never wear again, just to match the group. Plus, when everyone wears matching dresses, the photos look less vibrant. We were in Italy, so we wanted something bold and colorful! We provided the bridesmaids with a color palette and let them choose the brand, cut and style they felt the best in.
Some of the brands/designers they chose were: V. Chapman, Bhldn, Katie May, etc. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Custom suit from Suit Supply and dress shoes from Taft. [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Before the ceremony, guests were welcomed with refreshing drinks, setting the tone for a joyous occasion. Following the vows, there was a delectable Italian buffet, brimming with mouthwatering flavors. Then, the culinary experience with a seated dinner featuring three exquisite courses. And to keep the celebration in high spirits, an open bar to toast to love and happiness throughout the night. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The floral arrangements boast an enchanting palette of white, blush, ivory, yellow, peach, green, and antique rose hues. From elegant bouquets to captivating centerpieces, florals added a touch of natural beauty, creating a dreamy ambiance that perfectly complemented the special day. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]We were having an Italian Millefoglie wedding cake. Delicately crafted, this delectable treat features layers of flaky pastry, velvety Chantilly cream, and a medley of luscious berries. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Why Italy and why June: My parents met at a tiny restaurant in Milan, Italy. Once they got to talking, they discovered that they both grew up in a small town called Beachwood, Ohio, a few blocks away from each other, and had never met…. When they got married a year later in Cleveland, my father’s grandfather, Joe, who was meeting my mom for the first time at the wedding, told them an unbelievable story: Many years ago, my mom’s grandfather, Izzy, was at the bank. He had taken most of his savings out in order to start a fruit stand. On his way home he had dropped the bag of money containing his life savings and a man around his age came chasing after him to return it. The man chasing after him was my father’s grandfather, Joe. They never saw each other again after that. My mom and dad meeting in Milan was fate, which is why we chose to get married 40 km from where they met. We also chose to get married on my husband’s parents’ wedding anniversary – so we could take good luck from both sides of the family and begin our own marriage in a meaningful way.

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Happy Moments Collector

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Petit Bouquet

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A Classic Tennessee Country Club Wedding

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Pinks, whites, greens.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The vision for the wedding was “southern garden chic” and the Whitney Bowman Events team made the vision come to life with the help of a talented vendor team.
We wanted the wedding to feel elegant and timeless and the reception truly looked like a scene from Bridgerton. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Emily and TJ first met as interns working for the same investment banking firm. They became fast friends, eating lunch together every day. Eventually, their work took them in different directions. The two remained in touch, and ultimately ended up back at the same firm together. They started dating a month later. Their relationship came very easily given their strong foundation as friends. After dating for about 3 years, we went on a vacation to St. Thomas in the U.S.V.I’s. TJ planned the perfect proposal overlooking the ocean. He got down on one knee during dinner and Emily said it was the easiest yes! They followed their USVI trip with a trip to Kiawah Island, SC, to celebrate their engagement with both families. [/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Emily loved floral lace and chose a fit and flare Romona Keveza wedding dress from Dimitra’s Bridal Couture in Chicago. It featured a sweetheart neckline and 3d embroidered floral lace with a chapel length train that was bustled for the reception.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids wore blush Jenny Yoo dresses ordered from Bella Bridesmaids in Knoxville[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]TJ wore a custom tux from Balani Custom Clothiers with his initials and the wedding date stitched on the inside. [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]With impeccable service from the Cherokee staff, Emily and TJ served their guests a grilled filet with crab cakes, paired with yukon gold potatoes and seasonal vegetables. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The talented Colby West made the floral vision come to life with peonies, roses and greenery scattered throughout the reception. Guests entered the ballroom to Jackson Vine accenting the draping, tied back with blooms. A full wreath of greenery and florals hung under each chandelier. The tables were adorned with a mix of high and low arrangements and gobs of candlelight [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The six-tier cake was show stopping moment in the ballroom. Adorned with 3d florals to match Emily’s dress, and atop a bed of florals, guests enjoyed a vanilla and chocolate chips cake with buttercream icing.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Emily always dreamed of getting married in the church where she grew up and went to school. The recently remodeled Sacred Heart Cathedral served as the perfect backdrop to say “I Do.” [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Guests left with a bottle of Emily and TJ’s favorite champage from the champagne wall.[/field]
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Whitney Bowman Events

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A Last Minute Venue Change Provides a Stunning Mountain Backdrop at Everline Resort

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

The colors for Annie and Kyle’s wedding were inspired by wildflowers. They wanted their guests to feel as if they were hiking through the alps and happened upon a wedding taking place with a stunning snow capped mountain as the backdrop, sprinkled with colorful wildflowers.

[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Annie and Kyle met 3 years ago on an on-line dating app and hit it off instantly. They wanted their wedding day to feel like an intimate celebration with a vibrant energy for their 130 guests. A European vacation spent hiking inspired their wedding day Alpine European style and Everline Resort & Spa in Squaw Valley was the perfect venue. The Lake Tahoe area is special to Annie and Kyle. Kyle grew up in the area, and the two fell in love there when spending “covid summers” together.

Their outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour were complete with snow capped mountains in the background. The “just-picked” colorful florals in the tablescape are reminiscent of mountain wildflowers and complimented the beautiful floral napkins. This motif extended through-out the paper items of the wedding day too. The stunning blue fondant wedding cake complete with cherries completed the European alpine feel.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Annie wore a lace wedding dress that had petite straps and a plunging neckline. The back had buttons all the way to the end of the train. She wore a fingertip length veil. [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Annie had an untraditional wedding party with just one maid of honor and a close friend officiating the wedding. Her maid of honor wore a blue silk v-neck gown that was the color of a perfect summer sky. [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Annie and Kyle spent months creating their own Limoncello from lemons they grew in their backyard. They even bottled it and created a brand for the drink “moltigatti” – or “many cats” in Italian. They toasted to their marriage at the beginning of dinner and everyone took a Limoncello shot. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Annie carried a wedding bouquet filled with blooms of white and “something-blue”. The “just-picked” colorful florals in the tablescape are reminiscent of mountain wildflowers and complimented the beautiful floral napkins. This motif extended through-out the paper items of the wedding day too. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The stunning blue fondant wedding cake complete with cherries completed the European alpine feel. The cake had a retro feel that was so fun! [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Annie and Kyle shared their first dance to “In Spite of Ourselves” which has some very comical lyrics. Throughout the dance they sang to each other, twirling around the dance floor as if they were in their own world.

They dined under the stars this June 24th evening, toasted with Limoncello and Annie sported an adorable short mini-wedding dress complete with fur wrap for the dancing. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The couple had to find a new venue just a few months before their wedding. While they were originally hosting their event on a private estate, it became clear that permits were going to be an unexpected hurdle and they had to pivot. They worked with Merrily Wed and found a new venue – Everline Resort – signing the contract before ever seeing it in person. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Annie and Kyle were initially planning on a boating day on Lake Tahoe the Sunday after their wedding. With the incredible snow pack from the previous winter, Annie & Kyle went skiing with their wedding party the next morning to celebrate their union![/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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An Escort Card Display Inspired by the Iconic Gucci Wallpaper

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Inspired by the iconic Gucci wallpaper that has the escort cards and blush rose hues, pristine whites, and deepened by calm powder blues.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]California’s versatility as a wedding destination offers a multitude of breathtaking landscapes, from the desert allure of Palm Springs to the rugged treelined coast of Big Sur. Amidst this diverse backdrop, there exists a heartwarming tale of love and celebration that weaves together the beauty of Italy and the charm of Malibu.

After meticulous research, the couple chose an Italian inspired private estate nestled into the hills of Malibu, providing a breathtaking view of the vast blue sea below. The architecture exuded the timeless elegance of an Italian villa, transporting guests to the romantic shores of Lake Como on the West Coast.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]This piece captures the story of Chandra and Adam Melton, passionate Pepperdine University alumni who decided to commemorate their 20-year milestone with a unique vow renewal. Their emotional and spiritual connection to the university adds a deeply personal touch to the narrative, making it all the more captivating.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Choosing a Berta wedding gown is a testament to an eye for sophistication. Every stitch, every embellishment, tells a story of craftsmanship. The gown’s beautiful beading isn’t just decoration; it’s a reflection of a bride’s shimmering moments and dreams. With Berta, you’re not just wearing a dress; you’re donning a masterpiece.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The celebrations continued with a cocktail reception featuring live music, seasonal cocktails, and floral linens that harmonized with the estate’s surroundings. The highlight was the custom escort wall adorned with Gucci wallpaper, adding a touch of sophistication while keeping the focus on the couple and their guests.

A feast prepared by renowned private chef Ali Cengiz elevated the dining experience to new heights, ensuring guests savored every moment of the occasion. The evening culminated in joyful dancing on a custom-built dance floor, making it a night to remember for all.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]At the heart of this ethereal celebration was Jessica Goldklang, owner and creative director of Party Crush, a luxury event planning company known for her innovative designs inspired by Paris runways, up-and-coming interior designers, and cutting-edge artists. Jessica’s keen eye for detail allowed her to craft an awe-inspiring experience that perfectly reflected the couple’s unique essence and love story.

The enchanting visuals of the editorial unfold as the florist, Dogwood and Fir, weaves a mesmerizing color story using terra-cotta tones, lush greens, and soft blue hues that mirror the natural beauty of the Malibu surroundings. The wedding aisle, adorned with 2000 neutral roses, leads to a picture-perfect spot where the couple exchanged heartfelt vows.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Entrusting Loria Stern with your wedding cake is embracing nature’s finest in dessert form. Each layer is more than just flavor; it’s a canvas adorned with delicately pressed flowers. With Loria, your cake becomes a centerpiece and a conversation starter.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The wedding’s ambiance was elevated by the collaborative artistry of ‘Corrie in Color’ and the stationer ‘Maison Blanche.’ Together, these visionary creators masterfully curated an escort card wall adorned with luxurious Gucci wallpaper, infusing an air of opulence into the event.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]The guests were treated to creatively crafted drinks adorned with Disco Cubes’ floral ice cubes, adding a visually stunning and refreshing element to the celebration.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]Delicate tea towels, thoughtfully embroidered with the names of the delectable appetizers, were gracefully draped over the servers’ arms, adding an extra layer of sophistication.[/field]
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Everything You Need to Know About Planning Your Second Trip Down The Aisle

Getting a second chance at love is a beautiful thing. And getting a second chance to plan a wedding? We’ve probably all dreamed of that at least once (oh, the things we would do differently!). But things get real once you realize that the challenges surrounding second weddings are just so different than those of the first. You’re probably not at the stage in life where you’re enthused about creating your wedding registry, or dreaming about one last girls’ getaway. Instead, you may be focused on blending a family, writing your second chapter, and planning a second wedding that feels totally different than your first. That’s why we’re here, with advice that’s perfect for brides and grooms planning a second trip down the aisle. Because second weddings deserve to be every bit as beautiful as the second chance that led you to each other!

Photography: Nathalie Cheng Photography | Floral Design: The Loved Co

1. Second weddings don’t have to be simple

When it comes to describing second wedding plans, couples often use words like ‘quiet’ and ‘intimate’ and ‘low- key.’ Don’t get us wrong: we love it when brides and grooms take a subtle approach to wedding styling. What’s important, as you plan a simple wedding, is that simplicity is truly your style—and not a way of minimizing your happiness. If your dream is to jet off somewhere tropical and have a ceremony bursting with hot colors and bold blooms—you are just not going to be cool with a Thursday matinée wedding at your parents’ country club. And that’s ok! Audra of Audra Wrisley Photography encourages brides and grooms to authentically celebrate their second wedding—even if that means celebrating big. She explains:

“Having a second wedding doesn’t mean it needs to be any less celebrated! I do feel that couples tend to lean towards simplifying their celebration, but I would absolutely encourage couples to focus on what they want- and if that means an even bigger and better bash the second time around, cheers to that! Sometimes first weddings are planned on budgets (or on their parent’s budget) and brides and grooms compromised their overall vision. A second wedding is a perfect excuse to go all- out!”

Photography: Josh & Dana Fernandez | Floral Design: Mibellarosa Designs

2. Second weddings give you a chance to express your style

Anyone who has been married has probably, at one point or another, dreamed of getting a wedding do-over. (Let’s be real: an average day on Instagram will leave you feeling that way.) Your style evolves over time—and so does the wedding industry! You’re probably so well-versed in wedding imagery now that you know exactly which designer you would turn to for your dress and which florist you would work with. It isn’t just an aesthetic thing: as time passes, you become more and more comfortable using your voice and making decisions. You know yourself. Rather than being divided by anxiety, you can approach the planning process with focus and clarity. Audra Wrisley of Audra Wrisley Photography beautifully articulates the differences between planning first and second weddings:

“Second weddings are unique in that brides and grooms are experienced, and often these couples can be more discerning in including exactly what they want (and excluding what they don’t) to create the perfect celebration. Regardless of traditions or other people’s wishes, couples planning second weddings tend to focus on what’s right for them- which can be such a beautiful way to plan a wedding! The wedding day is very often less stressful but definitely not less special.”

Photography: Lauren Fair | Floral Design: Faye and Renee Floral & Event Design Team

3. Know that you’re allowed to skip some things

Time and experiences give us some wonderful gifts, and one of the best of all is the ability to say ‘no.’ As you plan your second wedding, know it’s more than ok to just gently let some things go.

“I think all of the ‘first wedding’ traditions can be skipped if the bride and groom don’t want to include them!” Audra of Audra Wrisley Photography says encouragingly. “Bouquet toss, formal cake cutting, even parent dances shouldn’t be required, unless the couple wants to include them. Oftentimes, our couples will focus on toasting and dancing during the reception and less planned events throughout the evening.”

Photography: Caroline Tran Photography

4. Do things that feel appropriate and meaningful at this stage of your life

As you plan your second wedding, you will revisit all the rituals and rites that characterized the first. You may look around your kitchen and collection of oh-so-artfully-mismatched china and think, a wedding registry is the last thing I need. If anything about the planning process feels less than right to you, listen to your heart. “I would encourage couples planning their second wedding to let their hearts guide them on the wedding events outside of the wedding day; i.e. showers, registries, etc.” advises Audra of Audra Wrisely Photography, continuing, “Most couples I’ve worked with tend to skip those since they’ve done them the first time around, but only the couple can say what’s right for them!”

Photography: Tenth & Grace

5. Your second wedding should feel different than your first

You will want your second wedding to reflect your current stage in life—your growth, your maturity, your love story. This may go without saying, but emulating or trying to recapture the feeling of the first wedding would be uncomfortable for everyone involved. The very last thing you want is to conjure up memories from the past—even if those memories are beautiful. Think of it this way: you wouldn’t keep your ex’s old shirt around to cozy up in and wear around your fiancé. For the sake of your partner, your guests, and (most importantly) yourself, focus on the beautiful stage of life you’re experiencing now.

“Planning a second wedding can present its own set of challenges, as it’s really easy to think about what decisions and choices you made the first time around!” admits Audra of Audra Wrisley Photography. “I do think it’s super important to plan your second wedding together as a couple; making your venue selection and selecting a team of vendors to create a vibe that reflects your relationship. Perhaps your first wedding was traditional and in a church, and you and your fiancé are very outdoorsy- plan a garden or vineyard ceremony with an al fresco evening to follow! Although it may be challenging, think of it this way; you have all the experience in the world to steer you towards your dream wedding day.”

Photography: Katie Grant | Floral Design: Secret Garden

6. … But don’t just be different for the sake of being different

That being said, don’t feel as though you have to plan a wedding that’s wildly different from your first just in order to make a statement. All wedding-related decisions should flow from your heart; when a wedding is created from a place of love, it’s palpable—you can just feel it. Alternatively, you can also feel when a decision has been forced on someone, when it just isn’t natural. “Although I do think the venue/vibe is a great way to make it a very different wedding, I think it’s super important that each of these choices reflect the couple as a whole, and not just different for the sake of being different,” admits Audra. “If you’re not a beach couple, find a destination venue that fits you (a French chateau or a vineyard in Italy) as opposed to just having a destination wedding since your first wedding was local. Make it you, and the magic will follow!”

Photography: Hunter Ryan Photo

7. Add meaningful touches and moments of self-expression

A second wedding gives couples an incredible opportunity to create new traditions. Now that you are freed from all the first-time ‘shoulds,’ you can create a wedding that feels personal—and even essential– to your experience. Allow creativity room for expression in your second wedding plans. Consider writing your own vows, selecting meaningful poetry passages, or including your children in your ceremony. Audra likewise encourages brides and grooms to make the wedding day their own:

“Infusing personality into a second wedding is key, especially for couples who may have skipped or overlooked this part the first time around with focusing on all the ‘have tos’ they thought they needed to do! Thoughtful gifts the morning of the wedding is always a really sweet touch, as well as personalized vows and even a heartfelt toast later in the evening are all really great ways to make the day unique and memorable.”

Photography: Oliver Fly

8. Second wedding, but make it fashion

Now is the time, dear brides, to wear whatever you want. When it comes to second weddings, the sartorial possibilities are endless. Imagine wearing a pale blue or pink or floral printed dress. A sexy black sheath. Or you could always channel Bianca Jagger’s courthouse chic and opt for well-made separates: bias-cut skirt, smoking jacket, jaunty hat. “Fashion is such a fun way to mix it up for your second wedding! Keeping in mind the overall vibe of the day, I absolutely think it’s a great way to think outside of the box; a floral gown or a colorful look is always fun,” suggests Audra. Don’t be afraid to go a little couture. Now you can embrace that Claire Pettibone or Ines di Santo gown you adored– but were just too a little too shy to wear the first time around.

And guess what? If you want a second chance at a white wedding, you absolutely get to do that. As with any other planning decision, it’s all about making the choice that’s true to you. Audra has wonderful advice for brides who love both tradition and couture: “[i]f you’re concerned that you’d like a little tradition in the day, a reception dress is always a great option!” suggest Audra. Whether it’s classic or unexpected, if your dress is an expression and extension of your personal style, it will be perfect for you.

Photography: Jose Villa | Dress: Ines di Santo | Floral Design: Tulipina

9. Resist the temptation to constantly compare your second wedding with your first

As you plan, it’s only natural to compare your second wedding with your first. The first wedding is, after all, your frame of reference. You may expect to encounter the same challenges as you did the first time around. And your first thoughts as you design your invitations and select your florals may be, ‘Well, the first time we did this…’ But second weddings are as unique as second marriages. Allow yourself to experience this season of life unencumbered by comparisons to the past. Allow this second wedding to be a masterpiece unto itself. And give yourself the freedom to experience something new. You deserve it!

Photography: Katie Grant

10. Don’t feel like you have to apologize for your second wedding

…Ever. A second wedding is not a lesser wedding.

Photography: Angel Owens

11. Know that you’ll enjoy everything more

We’ve alluded to this before, but second weddings are so wonderful because brides and grooms are so much less concerned with performing perfectly and pleasing everyone. “I do think brides and grooms are more relaxed when planning their second weddings, but I think this comes from feeling freer to follow their wishes instead of family members’ opinions or traditions,” notes Audra of Audra Wrisley Photography. “This can be such a weight off of their shoulders, and truly allows for such a special celebration!” The freedom you feel can’t help but influence the planning process and the entire atmosphere and experience of your wedding.

Photography: Rebecca Yale Photography

12. Prepare yourself for some hard times

It’s very likely that something deeply painful brought you here, to your second wedding. Maybe you or your fiancé lost a spouse. Maybe, instead, you lived through a painful marriage and divorce and maybe, for a little while, you lost your hope. A second marriage is a beautiful testament to redemption and renewal, but in order to be redeemed, something had to first be lost. Even though you are so happy and in love, you may experience waves of grief or confusion as you plan a second wedding. The planning process may bring some beautiful and deeply painful memories to the fore, particularly if you have lost a spouse. And even if you have not lost a loved one, you can feel a little less innocent, excited, and hopeful as you were for your first wedding. You may feel a little disillusioned. All of these feelings are normal, but that doesn’t make them any less painful.

To complicate things further, you may have some delicate family dynamics to work through as you marry for a second time (and potentially blend two families). Children can miss parents they have lost, or form alliances with parents that are still present. Exes may enter back in the picture and make things difficult. Family dynamics may multiply and become entangled. And while all of these problems can beset first marriages, they can be particularly sensitive within the context of second marriages. Prepare yourself for all of these delicate emotions and dynamics, and surround yourself with people who love and support you. If possible, seek counsel from a trusted source—a therapist, preacher, or friend—and be gentle with your own heart. If you are a person of faith, cling to that faith. Turn to your fiancé and try and allow any hardships to bring you closer to one another. And try, try to preserve your joy, even if it flickers dimly some days.

Photography: Oliver Fly

13. Include your family

That said, the presence of family can be the most beautiful and healing part of your second wedding. Your second wedding may mark that day that two families become one, and that union is worth honoring. As often as it makes sense– and in ways that feel right to you– try to include your family in the planning process. You could take your daughter-to-be to a cake tasting or to the floral shop to have a peek at your wedding flowers. Or you could prepare a special wedding-day surprise, like a posy bouquet or a letter written to your future children. And as you say your vows, consider including promises to love and care for one another’s children—or speak those words directly to little ones. All of these little things, added together, can create a space of welcome, acceptance, and love.

Audra can recall some beautiful examples past weddings that included her couples’ children. “One of my sweet couples included their children as their bridal party, and it was so special to have their children feel included and a part of the day. The bride’s teenage son walked her down the aisle, and the groom’s children gave toasts during the reception. It was so heartfelt and beautiful, not a dry eye in the room!” As with anything else in life, you may have walked through a few valleys before arriving at your second wedding. But all of it was leading somewhere so beautiful– so meaningful– and so meant for you, and the family you now call your own.

Photography: Kelli Lynn

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Photography

Jose Villa Photography

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Lauren Fair Photography

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Rebecca Yale Photography

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Audra Wrisley Photography

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Hunter Ryan Photo

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Al Fresco Austin Wedding with Wellness Focus

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Mauve, peach, champagne, yellow, green[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

We live in Texas and even though we love our beloved city of Austin, we wanted a venue and vibe that felt more elevated, chic and sophisticated for our wedding day. For years, I dreamt of getting married abroad in Italy… but an overseas wedding so soon after the pandemic era felt like it was going to add too much extra stress and uncertainty. As soon as I saw Villa Antonia online, I knew right away that was where we would get married. We knew right away we wanted our style to complement the old-world vibe of the venue with some fresh modern touches and a color palette that would match the Spring season. The vision of our wedding day was inspired by 2 big elements: wellness and an elevated experience for us and our guests. It was really important for us to incorporate wellness moments throughout the day that helped Michael and I connect with the present moment. Everyone knows that the wedding day goes by so fast — we wanted to make sure we could really soak up the day and all of the special moments. One of my bridesmaids led a beautiful mindfulness meditation at the start of our ceremony to help Michael and I, our wedding party, and our guests connect to the present moment together. It was one of my favorite moments of the whole day!

[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]For our 2 year anniversary, Michael surprised me with a trip to Sedona – one of our very favorite places. The first time I traveled to Sedona was for a solo wellness trip the weekend before our very first date. I fell in love with the nature, the healing vortexes, and all the wellness spots across town.

On Saturday morning, we woke up early and Michael wouldn’t tell me where we were going or what we were doing. He just said “make sure you bring layers” because he knows I always get cold.

Two short car rides later… and we arrived at an open field with a giant hot air balloon being prepared for us.

I’m not a huge fan of heights so I spent the next 30 minutes focused on my breathing and keeping myself calm before our sunrise excursion.

As we lifted off into the sky above the red rocks that Sedona is known for, I looked down from where we just came from and saw a big sign that said “Forever?” and turned around to see Michael down on one knee proposing.

It was the most romantic and magical proposal, and the entire weekend was really an engagement dream come true.[/field]
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I knew early on that I wanted to do two separate and distinct looks — one for the ceremony and another for dinner & dancing. For my ceremony dress from Pronovias, I knew I wanted something simple & timeless with a touch of whimsical. My veil was my favorite accessory of the whole day, and it really completed my ceremony look. The veil had little petal, butterfly-looking lace pieces all over it that was the perfect way to add a dash of whimsicalness without going overboard. For my second dress, I knew I wanted something that felt a bit more couture and high fashion (again, without going over the top). One of my bridesmaids found the dress for me at A & Be in Austin. As soon as I put the dress on, I knew it was going to be the perfect dinner and dancing outfit for me at our wedding. I’m still trying to find an excuse to re-wear it again! I paired the dress with birdies “Swan” flats which are the most comfortable brand of stylish flats I’ve ever worn. I felt like I was walking on pillows, which was important for me to feel comfortable on the dance floor.

[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]My bridesmaid vision came to me with ease as I knew I wanted a mismatched look that tied in all the main colors from our color palette. I knew some of my gals would want solid colors and others who would feel comfortable in something more bold or patterned, so it was pretty easy to coordinate who would wear what type and style of dress.
All the dresses came together and coordinated so perfectly![/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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The food really blew us away! Austin Catering did such an amazing job bringing our al fresco dinner dreams to life. So many of our guests raved about how much they loved the food, and I couldn’t wait to have seconds after the night ended. The dinner was my favorite part of our entire wedding day, which we hosted in the Butterfly Garden, an area of our venue that isn’t traditionally used for dinner service. We’re really grateful for the team at Austin Catering for bringing our dinner dreams to life. We served an arugula salad with fresh pears, walnuts and prosciutto, followed by filet mignon and grilled redfish salmoriglio. The filet was served with scalloped Yukon gold potato & rose leeks and sautéed haricot verts. The redfish was paired with asparagus, zucchini & spring pea risotto, and haricot verts. We served a wide variety of locally sourced spirits & beer, and our favorite wines produced in Santa Barbara — one of our favorite places and where I had my bachelorette party. Our signature drinks where the Virginia Gentleman, to highlight where Michael grew up, and a signature mocktail, the Blushing Bride with rose petals, since I don’t drink alcohol and some of our guests are also alcohol-free. We wanted our alcohol-free guests to have a delicious drink option and not feel left out of the party.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

We’re flower people and the florals were one of the most important items on our list. I found our florist, Tiffany from Ida Mayes Floristry on Instagram and immediately fell in love with her style and how I felt when I looked at her work. I love the architectural elements she used to design our flowers and the big blooms throughout every single piece. We gave her a lot of artistic freedom to express what she thought would align best with the vision we gave her — and everything exceeded our expectations!

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

One of my favorite moments of the whole night was getting to taste and eat our cake. Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop in Austin never disappoints. Our cinnamon cake with strawberry jam filling and vanilla icing was the perfect sweet treat. We even had a gluten & dairy-free option that I and a few of our guests opted for. It was just as delicious (maybe even better!) than the regular kind.

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

Music is something that both of us feel really connected to, especially Michael. We had selected every song that was played during our ceremony and throughout the entire night. We incorporated strings for the ceremony, a jazz trio for dinner, followed by a jazz line that led everyone up to the dance floor after dinner, and a live band + DJ for dancing. Our ceremony music included some our classic favorites including: Frank Sinatra, Van Morrison, Fleetwood Mac and Nat Cole.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]One of the most special and unique moments of our day was a live butterfly release we did at the end of our ceremony. It was such a playful and special moment. The butterflies were so cozy nested on top of the florals that were inside the glass container that they didn’t want to leave. I held them in my hands for a few minutes before they were ready to fly off. It was such a magical experience![/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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A Classic Seattle Waterfront Wedding with Must-See Florals

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]White, cream, and lightest sage with pops of light pink in the floral elements.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Katie wanted that quintessential classic feel to the wedding day, with a light, airy, and fine-art flair. Sticking with a neutral color palette with subtle pops of sage and blush gave the day a feminine but classic appeal without detracting from the beautiful surroundings offered at the The Admiral’s House. Secluded on nearly four acres on the SE corner of Magnolia, the Admiral’s House overlooks Elliott Bay. It boasts an unobstructed view of the Seattle city skyline, including the iconic Space Needle and the majestic Mt. Rainier. The venue has a classic appeal with a nod to life by the sea, a perfect representation of Katie’s vision for her wedding day. Most of all, Katie wanted to create an experience for her guests. Seattle and the water hold a special place in her heart. She envisioned both of their families venturing up the hill to Magnolia as they arrived for the wedding day and feeling the same sense of awe that she does when she gazes out at the water. To further envelope their families in this momentous affair, Katie solicited the help of Oak & Fig Floral. In addition to creating the most breathtaking statement piece at the altar, Oak & Fig lined the entire aisle with lush, garden-inspired arrangements. It felt so magical for the wedding party and couple to walk down this aisle and to see guests immersed in blooms as they witnessed the couple exchanging vows.

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

We were in New York City, visiting my family, and it was our three-year anniversary. After a lovely dinner next to Central Park, we decided to walk through a bit of the park and came upon the Alice in Wonderland statue. Alfonzo, knowing the original whimsical Disney feature was my favorite movie as a kid, got down on one knee, next to the White Rabbit. As it was dark outside, the timing helped give me an air of privacy for the very special moment.

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Katie wanted a dress that was slightly modern but still elegant, and that gave a nod to the past. Something timeless and romantic. She found the perfect Pronovias dress at The Dress Theory Seattle. She loved the lace on top and the simple, classic skirt.

[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridal party wore mismatching dresses/jumpsuits in sage green, and the bride’s “best man” wore a tux with a sage bowtie to match the ladies. We loved how providing the bridal party with freedom to select unique pieces in a cohesive color palette allowed their personalities to shine! [/field]
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Shooby Doo Catering delighted guests with a culinary experience that begins with passed hors d’oeuvres of cilantro shrimp skewers, roasted potato cups, and parmesan tartlets with tomato basil & gorgonzola. Can you say mouth watering!? After being seated under a beautiful tented reception overlooking the water, guests were treated to a beautiful plated dinner. At the end of the night, after dessert and drinks, a late-night snack was served before sending the couple off for the evening.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Katie & Alfonzo’s wedding day florals were a highlight of the design. Jaws dropped as guests were welcomed to this dreamy ceremony space. It set the stage for the day and created an instant experience for every person in attendance. The back row of chairs was adorned with flowing, robust arrangements, creating the feeling that guests were walking into a garden as they entered the space. Oak & Fig Floral lined the entire aisle with lush, garden-inspired arrangements that led to a stunning arch at the front of the ceremony space. It felt so magical for the wedding party and couple to walk down this aisle and to see guests immersed in blooms as they witnessed the couple exchanging vows! The garden ambiance extended to the beautiful bar, adorned in florals and set under trees with sweeping views of the Seattle city skyline and the water. Tabletop florals during the reception were kept intentionally low to facilitate conversation and celebration, while the cake table was engulfed in a beautiful bed of flowing garden arrangements.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

A simple and classic cake by Bakery Nouveau accented with fresh florals.

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

The floral design was instrumental in setting the stage for this magical day. As soon as guests entered the ceremony, they were transported into what felt like a romantic and lush garden space. Using tall ferns to create a more lush and natural garden feel, Oak & Fig Floral lined the back of the chairs and the full aisle with beautiful garden-like arrangements. These led the way to the stunning altar, a full arch of blooms and greenery. As the wedding party walked down the aisle and as guests sat during the ceremony, it was the most whimsical feeling to be surrounded by blooms.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]A classic wedding with a coastal view. Being able to experience their wedding day at a classic venue that overlooked the water was a dream come true. As guests enjoyed dinner, dancing, and cocktails, they also enjoyed the most beautiful, cloudy Seattle sunset! [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Spring Inspiration In St. Paul At A Renovated Warehouse

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[field title=”The Inspiration”]

Athena from Empiria Studios says, “ My favorite parts of design are when two seemingly dissimilar items are juxtaposed to create a harmonious and cohesive theme. For this photoshoot, we wanted to bring softness and an air of fine art into a very industrial, modern venue. The warmth of spring blooms contrasted against the stark space to create a modern garden party.”

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Sand, sage, blush, and peach with accents of gold.[/field]
[field title=”The Venue”]

The Lowlands is a new venue in St Paul, Minnesota. It is a perfectly renovated warehouse that pays homage to its industrial roots while showcasing modern features like a concrete spiral staircase. Upstairs, light pours in through the windows from all directions, while downstairs, moody lighting against the original stone walls feels like a cozy escape. The first time we visited the venue, we were immediately drawn to the green marble bar and curved architectural elements. Those inspired multiple parts of our design and settings for wedding portraits!

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The House of FLORA “Gloria” gown was love at first sight. The perfectly voluminous sleeves and soft, yet pop art-esque lace drew us in immediately. Again, the Hair and makeup artist Cristina Ziemer Beauty describes the bride’s look as such: “The bride’s makeup is enhanced with a soft satin complexion. I used bronze and rose tones on the eyes, cheeks, and lips to complement the tones through the bouquet.” The reception separates from The Law Bridal are perfect for dancing the night away without bulk or the hassle of bustling. An added perk was how comfortable the bride was in this ensemble! We kept the groom’s look very traditional, with an addition of a softly colored boutonniere. Martin Patrick 3 had the perfect suit, shirt, and bowtie combination. The white bowtie almost blends into the white shirt, but its silk catches the light and stands out in the right lighting.

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Amy from MillerHouse Flowers made spring florals seemingly tumble from the ceiling and cascade onto the table and ceremony space. The decor inspiration started with a floral dinner plate. The way the foliage and blooms cascade across the plate inspired the way that the flowers drape down from the metal chandelier above the dinner table and across the air in our ceremony installation. We infused the design with a thin, gold, geometric pattern in a few areas: the table chandelier installation, the ceremony installation, and the thin gold wire to tie together the stationery. The bouquet was inspired by the stunning gerbera daisies we included throughout the day. This seemingly traditional flower is making a comeback, and we embraced its curly petals and soft color, allowing it to extend out of the bouquet and create its shape. We wanted the bold form to shine and paired it with other soft and romantic textures playing up the juxtaposition we sought throughout the rest of the design. The massive 12-person table is actually five tables put together: four 60” serpentine tables, and one 60” round table in the middle. It makes a statement in the room and allows for a garden to grow out of the center of the table and upwards toward the ceiling. We wanted the arrangements on the table to flow together, like the floral runners we know and love, but with a more delicate and organic quality. Each table element was meticulously handpicked, from the Chandlerie candles to the grapes sprawling down toward the plates. The whimsical blush charger plates add to the garden vibes while still feeling upscale.

[/field]
[field title=”Favorite Design Element”]

We have three favorite design elements! One: the styled bar. After being inspired by the curved, green marble bar, we wanted to feature it as its own design. Our couple changed into their reception outfits and sipped on signature drinks created by Gin Gin, a bespoke bar staffing & consulting service focused on hospitality, artful preparation, and humble ingredients. The drinks, crafted with fresh herbs, featured the colors of the design presented in gorgeous ribbed glassware. Two: the cake. The cake designed by Ink Sweets perfectly captured the delicate touches softening modern edges. It defied gravity by featuring a diamond shape; starting with the smallest radius of a cake tier, working its way up to a larger tier and back down again. Flowers cascade on the largest tier in the same manner as they cascade across the ceremony space. Three: the invitation suite and day-of papergoods. Mori from Mori and Co says, “This invitation suite combines modern elegant typography, soft colorful handmade paper, a venue illustration and a custom envelope liner. All design decisions were purposefully selected to be in harmony with the graceful decor and wedding day display.”

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[field title=”Tips To Pull Off The Look”]

If you want to do a second look, consider choosing something that mirrors your first in some way. We loved the voluminous sleeves on the House of FLORA “Gloria” and found that same design feature in the Corrine top, pairing it with a more danceable Camden mini, both from The Law Bridal.

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The Byes Photo

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Petit Bouquet

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Barbie Pink Florals for a Classic Estate Wedding in Washington

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Pink, mauve, peach, shades of pink[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]This classic estate wedding had an elegant feel while still bringing a fun, youthful energy to the entire vibe. Think black tie meets vintage convertible, and classic brick estate meets mismatched floral pink dresses. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]From the bride: “Nate and I have been together since 9th grade, we met in Jr. High and have been together since! He proposed at the Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge.”

Their wedding was a long time coming, and their engagement could not have been at a more beautiful location in Washington state.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Autumn’s wedding gown was simple and elegant with a fun side slit, and a floor length veil to match.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids were instructed to pick out dresses within the pink color palette in both floral patterns or with textures. They were perfectly mismatched yet coordinated. [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The couple had an open bar with a sign that said “Drinks on Hank” as a nod to their dog. The brie and blackberry and bacon wrapped dates were a hit during cocktail hour.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]We loved the way Autumn coordinated her elegant florals with specialty glassware including crystal candleholders. The white on white table numbers echoed the invitations in their arched shape, bringing a modern flair to the classic design elements.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The adorable cutting cake was made by Autumn’s grandmother, what a special treat.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Autumn gifted her bridesmaids fun pink pajamas and slippers to get ready in, which were totally Barbie chic! They toasted in the gorgeous getting ready room at the estate.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]A gorgeous glass shelf of champagne flutes greeted guests for a pre-ceremony welcome. It was a hot day, so cold bubbly was the perfect touch.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]Nate and his dad work on vintage cars, and brought their convertible to end the night in style. We drove through the long tree-lined road for a quick getaway, and finished our evening with portraits at sunset. What a beautiful day![/field]
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Kayla Kollection Bridal Beauty Team

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Blending Rustic and Modernity at Château de Varennes in Burgundy

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Antic pink, corals, orange, white[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The bride really wanted a bright colored design mixing rustic and modernity with wooden table and peps florals with a touch of gold.

The color palette was in the tones of pinks, corals and orange.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]In late 2019, the two started planning a trip to Brussels, Paris, and Prague for the following February. Victoria offered to organize Airbnbs and flights, ensuring that they would be in Paris for a particularly romantic holiday. Little did she know that Ryan was simultaneously doing his own planning to ensure everything was perfect for that day. Upon arrival in Paris early in the morning on February 13, they went straight to Disneyland for a magical day. The next morning, Valentine’s Day, they visited a café in the 16th Arrondissement for a coffee and a pastry (Ryan’s breakfast of choice) before walking around the city. It wasn’t until they reached the banks of the Seine River, with the perfect view of the Eiffel Tower in the background, that Ryan got on one knee and proposed. It was an even more magical day filled with happy tears, croissants, incredible food, and still-vivid memories. They made the most of their time in all three cities, not realizing that their world would turn upside down less than a month later due to the Covid Pandemic.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Victoria wore a beautiful gown designed and created by Moonlight Bridal.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”][/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Ryan wore an elegant tuxedo created by SUit Supply where he worked several years ago.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]”The drinks are on us, the hangover is on you” sign says everything, cocktails were colorful. Spritz is definitely the best !

For this very special celebration, private chef George Winterford created a timeless menu.

It all started with a crispy soft egg with salad lyonnaise & truffled Vinaigrette.

Guests had three options concerning the main course :
° Filet Mignon with red wine sauce, truffled pomme purée & pearl onions
° Filet of organic salmon, citrus leeks, rattle potatoes & shellfish bisque
° Summer squash tandoori with turmeric onion beignets & pilau rice[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Lilas Wood used a lot of different flowers in terms or variety and colors giving this gorgeous result.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Victoria & Ryan chose the typical French Dessert, a Croquembouche Tower, to celebrate their love ![/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Victoria grew up in Montréal, Québec, Canada and moved to Southern California at the age of 15. Ryan was born in San Diego, California and lived in both Northern and Southern California, Seattle, and Washington, DC (where his parents have lived since) before moving back to Southern California for college.

Victoria and Ryan met in the undergraduate dining hall, and he was interested in interviewing her for a linguistics class project. The two quickly became inseparable, and a few months later, they spent Memorial Day weekend in 2011 together at Disneyland. They finally became official boyfriend and girlfriend on the Little Mermaid Ride, after it unexpectedly broke down at the perfect moment.

In 2012, only a few short months into their relationship, they flew out to the east coast to enjoy each other’s company during winter break. They started in Washington, DC, where they played tourist, met Ryan’s family, and explored the vibrant capital area. A few days into the trip, however, and almost on impulse, they booked the least expensive route north to Montréal to visit Victoria’s extended family. Ryan, a much more naïve traveler at the time, thought the climates would be similar and packed few layers prior to their departure from Union Station. Sixteen hours later, they disembarked Amtrak’s Adirondack service in Montréal’s Gare Centrale to windchills of -15F and howling winds. While it was the first of many culture shocks, Ryan quickly grew fond of the area and, with only a few words of French in his vocabulary, loved his visit to the city.

From fraternity formals to weekend trips in Las Vegas, Victoria and Ryan became college sweethearts. However, they didn’t pick up the “travel bug” until after they graduated. Their first big trip together was a month-long backpacking trip in 2015 across (where else?) the many regions of France. While most others their age opted for trips across Europe without staying in a city, or even a country, for more than a few days, they sought to dive deep and learn as much as they could. And they did – they visited dozens of cities, prioritizing UNESCO World Heritage sites, world-famous wine regions, places significant to Victoria’s family history, and anywhere with good food. The trip also inspired Ryan to start formally learning French, kicking off years of formal classes and informal practice.

In the years to come, Ryan and Victoria would continue to travel in the same spirit, often sticking to one country, making impromptu plans, and letting their interest in trying new foods (e.g., India) guide the way. However, after a few years, Victoria made sure to schedule hair and nail appointments before any big trip – after all, proposals can happen anywhere! Future trips took them through the rolling hills of Tuscany, atop stunning observation decks in Taipei and Tokyo, and along the postcard beaches of Costa Rica and Vietnam. Each was more memorable than the last, but one detail remained missing.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Why France?
Of all the places we’ve been, it’s our favorite place to return to! In 2015, we spent our first trip together backpacking France for a month, visiting over 35 cities. Returning every few years for visits, Ryan became mostly fluent in French, while Victoria speaks French (due to her upbringing in Montréal). On Valentines Day in 2020, Ryan proposed in front of the Eiffel Tower. Unfortunately due to covid, our engagement would end up being prolonged. We knew we wanted to celebrate our wedding in France from early on since it’s where we explored together for the first time, fell in love, shared the language and the place where we were eventually engaged. Even though the travel borders were still closed, we booked our venue and began to plan from abroad. We knew we wanted our celebration to be more than a 6 hour wedding like in the US. We had envisioned a multi day event where we could share the experience of the beauty, culture, and food that France has to offer, that we fell in love with. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]Why Chateau de Varennes?
Though we had previously visited multiple potential venues in France, none fit all of our needs. During the pandemic, we booked a FaceTime visit with Château de Varennes and fell in love. It was the perfect mix of classic and modern. It had a wide array of amenities that we were eager to share with our guests, who would be spending a few days with us on-site. It hosted the perfect backdrop for our ceremony, with dreamy additions like nearby horses and a beautiful lavender field. We loved that the Château was not only able to accommodate most of our guests, but was also a truly historic property with over 400 years of lineage.[/field]
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Thomas Audiffren

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Petit Bouquet

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A Magical Soft Pastel Wedding In Mexico

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]The couple wanted a soft romantic mood, based on this we decided on a color palette in pastel tones with an ivory base and small touches of yellow.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Inspired by fairy tales, we have created this concept for the storytelling of
your wedding, where everything is perfect, magical and beautiful.
A very warm decoration, a subtle lighting, soft and elegant flowers and the
perfect music will be the elements that will be present to celebrate the

love story of Basha & Shea.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Shea planned a amaaaazing trip for my birthday and invited my brother and sister in law too. So i thought this was a birthday trip and was totally surprised. 🥰 We went to dinner at the amazing Wailea Beach Resort and started walking around taking pictures enjoying the beautiful scenery. A photographer from the resort was there and i thought Shea paid him to take some pictures of us because ive been complaining we never take pictures (we both only take pictures of places and things when we travel and rarely have photos of us.) So he suggests some beautiful picture spots, and we walked over to this gorgeous beach area. It was completely empty for some reason & the sun was setting and it was so pretty. Suddenly Shea dropped on one knee and asked me to marry him and it was perfect! Total surprise. He had a beautiful private dinner set up for us on a cliff overlooking the water with tiki torches, tropical flowers, a marry me sign, and a Hawaiian singer playing my favorite songs on an acoustic guitar. He was actually supposed to walk me to that spot and propose there, but got caught up in the moment and did it early on the beach. I really thought we were just going to dinner for my birthday and was not expecting anything at all. So i was totally surprised! It was also nice that my brother & Sister in law were there and had the rest of the family on FaceTime.

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

The saree was a SriLankan designer Vishan Gunewardena. The Dress was Enaura.

[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

The brand of bridesmaid dresses was Azazie.

[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

The groomsman attire was Tom Ford.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

This was the menu and we did a champagne bar: Firsts: Green salad with peanuts, amaranth, goat cheese and cream with a hibiscus and chipotle reduction Roasted pepper cream, fritter stuffed with goat cheese and cashews. Mains: Filet mignon in green peppercorn sauce. Chicken breast stuffed with wild mushrooms, quince jam and rosemary sauce Salmon steak with fine herbs and parmesan crust in a dill and lemon sauce Desserts Passion Fruit Mousse White chocolate lava cake with ice cream

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

The design was based on arrangements with a very garden and organic style. The florist team together with Lupita Tirado did several tests until they reached the desired result. Pink renanculus, English roses, tulips, green foliage and agapandos were used.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The flavor was almond filled with vanilla bitumen and apricot jam, it was a very beautiful and handmade cake, they wanted it to have flavors with a Mexican touch[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The music of the ceremony was based on traditional music of Sri Lanka.
They had an officiant who traveled with them especially for their rite. The ceremony was very special, the altar was decorated with a carpet and offers such as grains, flowers, leaves and fruits, each of these elements with a meaning of blessings for the couple.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The groom’s mother sang a beautiful traditional song for the bride and groom after the speeches, this moment was magical.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]A very special detail was that the groom, as a surprise for the bride, added more decoration elements that the bride did not know about, such as extra flowers, decoration of walls with foliage and lamps, this was very beautiful, because when the space was revealed to the bride and groom It was a big surprise for her.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Petit Bouquet

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LUPITA TIRADO

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A Peachy Pink Swedish-American Disco in Coastal Virginia

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

From the beginning, the couple knew they wanted a white-to-beige base color palette bursting with touches of pink, peach, and orange. Virignia Beach-based florist The Wandering Petal was the main vendor assigned to really nail the color pops along with the bridal attendants’ mix of gowns.

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

Mix together the band ABBA, an early summer garden, an Aperol Spritz, and a black tie dress code. What do you get? This wedding. Disco balls, colorful blooms, and a party atmosphere took front stage for this country club fête. The Sweden-based couple wanted to transform the groom’s hometown of Virginia Beach into a European-focused party town; we think we accomplished that with vim to spare.

[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]A clean, a-line, square neck gown is an easy way to infuse modern tradition with classic silouhettes. It complimented the more wild, colorful nature of the bouquet as well as stood out among the array of patterned and textured bridesmaid dresses.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Matching bridesmaid dresses are a thing of the past; today’s bridesmaids are given instructions to select their own gowns given a set of parameters. This wedding was no different with gowns ranging from solid hot pinks to patterned tiered yellows. It all ended up being a great match to the floral recipes as well as an excellent pairing aside the men’s classic tuxedos.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

One Swedish tradition that the couple wanted to bring to the United States was the longer, multi-course dinners that happen on wedding evenings. For this particular wedding, we worked with Princess Anne Country Club to create a stunning three course meal comprised of a crab Napoleon stack, filet mignon with pasta primavera, and passed cake slices with coffee. Between courses, guests were served wine and treated to different speeches and activities from the Swedish hosts, known as toastmasters.

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

For this wedding, we attempted and succeeded in doing something Princess Anne Country Club hadn’t seen previously: a tented wedding. All newlyweds-to-be elect to hold their reception in the club’s ballroom. However, we raised the bar and figured out how to hold their wedding in a tent on the grounds a couple of blocks from the Atlantic Ocean. With rentals from Curated Events, Astro Entertainment, Stage Right Lighting, and BBJ La Tavola, we executed their initial vision with precision from the tent entrance draping to the haning disco balls to the linen selection. The florals played the largest role in bringing color to complete our clear top tent goals.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

The wedding cake from Custom Cake Shoppe was a classic three-tier with a gluten free version off to the side. Blooms were added to accentuate the cake, and the cake slices were passed to each guest during the final course of the evening’s dinner.

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

One highlight of the evening was the couple’s first dance following the final course of dinner and parent dances. In coordination with Amber Justine Events and the couple’s DJ, DJ Cuban of Zandi Entertainment, the groom surprised all guests by serenading the bride with the first verse of Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”. They switched to dancing with guests literally standing in their seats and cheerings. From there, all the guests joined the dance floor for the end of the song, kicking off the rest of the epic evening.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]One new-to-us element of the wedding was the introduction of Swedish toastmasters, which are pre-determined guests that act as hosts for the evening. The verdict? We loved it. The toastmasters took over all announcements from cocktail hour to the end of dinner service. From welcoming guests to explaining Swedish traditions to humorous little quips between courses (including a Michael Jackson dance-off session in a silver jumpsuit), they were the life of the party.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

Disco balls took the literal center stage during this wedding. Guests entering the tent from cocktail hour were greeted with three escort mirror “walls” designed by creative The Native Lion. On the mirrors were suctioned mini disco balls and escort cards for guest to take and keep. Inside the clear top tent, we focused attention on the hanging elements such as rustic chandeliers and a cluster of greenery with disco balls over the dance floor. ABBA vibes were the goal, and the disco balls helped us to achieve it.

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

This five-hour wedding included copious dancing via Zandi Entertainment after dinner service was complete. European disco was the vibe, which meant maximizing party time and going until midnight with transportation to an after party to follow in the wee hours. And a party it was – light up viking helmets to honor the bride’s ancestry, silver kitten ears thrown into the crowd, a mix of Swedish and American favorites, and lighting effects to rival the best clubs in Europe. It was a party to end all parties!

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BBJ La Tavola

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Petit Bouquet

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An Enchanting English Garden Wedding in Chapel Hill at The Carolina Inn

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Deep fiddle green, deep sage, light sage, whites, brushed gold, poetic blush[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]My husband and I first met in college, at UNC. We both love Chapel Hill and knew we wanted to get married where it all began. The vision for the wedding was timeless, classic and elegant. The Carolina Inn, a historic hotel built in the 1920s, offered the perfect backdrop, with lush lawns and old brick courtyards. A black-tie affair in June, it felt like the fancy garden party of our dreams, awash with soft whites, gauzy greens, and lots of love. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]After college, Tyler and I dated long distance for almost five years while we were both in medical school. I was in New Orleans at Tulane and he was in Greenville at East Carolina University. We typically only got to see each other once a month so in the spring of 2022, we took a trip to Oregon for a long weekend. The day we hiked Toketee Falls, we made the long drive out into the forest, surrounded by tall pines, no cell service, just the two of us. It was misty, raining on and off but when we got to the trail head, the sun came out and we saw a rainbow. We had the trail all to ourselves as we hiked down to the waterfall. Tyler is really into photography so when we belayed down a steep rock face, he went ahead to set up his tripod. He said he wanted to get a good picture of us in front of the waterfall so he kept climbing back and forth to the tripod to “check” his shot. After the third “check”, when he climbed back to me, he got down on one knee. The tripod captured the moment beautifully. We spent the rest of the weekend driving up the Oregon coast, visiting lighthouses, and admiring the incredible sunsets over the Pacific. [/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]After I got engaged, I made an appointment at Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City. Growing up, my mom and I loved watching Say Yes to the Dress together. We couldn’t wait to see it for ourselves, watching a ton of old episodes leading up to the appointment. At Kleinfeld Bridal, I found a beautiful Tony Ward dress that felt both elegant and sexy, with long delicate lace sleeves, a sleek silhouette and an almost architecturally deep v. Tony Ward happened to be in store when I tried it on. He made my day when he declared that I could have modeled it for him! [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]I loved the idea of mix and matched bridesmaids’ dresses. I wanted something that all my bridesmaids felt comfortable in, something within everyone’s budget and, ideally, something they could wear again. We ended up with a variety of dresses in different shades of green, some floral, some solid, from Reformation, Anthropologie, Birdy Grey, and Azazie. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Tyler picked a classic Vera Wang tuxedo for his groomsmen. We had groomsmen living all over the country – Alaska, California, New York, North Carolina – so we decided to use Menswear House rentals, allowing all the groomsmen to coordinate no matter where they lived. We added suspenders as a final flourish, which looked great when the coats came off and they were getting down on the dance floor [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Our food was catered by our venue, the Carolina Inn. During cocktail hour, we served local artisan cheese and crackers, apple butter, orange blossom honey, and fresh bread. We also served shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, crispy braised pork belly with apple butter and pickled shallots. For dinner, we served filet mignon and scallops with a piquant sauce, whipped Yukon gold potatoes, roasted brussels sprouts and rosemary orange carrots and parsnips. For our midnight snack, we passed out sliders and french fries – a big hit at the end of a long night of dancing. We had three signature drinks: “hers,” an aperol spritz, “his,” an old fashioned, and “ours,” a spicy margarita.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]We really wanted the florals to be a highlight for the wedding. Our florist, Once Gathered, did not disappoint. I opted for a whimsical all-white mixture of full bodied and wispy flowers—sweet peas, white roses, stock, peonies, gardenias, and lilies. My bouquet had a “garden gathered” look. The central feature of our ceremony was a huge arch of English white roses. Draped twinkle light around the reception area made the space feel really romantic and warm. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Our wedding cake was by Cupcake Shoppe-Raleigh. We decided on a white, three-tiered cake. Our flavors were lemon zest and red velvet. The design was textured and topped with white florals.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Krystal Kast Photography

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An Intimate Wedding in Italy with Whimsical Touches

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

Blue and white is a color scheme we both love and have throughout our home together. I (Danielle) am particularly obsessed with it from loving French pottery with delicate blue and white floral details, so I knew we had to go in that direction. Ryan loves color, so we didn’t want it to be only blue and white, so we brought in pops of other colors throughout the details (the plates, florals etc). My mom (who passed years ago) also wore a blue dress to marry my dad back in the day, so I wanted to include that as a way to honor her memory. My engagement ring is also blue and white sapphires with little pearls.

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

We knew for a long time that we wanted a small wedding- neither of us love being the center of attention, and after photographing so many large weddings, I knew I didn’t want to have to deal with that stress. This lead us to start looking into destinations outside of the US for our wedding, since we also love to travel together it made sense to leave the country, and was a way to keep things on the smaller side. We looked at places in Italy and France, and decided on Italy! Ryan is a great cook and food lover, so we knew Italy would be a fun place for us to explore together and to bring our family & friends to experience this with us. Once we hired our wedding planner Natalia, she helped us pick out the perfect venue (I was mainly looking for a place with olive groves for the ceremony and a courtyard with greenery for the reception, so Borgo Bastia Creti was simply perfect!) and then we went from there with the decor. We kind of landed on a European, romantic spring vibe for the overall colors and design. We wanted the vibe to be fun, chic and romantic, and I think we got it.

[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]In 2019 we spent a few months living in New York for Ryan’s old job, and I fell in love with the city. So, once covid was a bit better/we were vaccinated, we planned our first trip since early 2020 for New York in November 2021 as kind of an early birthday present for me. I kind of thought Ryan would maybe propose in NY, but I knew we didn’t have the ring yet so I didn’t expect anything. We spent our first day going to an antique market near central park, and then went on a long walk around the whole park. It was a beautiful fall day, so we took a rest on some large rocks in the park near the water. When we got to get up to leave, Ryan went down on one knee and pulled out a ring pop and popped the question! We had decided to design my ring together since I wanted something pretty specific, so this was the perfect surprise. We then celebrated at our favorite restaurant in Brooklyn (Kings County Imperial) and at other favorite bars nearby. It was perfect.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]I love fashion, so I knew this would be a hard choice! But as we narrowed down the overall look/vibe for the day itself, I knew I wanted something romantic with sleeves. I was originally going to look for a blue dress, but I ended up falling in love with this dress when I was casually trying things on around Chicago to get an idea of what I liked, so I went for it! The neckline was originally high which I loved, but in the end it wasn’t as flattering as I wanted it to be, so we made it lower and I think that was the right call. I love the lace floral detailing and sleeves so much, plus it had pockets! It was definitely a lot of dress to travel with, but it was worth it. For my party look I wanted something fun, so I ended up finding a white sparkly mini dress (that also had sleeves because I love a sleeved dress!) and it was perfect for the direct flash photos I wanted with the champagne tower, and more comfortable for the end of the night hang out.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Since we only had 24 guests, who were immediate family only and then our friends who would have been in the party anyway, we decided against a formal wedding party. But our dress code was “festive semi formal” for all our guests and some people had a fun time with it![/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

Ryan wanted something on the lighter side (color and material wise) so he wouldn’t get too hot. When I decided to go with a white dress, we thought a light blue suit would be perfect for him! We went to Suit Supply and they helped us create his custom linen blended look, and gave us the knit tie option that we would never have thought about but ended up loving. He also lost his mom a few years back, so his sister gifted him some fabric from his mom’s clothing for him to carry during the day to have her with us as well.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]This was an important part for both of us, as we wanted everyone to enjoy a taste of Italy! Our wedding planner connected us with the most amazing local chef and winery, who provided all our food, wine and a spritz bar, plus our delicious cake. They outdid themselves and everyone still talks about how good the food was. My favorite dish we had was a truffle gnocchi, and of course, all the amazing wine and prosecco![/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Besides photography, florals were the most important thing to me! I am a huge plant/flower/nature lover, so I knew I wanted to have minimal but stunning floral decor to compliment the venue space. I love an organic shaped bouquet and arrangements, so I told our incredible florist Rebecca that, plus our colors, and let her do her thing! We combined the florals with a handmade blue linen our wedding planner sourced for us for the main reception table, and had plenty of candles and string lights to create the overall romantic and cozy vibe.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Our cake was a traditional Italian millefoglie cake and it was delicious! It was filled with fresh cream and berries and had a beautiful minimal floral design.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]We didn’t do any readings during the ceremony, but we did have our good friend, who has known us both before we even started dating, officiate for us. She created a beautiful and simple ceremony that I told her to make under 5 minutes, and she did it! We were legally married in Chicago in our favorite park in 2022, so we didn’t need anything crazy, and knew we’d all want to get to the party part of the day quickly. We did private vows to each other after we did our first look earlier in the afternoon, which I can’t recommend enough! It was great to be able to say what we both really wanted to say without worrying about what anyone else thought.

I made playlists for each part of the day. There was the pre-ceremony music that was oldies love songs. Then I walked down the aisle to a string version of “Don’t Wanna Close My Eyes” by Aerosmith because Ryan and I have had a joke about that song for years. We walked up the aisle after the very short ceremony to the Golden Girls theme song because we both love that show so much. There was a dinner playlist that combined both of our music tastes, and a party playlist for the rest of the night. We had our first dance to “I’ve had the Time of my Life” from Dirty Dancing, which is another song that has been “our song” throughout our relationship. We love to joke around and be silly, so we wanted to include that part of our personalities in an otherwise very “classy” day. The best part about that song is how it has the short slow part and then the more fun part, so we did a little slow dancing and then when the beat picked up, we invited all our guests to dance with us for the rest of the song, and it was so much fun.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]I’m a wedding photographer, so I had a lot of little things/details I knew I/we wanted. I loooove shooting detail flatlays, so I made sure to include all of our curated details for Audra to play with, and she did an amazing job. My shoes were the ones I wore when Ryan and I had our legal ceremony here in Chicago on our 10 year dating anniversary the previous August. I brought the ring pop he proposed with, along with my moms wedding ring, and the ring I wore as a temporary ring while we were designing my actual engagement ring. It was a small pearl, so that’s why we also included pearls in my engagement ring. I embroidered Ryan’s pocket square with a phrase we use to talk about our two cats, Hugh & Barry, and made him custom cat socks with photos of the two cats we currently have, and our cat who passed away a few years ago. My something borrowed was a ceramic floral headpiece from my friend Kpoene’s dress shop who I love to work with, Mignonette Bridal, and my earrings were new from Etsy. My veil was gifted to me from Cindy who works at Mignonette but also owns the amazing Blush & Cinders veil shop. I also brought the vintage blue beaded purse I bought at the antique market in NY the day we got engaged, along with some other details and ring boxes I bought on our frist trip to Italy together in 2022. For our PJ photos, I got my dream set from Bon Vivian, and Ryan wore his favorite t-shirt that one of our cats’ Hugh has made holes in from when Ryan holds him, which is very cute.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Photography

Audra Wrisley Photography

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Petit Bouquet

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1. Second weddings don’t have to be simple

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5. Your second wedding should feel different than your first

6. … But don’t just be different for the sake of being different

7. Add meaningful touches and moments of self-expression

8. Second wedding, but make it fashion

9. Resist the temptation to constantly compare your second wedding with your first

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1. Second weddings don’t have to be simple

2. Second weddings give you a chance to express your style

3. Know that you’re allowed to skip some things

4. Do things that feel appropriate and meaningful at this stage of your life

5. Your second wedding should feel different than your first

6. … But don’t just be different for the sake of being different

7. Add meaningful touches and moments of self-expression

8. Second wedding, but make it fashion

9. Resist the temptation to constantly compare your second wedding with your first

10. Don’t feel like you have to apologize for your second wedding

11. Know that you’ll enjoy everything more

12. Prepare yourself for some hard times

13. Include your family

Join The Conversation

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Join The Conversation

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