[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”][/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Your Wedding theme/style: Rustic, Scandinavian, Bohemian. The three words selected above feel the best suited to our wedding style because they are aligned with our personal style preferences. We love natural elements, textures, and colors which is why we chose rustic, but we are also drawn towards clean, simple lines, and bright and air colors – hence the Scandinavian. Lastly, bohemian made the most sense to us because it allowed us to get a bit more playful and add some pops of color and more unique textures.

From the planner, Cristina Cabrera, Vivid Occasions: Flowers were very important for Ashley and Max, and we used them in all of the phases of the event, from their personal flowers to the reception and on details such as the seating chart decor or the cannery entrance. They wanted their flowers to be brighter, and vibrant. Yellows and pinks were the colors they loved to pop into the centerpieces and all of the floral arrangements. From the couple: ”We prefer natural and organic elements, textures and colors. The textures include lots of wood, rattan, and ceramics. In terms of the colors, we prefer neutral colors for the most part but would like some pops of color such as green, yellow, pink, and terracotta. Basically, colors that can be found in nature as well as our wedding venue, Hotel San Cristobal” From the planner, Cristina Cabrera, Vivid Occasions: Overall, the old cannery was the area where we could implement all three elements of Ashley & Max’s wedding vision, rustic, Scandi, and bohemian. Specifically, the table centerpieces, the cannery entrance, and the furniture/decor were unique and individualized based on their wedding style and vibe. The ceremony venue is gorgeous itself but by adding flowers with bright colors, we looked for the contrast between the white walls of the chapel, creating a clean but powerful look for their ceremony. Scandinavian style Benches for seating helped the altar + the couple to be the main attraction. The reception venue is a large canvas in which we were able to play with many textures and elements that made it a cozy place. With the stationery, we created those unique elements that look handmade. 

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

The Couple’s Story From the Couple: We both attended UC Santa Barbara for college and met briefly there, but it was not until after college that we truly connected. Our friends could say they set us up at Coachella Music Festival, where we spent the weekend getting to know each other while bonding over our shared love of music and mutual friends. The Proposal From the Couple: We had a romantic weekend getaway planned in Santa Barbara at our favorite hotel, El Encanto. Santa Barbara has always held a very special place in our hearts and we had stayed at this hotel twice before. During our last visit, Max and I had a serious conversation about our future and how we felt about one another, so it was only fitting that he proposed at El Encanto in Santa Barbara. We had planned to walk around the hotel grounds before dinner, and upon arriving at this beautiful courtyard garden, Max got down on one knee and had a photographer waiting in the background to capture the whole thing. It was all so romantic, special, and thoughtfully planned, and I couldn’t have asked for anything better. We decided not to tell any of our friends and family about our engagement that day, so we were able to celebrate just the two of us at first and focus on each other. It was perfect! Three things you love most about your future spouse!: Max about Ashley: Ashley is outgoing, empathetic, and a killer dancer. Ashley about Max: Max is a ray of sunshine, he is outgoing, driven, thoughtful, and a little bit silly. We are both very outgoing people who love to spend time with our family and friends. We were lucky to have mutual friends when we first met that have made it so easy and fun to integrate our lives together as our relationship has grown. We like to be outdoors as much as possible – beach, hikes, outdoor concerts, or just hanging on our deck and taking in the view are when we are happiest. We love pretty much all kinds of music, we love weird sci-fi movies, we love to cook and enjoy meals together, and we love to travel and experience new places together. We love to sit with each other doing nothing – whether its playing backgammon or sitting on a beach, and those are some of the most special moments we have with each other!

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Wedding dress designer: Alon Livné, The Hunter Wedding Gown, an all-over semi-sheer tulle draped corset gown with off-shoulder sleeves and a long train.[/field]
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They had personalized signature drinks, cigar labels, stationery items… They even used small areas of the cannery that used to be divided spaces or rooms for the cigar roller, the tequila and mezcal bar, and the desserts as it was very playful for guests. 

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

They wanted their flowers to be brighter, and vibrant. Yellows and pinks were the colors they loved to pop into the centerpieces and all of the floral arrangements.

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

Location: Hotel San Cristobal, Baja California Sur, Todos Santos Setting: a 3-day wedding at a beachfront hotel venue and newlyweds photos, wedding ceremony at the hotel chapel, and the reception at an adjacent ruin of a former cannery Wedding season: fall (but with the weather in Baja California Sur, it is always a summer :) How long did the couple plan the event: 10-12 months The number of guests: 100

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Why did you choose to do a destination wedding? Why this location? We chose a destination wedding because we wanted it to feel like a vacation for our friends and family. We have traveled to Mexico frequently as a couple and love the lifestyle, people, culture, food, and so much more. Treating our wedding like a very special vacation felt perfect for us.

The events we planned for the weekend reflected their personality as a couple in all of the details, from the music to the food and drinks. To complement the event itinerary, they planned a variety of activities, such as hiking, yoga, and pool parties so their guests could really feel the “Baja Vibes” themself, exploring the surroundings and mingling with other guests. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

What did you love about this specific venue?: We loved that Hotel San Cristobal is a boutique hotel, but still large enough to host the majority of our wedding guests. That was important for us because we really wanted to give our friends and family an opportunity to make connections with one another and feel included in all of the weekend’s festivities. We also love the hotel design and how it contrasts with the cannery. The hotel’s design is understated but vibrant with pops of color and unique tiling throughout, while the ruin of the old cannery is rustic and almost feels like you are standing in ancient ruins. The cannery was truly one of our favorite aspects of the venue! Additionally, the pool/beach/surrounding mountain views are incredible, and we believe this venue would have something for everyone! We love that it’s simple, but feels like it has everything you need when you are there! The hotel staff are also amazing and incredibly accommodating. The entire hotel was booked out for Ashley and Max so all their friends and loved ones could celebrate together for three days, enjoying a private and intimate atmosphere.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

Moments you are most looking forward to on your wedding day!: The first look! We were so excited to share an intimate moment with just us two before the craziness of the wedding day begins. Dance Floor – we both love to dance and couldn’t wait to boogie with our loved ones. Pool Party – sunshine and beach/pool days are our favorite places to be.

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Photography: LA76 Photography | Cinematography: Wild Light Films | Event Planning: Vivid Occasions | Floral Design: Cristina G Florals | Wedding Dress: Alon Livne White | Ceremony Venue: San Cristobal Hotel | Reception Venue: San Cristobal Hotel | Rentals: Yaya Rentals

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Sand
Off white
Beige
Greige[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The wedding design was a classic, airy, Greek summer embracing beach vibes and the summer breeze. Inspired by the coastal hues and peaceful landscapes of Chalkidiki’s Greek beaches, our vision was to highlight the natural beauty of our venue, featuring the colors of the golden sunset hour, and integrate smoothly with the beach’s serene scenery.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

On their first day in Sicily, June 2023, Steve proposed to Dana in the breathtaking Villa Comunale di Taormina. He was too nervous to wait and wanted the whole trip to double as a celebration. The gardens were stunning—private yet open to the gorgeous coastline views. As they strolled around, Steve sneakily used Dana’s love for “fit checks” (she has to see the whole outfit in action) to set up his phone and capture the moment. When he got down on one knee, her reaction was priceless. A sweet, elderly Sicilian woman sitting nearby clapped enthusiastically—a tiny but spirited audience. It was the perfect start to a sun-soaked, love-filled adventure.

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

Vivienne Westwood full-length gown with draped crêpe satin bustier in sand color and tulle veil with cut-out floral details

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

At the cocktail hour sparkling champagne complemented delectable creations from the oyster/seafood station and unique hors d’oeuvres, a culinary masterpiece set against the refined backdrop of a luxurious 5-star resort in Sithonia. Guests, later on, enjoyed an open buffet full of local and fresh ingredients, full of vibrant Mediterranean flavors, and traditional recipes like whole lamp stew to honor authentic Greek cuisine. Signature his & hers cocktails were served at the bar area upon dinner and of course wedding cake was the main dessert accompanied with fresh seasonal fruit and sweet baklava.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

A pathway of delicate, cloud-like clusters of baby’s breath blossoms, arranged with artistry on the velvety sand, created a celestial aisle leading to an exquisite floral arch. This enchanting focal point embraced the couple’s symbolic ceremony, radiating an atmosphere of intimacy and grace. Elegant white wooden chairs, adorned with hand fans for each guest, awaited loved ones who sipped refreshing herb-infused beverages while anticipating the emotional arrival of the stunning bride. The ceremony unfolded to the angelic strains of a live violin, weaving a melodic tapestry that flowed seamlessly into an opulent cocktail hour. Under the canopy of a boundless sea view, a spectacular installation over the dancing floor commanded the reception area: an airy structure full of fairy lights, oversized woven hanging lights, and cascading greenery garlands. Hundreds of softly glowing Edison bulbs floated above, casting a warm, enchanting light over the monastery-style and round dinner tables. The tablescapes, a harmonious blend of neutral beige and off-white tones, featured summer-inspired floral arrangements, glass candleholders in varied heights, and rustic woven placemats. Golden flatware sets added a note of understated luxury, while soft beige napkins, chiffon fabrics, and sea shell handwritten table numbers completed the serene, coastal elegance.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

The wedding cake was a gorgeous and simple smooth white 3-tier with added olive leaves and olives, symbolizing peace and unity. It was gracefully placed on an antique wooden table decorated with flowers, candles, and other traditional Greek sweetbites.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]As night fell, the celebration unfolded beneath the starlit September sky with a
delightful surprise—a riveting performance by a traditional Bulgarian dance troupe.
Their vibrant costumes and infectious energy brought an exuberant burst of culture
and joy to the evening.
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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

As a mindfull and sweet closure of this unforgettable evening, each guest received a thoughtfully crafted wedding favor—a natural olive oil soap—an elegant token of gratitude for their presence at a celebration that will forever hold a special place in their hearts!

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Photography: Lefteris Kalampokas | Cinematography: Iliyan Georgiev | Event Design: Mya Wedding | Event Planning: Mya Wedding | Floral Design: Tania Chatzigontziou | Wedding Dress: Vivienne Westwood | Cake: Sugarela | Invitations: ToMonogramma | Ceremony Venue: Ammoa Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort | Reception Venue: Ammoa Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort | Catering: Ammoa Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort | DJ: Antonis Toussios | Groom's Attire: Suit Supply | Rentals: Party Rentals Greece

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]We went with a white and green color scheme. We wanted the wedding to be timeless, elegant, and romantic. Plus, the venue is beautiful with many colorful plants and trees. We wanted to compliment the beauty of the venue and not compete with it. 
[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Lexie’s family has vacationed in Cabo San Lucas since she was a little girl. For years, every vacation was spent in Cabo. The Ammons Family loved Cabo so much, that they bought a second home in Villas del Mar in San Jose del Cabo. As soon as Luke and Lexie started dating, Luke joined Lexie’s family on all the trips to Cabo. Luke and Lexie’s favorite spot has always been Querencia, so when it came time to choose a wedding venue, it only made sense to do it there! 
[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Luke proposed in March 2023. He surprised Lexie with a private, candle-lit dinner in the garden of one of their favorite restaurants—Tiny Boxwoods in Houston, TX. [/field]
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Dress: Mira Zwillinger (wedding gown), Lee Petra Grebenau (after-party dress) Shoes: Jimmy Choo (wedding dress shoes), Christina Louboutin (after party shoes)

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Bridesmaid dresses: Show Me Your Mumu
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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Groom Suit: Ralph Lauren
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[field title=”Food & Drink”][/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]We wanted something timeless and romantic. We looked at photos on Instagram, Pinterest, and Etsy. With the help of Claudia and Pamela (our amazing wedding planners), we were able to make the vision come to life.

Our biggest splurge on the wedding day was the flowers! Totally worth it, especially the flowers above the head table and the stage. The flowers really tied together the entire wedding design.

We used mirrored place cards, which matched our mirror welcome sign!

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”][/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The couples Favorite moments
Luke:
While we enjoyed every second of our wedding, two moments stood out. One of my favorite moments was right after we cut the cake and the fireworks erupted. In the midst of 140 of our closest family and friends behind us, for those few minutes as Lexie and I hugged and danced, it felt like all the outside noise stopped and it was just the two of us.

Another favorite moment was when one of our favorite songs, Twin Flame by Machine Gun Kelly, started playing. We were back and forth on whether to have that song as our first dance but decided otherwise. Because of a few hiccups, we weren’t able to complete our whole first dance. When Twin Flame started playing, Lexie and I took center stage and completed our full dance. Like the fireworks, during those moments dancing with Lexie, I felt like we were the only ones in the world and was a little emotional enjoying our special moment.

Lexie
At one point the music cut out and to keep the vibes going, everyone ran to the dance floor and started singing the lyrics to the song “Aint No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terre. All my family and friends screaming “’cause, baby, there ain’t no mountain high enough, ain’t no valley low enough” —the memory gives me chills.

My other favorite moment was during my dad’s speech. He said that a spouse is supposed to be your best friend. His advice to Luke and I was to stay best friends—it made everyone shed a tear.
[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]My mom and I meticulously picked out every detail of the wedding trying to make sure it was “perfect.” But what truly made the wedding perfect was the people we were surrounded by. 

If you could sum up your wedding day in one sentence, how would you describe it?

Our wedding day was the perfect combination of special, intimate moments and a fiesta celebrating our love for each other with our closest loved ones.
I don’t need a sentence, just one word—perfect.
[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]At the welcome party the night before the wedding, We gave all the guests “welcome bags” which contained a snack from Luke’s home state (Illinois, Garrett’s Popcorn), a snack from Lexie’s home state (Texas pralines), two lottery tickets in a bag that said “for richer of for poorer but hopefully for richer,” Lexie’s favorite candies (sour patch kids and watermelons), Luke’s favorite snack (goldfish), and a wedding newspaper entitlted the Newlywed Times that shared information about Luke and Lexie’s love story, the bridal party, the events of the weekend and crossword puzzle.
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Photography: Liz Andolina Photography | videography: Victor Green Films | Event Planning: Amy Abbott Events | Flowers: Pina Cate Design | Stationery: Bering's | Ceremony Venue: Querencia | Reception Venue: Querencia | Hair and makeup: Piel Canela

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]The bride and groom wanted a look that fit the aesthetic of Cheeca Lodge & Spa, one of the premier wedding venues in the Florida Keys., while maintaining the classic, all-white elegance of a traditional wedding. To this end, we focused on blending vibrant, tropical greens with bright white classic and tropical florals, with pops of gold worked in throughout the tablescape. The secluded beach ceremony featured a tropical-inspired chuppah with a backdrop of Florida’s sunset colors.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]While our couple wanted to preserve the classic aesthetic of a “white wedding,” we were tasked with incorporating vibrant tropical greenery, from the chuppah through the reception centerpieces. Our tablescape featured the same elements, with tropical touches throughout, including color incorporated through chargers, bright, tropical napkins, and other details incorporated throughout the reception space.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Guests were treated to cocktail hour featuring steel drum musicians and passed appetizers, with signature his and hers cocktails, before heading into the Islamorada Ballroom for one of the venue’s multi-course, plated dinners and an evening of dancing.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Florals started with an elevanted, monochromatic, loose globe bouquet for the bride, with hydrangea, roses orchids, ranunculus, and similar stems, and a coordinating phalaenopsis boutonniere for the groom. The tropical chuppah arch was designed to be taken apart for a quick flip to line the band stage in the ballroom, bringing dual use to these florals. Centerpieces included high/low arrangements with tropical greenery and white floral, as well as candlelight, bringing visual interest to the bright and airy reception space.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Cheeca Lodge provided the multi-tier wedding cake, which joined the venue’s dessert spread, including mini flans and mini Key Lime tarts.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The seating chart was made of miniature bottles of mixed, tropical cocktails, which corresponded with the table numbers.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Photography: Lindsay Pinto Photography | Event Design: Events By Paradise | Floral Design: Events By Paradise | Reception Venue: Cheeca Lodge | Wedding Venue: Cheeca Lodge | Location: Cheeca Lodge

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

Since the wedding ceremony was to be held outside in a historic garden in October, we wanted to play into the beautiful cypress hedges surrounding La Foce’s enchanting estate, so we kept our color palette simple with a nod to our beloved Tuscany in sage green and white tones. The groom, Andrea Berti, was born and raised in a small village in Tuscany near Arezzo where his family still resides and has become home for the bride, Ann Wang, as well since we come back to visit at least once a year since 2015, so it only made sense for us to celebrate our love in a place that was meaningful to us both.

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

Because our venue, La Foce (@lafoce), was stunning in itself, it was really the only vision we needed to plan the rest of our wedding. It was actually the only venue we visited before we made our decision. The groom’s cousin’s husband’s brother recommended it during a chance encounter in town and since it was only about 40 minutes away from home, it made for an ideal location for the groom’s family and friends to get to. Additionally, the 3-day minimum requirement to rent the villa had the exact amount of rooms we were looking for for our family and bridal party to stay in and the perfect amount of days needed for our destination wedding. The estate conveniently had other properties available to rent nearby as well. Our remaining guests stayed at La Foce’s Palazzolo B&B, a farmhouse only 1km away from the main villa making it easy for the guests to get between the two points. Once the decision was made, it was easy to lean into a romantic Italian garden formal theme. We wanted to keep it simple but chic with a touch of Tuscan country charm. A total of 50 people including the bride and groom made for an ideal amount of guests for an intimate, fairytale wedding in an enchanting garden in the countryside. A welcome dinner was hosted on the first evening at the estate’s neighboring restaurant, Dopolavoro. Our photographer Sergio Sorrentino (@sergiosorrentino_photography) and videographer Katia Casprini (@katiacasprinifilms) captured portraits of the bride and the groom in the gardens as well as family portraits inside before heading to the restaurant. Finally, a farewell dinner was held at Podere il Casale, a charming farm-to-table restaurant in Pienza, a town in Siena that the couple frequents for its famous pecorino cheese.

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The bride was previously a fashion editor at Hearst magazines and covered the bridal market at one point. A PR friend of mine kindly connected me with a friend of her’s at Theia @theiacouture who helped me find the dress of my dreams – something chic, effortless, and timeless – an off-the-shoulder crepe column dress with a detachable train that made me feel like an elegant Bridgerton queen. I added a cathedral-length veil with laser-cut satin floral petals and hand-sewn pearls to elevate the classic dress. I loved how light my dress was and that I was able to add a detachable train for a more dramatic look down the aisle of La Foce’s stunning garden without having to carry excess weight. I didn’t want to have to worry about traveling internationally hauling a dress around uncomfortably. To complete the look, I wore a matching pearl choker and bracelet set that my mother and both my sisters wore on their wedding day.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

The bridesmaids wore complementing sage green and floral printed dresses mainly from Reformation in different styles and silhouettes paired with complimenting gold accessories.

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The groomsmen wore a classic black suit, white button-down shirt, black dress shoes, and matching black bow ties gifted from The Tie Bar (@thetiebar).

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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]We worked with a local caterer, Italian Taste (@italiantastelodovichi), who both catered and produced our big day. From the very beginning to the very end, they truly handled it all. They made the planning process for our destination wedding so easy, seamless, and stress-free – all at an extremely reasonable price point. Their services include a wedding coordinator/planner who will not only direct and produce your wedding day, but will work with you from the very beginning in your selection of setting and mise en place, furniture, lighting, menu, drinks, and cake.
During the cocktail hour, Aperol Spritz, Italian prosecco, rosé wine, and soft drinks were served as guests grazed from a variety of stations including a butcher station with cured meats, porchetta, hard Italian cheeses, fresh Italian vegetable tempura, a selection of traditional crostini and bruschette, oysters and shrimp crudité, meat and fish carpaccio, as well as traditional Tuscan finger foods such as panzanella, pappa al pomodoro, and minipinzimonio.
At the reception, glasses of Vermentino and Montalcino were poured as eggplant parmigianino with buffalo mozzarella, pachino tomatoes and basil pesto were served as the starter. Fresh, handmade pastas came next. Guests were able to choose either tortelli with ricotta and cedar with Piccadilly tomato fillets, burrata and Bronte pistachios, or papperdelle with wild boar, or both – with as many servings as you wished. The main course was a Florentine tagliata steak with rosemary alongside grilled vegetables and golden potatoes. After the cake cutting, sweet stations were added for the guests to enjoy between dancing and drinking. A chocolate tasting station and a grand buffet with fruit and cakes such as single servings of tiramisu, panna cotta, and torta della nonna spread alongside the dance floor next to the international open cocktail bar.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

We worked with Marisa at Le Petit Jardin (@lepetitjardinitaly) who went above and beyond turning our vision into a masterpiece, helping us create something we loved that worked well within our budget by repurposing our flowers from the ceremony to our reception. Sticking to our sage green and white color palette, we wanted in-season greenery and white florals to be incorporated and specifically, calla lilies for the bridal bouquet and groom buttonhole and baby’s breath for the bridesmaids’ bouquets. We also requested to incorporate olive leaves throughout to not only represent Tuscany but pay tribute to my husband’s late father who passed away unexpectedly 2 years ago on his beloved ranch where his olive trees were his pride and joy. Marisa took our inspiration and created a green and white floral composition that climbed up and around the stone altar. She then repurposed the ceremony flowers and utilized them for the reception room, tables, and cake-cutting moment. Marisa and her team also created beautiful invitations for us depicting La Foce’s stunning lower garden and altar, which added such a nice touch to the special details that were photographed throughout our wedding day.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

Our wedding cake was a millefoglie made by our caterer Italian Taste – a traditional Italian wedding cake made of layers of puff pastry, chantilly cream, strawberries, and meringue. It was probably one of the best-tasting things we served at our wedding – I regret having only the bite my husband fed me when cutting the cake. The cake-cutting moment was also one of our favorite memories. After dinner, our caterer brought the cake out for us to decorate with strawberries and powdered sugar which we then turned into a fun activity for our nieces and nephew that brought everyone so much joy as the DJ set the vibes transitioning the reception into an after-party. We danced away as we decorated, cut, and passed out slices of millefoglie that magically disappeared in seconds. If I could eat one thing again from my wedding day, the cake would be it – a cake that was literally made with pure love.

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

Because I love meaningful connections, we chose to work with Michele at Sorrento Live Music (@sorrentolivemusic) who also played at my twin sister’s wedding in Positano 7 years ago. It felt like a mini reunion for all of us – including our photographer, Sergio! For the ceremony, we went with a live violin and cello duo in acoustic who played, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley for the groom and bridal party’s entrance and “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran as the bride walked down the aisle. For the exit, I secretly chose my husband’s favorite song, “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve as a surprise for him. I actually completely forgot that I did – he lit up as we walked down the aisle and couldn’t believe his favorite song was playing and I couldn’t believe I forgot! The violin and cello duo continued to play live into the cocktail hour. Once the sun had set and guests were ushered indoors to The Orangerie where the reception was held, Michele and his partner played as a guitar and mandolin duo in acoustic, stopping table by table playing guests’ requests and keeping the energy alive throughout the evening. They weren’t just background music – they were true entertainers who joined people together in song, dance, and laughter. Once the cake-cutting moment began, the live DJ took over for the rest of the evening as everyone danced the night away.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Our photographer, Sergio (@sergiosorrentino_photography), was also my twin sister’s wedding photographer and I always knew I wanted him to photograph my wedding some day. His work is impeccable and it felt so special knowing my twin sister and I get to share the same wedding photographer as we share so many things and are extremely close. Funnily, my twin sister’s name is Andrea and she is also married to an Italian man named Andrea. We love how bizarre it is that we ended up with Italian men with the same name, who we both met at work, who were our seniors. and who shared other comically identical qualities. Having Sergio be a part of both
our love stories was the cherry on top of the most magical wedding weekend that truly was a dream come true.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/903232788 600 338]
[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/1018666224 600 338]

Photography: Sergio Sorrentino | Cinematography: Katia Casprini Videography | Floral Design: Le Petit Jardin | Wedding Dress: Theia | Ceremony Venue: La Foce | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Catering: Italian Taste Lodovichi | Make Up: Ki 6 Beauty Lab | Hair: Your Wedding beauty team | DJ: AF Luxury Wedding | Film Processing: Malvarrosa Film Lab | Live Music: Sorrento Live Music | Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Dopolavoro La Foce

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

The color palette for this wedding was all about neutral/blush colors to keep it very simple but extremely elegant and timeless at the same time.

[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The bride and the groom wanted to keep everything chic and subtle but we wanted to design something that would stand out, this is why we decided to have the mirrored aisle for the ceremony. This along with the beautiful floral arrangements created a stunning result which we all loved![/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride wore a Monique Lhuillier dress with detachable sleeves, which she wore for the ceremony and then took them off for the cake cut. The shoes were Rene Caovilla.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”][/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groom wore an Armani total look.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Food & Beverages were served by Class Eventi catering. The menù had 2 pasta courses, tomato & burrata pasta (the Groom’s favorite), and Truffle tagliolini (the Bride’s favorite). Aperol spritz was served all night long and an open bar was served during the late night party along with Pizza![/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Florals were curated by Riccardo Ciceri, who brought to life our vision with beautiful flowers of blush shades. The bouquet was fully created with peonies – the bride’s favorite flower![/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The wedding cake was built in front of the guests who could admire how an Italian millefoglie is created. Together with the cake, the couple also had the champagne tower.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″][/field]
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Photography: Classeventi | Cinematography: Gattotigre - Destination Wedding Videography | Event Design: Vb Events | Event Planning: Vb Events | Floral Design: Riccardo Ciceri Flower Designer | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Catering: Class Catering | DJ: Blunotte Events | Groom's Attire: Giorgio Armani | Wedding Venue: Villa Bonomi | Beauty: Daniela Guanziroli | Lights & Audio: Blunotte Events | Location: Villa Bonomi | Rentals: Class Catering

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]For the color palette, Stacey drew inspiration from the soft hues of spring and pastel shades, fully embracing them in her choices. This bride has a deep love for pink, so she made it a central theme throughout the decor![/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The vision and vibe of this wedding day were to create a romantic spring garden party atmosphere! Green Gables Wedding Estate has an ethereal and enchanting feel, so the bride fully embraced this when it came to her vision. Overall, an intimate, colorful, and romantic vibe was the goal! [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]During Stacey and Darren’s first Thanksgiving together, they visited Stacey’s hometown and took a trip to Tahoe—a place he had never been but where she grew up spending time. They discovered a beautiful spot by the lake and walked out to it. A year later, during Thanksgiving week, they returned to Tahoe and walked out to that same spot, just the two of them. The day was perfect—the sun was shining, and snow covered the ground by the lake—and it was there that Darren proposed. Afterward, they met up with Stacey’s family to celebrate the moment![/field]
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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Stacey found her dream wedding dress at Lovely Bride in San Diego, a breathtaking design by Made With Love Bridal. The gown featured stunning textured floral lace paired with delicate Chantilly lace, creating a truly unforgettable look. It was as if the dress had been made just for her.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Stacey chose Show Me Your Mumu for her bridesmaid dresses. Each of her bridesmaids wore a different style, varying in length and shape! It was the perfect way to mix and match while still being uniform for this romantic garden party! [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]For the groomsmen’s attire, Stacey wanted them and Darren to match suits and ties- but have her groom be the only one with a vest to make him stand out a little more. A pop of color was added by incorporating their garden-picked florals into the boutonnières.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Dinner was served family style, a choice the couple loved as it encouraged mingling among guests at the tables. For their signature cocktails, they added a personal touch with drinks named after each of them and one inspired by Long Beach, the city where they first met. Guests enjoyed “The Dirty Darren,” the “Stawc-Arita,” and the “Old Fashioned LBC.”[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]For the florals, Stacey envisioned a vibrant array of in-season blooms, steering away from traditional white to create a bold statement. She embraced bright, colorful flowers to bring her vision to life. Accent bud vases were placed on tables and throughout the venue, perfectly capturing the enchanting garden party atmosphere she desired.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Instead of a traditional wedding cake, the couple delighted their guests with churros and ice cream! Throughout the reception, everyone could visit the churro cart and customize their desserts with a variety of delicious toppings. From chocolate truffle ganache and fresh strawberries topping to La Lechera Crema, the dessert bar offered a little something for everyone.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The groom’s mother officiated their wedding ceremony, adding a deeply personal touch to their special day. Stacey and Darren chose meaningful Bible verses for her to incorporate, including James 1:19-20. They also carefully selected ceremony music that held personal significance, with Darren choosing “With You I Am” by Cody Johnson and Stacey selecting “Never Til Now” by Ashley Cooke.

The dance floor was packed from start to finish, just as the bride and groom had hoped. Their DJ kept the energy high, ensuring everyone joined in the celebration—including both of their 90-year-old grandmothers! At one memorable moment, the DJ played “Sweet Caroline,” and Stacey and Darren danced with the groom’s grandmother, Caroline. Almost immediately after, “Stacey’s Mom” came on, prompting the entire dance floor to erupt with cheers and laughter![/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Photography: Jaidyn Michele Photography | Cinematography: Paul Teel Productions | Floral Design: Sun Grown Floral | Wedding Dress: Made With Love Bridal | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu | Catering: Churros El Tigre | DJ: Allen Walker | Wedding Venue: Green Gables Wedding Estate | Beauty: Rachyl Kathleen Hair | Beauty: Makeup by Adrienne | Bridal Boutique: Lovely Bridal Shop | Wedding Dress Alterations: Tailor Love

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”The Inspiration”]The inspiration for this day was deeply rooted in the grandeur of location itself. The estate’s stunning architecture, timeless elegance, and natural beauty served as the perfect muse for a wedding that blended sophistication with the tranquil charm of the countryside.

In a location as breathtaking as Euridge Manor, this design concept was all about embracing the magnificence of the setting, allowing its natural grandeur to shine through while incorporating elements that felt both elegant and intimate.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]The natural palette of blush, ivory, and gold was chosen to complement the grandeur of the venue—soft, romantic tones that would harmonize with the stone and greenery of the estate while adding a touch of luxury. These colors were carefully woven throughout every aspect of the wedding design, from the florals to the table settings, creating a timeless, cohesive aesthetic that celebrated the beauty of the location.

This refined color palette with soft, romantic shades mirrored the gentle hues of summer in the countryside, creating an atmosphere that felt both luxurious and effortlessly elegant. [/field]
[field title=”The Venue”]Euridge Manor is a hidden gem tucked away in the serene Wiltshire countryside, a place where history and nature harmonize perfectly. With its centuries-old architecture, rolling green lawns, and elegant gardens, it is a venue that radiates both grandeur and intimacy. The estate offers a variety of spaces for an unforgettable wedding, with Euridge Manor’s iconic features setting the stage for something truly spectacular.
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride wore a whimsical gown by Claire Pettibone for the Welcome Dinner while her wedding day ceremony look was by Saiid Kobeisy and Reception look by Berta.[/field]
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The ceremony took place at one of Euridge Manor’s most iconic features—the stone arch. This architectural masterpiece, which stands as a timeless symbol of the estate, was adorned with an abundance of florals that spilled like cascading waterfalls on either side. These lush florals framed the arch, creating a romantic, ethereal look that felt perfectly in tune with the natural surroundings. The florals were designed to look as though they had bloomed organically from the very earth of the estate, with every detail adding to the sense of a dreamlike, enchanted moment.

After the ceremony, guests made their way to the terrace above the boathouse for the dinner reception, where the elegance and sophistication of the design truly came to life. The terrace, with its sweeping views of the lake below and the stunning architecture of the manor house above, provided a breathtaking setting for an unforgettable reception. The overall design felt effortlessly grand, balancing sophistication with the serene natural beauty of the surroundings.
[/field]
[field title=”Favorite Design Element”][/field]
[field title=”Tips To Pull Off The Look”][/field]
[field title=”DIY Moments”]*INSTAGRAM FULL CREDIT LIST*
Photography | Sara Cooper Photography | @saracooperphotography
Venue | Euridge Manor | @euridge_
Workshop Host | AMV Retreats | @amv_retreats
Wedding Planning, Styling & Design | AMV Weddings | @amv_weddings
Educators | Sophie Kaye @sophiekayephotography | Jeremy Chou @jeremychouphotography | Carlos Hernández @carloshernandezphoto
Videography | Jerome Cole | @jeromecole
Florist | Flourish & Grace | @flourishandgrace
Cakes | Erzulie Cakes | @erzuliecakes
Furniture Rentals | Allens Catering Hire | @allens_hire
Tabletop Rentals | The Bailey Events Tableware | @thebaileystablewarecompany
Linens | Nuage Designs | @nuagedesignsinc
Stationery | Laura Elizabeth Patrick | @lauraelizabethpatrick
Hair & Makeup | Madeline Eleanor | @bymadelineeleanor
Suit | Dapper Chaps | @dapperchapsformalwear
Ceremony Gown & Veil | Saiid Kobeisy | @saiidkobeisy
Shoes | Harriet Wilde Shoes | @harrietwildeshoes
Welcome Dinner Gown | Claire Pettibone | @clairepettibone
Ceremony Earrings | Eden Luxe Bridal | @edenluxebridal
Reception Gown | Berta | @berta @bertabridal
Reception Earrings | Botias Accessories | @botiasaccessories
Ring | Andria Barbone | @andriabarbonejewelry
Ring Boxes | The Styling Reserve | @thestylingreserve
Flat Lay Styling Mats | Locust Collection | @locustcollection
Flat Lay Styling Shoes & Jewelry | Something Bleu Shoes @somethingbleu_ | Eden Luxe Bridal @edenluxebridal | Andria Barbone @andriabarbonejewelry
Flat Lay Styling | Sophie Kaye | @sophiekayephotography
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Photography: Sara Cooper Photography | Cinematography: Jerome Cole Photography | Event Design: AMV Retreats | Event Planning: AMV Retreats | Floral Design: Flourish & Grace | Wedding Dress: Berta | Wedding Dress: Saiid Kobeisy | Cake: Erzulie Cakes | Invitations: Laura Elizabeth Patrick | Reception Venue: Euridge Manor | Beauty: Madeline Eleanor | Weddings Rings: Andria Barbone

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]-Blush
-White
-Green[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The design inspiration for our wedding was classic Southern. The florals were whimsical & elegant in shades of cream, green & blush.

[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Maurice proposed in Santa Barbara, the place where Carolyn & Maurice first fell in love. He popped the question at the Ritz Carlton Bacara on the cliffside. Although it was smoky due to the wildfires, it was still perfect![/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The Bride’s wedding dress was designed by Justin Alexander and was purchased at Ava Laurenne Bride in Fredericksburg, VA.
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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

The Bridesmaids wore champagne dresses.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Maurice’s tuxedo was designed by Brian Alexander Bespoke with the wedding date etched into the collar and pant leg. [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

The Bride loved incorporating the food stations with wine pairings since she works in wine education.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The florals & decor were elegant, classic & southern. The decor included elegant draping, and crystal chandeliers within a clear tent. The ceremony florals included a romantic arch & ground florals to frame the ceremony space. The reception florals adorned wooden tables with a combination of large glass trumpet vases & stone compotes filled with lush greenery & roses, garden roses & ranunculus. The florals were elegant in design & very classic, southern garden style.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Patrick Properties provided the cake. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″][/field]
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Photographer: Justin Leon Brown (formerly The Happy Bloom) | Videographer: Seagrass Creative | Event Planning: Sweetgrass Social Event + Design | Floral Design: Tupelo Honey Flower Shop & Co | Hair & Makeup: La vie en rose | Lighting: Technical Event Company | DJ: DJ RDot | Officiant: Virginia Evans | Ceremony Music: Kelsey Lynch | Wedding Venue: Lowndes Grove | Caterer/Bar/Cake: Patrick Properties Hospitality Group | Draping: Veil | Exit Transportation: Coastal Limo | Rentals: Eventworks | Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals

When you’re planning one of the biggest vacations of your life, it’s important to consider the seasonality of potential honeymoon destinations. The time of year for many popular escapes around the world can impact factors like price, crowds, available discounts, availability and weather. So no matter if you’re taking a honeymoon immediately after the wedding, or postponing for a better time, here are some great suggestions of where to honeymoon during each month of the year!

January: Iceland

Yes, January is one of the colder and darker months of the year in Iceland, but for honeymooners that just means beautiful wintery landscapes, hours a day to watch the northern lights, and fewer crowds at the places you want to see!

February: Anguilla

Looking for a warm weather and a beach in the dead of winter? Anguilla is just the place for a honeymoon escape, as it’s a quieter island compared to elsewhere in the Caribbean, and one that’s home to luxury resorts, fabulous beaches and amazing food.

March: Thailand

You’ll want to visit Thailand when it’s sunny and dry, and avoid the crazy partying that happens over New Year’s and winter break. While weather can vary significantly based on where in the country you’ll be, in March you should be fine no matter which region you’re in or island you’re on!

April: Morocco

Climate-wise, this is the best time to go as it’s neither too hot nor too cold which is critical when you’re traveling to the desert! As an added bonus you’ll miss out on the heavy tourism during summer and winter so you’ll have the souks, the roads, and the palaces to yourselves!

May: Provence

Avoid Provence during the busy summer months where villa and hotel rates skyrocket and instead visit in May right before the influx of tourists arrive. You’ll still experience pleasant weather, fields of wildflowers, quaint villages and markets, and cozy evenings.

June: Tahiti

June is technically during Tahiti’s dry season, and while hotel deals are hard to come by year round, this is a great time to go to ensure sunshine and clear water. You don’t want weather cramping your style while you’re lounging in your overwater bungalow.

July: Croatia

Croatia has it all for honeymooners in July: historic and picture-perfect old towns and villages, fresh seafood, lively nightlife scene and beaches and coastline as far as the eye can see. Rent a yacht and go island hopping and bask in the sunshine on the Adriatic coast.

August: Greece

The Greek Islands are some of the most romantic in the world, and while some like Santorini and Mykonos can get crazy busy during August, you can still find amazing scenery, rich history and fewer crowds at Paros, Corfu and Rhodes.

September: Tuscany

Head to Tuscany in September to avoid the high-season crowds in the summer but still experience perfect weather, some of the best food and wine in the world, and the quaintest old villages nestled in the rolling hills.

October: Ireland

Ireland in October is full of rolling green hills, grazing sheep, breathtaking ragged coastlines, quaint villages and romantic old castles. The crowds will be gone in October, the weather will still be pleasant (though don’t forget an umbrella) and prices are much lower!

November: Sri Lanka

Home to elephants and leopards, luxurious resorts, perfect beaches and colonial history, Sri Lanka is the perfect destination for those seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation. November is off-season so there are great deals to be had, and while it might rain, it will be scattered and followed by sunshine!

December: Rwanda

Go to Rwanda in December as it’s the start of the short dry season, and the best time to track the gorillas! Just make sure you book your accommodations and secure your gorilla tracking permits far in advance, as this is a popular time to go!

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Julia Hurwitz is a freelance writer and Marketing Manager based in New York City. Her interests include travel, global craft, healthy baking, entertaining and exploring the outdoors.

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Our color palette was centered around green, symbolizing growth, hope, and good health. We complemented it with soft tones of cream, light pink/blush, light blue, and touches of yellow to bring warmth and brightness. [/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Our wedding vision was to create an elevated garden party that felt both classic and vibrant. We wanted a timeless elegance but with playful, textural details that added warmth and personality to the celebration. The goal was to strike a balance between sophistication and fun, with every element feeling meaningful and inviting to our guests who traveled across the world to be with us (from Ireland, Indonesia, California, New York, Florida, and more!)[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]We got engaged on May 12, 2023 in a quiet corner of Central Park with (somehow) only one bystander nearby and a surprise photographer, executed perfectly by Nick. We had already planned a trip to New York so that I could show Nick how beautiful New York is in the Spring, and it turns out Nick had plans of his own and decided it was the perfect setting to pop the question. Just when I thought the surprises were over after his proposal in the park, it turned out that Nick had coordinated with my sister, Katie and brother-in-law, Frank, who live in Ireland, to fly in and celebrate with us that evening. As soon as we made it back to our hotel following the proposal and brunch, Katie and Frank were on the rooftop overlooking the Empire State Building waiting for us with cocktails in hand. We later asked Frank to officiate the wedding, making the moment even more special. [/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Wedding Gown: After visiting multiple bridal boutiques in both Charlotte and Northern VA (where I am originally from) I finally found my dress at Anjolique Bridal in Cornelius, NC, located right outside of Charlotte. I was lucky that Anjolique was having a Berta trunk show at the time I went in for my appointment, and I immediately fell in love with the intricate and romantic lace on the Muse by Berta gown I tried on and ultimately chose.
Reception Dress : For our reception I decided to change into a hand beaded Clio Peppiatt dress so that I could comfortably boogie on the dance floor with our guests all night long![/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids wore champagne-colored Amsale dresses, with each choosing a style that complemented her individual personality and made them feel confident. This added a personal touch while maintaining a cohesive, elegant look. I gifted each of the girls earrings to wear on the wedding day from SJ Bailey Co, a small business based out of Atlanta, which they loved! My bridesman, Samir, wore a Midnight Pin Dot Tuxedo from The Black Tux and a champagne bow tie to compliment the bridesmaid dresses. Our flower girls (my nieces) wore dresses handmade by Maria Platero, sourced from Etsy. Both dresses featured a blue satin sash as a nod to my late Grandma Faye’s favorite movie, The Sound of Music. The sashes were inspired by the iconic line from ‘My Favorite Things’ – ‘girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes’ adding a sentimental and personal touch to their outfits, and of course acting as my Something Blue! [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Nick wore a sleek midnight blue tuxedo from The Black Tux, paired with a feathered bow tie, cufflinks, and studs from Brackish, a company based in Charleston, adding a meaningful local touch. He was excited to rock a pair of Gucci loafers, which he had chosen during a special trip we took to Monaco this past June. I surprised Nick with a bottle of Creed cologne while he was getting ready in his suite so that he too could have a wedding day scent :) Nick’s groomsmen wore the same tuxedo as he did with black bow ties. [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]We wanted our guests to be greeted with champagne as soon as they got off the shuttles at Lowndes Grove to start the night off right! We added an edible flower to each champagne coupe to be cohesive with our garden party theme. At cocktail hour we had passed hors d’oeuvres that evoked a sense of warmth and hospitality – crab cakes with smoked paprika aioli, fried green tomatoes with bacon and pimento cheese, spicy tuna tartar, half in a cucumber cup, half in a wonton cup, lamb loin with dijon mustard, and had an artisan cheese and biscuit bar display in the house for guests to enjoy while they cooled off. Nick and I love to try different foods, so for our reception dinner we opted for dinner stations so that guests could try more than one entree. Our four dinner stations were: Ricotta Ravioli with poached asparagus, goat cheese, and lemon beurre blanc. Petite Chicken Breast with savory mushroom bread pudding, creamed spinach, and pan jus. Halibut with orzo, feta, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, citrus vinaigrette, and a carving station serving Seared Beef Tenderloin with black peppercorn demi, horseradish cream, served with artisanal rolls + garlic herb butter.
Later in the night we had late night bites passed – smash Burgers with secret sauce, pickles, onions, on a sesame bun, and fried chicken sliders with cheddar, remoulade, dill pickles on a hawaiian slider. We wanted to include our alma maters somehow (Go Cats, Go Hokies!) and Kate Eliza Creative made us the cutest collegiate flags which we put in the late night bites for a fun, personal touch!
To keep the party going we had espresso martinis passed late night with the letter ‘M’ (for our last name, Moraco) stenciled on top with sprinkled cinnamon – such a fun and special touch that guests loved. It helped that the espresso martinis were absolutely delicious! [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Florals played a central role in our design, inspired by the gardens both of our moms tended while we were growing up. With the help of our incredible wedding planner from A Charleston Bride, Abby Frye, and florist, Whitney, from Festoon – our vision was brought to life and we were so amazed by how it all turned out! Notably the stars of the show were the tall pedestal floral arrangements we had between our dinner tables which made such a statement and turned out so beautiful. Our planner and creative genius, Abby Frye, also gave us the idea to include the custom honeysuckle lampshades which added such a cute touch to our bars.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]For our wedding cake we decided to go simple with a two tier cake – funfetti and chocolate, with our dog Reese as our cake topper! We opted to have desserts passed for our guests so that everyone could try a few different things. We had oreo cheesecake bites, cannolis as a nod to Nick’s Italian heritage, and peach cobbler – a southern staple and a dessert my Mom always made for me growing up. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]My Irish brother in law, Frank, officiated our wedding and did an amazing job, self proclaiming himself as ‘Father Frank’ and even incorporated speaking Gaelic into the script, which was such a special and meaningful touch to us. Frank started the ceremony by saying ‘As we say back home in Ireland, Cead Mile Failte teaghlach agus chairde (100,000 welcomes family and friends)’ and later in the ceremony said “An rud atá i ndán duit ní rachaidh sé tharat. What’s for you won’t pass you.”
We had a string quartet from Palmetto Strings for our ceremony and cocktail hour and they were outstanding. During the processional our family walked out to Moon River, the bridal and grooms party to Invisible String, and I walked out to At Last. For our Recessional song we chose Dancing in the Moonlight, which to me, always makes me think of warm summer nights (and the movie A Walk to Remember), which felt fitting for our September 7 soiree!
During the ceremony we had my friend and college sorority sister, Alex, read ‘Falling in Love is Like Owning a Dog’ by Taylor Mali as a nod to our sweet fur baby Reese. We wanted to include a reading that was both personal to us but also light hearted and funny.
To close out the ceremony we had Nick’s Grandpa Frank, his adorable Poppop, lead us in prayer by reading the Prayer of Saint Francis. We were thrilled to include Nick’s Poppop as he and Nick have such a special bond.
Our first dance was to ‘Sweet Symphony’ by Joy Oladokun ft. Chris Stapleton
My Dad, Glen, and I danced to “Edelweiss” (the version with Christopher Plummer’s original vocals), as another nod to my Dad’s Mom, my late Grandma Faye, as the Sound of Music was her favorite film.
Nick and his Mom, Cathy, danced to ‘Days like this’ by Van Morrison, who is one of Cathy’s favorite artists!
Our band, Power 2 Party, blew it out of the water and our guests are still telling us how they were the best band they’d ever seen at a wedding. We can’t say enough wonderful things about Monte and the entire Power 2 Party group! They kept the dance floor packed, with overflow, all night long, which is exactly what Nick and I wanted! [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]We wanted to include our late grandparents in a way that would be memorable, so we chose to honor them by naming our signature drinks after them, served at cocktail hour and throughout the night. Nick’s grandpa Sal was from Sicily, Italy, so we renamed the traditional bourbon smash to be called the Sicilian Smash and named it “The Sal” and Ali’s Grandma Ruth recently passed away in July at 102 years old (!!), so we named the Paloma the ‘Baby Ruth’ after her beloved nickname. We also included our fur baby in our bar menu so she could be with us in spirit[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″] Nick and I love to travel, so for our table assignments, we opted to name our tables after some of our favorite places we’ve traveled together – The French Riviera, Old San Juan, Lisbon, and more! [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]I surprised Nick with a sentimental gift to open during our first look that I had kept up my sleeve for some time! I was able to track down the receipt from our first date 5 years ago, which I had framed through Framebridge.
We had the incredibly talented Chloe Strickland from Cloud Studio paint watercolor portraits of our guests – gifting them timeless keepsakes to cherish. We knew our guests traveled far and wide to be with us, and we really wanted to incorporate a special and unique touch to thank them for being there.[/field]
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Photography: Kailee DiMeglio Photography | Event Design: A Charleston Bride | Event Planning: A Charleston Bride | Floral Design: Festoon | Wedding Dress: Berta | Wedding Dress: Berta | Cake: Publix Bakery | Invitations: Olive Paper | DJ: Power 2 Party | Wedding Venue: Lowndes Grove | Beauty: Ash & Co. | Day of Printed Material: Kate Eliza Creative | Re: Snyder Event Rentals | Rentals: Classic Planning and Design Co. | Rentals: Emerson James | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Natalie and Joshua chose neutral pastels for their wedding palette. The main focus was finding a spacious venue with gorgeous vineyards – a nod to their love of wine. The design was very soft and romantic. [/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Set amidst the rolling vineyards of Sonoma County on a warm July day, their special day reflected everything that makes them who they are—romantic, adventurous travelers, wine aficionados and deeply in love. Details of their love story were woven into every element of the day. Their seating chart featured watercolor designs of their favorite travel destinations, a nod to their shared love for exploring the world.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]Living in NYC at the time, they got engaged on the east coast. It was a huge surprise that Joshua pulled off. They planned to go out to dinner for NYC Restaurant Week. When they got in the Uber, he surprised Natalie by actually taking her to a candlelight concert of Stevie Wonder. When they got into the elevator, there were candles everywhere and flowers. After the proposal, they went on a private boat ride and Natalie was shocked to see both of their families waiting for them below deck to partake in the celebration.

A funny tidbit – Natalie had refused to get her nails done earlier in the week – so Joshua (forever a planner) bought a few packs of stick on nails for her to pick from after he popped the question and slid the ring on her finger.
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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Natalie was a vision in her strapless gown, adorned with glitter and intricate, hand-painted floral designs. The texture and artistry of the dress were unlike anything I’d ever seen—a true masterpiece that felt as unique and ethereal as Natalie herself. Natalie purchased the gown at Kleinfeld Bridal. [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids wore light blue pastel gowns from Birdy Grey. They each chose a silhouette that made them feel their best. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groom wore a tux from The Black Tux – he looked so dapper! [/field]
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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]During cocktail hour, the couple served two signature drinks: hers – Bee’s Knees and his – a coconut margarita. Trays filled with deviled eggs and ahi tuna tarts were passed. For dinner, guests enjoyed a risotto starter and that was followed by their choice of salmon, steak, or pasta. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The florals for the wedding were lush and plentiful. At the ceremony, an arch framed the couple beneath their shaded canopy. Coral, pink, and light blue blooms were prominent. The bride carried a full garden bouquet with flox, ranunculous, queen anne’s lace, garden roses, and lisianthus. At dinner, each table was set with a full center arrangement and a watercolor table number that reflected one of the couple’s favorite places to spend time. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The couple cut an elegant 2 tiered wedding cake as they made their way to the ballroom. The cake was ivory and had white flowers made from frosting. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The ceremony was officiated by Natalie’s brother. During the ceremony, each mother provided a reading for the couple. They exchanged personal vows – with Joshua listing all the ways he would love Natalie with his whole body – holding her hand, kissing her lips, massaging her back. They did a wine blending ceremony – each pouring wines from their home state into a new glass that they shared. After the ceremony, they jumped the broom! [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Photography: The Ganeys | Videography: Slow Fall Cinema | Event Planning: Riley Loves Lulu | Floral Design: Ada Wong Design | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Birdy Grey | Hair and Makeup: Viviana Perez | Lighting: Five Star AV | DJ: Dart Collective | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Transportation: Pure Luxury | Venue: Montage Los Cabos | Bridal Boutique: Kleinfeld Bridal | Ceremony Quartet: Synchronicity Strings | Dress Designer: Sareh Nouri | Golf Cart Rental: Event Services Plus | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Paper Goods & Signage: JK Designs | Photobooth: Kande Photo Booths | Rentals: Encore Events Rentals | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Styling Mat: Locust Collection