As one of the last few “single” ladies in my friend group, I am familiar with wondering whether or not I will receive a “plus one” with my wedding invitation. As your friend (and I’m counting myself as your friend if you’re reading this), I feel I’m in the right position to walk you through the rules of “and guesting” your guest list. Sometimes it’s totally fine to ask someone to fly solo on your big day! Other times, it’s better to add a name than to offend a friend. You’re curating a guest list of people you want to share one of the biggest days of your life. Whether that’s 20 or 200 people, the most important thing is that everyone feels like a part of the celebration. Here are the ins and outs of plus-ones:

 

The Unofficial Rules from an Experienced Wedding Guest:

You should include a plus-one when…

Asking a guest to travel

Etiquette would require you to include a “plus-one” when asking a guest to travel for your wedding. Traditionally, it was to avoid the safety risks of asking a lady to travel alone. I know we girls can handle ourselves, but it’s still much more enjoyable to travel with a companion, whether that companion is a date or a mutual friend.

Think about it this way, if you’re asking this guest to invest in transportation and lodging (and then some) to attend your special day, you should probably be willing to invest in another seat at the reception.

The guest is married

If the guest is married, they’re now a package deal. You shouldn’t invite a bride without her groom (or vice versa) to a wedding celebration. Address the invitation to both names.

The guest is in a long-term relationship

If the guest might as well be married, they’re also a package deal. If the couple has been consistently dating for several years or is in a serious relationship, you should include both names on the wedding invitation. Even if you’ve never met!

The guest will be the only single person

This typically applies to smaller weddings, but it’s good to keep in mind. Before inviting a guest on his/her own, consider whether there will be other single people for them to dance with, talk to, or meet at the reception. Before extending a solo invitation, think about the environment you’re setting for your guest. As the host, it’s your role to set a tone that makes everyone feel welcome and included!

Personal note: I’ve been in this situation as the only adult guest without a date, and it wasn’t easy! A wedding can be a lonely place if you’re dancing alone all night. (Thank you to all my couple friends who allowed me to “third-wheel” for a while!)

 

A Plus-One is Optional when:

There will be plenty of singles in attendance

If your single friend is going to be in a sea of mutual single friends, feel free to leave off the “plus-one.” A wedding is a great place to meet people! And who better to vouch for her new prospects than you?

Budget is tight

When budget is tight – or space in the venue is limited – giving everyone a “plus one” can be extra difficult. A great rule of thumb is to invite groups of people who already know each other – and have conversations before you mail the invitation around why they might not receive a guest and how you’ve made sure they will be comfortable at the wedding. Managing expectations in advance will help them understand the situation and how much you care about them having a good time too!

The guest is under 18

Good news! You never have to “plus-one” the children at your wedding. Assuming you’ve invited their parents or corresponding adults, you can include their names on their parents’ invitation.

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]With Robin from sunny Southern California and Marco from the Dominican Republic, their sun-kissed color palette of peachy apricots, dusty blues, golden coast yellows, rose gold flecks, and linen ivories was the perfect way to marry the darling duo, bringing their coastal charm to the wild west in Wyoming! [/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]When Robin + Marco came to us just six weeks before their wedding during one of the busiest seasons of all time, we were certainly up for the challenge and got right to designing and bringing their vision to life in a very special way! Robin + Marco’s vision was a romantic candlelit dinner in the fields with chandeliers floating above, light jazz music filling the air, and a decadent five course meal curated by Magee Homestead. They say weddings take a village and we’re so grateful we had the opportunity to collaborate with our creative partners to make their dreams come true in six week’s time!

Modern romance and timeless elegance took to the wide open spaces and western serenity of Wyoming as Robin + Marco said I do underneath gorgeous cottonwood trees lining the bustling creek, the perfect setting for their ceremony with their loved ones in smiling company. The ceremony aisle was adorned with layered vintage Turkish rugs as a nod to the western inspired decor at Magee Homestead with florals growing from the ground up, leading the bride and groom to the circular arch where they shared their vows and said yes to forever!

Guests made their way to cocktail hour and were greeted by two horses hanging out by the lounge, where they enjoyed decadent canapés and cocktails overlooking the stunning views at Magee. Soon thereafter, guests followed the lighthearted jazz music to the dinner reception in the field, and found their seats at the warm wood table dressed with delicate runners, wishbone chairs, and gold-toned chandeliers lighting the space. The tabletop decor intertwined timeless romance with a touch of contemporary effortlessly as the cloud blue colored candles, linen napkins, ivory lace plates, and gold rimmed glassware complimented the modern silhouettes of the rose gold flatware, circular menus, gold compotes, and pendants. It was sheer joy witnessing Robin + Marco and their loved ones laugh, smile, and cry happy tears as their families joined together for the first time. After their impeccable five course dinner underneath the stars, everyone enjoyed a night of dancing underneath the moonlight with samba music filling the air and Heather showing off her best kept secret as quite the samba and salsa extraordinaire! It was a true honor to welcome Robin + Marco to the Calluna family as their hearts touched ours in so many ways. Their wedding weekend is truly one that we will cherish forever![/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Robin shared how they met and their proposal story, “We met in 2005 when Marco came to an open house I was holding as a Realtor in Los Angeles. Following that, we had our first date. It was a disaster. I drank too much, shed a ton of drunk tears and I was sure he would never call me again. It became a joke with my friends on how to ensure a guy will never call you again. It was an epic fail. The worst date I have ever had, hands down. But, 2 days later he called. After this we dated for a year; spending weeks at his John Lautner house above Sunset Blvd (which I fangirled about). Yet, it just wasn’t good timing. We broke up in late 2016, both moved on to long term relationships with other people until Covid hit in 2020. At that time we reconnected via text after I saw in a Los Angeles Times article chronicling the sale of his Lautner house, the Wolff House to Amanda Hearst. I was sure he wouldn’t respond to the text, but he did! We began to speak every day via Facetime until the early part of 2021. Though both now single when we reconnected, we were both weary to give it another try (he more so than I) and just became confidants and best of friends until one day we gave it another go. This time our relationship was better and stronger. We knew each other deeply and it felt like a new experience instead of rekindling the old. We refer to it as a second chance. And fate.

We spent mid 2021 to June 2022 week on and week off with each other. Marco was then living in Montecito and I in Santa Monica with 2 teenage girls in school and 2 cats he was allergic to. Though he came more often to my house because of my kids, he lived out of a bag and a drawer avoiding sitting on any furniture because of my cats. He really put in the work.

In June 2022, my daughter and I moved to Montecito with him, and we got engaged in our most favorite place. The Post Ranch INN, in Big Sur that we had spent many visits together throughout the years. Overlooking the ocean on the balcony of our suite on the clearest most beautiful day. When he asked I jumped into his arms while he was on one knee and the ring nearly dropped over the balcony railing onto the cliffside of the rocky sea.

We have moved very quickly from that point on. Planning a wedding in 2 months. We decided we didn’t want to waste any more time.”[/field]
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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Robin fell in love with a Gali Karten Dress from a previous year collection and shockingly found it on the Still White website and bought it second-hand. Never seeing another being sold second hand and oddly being her exact size. It had never been altered and fit like a glove. Seeing as there just was not enough time to order and fit a new gown it was a miracle! [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bride and groom opted for mix matched bridesmaids dress in blush tones bought at David’s Bridal and Lulu’s online. Each dress was picked out by the bridesmaids themselves, Robin’s sister and daughter.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Marco wore a Ralph Lauren white suit fitted by his favorite tailor from the Ralph Lauren Los Angeles Flagship store. The groomsmen were in taupe with custom made suits with blue suede shoes. [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Their five course menu was complete with Italian favorites like Chicken Paillard and wine from the bride’s family vineyard in Napa. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]We brought all the modern romance to Wyoming with florals all shades of peach and cream by Poppy’s and the decor was a mix of classic and contemporary elements, weaving in some hints of blue with the linen napkins paired with rose gold flatware, linen lace dinnerware, and gold rimmed glassware.
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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]They wanted something simple and chic and as the bride is gluten free, that was a must! They enjoyed a delicious gluten free butter cream vanilla cake made by the pastry chef at Brush Creek Ranch. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Marco wanted as many 80’s references as possible with the song “True” by Spandau Ballet (from the movie Sixteen Candles) during or procession and “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears (as seen in the movie “Real Genius”) during the recessional and “Take My Breath Away” by Berlin as our first dance. It was unique to us.

During our al fresco dinner the Jazz Quartet was a must. Marco spent many years loving smoky jazz clubs in New York and wanted that classy cool vibe.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Robin’s cousin Danny walked her down the aisle being the last man in her Dad’s succession. He wore her father’s suit, keeping a healing stone in the pocket that was held by her Dad just before he succumbed to a long battle with cancer nine years prior. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Our al fresco dinner under the stars. It was the most beautiful mellow night. Romantic and intimate. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]Our lounge area for cocktail hour with horses leisurely walking throughout to mingle with guests.[/field]
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Photography: Ashley Sawtelle | Cinematography: Sherri Innis | Event Planning: Calluna Events | Floral Design: Poppy's | Wedding Dress: Gali Karten | Catering: Brush Creek Ranch | Lighting: Max & Livie | Entertainment: TH Entertainment | Groom's Attire: Ralph Lauren | Officiant: Reverend Joel Davis, Poetic Justice of the Peace | Wedding Venue: Brush Creek Ranch | Beauty: Ashley Smith Beauty | Paper: CCR Calligraphy | Rentals: Wallflower Rentals & Decor | Rentals: Colorado Party Rentals

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]To create a cohesive aesthetic, we chose an all-white palette for the ceremony, which allowed the natural beauty of the location to take center stage. As the evening progressed, we introduced blush-toned neutrals to the décor, creating a more romantic palette. This subtle transition added depth and continuity to our design, resulting in a harmonious color scheme that complemented the surroundings and enhanced the beauty of our special day.
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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Inspired by the natural beauty and stunning colors of the location, we created a dreamy and ethereal atmosphere. A spiraled sculpture of white florals served as our centerpiece against the aisle’s oceanic backdrop. We paid careful attention to every detail, even opting for translucent chairs to blend seamlessly with the surroundings and ensure unobstructed views of the altar. As the ceremony came to a close, the soothing sounds of a live guitar player beckoned guests to the boat dock, where they boarded boats in groups of 8-10 for a picturesque cruise to the cocktail hour. Guests marveled at the breathtaking scenery of the Banyan Tree Mayakoba as they arrived at the serene outdoor patio. Refreshing welcome cocktails set the tone for a wonderful evening ahead. After 45 minutes of mingling, the curtains opened to reveal the dining space, a lofty palapa adorned with an exquisite floral display in blush, nude, green, and white hues. Above the bride and groom’s table, an open installation of hanging florals served as a stunning focal point and was mirrored over the band as well, creating a harmonious ambiance throughout the space. The tabletops were equally striking, featuring beautifully arranged floral centerpieces of varying heights in the same delicate color palette. Every detail came together seamlessly to create an unforgettable atmosphere. As the evening progressed, guests continued to revel under the romantically lit palapa. The band kept them moving and grooving as they danced the night away, savoring every moment of the magical celebration. As the festivities drew to a close, guests were invited to take part in a special send-off tradition. Sparklers were passed around, creating a dazzling display of light that illuminated the faces of everyone present. The couple departed on a private boat, enjoying an intimate moment of tranquility and reflection as they sailed away from their wedding. The twinkling sparklers in the night sky provided a beautiful send-off and left everyone with a lasting memory of the enchanting celebration.

[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Scott proposed to Jacquie at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, FL.
The couple had met on a golf course so the proposal was destined to be on one as well.
They were on the 17th hole, which had a stunning waterfall backdrop, and both hit their tee shots. Jacquie hit a perfect shot, landing her ball just 3 feet away from the pin. Scott, on the other hand, was so nervous that he barely made it onto the green! Scott proceeded to lead Jacquie up to her ball and she was so confused as to why he was walking to the green. Scott then bent down and marked her ball with the ring and got down on one knee. They burst into tears and embraced in the beautiful moment. But of course, Jacquie still needed to make her putt! After the engagement, she still proceeded to finish the hole. She said yes and made a birdie! They were greeted by friends at the top of the waterfall with champagne and the celebrations began.
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

The bride looked stunning as she walked down the aisle in a Pnina Tornai wedding gown, paired with a pearl-studded veil. Jacquie had specifically requested something timeless and elegant, and Pnina was able to curate the perfect dress to suit her style. She looked absolutely gorgeous! Halfway through the reception, the bride changed into a Galia Lahav Eloise Tulle Mini Dress.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

All of the bridesmaids selected a style from the Shona Joy Sage Collection. Each of them chose a dress that perfectly suited their personality and taste. The bridal party was led by the co-maids of honor, Nicolette, Jacquie’s sister, and Jordan, Scott’s daughter.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Scott’s Best Man, his son Aaron, wore a matching suit with his father. The two paired their suits with white and gray Air Jordan 1 sneakers.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]As guests were ferried to cocktail hour, they enjoyed a special surprise – a flute of chilled champagne accompanied by a paper cone filled with popcorn, a request personally made by the bride. This thoughtful touch allowed guests to indulge in a delicious snack while taking in the stunning views of Mayakoba and highlighted the bride’s attention to detail and care for her guests.

Upon arriving at the cocktail hour, guests were immediately welcomed with a delicious specialty passionfruit cocktail. The carefully curated menu featured a mouthwatering variety of passed hors d’oeuvres, each one more delicious than the last, as well as a lavish raw bar and carving station. For dinner, guests were treated to a refreshing tropical salad, followed by a choice of fresh fish or beef.

And of course, no celebration would be complete without dessert! Guests were wowed by the live construction of a traditional Italian wedding cake, featuring layer upon layer of moist vanilla cake, whipped cream, and fresh berries. Later in the evening, guests indulged in an abundant dessert station on the outdoor deck, featuring an irresistible assortment of sweet treats. And for those who craved something cold and creamy, a fresh gelato cart offered a refreshing end to the perfect evening.
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The bride’s vision was to create an enchanting contrast between the lush tropical environment and the blooming garden-style florals. Our design team artfully combined natural elements, such as rattan, raw silk, and fringed placemats, with loose, organic blooms to achieve the desired effect.

The two previous evenings of the 3-day wedding weekend were lively beach-themed celebrations, featuring bright pops of colors, unique photo opportunities, and even custom coconuts adorned with the couple’s initials.
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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]As part of the bride’s desire to keep an Italian tradition alive, the wedding cake was created in real-time during the reception. A skilled pastry chef meticulously assembled several layers of moist vanilla cake, luscious whipped cream, and fresh berries to create a visually stunning (and delicious!) masterpiece. Adding to the festive ambiance, a selection of classic Italian tunes played in the background, culminating in a lively and energetic remix of the tarantella.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

After the officiant took his place at the altar, the unmistakable opening notes of Dr. Dre’s iconic “Still D.R.E.” filled the air, played elegantly by a skilled string trio. The groom confidently strolled down the aisle, his sleek tuxedo perfectly complemented by the upbeat melody of the song. The unexpected music choice added a touch of modernity to the traditional ceremony and reflected the couple’s unique personality and style. The two maids of honor and the best man walked down the aisle to Beethoven’s 5 Secrets by the Piano Guys. The strings swelled, and it was time for the bride to make her grand entrance with her father… There was not a dry eye in the house!

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Jacquie and Scott welcomed guests with a fiesta party the first night, and a golf tournament – “The Last Swing Before The Ring” – the following day. The couple loves to golf and wanted to experience the resort’s famous course, El Camaléon, with their guests before the big day. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Jacquie and Scott celebrated their rehearsal dinner at The Shack Beach Club at sunset. Our bride and groom and their guests sipped fun cocktails and enjoyed the local cuisine. Fire dancers and glow-in-the-dark water drummers kept everyone dancing.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

Guests left voice messages on a rotary phone instead of a guest book, which the bride and groom listened to after the celebration – and still have to this day!

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Photography: Moni Adri Video And Photography | Cinematography: Mike Cantarell Films | Event Planning and Design: Colin Cowie | Floral Design: Canteiro | Wedding Dress: Pnina Tornai | Cake: Banyan Tree Mayakoba | Invitations: Paper By The Bay | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Shona Joy | Catering: Banyan Tree Mayakoba | Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss | Men's Attire: Hugo Boss | Wedding Venue: Banyan Tree Mayakoba | Beauty: Zoe Elizabeth Makeup Artist | DJ/Band: On The Move Entertainment | Engagement Ring Designer: Sammy Mehta (custom) | Rentals: Canteiro | Weddings Rings: Wilson & Son

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

Couple wanted bit of pop of purple dress for the outdoor shoot with flower blossom and the view of Eiffel Tower. For the rest of the day from Jardin des Tuileries, Louvre museum to the Hotel Alfred Sommier, couple wanted to have warm tone overall to blend with rest of scenery.

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

The couple wanted to have a cozy wedding where each other’s families could talk and relax. And we wanted to make a wedding where we would be grateful to our parents who raised us, not ourselves. Due to the corona virus, my family in Japan could not come except my mother, but the number of new families increased and it was a very happy ceremony. For the venue, I searched for a chic place with French decorations (atmosphere like a castle).

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]My husband’s younger brother was studying in Japan, and I met him in Kyoto when he came to see him. The moment we met, we both fell in love at first sight and exchanged contact information. After that, we kept in touch with each other every day via e-mail and Skype over a long distance. After that, six months later, when I went to Paris, he proposed to me, and we got married after a year of dating.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

They had two outfits, one was purple Leanne Marshall dress that would pop and compliment with the flower blooms by the Eiffel Tower. The second dress was Galia Lahav that had fitted shape shows amazing silhouettes of the bride and flares out at the bottom.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The couple wanted to keep it simple as possible without the bridal party.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

The couple picked family owned venue / hotel, Hotel Alfred Sommier, that would offer family style mansion that has elegant, calm and discrete environment. Located in the mansion’s large dining room and canopy, it can be connected to the Salon doré with its beautiful Louis XV decorations. It opens on to the private garden and can also be extended into the garden if the weather permits. The cane medallion chairs and Alfred Sommier’s monogram on the Gien tableware convey the feeling of attending a family dinner.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Because of Covid situation, the couple had to put their wedding ceremony on hold for awhile and when things got eased up, wanted to have cozy family gathering in the Paris even though a lot of family member couldn’t make it. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”][/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
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[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Photography: MATTHEW REE PHOTOGRAPHY | Photography: CLY BY MATTHEW | Event Planning: Wedding Scenes Naoko | floral design: Floraison | Dress: Galia Lahav | Dress: Leanne Marshall | Wedding Venue: Hotel Alfred Sommier

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Wild & Romantic Fall Colors – Wine reds, burnt orange, ombre yellows framed with organic fruits as supporting palette (Plum, grapes, pomegranates)[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The way we have always described the long-awaited celebration to guests would be a Tuscan affair where we would wine and dine to the best Chianti had to offer against the backdrop of the castle vineyard with the evening spread out against the sky – and with our hearts full, dance away the night under the Tuscan stars to the bride’s favorite vintage French jazz band.

For the ceremony, the highlight is the arrival of the bride and father of bride driving up the hill in a vintage white car in a long cypress lined road, tooting their horn to the fanfare of the guests’ fanfare and cheers. Against the backdrop of two French vintage jazz singers and the band crooning La vie en rose and an Italian garden setting on the hill overlooking the castle and vineyard, the bride walked down the aisle with clouds of white florals framing the scene. The design was stylish and organic to complement the lush Italian fauna, with two aged trees framing the view of the castle as the couple exchanged their vows. A special moment would be guests participating in the warming of the rings, where they passed the wedding bands around to imbue their well wishes and love into them before the rings are exchanged against the Le Moulins de mon Coeur song. As the couple were declared husband and wife, the bride throws her bridal bouquet back to the wedding party before getting into the vintage car, driving into the sunset against Ella Fitzgerald’s From this moment on.

As guests stroll down the cypress lined road to the herb garden overlooking the vineyard hills, the reception is the beginning of savory indulgences – with the appetizers made fresh on the scene – including live carving of prosciutto, stations of Italian hams, cheese and passed around carpaccios. Each food station was designed with vintage décor (Record players) and organic elements such as herb plants with waiters dressed in crisp black and white suits. Guests sip on their herb-infused cocktails against bossa nova and jazz acoustic pieces by the band.

For the dinner reception, the bride had decided on a less traditional design with a red and white antique patterned table cloth with white framed plates and mother-of-pearl cutlery, which accentuated the fruits and wild fall floral pieces on the tables, specially designed by Fluida Designs, a floral and landscape artist. There were a few special design choices the couple made: A special design element was the seating chart were green leaf-shaped cards that were hand calligraphed and placed on individual fruits that reflected the region and season. Guests also received a burgundy colored luggage tag as gifts that stated ‘And so the adventure begins’, hung on their chairs to bring home with. The bride chose to have a canopy of fairy lights to add an additional magic flair to the terrace lawn by the castle – to truly capsulate ‘Dining under the Tuscan stars’. The couple opted to have the Milliefoglie, a traditional Italian wedding cake made of crispy layers of pastry, fresh strawberries, raspberries and cream, made live in front of the guests which provided a very memorable moment. Guest have gushed that this was the best wedding cake they have eaten. The groom also specially requested to have a gelato cart where fresh Italian gelato would be served to guests for dessert. And as promised, after the couple twirled to their first dance, guests danced away the night to the bride’s favorite vintage french jazz band (Gatsby Follies by Jazz around midnight, who flew over from Paris and was decked out in full flapper dresses and suits). A unexpected surprise of the night was the after party DJ who guests have expressed as one of the best wedding DJs they have been treated to.

For the day after fancy pajama farewell party, the location was in a secluded garden area where guests were treated to a bohemian chic themed set up – filled with balloons, velvet sofas and lounge chairs, carpets and cushions. Guests were asked to dress up in their fanciest and most colorful pajamas – silk, feathers, pearls, etc. They milled around to the castle’s self-produced wine, live Italian barbecue against the backdrop of the playlist custom curated by the best man. Guests wrote their well wishes for the couple on the balloons, and before the end of the night, the couple released them to the night.
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[field title=”Proposal Story”]Kim and Yao met in international orientation and started dating in the freshmen year of college (They were college sweethearts). They have bonded over their love for food and travel – and have been meticulously checking off their bucket list food and travel destinations around the globe each year. Yao surprised Kim with a proposal in Tokyo in November 2018. It was unexpected for Kim as she has always insisted that the proposal, whenever that happens, must be private with no audience (she’s easily embarrassed clearly). Given the trip was planned to the detail by her and they were traveling with another friend, she thought there would not be a chance it would happen then.

The aforementioned friend had made an excuse that night when they got into Tokyo from Kyoto that he had to meet with his colleague in Tokyo for drinks – and would join them later. Yao brought Kim to a hotel bar they loved in Tokyo – at the Andaz Tokyo on Toranomon Hills that had the perfect 360 view of Tokyo night lights. Kim and Yao had stayed there a couple of times when they have visited Tokyo before. As they ordered drinks, Yao disappeared strangely for a long time on the excuse of going to the bathroom, before the hotel manager approached Kim and handed her a room key. She thought he mistook her for someone else and tried to deny vehemently to a flustered manager that she was not a guest there.

The flustered manager eventually blurted out her name and told her to follow her. At that point, Kim thought something was suspicious as he brought her to the door of a room and ran away, leaving an amused Kim standing outside. As she knocked, Yao opened the door and swept her inside to the words of ‘Would you marry me?’ in perfectly cut out letters on the bed – and photos of their travels over the years hung around the room along with champagne and flowers. Yao shared that this was the exact room they stayed in when they first visited Tokyo together – overlooking the Tokyo tower. And with the Tokyo tower lights glistening behind, Yao dropped on one knee, brandishing a ring. Frankly, at that point, Kim had blanked out and did not remember a single word of Yao’s speech (he swears it was a beautiful speech and he did not make her sign away her life savings). After she said yes, they had a champagne toast – and went back to to the rooftop bar to find their friend (who was in on it the whole time and helping decorate the room) to celebrate.

There were many hilarious moments that proved Kim was completely oblivious – Yao had carried his backpack the whole time on the trip (with the ring in it) which was extremely uncharacteristic. Kim had suggested taking a later train to Tokyo from Kyoto, which both Yao and friend had vehemently objected to. Kim had texted Yao while she was waiting in the bar when he disappeared, to which he texted back a poop emoji to keep her from suspecting anything. Their friend was hiding on the floor of the hotel room right around the corner to ensure Kim did not run into him when being brought to the room. Luckily, in the midst of laughs and fun, she said Yes and the rest is history.
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Ceremony:
• Dress: Oscar de la Renta Lace Wedding dress (altered with added sleeves) and custom matching veil.
• Shoes: The comfiest block heels by Sarah Flint! To navigate the grass lawn
Reception/Dinner:
• Dress 1: Naeem Khan long embellished crystal dress
• Dress 2: Naeem Khan Flapper dress for dancing to the vintage Jazz band!

Pre-wedding photo shoot:
• Dress 1: 16 Arlington (Dress with feather sleeves)
• Shoes 1: Amina Muaddi

• Dress 2: Alexa Maria (Dress with bow on back with altered added sleeves)
• Shoes 2: : L’autre Chose

Day after – Fancy Pajama Farewell party
• Dress: Gilda & Pearl (Satin slip dress with feathers)
• Shoes: Amina Muaddi[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Topshop mismatched blush dresses with gifted earrings from bride (Brand: Kate & Mari) [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Groom wore custom made tuxedo with a special tuxedo embroidered coat change for dinner.
Groomsmen wore their own black tuxedo & black bowties.
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Signature food –
Dinner:
All dishes were made fresh at the scene – including two pastas and two mains-
• Bundle tied with silk leeks stuffed with eggplants and burrata cheese on tomato coulis (This was so good that guests asked for seconds).
• Pici with veal ragout, vegetables julienne and crispy guanciale
• Beef steak fillet “Chianina” with reduction of Chianti Classico

Highlights of finger food and stations from cocktail reception:
• Passed around by waiter – Highlights: Bruschetta with shrimp and chopped pistachios, Swordfish carpaccio with grapefruit juice, Wafer cone with burrata cheese mousse and cherry tomato
• Cheese bouvette station: Tuscan cheese with Ricotta & strawberries, Buffalo Mozzarella, Burrata Cheese from Andria, Smoked Burrata Cheese, Pecorino cheese assortment – served with honey and fresh fruit marmalades
• “Il Norcino” (Cold cuts and cured ham) station: Pratomagno ham leg (cut live by chef), Cinta Senese salami, Finocchiona (Fennel Salami), Greve in Chianti Salami (All sourced locally) with sesame breadsticks.
[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]White clouds for the ceremony and Fruits and wild fall romance for diner was the theme and brief – with Fluida Design given complete autonomy to create her art. Fluida Design provided florals, candles, fruits and décor. Roland’s Florence provided the furniture and all dinner elements (plates, glasses, cutlery, tablecloth)[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Live performance of Milliefoglie by chef from Roland’s Florence. Traditional wedding cake assembled live in front of the guests (and the couple putting some finishing touches) – with layers of flaky pastry, fresh strawberries & raspberries, and crème. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Gatsby Follies by Jazz around Midnight (6 piece band including 2 female vocals from Paris) – vintage French jazz, complete with 1920s flapper dresses for the dinner and party.
• Ceremony Music: La Vie en rose, La Mouline de Mon Cœur. From this moment On by Ella Fitzgerald)
• Dinner reception: Gatsby Follies (French jazz and vintage numbers such as Bei Mir Bist Du Schon, Diga Diga Doo, Yeh-Yeh)
• First Dance: At Last by Etta James
• Custom playlists by the best man
• Prelude music: All of me (Billie Holiday/Ella Fitzgerald Jazz version), I can’t give you anything but love, The girl from Ipanema, Wave, So banco samba

Readings:
Kim wrote the entire wedding program and script herself with select readings from the Bible and assembling many elements of the script from various sources – including the definition of commitment, ring warming and declarations.
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[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Photography: Carmen Santorelli Photography | Floral Design: Fluida Design | DJ: Stefano Nannicini | Band: Jazz Around Midnight | Wedding Venue: Castello Di Meleto | Beauty: Barbara Corso | Food, Drinks, Décor: Roland's | Paper: Design by Laney | Planning: Marilena Zambelli Weddings | Planning: Sposiamovi Italian Wedding Planners | Video: Robert Michael Films

The enchantment of a tropical paradise meets the sophistication of modern chic design at this destination Jamaica wedding. Set against the breathtaking island backdrop, this celebration is the perfect mix of style and fun all artfully planned by CM Events and Design. A captivating color palette of white and vibrant green, elegantly complemented by touches of black accents, makes every detail exude timeless beauty. From the exquisite photography by Hana Gonzalez Photography to the awe-inspiring floral arrangements designed by springvale floral, prepare to be captivated by the harmonious fusion of natural splendor and contemporary style. You won’t want to miss a single second of this love story inside the full gallery.

We had a resort chic gathering at the Tryall Club for all wedding guests who were in town to welcome them to Jamaica! Branded coconuts sparked the initial inspiration behind the entire vibe of the party. It was important for me to incorporate Jamaican elements to display our heritage and culture. This could be seen in the items we chose for our welcome bags, games, and entertainment. For our bags, we picked some of our favorite Jamaican snacks and beverages- savory – banana chips, sweet- tamarind balls and a Jamaica staple – ginger beer. We also incorporated some of the games we grew up watching our family play- dominos and ludi. We customized the ludi board game to make “home base” for each player a location that was sentimental to us- Michigan- where we met, NY- where we got engaged, Jamaica- where we will be getting married, and Bali where we will honeymoon. The dominos were also customized of course! Lastly, we loved the idea of a steel band but didn’t want to have one on our wedding day so we thought it was perfect to have a steel band perform for the welcome. We asked guests to come in their best resort chic earth tones attire for a nice aesthetic touch. Each guest was greeted with welcome cocktails and amazing views.

For the wedding, we wanted a blend of tropical elegant modern design, high style, and relaxed luxury. I never imagined having one color dominate my entire wedding day. I loved the colors in nature on the island so we selected greens, whites, and natural materials as our base design details. I’m a true island girl so the theme was a given. We went with white florals with tropical touches of palms and local flowers like white ginger and white anthuriums. We loved how all the details aligned with our vision, especially the overall florals, parasols, fans, bar sign, and seating chart. The seating chart was a super proud moment. It was a combination of my planner Candice’s idea and my crafty side that brought it to fruition. It said “If you can take the heat, find your seat”. This also became another ode to Jamaican culture given the spicy jerk seasoning as jerk chicken is an extremely popular dish in Jamaica.

Other Jamaican elements we incorporated were Jamaican fruits like June plums and breadfruit that were on display around the bar and Jamaican inspired cocktails. We also served authentic Jamaican dishes in an elevated way. The DJ played dancehall and all the favorite songs our friends and family from the Caribbean love. My wedding dress happened to be the first dress I tried on at the second bridal shop I went to. I immediately fell in love with it. When they put the veil on it was a done deal. I noticed when looking at dresses online I was drawn to dresses with floral elements. The 3D flowers in my dress and matching veil completely sold me. I loved it so much I had them make our cake to match! Jordan wanted a modern but timeless look so he decided on a double breasted ivory suit jacket. To honor his childhood friend, Pepe, who passed away from sickle cell disease, It was important to him to wear Pepe’s wishbone pin. His groomsmen and childhood friends having been passing it down for each special occasion and it was now Jordan’s turn to wear it proudly.

Photography: Hana Gonzalez Photography | Cinematography: Elite Media Concepts | Event Planning: CM Events and Design | Floral Design: Springvale Floral | Floral Design: Tai Flora | Wedding Dress: Marchesa | Cake: Cakes by Noida | Invitations: Karri Lee Designs | Reception Venue: tryall club | DJ: Elite Media Concepts | Beauty: In Your Face Beauty Bar | Rentals: Tai Flora

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]The couple’s love for Hycroft Manor was evident from the start. It was the perfect venue to host their wedding, with its romantic chateau manor and classic summer party vibe. Blush hues were used as the key element in the wedding theme, with hint of greenery & white, creating a simple, airy, and elegant atmosphere. [/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The garden-style lush floral arrangement was dreamy, fresh, and elegant, just like the lovely bride, Grace. It also tied in well with her wedding dress. The first dance in front of all their loved ones before the dinner reception was a beautiful moment that brought tears to everyone’s eyes. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Proposal story from the Bride: On 12.25 Christmas, 2019, it was supposed to be our friend’s birthday celebration. I thought the plan was to surprise the friend but it turned out to be a coverup story for Gene’s proposal to me. Gene played piano “Innocent – Castle in the sky” which is one of my favourite. There were “25 things I love about you” slide show with our most previous memories, his speech, flowers, champagne, cake and our best friends who helped to make this happen. I never felt so happy but crying so hard at the same time XD
I learned afterwards that the nights he said he had to stay late for work, the game nights with his friends, were actually spent preparing for the slide show and practicing piano (like, practicing hard since he hasn’t played in many many years XD)[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Grace’s main dress was from L’Amour By Calla Blanche, featuring a strapless sweetheart neckline with beaded and floral details on top. The dress also came with optional long/off the shoulder sleeves to add more whimsical elements.
Grace’s dance party dress was a total showstopper. The trend for 2023 is more mini dresses, but Grace was already leading the trend in 2022. Her short mini dress showcased her sweet and fun personality, and it was perfect for her and Gene, who both love EDM parties. [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Bridesmaids were able to pick their favorite style(s) and so the girls ended up in 3 different bridesmaids dresses from Azazie all in blush tone.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Custom Made Suits from Indochino[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The menu details included the postponed dates, letting the guests know how special it was to have them all in the same room sharing this special moment. It was a beautiful and heartfelt gesture that added a personal touch to the occasion.
[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]For the dinner reception, fruit elements were used as highlights, bringing in some color other than floral. This was a small detail that paid homage to the tradition of having fruits on the dinner table for important occasions. The guests were initially surprised but ended up enjoying the fruit elements, adding to the fun and memorable experience.
[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Absolutely stunning and elegant monochromatic two-tier wedding cake.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Grace and Gene’s wedding was a long-awaited celebration of love, commitment, and resilience. Originally scheduled for August 7, 2020, the couple had to postpone their wedding twice due to the global crisis. But on June 17, 2022, Grace and Gene finally tied the knot in front of their loved ones, including both parents who were able to attend the wedding. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Overall, Grace and Gene’s wedding was a celebration of love, resilience, and joy. The wedding photos captured the essence of the day, showcasing the beautiful couple, their love, and their unique personalities. It was truly an unforgettable day that will be cherished forever.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Photography: Beige Weddings | Event Planning: We Do Weddings Etc. | Floral Design: E2G Design Studio | Cake: Momo Chen | Invitations: Making Memories | Ceremony Venue: Hycroft Manor | Beauty: Silvia Pro MUA | Music: Vancouver Harp

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

The palette was the following: pale pink, burgundy, grey, green, and purple.

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

From the bride and the groom: Some of our favorite memories are sitting around the dinner table with friends and family, and sharing stories over food and wine. We wanted to extend that experience into our wedding night by having all of the dinner tables connected with local wine grown from the vineyards of our Venue and delicious Italian food. We wanted a venue where our closest friends and family could stay on site with us, and we could spend the entire weekend surrounded by love. Waking up and meeting everyone for a warm breakfast or optional yoga made the entire weekend feel so relaxing and peaceful. Daniela and team helped us take our vision and bring it to life. They worked with the florists and light designers to enhance the natural beauty of the Venue’s grounds and ensured that all of our guests felt welcomed and comfortable throughout the three-day event.

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

From the bride and the groom: Chris and I met while living in New York City. One weekend while I was visiting my mom, she asked if she could introduce me to her friend’s son, Chris, who lived only about ten blocks away from me in Manhattan. Once we met, we fell quickly for each other and have been together ever since. It was a few dates later when we realized we had actually grown up only a town over from each other and may have never crossed paths if our moms didn’t introduce us—the weekend that Chris was going to propose also happened to be around the time that my dad was planning on retiring from work. I suggested that we throw a surprise party for my dad, and my mom stepped in to plan it. I spent the entire day thinking I was distracting my dad to not ruin the surprise for him, and my only job was to drive him to the party with Chris. When we arrived at the restaurant, my dad disappeared, and Chris walked me over to an archway outside the restaurant. He proposed under the archway, and after I said yes, all of our family and friend immediately started running out of the restaurant, cheering. Chris had planned the entire surprise, including having some of my friends fly in to celebrate. Inside the restaurant, Chris’ mom and sister decorated each room with photos and memories of us. (We had a party for my dad a few weeks later when he retired!)

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The bride wore a wedding gown by Jude Jowilson, purchased at L’Fay Bridal NYC. The second outfit was from Reformation.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

For the bridesmaids’ dresses, I wanted each of them to feel comfortable and love the dress they wore that day. My friends each picked their own dress; they all have excellent taste and worked together to create a cohesive, neutral palette.

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The groom wore a custom-made suit from Indochino NYC.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

During the cocktail hours, the following finger foods were passed around by waiters: tartlet with ricotta cheese, thyme, and candied ginger zest; bruschetta with porcini mushrooms and truffle-flavored oil; small blinis with smoked salmon and dill; small waffle cones with tuna tartare; tartlet with burrata, jelly tomato, and basil caviar; mini quiche with Greek feta, olives, and rosemary; Tuscan fried bites passed around by waiters in bamboo cones; cinnamon Parmigiano cheese cubes; rice balls with pecorino cheese and truffle; sage leaves; zucchini flowers; eggplant and mint pearls.

During the wedding reception, the menu served to the guests was composed of the following courses: Acqua di pomodoro con Burratina e basilico croccante as the entrée. The couple asked to have this course presented to the guests with the Italian name and not translated. Eggplant ravioli dressed with aromatic herbs pesto sauce, sweet tomatoes, Bufala mozzarella DOP, and basil leaves were served as the first course. The main course was beef fillet served with Chianti Classico wine sauce. For those guests who didn’t eat meat, the couple decided to offer a champagne and lemon seabass fillet on a bed of vegetable filangé or zucchini and zucchini flowers savarin on an ewe’s cheese velouté served with a stuffed zucchini flower for the vegetarian guests. The main courses were served with the following side dishes: sage-flavored roasted potatoes, steamed asparagus dressed with extra virgin olive oil. Chardonnay Tormaresca IGT Puglia was served to the guests. The groom preferred La Segreta Sicilia DOC. The red wine was provided by the venue, which is a winery. The Prosecco Soligo was served for the toasts and with the cake.

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

The bridal bouquet was compact but asymmetrical and a little bit unstructured with lilac garden roses, purple freesias, blush pink spray roses, white oxypetalum, wax flowers astilbe, astrantia, and eucalyptus. The flowers decor was made with the following flowers selection: pink pepper, wax flowers, normal roses and garden roses, astilbe, dahlias, delphinium, allium, Proteas and hypericum, Astrantia and different kinds of eucalyptus, salal leaves, and jasmine vines.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The traditional Italian Mille-feuille with Chantilly cream, almonds brittle
and fresh strawberries and berries on top was made live in front of the guests. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The bride’s brother – Ryan Marcante – played the guitar during the ceremony.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

From the bride and the groom: The bride wrote a letter to each of the parents, the bridesmaids, and groom to be opened the morning of the wedding. The bride’s brother played guitar for the wedding ceremony, playing some of the couple’s favorite songs. The song selected for the Father-Daughter dance was her parent’s wedding song. The bride’s father was surprised and recognized the song immediately, making the dance even more meaningful.

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Photography: Purewhite Photography | Cinematography: Aberrazioni Cromatiche Studio | Event Planning: The Tuscan Wedding | Floral Design: Flowers Living | Cake: Galateo Ricevimenti | Ceremony Venue: Villa Vignamaggio | Reception Venue: Villa Vignamaggio | Catering: Galateo Ricevimenti | Lighting: Wedding Music And Lights | DJ: Audiodress | Beauty: Cherie Spisso | Bridal parfume: Versace | Bridal shoes: Badgely Mischka | Musicians: Alma Project

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]White, blush, mauve, green[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Based on the venue, time of the year and, surely, the preferences of the couple – elegant shabby chic style was chosen as the main theme in terms of design and colors. The overall vibe of the wedding was supposed to be fun, sophisticated and intimate. We wanted to incorporate some rustic elements together with some elegant details and make a beautiful garden wedding. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]In 2020, Blake and I had a trip planned to Europe that was cancelled because of the pandemic. Instead, in the fall, we took a road trip across the Southwest US to visit several National Parks. Blake had the idea of doing a photoshoot at Zion National Park, and while overlooking the vast canyon at sunset, I turned around to Blake on one knee. We hiked back down happily engaged!
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]My bridal gown was by Enzoani, a designer based in Southern California. Being from Southern California, it was meaningful to me to bring a little bit of my home in the form of my gown with me to Italy. And while my style is usually more simple and reserved, I fell in love with the long, dramatic train and intricate details of the gown to pair with a lakeside villa on Lake Como. My reception dress was Fame and Partners, a silk gown with asymmetrical details, I chose to be able to easily dance in. Ceremony heels: Sarah Flint, Reception heels: Sophia Webster.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

My co-maid of honor’s dresses were also Fame and Partners. I first chose the shade and material of the dresses, giving my maids of honor the opportunity to choose any design of dress they would feel good and be happy in, but to keep a cohesive look. As it was, they ended up with the exact same dress!

[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Blake’s wedding attire was a custom made tuxedo by David Yahid, the founder of San Francisco-based, Uomo Couture. David imports his fabrics from Italy, and styled Blake in a navy blue tuxedo with uniquely textured fabrics. Groom’s shoes: Prada loafers[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”][/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”][/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”][/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]While dating, our first international trip together, and our very first destination, was Lake Como. Since then we returned to Italy every chance we had. Years later, when we were engaged and starting to plan our wedding, we imagined it on the water on Lake Como. We fell in love at once with Villa Regina Teodolinda, as we wanted something intimate and it was the perfect combination for us of rustic and elegant. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Engagement Ring brand
My engagement ring and wedding band, as well as Blake’s wedding band, were crafted by a family-run jeweler named Monahan’s Jewelers. Over a year before Blake proposed he took me here to try on engagement rings to find a style I’d be happy to wear for life. After getting engaged we returned to pick out our wedding bands together. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Photography: Nastia Vesna&Maksim Gladky | Cinematography: OatStudio | Event Planning: Happy Moments Collector | Floral Design: Haute Couture Flower | Wedding Dress: Enzoani | Invitations: Letter B | Reception Venue: Villa Regina Teodolinda | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Fame And Partners | Catering: Sunlake Catering | Groom's Attire: Couture Uomo | Beauty: Valeriya Beauty | Beauty: Valeriya Beauty | Music: Blunotte Eventi | Weddings Rings: Monahan Jewelers

This enchanting celebration of love will sweep you off your feet. The charming and intimate wedding, set amidst the warmth of a private home, is infused with the essence of romance. Bright and fun floral design by Carte Blanche adds a touch of magic to the atmosphere, and Elyse Hall Photography artfully captures every special moment. Step into this dreamlike day inside the full gallery.

This wedding took place at a private residence of a childhood family friend. Everything about this wedding was about being with family and friends. They had special toasts, so much dancing, and wonderful friends. This wedding embodies love, and the two were intentional about being in the moment. The bride and groom work in the arts in LA and made sure that they played a role in their wedding. There were many, many special moments captured as this was very important to them.

Our March 2020 wedding was postponed five days before we were going to walk down the aisle, and moved around a couple of times before settling a year later. We’d been through the wringer like so many other couples, but it brought us closer together, and we appreciate what this day meant so much more. As we were getting ready for the big day, a sinking feeling hit us when it started to rain. Cue Alanis Morissette. After all, we’d gone through, you had to be kidding. Our host and the groomsmen were squeegeeing the tables and dance floor and we snuck in our first look pics during breaks from the raindrops. The wedding procession began, and as George Harrison’s guitar began to ring out the first notes of “Here Comes The Sun,” and Lauren came into view in her stunning dress, the sunshine broke through the clouds like something out of the movies. Our wedding had to have that last flair for the dramatic before its final epic act. We had to limit the guest list to immediate family and wedding parties so the crew celebrating with us was the true all-star team and they brought the energy and love of a hundreds. Lauren’s incredible eye had come to life in the details on the long table that sat everyone with a gorgeous color palette of wildflowers, vintage ornate glassware, glowing long candlesticks, and hand-painted menus.

It was the Chateau garden party of dreams. The feast, speeches and great conversation was full of laughs, joy and happy tears and our first dance to Van Morrison “Into The Mystic” was the sweet start to a wild night on the dancefloor. Ben’s playlist for the DJ and the flowing palomas and margaritas had the whole crew boogying under the moonlight for hours. We made sure to take small moments just for us throughout the day and night to take it all in and love on each other – realizing this was truly the greatest love we shared and best day in our lives.

Photography: Elyse Hall Photography | Floral Design: Carte Blanche | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Invitations: Kelsey Day Karol | Catering: M Catering | DJ: Desert House Productions | Beauty: Jenna Alisoglu-Humiston

Welcome to an enchanting Palm Springs wedding, where vibrant citrus colors blend seamlessly with stunning floral designs, creating an unforgettable experience. BlueBird Weddings And Events planned a dreamy day with fun and elegance at every turn, and florals by Prema Style filled the celebration with natural beauty. Every corner of this exquisite celebration radiates joy and warmth, as exceptional photography by Nichols Photographers captures every precious moment. Prepare to be immersed in a paradise of color and charm inside the full gallery.

Alex and Sam discovered the perfect setting for their wedding–a stunning Mid Century Modern Estate set high up in the hills of Palm Springs. Their wedding design echoed the Mid Century aesthetic through their choice of florals, furniture pieces, and even a vintage car from the same era.

The bride’s dress was a show stopper with a tulle skirt overlay that she removed for the reception. It was such a unique design. The guests enjoyed mingling with a gorgeous view of the valley and then dinner al fresco at long banquet tables under the stars and swaying palm trees.

After dinner, everyone moved inside the estate for an epic dance party that had 1950’s living room party vibes!

Photography: Nichols Photographers | Videographer: Sharkpig | Event Planning: Bluebird Productions | Floral Design: Prema Style | Hair Stylist: Stefanie Cuesta | Lighting: Lumineering Industries | DJ: THE FLASHDANCE | Candle Maker: Chandlerie | Desserts: Over The Rainbow | Planning: Partytrick | Private Estate: Frederick Loewe Estate | Rentals: Signature Party Rentals

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

The wedding colors were pink, orange, and yellow with touches of blue and lavender.

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

The inspiration and overall vision for the Carmen-Hay wedding day were whimsical wildflowers & happy, “soulie love” vibes! A term the couple coined to describe their love, Soulie Love – like soulmates, but cozier. Soulie Love was woven throughout wedding details, from the invites to a larger-than-life neon sign and floral wall at the wedding The design was heavily focused on the flowers, which brought the entire space to life – including wildflowers of all colors (no color was off limits!!), and leaning into a garden feel. Colors ranged from pinks, yellow, lavender, and oranges. These florals, were delicate yet powerful. Artistic yet perfectly placed. From ceremony to tabletop arrangements, to bouquets, to the seating chart, to the bar, each floral was placed meticulously in exactly the right spot! The remainder of the design elements were very neutral and natural. To still have depth, we focused on different textures within the neutrals—rattan on the ceremony chairs, velvet on reception chairs, wicker chargers, wood tables and bar. 

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

We planned our proposal together as we had discussions very early on about getting married (when you know, you know). We worked with Matthew Kaufman at JK Diamond & Co to pick out the style of ring we each wanted, and then we worked separately with him to hand select the actual diamond that would be used for the other’s ring! We spent Labor Day weekend of 2021 away at La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla and exchanged our rings then. We had every intention to walk to the beach and do the proposal there, but when we woke up that Saturday morning, we were way too excited and proposed to each other in our pajamas in the hotel room– way more us!

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

Rehearsal Dinner:

Jesse: Galvan London white suit with rainbow Christian Loubiton heels.

Maddy: Tadashi Shoji dress with Rime Arodaky heels.

Both Maddy and Jesse were accessorized with Rime Arodaky earrings.

Maddy wore a Prada handbag, and Jesse a Stella McCartney.

Wedding:

Jesse: LIHI HOD gown from NWLA Bridal.

Maddy: Willowby by Watters gown from BHLDN.

Both brides used the amazing Tailored by Ted for alterations in Santa Monica.

Jesse Shoes: Betsey Johnson boots

Maddy Shoes: Dolce Vita Noles heels.

Both brides changed into Kurt Geiger Rainbow sneakers for the night of dancing.

Day After Brunch: Jesse and Maddy both wore matching Onia white terry cloth sets with Nike Air Force sneakers customized with their wedding date.

Jewelry: All wedding jewelry was custom-made by the incredible JK Diamond & Co in Santa Monica. Matthew Kaufman of JK Diamond & Co worked with Maddy and Jesse on their engagement rings, wedding bands, wedding earrings, and gifts for their families, including a sapphire and diamond necklace for Jesse’s mom to match Jesse’s wedding band, a marquise cut diamond necklace for Maddy’s mom, and delicate diamond bracelets for Maddy’s sisters Francesca and Lily using a combination of heirloom diamonds and new.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

The bridesmaid dresses were Alice + Olivia.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

The groomsman attire was Klein Epstein Parker.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

One of our favorite design elements was the bar! Specialty drinks that all had special meanings to the couple were served in clear glassware by Theoni Collection, each drink having its specific type of glass. All other drinks, apart from specialty cocktails were served in colourful/rainbow glassware. The rainbow glassware was also a standout displayed on the back bar. 

Specialty Drinks: Omie (special term for couple) – Passionfruit Margarita of Passion Fruit, Tequila, Lime Juice, Agave, Edible Flower Garnish Winnie (name of their dog) – Cucumber Refresher of Vodka, Mint, Muddled Cucumber, Soda Water, Mint Garnish Soulie Love (term coined by couple) – Tight Squeeze of Gin, Ginger, Honey, Lemon with Candied Ginger, Lavender Sprig

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

We will never get over the flowers- there truly are no words for what Dawn and her team put together. It exceeded our wildest dreams and perfectly encapsulated our vision. The bar was one of our favorite details- Nicole’s vision came to life- her attention to detail is unmatched. Dawn’s gorgeous and whimsical flowers paired with Kelly’s signage, a rainbow array of glasses, custom napkins with our puppy Winnie, and a clear view of the beautiful Malibu mountains– truly beyond. The Loria Stern cake is framed by the arch and the view of the mountains. The tablescapes and the place settings down to the colored candle holders, custom menus, and charger plate we have been eyeing since we saw them at Kelly Patrice’s own wedding at Cielo.  

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

The wedding cake was made by Loria Stern, using her signature pressed edible flowers—the perfect compliment to all the flowers already included in the design. Caludine’s Bakery provided additional desserts. The Ice Cream Sandwich bar by Chunk n Chip was a big hit of the night. Freshly made cookies with scoops of the couple’s favorite ice creams in between! 

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

The ceremony music was live acoustic or “simply the best” performed by Jesse’s former middle school student. First dance: “My Girl: Last song: “Jesse’s Girl.”

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

Stationary & Signage: The stationary & signage held a strong story from invitations, all the way to final details the day of. Including watercolours of the venue, a map of LA/Malibu, Elephane in Santa Monica (where they held their rehearsal dinner). Signage on the wedding day again tied into the garden theme The seating chart had a 360 feel, with levels created with moss, filled with flowers and individual plant markers with the guests names. Again, feeling very whimsical, making the guests feel like they are picking their names from a garden. 

Rehearsal Dinner & Day After Brunch: The couple rented out Elephante in Santa Monica for their rehearsal dinner. Brunch the day after was held at The Rose in Venice where the brides wore matching Onia white terry cloth sets with Nike Air Force sneakers customized with their wedding date. Welcome Bags: Jesse and Maddy curated Farmers Market-themed welcome bags to give their guests a glimpse into a typical Carmen-Hay weekend shopping at Marina del Rey Farmers Market on Saturdays and Brentwood Farmers Market on Sundays. Creatively flavored popcorn was provided by Sweetzer Gourmet Popcorn, chocolate chip cookies were provided by Don’t Touch My Cookies, and loose-leaf tea was provided by Erva Brewing Company

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

Family: Jesse’s father was the officiant for the wedding ceremony! A feeling throughout the entire day was ‘love is love’!! And Jesse’s mom represented that when she changed into a pride t-shirt while delivering her speech to the brides, and all of their guests! 

Neon Sign: The couple had a custom neon sign made reading their self coined term ‘Soulie Love’, which was such a fun photo app for guests. The sign now hangs in the couples apartment!

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

Overall love story: We met in October of 2018 as we were both training to become yoga instructors at CorePower Yoga in Boston, MA. On day one, we were given instructions to find our “omie” for the 12 week yoga intensive through a matching game – whoever had the same yoga pose on their card would be your partner. Your Omie would be your support throughout the journey – your “go to” person for everything. We became “omies” that day not knowing that we definitely would not just be each others support people for 12 weeks but rather for life. We were just friends for about two years before our relationship turned from friendship to romance– funny enough, this shift happened when we were 3,000 miles apart during the pandemic with Jesse living in LA and Maddy still in Boston. We started dating before we had even shared a kiss. We just knew the moment that we decided to date that this was it- we would be together forever. Over the next several months Maddy split her time between Boston and LA, luckily able to work remote due to the pandemic. We soon decided Maddy would move out to LA permanently and the rest is history. Our love story grew even more when we expanded our family with our puppy, Winnie Carmen-Hay, and we are so excited to finally all share a last name. 

POV wedding weekend: A word we coined at the start of our relationship to describe our love is Soulie Love- like soulmates, but cozier. Soulie Love was woven throughout wedding details from the invites to a larger than life neon sign and floral wall at the wedding. The most resounding comment we got at the wedding was- “the wedding feels exactly like your relationship”. When we reflect on the wedding and the inexplicable joy that radiated all day long, we realize what magic happened- we brought soulie love to life and every single person got to experience it. Our wedding felt how soulie love feels to us.  

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Photography: Jenny Quicksall Photography | Cinematography: Luxury Lifestyle Studio | Event Planning: Nicole Alexandra Designs | Floral Design: Tularosa Flowers | Cake: Loria Stern | Ceremony Venue: Cielo Farms | Reception Venue: Cielo Farms | Makeup: Courtney Hart | Hair: Makeup Therapy | Band: Downbeat La | Ceremony Music: Second Song | Dessert: Caludine’s Bakery | Dessert: Chunk n Chip | Rentals: Theoni Collection | Rentals: Premiere Rents | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Signage: Kelly Patrice Calligraphy and Design

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”The Inspiration”]When creating this stylish Rococo-inspired editorial, it was important to photographer Tatyana Chaiko and Jules from JC Weddings&Events, to create a design that beautifully enhanced a charming setting, while also telling a story to appeal to the true romantics. Playing off the Rococo style can be seen all throughout this poetic design, including the dancing butterfly cake by Verveine et Basilic and the romantic table dressed with vintage china owned by squires of the chateau. The delicate headpiece and jewelry by 1940 Bridal paired with the embellished white gowns by Demetrios Bride, perfectly complemented each other to display this timeless bridal look.
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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]The color palette of the editorial was chosen to be in a perfect harmony with a whole concept and the venue itself. We went with pastel tones to add even more romance and air to the final look: blush pink, dusty rose, pale blue and just a bit of purple – to brighten up the composition. [/field]
[field title=”The Venue”]Located in the beautiful southern hills of France – Château Saint Joseph drew the perfect backdrop to capture this whimsical love story between two young lovers. With it’s Haussmann style facade and naturally grown vines, this historic château became the majestic focal point for this colorful and feminine aesthetic[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]When it comes to romantic classic wedding gown you can’t go wrong choosing the dress by Demetrios Bride. And of course – there’s no need to pick just one! The classic fishtail ceremony dress was followed by more romantic look with A-line (almost ballgown) for the reception & photo-session part.[/field]
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The couples intimate sunset ceremony was placed in front of the grounds chapel doors, intertwined with naturally grown vines and lush pastel florals, beautifully designed by Fioritura Floral orchestrated the perfect altar to accentuate the loving couple. This romantic dream continues when the couple takes a private stroll through the gardens before joining their reception.[/field]
[field title=”Favorite Design Element”]The ceremony setting on the backdrop of old chapel definitely became an eye-catcher of this editorial! It looks like a picture straight our of a fairytale – and isn’t this the perfect location to say “I do” to your one & only?[/field]
[field title=”Tips To Pull Off The Look”][/field]
[field title=”DIY Moments”][/field]
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Photography: Tatyana Chaiko | Event Planning: JC Weddings & Events | Floral Design: Fioritura | Wedding Dress: Demetrios | Cake: Verveine et Basilic | Invitations: Bianco Blanc Paperie | Shoes: Bella Belle | Groom: Nicolas | Groom's Attire: Blandin & Delloye | Wedding Venue: Château Saint Joseph | Accessories: 1940Bridal | Bride: AnnaBelle | Larissa Werneck: LW Beauty Paris | Rentals: Maison options

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Pink, Blue and White[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Rosie Martinez with Weddings by Yuri did a great job helping us design our day. The idea for wedding day was to give classy, romantic, light and airy vibes with a splash of Spanish vibes. We felt like it all came together perfectly.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Our proposal story took place in April of 2022. Diego is from Spain and his parents were visiting for the month. We went to eat and then to watch the sunset over the lake. When we got to Sunset Point, there was a table set up with pictures, flowers, sweet treats and champagne. He got down on one knee and popped the question and then we were met with all our friends and family![/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]My wedding dress was a Berta that I found at The Bridal Boutique in Lewisville. I tried on several dresses before it and several dresses after. However, when I circled back around to it, I smiled so big as I put it on once again and my family said that they also knew it was going to be “the one” from the second I came out of the dressing room in it the first time.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids wore dresses from a store called Revelry. Each of them chose to wear a different style in the long, satin, Indie Blue color.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]- The groomsmen wore navy suits, ivory shirts with brown shoes and belts styled by Brent Lob and Q Clothier.
– Diego, the groom, wore a custom ivory printed tux jacket made by Brent Lob at Q Clothier. He wore black custom pants and black suede loafers.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]- Culinary Arts brought our Spain/Texas fusion vision to life. Food was a big part of bringing the Spanish flare to our special day. For cocktail hour, we served 2 Spanish tapas and 2 Texas style hors d’oeuvres. For dinner we had a chicken option, carving station, & paella station, which is a traditional Spanish meal. We had Colada provide the beverages of the night, two of which were the bride and groom signature drinks.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]- Bella Flora made all my floral decor dreams come true!! I wanted classy, but romantic vibes with florals everywhere using whites, ivories, peach & blush tones, with hints of blue thrown in. The ceremony had large elevated bouquets lining the aisle and framing the altar. In the reception area, the staircase was decorated with florals cascading over the edge and candles climbing the other side. Tables had high and low bouquets, candles scattered around, and all the flatware was accented in gold.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]- The wedding cake was by Sugar Bee Sweets and was decorated in monochromatic simple designs, each layer differing from the other. Florals further embellished the cake on the top and sides. The groom chose a 007 theme for his cake, which Sugar Bee Sweets displayed beautifully.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]- Our goal throughout our wedding planning process was to make the day a beautiful fusion of both our cultures. That being said, our officiant was accompanied by a Spanish translator- a close friend to the groom. When it came time for vows, Diego said his in English and I said mine in Spanish. Throughout the rest of the night, DJ Nate Acosta with DNA services, played a combination of music in both languages and everyone danced the night away.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]- Diego is from Madrid, I am from Dallas, and we wanted our wedding to be a display of that. The most special to us, was that we said our vows in each other’s first language. We felt like it was the perfect way of merging our two cultures.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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