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

Luxurious Fall Wedding in the Hills of Chianti at Castello Di Meleto

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[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.
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[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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Petit Bouquet

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Marilena Zambelli Wedding Planner

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A Modern Chic Tropical Destination Wedding In Jamaica

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.

Lush Garden Wedding at Hycroft Manor in Vancouver

[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.
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[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.
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[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]
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Petit Bouquet

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An Airy End Of Summer Wedding In Tuscany

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

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

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[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.

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[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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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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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.

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[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.

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[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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The Tuscan Wedding

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Shabby Chic Destination Wedding at Villa Regina Teodolinda in Lake Como

[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!

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[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=”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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Happy Moments Collector

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A Charming And Intimate Backyard Affair

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.

A Chic Palm Springs Wedding Bursting With Citrus Colors

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!

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Petit Bouquet

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This Whimsical And Colorful California Wedding Will Leave You With A Smile On Your Face

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

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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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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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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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The bridesmaid dresses were Alice + Olivia.

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The groomsman attire was Klein Epstein Parker.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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BBJ La Tavola

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Photography

Jenny Quicksall Photography

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Rococo-Inspired Wedding Editorial at Château Saint-Joseph

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[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]
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Petit Bouquet

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Classic Elegance at Knotting Hill Place With a Touch of Spanish Influence

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[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]
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TheLockharts

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Terracotta Touches and Italian Charm in the Heart of Tuscany

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The colors were mainly white, ivory, light pinks with hints of dusty pink and light, terracotta and greens.

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From the couple… The couple decided on Tuscany after numerous trips together there and the fact that the bride’s mother was born in Italy. Like many others, their “Covid wedding” was delayed multiple times — from May 2020 until the eventual September 2022 ceremony. The couple wanted to be able to host all friends and family on the property for the full weekend (including multiple events at Villa Mangiacane, in Firenze, and a religious ceremony at the Certosa di Firenze monastery.)

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From the couple… After dating long-distance (with Lisa in London and Ryan in DC), the couple relocated to Manhattan in 2017, and Ryan proposed during a trip together in California in 2019.

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The bridesmaid’s gowns were by Jenny Yoo.

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The groom’s attire was Michael Andrews Bespoke.

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For the wedding reception, the following courses were served: Flan of Ricotta Cheese and Asparagus with Crispy Bacon as entrée. Fusilli Fresh Pasta with Lamb Ragout Sauce and Rosemary was served as the first course. For the vegetarian guests, homemade lasagne with zucchini and fresh basil was served. The couple decided to serve the Beef with Porcini Mushrooms and Roasted Potatoes and Vegetables Caponata as the main course. For those guests who were vegetarian, the Eggplant Parmigiana on a Tomato Coulis was served. The traditional Italian Tiramisu was served at the end of the meal as dessert. The white and red wines were provided by Mangiacane, which is a winery. The couple decided to offer also Sophia Sparkling Rosé.

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The following flowers were used for the floral decor: mauve pink blush, peach, and ivory spray roses; light terracotta and ivory roses; blush pink peonies, ranunculus; eucalyptus; astilbe; scabiosa; and astrantia. The bridal bouquet was a round and compact arrangement of ivory and dusty pink roses, blush pink garden and spray roses, peach garden roses, white stocks, and ivory astrantia.

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The wedding cake was realized by Sugarcups. It was a vanilla cake with an Amalfi lemon syrup, lemon curd, fresh raspberries, white chocolate drizzle, and vanilla Swiss meringue buttercream. The cake was decorated with real flowers provided by the florist Flowers Living.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]They had a Catholic ceremony at Chiesa della Certosa in Florence the day before surrounded by the closest families and friends- On saturday they planned a symbolic ceremony at the Villa with all the guests.
The bride walked down the aisle escorted by her dad while the Canone in D was playing.[/field]
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The Tuscan Wedding

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Two New Yorkers Tie the Knot at a Dreamy California Garden Wedding

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]The main wedding color was lavender, which is a beautiful and popular choice for weddings as it represents elegance, grace, and femininity. The couple also incorporated hints of white and blush into their color scheme, which complemented the lavender perfectly. White is a classic color for weddings that symbolizes purity, innocence, and new beginnings, while blush is a soft and romantic color that adds warmth and sweetness to any wedding. The subtle use of these colors created a lovely and harmonious color palette that enhanced the overall ambiance of the wedding. It’s clear that the couple had a vision for their wedding colors and executed it beautifully.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The couple’s wedding style was a beautiful garden wedding, which is a popular choice for those who want a romantic and intimate outdoor setting. Despite the luxurious destination of New York City, the couple opted for a more intimate wedding style that reflected their personalities and preferences. By choosing a garden wedding, they were able to create a more relaxed and natural atmosphere that allowed their guests to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. It’s clear that the couple had a strong sense of style and sophistication, which they infused into their wedding by choosing a luxurious destination while still keeping the ceremony and reception intimate.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride’s dress was a classic design by Maggie Sottero, the Remy gown, which was a dreamy organza ball gown that truly took my breath away. The strapless bodice was adorned with floral lace accents that perfectly highlighted the sweetheart neckline, while the full skirt flowed effortlessly to create a simple yet elegant train. It was a true pleasure to capture the beauty of this gown as the bride walked down the aisle and celebrated her special day surrounded by the stunning California landscape. I am honored to have been a part of their magical day and to have captured these timeless moments that they will treasure forever.

Her Reception dress was from Marchesa Notte
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]This New York City couple spared no expense to ensure that their California destination wedding was a night to remember. They treated their guests to a 4.5 hour super premium hosted bar, ensuring that everyone had a great time and could toast to the happy couple with the finest drinks available. To top it off, they also provided hangover kits as wedding favors, a thoughtful gesture that showed they truly cared about the well-being of their guests. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]For an enchanting oceanfront wedding, we curated a charming floral decor by artfully blending fresh, organic-grown garden roses and seasonal flowers. To infuse an extra touch of sophisticated allure and natural lushness, we carefully selected delicate blooms such as Butterfly Ranunculus, Scabiosa, Lavender, Larkspur, Sweetpea, and Oregano, each with their unique shapes and textures. The resulting ambiance was one of whimsical romance and timeless elegance, perfectly complementing the breathtaking sea view.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The cake was simple yet elegant, featuring two tiers and adorned with gold accents. The talented florist, Soyoung from Beloved One Floral, added a stunning touch to the cake by using fresh lavender-colored flowers that matched the wedding’s theme color. Lavender is a popular choice for weddings as it represents grace, elegance, and femininity. It was a joy to photograph such a lovely cake that perfectly complemented the couple’s wedding day. I’m excited to submit these photos to publications for others to admire and gain inspiration from.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]
Bride Entering song _How Long Will I Love You – Ellie
Goulding

Recessional Song Flying – Steve Barakatt
Reception Grand Entrance Song : Down – Jay Sean
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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]The bride and groom showed their thoughtfulness by preparing a hangover kit for their guests. It’s not uncommon for wedding guests to indulge in a few drinks during the celebration, so having a kit prepared can help ease any potential discomfort the next day. The contents of the kit may vary, but it typically includes things like aspirin, water, electrolyte tablets, mints, and snacks. This small gesture can go a long way in showing the couple’s appreciation for their guests and ensuring that everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable time at the wedding.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]It’s wonderful to hear that the bride had a talented friend who designed her wedding stationery! Having personalized stationery is a great way to make a wedding feel even more special and unique to the couple. The friend’s design skills must have added a special touch to the programs, Menu, Welcome sign and any other stationery used for the wedding. It’s always heartwarming to see friends and loved ones come together to help make a wedding day even more memorable.[/field]
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Joyce Choi Photography

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Petit Bouquet

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The Ultimate Ingredients for The Perfect Wedding Welcome Bag

Imagine you’re a destination wedding guest. You’ve put in a full travel day and, despite having made good use of the airline amenity bag, you arrive at the hotel feeling tired, puffy, and disheveled. But the moment you open the doors to your hotel room, everything shifts. You are greeted, first thing, by the most beautifully packaged welcome bag, filled with local treats and treasures, an illustrated map and itinerary. Your travel woes have been forgotten– suddenly you can’t wait to get changed into a cocktail dress and join the party. A welcome bag can do that; after all, “the welcome bag sets the tone for the wedding! It’s literally the first experience your guest has to your wedding,” explains Dawn of DM Events & Design. Below, we’ve collected the best tips for curating the ultimate wedding welcome bag—and don’t miss the bottom section, where we design our dream bags for (almost) every destination!

Photography: Stephanie Brauer Photography | Planning & Design: DM Events

The Essentials

A great wedding welcome bag will feel fun, flirty, playful, and totally personalized. And while the design is totally up to you, a well-made wedding bag will likely include most or all of these essentials. According to us, these are the essential ingredients of the wedding welcome bag:

1. Personalized Paper Goods

A welcome bag should be both delightful and instructive. As you assemble your bag, you’ll want yours to include some practical information—like a weekend itinerary and transportation –for your guests to refer back to. Just don’t stop there: “Guests will always appreciate an itinerary but if you want to elevate the design of the bag, add in a custom neighborhood map or list some of your favorite neighborhood places” suggests Dawn of DM Events & Design. Wedding maps can be especially whimsical, as they often include charming illustrations of the town and local landmarks and read like something straight out of a storybook. We suggest working with your stationer to create artwork that complements your wedding invitations and feels consistent with your overall design scheme. “Paper goods are usually the most cost-friendly items you’ll put in your bag,” says Dawn, “so don’t be afraid to go all-out!” Whether it’s a custom wax seal with your initials or a hand-calligraphed thank you note, these touches will send your gift over the top.

If you’re still worried about costs, invest in one signature design—like a wedding crest or monogram—that you use repeatedly throughout the wedding, on invitations, programs, cocktail napkins, wax seals, vow books, and even—you guessed it—the paper goods you tuck into welcome bags.

Photography: Ashley Ludaescher Photography | Stationery: Jolly Edition

2. Water

It may not sound like the most glamorous gift in the world, but, at the end of a long travel day, bottled water is the first thing your guests will want. Hotel and resort water is always a bit pricey, so including water in your basket is a genuinely thoughtful gesture. Boxed water is very of-the-moment and sparkling water is perhaps the prettiest choice. Maybe it’s because it’s such an iconic picnic basket staple, but something about San Pellegrino always feels right.

Photography: Oliver Fly

3. Treats

Salty or sweet, hot, sour, or umami. Add some flavor to that welcome bag. To up the pretty factor, look for something local—whether that’s Mexican caramelos or Italian citrus. “I love adding local snacks!” says Dawn of DM Events & Design. “We’re based in Brooklyn and do a lot of Brooklyn weddings so I’ve had clients go crazy with Brooklyn products like MAST chocolate bars, Brooklyn Brewery Beer and swag, and the delicious Fatty Sundays treats.”

Photography: Larissa Cleveland Photography | Custom Cookies: Jasmine Lily Creative

4. Local Culture

Always add an element of local flair and flavor to your bag. From hand-hewn maracas from Mexico to Thai jasmine garlands, these cultural gifts make your bag truly memorable.

In a recent editorial for SMP, Dawn of DM Events & Design created this editorial designed to capture the local charm, pastel colors, and flower-laden buildings of Cartagena. For the shoot, they created a wedding bag infused with local color, culture, and flavor. “In our Cartagena welcome bag,” Dawn explains, “we included hand-painted fans from a local artist that are not only practical but scream ‘Welcome to Cartagena!’” She encourages brides and grooms to let their destination dictate their design choices: “if you’re having a destination wedding, let that destination shine in your welcome bag.”

Floral Design and photo: Bows & Arrows

5. Libations

Leave your guests with a little something festive to drink. We like sparkles & bubbles best of all– miniature Champagne & Prosecco bottles look so pretty!

Photography: Oliver Fly

6. Packaging & presentation

Don’t forget to be choosy about the bag itself. “Packaging is so important because it sets the tone for the welcome bag!” says Dawn of DM Events & Design. As you shop, make sure to look for a bag that is both beautiful and functional: “I always tell my clients to make sure the bag or box is something the guest can reuse,” suggests Dawn. “That way, when they’re using the bag or box, they will always think about your wedding! For our Cartagena photoshoot, we opted for a straw beach bag. The straw bag was fitting for the destination, provided a practical element when walking around the city, and it’s just plain pretty!”

Photography: Stephanie Brauer Photography | Planning & Design: DM Events

7. Something personalized

You’ll want to include personal touches that express your style and just feel like you. SMP predicted that personalized gift-giving would be a major 2019 trend, and it’s one we love– because personalized gifts really capture your essence and honor your guests. As you personalize your gift, think about “simply what you are your partner are known for” Dawn of DM Events & Design says sweetly. Maybe you want to convey your love of travel or your sense of humor, or include your favorite snack—whatever it is, make sure your gift leaves your guests saying, ‘that is so them.’

Photography: Abby Jiu Photography

The Upgrades

8. Lotions & Potions – An organic soap, a great hand cream, even a quality SPF– travel-sized toiletries may not be essential, but they make for a lovely upgrade.

9. Monograms – Printed on totes, invitations, and even seals, monograms give your gift that extra cachet.

Photography: Jose Villa | Event Planning & Design: Joy Proctor Design

10. Gorgeous ribbon – Whether velvet, plant-dyed, or pure silk, a luxe ribbon gives your package that finishing touch.

11. A fabric – Serapes and shawls are gorgeous gifts, especially for a winter wedding. But the fabric possibilities don’t end there; Turkish towels, picnic blankets, and pretty embroidered or cultural items (like Mexican huipils and beautifully woven Guatemalan goods) will take your bag to the next level. Feel free to be creative, and seek out velvet, (faux) fur, organic linen, and anything else that gives your bag a little texture.

12. Something seasonal – Seasonal flora, seasonal fragrances, seasonal and local produce– all of these things capture the delicate, ephemeral beauty of nature and of the changing seasons. Evoke the seasons with everything from spring-blooming flowers to warm, winter gingerbread cookies. The seasons play such a poignant role in your wedding and the overall mood it creates, so it’s nice to give a gift that captures that seasonal poetry.

Photography: Jose Villa Photography | Planning & Hosting: Laurie Arons Special Events | Floral Design: Honey of a Thousand Flowers | Event Design & Styling: Daniel Tran

13. Something kind – Nothing could be more beautiful than a gift that gives back. Include a gift that supports your favorite cause or charity, and you allow your wedding to become interwoven with an even bigger, more beautiful story. The Grace Case fills a box with handcrafted heirlooms and pays a fair wage to girls and women who create them, along with its sister company, a line of home wares called The Grace Crafted Home. Meanwhile, Nena & Co. supports artisans in Guatemala, Ghana, and Morocco, so each beautifully patterned bag and accessory blends heritage with design and social responsibility. Gifts like these prove that grace multiplies; as we open these gifts, we can both receive grace and give it as a gift to someone else.

Don’t forget this time-saving tip!

Always plan ahead and outsource the delivery of your bags. It is probably safest to leave the bags in the capable hands of your planners, who can coordinate everything from the design to the delivery. If you aren’t working with a planner, then be sure to check with the hotel concierge and arrange delivery well in advance. Ashley of The Graceful Host feels that delivery is part and parcel of a fine art service; in addition to designing welcome bags, “I also do the delivery,” she adds. “My goal is always to let our clients focus on being the bride and groom, and we handle the rest!”

And this design tip!

Hiring your planner to design the baskets is also a huge aesthetic plus, as your planner is so steeped in your design details. Ashley of The Graceful Host explains, “As a fine art wedding planner, I will focus on creating a cohesive wedding design through each detail of a couples’ wedding day, which should include the welcome boxes. I have a heavy hand in the design of our events, so handling the welcome boxes is something I love to do for my couples.”

Photography: Joseph Rogero

… And this budget-friendly tip!

A welcome bag is, at the end of the day, an expression of gratitude—and gratitude doesn’t have to be elaborate; it need only be sincere. As you focus on welcoming your guests– rather than impressing them– you will find joy in the design process. Dawn of DM Events & Design echoes this sentiment: “If you don’t have the budget to go all-out, don’t fret! Thoughtful notes or small welcome bags such as mini bottles of wine and cheese goes a long way. They let your guests know that you appreciate them making the trip and you can’t wait to share your special day with them.”

Destination Style

Now that you know how to build a welcome bag, it’s time to style it. Here, we design our dream bags for some of the most beloved and chic wedding destinations:

The Aspen – Create an alpine chic basket with a black watch plaid scarf, a bit of bourbon, and an evergreen bouquet (or, if you’re marrying around Christmastime, a sprig of mistletoe). Work with your custom stationer to create illustrations of old-fashioned ice skaters or, if you have an ironic sense of humor, artwork that looks like a vintage, Chamonix-style ski poster. On your map or guide, be sure to hit the best places to ski, après ski, shop, and dine.

Photography: This Modern Romance

And, because summer in the mountains deserves an entire section unto itself, look to this gorgeous watercolor wedding for more Aspen ideas. We love artwork that recreates the color and magic of a mountain meadow, complete with gondola, hiking trails, and, at the descent, the chicest places to lounge around.

Photography: Rachel Havel | Stationery: Happy Menocal

Napa – This basket should feel so natural, it’s as if you took it with you on a vineyard walk and filled it with your forages. Wine and tasting chocolate are musts, and California produce is always a marvel— consider California citrus or grapes, wrapped with a bit of pretty ribbon. To make your basket even more ‘California,’ think in terms of sustainability– like a soy candle or something from the apothecary. Budget permitting, you could include a small, handmade piece of jewelry whose proceeds go to a favorite cause; Love Heals is a favorite (10 trees are planted for every design sold!).

Photography: Jeremiah and Rachel Photography

France – Capture the feeling of a French picnic by packing your gifts in a wicker basket or foraging bag. Start with a bottle of rosé, and build your basket with favorite treats like local honey, baguette, or your favorite Ladurêe sweet. A lavender bouquet adds a hint of the countryside and can be dried and kept forever, so its fragrance transports guests back to the wedding weekend. Your gift will embody the French sense of the word souvenir, ‘to remember.’

Photography: Ashley Boyan Photography

Ireland – Create a jewel-toned basket with a rich emerald green blanket or tartan, a sprig of champagne grapes (or champagne truffles), Ireland’s famed milk chocolate, and your celebratory drink of choice (whiskey or beer, naturally). An Irish blessing, written in calligraphy, would make for such a lovely gift– pretty enough for your guests to frame and keep.

Photography: Laura Gordon

Tahoe – Picture a box wrapped with a chocolate or toffee-colored velvet ribbon, complete with a little cowhide-covered notebook, a ski guide, and a pair of furry earmuffs. Rich, velvety, wintery, and divine.

Photography: Jose Villa Photography | Planning & Hosting: Laurie Arons Special Events | Floral Design: Honey of a Thousand Flowers | Event Design & Styling: Daniel Tran

Nantucket – We’d love to receive a striped tote bag filled with the best saltwater taffy, a throwaway camera, sunscreen, a little sachet bag filled with seashells, and a map to the island. And you basically have to include a restaurant guide and list of all the places to bike, boat, beach, shop, lobster bake, see and be seen. Go for the whole nautical motif and embrace lighthouses, stripes, anchors and more on your stationery.

Photography: Cameron Clark Photography| Stationery: Albertine Press

Mexico – Create a basket that feels like the embodiment of a Mexican market: overflowing with color, humor, and all things handmade. The authenticity factor is key here, so it’s best to keep everything hecho en México. Our basket would include an exquisitely embroidered fan, a dried flora crown, Lotería card, Mexican coffee beans or tamarind-based sweets, and something, like a sugar skull, that captures Mexico’s slightly morbid sense of humor.

Bells & Whistles Design

Tuscany (or Pompeii, Positano, Ravello…): Include a handful of Italy’s famed citrus fruits and a map of the beautiful boot-shaped country. Fragrant bread and cheese is lovely, along with refreshing limoncello. And don’t forget miniature bottles of champagne or prosecco!!– when in Rome, you know.

Photography: Facibeni Fotografia

Ranch (Texas, Montana, Wyoming…)- Think Ralph Lauren Americana here: a cowboy hat, a bolo tie, a faux fur wine holder, a flask. Brand your initials into some kind of leather good, and get very prairie chic.

Photography: Larissa Cleveland Photography | Custom Cookies: Jasmine Lily Creative

Cartagena – The best-ever Cartagena bag has already been created, by none other than Dawn of DM Events & Design! “For our Cartagena bag, we had a calligrapher write ‘Welcome to Cartagena’ tags and added hand-dyed silk ribbon that matched the wedding palette,” explains Dawn. The straw bag included gorgeous fans hand-painted by a local artist and “local favorites like coffee and a straw hat!”

Photography: Stephanie Brauer Photography | Planning & Design: DM Events

Wherever you call home – Remember that welcome baskets aren’t just for destination weddings! You can welcome guests wherever you are, and include hometown treats and treasures. Include whimsical illustrations of your wedding timeline and a list of local landmarks and meaningful or nostalgic things to do– all the things that make your hometown ‘home’ to you.

Photography: The Cloud Nine Co. | Stationery: Wide Eyes Paper Co.

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A Fairytale Wedding Ceremony Nestled Between Towering Trees

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

The wedding colors were white, mauve pink, peach, light pink, blush, and beige pink.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]We envisioned a ceremony nestled within a picturesque garden, with an aisle lined by delicate petals and surrounded by towering trees. We love the sense of magic that comes with hosting an elegant affair surrounded by lush blooms, crawling greenery, fancy finger food, and the soft glow of twinkling lights. We also wanted a venue that can provide a light and whimsical atmosphere, inviting our guests to lose themselves in the beauty of the moment. Our goal was not to simply create just any event, but an experience that captures the essence of our relationship and leaves a lasting impression on all who attend.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]In the midst of the chaos of Covid lockdowns and riots in Philadelphia, Damien and I decided to escape from the city and enjoy a family picnic out in the suburbs. As we walked around the local park, Damien took my hand and led me to a gazebo sitting on a small hill. As we sat and talked under the shade of a gazebo, I felt an overwhelming feeling of pure bliss and gratitude as my mind started to reflect on our relationship. I was so deep in my thoughts that I didn’t realize he was starting his proposal speech, and before I knew it, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.[/field]
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While we chose not to have a traditional tea ceremony, I knew I still wanted to honor my heritage and culture somehow. For the morning church ceremony, I wore an ao dai, a traditional Vietnamese dress that is seen as a symbol of beauty and pride among the Vietnamese people. I then paired the dress with its matching headdress, heightening the elegance of the ensemble. For the second ceremony, I went for a more Westernized look that could not be any more opposite than my previous dress. I chose an A-line dress by Justin Alexander with details fitted for any dreamy garden nuptial. The strapless corset top highlighted my neckline and collarbone, while the lace detail and floral appliqué added a feminine, soft look. I topped the look off with a clean, minimalistic cathedral veil. Lastly, I decided to have a third dress for the reception because why the heck not? The piece was from Bronx and Banco, a mini dress with an ostrich feather trim paired with rhinestone-studded heels from Mach & Mach. Now that the formalities were done, I wanted to wear something fun and girly, not to mention it was a thousand times easier to dance in. My husband wore a class black tux from Suitsupply. He wanted to keep the look sleek, classy, and timeless.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]We kept our bridal party simple, having only one maid of honor and one best man. The best man had a matching black tux, similar to the groom. The maid of honor dawned a simple champagne slip dress with a cowl neck. [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Our wedding guestlist was a conglomeration of mixed cultures and ethnic backgrounds, so we made sure the selection of food reflected this also. For cocktail hour, guests were treated to a Mediterranean platter, along with some Korean fried chicken and burger sliders.

For the main course, we wanted to offer some classic American staples that would be familiar to everyone, so we served steak and salmon, along with a fresh and delicious salad. For dessert, we went all out with a dessert table filled with all kinds of sweet treats, along with an ice cream station and a boba bar, providing a range of different options for our guests to indulge in. We ended the night with a ramen bar for the late-night munchies. There was not a single empty stomach that night.

Instead of having specialty drinks, we treated our guests to a full open bar, stocked with local wines and premium liquor. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The venue was so beautiful that we directed our focus on the florals and less on the decor. Our florist, Azalea from Wild & Behold Florals, did an incredible job of bringing everything we envisioned to life. It was a melody of peonies, ranunculi, and garden roses of all kinds. The large floral arrangements held by pillars and urns framed the aisles and sweetheart table. We wanted to have the evening feel like a whimsical garden soiree.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

Our wedding cake was a simple and elegant three-tiered cake that matched our wedding style. We wanted something that was both beautiful and delicious without being overly flashy or ornate. The cake was accented with our wedding flowers, which added a beautiful touch of color and freshness. The white buttercream icing provided the perfect backdrop for the lush blooms and gave the cake a playful and whimsical feel. The flavors we chose were death by chocolate and banana bread. All of which were made possible by MM Creamery.

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

For the ceremony, we brought on Seaside Strings, a string quartet, to play a mix of traditional and contemporary songs. Here, the guests were welcomed to a Bridgerton-esque garden affair. It also was the perfect backdrop to the exchanging of our vows. The reception songs consisted of today’s top radio hits mixed with millennial throwbacks. Guests also had the chance to place in their requested songs.

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We had two ceremonies on the same day! Our first (and official ceremony) was held at the Christ Cathedral, commonly known as the Crystal Cathedral, in Garden Grove, CA. Our faith is important to both us and our families. So we wanted to make sure to incorporate this for our wedding. Glass panels surrounded the cathedral, drawing in streams of light as we became officially married. The second ceremony was held at Calamigos Ranch, a small getaway resort quietly nestled in the center of the Santa Monica Mountains. Though the mass ceremony was beautiful, like many other churches, it came with many restrictions. Here, we were able to have a more fun and relaxed ceremony where we were able to exchange our personal vows. The setting embodied everything I imagined a dreamy garden wedding would be.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]My absolute favorite part was exchanging our vows. Throughout the wedding planning, our focus was drawn to working out the nitty-gritty details, mapping out our finances and reviewing lengthy vendor contracts which, at one point, made us forget what this day is really about. When it came to exchanging our vows, nothing else mattered. It was one of the first moments we had that day to ourselves without being shuffled around and being caught up with the wedding day bustle. Also, Damien is not known to be the sentimental type so hearing thought-out words was a real treat. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Hometown Backyard Wedding with Glamorous Bridal Style

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The wedding colors were soft summer whites and green.

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

We wanted something that felt traditional, timeless, and elevated with a hint of old Hollywood glamour. I wanted people to feel the intimacy of having it at my childhood home, but I also wanted our guests to feel like they were transported to a ballroom when they walked into the big tent at the reception. We wanted to appreciate and incorporate the naturally beautiful environment we were blessed with on the property and elevate it with florals, chandeliers, and decorations to feel more formal. Jonathan Parkey, my planner, and Dale Aldridge from Silks a Bloom, made all my dreams come true.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

We met through a mutual friend in downtown Little Rock at the end of January 2020. The world shut down shortly after due to Covid and we have spent every day together since. When Christopher proposed he brought me to my childhood home, and the place we would eventually get married at, for a birthday celebration with my family. As soon as we pulled up to my parents’ home, he asked me to take a walk out to the dock that overlooked our pond in the backyard. While we were walking I started getting teary-eyed, knowing where he was leading me to. It was the most thoughtful, perfect proposal. We then went to Jonesboro Country Club where I was surprised with all our friends and family waiting to celebrate with us. It was truly the most perfect day.

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I wanted a simple, elegant, but unique dress. Not many people will know this, but I changed my dress two days before the wedding. It almost gave my mom a heart attack. My original dress didn’t quite have the wow factor I was looking for. I found these satin gloves and asked my sister to help me try them on the Thursday before the wedding and I fell in love. I put my hair in a classic bun, changed my jewelry, and added the gloves and it was everything I’d ever dreamed of.

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I wanted to pick something that I would be happy wearing. This Alfred Sung dress was perfect in every way. My bridesmaids looked like movie stars. The one-shoulder, classic black dress with a simple bow detail gave all of them the support they needed and the material and shape flattered everyone. Because I am in my late 20s, I also wanted to pick a dress that my friends could wear to other black tie events without it looking like a bridesmaid dress. This dress was perfect for that as well!

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Chris just wanted a classic black tux for he and his groomsmen. Something special that he did was that he wore his late granpa’s tux shoes, which was pretty special.[/field]
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Chris and I did not want to do a sit-down dinner, but we did want black-tie-worthy food to be served. We came up with the idea of a progressive heavy apps meal to be served. Our caterer, Gina’s Catering, started with a charcuterie table and then progressed to chicken skewers, caprese skewers, and more. Chris loves oysters, so we had an ice sculpture with crab claws and oysters. We also had a beef tenderloin carving station that was loved by our guests as well! For our drinks, we had wine, beer, and two signature cocktails named after our dogs. One of the cocktails was actually a mocktail for our non-drinking guests. Gina Simpson of Gina’s Catering did all of the food. We wanted it to feel like a never-ending night of indulgence. The food rotated seamlessly throughout the night to carry our guests through appetizers, entrees, dessert, and culminating in Taco Bell late-night snacks (an ode to the couples’ college days). The food ranged from crab legs to chicken fingers, allowing guests to graze all evening.

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My mom, sister, and I have always been obsessed with flowers. It probably came from my grandmother’s love for gardening. Flowers were the most important thing on my agenda. I wanted them everywhere. My dream was for the front tent to feel like a garden party with more greenery and for the big tent to feel more formal. Our florist, Dale, planner Jonathan, and White Door Events provided that for me. The flowers were everywhere, and they were more than I could have ever dreamed! Our reception was a magical garden escape fit for any setting.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

My wedding cake and groom’s cake were done by Flour Garden out of Memphis, TN. She truly delivered on design. There were so many elements elsewhere, and I wanted my cake to be simple. The beautiful simple tiered cake with a big white fondant bow was perfect. We went with a traditional white wedding cake flavor which was wonderful. Something we did was have her make a sheet cake as well that was already precut before we cut the cake so guests weren’t waiting on their cake to be cut and served. Flour Garden went above and beyond on Christopher’s groom’s cake shaped like a deer! The guests were constantly taking photos of the art sculpture.

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

We had a local pianist play for the precessional. He played “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran. Our ceremony exit was fun! The horn section from our band did a second line for us as we were leaving, and our guests followed us around to the reception in the backyard.

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My dad mowed our property several times on the wedding day until it was time for him to put on a tux. I’m sure it was a coping mechanism to deal with the heaviness he was feeling of giving his firstborn away. It might also be that he didn’t want his buddies to see a blade of grass out of place. Regardless, that detail is probably my favorite that wasn’t captured but is so special to me because it showed my dad’s love for me and what he would do to make sure my wedding day was perfect. And it was.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

The tent structures, the flooring, and the air conditioning unit. We basically had to build a venue in our backyard, and it took all hands on deck to make it happen. White Door Events made it seem effortless, but I know it to took many, many hands to make the venue of my dreams on my parents’ property!

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]I knew I wanted it to be an experience for our guests that traveled near and far to come
celebrate us. From the moment our guests arrived we wanted them to know how truly
thankful we were that they had come to our wedding. When our guests arrived at the
hotel we had put together welcome boxes with a personalized thank you card, drinks,
snacks, and personalized cookies of our two dogs. It was important to us that everyone
had as much fun as we did at the wedding. We tried to cover all interests and
personalities. The front tent was the more quiet, conversation tent. While the large
white tent of the reception was to be the formal, fun tent where the band was. We
wanted people to enjoy all our favorite things, cocktails, food, dancing, and Taco bell to
round out the night as guests left.[/field]
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Modern Romance in Classic Shades at Rolling Hills Country Club

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Their wedding colors are classically black, white, taupe and cream.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Timeless, romantic and modern was the bride’s goal for her dream day![/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The Bride wore a Wedding Gown designed by Galia Lahav LA.
@GALIALAHAV

Rehearsal Dress:
Zimmerman

Late Night Dress:
Solace London[/field]
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The bridesmaids dresses are designed by Shona Joy.

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The Groom’s suit was from Suit supply.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]A fun Ice Cream cart was brought in along with delicious cake for guests to get their sugar high on. Bride wanted monogrammed towels for servers to hang over their forearms during all tray passed times for food and drinks. This was such an elevated touch that we were obsessed with! His and Hers Cocktails included a spicy margarita and lemon drop.
[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]One of the most important elements of the wedding was the ceremony. The bride desired to have an organic lush aisle adorned with fresh white roses growing up from the lawn. From there the grand and oversized black wooden cabana atop the black elevated platform was custom made for our wedding which was tastefully covered in greenery and white blooms. Ghost chairs and multiple oversized floral arrangements completed the perfect ceremony look.

The reception had THREE different reception table designs including 3 different chairs, linens/tables, napkins, chargers and florals. So much attention to detail with painting those three different looks and we’re thrilled with how they turned out!

We wanted to add a slightly ethereal vibe to the modern design, so adding in lush baby’s breath helped us achieve that look. Like wrapping the other ballroom chandeliers in whimsically designed babies breath swags, along with the top of the custom fabricated seating chart and the venue’s fireplace and main bar with oversized statement baby’s breath trailing installs.
[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake Details”]The 5 tiered cake with varying height layers swooned guests with its simplicity atop the beautifully chosen marble top table. White sugared flowers trailed up the cake for a minimalist and monotone addition.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Guests were greeted with a String Quartet wafting beautiful classic numbers and setting the romantic feel for the rest of the evening. The Reception had a very high energy band which had the guests dancing the whole night alongside surprise cold sparklers cuing throughout the evening during special moments like their first dance AND grand exit in their classic car!
[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Robin proposed to cover some of the ballroom’s very craftsman styled chandeliers with sleek black fabric chandelier covers which were custom made by Bader Collective. This absolutely transformed the ballroom and gave us a very elevated and chic Restoration Hardware vibe. The venue wanted to keep them up!
[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Welcome Sign was also custom made with gorgeous 9’ white slates
One of the signature cocktail bar signs attached straight to the bar fron.
The save the dates and invitation suite incorporated pieces with round edges to break the harsh squared lines of traditional squared corners to something more unique.
[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]One of my favorite designs of the wedding was the taupe and white checkered dance floor. Black and white was too harsh and contrasty for what the bride wanted so Robin suggested doing something more subtle with taupe and white…and it turned out perfectly!!
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BBJ La Tavola

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Found Rental Co.

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A Dreamscape Of Neutral Pastels At This Carmel Valley Affair

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Blush, mauve, dusty lavender, sage[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Held at the Bernardus Lodge, this couple’s wedding in the Carmel Valley balanced a laid-back California vibe with rustic European elegance. The venue provided blooming rose gardens, oak trees, vineyards, and expansive grassy lawns.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Meaghan and Tom fell in love in Seattle, where they also returned for a surprise proposal. They first met because Meaghan worked with Tom’s roommate. The two began dating and moved to Minneapolis. Tom surprised Meaghan with a last minute trip back to Seattle, where he very clearly explained they were not getting engaged. Tom pulled off the ultimate surprise, as he proposed to Meaghan in the arboretum, where they used to spend time together when they first started dating. Dinner that evening was celebrated at the restaurant where the couple went for their first date together. [/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride’s dress was by Aire Barcelona from Panache Bridal in Beverly Hills. The dress had a removable overskirt that the bride wore for the ceremony and reception and then removed before the first dance. She also had a headpiece and veil custom-made by Eden lux for the ceremony, worn with a cathedral-length veil. Since the bride loves headbands and almost always wears one, it was a nice way to stay true to her style. Meaghan’s final transformation of the night was into a pastel beaded bodycon dress, complete with a feathered hem. [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”][/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”] Tom wore a custom white tuxedo with a flocked white jacket that complemented the textured fabric of Meaghan’s dress.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]During cocktail hour, guests sampled hors d’oeuvres and sipped on Aperol Spritzes, cocktails, and Prosecco from Bubbles and Brews SF Bay. A plated dinner was provided by Bernardus Lodge. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Flowers focused on the interplay of the natural surroundings with a theme of blush, mauves, dusty lavenders, and neutral texture. A decadent floral arch set the scene for their ceremony overlooking the hills of the Carmel Valley. Dinner moved to the rose garden, where tables were set with clear plates and glassware. Washed-out linens, lavender candles, and a continuation of the dusted pastel color story.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]In lieu of a cake, the couple had a mini donut bar at their after-party.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The couple had a band lead guests from the garden to the ballroom in a parade through the resort. Then the couple entered to the Prince song “Let’s Go Crazy” to get the party started. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The color purple was important to incorporate to honor their home city of Minneapolis. So we incorporated a lot of purples and fun musical touches into the day that honored their life in Seattle. The other influence was their love of travel — they wanted not only to honor the laid-back California rustic location of Carmel but also their love of Europe. Which led to a rustic European garden vibe. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]The couple hand-wrote thank you cards to each guest, which were used as place cards for each guest. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]The couple honeymooned in Europe in Italy (Amalfi Coast) and Paris. “The whole trip was amazing and a perfect complement to our rustic European elegance wedding.”[/field]
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EDEN LUXE Bridal

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Petit Bouquet

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You’ll Love The Lush White Florals At This Glamorous Waterfront Wedding In Seattle

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

We stuck to a neutral palette of whites and soft gray for the decor, with gold as our metallic accent color. We also incorporated some bold pops of red into the wedding party attire to create a fun contrast and vibrant accent.

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

The overall design vision was a regal and glamorous feel while still having a fun and lighthearted edge. Elyse and Mathias don’t take themselves too seriously and wanted to incorporate their playful, energetic nature into the day’s vibe.

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

From the bride… We had been dating since we were 17 and 18 years old. We both went to college on the east coast and we both were working in real estate. After 6 years of being together, we decided we were ready to invest in a property together. We were so excited and this was a big step for us, especially because we weren’t even engaged yet! The day before we were closing on our property, Mathias had asked me to come to meet him at the property once more. I happened to be with my two girlfriends and they eagerly drove me over there. When I walked into our investment property I was met with a “Will you marry me?” sign, red flower petals scattered on the floor, a bouquet of red roses, pictures of us everywhere, and Mathias kneeling down! I was so shocked at that moment; I just couldn’t believe it! It was such an intimate moment, just us and a photographer that Mathias had hired, or so I thought…. After catching my breath and yelling, “of course, I’ll marry you!” Mathias lead me into another room and out popped two of my best friends! It was such a fun surprise to have them there, and of course, the two best friends who had dropped me off were waiting in the doorway! I then immediately called my mom to ask her if she was home — as though she wasn’t already in the loop about the proposal! I told her to stay home because I had a really fun surprise for her. I just had to see her face in person, I couldn’t break the news over the phone! So I raced home with Mathias to go tell my family the amazing news, and to my surprise, every family member and friend from Seattle and Philadelphia were all waiting for us to celebrate! I was just in shock! Seeing everyone together to celebrate us was one of the greatest moments of our lives.

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

Elyse wore the “Adana” gown by Ines Di Santo. This dress is a sparkle tulle trumpet gown with an illusion sweetheart neckline, long sheer sleeves, and an illusion back with pearl buttons. The dress features stunning hand-beaded lace accents and 3D petal appliqués throughout.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

The bridesmaids wore dresses from the Australian brand White Runway. Elyse picked several styles in the same vibrant red color for all the girls to pick from based on the silhouette they liked best. There were 12 bridesmaids, so we wanted to make sure there was a lot of style variety so everyone felt beautiful in what they wore.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

The groom and all 14 groomsmen wore tuxedos from Men’s Wearhouse. The groomsmen had red pocket squares that matched the bridesmaid dresses for a small pop of color.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

To keep a high-energy vibe throughout the night, Elyse and Mathias knew they wanted to skip doing a plated meal and instead opt for having high-end food stations that guests could explore throughout the night. This was also an entirely Kosher wedding, so we brought in Eli Varon Events, who is famous in the Pacific Northwest for their incredible kosher food displays. They showcase each of their food stations in spectacular arrangements that look almost too good to eat! The lush food and countless delicious options kept all 375 guests happy throughout the evening.

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

Elyse and Mathias had their ceremony at the rooftop pavilion on the third floor of the Hyatt. Their gorgeous chuppah was covered in lush greenery and white hydrangea florals, roses, and orchids. The chuppah was placed on a small white stage, so all 375 guests could see them during their service. We used the reception centerpieces as aisle decor, which gave their long ceremony aisle a lush and elegant look without adding to the budget. The blue sky, glimmering water, and lush floral from the chuppah embodied the epitome of a perfect summer wedding in Seattle. At the reception, we built a custom hanging trellis above the dance floor covered in lush greenery and floral like the ceremony chuppah. In the center of the floating trellis, we hung icicle string lights that cast a warm glow over the dance floor and looked like twinkling stars once dancing began and the lights were turned off overhead.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

Since the wedding was entirely kosher, Eli Varon Catering made their stunning 6-tiered wedding cake. The cake was covered in real orchids with carefully placed gold foil underneath. In addition to the wedding cake, they created three other dessert food stations for their guests. They had a fresh cookie station, a summer pie bar, and a death-by-chocolate display.

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

Their wedding invitation was a very important detail for Elyse and Mathias. They spent countless hours looking at options all around the world for their perfect invitation suite. She even had her best friend Lyssia reach out to a few Turkish vendors because she speaks Turkish fluently. Eventually, after searching countless places locally and abroad, we found the perfect match in an Australian designer called Vinas Invitation. They designed a gorgeous suite featuring an elegant acrylic invitation. This was paired with a light gray suede insert sheet that had a love quote written in hebrew and was printed in a silver foil.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Quote from the Bride:
Every aspect of our wedding blew us away! We truly enjoyed each moment, it was a fantasy that had come to life. The flowers at the chuppah were especially cherished by us. The chuppah is a structure used in Jewish weddings that is supported by four poles, open on four sides, and covered above with a tallit- a Jewish prayer shall. The chuppah symbolizes a new home that the newlyweds will build together. When seeing our chuppah it embodied the beauty of our relationship and the marriage that we will have together. It was covered in white beautiful flowers and stood tall and strong. I will never forget walking down the aisle and seeing it for the first time with my husband to be standing under it waiting for me. It is truly a moment I think about all the time. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Elite Events

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Petit Bouquet

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A Midsummer Dream Montecito Wedding at La Belles Fontaines

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Sage Green, White, Gold[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Top Targeted U.S. Congressional Nominee, Justin Fareed, Marries CNBC’s
Listing Impossible Star Neyshia Go at Exclusive Montecito Estate

MONTECITO, CA – Former UCLA Football Player and Top Targeted US Congressional Nominee, Justin Fareed, and American Idol and CNBC’s Listing Impossible Star, Neyshia Go, were married last Saturday, July 23, 2022. The Fareed wedding, dressed in sage green, white and gold, was a midsummer dream at the magnificent La Belles Fontaines in Montecito, California.

Standing alongside Justin at the altar as he and Neyshia tied the knot, was his star-studded bridal party, former Pistons guard and NBA General Manager, Lance Blanks, former UCLA and Green Bay packers running back, LA Rams staff, Johnathan Franklin, and reality television Producer, Jamie Bovshow.

From the wedding invitations, which were crafted by Atelier Isabey down to the rentals provided by Revelry Event Design and Theoni and MTB, each detail of this beautiful ceremony was carefully planned and designed by Alianaevents. Elegant flower arrangements featured by Celio Design, linens pulled from Iatavola, and performances by Tito Rey, Cattus Quartet and Neyshia Go, herself, curated a breathtaking event.

The reception was no exception to the beauty, style and opulence of the actual wedding ceremony. With lighting and band provided by the LIV Group and catering from TresLA, guests got to experience the grandeur of Neyshia and Justin’s excitement to spend their lives together.

Photographer Michelle Flores and Videography by Maksud Productions captured each dazzling moment of the day, and night, Justin Fareed and Neyshia Go will never forget. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Neyshia walked down the aisle dressed in Monique Lhuillier paired perfectly with sage green Manolo Blahnik heels to Justin, dressed in a custom Klein Epstein Parker tuxedo. Her hairstylist, Leo Valentin, and makeup artists, Evelyn McCullough and her team, made sure she was picture perfect for the event. A quick wardrobe change revealed a stunning Reem Acra dress and Jimmy Choo heels for the reception.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”][/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]For a summer California wedding, fresh, seasonal cuisine was key to ensuring guests felt like they were able to indulge while also being ready to dance all night long after dinner![/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]All-white florals kept the entire day feeling crisp and bright, while gold and sage green accents added a luxurious touch. The goal was to have an outdoor celebration that felt elegant and elevated with a few modern touches, like chic lounges and larger-than-life floral arrangements.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]A classic white cake topped with and surrounded by fresh white florals was exactly what the couple envisioned for a photo-worthy sweet treat.[/field]
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[field title=”Special Detail #1″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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BBJ La Tavola

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A Glamorous Texas Wedding With An 8-Foot Floral Arch

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

The wedding colors were black, white, blush, with touches of French blue.

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

This couple’s opulent wedding at The Knotting Hill Place was guest centric and intimate. Stunning long tables with tall candlelight votives placed carefully along the head tables. All of the florals from Wedfully Yours were selected with a beautiful lush aesthetic in mind.

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Lexi’s dress from designer Rime Arodaky featured fashion forward 3D floral that inspired the cake design by Baker Mama – we love some intricate cake designs. The reception featured a white high neck beaded dress as an outfit change for the bride, the couples’ matching Air Jordans for dancing, and suspenders and t-shirt change giving a subtle nod to Jackson’s military pilot occupation.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

Lexi opted for the bridesmaids to pick their style of black bridesmaid dresses that flattered all shapes and sizes.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

All the guys cleaned up nicely from their military attire into traditional black and white suites. Jackson’s tux from The Black Tux featured a classic black bow tie with silk lapels.

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Who can say no to the good old late night Texan Whataburger snack and an open bar? This couple spared no expense when it came to entertaining their guests with food and drink.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The ceremony featured a burst of floral along the aisle and an incredible eight-foot flower arch adorned with roses, carnations and hydrangea, creating the perfect backdrop for the ‘I Do’s’.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

Baker Mama was inspired by the incredible detail in our brides dress and hand created 3D floral to adorn their wedding cake. And of course, with the absence of their pup – Lexi and Jackson added a small detail to honor their little furbabe.

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

The reception was absolutely jumpin with DJ Tr3Matic (the hottest in DFW) kicking it off with hip hop and R&B (the favorite genre by Bride & Groom). When the drinks started flowing, the party hats came out and so did the many personalities on the dance floor. Even Jacksons granny stepped out to celebrate!

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