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Real Weddings:

Atva and Samir’s wedding in Morocco

featuring Raisa Zwart

Atva and Samir’s destination Morocco wedding is absolutely breathtaking. Set at Kasbah Bab Ourika just outside of Marrakech, the multi-day, multi-cultural event blended the couple’s traditions with celebrations and ceremonies staged against the stunning backdrop of the Atlas mountains. The couple enlisted multi-talented planner, Best Day Ever Events, for the planning, styling and florals—all with a subtle modern, bohemian flair. We’re loving the fresh invitation suite by Mark van Wijk and the floral-dressed naked cake by Amandine Marrakech. But it’s photographer Raisa Zwart‘s stunning images that truly make Atva and Samir’s day feel like an advertising campaign for Moroccan nuptials. 

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What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

I think what made it us was the fact that we were able to capture the best of both Western and European wedding traditions and it blended perfectly on both days. The Henna night did have a traditional Morrocan dress – although less dramatic and traditional wedding djelleba for Samir. Our entrance was accompanied with traditional Berber folk music and dance. We also served shared Tagines and desserts as you typically see in Moroccan weddings, and of course Henna but for everyone not only the bride. Which was a huge success. Our wedding day was more traditional western with my dad walking me to the aisle, a western ring ceremony, photo shoot and toast,  but with Milk and Dates for prosperity and fertility before the ceremony and of course sugar – or candy – throwing at the end of the ceremony topped off with traditional Moroccan (and from Samir’s childhood). Pulo Duro – 50cent ice cream cones for our guests.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

For Samir his moment was me walking down towards him on Jacob Banks Silver Lining. Slightly nervous and stressed but so beautiful. For me it was the brief moment we (finally) sat together before dinner when you realize this great man is now my husband!

Tell us how you became engaged.

Samir proposed to me when I didn’t expect him to do so anymore (to be honest I was hoping for it for quite some years). We just had a very romantic holiday in Mozambique, we just celebrated our 14 Year anniversary and nothing. So one random Saturday morning, when I was just desperate for coffee he asked me to sit down and he gave me a gift to unwrap. It was a traditional Moroccan sugar cone with a note that said will you marry me?

Samir + Atva / Wedding in Ourika, Morocco (4K) from The Dreamers on Vimeo.

Photography: Raisa Zwart // Event Planning, Styling & Floral Design: Best Day Ever Events // Floral Design: Le Kiosque a Fleurs & Theun & Bloemen // Stationery: Mark van Wijk // Venue: Kasbah Bab Ourika // Cake: Amandine Marrakech // Officiant: Marry van’t’ Zelfde // Videography: The Dreamers // Makeup Artist: Rob Peetoom // Wedding Dress: Pronovias // Henna Dress: Selma Benomar // Bridal Accessories: Jimmy Choo & Astley Clarke &  Isabel Marant // Groom’s Apparel: Oger // Rings: Tiffany & Co

 

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Real Weddings:

Cate and Nick’s wedding at The Millstone at Adams Pond

featuring Britt Croft Photography

Cate and Nick’s romance began at the University of South Carolina, so planning their nuptials with lots of South Carolina flair was important to the couple. Meagan Warren Weddings perfectly tied together Nick’s love of the outdoors and hunting and Cate’s sweet southern style in the celebration at The Millstone at Adams Pond. Highlights included letterpress invitation suite with custom wax seal and wedding crest by By Farr Design Studio, grandiose garden floral arrangements and greenery garlands by Cote Designs, antler chandeliers, church pews, and—since the venue is a historic Gritsmill— favors were grits and included not only cooking instructions but also the history of the venue and the gritsmill. Lucky for us, Britt Croft Photography was on hand to capture all the details in these lovely images.

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Photography: Britt Croft Photography // Planning: Meagan Warren Weddings // Florist: Cote Designs // Paper Goods, Custom Grits Favors & Wooden Spoons, Koozies, Welcome Crates: By Farr Design Studio // Ceremony & Reception: The Millstone at Adams Pond // Bride’s Dress:  Leanne Marshall // Dress Boutique: London and Lace // Hair: Capelli Salon // Make Up: Eyebrow Junkie // Bridesmaids Dress: Joanna August // Bridesmaid Dress Boutique: Bella Bridesmaids // Grooms Attire: Men’s Warehouse // Officiant: Reverend Kevin Roberts // Cake: Bonnie Brunt Cakes // Catering: Southern Way // Videographer: Jeff Bradt Films // Ceremony Music: Simply Strings Quartet // Reception Music: Atlanta Rhythm and Groove // Transportation: Southern Valet // Linens: La Tavola // Rentals: Ooh Events / Party Reflections // Signage: Iris and Marie Press // Dance Floor Monogram: Signarama

 

 

Real Weddings:

Amy and Josh’s Dairy Farm Wedding

featuring Melissa Jill Photography

Amy and Josh both work at the local dairy co-op, so as the mother-of-the-bride says “milk brought them together!” The couple wed on the bride’s family farm in an event planned by Wild One Events filled with meaningful nods to family heritage and the dairy business. Dutch blue accents paid homage to the father of the bride’s upbringing in Holland, antique painted cow bells acted as table numbers and milk + cookie take-aways were totally adorable. The white tent reception too place under perfectly blue skies and of course we’re completely smitten with the super-colorful and amazing florals by Posies Floral and lucky for us Melissa Jill Photography was on hand to capture every last detail and we’re happy to be sharing all the joyful images with you today.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

From the mother of the bride, Jody, “Amy and Josh both work out of our dairy co-op so you could say that milk brought them together! That’s one of the reasons it was so meaningful that the wedding was held on the dairy farm where Amy was born and raised. There were special nods to the dairy business in the decor, including painted antique cow bells as table numbers, and linen bags of chocolate chip cookies with a message to “add milk” as favors.

“The bride’s father, Pieter, grew up in Holland on a dairy farm and we were blessed that so many of our Dutch family members were able to travel to Arizona to attend the wedding. Everyday touches of the bride’s Dutch heritage, like the wooden shoes at the door of the home, were joined by wedding details, like Dutch blue accents and a Delftware cake topper.

“Another special touch was the horse-drawn carriage that brought the bride to and from the ceremony. And at cocktail hour, a baby grand piano was installed in the field where the guests had gathered. A talented cousin of bride played the piano as the guests enjoyed cocktails and lawn games.”

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

Mother of the bride Jody says, “Before dress shopping, Amy wasn’t sure what her wedding gown would look like, but she knew it WOULDN’T be strapless or have a train. When she fell in love with Enzoani’s strapless, lace “Khloe” gown (with the longest train in the boutique), she proved herself wrong. Amy found her dream dress at Uptown Bridal boutique, where we were blessed with a private session with the most personal and loving service. The consultants (who are now our friends) went above and beyond for Amy and we are so grateful.”

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

Wedding planner Jackie with Wild One Events says, “There were little details and nods throughout the day to the couple’s relationship and background. Simple elements such as vintage cow bells used as numbers, chocolate chip cookies for the favors, and cow hide rugs in each of the lounges were all simple ways to recognize the dairy farming background without taking the farming concept too far. Other details that touched upon the bride’s Dutch heritage and family were incorporating various shades of blue in the design and bringing in a piano so that her cousin could play during cocktail hour.”

What was the most memorable part of the day?

The most memorable part of the day was the private time with future husband and wife during the intimate ” first look” moments. Josh & Amy felt so connected to one another in that time together, and it reaffirmed their love and commitment.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

Amy & Josh both work for the United Dairymen of Arizona, and they both come from dairy families. For a long time, Amy only really knew Josh as the cute guy she sometimes saw at work. Eventually they were introduced by mutual friends, and they became friends themselves before falling in love.

On their first date, Josh & Amy learned how truly compatible they were. They went to Blue Wasabi, but it wouldn’t be truthful to say they went out for sushi. You see, they got SO caught up in talking that they forgot to eat … all the way until the restaurant closed for the night. They had to be asked to leave; hungry but happy, and still talking.

Their joy in spending time together never faded, and Josh knew that he wanted to spend his life with Amy. When their families gathered together for a birthday dinner, Josh saw the perfect opportunity. Surrounded by their closest family, he got to one knee just before dessert was served and asked Amy to marry him. Her “Yes!” was sweeter than the cake!

Photographer: Melissa Jill Photography // Wedding Planner: Wild One Events // Florist/Decor: Posies Floral // Stationery: Roots and Rain Creative // Venue: Van Rijn Family Dairy // Dress: Enzoani // Bride/Bridesmaid Dress Shop: Uptown Bridal // Hair & Makeup: Amanda Victoria Beauty // Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse // Bridal Bouquet Ribbon: Silk & Willow // DJ: Welter Entertainment // Officiant: Shane Sanchez // Rentals & Tenting: Event Rents // Specialty Rentals: Glamour & Woods // Specialty Rentals: Prim Rentals // Piano Rental: Safe & Sound Piano // Linens: La Tavola // Catering: Robert’s Catering // Videographer: Simply Cinema // Photo Booth: Rendezbooth // Ceremony Detail Ribbon: Tono + Co. // Carriage: Walking M Farms

 

Real Weddings:

Giselle and Jordi’s wedding at Brays Island Plantation

featuring Sean Money + Elizabeth Fay

Miami couple, Giselle and Jordi, brought their big Cuban families to South Carolina to celebrate their nuptials. WED planned a stunning event at Brays Island Plantation including an outdoor ceremony highlighting cultural traditions against scenic backdrop. Following was a personalized reception dripping in greens by Ooh! Events—we’re talking greenery on the light fixtures, suspended greenery wreath chandeliers and modern planter arrangements everywhere. Green letterpress and calligraphy invitation are by the bride and A Fabulous Fete, and a triple tiered chocolate-on-chocolate fudge cake is by Brenna Chiaviello. Photographers-extraordinaire Sean Money + Elizabeth Fay were behind the lens capturing all the details in these striking images.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

We chose to get married at Brays Island Plantation in South Carolina. The location itself holds a lot of significance to us and our family. Over the course of our relationship, we traveled there many times to celebrate holidays and special occasions. We are from Miami, so bringing our big Cuban families to a remote island in South Carolina created a special, intimate ambiance where people really felt like they could relax and enjoy. We were heavily involved in the planning of the wedding – I am talking every single detail, so our unique style and personality was all over it – our personal favorite was the triple fudge chocolate cake.

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

On my first day bridal shopping, I fast forwarded through all the stops, and went straight to the mecca of Miami bridal, Ever After (EA).  I tried on a ton of dresses, and was starting to feel a little discouraged because nothing felt right. As I was finishing up, EA owner, Camille, brought in a dress from the “back room”  and it was love at first zip. With Isabel and I, it was a real “meet cute.” She was a modern take on classic vintage – unlike anything I had ever seen before. From the cap sleeve hand applique chantilly lace, to the double row buttons down the back…I was sold. People always say “you’ll know” when it’s the right dress for you, and that was exactly my experience. Vera Wang is the queen of bridal. It was an absolute dream come true to wear one of her gowns.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

Does a donut after party count? Honestly, everything about it was personalized, but our “hora loca” (crazy hour), a common tradition among Hispanic weddings, takes the cake – speaking of cake, did I mention our triple fudge chocolate cake? Jordi and I are old souls, so we took a common Hispanic wedding tradition, and traded in the salsa for oldies jams. Seeing guests of all ages breaking it down jams like “Louis Louis” and “Brick House” was an epic, sweaty masterpiece. Oh, and did I mention there were hats. Really funky hats – like umbrella hats.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

Do I have to pick just one? Our first dance to “This Magic Moment” by the Drifters was pretty magical. We dated for 10 years before we got married, and we knew for a long time that would be our song, so it was pretty awesome to finally live that moment. But honestly, the most memorable part of it took place on the dance floor. Our friends and family truly brought their A game. The love we felt from our people was overwhelming. Unlike anything we had ever felt before. Ending the night with powdered donuts in the piano room, singing Billy Joel just topped it off. We really just had the time of our lives.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

We met as highschoolers while on vacation with our families in the Dominican Republic. Despite constant adult supervision, we hit it off right away. We reconnected back in Miami and have been together ever since. Our relationship took us from Miami to Tallahassee, Florida where we both attended the Florida State University. Just after celebrating 10 years together, Jordi popped the question at a beautiful dock with one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen. Our love for the outdoors has always played a huge part in our relationship, which is exactly why Brays was the perfect destination for our wedding.

Photography: Sean Money + Elizabeth Fay // Planner: WED // Florals: Ooh! Events // Paper Suite Design: Giselle Macias (the bride) // Calligraphy: A Fabulous Fete // Venue and Catering: Brays Island // Hair: Meg Workman // MUA: Dannon K Collard // Dress: Vera Wang // Paper Printing: IBA Paper Goods // Ceremony Music: Classical Charleston // Reception Music: Lucas the DJ // Rentals: Ooh! Events / EventHaus  / Amazing Rentals // Cake: Brenna Chiaviello

 

Real Weddings:

Annie and Aaron’s wedding at The Pearl

photography by ART IS FOR LOVERS

Annie and Aaron hosted their Bay Area wedding at The Pearl —a lofty, artistic space that they secured for their big day before the venue was even complete! The couple enlisted the talent of Olea & Fig Studio to design their perfect day by incorporating the bride’s modern taste and the groom’s quirky vibe. The result was a beautiful, minimal modern wedding, organic but not rustic, with several personal details designed by both Aaron & Annie. Amazing greens and florals everywhere were created by The Bloomery Co., stationery by Minted & Olea & Fig, a cake by Jasmine Rae Cakes was the epitome of the couple’s vibe and lucky for us they enlisted the genius of ART IS FOR LOVERS to capture it all!

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From the Bride: We wanted something minimal but modern, organic but not rustic. After scouring through all the venues we could possibly find in San Francisco Bay Area, we fell in love with the Pearl right away even before the venue was completed and furnished. All decor, furniture and stationery were chosen and created based on the same aesthetic concept, and so are our attire and even cake design. We also picked herb names as table names ensuring that herbs were a cohesive theme through out our drink and dinner menu, along with the greenery focus floral design to echo the overall organic feel. And as we are both Taiwanese who have been studying and living in the States for almost 20 years now, we incorporated our Taiwanese roots in our desserts and late-night snacks with a new American dinner reception.

Wedding planning can be one of the most fun and rewarding projects you’ve ever done, especially when this is for you as a couple to tell YOUR story creatively! Do not be limited by the resources available to you or the categorized trends you see on publications.

We had SO MUCH FUN, every moment of it! Having a wonderful vendor team certainly gave my OCD self a completely stress-free wedding day, and one of the best days in my life!

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

Annie’s everyday style is trendy, modern and minimal, which makes the dress searching process not so easy. She basically went to all the bridal shops she knew in San Francisco, and was not able to find a simple and elegant dress which also gives that wow factor, much needed for the grand and design-y venue. BoLee Bridal Couture was her very last stop in the Bay, and as desperate as she was, as soon as she put on Atelier Pronovias’ Emmett, she knew it was the one. The silk crepe created the perfect draping and contour while the detailed design of the back emphasized the bridal modern glamour.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal? 

(The bride was the planner & calligrapher herself). Given that the bride and groom are both originally from Taiwan, the reception was new American – Asian fusion inspired cuisine followed by Taiwanese desserts and late-night snacks featuring their favorite snacks from their childhood. All the place cards, calligraphy menus, thank you bag, table names and mirror signage were hand written by the bride & the Olea & Fig Team the for that beautiful natural vibe. Given that the bride is an ex-fashion blogger and stylist, the seating chart was scripted and printed on pieces of muslin cloths to integrate that garment component. As the groom is a coffee enthusiast, for guest favor, he hand picked the coffee beans and experimented with different cheesecloth for filtering cold brew.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

The couple surprised everyone with their first dance. They started first with How Long Will I Love You by Ellie Goulding, then with the main song being Watch Me by Silento.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

Annie met Aaron during her freshman year in collage when Aaron was a senior. They were introduced by a good friend at Aaron’s house party. Aaron asked Annie to be his girlfriend the following New Year’s Eve under the fireworks in Taipei, Taiwan. They were in three years of long distance relationship after college, and were finally both in the Bay Area in 2012.

On 12/19/15, Aaron took Annie on a day trip to Point Reyes supposedly to celebrate their 9-year anniversary together. As usual, Annie always brings her video camera along to record all the trips they took together, which perfectly captured Aaron’s surprise proposal at the intimate Cypress Tree Tunnel. They then spent the rest of the day enjoying their alone time and amazing seafood by the bay before heading back to family and friends to share the wonderful news and the hilarious video that captured the perfect surprise proposal moment.

Photography: ART IS FOR LOVERS // Event Designer & Planner: Olea & Fig Studio // Coordinator: Spreading Lovely // Flowers: The Bloomery Co. // Stationery: Minted & Olea & Fig // Venue: The Pearl // Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Quis // Dress Designer: Pronovias // Wedding Dress Boutique: BoLee Bridal Couture // Cake: Jasmine Rae Cakes // Caterer: LRE Catering // Videography: Cinematt Videography // Groom’s Attire: Indochino // Bridesmaids Dresses Designer Amsale // Shoe Designer Badgley Mischka // Rings: Cartier / Brilliant Earth // Rentals: Bright Event Rentals / Rion Design