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Real Weddings:

Kate and Mike’s Cabo Wedding

Photography by Sara Richardson

Flora Farms‘s elegant— yet relaxed—vibe was the perfect location for Kate and Mike’s (destined) destination wedding in Cabo. They couple had known for years they’d be celebrating their nuptials in Cabo, and with the help of Ximena Perez Marentes of Amy Abbott Events, their day was a vision of vibrance and textural details perfectly fit for the locale they love. Sara Richardson captured all the sun-kissed joy and gorgeous details including flowers by Florenta and stationery by Bells & Whistles.

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Tell us about your wedding:

We have been coming to Cabo as a family over the past 20 years and it has always been a second home to me. From birthdays to graduations, I’ve made countless memories in Mexico. When Mike and I had our first vacation here together back in 2012 we knew if we were ever to choose a destination wedding it would have to be Cabo.  And we knew we wanted a one-of-a-kind venue that truly embraced both of our very different styles ad wanted to share it with the people we loved the most.

With its elegant, yet relaxed vibe there was no other place we could have imagined choosing other than Flora Farms.

Owning a food marketing agency, and being a foodie myself, my one & only priority was having the best food and Flora’s menu is unmatched. Over 100 people came from all over to celebrate with us.

We started the weekend with a welcome cruise around Cabo followed by a cocktail party at the rooftop at El Ciurelo at the Westin, our home away from home. Every year we see the same people (staff) and they are now like second family.

Our rehearsal dinner was an absolute dream. My vision for a casual chic beach party was beyond my expectations thanks to Ximena from Amy Abbott Events who had to bring multiple vendors together to make this night happen. As the rehearsal dinner was on the side of the Club Regina cliffs, it really took an army to pull off as each of them had to bring tables, chairs and a 3 story teepee down flights and flights of stairs into a beach alcove.

Mike and I live in Philadelphia and met at work in 2011 where he proposed on the steps of our office building 7 years later.

I know they say that there are always a few things that go wrong on your wedding day but we had quite a few stressful events. We had family delayed due to storms happening in the U.S, which lost some of our bags along the way including my brothers’ suits, and my rehearsal dinner and afterparty dress! On the day of our wedding, our photographer was sick and had to cancel. Sara and Ramon came to the rescue and we’re so happy they did. Immediately meeting them, there was a sense of ease about both of them that made the entire day flow so much more smooth. They captured everything about our day so perfectly and we are so grateful it was them behind the camera.

If it wasn’t for Ximena, we would have never pulled off the weekend of festivities that we did.

How did you meet, and how long did you date before getting engaged?

We met at work in 2011. We were working at my parents advertising agency at the time. We had to be very secretive about it as I was “the boss’s daughter” Eventually the secret came out and we were engaged 7 years later.

Favorite Moments:

When it came time for my dad’s speech, I knew he would command the attention of the entire room. Being so close, I remember getting extremely emotional. Our wedding guests are still hashtagging the speech #KateChangedMe

With an event this special, who needed a cake! So instead of a traditional cake cutting, we opted for a pinata shaped like wedding cake. Blindfolded and taking turns with Mike to break it open together, while the cameras rolled, and all of our friends and family watched was the most exhilarating part of the night. Once we finally broke it open, Mike scooped me up as guests dived after the treats that exploded around us. It was the highlight of the reception.

Mike and I were married in a private ceremony with close friends and family on the main line in the chapel of my alma mater, Villanova University a week earlier. So when it came time for our Cabo ceremony, we had Mike’s two sisters officiate making it much less nerve wracking, light-hearted, and fun since we were already official. I remember them totally messing up the “official” pronouncing of us as husband and wife and the entire crowd was dying with laughter.

Photography: Sara Richardson // Planning: Ximena Perez Marentes of Amy Abbott Events //  Flowers: Florenta // Stationery: Bells & Whistles // Invitations: Momental Designs // Venue: Flora Farms // Videography: Arocapro // Hair and makeup: Blanc Bridal Salon // Wedding Dress: Naeem Kahn // Shoes: Stuart Weitzman & Chanel // Groom´s Attire: Armani // Logo Design: Think Traffic // Rentals: Let it Be; Baja Boutique Rental Company // DJ: Alex DJ Cabo Events // Live Band: The Shamans // Piñata: Serendipity

 

 

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Real Weddings:

Allie and Tim’s wedding at Laguna Gloria

featuring Julie Wilhite Photography

Allie and Tim’s Austin wedding weekend was a “celebration of family, friendship and love.” Held at  The Contemporary Austin Laguna Gloria, the ceremony capitalized on the the lush gardens of the location with graphic white florals by Wild Poppy and pops of green in the tablescape accents. Keeping the color palette simple created an edited elegance that we’re totally loving and you can see all the details in these images by Julie Wilhite Photography.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

Tim and I are both from Kansas, and most of our guests traveled from the chilly Midwest so we wanted to make the weekend feel like a fun vacation. From the welcome party at a hip East Austin watering hole on Friday, to the champagne toast during the ceremony, and Rainey Street brunch for the Sunday farewell, everything was a celebration of family, friendship and love.

We especially cherish the ceremony & reception venue, Laguna Gloria. Not only is it one of the most stunning wedding venues in Austin, but it’s also a museum and sculpture garden that we can enjoy anytime we want.

Because of the naturally beautiful setting, we wanted to keep the décor and florals to a minimum, opting for a white, cream and green color palette with natural wood elements and romantic lighting. And having just our siblings as the wedding party made the ceremony feel intimate and special.

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

I knew I wanted a simple gown with unexpected details, but I truly had no idea how many options there could be! After dragging my mom, sister, future mother-in-law and future sister-in-law to five bridal shops in one day (I do not recommend this), I finally found the perfect THEIA gown from Unbridaled in Austin – an ivory crepe mermaid gown with Chantilly lace long sleeves and back.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

We enjoyed adding little touches of Austin where we could as a nod to our adopted home. The welcome bags included local favorites, including iced coffee from High Brew, Tito’s vodka and Topo Chico sparkling water, along with a personalized cup, bottle opener and weekend events schedule.

For the reception food, we knew we didn’t want the typical rubber chicken wedding food – especially because Austin is known for having an excellent food scene. Local Asian-fusion restaurant Peached Tortilla was the one and only catering tasting we went to, and we couldn’t have been more pleased. Our guests were raving about the wasabi mashed potatoes for weeks!

Because neither of us are big cake people, we opted for an ice cream sandwich cart from Baked Bear as dessert, and then surprised our guests with late-night Torchy’s tacos (an Austin fave) to end the night.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

Having dated for 8 years before we got married, Tim and I were no strangers to each other’s family and friends. But having them all together in one place to celebrate us was overwhelmingly moving. The entire day (and weekend) was everything we wanted and more.

To end the night, everyone remaining on the dance floor joined in an all-ages passionate sing-along of Celine Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” followed by a sparkler send-off. It was magical.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

Tim and I met through my sister, Morgan, in 2010 in Lawrence, Kan. I had just graduated with my bachelor’s degree and Tim had completed his first year of law school (he and Morgan were in the same KU Law class). Most of our eight-year relationship was long-distance (KC>Lawrence, KC>Singapore, Austin>KC) as we pursued graduate degrees and career passions. Tim moved to Austin in 2016 and proposed in July 2018 at his alma matter, the University of San Diego, overlooking San Diego Bay on a weekend trip to California.

Photography: Julie Wilhite Photography // Wedding Coordination: Lovely Day Events – Clarissa Melendez // Florist: Wild Poppy // Getting Ready Venue: The LINE Hotel // Venue: The Contemporary Austin Laguna Gloria // Hair & Makeup: Katy Reddell // Bridal Gown: Lauren by Theia // Bridal Boutique: Unbridaled // Bridesmaids: Show Me Your Mumu // Grooms Suit: Knot Standard // Groomsman Suit: The Black Tux // Ceremony Music: Terra Vista Strings // DJ: DJ Gatsby // Officiant: Rev. Sheryl at Short & Sweet Weddings // Rentals: Whim // Lighting: Ilios // Dessert: Baked Bear

 

Real Weddings:

Seri and Toan’s wedding at Montage Kapalua

photography by Wendy Laurel

Seri and Toan met in college and dated for 12 years before they married in Maui. “We’ve gone through every milestone in our lives together and were so happy to finally be able to share our love with everyone,” says Seri. They enlisted Maui’s Angels to help them plan their gorgeous day at Montage Kapalua filled with tropical florals by Mandy Grace, stationery by Anna Claire Calligraphy and signage by Miss B. Calligraphy. They also had Wendy Laurel behind the lens capturing their vibrant, island party in the way only Wendy can and we know you’ll love the photos as much as we do!

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What made the wedding special and unique?

Our wedding was an intimate affair with our most cherished family and friends sharing the special day with us.

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

My beautiful ball gown dress was designed by Stella York. It was one of the two dresses I tried on in my search for the perfect dress at a cute little boutique called Lang’s bridal. I’ve always wanted to feel like a princess for my special day and it definitely made me feel so! I also had the added touch of a cathedral veil to tie the look together.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

We wanted our guests to have some fun entertainment and loved the idea of having a cute photo-bus to entertain our guests.

What was the mostmemorable part of the day?

The best part of the day was when we finally had the chance to enjoy a few moments of the beautiful backdrop of Maui together. We held each other and just breathed in each other’s air and couldn’t believe we were finally there enjoying that moment together.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

We met in college and have been on our journey together for over 12 years.  We’ve gone through every milestone in our lives together and were so happy to finally be able to share our love with everyone.

Seriphone + Toan | Montage Kapalua from All Time Media II on Vimeo.

Wedding Planning & Design: Maui’s Angels // Photography: Wendy Laurel // Flowers: Mandy Grace // Stationery: Anna Claire Calligraphy // Venue, Catering & Bar Services: Montage Kapalua // Gown Designer: Stella York // Hair & Make-up: Meili Autumn Beauty // Signage: Miss B. Calligraphy // Video: All Time Media // Musician: Brian Santana // Linens: La Tavola // Place Settings: Set Maui // Rentals: Inspiration Events Hawaii // Officiate: Tino Rosete // Photobooth: Bamboo Shootz

 

Real Weddings:

Anastasia and Michele Italian Villa Wedding

featuring Daria Lorman Photography

Villa Rusconi Clerici in Verbania, Italy offered a breathtaking backdrop on Lake Maggiore for Anastasia and Michele’s elopement. Edelweiss Weddings designed the day with a lemon yellow theme that carried through the florals and tablescape by Della Bella Fiori. We’re definitely loving the gorgeous views captured beautifully by Daria Lorman Photography along will all of the other cheery details.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

The venue the couple have chosen together with their planner Diana. Villa Rusconi Clerici is located in the small town of Pallanza on Lake Maggiore. Walking along its embankment, for a moment it may seem to you that you are on the French Riviera, and sea waves are beating on the shore. The villa was built in the late 1800s. It is impossible not to notice it from the water. Bright yellow color and stucco windows of this villa stand out among others. It is surrounded by a luxurious garden, has enviable and rare specimens of flowers of various kinds, such as rhododendron, azaleas, camellias, magnolias and others, some of which were planted for more than 200 years, even before the construction of the villa itself. This place is an endless source of inspiration for artists and poets, and for all beauty lovers. From the bride: “On this day, everything came together so that it is impossible to highlight some special part of the celebration, leaving others behind. Everything was beautiful, starting from a clear sunny morning, after a long rainy week.”

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

I tried a lot of dresses, but still couldn’t choose just one. I had a dilemma between two completely different styles: sophisticated and luxury mermaid and more romantic dresses. So I got both of my favorites from two different designers in two boutiques. First, I felt in love with that beautiful sparkling lace dress from Honeymoon Sposa Italia, which was shining in the sun. I felt like this was my dream dress. And for the dancing part of the day I went with a light and airy organza dress from Cristian Spose, which was very comfortable but still exquisite as I didn’t want anything too simple either.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

We built our concept around such a simple element as lemon. On such a hot June day, which was June 12, 2019, a glass of cold lemonade came to everyone’s taste and was very welcomed. And it added that Italian touch to everything.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

Our ceremony was the most memorable part of the day and a couple of minutes right before it when we were both standing a couple of meters from each other and impatient to finally see each other. We also had lots of fun when trying to get those cute Pinterest photos with Baloo, the villa’s dog. Daria did her best trying to make the dog sit still and pose with us, while Baloo was clearly more interested in getting snacks.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

That day I had a big event planned at a restaurant, which I was supposed to attend in the company of my two friends. I definitely did not plan to meet my destiny – my future husband. He was in our big company at that restaurant. Nothing special, the usual acquaintance. Everyone was getting to know each other there, talking. The evening has passed. That evening we did not even talk a lot.

Some time later Michele started calling me, chatting on the phone. Later we saw each other a few more times at various events. Then he invited me on a date. I refused, and he had planned a trip to his homeland, Italy, for work, for a whole month. He flew away. He kept calling me the whole month, despite my refusal to go on that date. Apparently he decided not to give up! When he returned, he called me on a date again, this time I agreed.

After 1.5 years, he proposed to me. Now we are husband and wife. And three years ago, on one happy summer day, we first saw each other in that restaurant and I could not even imagine that I was sitting there and talking with my future husband.

Photography: Daria Lorman Photography // Planner & Organization: Edelweiss Weddings // Flowers & Décor: Della Bella Fiori // Stationery: Edelweiss Card Design // Venue: Villa Rusconi Clerici // Muah & Styling: Anna Poliakova // Wedding Dress #1: Honeymoon Sposa // Wedding Dress #2: Cristian Spose // Headpiece & Earrings: Della Bella Gioielli // Cake: LallabyCakes

 

Real Weddings:

Kate and Grant’s Wedding at WestPoint

photography by Rodeo and Co

Kate and Grant dated long distance in college and when Kate visited WestPoint, she would stay at the Thayer Hotel, so it it was a natural choice for the location of their reception following their traditional ceremony at the breathtaking Cadet Chapel. The couple enlisted the help of planners Table 6 Productions to create their stunning day filled with sentimental details in blue and bold, brilliant florals by Faye and Renee, vibrant watercolors by Bohemian Mint and a Momofuku Milk Bar cake that was shipped directly to the reception!! Loving all the joie de vivre in Kate and Grant’s day and it’s all captured here by Rodeo and Co.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

From the photographer: So many aspects! First of all, the cloche jar display wall for the escort cards is one of our favorites. But also the location was so unique! Getting married in the WestPoint Chapel is a super memorable setting because it’s a breathtaking chapel. The entire WestPoint grounds are gorgeous, and I think every guest appreciated just walking around and seeing the amazing views!

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

Kate found her dress at Kleinfeld’s! She wanted something unique but that still had an elegance to it – just like her! I remember her sending us the picture of it, and we were BLOWN away. It is stunning and honestly no picture could do it justice! The beauty is in the details.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

Definitely the WestPoint Military traditions added such a personal touch. They sabered champagne for their toast, did a saber arch after exiting the ceremony, had an ice sculpture of the academy’s logo, had a table for their fallen soldiers, and so many other small things! It definitely made it feel super personal for both of them. Also, the Momofuku cake was a must for Kate – we literally used Fed Ex to ship the cake to the Thayer Hotel!!! It HAD to be the original Momofuku, and if you taste it you’ll realize why it’s totally worth it.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

The band! They were AMAZING. We have used Hank Lane Music multiple times before, and we are continually impressed with the quality of their bands. Everyone was dancing ALL night and kept raving about them.

 

 

Photographer: Rodeo and Co // Planner: Table 6 Productions // Stationery: Bohemian Mint // Floral: Faye and Renee // Venue: WestPoint Military Academy and the Thayer Hotel // Videographer: Blue Moon Video // Dress: Isabelle Armstrong New York // Dress Store: Kleinfeld’s // Music: Hank Lane // Cake: Momofuku Milk Bar // Beauty: Beautini // Transportation: Peekskill Trolley Company // Live Painter: Peter Pluchino // Rentals: Durant Rentals // Velvet Ring Box: The Mrs. Box