Melissa and Carson’s wedding at Silver Oaks Chateau

YOU GUYS. This color palette is amazing! Deep reds and bright reds, dusty pink and lavender all come together in the incredibly romantic details of Melissa and Carson’s wedding day at Silver Oaks Chateau. The florals and design by An Affair to Remember are beyond gorgeous—we’re especially loving the floral arbor and stunning bouquet. There’s a relaxed elegance to the couple’s intimate celebration that we’re super into and lucky for us Mike Cassimatis Photography was on hand to capture everything in his signature film style. You’re going to love it!

What made the wedding special and unique?

There were so many special touches that made our day one-of-a-kind, but the one thing that tied it all together was our beautiful venue. While we first considered a destination wedding, once I found Silver Oaks Chateau tucked away just miles from where we grew up, we agreed it was the perfect place to gather all of our loved ones. It was elegant yet intimate, allowing us to have an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception, with guests spilling onto the courtyard at night to enjoy the fireplace, lawn games and live music. The chateau created the exact atmosphere we were looking for, and meant that all of our family and friends could celebrate with us — something that may not have happened if we decided to host it out-of-town.

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

My family previously lived in Chicago, so I knew I wanted to make a trip back to find the perfect dress. I found my gown at Mira Couture — and it was so unique from all of the others I tried on. I simply knew when I put it on and was so comfortable — and then saw my dad and sisters tearing up!

What were some touches added that made the wedding personal?

Our faith is paramount in our relationship, so we were honored to have Carson’s father, our pastor, officiate the ceremony. We also incorporated many ways of celebrating my late mother — I had her portrait in the bridal suite while getting ready, a locket with her photo on my bouquet and parts of her wedding band incorporated in my rings. And finally — we are obsessed with doughnuts, so we had a tower of our favorites from a local bakery in lieu of a traditional cake.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

Without a doubt, the most cherished part of our day was reading our vows to each other surrounded by dear friends and family. We always knew that we’d want to personalize our vows, incorporating meaningful scripture and memories as we dedicate our lives to each other. It felt like time was standing still!

Tell us how you met and became engaged. 

Carson and I met through mutual friends, and after a year of constantly hanging out with the group, the spark between us was undeniable. He finally asked me out and we dated for the next six years, overcoming many stints of long distance during and after college. In 2015, Carson planned a Fourth of July trip to Vail, Colorado — a spot we often vacationed at that has a special meaning to us both. After taking me horseback riding through an Aspen forest, we arrived at Piney Lake — where he got down on one knee! The ring he designed includes gold from my late mother’s wedding band, and a family heirloom diamond that I simply adore.

Melissa & Carson | Highlights Film from Vimage Weddings on Vimeo.

Photography: Mike Cassimatis Photography // Florals & Design: An Affair to Remember // Venue: Silver Oaks Chateau // Videography: Vimage Weddings // String Quartet and Band: Lenny Klinger’s Galaxy // Makeup: Flawless STL // Dress Designer: Martina Liana