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Real Weddings:

Katie and Alex’s Minneapolis Wedding

featuring Kokal Photography

Katie and Alex were married on a crisp, sunny November day in Minneapolis. The traditional ceremony was followed by a warehouse reception at Solar Arts designed by Blush & Whim and filled with the couple’s vision of “endless greens, rustic wood, vintage charm, the glow of Edison bulbs; oh and donuts for days.” We love the moodiness of the palette—sage green, dusty teal, mauve and burgundy—in the florals by the always-amazing Munster Rose and stationery by Paper Rock Scissors. Check out all the details in these STUNNING images from Kokal Photography.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

Our wedding came together like a dream come true!  With one of the last nice sunny, warm days in November, it was perfect. November is a special month for us, with both our birthdays, my grandmother’s birthday on our wedding day as well as Veteran’s Day, and with so many amazing vets in our lives. But ultimately our vision of endless greens, rustic wood and vintage charm as well as the glow of Edison bulbs; oh and donuts for days, it was truly classic and magical.

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

I absolutely loved my gown (as I’m sure most brides would say about their dress) designed by Enzoani. It was mermaid style, made of soft tulle, was so incredibly comfortable, and absolutely not what I thought I was looking for but ended up being perfect for me in every way. I added a crystal sash to it for some glitz.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

We had a custom welcome sign made from Paper and Pine Co. Shasta Bell created our custom guest wood board for our guests to sign; her calligraphy is perfection. Also, my parents made the birch wood table number holders that sat on all the tables. All details coming together, organized by my wedding planning Jennae and venue coordinator Jenna, made the day perfect!

What was the most memorable part of the day?

Our ceremony! It was a traditional Catholic ceremony at St. Charles Borromeo and seeing my groom at the end of the isle waiting for me, melted my heart. We are truly a perfect match and we were both so happy to finally call each other husband and wife. Also, having all our friends and family their to share in our ceremony and reception, we couldn’t have asked for a better day.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

We rode the same school bus when we were little, but didn’t know it. My grandparents and Alex’s parents played cards often when we were young, and we attended the same elementary, middle, and high schools. We also have very close mutual friends, who now say it was meant to be at some point. But it wasn’t until a chance encounter many years later, well after our college years, that our paths finally crossed for keeps! We met, dated briefly and knew it was for life. We got engaged at Insight Brewery; Alex surprised Katie on a Monday evening in December, surrounded by family and friends.

Photography: Kokal Photography // Wedding Planner: Blush & Whim // Florals: Munster Rose // Invitations: Paper Rock Scissors // Ceremony: Church of St. Charles Borromeo, St. Anthony MN // Reception: Solar Arts // Calligrapher: Shasta Bell // Bride’s Dress: Enzoani (the Ivan dress) from Posh Bridal Couture // Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo from Bella Bridesmaids // Hair/Makeup Hair by Theresa // Grooms/Groomsmen’s Attire: Michael Kors from The Foursome // Ring Display: The Mrs. Box // Rings: R.F. Moeller // Linens: Linen Effects // 700+ Donuts: Sarah Jane’s Bakery // Birch Table Number Holders: Bride’s Parents // Welcome Sign: Paper and Pine Co. // Catering: Chow Girls Catering // Edison Bulbs: Phos Events // Vintage Rentals:  On Solid Ground // Band: The Sevilles // Photo Booth: Selfie and Co.

 

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Real Weddings:

Kaitlin and Adam’s wedding at King Family Vineyards

featuring Ashley Cox Photography

We’re never ones to shy away from a bold color palette here at Grey Likes Weddings, so you can imagine our delight in the punchy, coral hues of Kaitlin and Adam’s nuptials at King Family Vineyards. The bride, a wedding planner herself at Bluebird Productions, had a strong vision for the details of the day—a gold leafed horseshoe escort card display, custom barnwood doors, and abundant florals in rich colors by Prema Style, Kate and Lily Flowers. Check out all the bright details in these images captured by Ashley Cox Photography.

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Adam and I have been best friends for almost 12 years. We have always shared a love for travel and the outdoors and a few years into our relationship we took a leap and moved across the country to Aspen, Colorado where I worked as a wedding planner and Adam worked in hospitality. From packing up our lives in two weeks and driving across the country to living in a 273 square foot apartment, the adventure cemented our relationship. Some of our favorite memories as a couple are from long summer hikes in the Rockies and weekends spent skiing and snowboarding down the slopes of Aspen mountain.

Adam pulled off a surprise proposal in my favorite spot in Aspen, complete with champagne, rose petals, chocolate covered strawberries, a hidden photographer, and perfectly timed snowfall! I was eager to start planning since I had spent the past two years turning other brides visions into reality. Adam and I knew that we wanted a wedding venue with a southern feel that was driving distance from our home town of Potomac, Maryland. After searching a number of venues close by, my boss (and wedding planner) Virginia suggested we visit Charlottesville. We immediately fell in love with the rolling hills and quaint pastures of Southern Virginia and when we found King Family Vineyard we knew it was the place for us.

Between my time planning weddings with Bluebird Productions and growing up with my mom, a color and style consultant and florist, I knew from the beginning that I would enjoy putting together the creative details for our big day. It was important to me that the deep rich colors of fall be incorporated in the floral and décor and I have always loved gold accents. Everything about the design of our wedding was a family affair. My veil was handmade by my mom and we spent hours picking out the vases for the flowers, selecting just the right color of velvet ribbon, and gold leafing the horse shoes for the escort card display while my dad built the chuppah for our ceremony and the custom barn wood bars for the reception.

For Adam and I, the most important part of the day was celebrating with our friends and family. After four years of friendship and seven years of dating, our tight knit family had watched us challenge each other, laugh together, and grow as individuals and as partners. We are fortunate that so many people in our lives were willing to travel to share in our celebration and enjoyed every minute of the weekend celebration.

Photography: Ashley Cox Photography // Wedding Planning + Design: Virginia Edelson, Bluebird Productions // Floral Design: Prema Style, Kate and Lily Flowers // Invitations: Minted // Ceremony + Reception Venue: King Family Vineyards // Catering: The Local // Cake: Arley Cakes // Wedding Dress: Posh Bridal Couture // Makeup + Hair Artist: Lou Stevens Glam Squad // Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Joanna August, Alfred Angelo // DJ: DJ Bobby

 

Real Weddings:

Ellie and Arthur’s wedding at Tamarack Resort

featuring Jenny Losee Fine Art Wedding Photography

A sunshine-soaked chapel set in the rustic, mountainous backdrop of Tamarack Resort was a fitting location for the nuptials of a couple who met fighting forest fires.  The vibe of Ellie and Arthur’s day, planned by McCall Weddings, celebrates the autumnal palette of the setting with stunning florals by Wildflower Boise in a smattering of sunset hues and dusty pastels. Ellie shines in her Vera Wang gown and her maids are lovely in a collection of mix-and-match- nude gowns and vintage-inspired fur stoles. If you’re looking for the perfect blend of rustic and feminine—these images from Jenny Losee Fine Art Wedding Photography  are sure to inspire.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

Ellie: My family and friends and I created almost every piece of the wedding. We have a very creative, hands-on family and knew this would be an opportunity to make things just as we like (hopefully saving some money along the way!) and creating an overall wedding vibe that truly felt like us. So much love and attention was given to every detail, I could feel the spirit of my friends and family in all of it.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

Ellie: Unexpected moments were my favorite – the sunshine washed inside of the chapel right as the ceremony began and it created such an ethereal atmosphere, specifically paired with the moment we said our vows. I felt like I was in a cloud of light and all I could see and hear was the man in front of me who I was about to marry. It brought such a surreal feeling to not just me, but I think everyone in the room. Other details like the aspen leaves and tamarack branches turning orange and yellow (we thought they would be dead and on the ground)! It brought a rich energy to the place.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

The couple met fighting forest fires together so it was fitting that they tied the knot in the mountains.

 

Photography: Jenny Losee Fine Art Wedding Photography // Planner: McCall Weddings // Florals: Wildflower Boise // Venue: Tamarack Resort // Gown: Vera Wang Collection, David’s Bridal

 

Real Weddings:

Becky and Chris’s wedding at Big Spring Farm

featuring Kathryn Ivy Photography

Becky and Chris’s wedding at Big Spring Farm was what Kathryn Ivy Photography called “one of the most sentimental, detail driven, beautiful weddings” she’s ever been a part of. It also happens to be beautiful. Bare trees and rustic-barn vibes set the tone of the day planned by A Little Party Events and cozy, on-trend details like the retro food truck by The Cozy Caravan Club, donut wall by Blue Ridge Bagels and copper accents filled with florals University Florist added personalization to the event. To fully appreciate all the lovely moments of the day, we have the gorgeous images from  Kathryn Ivy Photography.

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form the photographer: Chris and Becky met at college (JMU) and they became friends – but nothing more. Becky was going through the life change of losing her dad and Chris became such a great support for her. He patiently pursued her for over a year before they finally had their first date. They dated for 2 years when Chris decided to ask Becky to marry him. He proposed to her on top of Skyline Drive, in the rain, surrounded by both of their closest friends.

Becky and Chris were surrounded by those same friends, plus a lot more, on their wedding day at Big Spring Farm. Becky was absolutely stunning in her Hayley Paige Londyn wedding gown. Her bridesmaids wore a variety of blush, cream, and gold dresses. Their bouquets by University Florist of Lexington were full of white roses and greenery. Becky & her sister Amanda had special ribbon made with their family quote printed, “Just think, all this and heaven too.” The bouquets were wrapped in white and blush silk ribbon and Becky’s had a locket with pictures of her and her daddy. Becky carried his handkerchief with her all day to catch the tears of joy (and there were a lot of those!)

The couple shared a first look where they read their personal, intimate vows to one another. At the ceremony, Amanda, Becky’s sister, played a recording of the prayer their daddy said at her wedding just weeks before he passed. Everyone was in tears, including me behind my camera. That was one of the most special moments I have ever witnessed at a wedding ceremony.

At the reception, drinks were served by the Cozy Caravan Club (the cutest thing in the world!!). In lieu of a father/daughter dance, Becky had her daddy’s friends play one of his favorite bluegrass songs while everyone danced in his honor. And her girlfriends sang an a cappella love song for them. They sounded like angels! This was one of the most sentimental, detail driven, beautiful weddings I have ever been a part of and I am so honored to have photographed it.

Photographer:  Kathryn Ivy Photography // Event Planner: A Little Party Events // Floral Designer: University Florist // Event Venue: Big Spring Farm // // Dress Designer: Hayley Paige // Bakery: Blue Ridge Bagels // Hair Stylist: BooBoo Shears // DJ: Music of the Times // Caterer: The Cozy Caravan Club

 

Real Weddings:

Ashley and Brandon’s wedding at Casa Del Mar Hotel

photography by Sally Pinera

The ocean provided a “foundation of strength and positivity” in bride Ashley’s upbringing and she made it a strong point to incorporate it in the celebration of her wedding to Brandon. Casa Del Mar Hotel, in Santa Monica, offered a perfect setting for the couple and set the scene for an elegant day  planned by EDE By Jacqueline with nods to an ocean theme. Romantic ceremony design and florals by Chloe & Mint and a french-inspired macaron bar are the Parisian details we know brides will love and Sally Pinera captured it all beautifully.

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What made the wedding special and unique? 

I wanted something in Santa Monica. I grew up in there and wanted it to be close to home and close to my heart. I envisioned my wedding to be near the ocean without actually being on the beach/water. Growing up, I found peace and comfort in looking at the vast ocean and hearing the waves crash. It was what I would turn to through life’s tougher moments and it never failed me. The ocean and home were pillars of strength for me, so I wanted that foundation of strength and positivity represented in my wedding as well.

My color palette was cream/champagne with touches of mint green/sage. I’m drawn to natural colors and wanted my wedding to be subtle with a touch of class and understated elegance. I chose the venue because I wanted to accentuate the colors of the ballroom itself and not cover it up with too much “stuff” going on. I wanted to enhance the beauty that was already there.

I loved the flower girl dresses. I wanted something extra poofy and had the dresses made of layers on layers of tulle by an Etsy seller. All the girls were so adorable in them! I also ordered the same dress for our daughter. Though she was too young to be a flower girl, I wanted her to match the other girls.

My flowers were organic and free flowing like those found in a garden. I wanted a soft color palate of cream and blush accented with eucalyptus and other greens and Chloe + Mint captured that well. Garden roses, black and white anemones, and peonies. My gown was by Martina Liana and made me feel comfortable in my new full-figure as a mother. The sweetheart top and delicate lace was subtle but still elegant. I wanted a more traditional look for the ceremony and added a lace bolero. Cake (by the Butter End) was a simple but delicious and adored with flowers that matched my bouquet.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal? 

I really wanted to personalize my wedding details. A dear friend of mine is a designer and gifted us her time and creativity by working with me to design our invitation suite. We handpicked every detail of the suite, from the font, layout, cardstock, envelope color, foil press color, etc. I wanted to tie in the location of the wedding – by the beach –and elements of that so we selected different seashells and incorporated a different shell into the invite, RSVP, menu, and thank you card. It was felt really special to be able to work with her to create something from scratch instead of selecting a pre-made design. Although it took a lot more time than I had on my hands (with a then newborn), I have a fond memory of the whole process.

I also wanted my then-fiancé to have a part in planning the wedding, and I wanted him to feel proud of the celebration we were putting together for our friends and family. Being an avid fan of Chardonnay, his father has a hefty collection of wine corks. I wanted to somehow incorporate the wine corks into the wedding and asked Brandon if he could make the corks into escort card holders. Brandon was really on board and worked on his project with his brother. The escort card holders came out beautiful, and he was able to bond with his brother while working on them. I loved that this simple project not only personalized our wedding but also brought my husband and his brother closer.

What was the most memorable part of the day? 

My favorite moment was the reaction of our wedding guests when we had our First Dance. Having had our daughter, Harper, a few months before the wedding, and being a working mom, I did not have much time to learn a choreographed dance (let alone plan a wedding!) It was a tradition of Brandon’s family though, and I so very much wanted to honor this tradition. We started dance practice late and as our wedding day got closer and closer, we realized we would not be able to get down the routine in time. On the day of, we decided we throw off our guests and start our dance swaying back and forth, like a middle school slow dance. When it was cue to start the choreographed part, I heard our guests gasp in surprise that we had something planned. It was so fun and exciting, and in the midst of the excitement from everyone’s cheering, we somehow pulled off the dance!

Take in every moment and enjoy the day! Really, just have fun. My wedding really did fly by – like every other bride had cautioned me – but I never realized just how quickly the day would be over!

Photographer: Sally Pinera // Wedding Planner: EDE By Jacqueline // Flowers: Chloe & Mint // Venue & Catering: Casa Del Mar Hotel // Wedding Dress: Martina Liana // Dress Salon: Lovella Bridal // Shoes: Badgley Mischka // Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo // Hair & Makeup: Kelly Zhang Studio // Groom’s Tux: Men’s Warehouse // Cake: The Butterend // Videography: April Story Films // DJ: Vox DJ’s // Ring Box: The Mrs. Box