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Real Weddings:

Annie and Patrick’s wedding at Canyon Oaks Country Club

photography by Deer Lovers

We’re kicking off the new year with a total stunner! Planned by Grey Collective member CES Weddings and Events, Annie and Patrick’s day at Canyon Oaks Country Club is white-tented-rustic-elegance at its finest. Details include plentiful florals in a subdued palette by Cambray Rose Florist, vintage-inspired rentals from WeDo Designs, a beautiful naked cake by Upper Crust Bakery and a bride that fit the part in her effortless gown and cathedral-length lace veil. Deer Lovers was on hand to capture it all (including the giant marquee ‘L-O-V-E’ lights that were the handiwork of the father-of-the-bride!) in thee lovely photos.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

The attention to detail and the “wedding weekend” experience allowed us to blend so many important people in our lives, and show our friends and family why Chico is so special to us. Having so many guests see the bride’s hometown was so unique and made for an unforgettable celebration!

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

The gown was Nicole Miller. After 4 bridal boutiques and hundreds of dresses, I was on a casual Saturday shopping trip with 2 bridesmaids. We had intended on shopping for home decor and work out apparel, but ended up on a whim going into the boutique without an appointment. It wasn’t like anything I had tried on or envisioned but I felt the most at ease and natural in it!

What were some of the touches added to make the wedding personal?

My dad made 8 foot tall marquee letters to spell out “LOVE” after I had seen them posted on a blog. I inquired about renting them locally and after my dad heard the cost he said, “I can build those!” Lo and behold he has himself a side business now.

The dessert bar was unique and very popular, we had nachos (the bride’s guilty pleasure) as a late night snack. A close family friend put together the most amazing welcome boxes for our guests filled with tokens of Chico. Our welcome dinner on Friday included a cute photo booth in an old VW van, a band who played old classics, and jumbo marshmallows for s’mores – a summertime family tradition! Everything from the food and music, to the wooden round centerpieces on the tables which the bride’s stepfather had made out of cedar from Lake Almanor.

The ceremony was officiated by a dear mutual friend and included aunts and uncles that did readings that had significance from each side of the family.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

Taking photos in this wide open field at Sunset – our photographers stole us away at the golden hour and we are so thrilled that they did!

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

We met at work! We both work for Target and at the time that we met we were working at the same store. We dated for 5 years and we got engaged right before Christmas in 2015. We are known for being the ultimate hosts and entertainers, so at our annual Christmas party in our downtown apartment Patrick waited until all of our friends arrived and proposed in front of about 40 people. We popped champagne and partied until last call that night.

Planning: CES Weddings and Events // Photography: Deer Lovers // Floral: Cambray Rose Florist // Calligraphy: The Printed Pearl // Venue, Catering and Bar: Canyon Oaks Country Club // Rentals: WeDo Designs // LOVE Letters: Steve Ferreria, Father of the Bride // Dessert: Upper Crust Bakery and Celestino’s (Canoli) // DJ: The Wedding DJ Company  // Hair/Make-Up: Lindsey at Mecca

 

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Real Weddings:

Savannah and Nick’s wedding at Mount Hope Farm

photography by Erin McGinn

Savannah and Nick chose the cozy, elegance of Mount Hope Farm for their wedding venue and it was the bride’s mother—a 20-year-wedding-industry-veteran—who handled the rest. The rich autumnal tones of the day are exquisite and highlighted by romantic blooms and decor by Stoneblossom Floral and Event Design. This one is perfectly inspiring for the season and we’re thrilled to share the stunning images by Erin McGinn.

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From the bride, Savannah: After dating for seven years Nick and I immediately knew we wanted our wedding day to reflect us as a couple, while allowing us to celebrate with those that are nearest and dearest to us. We’re from Rhode Island and Boston respectively, but currently live in Colorado, so planning from afar was not without its challenges. Thankfully my mom has worked in the wedding industry for over 20 years and put together an all star cast of vendors for us. Through the planning never once did we worry about the day being anything sort of spectacular.

From the moment we visited we knew Mount Hope Farm was the perfect setting for us. The property is intimate, cozy, and elegant at the same time, and we loved that our wedding party was able to stay on site, to maximize the time we all had together. We held the ceremony at the church I grew up in, a place which holds incredible significance to my family, and to Nick and I.

Nick and I are both huge “foodies,” but being pescatarian, we challenged ourselves to come up with a menu that would stay true to who we are, but also be delicious for our guests. Russell Morin Fine Catering absolutely delivered, from the incredible spread of passed hors d’oeuvres, to a family style meal of roasted salmon and butternut squash ravioli for dinner, complete with fresh mini donuts for the end of the night.

After dinner we had my grandparents open the dance floor, a great way to honor their 65+ years of marriage, and their tradition of always owning the dance floor!

What made the wedding special and unique?

Because my parents owned a catering business and my mom has worked in the industry for over 30 years, many of our vendors were family friends that they have worked with for decades. It made me so proud to see the reputation my parents had built in the industry, and how our wedding was a true labor of love for these vendors. So many of them went above and beyond to make sure our wedding was special not just for my husband and I, but our whole family.

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

I was very nervous about wedding dress shopping, because I had high expectations, but still wanted to stay within my budget. But, I was so lucky to have found Blue Bridal in Denver on the one day my mom and sister where in town visiting, and I couldn’t have been happier with the experience and my dress. Before shopping I swore I wouldn’t wear a ballgown, but after trying a few on I realized how beautiful I felt in that style. Your wedding is the only day in your life you can get away with a dress like that, and I wanted to take advantage of that! The wonderfully patient women at Blue Bridal helped me find “the dress” that made me feel like the bride I always dreamed I would be. Their suggestion of adding a bolero lace top for our church ceremony made me feel like I had two gorgeous dresses in one, and they were even able to make a custom bow that I added to the back of the dress for the reception. Wearing my mom’s veil that her sister had made on my parents’ wedding day completed the look and reminded me of all the years of loving marriages that came before us. Finding out how beautifully my skirt spun on the dance floor didn’t hurt either!

Photography: Erin McGinn // Florist: Stoneblossom Floral and Event Design // Invitations/Paper Design: M Rock Creative // Venue: Mount Hope Farm // Dress Designer: La Sposa // Dress Boutique: Blue Bridal Boutique, Denver // Hair and Makeup: Wavelengths Salon and Spa // Shoes: Sam Edelman // Earrings: J Crew // Lighting: Exquisite Events // Décor: Stoneblossom Floral and Event Design // Transportation: Viking Tours of Newport // Catering and Cake: Russell Morin Catering and Events // Rentals: Peak Event Services // Music: DJ Bells

 

Real Weddings:

Emily & Greg’s Charleston Wedding

featuring Cheyenne Schultz Photography

Emily and Greg’s charming wedding in Charleston was exactly what they wanted: small, intimate, simple, and meaningful. They included their late fathers in the event by way of a touching display of candles and making them a part of the ceremony. Their vision for the day was also reflected in the gorgeous floral design by Ooh Events and the elegant black and white paper goods by The Lettered Lilly. The venue,  Cannon Green offered the simplicity and beauty this lovely couple was looking for, and Cheyenne Schultz expertly captured every special moment.

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What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?  

They honored both of their late fathers through a display of two candles on a pedestal and words from their officiant during the ceremony. Greg also carried his dad’s wedding ring that was engraved with he and his mom’s wedding date.

What made the wedding special and unique? 

Emily and Greg’s Charleston wedding at Cannon Green took place on the most beautiful 80 degree day in February! It was small and intimate with just close friends and family. The venue was beautiful as is, so there was no need to overdo it. Their wedding was all about Emily and Greg doing things just how they wanted to do them: simple and meaningful.

What was the most memorable part of the day? 

As Emily approached the first look location to meet Greg on the character ridden streets of downtown Charleston, she excitedly said, “I see him!” Their first look was such a quiet, sweet and special moment for the two of them.

How did you meet/get engaged?

Emily and Greg met at The Boat and Ski Club in 2004. Emily was a waitress and Greg was having dinner with friends after a fun day on the lake. After they both went their separate ways after years of off and on dating they met again at a bar in their hometown of Salisbury. It was so out of the blue but when they reconnected they both knew they had found exactly what they wanted!

Greg had planned an awesome weekend away in Aiken, South Carolina. They were in the process of moving to South Carolina at the time and Emily was visiting him in different parts of the state every other weekend while he was on call for work. He booked the sweetest airbnb, a tiny house on a farm, complete with chickens, horses, homemade honey, and a slobbery blood hound. Greg proposed on Saturday morning in the tiny house as they were about to explore a tiny little town they had ever been to.  

Photography: Cheyenne Schultz // Florist: Ooh Events // Invitations and Paper Goods: The Lettered Lilly // Venue: Cannon Green // Calligraphy: Leen Machine Calligraphy // Hair: Justin, Swish Salon // Makeup: Charlotte Yeager // Dress Designer: Anna Maier Couture // Dress and Veil purchased at: Nitsas apparel Winston Salem // Greg’s Suit:  Bruce Julian Clothier // Ceremony Musicians: Classical Charleston // Officiant: Kristen Barner

Real Weddings:

Lisa and Shane’s wedding at The Magnolia

Photography by Anna Lee Media

Lisa and Shane celebrated their nuptials at Oklahoma City’s The Magnolia turning the industrial warehouse venue into a beautiful wedding terrarium of greenery, jewel tones, metallics and twinkling lights. We’re loving the couples rich palette for fall, especially the stunning florals by Emerson Events. All the stunning details by planner Aisle Be With You definitely showcase why the bride Lisa strongly recommends opting for a wedding planner. Everything is so beautiful and it’s all captured in these gorgeous photographs by Anna Lee Media.

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What did you envision your wedding being prior to planning?

Prior to planning my day was to have delicious food, good beats, and be surrounded by friends and family.  I would say it was success! We had our favorite food vendors cater, the best band, and all of closest loved ones there.

What was your color palette and your style vision?

My vison of the flowers and décor at my wedding were Jewel tones with gold and grey accents. The style I envisioned for my wedding was elegant, modern, and romantic.

What unique elements or DIY details did you include?

Our altar was outlined with large gold medal lanterns atop of clear acrylic boxes adorned with air plants and florals.  The backdrop was greenery hung from the ceiling and we purchased a jewel tones rug to tie it all together.  The rug is now in our home and has a special memory for us tied to our wedding day. My flowers were jewel-toned, big blooms with hints of greenery and air plants.

Another DIY detail that is one of my favorites was our hand cut menu cards.  Each guest had one placed on their napkin.  I hand cut the shape myself from my design I had printed from a local printer.

What was your favorite crafted detail?

My favorite crafted detail was our welcome sign.  I had a friend hand letter our welcome onto a gold mirror.

What is one piece of advice that you could give brides-to-be?

Hire a wedding planner.  I’m very detail oriented and she helped bring my vision to life.  My wedding planner was worth her weight in gold.  She also made it so that I could truly enjoy every minute of my wedding day spent with my family and friends.

Describe the Day!

The day began with me getting ready at a hotel suite located in downtown Oklahoma City just blocks away from my wedding venue.  I opted for no bridal party but instead had girlfriends come and get ready with me in the morning.  We listened to tunes, sipped on mimosas, and had got ready together.   I hired a brilliant makeup artist who is also a friend of mine to come make my look complete for the day.  I felt the most beautiful I have ever felt when I saw myself and in the mirror with my dress on.

My groom and I then shared a first look together. I’m so happy I decided to do this.  It was a moment just for us that I will cherish always.    We then made our way to our wedding venue.  We got to have the whole place to ourselves to take in all the details before our family started to arrive for pictures.

Shortly before our guests arrived my groom and our families gathered in a back room.  One of my favorite moments was getting to sit and watch the guests arrive through a window that overlooked the entry to the building. Guests were greeted by a welcome sign that I designed and had printed at a local printer.  Along with an “unplugged” wedding sign.  We wanted our guests to be fully in the moment and enjoy this time with us minus the cellphones and cameras.

Then the ceremony started.  Two of our nieces carried hand lettered signs down the aisle.  Then I proceeded and greeted my groom at the altar.  We were married by a family friend, honorable Philippa James.  After exchanging our vows, we said I do and danced down to the aisle to our favorite Neil Diamond song “Cherry Cherry.”

The ceremony was followed by a cocktail hour with specialty champagne cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.  We hired our favorite live band to play music while guest sipped cocktails and found their seats.   The bar was decorated with air plants and a DIY sign that said “Eat Drink & May The Force Be with you.” We are both big Star Wars fans and wanted subtle hint at our favorite movies.

Shortly after the cocktail hour My husband and I had our first dance and got the party started! We danced to “Song for Zula” by Phosphorescent (Which our videographer included in our wedding video)!

As the band continued to play cover songs and hits us along with our guests enjoyed dinner catered by one of our favorite restaurants in town.  Shane’s favorite was one of the main courses – the meatloaf.  The recipe was the chef’s grandmothers handed down to her.

After enjoying our first meal as husband and wife we cut our petite Italian Cream cake and toasted each other.  I’m a cookie lover so naturally there were a lot of cookies on our dessert table! My favorite is the coconut corn flake cookies.

Then the real party started! The band played while friends and family got their groove on the dance floor.  We topped the night off with a last song “Coming Home” by Leon Bridges.  Once the event ended my husband looked at me and said “That is the most fun I have ever had.” To me that meant the night was a success. I could not have asked for a more perfect day!

Shane + Lisa from Dewberry Cinema on Vimeo.

Photo: Anna Lee Media // Planner: Aisle Be With You // Florals: Emerson Events // Getting Ready Venue: The Colcord // Venue: The Magnolia // Video: Dewberry Cinema // Cake: Stacie’s Cake // MUA: Hayley DeVilbiss // Hair: Blo. // Gown Retailer: RL Bridal // Lighting + Rentals: Marianne’s Rentals // Catering + Bar + Deserts: Cafe 501

 

Real Weddings:

Susan and Sunny’s wedding at Foxhall Resort

featuring Eliza Morrill Photography

Susan and Sunny’s wedding at Foxhall Resort was a day filled with Autumn scenery and a true celebration of love and family. Grey Collective photographer Eliza Morrill had this to say about the down-to-earth couple’s vows: “…exchanged overlooking the fields as the sun set, surrounded by friends and family, Sunny said to Susan the two words he most often hears her say: “thank you”—thank you for agreeing to be his wife and making him a better man. Susan spoke of how Sunny is the true reflection of his name—“Sunny like the weather,” and I don’t believe that there was a dry eye on that mountain.” Perfection, right? Lovely planning and coordination by Samantha Warren, colorful florals by Estorie Floral and a rustic cake display by Cecilia’s Cakes make this fall affair truly inspiring.

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What made the wedding special and unique? 

The ceremony was our biggest focus of the whole day. My dream for our wedding was that our friends and family would feel seen, and known, and loved. We know this is God’s intent for every person, and that’s why marriage is the perfect picture of how He feels about us. My sincere hope is that people left the wedding feeling celebrated and so loved – because we sure love them.

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

My mom, Matron of Honor, and I went to The Sentimentalist in Atlanta, and I could not be happier that we did! It was actually the only store we went to. Their team is incredibly helpful and made the whole process so enjoyable and personal. They really figured out my style and what I was looking for, even before I did. I loved the very first dress that I tried on, and I kept comparing every other dress to that one. At the end of our session, I just knew the first one (by Rebecca Schoneveld) was “the one”, and we placed the order then and there.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal? 

In addition to photography (shout out to the amazing Eliza!), there were two elements to the day that were most important to me: food and music. I wanted the food to be delicious and personal – like you’re sharing a table and great meal at someone’s home. Shauna Niequist, anyone? We wanted options that were healthy and delicious, and lots of them! Sun in My Belly did a phenomenal job executing this vision. We also ordered about 9 differently flavored satellite cakes from Cecilia’s so that people had tons of options. And s’mores. No one was going home hungry!

As for music, this started with the ceremony. My dear friend coordinated musicians, sound, etc., and it was the best and most personal wedding gift that anyone could ever give to us.

What was the most memorable part of the day? 

From the bride: Sunny and I wrote our own vows, and I’ve never felt so honored or loved. I’ll never forget the commitment we made to one another in those sweet moments. Not long after our vows, we had the opportunity to take communion and pray together, overlooking the beautiful landscape at Foxhall. The beauty of God’s creation is one of those gifts in life that always hits me hard – really hard. I was overwhelmed as we stood together, and it’s like I was experiencing love in a brand new way. Just like the fields we were overlooking – it was so expansive.

I can’t believe I get to walk alongside Sunny for the rest of our lives. When it comes to a life-long partner-in-crime, I hit the jackpot.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

We’ve actually worked together for the past four years – in the same department, but different teams! About three and a half years ago I actually set Sunny up on a blind date with a friend of a friend, because I thought very highly of him. Fast forward, and Sunny and I grabbed dinner with a mutual friend that he knew in college, and I’d known in elementary school. We had a great time! Sunny and I had ridden together from our office, and ended up chatting for a long time in the parking deck when we returned. We agreed to hang out a couple of days later, but just didn’t invite our mutual friend. It didn’t take long to realize how much we both enjoyed being together. Selfishly, I’m so thankful that blind date years before didn’t go too far!

We love to hike together, so it was only fitting that Sunny proposed on a hike. The moments leading up to the proposal were hilarious, which is fitting for us, and made the thing a huge surprise. I asked him if he wanted to sit down, and he told me he’d rather kneel. I thought he was kidding, but then he did. Cue my water works!

Photography: Eliza Morrill Photography www.elizamorrill.com // Planning + Coordination: Samantha Warren | Forever and Then Some // Floral Design: Estorie Floral // Venue: Foxhall Resort, Legacy Lookout // Bride’s Dress: The Sentimentalist // Bridesmaid Dresses: J. Crew // Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse //  Caterer: Sun in My Belly  // Cakes: Cecilia’s Cakes
// Hair + Makeup: Hope Ferguson // Band: Love, Peace & Happiness Band // Second Shooter: Maggie Armstrong