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Real Weddings:

Annmarie and Taylor’s Nashville Wedding

Annmarie and Taylor’s friends and family travelled from both coasts—and everywhere in between—to celebrate the couple’s Nashville nuptials. With personalized details abound, the celebration at The Hermitage was planned and designed (including florals!) by Honeybee Events and included custom stationery design by Authentic by Frank, a stunning cake by Nashville Sweets, Bar Magnolia‘s retro mobile bar and a gorgeous vintage teal getaway car. The details made for some pretty gorgeous images, but as you can see in these gorgeous images from Sarah Nichole Photography, it’s the couple’s joy that really shines.

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What made your wedding special & unique?

It was so amazing to have our friends and family travel from all over the country to celebrate our big day with us. We had guests from the west coast, east coast, and everywhere in between! It was so special to have all of our people in one place.

 

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

I found my gown at The Dress Theory in Nashville. I wanted something unique, modest, and most importantly – I could dance in it! I decided on Julia by Flora. I really fell in love with the lace cap sleeves, and the long train and deep-v back were the icing on the cake and it was perfect for the dance floor!

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

I come from a Filipino family, so we opted to include the Filipino veil, cord, and coin traditions after our vows. The cord and veil were the same ones my parents used in their wedding 31 years ago, and my mom bought the coin set for us when she last visited the Philippines. I think it was a really special moment for everyone. Another favorite part of our wedding was choosing the vendors we admired the most. It was such an honor to share their work with our guests. We were part of every step and all the details felt very true to our personalities.

 

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Real Weddings:

Patricia and Rick’s wedding at The Armour House

featuring Maria Harte Photography

Patricia and Rick’s wedding is classic in the hue of light blue. The Chicago wed at The Armour House just days before moving their very Windy-City-rooted-lives to North Carolina . The bride describes the day as “a beautiful send-off for our adventures ahead as newlyweds.” Classic white rose-centric florals by Life in Bloom adorn the outdoor ceremony and are especially gorgeous climbing the steps of the venue’s grand staircase leading to the traditional ballroom reception. The white rose theme is carried into the piece de resistance—a spectacular three-tiered cake that mimics rose petals opening up. Lucky for us, Maria Harte Photography was on hand to capture the cake, the roses and the gorgeous couple and all their joy.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

Rick and I made the decision to live together before we got married, so we often wondered “would our lives really change that much when we get married?” We put a lot of effort to make our wedding special and unique, but I think what made our wedding most special was the timing. We got married two days before we picked up our entire lives in Chicago and moved 800 miles away to North Carolina. I lived in Illinois my entire life, and Rick’s only time out of state was the 4 years he spent in Baltimore for college – this was a big change for us. Our wedding was truly a celebration of not just getting married, but it was a beautiful send-off for our adventures ahead as newlyweds.

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

Once we got engaged (and let’s be serious, before the proposal as well), I was on the hunt for the perfect wedding dress. I envisioned a timeless dress that I, and any potential future daughters, could look back on years later and continue to say “wow this is stunning.” My buzzwords for the perfect dress were lace, sweetheart neckline, and mermaid style. I was absolutely willing to try on different styles for some fun, but I was pretty set on what I wanted.  I looked online to try to narrow down the dresses I loved, then called stores in the area to see if they carried it. I first tried on a dress I had been absolutely obsessing over but when I put it on, I thought “oh yikes, not how I thought it would be.” I went back to the drawing board to find another dress that met my criteria, and again called the shop. I went to The Crystal Bride in Geneva, IL to try on a different dress that I had fallen in love with online. However, I again put it on and thought “oh gosh, is this not the style I really want?” My posse wouldn’t let me feel defeated, and they hit the floors looking for my dress. This shop had so many amazing gowns so I was feeling pretty good about it. Sure enough, the next dress that I tried on was THE dress. What made it even more special to me was that my sister, Annie, picked it out! My dress was the Moriah gown by Soterro & Midgley, and I absolutely love it!

What were some touches made to your wedding to make it personal?

There were so many subtle touches to our wedding that made it personal to us but not too obvious to our guests. Chicago holds such a special place in our hearts. We both grew up in the suburbs, but our entire lives as Rick and Patti was in the city. Our relationship started there, our first place together was there, we got engaged there, the list goes on as to why this place is so dear to us.  Rick would be starting residency in North Carolina, and our big move was happening just two days after our wedding. To signify our transition from our lives in Chicago to our new married life in North Carolina, Rick got me a pearl necklace and earrings because “every southern belle needs her pearls.” We also always said we would get a dog once we are settled and in a good place to have a fur child, so I got Rick french bulldog cuff links as a promise for Rick’s dream dog – and now we are proud parents of our frenchie, Kevin. Another subtle touch that was so special to us but may not have been too obvious to guests was that I walked down the aisle with my mom to a harpist playing my dad’s favorite song. My dad passed away 7 years ago, and it was so important for me to feel his presence there as I walked down the aisle.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

Without a doubt, the most memorable part of the day was walking down the grand staircase with my brand new husband to all of our guests as we were announced as Mr. and Mrs! It was truly overwhelming to see all of the love and support we had from our family and friends, and it was so incredibly special to look into a room full of all of the people that we hold so dear to our hearts.

Tell us how you met and how you became engaged.

I was attending the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana when Rick made a special trip from Johns Hopkins in Baltimore to watch his brother, George, play football against U of I. His family set up camp at the stadium parking lot to tailgate before the game started; I had plans for my usual pre-game shenanigans at my sorority-fraternity block party until my friend (and Rick’s longtime friend) Casey suggested a switch-up in the plan to attend some tailgate instead. Surprise! I  was on my way to meeting my future husband, but that’s not to say “the rest is history” quite yet. We exchanged pleasantries, played some games, and socialized with everyone else at the tailgate. We went to different areas of the stadium to our assigned seats to watch the game, and that was the end of that – what a blunt and disappointing ending to the day they first met… Luckily the story turns around. Several years later, we were lucky enough to get a second chance. We re-met again at a mutual friend’s surprise birthday party. And now THIS time, the rest officially became history. Everything came full circle when Rick’s mom later found a photo from the day they first met at that tailgate. It wasn’t until that photo reappeared that we realized it was actually love at *second* sight.

For a LITTLE while, I would drop some not-so-subtle hints that I would be pretty happy to be engaged. We got plenty of save-the-dates in the mail, and I’d “jokingly” say how I can’t wait to send ours out. The day we got engaged, we had our annual plans to go to the Auto Show for his brother’s birthday. It was completely normal for our family to be there at our place before we headed out, so I didn’t think anything of us being together. Rick pulled me aside to show me yet another save the date that came in the mail. As I pulled it out of the envelope, I realized it’s OURS! He created a save-the-date with all of his favorite pictures of us. I turned around to find him down on one knee, with our family surrounding us. I expressed the ugliest cry and managed to say “yes!”

Photography: Maria Harte Photography // Floral: Life in Bloom // Stationery: Shine Wedding Invitations // Venue: The Armour House // Dress: Sottero and Midgley // Hair: Three One Two Bridal // Makeup: Joey Claeyssen // Video: Delack Media Group // Shoes: Badgley Mischka // Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale // Ring Box: The Mrs. Box

 

Real Weddings:

Catie and Chris’s Wedding at Epping Forest Yacht Club

featuring Lisa Silva Photography

Catie and Chris searched all over the state of Florida for a venue and ultimately chose the stunning Epping Forest Yacht Club for its elegant feel, old Florida charm, and sprawling English garden on the St. John’s River. The intimate celebration included an emotional ceremony in the estate’s lower gardens and a family-style dinner on the lawn overlooking the river. The decor was romantic with vintage elements including invitations by August and Osceola, calligraphy by Sydney Beth Designs and stunning florals by Tula Rose. The couple enlisted photographer Lisa Silva Photography to capture their day and she surely did in these stunning fine art film images.

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Photographer: Lisa Silva Photography // Second Photographer: Sarah Cebulski // Floral Design: Tula Rose // Invitations: August and Osceola // Venue: Epping Forest Yacht Club // Calligraphy: Sydney Beth Designs // Film Lab: The Goodman Film Lab // Wedding Gown: Pronovias // Dress Boutique: The White Magnolia Tampa // Makeup and Hair: Beyond a Salon // Suit: The Black Tux // Lighting and Rentals: Luxe Party Rentals // Music: Deron Baker, The Mix Duo // Officiant:  William Gillespie // Linens: Linen Lark

Real Weddings:

Grace and Zachary’s wedding at Pretty Prairie Farm

featuring Lauren Lee Photography

Grace and Zachary’s delightful wedding day took place at Pretty Prairie Farm. Highlights perfectly embody the cheerful couple including the sky blue barn venue, a fern-lined isle at the outdoor ceremony and punchy black-and-white striped table runners in the barn, but the bouquet by Madison House Designs is the detail that stole the show. Filled with pops of coral, huge open peonies and cascading ferns, it’s a showpiece that perfectly embodies the joyous garden-style of the day. Lucky for us Lauren Lee Photography was on hand to capture Grace and Zachary’s huge smiles and all the style in these lovely images.

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What made the wedding special and unique? 

from the bride: The aisle was like my dream come true, but it was special to me because we highlighted the back row of chairs with the pompom flowers, that reminded me of my sister’s wedding and was one of my favorite memories from when we prepared for hers over 6 years ago. My sister also inspired the invitations by creating them herself for us. Lastly, the shots from my sister and brother’s toasts were one of my favorite moments, because it so perfectly depicted how well my siblings knew me and all the things Zachary would need to know as we got married.

The entire head table was set in my grandma’s china and we also had both of our mothers’ wedding dresses on display. This was a wonderful and sentimental touch for our moms and grandmas.

The same friend who would help me find my wedding dress was also there when our relationship all began, we went on double dates with her and her husband throughout our whole relationship, and looked up to them for many years. When it came time to ask someone to marry us, neither of us had a doubt in our minds that it needed to be our dear friend from all those years ago. Mike was happy to come down and so perfectly share God’s love with all of our guests and how it inspires Zachary and I every day of our lives, and his wife, Hope, was able to be one of my bridesmaids.

I loved the touch of the groomsmen boutonnieres because it was a surprise for my hubby and helped bring some things that Zach loved into the pictures and the memories by the feathers and shotgun shells. Also the confetti exit was one of my favorite moments because it was a dream of mine to have happen. When Zachary and I first started dating, his nickname for me was firecracker, and since we weren’t going to have firecrackers at our wedding, this was the perfect compromise for me, and it reminded me of those first moments we shared together four years ago.

Another detail that we loved was our first dance; the first night Zachary and I ever really went out we listened to both of the songs we chose for our first dance. It was sentimental and wild and fit our personalities so well.

Lastly the Bible we had was a non-negotiable for Zachary and I. It was the perfect color combo for our wedding and it was so beautiful and sentimental for us to have everyone we know and love highlight and share their advice for us.

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

We found my dress at Universal Bridal and Prom. I originally had fallen for two dresses that could not have been more opposite. One was tight and all glitz and glam while the other was a princess ball gown all beaded and shiny. I wanted two things in my wedding dress, sleeves and glitter. I saw my dress and I told my mom, well I’m only getting married once and I want to try it. One of my best friends Hope was with me and the moment I walked out in it she said, “well that’s the one!” and she was spot on. I knew it the second I put it on, it was classy and yet fun at the same time, which is what led me to getting a sparkly gold and lace veil to add to the glam I wanted.

What was the most memorable part of the day? 

My two most surprising and  memorable moments were looking out the window while putting on my dress with my mom and my sister and seeing Zach getting his groomsmen photos taken and just immediately tearing up at the sight of seeing him. I did not expect to be so emotional, but seeing him made me so excited and ready to start our future together, and the next part was seeing my dad and dancing with my dad. I am such a daddy’s girl and other than seeing my husband and saying I do, that was by far the second most memorable moment for me. I specifically chose the songs with my dad because he and I always used to dance around the kitchen and drive my mom crazy at times, but the other song by Carrie Underwood I chose was “Girl You Think I Am,” because it so beautifully showed the love of a father for a daughter and so perfectly fit our relationship. “Bills” helped relight the mood, which my dad thus had to throw his own spin on by showing Zachary all the bills he was now responsible for!

Zachary said he had to say his most memorable moments, first and foremost was obviously me walking down the aisle to Carrie Underwood’s’ rendition of “How Great Thou Art.” But secondly he loved my dad’s toast, and first dance with me. It so clearly showed our relationship and Zach says it is a moment he would never forget.

 

 

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

Zachary and I met at Word of Life Bible institute in New York. After two years there pursuing one another, we went long distance for a year and a half before Zach surprised me. I was on Christmas break and I was working a double shift for Christmas Eve, I had just got off work when my mom was rushing me to get home and get changed to leave for family Christmas. My immediate family was all at home and we were just waiting on my sister and her family to arrive. When they got there, they said there was a package waiting outside for me, post stamped and all. When I opened it, it had wrapped presents inside for my whole family and mine was at the bottom. Everyone opened theirs and then my mom let me open mine and all that was inside was a note that said ding-dong, as I read it out loud the doorbell rang and when I opened it Zach was there. At this point we had never said I love you, because we had both been hurt before and believed that we needed to save saying I love you until we knew it would be forever. The moment Zach said I love you, I knew he was about to get down on one knee and propose. He could barely stammer out any words but I of course said yes, and my little nephew ran over to hug my new fiancé. Little did I know that Zachary was wearing the exact shirt and undershirt that he met me in 3.5 years ago. He is definitely the sentimental type.

 

Photographer: Lauren Lee Photography // Second Photographer: Jessica Babic Photography // Florist: Madison House Designs // Invitation Suite: Avant-Garde Impressions // Venue: Pretty Prairie Farm // Dress: Allure Bridal, From Universal Bridal // Shoes: Betsey Johnson // Hair and Makeup: J. Bentley Studio, Audi Anderson // Groom Attire: President Tuxedo // Cake & Catering: Catering by Scott // Officiant: Michael Duma // Videographer: Natalie Corina

 

Real Weddings:

Alex and Drew’s wedding at Devil’s Thumb Ranch

featuring Jamee Photography

Alex and Drew had no doubt High Lonesome Barn at Devil’s Thumb Ranch was their perfect wedding venue—Drew was scoping it out before they were even engaged. The Colorado location played an important role in Alex’s childhood and inviting all their friends and family to there to celebrate their nuptials was a must. Calluna Events planned a day filled with voluminous lavender-hued florals and cascading greens by Cori Cook Floral Design, periwinkle paper goods by Whimsy Design Studio and personalized rustic details throughout. Jamee Photography was behind the lens and captured all the beautiful moments in these stunning images.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

I grew up going to Devil’s Thumb Ranch. It is just down the street from the home my grandparents built in Granby, CO, after my Grandfather became sick and could no longer travel. They built it with the hope that family and friends would use it to visit them and it would be a place to gather and celebrate. Devil’s Thumb was always a place that served for special occasions and beautiful, nearby hikes. It became equally special to my husband, Drew. We love hiking around the area and ending the day with a glass of wine on the restaurant’s deck. Before we were even engaged, Drew had already reached out to DTR to see what dates they had open for summer 2019. He knew that it was the only option. We did not look at any other venues and had Devil’s Thumb locked in for Labor Day just two days after our engagement. Having all of our family and friends in a place that is so special to us and being able to share that with them was incredible!

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

The gown is Romona Keveza. I found it at Felice Bridal. It was the last dress I tried on there. I was deciding between two strapless gowns but something just did not feel right. The associate said there was one dress that they had just gotten in that day and she still had not seen it on anyone. It was the same as one of the strapless gowns I had tried on, but in a different cut that I had been liking on other dresses. I put it on and knew it was the one. I love that dress SO much!

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

For our ceremony, we had Drew’s Uncle, who everyone lovingly refers to as “H”, officiate the ceremony. We wanted to be married by someone who we personally knew and someone who knew our relationship from day one. He killed it. It was the perfect combination of love, religion, humor, and personal touches. We had my Grandmother, who first introduced me to Devil’s Thumb, do a blessing, which included how we truly believe that we were meant to be together, and Drew’s sisters did a reading. It was so special to have people who we love so much be a part of our marriage. Some other fun touches we did were personalized cocktail napkins with fun facts about the couple, Alex (a HUGE Elvis fan who got third place in an Elvis impersonation contest in 3rd Grade) walked down the aisle to Can’t Help Falling in Love, we brought the outdoors in with beautiful ivy hanging all over the beams inside the reception, and had a 12 piece band that kept everyone on their feet all night!

What was the most memorable part of the day?

The entire day I was so worried that it was going to rain. The weather had been beautiful up until that day and, of course, Saturday was the only day where rain threatened. You can see in a lot of the pictures how ominous the clouds look. There were a few drops during our first look and bridal party photos before the ceremony, but nothing crazy. In the middle of our ceremony, right when we started saying our vows, it started to rain. It was not a rain that makes you want to run inside or that will even get you super wet. It was a few heavy, scattered drops, but nothing more. I felt like, at that moment, my Grandfather, and all our other loved ones who are no longer with us, were there and making their presence known. It was comforting and peaceful. Looking into the man I love’s eyes and reciting our personal vows with this overwhelming sense of love was truly remarkable.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

The amount of small world connections that Drew and I have made it clear that we were meant to meet one way or another. Drew is from Lake Forest, IL and Alex is from Denver, CO. Drew moved to Denver for a job, not knowing anyone but his sister and an old friend from high school. That old friend turned out to be the boyfriend (now fiance) of Alex’s lifetime best friend (and maid of honor) and introduced them only two weeks after Drew moved to Colorado. Once the two met, they were immediately inseparable and knew that something was different. Alex’s best friend from college was also from Lake Forest, IL, and Drew’s sister used to babysit her growing up. Both were bridesmaids in the wedding. Drew needed to sublet his apartment in Chicago after moving to Denver. Alex’s friend from high school had just moved to Chicago and was looking for a room, so she ended up subletting from Drew. After 4 years of dating, Drew and Alex decided that they were going to combine Christmas with both their families that year and everyone was invited to celebrate in Avon, CO, where Drew’s parents live. On a snowy morning walk overlooking the mountains, Drew got down on one knee and proposed with his Grandmother’s (and Great Grandmother’s!) ring. The surprises continued as Drew had planned for Alex’s best friends and grandparents to drive up to the house shortly after. We ended the night with a snow cat ride to Beano’s Cabin in Beaver Creek where we celebrated!

Photography: Jamee Photography // Planning: Calluna Events // Floral: Cori Cook Floral Design // Paper goods: Whimsy Design Studio // Venue: High Lonesome Barn at Devil’s Thumb Ranch  // Wedding Dress: Romona Keveza from Felice Bridal // Bridesmaids Dresses: Hayley Paige // Hair: Shear Bliss // Make up: Bobbi Brown // Decor & Rentals: Pink Monkey Solutions  / Tents and Events // Linens: La Tavola Linen // Band: Denver Radio Band // Cinematography: Lupher Arts // Ring Box: The Mrs. Box