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Real Weddings:

Emilie and Steve’s wedding at Parque at Ridley Creek

featuring Emily Wren Photography

Is there anything more delightful than realizing Dahlia season is upon us!? Emilie and Steve’s fall nuptials at Philadelphia’s Parque at Ridley Creek, highlight the much-loved bloom and all of it’s late-summer glory. The couple stated their vows in The-Secret-Garden-esque courtyard on the estate grounds followed by a celebration at the historic mansion. Dahlia-centric florals in a palette of dusty pinks, light peach, deep merlot and barely-there-blush are by Love n Fresh Flowers with coordinating by Peachtree Catering. The couple enlisted Emily Wren Photography to capture their day and you can see it all in these lovely images.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

Our venue made our wedding so special! Parque at Ridley Creek State Park was our dream venue. The Hunting Hill Mansion is an old stone mansion that once belonged to a family as their foxhunting vacation home. The mansion is surrounded by beautiful gardens and scenery, which made our outdoor ceremony so magical! It is set in the middle of a beautiful state park outside of Philadelphia. Parque was the perfect venue for us not only because of its beauty, but because we are such outdoorsy people. We love hiking all over the world and just being in nature. Starting our future at Parque was just the beginning of a lifetime of adventures.

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

My “dress” is actually a 3-piece from BHLDN. It is a skirt, corset, and lace topper. After looking at dresses at multiple bridal shops, I didn’t find any that I loved until I went to BHLDN. BHLDN had the romantic, less-formal style I was going for. I originally wasn’t looking for a 3-piece, but my mom showed me a photo of what it looked like online and I was in love! The 3-piece was great because you can buy each piece in your size, which is a great feature when you’re petite. I still needed alterations, but not many!

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

A special part of our wedding was that we read our own vows. Steve was 100% set on doing this from the start, but I was a little nervous for it especially because I despise public speaking. Writing our own vows definitely took some extra thought, but it made the ceremony so special. Our guests gave us great feedback and really enjoyed that our ceremony had such a personal touch. Another special touch was the gorgeous flowers we had from Love n’ Fresh Flowers. Jennie grows all of her flowers herself on her flower farm in Philadelphia. It is so cool that we were able to support a local farmer! The flowers and decor really brought our venue to another level.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

Our first look was such a memorable moment for us! It was a moment we got to spend alone before we tied the knot and before the craziness of the wedding would begin.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

Steve and I met in a bar over 5 years ago. I picked him up! It actually took approaching him twice for the sparks to fly. After that night we were inseparable. Steve and I were vacationing in Kauai, Hawaii when he proposed. We were in the middle of a day-long hike on the Kalalau Trail along the Napali Coast. It was one of the most jaw-dropping gorgeous hikes of our lives. We hiked to a private beach and then up to a waterfall that we got to swim under. Steve pulled me off the trail for a water break, then proceeded to get on one knee. He couldn’t have picked a better place to propose!

Photography: Emily Wren Photography // Coordinator: Bridget Kelly Peachtree Catering // Florist: Jennie Love Love n Fresh Flowers // Venue: Parque at Ridley Creek // Hair: Taylor McGivney // Makeup: Nicck Townsend // Dress: Catherine Deane / Watters // Caterer: Peachtree Catering // Band/DJ: Nick Diguilo White Label DJs // Transportation: Ace Limousine and Transport

 

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Real Weddings:

Jenna and Michael’s Chesapeake Bay Wedding

Jenna and Michael sought after “a non-traditional wedding venue that reflected our love for the outdoors and the water.” They found the perfect place in Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum—with it’s elegant beauty overlooking the Miles River. Susan Wilson Designs introduced the day with a custom watercolor illustrated invitation suite.  A palette of neutrals and dusty blush florals by Seaberry Farms perfectly complimented the bright blue sky and patterned blue tablecloths in the white tent reception while the bride was a vision of restrained elegance in a Modern Trousseau gown. See all the details—and gorgeous scenery—in these images captured by Ashley Cox Photography.

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What made the wedding special and unique? 

The venue! My husband and I were looking for a non-traditional wedding venue that reflected our love for the outdoors and the water. Several of Mike’s and my first dates were out sailing; so finding a venue that honored the tradition of sailing seemed like a great fit. When we first visited the quaint waterfront town of St. Michaels, Maryland, we knew immediately that it was a perfect town for our intimate wedding. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum set the tone for our picturesque celebration with its natural yet elegant beauty overlooking the Miles River. Our outdoor ceremony, officiated by my brother, preceded a sunset cocktail hour in a barn filled with antique sailboats illuminated by string lights and lanterns. Following the cocktail hour, celebrations continued just a few steps away under a tent set up on Navy Point. Our friends and family danced the night away as boats sailed from the harbor. We will forever treasure our special day with family and friends and could not imagine a more fitting place to say our vows.

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

Shopping for my wedding dress was a very special experience for me. Two sisters from my hometown opened the most charming and unique boutique bridal shop called Harbor Bridal. Hoping I would find my dress there, my mom and sister and I made an appointment. I tried on several dresses but kept going back to one of the first dresses I tried on. A low-back Modern Trousseau gown. It was simple and elegant.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal? 

Early on in the planning phase my husband and I discussed incorporating our immediate family in special ways. We decided to ask my brother to officiate the wedding, and I asked my sister to be my maid of honor. We asked both of our moms to read a “Hands” poem during the ceremony. We also embraced the “blessing of the rings” tradition. We tied our wedding bands together and they were passed to each and every guest throughout the ceremony. Before passing the rings to the next person, they were infused with best wishes. During the cocktail hour, we had a table set up with pictures of our parents and grandparents on their wedding days! It was a nice way to celebrate our history and the strong marriages in our families.

What was the most memorable part of the day? 

It’s impossible to pick just one moment. I would have to say the moment I heard the acoustic guitar start to play “Claire de Lune” and my mom and dad grabbed each arm and slowly walked me down the aisle. I remember so vividly locking eyes with my husband-to-be and feeling overcome with love and excitement. It was an incredible feeling to stand in front of our closest friends and family, with my sister by my side, as my brother officiated a heartfelt ceremony that would officially start our marriage.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

Michael and I met in March 2014 through a mutual friend who was in town visiting from Ohio. Mike proposed on March 24, 2017 in the most romantic, private, thoughtful way, with a ring that has been in his family for over 160 years. After he popped the question in our apartment and we took a few minutes to celebrate the moment just the two of us, we hopped in a cab and to my surprise my whole family, his family, and my closest two girlfriends were waiting at a restaurant downtown ready to celebrate! He organized a surprise brunch the next day so both of our families could spend some quality time getting to know one another. It was a truly amazing weekend! The one minor detail that is worth noting is that when he got down on one knee, I was so emotionally overcome that I got a bloody nose (for the first time in my life), Putting a special twist on the most romantic moment of my life.

 

Jenna & Michael from Cecile Storm on Vimeo.

Photography: Ashley Cox Photography // Florals: Seaberry Farms // Custom Wedding Suite and Paper Goods: Susan Wilson Designs // Venue: Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum // Videographer: Cecile Storm Pictures // Wedding Gown: Modern Trousseau // Bridal Boutique: Harbor Bridal // Catering: Gourmet By The Bay // Ceremony: Swoon Union Ceremonies // Band: Men or Myth // Groom’s Suit: Diplomat Outfitters // Groom’s Shoes: Baudoin and Lange

 

Real Weddings:

Gena and Jake’s Colorado Wedding

featuring Michele with one L Photography

Gena and Jake’s family and friends travelled across the country to celebrate in Colorado—the state in which the couple met and call home. Planet Bluegrass offered a beautiful backdrop of mature Cottonwoods and redstone cliffs and the couple enlisted the skills of florist Living Arts Floral to produce fall-inspired creating like a cascading bouquet, ceremony arbor and gathered arrangements. During their vows, Gena produced a list she had written at church camp in seventh grade, where she names the qualities she hoped to find in her future husband. Not surprisingly, Jake fit the bill. Read on for Michele with one L Photography‘s take on the lovely day and enjoy the details in her photos.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

from the photographer: Gena and Jake had no bridal party, so the focus of the ceremony was completely on the two of them and their relationship. They were both in awe that Steve, their officiant and long-time friend, told the story of their relationship exactly as it happened. They were awed to realize someone else knew them and their love story as well as they did, and to be able to share it so flawlessly with their friends and family, many of whom were meeting Gena or Jake for the first time.

One of the things I appreciated most about Gena and Jake’s wedding was they wanted to have 15 minutes alone after the ceremony to just be together, and they even built it into their timeline. It is so easy to get caught up in the business of the wedding day, and this was one way they were able to stop and savor the meaning of the day, and each other.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

Gena and Jake both live in Colorado, but their guests traveled from different places, so they wanted to feature some really amazing things about Colorado for their guests. They chose October because fall is their favorite season in Colorado, and Planet Bluegrass featured a river and that dramatic rock backdrop for their ceremony.

Their caterer created uniquely Colorado, true-to-season dishes featuring Colorado peaches and Colorado lamb. For their wedding “cake,” they treated guests to Voodoo Doughnuts.

The music they chose for their day was also unique: Because Judah & the Lion is their favorite band, Gina walked down to aisle to the orchestra version of “Take It All Back,” and they walked back down the aisle, married, to the pop version. Their first and last dances were also Judah & the Lion songs.

 

 

What was the most memorable part of the day?

Gena told me that walking down the aisle and seeing Jake waiting for her was a moment she’ll never forget. She loved how she could actually feel the enthusiasm and excitement he had to marry her. Jake also loved seeing Gena walk down the aisle on the arm of her dad, her number one fan, getting ready to pass that torch along to Jake.

They both loved holding hands in the middle of their gorgeous ceremony site with the river and the dramatic rock wall in the background as they read their hand-written vows.

During their vows, Gena produced a list she had written at church camp in seventh grade, where she names the qualities she hoped to find in her future husband. Not surprisingly, Jake fit the bill. Gena told Jake she knew he might be the one before they even started dating, because “I was never more myself than when I was with you.”

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

Gena and Jake had both recently moved to Colorado and ended up meeting one night at Punch Bowl Social. It wasn’t long before they were watching hockey together, going to brunch, playing on the same kickball team, and seeing each other on a regular basis. After just a short time, Jake was pretty sure they were going to be together for a long time. Three and a half years later, they got engaged in Moab, and the rest is history.

Gena + Jake | Wedding Hightlight Film from Christian DaCosta on Vimeo.

Photographer: Michele with one L Photography // Wedding planner: Kathy Miller // Florals: Living Arts Floral // Venue: Planet Bluegrass Lyons, Colorado // Video: Christian Dacosta // Hair and makeup: Jordan Brittany // Bridal shop: Luv Bridal Denver // Bridal gown: Madi Lane Bridal // Groom’s attire: Tom James // Music: DJ Connection // Catering: Under the Sun // Bakery: Voodoo Doughnut // Invitation: Vista Print // Rentals: All Events Rentals

 

Real Weddings:

Melissa and Culen’s wedding at The Bradford

featuring A.J. Dunlap Photography

Melissa and Culen met when they were fourteen and remained friends for more than ten years before leaping into a long-distance relationship that resulted in this beautiful celebration of their love. The couple wed on the outskirts of Raleigh at The Bradford. With the help of  Cheryl-Anne Kast and Allison Morgan, the day was a vision of pinks, reds, dusty blues and hints of vintage charm–the multi-hued taper candles are a must see! Meristem Floral brings the beauty at every turn including the ceremony arbor, centerpieces and STUNNING bouquets. Stationery is by Kettle Pot Paper, calligraphy by Laced in Letters and cake by Guglhupf Bakery.  A.J. Dunlap Photography was on hand to capture all the moments and we’re thrilled to share the images with you.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

This day wasn’t just about the two of us – it was about bringing together the most important people in our lives and celebrating not only our relationship but all those who have had an impact on us. I wanted this day to truly be a celebration of love in all forms.

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

THE dress was the second one I tried on! I knew exactly the designer and type of dress I wanted. It had to be something feminine and romantic, but still sexy and curve-hugging. Lana Addison, a beautiful bridal boutique in Cary, NC had just what I was looking for.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

I’ve always been very involved in music and I knew I wanted my many musically-talented friends to have a part in the wedding. My close college friend, Colin, sang and played guitar during our ceremony, and my two best friends (and bridesmaids) sang as I walked down the aisle.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

The most perfect moment of the day was walking down the aisle. I felt so overwhelmed with the love and happiness expressed in the smiling faces of our friends and family. On top of this, hearing my incredibly talented best friends sing a cherished song while looking towards my amazing partner with tears in his eyes. WHAT A MOMENT!

Tied for most memorable part of the day: In his vows, Culen included a story about how on every birthday growing up, he would make the same wish when blowing out the candles – to find true love. He then said that after all those years of wishing, his dream had finally come true. Cue ALL the tears!

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

Culen was one of the first people I met when I moved from Ohio to North Carolina at age 14 (my maid of honor, Kiersten, was another!). I knew right away that there was something special about him. We were friends throughout high school and stayed in touch through college, but didn’t start dating until a few years after graduating. I was living in DC and he was living in NC, but I ended up asking him out while I was back in town for a long weekend. After spending the entire long weekend together (extra long due to a snow storm!), Culen insisted that I couldn’t go back to DC without agreeing to be his girlfriend. I decided to give it a shot and am so glad I did. We dated long distance for a year and then I moved back to NC to be closer to him and family. After another year and a half of dating, Culen proposed in Duke Gardens, one of my favorite spots in Durham, NC.

Photographer: A.J. Dunlap Photography // Coordinator: Cheryl-Anne Kast and Allison Morgan // Florist: Meristem Floral // Wedding Stationery Designer: Kettle Pot Paper // Venue: The Bradford // Calligrapher: Laced in Letters // Bridal Gown Shop: Lana Addison // Bridal Gown Designer: Pronovias // Hair & Makeup: Makeup Culture // Cake Artist: Guglhupf Bakery // Bridal Shoes: Ted Baker // Bridal Jewelry: Family Heirloom Jewelry // Bridesmaids Gown Shop: Jenny Yoo // Suits: Generation Tux // Transportation: Greenway Transit // DJ: Dj Rang // Caterer: Posh Nosh // Rentals: CE Rental / Greenhouse Picker Sisters  / Cottage Luxe

 

Real Weddings:

Lisa and Lee’s wedding at Il Salviatino

featuring Ben Yew Photography

Lisa and Lee’s wanted an intimate wedding, but the bride had never attended a small wedding and had a few reservations about it so she enlisted the expertise of Millie at Matthew Oliver Weddings and never looked back. Their big day was filled with beautiful surprises—including Il Salviatino, their Florentine Villa venue which they never even set eyes on prior to their wedding day! With complete trust in their planner, the couple celebrated on the meticulous historic grounds of the property with a garden ceremony and delightful courtyard reception. Fabulous garden floral arrangements are by Fluida Design with stationery by Meticulous Ink and menu by Papier. Lucky for us, Ben Yew Photography was on hand to capture the beautiful day in these stunning film images.

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What made the wedding special and unique? 

It was a mixture of so many things. We wanted a small intimate wedding but I had never been to a small wedding before – so I had some reservations of what it would be like. On the day it was perfect, utterly romantic, intimate & beautiful. This was due to a mixture of the venue, the setting and what our wedding planner, Millie, had put together, it was totally unique to us as a couple and captured the essence of our relationship. It couldn’t have been more perfect! What also made it unique was the fact we didn’t view the venue until our wedding day! I love surprises and I totally trusted Millie; everyone thought we were nuts, but it was the best decision I’ve ever made, other than marrying my husband!

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

I found the gown at a shop called Tilly Mint in Fleet, Hampshire. It was the first gown I tried on and my Mum cried, I knew right then it was the one! I bought it that day without going to any other shops!