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Real Weddings:

Danielle and Sam’s wedding at Biltwell Event Center

featuring

Romantic details like lace, a palette of pink and mauve and voluminous gathered bouquets shine in Danielle and Sam’s hometown Indianapolis wedding. They couple were married at Roberts Park United Methodist Church followed by a reception at Biltwell Event Center—a venue they had stumbled upon years prior and joked “we should get married there.” Well, they did, and it’s lovely. Wedding planning by Emily Ventura Designs  with floral design by Grounded Weddings , invitations by Jen Simpson Design, cake by Cake Bake Shop and beautiful images by Chloe Luka Photography.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

Our wedding was so special to us because it brought all of our favorite people together! We are so grateful to all of our friends and family who traveled from near and far to celebrate with us. It was the day that we were able to stand in front of the most important people in our lives and share a lifelong commitment to each other. We had our reception at an event space that we accidentally stumbled upon years before we were engaged, and jokingly mentioned that we should get married there, so it was special that we were able to make that happen! We also had our two golden retrievers come for a few pictures, and that was also really special for us!

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

I had an idea of what I wanted when we went shopping for a gown, but was open to trying other styles. However, when I put this one on, I knew it was the one! It was what I always imagined myself in. It was the first one I tried on and I instantly fell in love. It is a Pronovias gown from Marie Gabriel Couture in Indianapolis.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

All of our guest place cards were in little succulents that they could take home to remember the day! We also did a floral tie for the guys which was fun!

What was the most memorable part of the day?

The whole day was a dream and so memorable! The part that sticks out to us most is the first look, because we were finally seeing each other on our big day after all of the anticipation leading up to the wedding. At that point, everything felt so real and hit us that this was finally happening!

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

We met in school at Purdue University, and began dating after graduation after years of friendship. Two years later we were engaged on our first camping trip!

Photography: Chloe Luka Photography // Wedding Planner: Emily Ventura Designs // Floral Design: Grounded Weddings // Invitation Design: Jen Simpson Design // Ceremony Venue: Roberts Park United Methodist Church // Reception Venue: Biltwell Event Center // Videographer: Blushing Films // Wedding Gown: Pronovias from Marie Gabriel Couture // Hair: Salon Honey // Makeup: Kate Shaw // Cake: Cake Bake Shop // Catering: Hoaglin // Bridesmaids Gowns: Azazie // Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux // Ring Box: The Mrs. Box // Entertainment Services: DJ Sound Solution

 

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Real Weddings:

Aislinn and Jon’s Tuscan Wedding

photography by Art De Vie

Aislinn and Jon’s wedding married multiple cultures and families living across the ocean from one another, so the couple figured if everyone was going to travel—make the destination one that everyone would want to vacation to. Enter Villa Medicea di Lilliano, a historic Tuscan villa overlooking the hills of wine country with a view of Florence in the distance. Event designer and coordinator, Super Tuscan Wedding Planners, brought in florist Flowers & Living to help create a stunning rooftop ceremony and Grey Collective member Art De Vie travelled with the couple from New Orleans to capture all the love and details in these beautiful images.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

We decided on Italy as our destination wedding, since we were trying to marry multiple cultures and families living across the ocean from one another. We figured if we were making everyone travel, we should at least find a location people would want to come to. Our mutual favorite wine is also a Chianti Classico, so getting married in a Tuscan vineyard full of such wines was a dream! We didn’t have the opportunity to travel to Italy before the wedding, so we had to land on a venue and make all associated decisions without ever visiting the Villa in person. That made the revealing of the grounds the day before the wedding extra special! We were blown away by the beauty of it all – the pictures we had seen online really didn’t do the Villa justice. The aspect of our wedding most unique to us was that we had people from 7 countries and 6 different states – most of whom didn’t know each other before the wedding – come together and connect as if they were all old friends. Most of the members of our families (with the exception of our parents) had also never met beforehand, so it was quite special to see how well the group meshed and how much fun everyone had together.

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

It was a Martina Liana fit and flare gown with a high neckline, sheer back with delicate lace details and pearl buttons. The dress had several layers to it, with ivory embroidered lace and stone tulle over a moscato-color gown and porcelain tulle illusion. I found it at Town and Country in New Orleans the week my parents came to visit for Thanksgiving from the Netherlands. It was the first time they met Jon’s parents, and I wanted to have at least one opportunity to go dress shopping together with my mother, and Jon’s mother and sister – so it was quite meaningful that I was able to find THE dress during the one day I had everyone with me!

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

We determined early on that we wanted someone we knew to perform our ceremony, and eventually decided to ask Aislinn’s Irish uncle who was also coincidentally an honorary Senator of the state of Louisiana – neatly representing both the Irish heritage of the bride and the Louisiana heritage of the groom! We tried to incorporate various elements from our different cultures in the wedding. We decided on a sit-down dinner in keeping with most European traditions, but we treated the speeches during dinner as most Southerners do the night before at the rehearsal – anyone who wanted to speak was invited to stand up and say a few words. Since our wedding was quite small (56 people), it made it very personal to get to hear from some of our dearest friends and family, without feeling like we had to limit the speech time. The party afterwards too incorporated both European and Southern elements – the dancing went on until 1:30 in the morning with your typical wedding music, interspersed with Irish tap dancing, Dutch folk songs, and the LSU Tigers marching band anthem. Our party favors were both a memento from the region (local olive oil and Limoncello), as well as Mardi Gras beads we had brought over from our home in New Orleans. We truly tried to mesh our separate backgrounds and experiences, making the wedding feel like it was anything but standard.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

Walking up the stairs to the rooftop terrace overlooking Tuscan wine country – and in the distance, Florence – where everyone was gathered for the ceremony. While the surroundings were unquestionably stunning, the only thing Aislinn remembers seeing as she walked down the aisle was Jon’s emotional face, and that she couldn’t stop the sudden onslaught of tears. It was a very touching moment because it just felt so surreal to be in the midst of that gorgeous environment, getting to say ‘I do” to each other, surrounded by so many of our favorite people who had traveled such a great distance to be there with us.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

We met at Aislinn’s work, where Jon would regularly come to visit clients. Aislinn was sitting in her friend Mary’s office when Jon walked in to discuss matters of business with Mary. Before long, the conversation took a personal turn, and Aislinn wanted to know where Jon was from. He thought the answer of ‘north Louisiana’ was self-evident enough, but when Aislinn thought that meant somewhere near Kentwood (the home of Brittney Spears – which, as a newcomer to Louisiana, was really the only place outside of New Orleans that Aislinn was familiar with), Jon decided to draw a map on the whiteboard and explain the geography of Louisiana to the poor ignorant foreigner. He was, in fact, from a town nowhere near Kentwood. Mary – who would later be the Matron of Honor at our wedding – shrewdly observed the chemistry between us in those short 45 minutes, and quietly conspired with a friend of Jon’s to set us up on a group date. That group date ended in everyone else leaving well before midnight, and the two of us staying out together until 2 a.m. (on a Monday evening). We became engaged 2 years later while on vacation on the Greek island of Santorini. Jon proposed on the balcony of our room, with a bottle of wine, overlooking the Aegean sea. We then went out to celebrate and ended up partying with the locals until 6 a.m. We may have missed the vineyard tour we had planned for the next day, but it was worth it!

Photography: Art De Vie // Event Design/Coordination: Super Tuscan Wedding Planners // Florist: Flowers & Living, Wedding & Decor // Venue: Villa Medicea di Lilliano // Bride’s Gown Designer: Martina Liana // Bride’s Gown Store: Town and Country // Hair: Claudia Messeri // Makeup: Claudia Messeri // DJ/Band & Lighting: Alma Project 24/7 Entertainment // Catering, Cakes, & Rentals: Ciabatti // Wedding Rings: Adler’s // Groom & Groomsmen’s Attire: Joseph A. Banks

 

Real Weddings:

Zanny and Noah’s wedding at Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman

photography by Benj Haisch

Zanny and Noah’s “Glampin” wedding is a vibrant, rainbow-hued celebration of love and life, nature and art. The Washington state celebration planned by Simply by Tamara Nicole took place at the breathtaking Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman. From the waterfront ceremony, to the “hike-to-reception” in the forest, no detail was left unimagined. The art-loving couple hand-made almost all of the decor with textured papers, screen printing and fabrics. Paisley Petals created the glorious cutting-garden summer floral arrangements, arbor, spectacular bridal bouquet and a delightful “DIY bouquet” table for the bridal party while they were getting ready. There’s just so much summer-goodness to love about Zanny and Noah’s big day and Benj Haisch was on hand to capture it all in these beautiful images.

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from the planners: Noah and Zanny’s wedding was one full of love, and they had the most close knit tribe I have seen at a wedding. You can tell they are loved, and also love on their people hard! I don’t think you can find a more picturesque place to say I do than where they did, on the beach below the trees at Lake Cushman for their “Glampin” wedding.

They had SO many personal touches for their wedding, which doesn’t surprise me as they love art, and Noah is an artist in CA. They made almost all of the decor for their wedding. From all of the fun signs made with patterned paper and wood, to the table numbers, and pretty much everything. They were married by their close friend, and each had 11 bridespeople and groomspeople standing on each side (half of which were barefoot as well). Noah is known as “No Shoes Noah” so it only made sense that others joined in to the shoes optional wedding! As they were getting ready, Paisley Petals created a “DIY bouquet” station at the cabin where Zanny and her party were getting ready.

For the ceremony, we laid down some blue patterned fabric as the aisle runner, and flanking the aisle were wood benches from Seattle Farm Tables and bamboo chairs, and greenery placed by Paisley Petals. At the front of the aisle stood a birch arch adorned in colorful wild blooms, with the lake behind. They had their friends play a song with guitar and vocals, and of course had their pup there with them as well!

After the ceremony, the guests followed the party through the trails up the hill to an area surrounded in tall trees, with string lights strung above them, and craft cocktails made by Ravishing Radish for cocktail hour. They created their own escort cards and had them all strung like a clothesline from a ladder and it was so colorful!

In addition to their wedding cake by Corina Bakery, they had friends and family bake so many fun goodies to add to the dessert table (on a killer wagon from Vintage Ambiance!). They made the sign for this too, like all of the signs at the wedding. “Treat Yourself” in fun patterned colorful paper. They even made their own signs for the restrooms “Gender Neutral Restroom.” Also, as it was a wedding in the woods (bugs!) we created a cute little corner with bug spray and a fun sign they made “Be Smitten, Not Bitten!” For after the wedding, they had a campground after-party (because most people were camping at the site!) for which their sign read “Let the wild rumpus start! After Party”.

As guests entered the tent, they took their seats at the long farm tables and benches from Seattle Farm Tables, adorned with various bud vases and candles that Zanny and her family collected themselves. SO many candles and vases, and full of fun bright flowers from Paisley Petals :) Each guest had their name hand-stamped on fun patterned and colored paper by the couple themselves!

Instead of going right into dinner, they had a dance set first and EVERYONE was on the dance floor, it was packed! You could just feel the love and closeness as we had like 8 speeches scattered throughout the dinner (amazing food by Ravishing Radish!). Then they danced the night away under the stars, light and RAIN (outside the tent) to the rad music by Side One Band. They even had some friends that are musicians perform their music and it was SO GOOD. At the end of the night, guests stood in the rain with sparklers for the send off, and were sent with adorable smore’s kits made by the couple.

Photography: Benj Haisch // Planning: Simply by Tamara Nicole // Flowers: Paisley Petals // Venue: Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman // Cake: Corina Bakery // Hair and Makeup, Décor, Signs etc. Bride and Groom // Catering/Bar: Ravishing Radish // Rentals: Vintage Ambiance // Rentals: CORT Party Rental // Rentals: Seattle Farm Tables // Band: Side One Band

 

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:

Angie and Jesse’s Santa Barbara Historical Museum wedding

photography by Lavender and Twine

YOU GUYS! Angie and Jesse’s wedding at Santa Barbara Historical Museum is SO GORGEOUS! The couple enlisted Rebecca at Imagine…Weddings & Special Events to help them create their perfect day which included a palette of natural tones with pops of Santa Barbara’s seasonal (amazing) color  and an emphasis on farm-to-table. We love the mix of styles—romantic with a hint of boho—with florals by Coco Rose Design stationery by Honey Paper, cake by Lele Patisserie and vintage get-away car. The details are vibrant and joyful, just the the couple, and we love the way Daniele Rose with Lavender and Twine captures it all so beautifully in these film images.

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How did you meet?

The old fashioned way…On Match.com! Jesse was my first date and last kiss. Truth be told, we both believe we would have met eventually anyway. I (the bride) years ago, was working at Saturday Night Live and regularly in contact with my now husband’s previous company, The Writers’ Store, in California.

Describe the proposal.

We love spending occasional weekends at Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. Under a full moon in November, Jesse got on one knee under an old oak tree and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him.

Tell Us More About Your Story:

The Santa Barbara Historical Museum is rich with history, yet a blank canvas for any event. We did natural tones and our pop of color was the seasonal and regional offerings that Santa Barbara provides. We believe in farm to table which carried through in our flower and plant choices. Phillipe with Catering Connection created an amazing menu that was French inspired, California Cuisine. It was tapas style, but a lot of food and extremely filling. Our wedding was uniquely us, a blend of tradition, with the forward spirit that we each bring to the relationship. For example, our dinner was served tapas style because we wanted all of our guests to experience the excitement we do around amazing food.

Rebecca brought our wedding to light with a collaborative, supportive, and focused energy along with her eye for all of the beautiful details. What sets Rebecca apart from the rest, is her ability to bring the bride’s vision to fruition without imposing her own stylistic choices, unless she is asked. Rebecca removed the noise around us, which allowed us to focus on the moment.

Describe your vision/inspiration for your wedding day.

We knew right away we wanted to get married in Santa Barbara, therefore, the majority of our vision was based in the beauty that Santa Barbara has to offer. I am from the south and the groom from CA & NY. We wanted to share with our out of town guests the exquisiteness of California, while still hosting an intimate event. We wanted to eat, drink, and dance under the warm moonlit sky in one of our favorite places and with our absolute favorite people!

What was your favorite part of your wedding day?

We have three! Our first was the ceremony itself, which culminated in feeling and seeing the love and support from all of our friends and family. Our 2nd was our first dance! Jesse is not a natural dance, but on our wedding night, with lessons behind us, we owned the dance floor to King Floyd’s “Groove Me”. Our 3rd was the fact that nearly everyone spent the entire night on the dance floor.

How would you describe your personal style and fashion (wedding dress/tux)?

Having lived in NYC while working for Saturday Night Live, I was swept up with the style the city has to offer. Heading west, I could not help but be inspired by everything that is classic Hollywood. So I would say our style is a blend of southern charm, meets NYC fashion, mixed with the glamour old Hollywood has to offer.

The dress: Finding the perfect wedding dress is an event in itself, one to be celebrated with loved ones, and what better destination for a wedding dress celebration than New York City. My mother and sister flew in from North Carolina to the city I lovingly called home for almost 5 years while working at Saturday Night Live. Bergdorf was high on the list and when I found out they were having a trunk show with Austin Scarlet, first season winner of Project Runway, our date was set. The experience was nothing short of amazing. I met with Austin, who was warm, creative and seemed to know what I was looking for before I knew it. Later he followed up with hand sketches and in no time the dress was taking shape. Weeks out from our wedding day I brought the dress into a local, Los Angeles designer shop, L’ezu for some last-minute alterations. While working with Patricia Nevil, the owner and designer, I fell in love with a one of a kind, fun and sassy dress that Patricia made herself, and luckily, fit me like a glove.  A really neat part about the dress is the not one piece of lace was the same, and all from different parts of France. This dress was the perfect party dress and a great excuse to do a wardrobe change before our first dance.

 

 

 

What was the most memorable moment of your reception?

There are so many! Our first dance as mentioned above, but after the first dance the band played one of our favorite Grateful Dead songs, “Shakedown Street”, where all our friends and family hit the dance floor in celebration. Our band Modern Tribe learned and played songs not on their typical set list with complete precision.

Other Special Touches included:

  • Suzy and My Something Blue
  • The wrap on my bouquet was made complete with an embroidered flower from my dear toy poodle Suzy’s favorite sweater. At eight pounds and known for her sassy ways, Suzy was my trusted and beloved companion for over 18 years. Adding an embellishment from her sweater brought her presence to our special day along with my something blue.
  • Spoons: A perfect finishing touch came together through the love, creativity and energy of my sister Natalie. She found a beautiful Haiku, Patience by Kewayne Wadley that inspired her to find unique, antique teaspoons for each guest, and that served to direct our guests to their designated table. What’s more incredible is the journey of the 80-pound board Natalie made herself in Asheville, NC and brought to Santa Barbara to hold the spoons.

Wedding Planner: Imagine…Weddings & Special Events Rebecca Gigandet // Photographer: Daniele Rose, Lavender and Twine // Florals: Nina Kincaid Coco Rose Design // Invitations & Calligraphy: Honey Paper // Wedding Venue: Santa Barbara Historical Museum // Videographer: Santa Barbara Wedding Films // Ceremony Dress: Austin Scarlett / Bergdorf Goodman // Reception Dress: Patricia Nevil L’ezu // Bride’s Shoes: Ceremony: Badgley Mischka // My something borrowed from my sister Natalie: SJP // Bride’s Earrings: Patricia Nevil L’ezu Beverly Hills // Cake: Lele Patisserie // Groom’s Tux: Ted Baker // Groom’s Shoes: To Boot Adam Derrick // Groom’s Watch: Shinola Limited Edition Rambler 600 // Rings: Single Stone // Catering: Catering Connection // Officiant: Nanette McIntyre // Rentals & Linens: Town & Country Event Rentals // Lighting: Bella Vista Designs // Entertainment: Modern Tribe // Getaway Car: Ala Carte // Transportation: Santa Barbara Trolley