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Real Weddings:

Jessie and John’s wedding at Red Tail Ranch

photographed by Katherine of Max & Friends

In honor of May Day, we’re sharing Jessie and John’s wedding at Red Tail Ranch. It’s a true testament to the power and brilliancy of great florals. Rain poured down on the couple’s outdoor wedding day and their planners, GATHER Events, hustled behind the scenes to keep the day beautiful and comfortable for family and friends. The result was a tented reception filled with graphic florals by Of The Flowers in a vibrant palette of yellow, tangerine, coral and ocher complimented by clean lines and natural textures like those in the paper pieces by Swell Press. The bold beauty of the floral palette and joy of the lovely couple was only enhanced by the grey backdrop of the rainy day and lucky for us Katherine of Max & Friends captured it all.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

Well — it POURED rain for what we had planned to be an outdoor wedding! Although we were initially worried, this turn of events morphed into an incredible opportunity for us to feel the love of our community, who just took the whole thing in stride. Our GATHER planners and other vendors moved heaven and earth to make sure our friends and family were comfortable and having the best time ever despite the weather. It ended up feeling special, memorable, and intimate in a way that we certainly hoped for, but never could have planned!

We also ended up having a welcome hour / cocktail hour prior to our ceremony, where we got to welcome our guests to our wedding. We had been nervous about the whole “ta-da” moment of the ceremony feeling not “us” — getting the chance to see all of our favorite people show up for us was a great way to make the ceremony more meaningful and feel more connected. Another cocktail hour also gave The Whaling Club another opportunity to wow our guests with their incredible cocktails and hospitality, a true wedding highlight!

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

We found Jessie’s dress at Sarah Seven — the first place we visited.  The experience was incredibly uplifting, affirming, and reasonable — and gave Jessie and her mom some really wonderful memories.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

We had some incredibly thoughtful and creative people help us make things personal. All of our wedding paper was created by Britt Rohr of Swell Press — she in particular helped us honor loved ones who couldn’t be there in our ceremony program. Natasha of GATHER miraculously turned some of Britt’s work into the coolest bar signage we’ve ever seen and which still graces our apartment bar today. We also wrote each guest a note on their place card  — it was a big priority for us to communicate to our community how much their support meant to us and GATHER helped us make that happen.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

It’s trite, but the best part of the day for both of us was saying our vows in front of our village. We felt so much love and support as we took this next step together.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

We met at an HR training at work — such a snooze!  Once we got to the point where we decided to truly build our lives together, the thought of one person asking the other didn’t feel right. So, after doing the dishes following a big dinner party at our tiny apartment, we decided to “go public” with that decision. For us, the highlight of becoming “engaged” was the chance to share that decision with our friends and family and get all sorts of support and advice for our next steps together.

Planning/Design: GATHER Events // Photographer: Katherine of Max & Friends // Florals: Of The Flowers // Invitations: Swell Press // Ceremony Venue: Red Tail Ranch // Calligraphy: Red Letter Day // Gown: Sarah Seven // Makeup/Hair: Page Beauty // Dessert: Knead Baking Company // Laser Cut Signs: Spoken Glass // Dj: Dart Collective // Caterer: Whoa Nelly Catering // Bar: The Whaling Club // Furniture Rentals: Found Rentals // Table Top Rentals: Borrowed Blu / Casa de Perrin // Linen Rentals: La Tavola Linen // Rentals: Town and Country Rentals / Marborg Industries // Transportation: Dutch Details Ojai

 

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Real Weddings:

Sasha and Alex’s wedding in Sayulita

photography by Leila Brewster Cross

Colorado couple, Sasha and Alex, gathered all the closest friends and family for their tropical destination wedding in beautiful Sayulita, Mexico. Villa Valentin, a breathtaking beach estate, had all the charm and character one could desire for a modern Mexico affair and the couple played up the vibes with colorful, joyful details. Adorable, hot pink custom paper goods and invitations were by Della Torre Designs while delightful florals were created by Flor Mimo. Sasha’s Leanne Marshall gown was the epitome of chic, simple beach vibes while fun accents like rainbow pom-pom garland, super adorable gift bags added touches of lightheartedness. Check out all the details in these lovely images by Leila Brewster Cross.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

It was such an incredible experience to have all our closest friends and family in a tropical destination! That was our vision and it really came to life once everyone arrived and we not only had the wedding day but a few days leading up to the wedding to enjoy Sayulita.

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

I have been obsessed with Leanne Marshall for years and I knew I wanted some lightweight for the heat in Mexico so silk seemed like a great option. It was actually the first gown I tried on and ended up going back to it after trying on many other gowns. I loved the gold detail that made it feel a little less traditional and gave it some flare.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

We did a lot ourselves once we arrived to Mexico; I think the gift bags were super fun and we put those together ourselves with the help of some Etsy finds and local goodies. The ceremony was officiated by the bride’s father which made that so special.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

We both agree that the ceremony was our favorite part of the day, such a surreal emotional moment. The first look was also really fun!

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

We got engaged at the top of the gondola in Telluride, under a shooting star Alex dropped to one knee, it was a total surprise. We had an amazing few days celebrating in Telluride after that.

SASHA + ALEX MARRIED! VILLA VALENTIN SAYULITA, MEXICO WEDDING TEASER from Betsi Ewing Studio on Vimeo.

Photography: Leila Brewster Cross // Florals: Flor Mimo // Planning: Carly, Milk Glass Productions // Invites + paper goods: Della Torre Designs // Venue: Villa Valentin // Gown: Leanne Marshall // Hair: Riley Fidel // Makeup: Hannah Thorndike // Catering: Sofia Sanchez // Rentals Group: Trendy Eventful Furniture // Video: Daneil Orren Betsy Ewing Studio // DJ Nick Challed  // Music: Tetewari Music / Esau Galvan Saltos / Alberto Perez Ramirez / Daniel Marquez Ortega / Sonny Davis

 

Real Weddings:

Hannah and Garrett’s wedding at Firefly Gardens

featuring Lucille Photo

High school sweethearts, Hannah and Garrett, tied the knot at the beautiful Firefly Gardens outside of Dallas, Texas in a celebration filled with joyful details. Fresh Flowers and Gatherings created some of the happiest florals we’ve ever set eyes on in a palette of yellows and peaches. Paired with dusty blue accents in the tablescape and bridal party the effect was like a crisp spring day filled with sunshine and smiles. The bride stunned in a Stella York dress with intricate floral appliqué and the groom added floral flair with a patterned tie. Lucille Photo was behind the lens capturing all the details in these images that are sure to make you crave that perfect spring day.

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What made the wedding special and unique? 

We had fun incorporating a traditional Czech Grand March in the reception. The dance was always a highlight of mine from family weddings I attended as a little girl. It was easily one of our favorite moments of the day! We also had a red balloon in our wedding decor which always meant “I love you” when we texted the red balloon emoji to each other. I didn’t know someone was bringing the balloon and I was so emotional seeing it in the reception.

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

My dress is designed by Stella York and I immediately fell in love with the delicate, floral lace. We custom tailored the bust to add lace trailing up the shoulders from the sweetheart neckline. As soon as I put it on I started crying. It’s from Joann’s Bridal in West, TX which is actually where my mom found her wedding dress years ago! That was not planned at all, but funny how life works that way. I also found it on my birthday! Best. Birthday. Ever.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

My family really made our wedding so special. My mother in law made delicious blue mint favors and my sister in law wrote everyone’s name on them in calligraphy. My brother in law is a pastor and married us and it made the ceremony that much more personal! We really had a wonderful team that wanted to help us and love us on our day.

What was the most memorable part of the day? 

The entire day was so wonderful it’s hard to choose, but Garrett and I both agree our final dance together was absolutely our favorite moment. We picked our second favorite “first dance” song (Make You Feel My Love by Adele), the room was empty and still, and we got to soak in the last moments of our perfect day. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

The groom and I are high school sweethearts and we’ve been together for almost 9 years! We started dating as a senior and junior in high school, but he had a crush on me for two years before we actually started dating. We dated through college and finally got engaged on a cruise to Mexico. We were both so happy to finally tie the knot!

Photography: Lucille Photo // Florals: Fresh Flowers and Gatherings // Invitations: Kismet Print Co. // Venue: Firefly Gardens // Dress Designer: Stella York // Dress Boutique: Joann’s Bridal // Hair: Corenne Hess with Revel Workshop // Makeup: Katy Moore with Luxe Salon // Bridesmaid Dresses: Lulus / Asos / Azazie / Weddington Way / Show Me Your Mumu // Men’s Attire: The Black Tux // DJ: Leforce Entertainment // Catering: Mama Cuca’s // Film Scans: Photovision

 

Real Weddings:

Karla and Peter’s Lake wedding in Indiana

featuring Sharin Shank Photography

Karla, originally from Chile, met Peter in Granada, Spain while traveling abroad. So, it was very important to the couple to incorporate as much of Latin American culture into their wedding day in Columbia, Indiana. The vibrant, outdoor celebration was planned by Christina Burton Events and held at Peter’s grandparent’s private estate. The day was filled with tailored details like a Brazilian music band during cocktail hour, a first dance to a salsa song,  Alfajores and sandwiches as midnight snacks, Chilean wine flowing all night and a large neon signs that read Los Laskey (The Laskeys in Spanish) above the DJ stand. Florals by Woven Blooms added bold color at every turn and we’re loving ALL of it in these images by Sharin Shank Photography + Becca Novak.

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What made the wedding special and unique? 

Because I am from Chile, it was very important for us to incorporate as much of Latin American culture into our wedding as possible. That’s why we choose to have a Bossa Nova (Brazilian Jazz) band play, a tequila shot toast instead of a champagne toast (with handmade traditional Mexican Talavera glasses for each guest), a Spanish tasting meal with lots of saffron, Chilean wine served throughout the festivities and even had my mother bake and decorate Alfajores, Chile’s national dessert biscuit. Since the wedding was outdoors in Peter’s grandparents’ home, we tried to incorporate the woods and nature into our celebration, encouraging guests to enjoy the lake and views during the cocktail hour and having our dance be under the stars.

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

It look me about a year to gather each piece of my look. I first purchased my Louvienne gown from a boutique store called Lovely Bride in Chicago. The gown is very simple and classic, it has a silk bustier top and a matte stretchy bottom with a long tail and silk buttons down the spine. From the beginning I knew that was the look I wanted for the party but wanted to accessorize with a topper for the church ceremony. A few months later I found Anna Campbell and her amazing hand-beaded toppers and gowns and I immediately fell in love with her work. I ended up purchasing the Anna topper, a very delicate hand-beaded top modeled after the designers´ own wedding dress. Each topper is made at request in Australia and shipped months after placing the order. At Alice in Ivory in Chicago I got my beautiful cathedral length veil made by Sara Gabriel, a Colorado based designer. One of the hardest things for me to settle on were my shoes. I knew I wanted something comfortable but I also love high heels, so after purchasing and returning some 5 different pairs of shoes I decided to go with a very bold blue velvet block heel from Sam Edelman. It ended up being the perfect choice as I was super comfy and they also allowed to express more of my style, which is less traditional.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal? 

Every single part of the wedding was personalized. All stationery from the invitations to the menus and escort chart were hand written with guest’s names as appropriate. Our processional song was a live piano cover of Yellow by Coldplay. We mixed English and Spanish throughout the wedding ceremony and had family members from both sides do readings or speeches in our native languages. We had a Brazilian music band play during cocktail hour, a large cheese and bread table to bring out my family’s French background, a large American flag waving above the bar, we carefully tailored the music that our DJ played for it to combine Latin American and American songs, had our first dance to a salsa song, had Alfajores and sandwiches as midnight snacks, Chilean wine flowing all night and a large neon signs that read Los Laskey (The Laskeys in Spanish) above the DJ stand.

 

What was the most memorable part of the day? 

The actual ceremony, when we made our vows, was the most beautiful and special moment. We did not expect to feel so deep in love and emotion at that moment but it was truly a magical experience of overwhelming peace. Saying our vows in front of our loved ones and God was the reason we were all there that day and that intention of love and commitment was palpable throughout the rest of the day and night.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

Peter and I met in Granada, Spain while we were both studying there in 2012. When we returned to the US later that year we were living in different cities and and did long distance for over a year. Peter ended up moving to Chicago where I was finishing school and we lived together for one year before he proposed. We were on a trip back home to Chile where my entire family lives, when in a remote town in the south of the country Peter asked me to marry him. It was perfect.

Photographer: Sharin Shank Photography + Becca Novak // Event Planner: Christina Burton Events // Florals: Woven Blooms // Invitation Designer + Calligraphy: A Fabulous Fete // Getting Ready Venue: Hotel Indigo Columbus, Indiana // Ceremony: First Baptist Church // Reception Venue: Private Lake House // Brides Gown: Louvienne from Lovely Bride in Chicago // Beaded Top: Anna Topper by Anna Campbell // Catering and Cake: Kahns Catering // Shoes: Sam Edelman// Veil: Alice in Ivory Chicago // Hair & Makeup: Lesley White // Groom + Groomsmen Suites: The Black Tux // Equipment Rentals: Violet Vintage Rentals // DJ: Looby Music and Event Service // Videographer: Toast Films // Live Music: Rio Bamba Band // Tables, Chairs and Tents: A Classic Party Rental

 

Real Weddings:

Gretchen and Brett’s Forth Worth Wedding

photography by Charla Storey

Gretchen and Brett’s adorable Forth Worth wedding is filled to the brim with personalized touches designed and executed beautifully by Chancey Charm Dallas. The bright, industrial backdrop of BRIK Venue set the stage for all the cool details including scene-stealing white floral structures by Moss Floral Design, a candlelit dinner followed by a desert table and showpiece cake by Amuse Bake Shop and late-night sliders from retro food truck Easy Slider. The couple enlisted Charla Storey to capture their big day and RAVE about their keepsake photos—and we can all see why!

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

After a few strikeouts, I found the gown at Lovely Bride in Uptown Dallas. It was hanging in the window on display and I knew immediately that I wanted to try it on! Turns out, they had gotten it in that day and I was the first bride to try it on. It was destined to be mine!

I had every intention of wearing the gown all night, but I decided last minute (week of!) to change into a white jumpsuit that had a special meaning. A couple of summers before, I had worn the same jumpsuit (but in pink) to a friend’s wedding, which Brett says I looked so good that it made him realize he wanted to marry me! I bought it in white for the rehearsal, but decided it was the ultimate party outfit and had to break it out on our big day.

A few other touches that made our wedding personal/unique:

  • The welcome reception (before the ceremony) was definitely a big hit. It made people excited to be there, even for the ceremony, and really set the tone for the rest of the night!
  • We had a string quartet play some of our favorite, non-traditional tunes for the ceremony: the processional was Edelweiss from the Sound of Music (my all time favorite movie and a song my dad used to sing to me growing up), the wedding party entered to Sweet Child of Mine by Guns & Roses, I walked down to Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles, and we recessed to Bitter Sweet Symphony by the Verve!
  • Brett boogied down with both his mom AND his 85 year old grandmother during the mother/son dance.
  • We used a Wes Anderson coffee table book as our guest book. His movies are some of our all time faves and now we have the book on our coffee table and it’s so fun to flip back through and see everyone’s notes along with the movie photography!
  • We spent a lot of time crafting our program, especially our thank you/shout outs to everyone who helped make our day extra special. I’ve included a copy of it here because we loved it so much!
  • Those Easy Slider burgers are so freaking good!! It was the ultimate late night snack :)

What was the most memorable part of the day?

Looking around and seeing every person I care about in one room, having the absolute time of their lives! Brett and I set out to throw the most epic party ever, and I say we met and far surpassed that goal. Also, running through the sparklers into the Easy Sliders truck was pretty awesome…the looks and laugh-out-loud smiles on peoples’ faces were priceless!!

Tell us your story.

Brett and I met in Fayetteville, AR where I moved after college without knowing a single soul! We hung out as friends in group settings, which progressed into date nights, which ultimately led to him calling me his girlfriend at the horse races in Hot Springs, AR. From there, we enjoyed a year together in Arkansas getting to know each other while hiking, biking, floating, boating, camping, and all the other Natural State activities you can think of. We eventually followed each other to Dallas (the debate is still ongoing on who followed who exactly) to advance our careers and we continued to grow closer as we and our relationship matured. Then on Christmas Eve Eve 2016, with both of our families present, Brett got down one one knee and asked me to marry him!

We don’t have a video, but have LOTS of awesome photos from the lovely Charla Storey!

Also, shout out to Liz for being the MOST awesome planner I could have ever dreamed of!!!! I could NOT have done it without her. She was so incredibly thorough, thoughtful, and detail oriented, but had a relaxed demeanor about her that always put me at ease. 12/10 for sure.

Planning/Design: Liz Ise, Chancey Charm Dallas // Photographer: Charla Storey // Florals: Moss Floral Design // Venue: BRIK Venue // Gown: Kate McDonald // Bridal Salon: Lovely Bride Dallas // Beauty: Lip Service Makeup // Catering: Reata Restaurant // Entertainment: Royal Dukes Band // Bar: HD Liquid Catering // Dessert: Amuse Bake Shop // Photo Booth: The Photo Bus // Wedding PR: Something New for I Do // Ring Box: The Mrs. Box