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Real Weddings:

Colleen and Dean’s wedding at Middleton Place

photography by Allison Kuhn

What’s black, white and gorgeous all over? Colleen and Dean’s stunning Charleston nuptials—duh! You guys—this one is the epitome of southern romance with a strong undertone of modern style that’s perfectly accentuated by the pared-back black and white color palette. Event planner and designer AA Events Design‘s stunning vision came to life with the help of florist Sweet Root Village  and calligrapher Delighted Calligraphy. The dream team decked out the grounds of Middleton Place with dreamy details and a greenery filled white tented reception. Photographer, Allison Kuhn, was behind the lens capturing all the magic in these dreamy film images.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

Our wedding was so special and unique because we had to completely build and design the reception space from scratch. We could truly do whatever we wanted! Alex (my wedding planner, sister-in-law, maid of honor, and best friend) and I worked really hard on coming up with a design that matched Dean’s and my personalities – the highlight being the massive custom square bar in the center of the tent! I was so lucky to have Alex by my side because I trusted her completely and knew she would be able to execute my dream wedding.  Also, Dean and I are HUGE animal lovers so it was super special to have Middleton’s sheep and horses greet guests as the arrived for the ceremony. Dean and I even got to feed the sheep!

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

The dress is a Sareh Nouri and we got it at Hayden Olivia Bridal in Charlotte, NC. I have always wanted a formal wedding but also really wanted it to be 100% outside; so the mission was to find a dress that fit that wedding vision. Something formal, classic and elegant but not too over the top so it didn’t look out of place in an outdoor garden setting. But most important was I wanted to feel comfortable and confident in it. When I tried my dress on for the first time I knew that it was the one! It checked all the boxes and I could just imagine walking down the floral run aisle in this dress!

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

Our sweet Labrador puppy, Aspen, was highlighted throughout the wedding including customized cookies in the welcome boxes, and the name of our signature drink.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

The most memorable part of the day was of course marrying my best friend! But besides that, I think a memorable moment was once we finally were able to sit down for dinner and really take in the tent and overlook our guests; it was truly stunning. The band was playing in the background and guests were already up dancing while drink and food was being served. It was such a great moment to see everyone relaxed (myself included!) and having a good time!

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

Our story began in college at Elon University where we were introduced through a mutual friend. We quickly formed a bond and began dating; however, it almost came to a quick end when Dean transferred to Texas A&M to finish his degree. Two years, many FaceTimes and multiple flights later, we decided to try our best at picking a city where we could both start our careers in consulting and finance. This task was much harder than we ever imagined as we were already in two different cities trying to find jobs in Charlotte, North Carolina. As we were beginning to think our long distance would never end, on one afternoon, Dean received an offer from a consulting company for a job in Dallas, TX, but there was a glimmer of hope. A student in Tennessee had received an offer in Charlotte and was willing to switch locations with Dean and further, that same day I received an offer for a banking job in Charlotte. Since then, we’ve lived in Charlotte for three years and absolutely love it!

We have been vacationing in Charleston, SC for years as my parents have a house on Isle of Palms. Charleston is such an easy trip from Charlotte, the two of us frequently drive down on Friday nights after work for the weekend. The proposal was quite a surprise. My family was supposedly gathering at the family beach house for my Dad’s 60th birthday; however, it was all really a set up to get the entire family together to witness the proposal. I have two brothers and none of the siblings live in the same area, so to have everyone together was very special! As we got engaged in Charleston, we decided to return to the beautiful city to have our wedding at Middleton Place!

Photographer: Allison Kuhn // Event Planner & Designer/ Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: AA Events Design // Florist: Sweet Root Village // Calligraphy & Paper Products: Delighted Calligraphy // Venue: Middleton Place // Videographer: Repeet Productions // Cake: Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal // Wedding Dress/Veil: Sareh Nouri // Dress/Veil Boutique: Hayden Olivia Bridal // Hair & Makeup: Ash and Co Bridal // Rentals: Snyder Events / Cottage Luxe // Tent: Skyline Tent Company // Lighting: Technical Event Company // Dessert Caravan: Sweet Lulus Bakery // Band: The Rivertown Band  // Ceremony Music: Bob Williams Duo // Get Away Car/Buses: Low Country Valet // Bride Shoes: Jimmy Choos // Grooms Tux: Alton Lane // Bridesmaid Dresses: Katie May Collection // Groomsmen Tux: J. Crew

 

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Real Weddings:

Dominique and Jesse’s Laguna Beach wedding

photography by THE DELAURAS

It was a stormy morning, full of dark clouds and rain, but the skies cleared just in time for Domonique and Jesse’s private beach ceremony at Three Arch Bay in Laguna Beach. Friends for ten years, and four month pregnant at the time of their nuptials, the couple announced the sex of the baby to family and friends during their vows—how’s that for a memorable reveal?! After the ceremony, guests returned to the family home for the most epic charcuterie display of all time and a family-style dinner prepared by the bride herself—she’s a celebrity chef! We’re loving the gorgeous, white rose-centric florals and greenery by Cargo Creative and the simple, white and brass tablescape highlighting the amazing food by Stone Radish, the bride’s company. It’s al here in the images by THE DELAURAS who captured all the romance and joy of the day—and a couple of celeb besties to boot!

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What made the wedding special and unique? 

It poured rain, a rarity in Southern California, up to 5 minutes before the ceremony. It was the most stunning lighting. My husband and I have been friends for 10 years and were 4 months pregnant. I revealed the sex in my vows which was exciting for everyone.

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

I didn’t have much time to find a gown – we planned the wedding in six weeks! That didn’t stop me from trying on literally all the gowns I could – new and vintage. I got really discouraged as I wasn’t finding anything I liked. I ended up finding mine at a discount dress shop selling floor models and giving the proceeds to Parkinson’s research. You never know where you will find your dress!

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal? 

My best friend Shannon did the flowers, my step brother was our coordinator, my best friend Grant was the officiant, I did my wedding cake and my sous chef executed my menu (I’m a chef!), and the reception was at our family home.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

Walking down the aisle and seeing all of our friends and family, and my soon-to-be husband’s face.

Photography: THE DELAURAS // Floral: Cargo Creative // Bride’s Dress: Savannah Miller // Venue: Family Home in Three Arch Bay Laguna Beach CA // Catering/Cake: Dominique (the bride herself!) Stone Radish // Ceremony Guitarist: John Yerkovich // Rentals: Baker Party Rentals // Band/DJ: Andy Clockwise // Bride’s Shoes: Alexandre Birman // Bride’s Engagement Ring: Designed by Groom // Bride’s Wedding Band: XIV Karats

 

Real Weddings:

Emily and Brian’s winter wedding in Phoenix

featuring Marisa Belle Photography

Emily and Brian met in Chemistry class during their freshman year of high school. Emily asked Brian to the movies and ten years later, Brian asked for Emily’s hand in marriage. The adorable couple celebrated their nuptials atThe Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix. Imoni Events and florist The Wildflower AZ  helped establish the gorgeous color palette of wine, blushes, and ivory—perfect for a December wedding!  Stationery is by Celebrations In Paper with a cake by Piece of Cake AZ and it’s all captured in these gorgeous images byMarisa Belle Photography.

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How did you meet?

Brian and I met freshman year of high school in Honors Chemistry and Physics class when we were 14.

Tell us about your first date!

I actually asked him!! Remember, we were only 14 so it is kind of funny how it happened. I asked him to go to the movies with me, and he said okay! We planned to go to the Game Plan with Dwayne THE ROCK Johnson at AMC theaters in Ahwatukee. So that day I got all ready with my friend. I was so excited. I decided to call him before the date to make sure everything was good. He was on his way home from soccer practice. I said, “Are you ready for our date?” He replied, “Oh, I still need to ask my dad first.” At first I got so mad because he wasn’t making our first date a priority!! Well, his dad said yes. We met each other at the movie theaters. Our parents drove each of us separately and dropped us off at the theaters. I think that’s funny. We watched the movie, held hands, and then went home. It was a great first date!

Share with us the moment you both knew you’d found THE ONE!

Every day freshman year Brian would walk me home from high school in the Arizona heat. My house was halfway between his house and school, so he could have easily taken the bus, but he continued to walk me home every single day. I thought that was pretty great. One day (October 25th, 2007 to be exact), Brian was waiting to be picked up from my house after school by his mom. We were sitting there in the front yard on my fake grass, and he said, “Do you want to be my girlfriend?” I replied, “Sure!” It was now official. We would text all the time and we really got to know one another. Brian would always stick up for me, and he was always on my side. I could trust him with anything. His loyalty is what really got me. One day over text I said, “I think I’m falling in love with you.” He replied, “I am feeling the same way.” From then on, our relationship grew stronger and stronger, and we would always talk about the day we would get married. This is when the song “Wouldn’t it be Nice” by The Beach Boys came into play. We wanted to get married so badly and we were only 15! We even talked about getting married right when we turned 18 and graduated high school. We decided to put school first and go to the University of Arizona for college. We made it through the 4 years of college, but still we weren’t engaged. It was the purchase of the ring that was holding us back. He always told me he didn’t want to get me a “temporary ring”, because he wanted the first ring to be THE ring. He wanted it to be special. Well I followed him to Florida so he could pursue his dream of becoming a pharmacist. Our second year living in Florida, he took me to our favorite pumpkin patch, got down on one knee, professed his love for me, I cried, and said YES!

What inspired the design for your wedding?

Brian and I dated for 10 years before he proposed, so you would think I would have what I wanted in mind, but I made myself wait until he proposed to start thinking about what we wanted for our wedding. This made the engagement so much more special, and allowed us to choose things that we were feeling in the moment. I really wanted a moody rustic theme, but still with traditional elements. This led to colors of wine, blushes, and ivory with lots of eucalyptus in the floral arrangements. As for the venue, we were looking for a residential feeling, so we chose the Wrigley Mansion. It is a fun and cozy feeling when you’re all getting ready in the same house. In order to elevate that party atmosphere and marry it with rustic traditional theme, we sprung for a neon sign with our last name and EST. date to hang on a hedge wall behind the head table. To me it just said “Let’s have fun!!” while still being a moment to we can hang in our house for years to come.

What was the most important thing you wanted your guest to feel/enjoy from your wedding?

We wanted them to feel the unconditional love Brian and I have for each other and a rustic romantic feeling. During the reception we wanted them to enjoy a great party with good music and drinks.

Photography: Marisa Belle Photography // Planner: Imoni Events // Florist: The Wildflower AZ // Stationery: Celebrations In Paper // Venue: The Wrigley Mansion // Brides Gown: Maggie Sottero // Hair and Makeup: Makeup Artistry by Natalie // Cake: Piece of Cake AZ // Rentals: The Event Co // Groom’s Tux: Express // Videography: White Locket Films

 

Real Weddings:

Maddie and David’s wedding at Steeple House

featuring Wendy Laurel

Pantone recently announced the color of 2020—Classic Blue. We’re celebrating the news with Maddie and David’s lush—and filled to the brim with blue—nuptials at Steeple House in Maui. Dream team planners Maui’s Angels and photographer Wendy Laurel unite to create and capture the joy of the day. Florals are by Bella Bloom with stationery and signage by Miss B Calligraphy. The couple, who met when they attended high school in Hong Kong, described their vibrant day as more of a big family reunion and you can definitely tell it was a fun one from these gorgeous images.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

The location was exactly what I had dreamed. Ever since I was a young child we would travel to Maui whenever we could. We would stay in Kapalua area and would always pass by the little steeple house. As the years went on and my family purchased a home in Lahaina, driving to Kapalua and parking right in front of steeple house so my parents and I could run along the path became a morning routine. I had always envisioned getting married there but to my knowledge it was never used for wedding ceremonies. I had even taken a picture there years prior sitting on the steps of the little chapel. It was  only a couple months after my husband and I had gotten engaged was Steeple House available for us to spend our special day. Another thing that made this day so special were the people. My husband and I met in Hong Kong in high school. We have been dating a long time allowing us to get to know each other’s families extremely well. We had guests from all over the world show up to celebrate with us because of our upbringing. So instead of our marriage celebration feeling like two groups of families/friends coming together for the first time, it felt like one big family reunion.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

Some of my most favorite personal touches were the specific details and decor of the wedding. In order to successfully plan a wedding from afar we put a lot of trust into our amazing wedding planners for executing our vision. We had beautiful floral arrangements which including king protea flowers. The name cards for each setting were crafted from seashells, and our wedding favors including local Maui coffee, jams, and salts made by our Maui neighbors who owned a farm.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

Immediately after the ceremony I took off my heels and was barefoot for the rest of the night. Having this luxury because of where we were located made it more comfortable than I could ever imagine. One of the most memorable part of the night was how eager everyone of our guests were to get on the dance floor. It was truly a party and my aunt, who is a performer, came walking onto the dance floor on high stilts.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

My husband and I met in high school in Hong Kong. I personally have grown up overseas my whole life. My parents are international educators. David is originally from Massachusetts and moved to Hong Kong for his father’s job. We dated throughout high school, decided to try long distance in college and eventually I moved to Baltimore where David was finishing school. We got engaged the following year. David planned an intricate scavenger hunt which led me all around. Eventually I ended up in a botanical garden where he was waiting for me by a koi pond (our high-school in Hong Kong had a picnic table by a Koi pond we often sat at to eat lunch together).

Planning: Maui’s Angels // Photo: Wendy Laurel // Flowers: Bella Bloom // Stationery & Signage: Miss B Calligraphy // Venue: Steeple House // Dress: Willow by Watters // Hair & Makeup: I am U’I // Cake: Maui Ohana // Catering: Maui Ohana // Video: Hi Light // Cocktails & Bar Setup: Maui Ohana // Live Music: Marvin Tevaga // Linens: La Tavola // Rentals: Rio Event Design / Inspiration Event Hawaii  / Accel Event Rentals Maui // DJ: Maui DJ Services // Officiant: Friend of the family Greg // Place Settings: Set Collections

 

Real Weddings:

Jessica and Luke’s Wedding in Santa Fe

San Fransisco couple, Jessica and Luke, celebrated their destination in Santa Fe at La Mesita Ranch Estate. While the venue has the traditional adobe style structures and southwest decor, the couple—with the help of planners Banks and Leaf  brought their own style to the property. Black and white elegance with pops of bright coral and raspberry gave a unique twist to the vibe at the ranch. Florals were by Renegade Floral with paper design by Funky Olive Design and gorgeous images captured byTara Bielecki Photography .

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What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

We loved watching that surprise moment when she told her parents as she walked up. The bride works for a premiere wine and spirits distributor so the wedding from start to finish was stocked with some of the best wine selections and cocktails we’ve ever seen. Guests were also treated to a premium whisky and tequila tasting later in the evening and Frito pie, a popular dish served in Santa Fe. Each guest table was named after something significant to the bride and groom with a story for guests to read at each table explaining the significance.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

The wedding had some nods to Santa Fe with a surprise Mariachi band that started playing at the ceremony when the bride and groom kissed. They then proceeded to parade the guests, shaking maracas, to cocktail hour straight to the tequila donkey, Rosita, waiting for them. That and their choreographed first dance that was full of fun moments and flair – perfect mix of sophistication and humor.

 

Planning & Design: Banks and Leaf // Photography: Tara Bielecki Photography // Florist: Renegade Floral // Paper: Funky Olive Design // Venue: La Mesita Ranch Estate // Tent: Sperry Tents Colorado // Lighting & Drape: Little Made Events // Catering: Walter Burke Catering // Band: Mannequin The Band // Rentals: C Party Rentals & A Beautiful Theme