I want to become a society lady Rockin' a new rock?!

Raina and Scott’s San Jose Del Cabo celebration is what modern destination wedding dreams are made of. Tropical foliage galore, a clean contemporary aesthetic and serious beach party vibes. The couple enlisted the super-skills of Lauren Lemke for Amy Abbott Events and the rest is history. Lauren suggested their stunning venue, Solaz, and complimented it with “a very clean aesthetic that went with the hotel’s beautiful, modern architecture and beach front setting.” Pina Hernandez utilized neutral tropical blooms and plenty of palms and fronds in the florals while black, white and gold accents in the paper and details by Bells & Whistles added graphic impact. Our friends Ana & Jerome were on hand to capture all the beauty and fabulousness in these gorgeous images.

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How did you meet, and how long did you date before getting engaged?

We met through mutual friends at a 21st birthday party while we were at college at the University of Maryland. We dated for 6 years before getting engaged.

Who proposed? When and how?

Scott proposed when we were in Paris having a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower. It was the last stop on our trip through Europe and he had hidden the ring and surprise from me (and our friends and families) the entire time.

How did you choose your wedding venue?

It was recommended to us by our wedding planner Lauren Lemke.

How did you choose your table decor?

We wanted a very clean aesthetic that went with the hotel’s beautiful, modern architecture and beach front setting.

 

 

Please describe 4 favorite moments:

1- The first time we saw each other before the wedding (first look). It was so special to be able to have a little bit of time to ourselves during all of the excitement. There was so much build up to the day, so being able to share a moment in the midst of it all was unforgettable.

2- When Scott’s dad and cousin got on the stage and played with the band. Everyone was so surprised and it meant so much to us that they had planned such a thoughtful and fun addition to the day.

3- Being able to blend our two cultures together and have a combined wedding ceremony performed by one of our closest friends, as well as elements from traditional Hindu weddings that were coordinated with Raina’s Aunt and Uncle.

4- Listening to all of the stories and memories that were shared with us throughout the weekend during the speeches, toasts and just in conversation. Having all of our closest friends and family in the same place for the whole weekend brought back so many memories and allowed us to make even more.

Photographer: Ana & Jerome // Planner: Lauren Lemke for Amy Abbott Events // Flowers: Pina Hernandez // Invitations: Minted // Paper goods/printed items: Bells & Whistles // Hair & Makeup: Blanc Salon // Dress: Alessandra Rinaudo // Groom’s Attire: State and Liberty // Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell // Bridesmaids Dresses: ASOS, Chrissy Teigen for Revolve, Lulus // Rentals: Del Cabo Events  and Let it Be // Band: Pura Vida

 

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Rebecca and Wilian’s Napa Valley wedding took lace at Brasswood Cellars. Dusty pastels and velvet textures gave the winter nuptials a moody vibe while romantic floral arrangements, centerpieces, backdrops, and bouquets by Tango & Foxtrot mixed whites and greens with blush, and deep burgundy to brighten and complimented the dark navy and gold of the details. The highlight of the event was the emotional ceremony—the couple had enlisted Lauren Snead to officiate and personalize their ceremony including Rebecca’s to both Wilian and also to his daughter Sophia. Not a dry eye in the place and Apollo Fotografie was on hand to capture it all.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

Our wedding was winter elegance at a winery with a moody color palette and velvet textures. We wanted our wedding to be an intimate celebration, under 40 guests, with our closest friends and family. We wanted to celebrate real, honest love, making our guests feel like part of our celebration. We also wanted our Brasswood Cellars wedding photos to be classic and romantic so we felt this venue would be a perfect match.

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

It felt like I had an endless search for a wedding dress. I tried on dresses at more than a dozen bridal stores. As a winter wedding, I knew I wanted a long sleeve dress, which is hard to find in Los Angeles. I finally found the dress at Lovella Bridal. I made alterations to the dress (the sleeve lace coming down on my hand, cinched-in waist, and more lace applique on the shoulders) to make it my own. Wilian knew he wanted either a Tom Ford or John Varvatos tuxedo. Together, we found a classic, elegant, chic black John Varvatos tux.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

Our floral arrangements, centerpieces, backdrops, and bouquets mixed winter whites and greens with blush, and deep burgundy. They brightened and complimented the dark navy and gold.  We also had an electric violin duo, Chris and Laurann. They played the ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner. They played our favorite songs as a violin duo with tracks in the background. They played Imagine Dragons, Lana Del Rey, The Postal Service, Sia, and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

It was very important to us to include Wilian’s daughter, Sophia, in our ceremony and the day. I was not just marrying Wilian; I was lovingly committing to Sophia as well.  Another one of our favorite parts of the wedding was our wedding officiant, Lauren Snead. She worked with us to create a beautiful, unique-to-us wedding ceremony. It was a real and true expression of our love for each other and Sophia. The ceremony was our most anticipated and special moment from our wedding. We were both excited because it was a true expression of our love. It was unlike any other wedding ceremony. And, we were able to include Sophia. There wasn’t a dry eye as we exchanged vows, and then I said my vows to Sophia. It was a very emotional, loving and real ceremony.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

We met at a mutual friend’s party and literally bumped into each other. We began talking and spent the rest of the night chatting. I put up a wall at first (I was afraid of being hurt), but I soon realized that Wilian was true to his word, respectful, and truly loyal. He saw through the wall I put up, seeing that I was protecting my sweetness and kindness, so he continued to pursue me. Months after being together, Wilian asked me to marry him at Ram’s Gate Winery in Sonoma. He brought me outside to show me the views. Unaware what he was about to do, I tried to turn around and go back inside because the sun was too bright and hurting my eyes. I almost ruined his proposal, but he urged me on. I followed him outside, and he proposed to me. I said “yes!” without any hesitation.

Photography: Apollo Fotografie // Planner: Charmed Events Group // Florals: Tango & Foxtrot // Venue: Brasswood Cellars // Dress: Trudy’s Brides // Hair & Make up: Stylebee // Dessert: Flour & Bloom // Officiant: Lauren Snead // Event Rentals & Decor: Encore & La Tavola // Tux: John Varvatos // Videography: Apollo Fotografie // DJ: Heart Of Gold DJs // Catering: Brasswood Cellars

 

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

 

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

 

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