Really NOW: Jamie and Jeff!

Held at the L’Auberge Del Mar and photographed by Amanda Bevington Modern Photography, Lindsey and Joey’s wedding is full of Southern California charm and easy springtime elegance.

Taking a break this week from my sessions on being a wedding planner to bring you some of the most gorgeous eye candy this side of the Grand Canyon!

I have been so excited to show all of you this gorgeous real wedding shot by the absolutely fabulous Michael Norwood.

Sarah and Scott originally had a large celebration planned, but like many other brides, COVID changed that. In a cautious manner they decided to move forward with their wedding with just their 12 closest family and friends. Despite the small guest count, the design aspect was large. Their outdoor ceremony took place surrounded by banyan trees under the most stunning Chuppah. Reception was followed with the most divine tent with flowing florals and hints of citrus.

Lindsey grew up in Northern Michigan and met her now husband Richard in Leland where they worked at a local lodge in the summer. When they fell in love and were engaged, they knew that Northern Michigan had to be the location for their wedding.

Sarah & Benjamin wanted guests to feel like they were entering a magical world when they arrived at their wedding and the day was full of awe-inspiring details which made that vision a reality. From getting married at the castle-like Wonderland Cluj Resort, to the horse-drawn carriage fit for royalty, to the show-stopping, jaw-droppingly lush, floor-to-ceiling florals by Elena Bodea – Las Floristas that filled both the ceremony and reception, guests were transported into a fairy tale for the day. Add to that that these two look like they walked out of a magazine themselves, and this may be one of the most dreamy weddings ever! The gallery is full of more incredible photos by Ioana Porav Photography, from the stunning rose petal seals on the stationery by Invogue Art, to Sarah’s romantic Milla Nova wedding gown (a nod to her Hispanic roots), to even more photos of their unbelievable florals, and trust us, you absolutely want to see them all!

When Haley and Isaiah began planning their wedding they didn’t have lots of detailed Pinterest boards outlining all the must-have elements for their day. Instead, they wanted to focus simply on celebrating love, and with an uncomplicated vision of bright colors and classy elegance, they let Riding Tandem and their vendor team take the lead to create this lovely and beautiful event! Their venue couldn’t have been dreamier and the coral and pink florals by The Wildflower AZ were perfection against the pale blue bridesmaids dresses. Make sure to check out the gallery to see even more of this gorgeous wedding captured by Ashley Rae Photography!

When you find out that Christine and Michael’s guest list consisted of family from 19 different states, you’ll wonder like us how they accommodated every single one of them. They happened upon Morristown, New Jersey because of its proximity to major airports and train stations: a huge plus. What they really lucked out on was The Madison Hotel-Conservatory. Cassi Claire Photography captured the breathtaking venue and its high glass walls, stark white interior with a slight industrial vibe, and the abundance of flowers already perched inside. The couple wanted to keep their colors simple, so they opted for a classic color palette so as not to detract from the conservatory itself. Apple Blossom Flower Shop created pieces with white flowers front and center and heaps of greenery strewn throughout, from the bouquets to the centerpieces. Check out local conservatories for their wedding availability; they are usually decked out in impressive flora and fauna already and are such a unique option for wedding venues.

Gina and Joe’s story begins like so many others in this generation: via a dating app and an awkward first date. Despite the fact Joe was not a Francophile and “avoided all of the French words” at the French restaurant they ate at, the pair met up again and the rest was history. Before they knew it, they were planning a wedding in Temecula’s wine country with Ashley Bee Photography documenting their day. Purple was common favorite color between the two of them, yet they wanted to break up the hues with various shades. Mauve, gold, and the deep brown wood interior at Wiens Family Cellar created a classic and rustic feel. Gina and Joe are fond of the outdoors, yet due to the weather and the season, they opted to stay warm and cozy inside. Despite this, they wanted to extract those aspects of the outdoors they love and add them into their indoor venue. Long, wooden tables mostly exposed with Sweet Flowers’ wildflower-esque creations gave this nature-loving couple exactly the motif they wanted, and it’s a treat for us all too!

Audrey and David had the absolute privilege at marrying at a beautiful French chateau and with the smiles on both of their faces in various photos from Romain Vaucher, their day was beyond joyful and seeped out everywhere. After a proposal in Japan, the two found Chateau de Razay to call their wedding venue. Japan is near and dear to them, so they wanted to bring the colors of a Japanese spring to their wedding, using white and green with blush pink peppered across their decor. Their ceremony was steeped in Madagascan traditions in homage to David’s heritage. The groomsmen wore Malagasy hats and the service was conducted under the Madagascan church. For motif, we love they went simple with their colors; a chateau almost never needs any excessive decor and allowing the chateau’s present decor shine like Audrey and David did will create such a memorable experience.

Init and Eric’s beginning sounds like the sweetest Christmastime Hallmark movie. It’s complete with a serendipitous meeting at a restaurant, followed by a day date all around Detroit that ended with a knowing glance to one another that strongly stated they were made for each other. Swoon. Fast forward to their wedding planning, Init and Eric wanted a strong southern Mediterranean theme woven throughout as both of their families hailed from that region of Europe. Hints of lavender, olive leaves, and simplicity were added to the Colony Club’s Louis XIV ornate interior. Stephanie Kaslly Photography showcased the pops of blush and other differing shades of pink and peach, especially found in Designs by Guzzardo’s florals. The pastel addition maintained a degree of whimsy in the couple’s classic wedding motif. Weddings like these can just never do any wrong.

Sugar, spice, and everything really nice sums up Jamie and Casey’s South Carolina shindig. The Charlotte couple wanted something more quintessentially southern, so they traveled a bit further south into Charleston and fell in love with The Governor Thomas Bennett House. They were spellbound by its classic look; white exterior with black shutters, and its all-in-one manicured garden perfect for the ceremony and reception. This accommodating setup can go with any style or color palette, but we are totally fawning over the soft pastel wedding aesthetic that Ashley Wenz with Boutique Planning made come to life. Reception tables were kept light and airy with dove gray and blush linens from Snyder Rentals. To add some oomph, weathered farmhouse tables sans linens were the ideal complement to add some texture to the space. Before we go on and on, we’re just going to let Ava Moore Photography do the rest of the storytelling about this beautiful day.

Let’s all take a moment (or two) out of our day to check out this bliss-inducing Janita Mestre wedding. It’s delightfully in the desert, so of course you’re going to spot a few cacti at Galway Downs, but you’re going to see such a dreamy color palette too. Being so close to Valentine’s Day, Stephanie and Alex wanted to evoke love all throughout, so they picked pink as their go-to hue. Big and bright blush and ivory florals by Events by Floral Sensations complemented the eye-catching David’s Bridal mauve bridesmaids’ dresses, and we loved this idea, too. Instead of continuing the soft tones everywhere, shake up the colors like Stephanie and Alex and throw a deep hue in the same color family somewhere that will be seen. Adding it to the bridesmaids’ dresses was a clever touch without overwhelming the couple’s desire to have an airy feel to their wedding day.

When you fall in love with your wedding venue, you just know, no matter what your plans originally were. Amanda and Vlad planned for a Colorado wedding, but they never knew what hit them as they stepped foot onto Bella Collina’s stunning grounds in Florida. Reminiscent of the Tuscan countryside, it was love at first sight for the duo and it just jived so well with their romantic wedding vision that we get to fawn over thanks to Kristen Weaver Photography‘s epic photos. The white florals and greenery by Lee James Floral looked resplendent against the venue’s landscape, but no matter how glorious the blooms looked, it just couldn’t compare to Amanda and Vlad looking like a million bucks. They stole the show, for sure!

Valerie and Ken’s Tower Hill Botanical Garden wedding was like walking into another time. Every corner was filled with gorgeous flowers and art, every detail simple in its elegance. The greenhouses and gardens at Tower Hill inspired the color and style for their wedding. Julie Lapham Designs created arrangements with succulents and airplants, roses, eucalyptus, and anemone, and many of the succulents are now growing in the couple’s home! Seeded paper escort cards doubled as favors, a Jenga game served as the guest book, and colorful tabletops graced the Orangerie. We’re simply in love with every moment captured by Arielle Doneson Photography!

Whitney and Matt were married on a picture perfect summer day at Charleston, SC’s historic Boone Hall Plantation. A classic color palette of blush and gold accented the rustic beauty of the location. The front lawn, with its ancient oak trees and ornate gate played host to the ceremony, and the reception on the Cotton Dock was decked out with greenery and lush blooms by Lindsay Bishop Events, with chandeliers and candles adding a touch of sparkle to the natural surroundings. Ruffled LulaKate bridesmaids dresses in peony pink added a fun pop of color and perfectly accented Whitney’s gown from Bridals by Lori. Head over heels for this beautiful day and the images from Rachel Red Photography!

We are completely smitten with the romantic and airy feel of Jae and Robert’s wedding at The Highlands Country Club in Garrison, NY. After a gorgeous ceremony under a to-die-for floral arch, Ivie Joy Floral Arts & Events brought the feeling of a garden indoors for the reception with natural and organic arrangements of anemones, ranunculus, garden rose, dahlia, and hydrangea, in beautiful blush and white tones. Along with white chiavari chairs, the light tones were a perfect match for sleek wooden tables in the gorgeous dining room of The Highlands. Sweet details such as doughnut cufflinks (both are dessert lovers!) and a custom gown from Mika Inatome made Jae and Robert’s wedding uniquely personal to them, and the entire day is beautifully captured by Brklyn View Photography!

Eleanor says “From the moment we got engaged, we realized it was most important that our wedding be classic, elegant, but crazy fun.” We couldn’t agree with her sentiment more! From Eleanor’s classic Peter Langner gown to the chic, nautical location of Narragansett, Rhode Island’s The Dunes Club, the wedding came together perfectly within their vision. Ellie and Tim infused personal details into every aspect of their nuptials. The ceremony was held at Brown University (Eleanor’s alma mater), Tim and his groomsmen wore custom ties from The Knotty Tie with anchors and the state of Wisconsin (to blend their East Coast and Midwest families), and the couple enlisted Kearsley Lloyd to create a custom monogram and Sharon Morgera to design their wedding map. Bridesmaids dresses by Monique Lhuillier and soft pastel florals by Stoneblossom echo the seaside setting. We are smitten with each image from Erin McGinn!

Malibu’s Calamigos Ranch is a dreamlike setting, and perfect for Caroline and Danny’s enchanting soiree. The couple planned their intimate gathering long-distance from Singapore, and relied on Jenna Kang of Divine D-Day to pull together a smooth and effortless event. Elegant blush and pale peach florals from City Flowers set the stage for their garden ceremony, then guests moved into the open and airy Redwood Room for the reception, where they danced the night away to sounds from PK Productions. The party was such a success that items from a pair of shoes to sunglasses, and even a guest’s purse were left behind at the end of the evening, a testament to the fun shared by all! The love shared by Danny and Caroline is infectious, and shines through in every beautiful image from J Wiley Photography!