Real Weddings: Holly + Matt

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.

For their Massachusetts wedding day, Alex and Chris wanted nothing but everyone to have a splendid time, good food, good drinks, and good memories being passed around. All captured through the lens of The Light and Color Wedding Photography, the Ipswich couple chose to have a traditional wedding day. Alex chose a classic A-line Hayley Paige beauty and the cherry on top of her trousseau was her mom’s veil that she donned for her day. Their ceremony was held at St. John’s Prep (fun fact: Alex is a dentist and St. John’s Prep was the same school where Alex’s boss and Chris’s dad went. The guys are still good friends!), Chris’s high school alma mater. For their wedding reception, they dressed up The Hellenic Center in shades of soft blues and pinks, and organic-style blooms designed by Chris’s sister-in-law, Teresa. Weddings like these that are centered around family and steeped in tradition always leave such a feel-good warmth to our day.

After Jessica and Zach got engaged, they sweetly joined Jessica’s parents on a trip to DC to celebrate their wedding anniversary. One of their excursions there was to take a walk on the grounds where her parents held their wedding ceremony, the National Cathedral. Naturally, they were so smitten with the gardens and the buildings that once they found out the Gothic-style cathedral was now hosting wedding receptions in addition to ceremonies, the New Yorkers jumped on the chance to get married there. Jessica wanted an “elegant and ethereal” day so with the help of Caroline Dutton Events and Kate & Lilly Floral Design, they drew inspiration from the Bishop’s Garden on the grounds. With Audra Wrisley capturing all the pretty pale pink roses, peonies, greenery, and everything in between, the duo said their I do’s and partied the night away in one of the most amazing venues we’ve seen.

Cass and Dave set out to show their guests, many of whom were visiting Virginia from afar, a true Southern experience! Upper Shirley Vineyards is set against the James River and it was the perfect setting for their classic, minimalist summer wedding. Selecting a color palette of shades of blue, which beautifully offset the whitewashed reception hall and lush green ceremony locale, the couple worked with Maggie Richard to create a relaxed and slightly preppy atmosphere. Cute and comfy LulaKate bridesmaids frocks were accompanied by fluffy bouquets by The Proper Petal, who also created a beautiful ceremony arbor and clean and simple reception tables, all reflecting the event’s summery vibe. We are totally smitten by the beautiful images from Audrey Rose Photography!

Brent and Lydia were married on a glorious Virginia spring day. After a ceremony at Church of Our Savior at Oatland’s Plantation (where the couple went on their second date, and where he proposed), the celebration continued at The Hillsborough Vineyard. Theirs is a wedding which gives a nod to the traditional, but was peppered with intimate and personal details throughout. Not a detail was left unfinished, from the scent of the church to the favor signs. Lydia, a talented artist, hand-painted the illustrations for the place cards, programs, favor tags, and table signs, which were named after significant places in the couple’s relationship. The day couldn’t have come together without the help of family. Lydia’s aunt handmade the gorgeous blue toile tablecloths as well as Lydia’s stunning veil, while Lydia’s parents opened their home to those visiting for the wedding. We’re positively in love with Lydia’s gown, a vintage piece purchased by her grandmother for her mother. Loose flowers and greenery designed by Melle Fleur echoed the day’s palette of aqua, blue, and green. The overall effect of all of the planning is ladylike and elegant, and is beautifully captured in these images from Sarah Bradshaw Photography!

It is impossible for a wedding at Charleston, South Carolina’s Lowndes Grove Plantation to not be gorgeous Lowcountry perfection. Laura and Thomas chose the gorgeous setting for their entire affair, starting with a ceremony beneath moss-draped trees and ending with an outdoor reception that highlighted the jaw-dropping sunset. We are stunned by these images from Richard Ellis Photographer! Laura’s amazing Jordan gown is a fitted silhouette that gives way to a full ruffled skirt, and we adore the look! One-shoulder silvery blue Siri bridesmaids dresses are shimmery like the sea and paired with simple baby’s breath bouquets by Branch Design Studio. Laura’s bouquet of white orchids is spiked with bright yellow blooms that also grace the elegant reception tables, details that Southern Protocol helped her plan. We also love the textured icing detail on the couple’s cake from renowned Charleston restaurant and catering company Fish. There’s not a single detail Laura and Thomas overlooked—visit the gallery to see them all!

How lovely is Allison and David’s Lowcountry wedding, held outdoors at Lowndes Grove Plantation in Charleston, South Carolina? Classic style rules the day, with fresh white flowers like anemone, hydrangeas, and roses from Out of Hand, and timeless details implemented by the team of Hannah Grogan and Lisa Thomas of Ohh! Events. The backdrop of the water and sunset was a gorgeous scene for the ceremony, with bridesmaids wearing preppy dresses from J.Crew and Allison in a stunning Martina Liana gown. The ruffled skirt detailing is to die for! The amazing team at Fish created the buttercream cake, which resembled a hydrangea kissing ball atop a bed of roses and was the perfect complement to the crisp blue and white color palette of the tent reception decor. Don’t miss any of the beautiful images from Amelia + Dan!

Amanda and Mike’s big city Chicago wedding portrays a certain sweetness that is both charming and sophisticated! Following a traditional Catholic ceremony at St. Josaphat Parish, the couple and their friends and family headed to the gorgeous Chicago History Museum for a night of great food and dancing, thanks to Blue Plate catering and tunes from Matt Lewis and The Union. Amanda says she wouldn’t change a thing about the day, and we can see why! From the lovely ice blue bridesmaids dresses from Bella Bridesmaids to her own amazing Tara Keely gown, the attire was simple and elegant. Emilia Jane Photography captured beautiful images—we especially adore the iconic photos with the backdrop of the Chicago skyline! We love the mix of baby’s breath, peach roses, and white peonies in floral designs by Revel Décor, as well as the adorable confection by Amy Beck Cake Design—there’s so much to love, catch it all in the gallery!

Tiffany and Jim’s lovely wedding in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is filled with soft details and pretty blue accents. The silk draping near the altar of St. Mary Student Parish matched the bridesmaids dresses from BHLDN and the groomsmen ties with their Jos. A. Bank suits. Forming a lighter palette were the florals by Chelsea Flower Shop, LLC, which paired nicely with the lace touches on invitations and tables at the Michigan League Ballroom reception. We love all of the classic elements Heather Jowett captured, including the timeless cake design by Decadent Delight. And, in a fun twist, Tiffany swapped her gorgeous Maggie Sottero gown for a shorter tulle dress before she and Jim left their reception to begin a new life together.

Simple and classic were the keywords Liz and John Mark kept in mind as they planned their elegant affair in Jackson, Mississippi. “If you knew me, you’d know that every detail of this wedding reflected my personality,” Liz says. “I love simple elegance!” Looking at these images from A Bryan Photo, we can see elegance in every single aspect of this couple’s wedding, held at First Presbyterian Church with a reception at the Country Club of Jackson. From monochromatic white bouquets carried by the bride and her bridesmaids by Fresh Cut Catering & Floral to the girls’ long, gorgeous navy dresses from The Dessy Group, we’re in love with everything Liz planned! But our favorite detail? Perhaps the couple’s vintage getaway car, decorated with tin cans and ribbon! See all of the classic details in the gallery!

Love was blowing through the Windy City on Carrie and Mike’s wedding day, and these breathtakingly sweet photos showcase the elegance of it all! The couple wanted guests to have a real taste of the city, and the downtown Chicago Cultural Center was just the right venue for their ceremony and reception. Jesse Deckard of Event Creative made sure Carrie had a classic all-white bouquet to accent her White by Vera Wang gown – Carrie is a drop-dead gorgeous bride and we have to admit to being just a wee bit smitten with her! We love details like the moss reception table numbers wedding planner Lauren Carter of Lola Event Productions found, and the foam fingers that guests used to welcome Carrie and Mike to their reception. Such a fun day captured by Bobbi+Mike!

The pastoral beauty of the Clifton Inn in Charlottesville acted as the backdrop for Jen and Joseph’s outdoor ceremony, and they couldn’t have asked for a more gorgeous Virginia day! We adore the soft green, gold, and blue color palette inspired by the seaside, and the beautiful floral table runner. All of the simple but elegant details, from lush hydrangea bouquets by Southern Blooms to Jen’s lovely strapless scalloped gown, were captured by the impeccable Katie Stoops and we are utterly in love.

Looking at these pictures of Emma and Nathaniel’s Sarasota ceremony at The Church of the Redeemer makes us feel like we’re peering through a gauze-covered lens at an Old Florida movie set—sweetly romantic details abound at every turn! From blush-colored Christian Louboutin shoes to pale pink bouquets dotted with hydrangeas, roses, and ranunculus by Beneva Flowers, the day was pure perfection. A reception at The Field Club continued the swept-away vibe with robin’s egg blue-and-white centerpiece arrangements that matched an intricate five-tier cake in the same palette from A Slice of Heaven. “During the last hour of the reception Nate and I snuck off to soak in the whole day together,” says Emma. “It did go by so fast.” Just be sure to scroll slowly through these beautiful photos from Jessica Lorren Organic Photography!

California bride Jamie says her wedding was the happiest day of her life—and it was a pretty happy day when we opened these striking images of her gorgeous event from Beaux Arts Photographie too! The Fullerton Arboretum played host to Jamie and Daniel’s outdoor ceremony, peppered with classic details like strapless blue bridesmaids’ dresses from Bella Wedding Bridal and soft white bouquets from Flower Allie that popped against the lush landscape. Guests crossed the lawn for a tented reception filled with dancing to music by the Harrison Jazz Ensemble, laughter, and plenty of baby’s breath arrangements standing guard at tables—the inspiration for the couple’s all-white decor.

Nicole and Ryan’s dream was to have a Florida beach wedding that was a mini-vacation for everyone who attended, and it seems they succeeded! The couple used a clean and fresh color palette of blue and yellow, and Blooming Flowers made sure to mix Nicole’s favorite flower, tulips, into the cheery arrangements. The entire day was laid-back, effortlessly elegant and personal. The couple even included their pup in the ceremony — a detail we can’t help but adore! A big thank you to Shipra Panosian for these beautiful images!

Erica and Zach said they cannot choose a favorite moment from their wedding. And looking through these gorgeous photos by Pasha Belman, it’s difficult for us to choose a favorite big day detail as well! Is it Erica’s stunning satin flared Lazaro gown? The beautiful all-white florals by Lexington Florist? The fantastic vintage getaway car? Or the fact that Erica and Zach make an absolutely gorgeous couple? Whatever your favorite detail is, you’re sure to love everything about Erica and Zach’s elegant South Carolina wedding!

It was no surprise that Tracy and Jay chose Nantucket for their wedding. Aside from being the ultimate summer wedding backdrop, it’s an important destination for both of the couple’s families as they had spent many a summer on the island, all the way back to Tracy’s great-grandparents who vacationed there in the 1800s! They fittingly chose a “vintage nautical” theme and incorporated many heirloom and vintage elements such as old island photographs of ancestors, table linens used originally by Tracy’s great-grandmother, and a silver cake knife from Jay’s side of the family. With these details, they created an event that was truly personal and a beautiful tribute to everyone who joined in on their big day! Enjoy these sweet and perfectly Nantucket images by Zofia & Co!

Hannah and Eddy’s wedding in Pasadena, California was so soft and romantic, just as the bride envisioned it! As a florist, Hannah wanted flowers to be a central theme of the event, and she created the bouquets and boutonnieres from peonies, lily of the valley, garden roses, ranunculus, anemones, astilbe and berzillia berries, while entrusting a talented friend to create the reception florals. At the reception, guests were invited to wrap up bouquets of lush blooms to take home as favors.  Bridesmaids wore soft blue dresses from BHLDN, and we love the adorable flower girls in tulle skirts handmade by Hannah! The day was captured beautifully by Christine Farah Photography, and we can’t stop staring!

I’m not sure I could envision a more beautiful lakefront wedding than Amber and Andy’s Michigan nuptials. The view was so gorgeous at their ceremony they were worried an arbor would distract from the view, so BLOOM created magnificent hydrangea-and-rose-filled urns to line the aisle. The perfect complement to such a beautiful ceremony! The elegant ballroom at The Inn at Bay Harbor was decorated with coral and peach flowers and touches of nautical details. Amber and Andy are the most gorgeous couple and we are utterly in love with these images from Amy Carroll Photography!

To match the The Biltmore Ballrooms’ yellow and blue hues, Kelsey and Tyler chose clean white accents and candlelight to create a warm, soft feeling. To complement rather than compete with the vintage building’s abundant natural light, the couple asked Fuji Floral Design to craft white flowers arrangements in an array of hydrangeas, peonies, roses and the bride’s favorite flower, calla lilies. The end result was soft, beautiful and romantic. Second to creating a beautiful and elegant atmosphere, the couple wanted to make sure all their guests had fun. Guests packed the dance floor and danced the night away to tunes like “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey. “At the end of our first dance, Tyler spun me around and dipped me right on the last note,” Kelsey said. “It was perfect.”