Real Weddings: Kimberly + Mark

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.

On the day of Katie and Alan’s wedding, Dallas decided to unleash a massive storm, so the couple and their wedding planner, Sarah of Keestone Events, moved their planned outdoor ceremony inside the gorgeous ballroom of Arlington Hall. And while we wouldn’t call a monsoon on your wedding day ideal, we have to say that the stunning indoor celebration may just have been a blessing in disguise! The golden ballroom made a beautiful ceremony and reception setting, and the elegant floral arch by Moss Floral Design did double duty as ceremony altar and a lovely backdrop for the reception! For the reception, white and gold centerpieces enhanced the golden beauty of the ballroom, while a pop of purple echoed the bridesmaids flowing dresses. The result is timeless perfection, beautifully captured by Dyan Kethley Photography!

Ronda and Jeff’s gorgeous Nashville wedding is the epitome of Southern chic! These two are completely in love—there’s not a single image from Kristyn Hogan where the two aren’t beaming! Sara Fried of Fete Nashville Events & Design helped Ronda and Jeff create the perfect day filled with Southern touches like monograms and lush hydrangeas. The white, purple, and green florals dotted throughout were created by The Enchanted Florist, and they absolutely set the scene for the day. After Ronda and Jeff’s ceremony at Scarritt Bennett, they joined guests for an outdoor cocktail hour and indoor reception at Schermerhorn Symphony Center. We adore the attire of the day, first with the sand-colored bridesmaids dresses by Dessy and classic tuxes for the men, and then Ronda’s breathtaking custom Vera Wang gown. Before a dramatic send-off down the symphony hall steps with sparklers, Ronda and Jeff cut their Dulce Desserts cake, an extra-tall confection accented with more hydrangea blooms. Everything about this affair is simply flawless—see even more in the gallery!

Marie and Peter took romance to the zenith when they planned a Paris destination for their nuptials. This entire affair, photographed by One and Only Paris Photography and Le Secret d’Audrey, looks like a fairy tale, from a ceremony at The American Cathedral in Paris to the reception at Cercle De L’Union Interalliée. Bold pinks and purples in gorgeous blooms by Sol y Flor looked as though they were plucked straight from the French countryside. And we can’t decide what looks more delicious—the stunning couple, the colorful macaroons or the the exquisite dessert from Wedding Cakes Avenue!

If I were to describe Lindsey and Dan’s wedding in 3 words, they would be magical, elegant, and glamorous. Lindsey is positively stunning in her stunning Monique Lhuillier gown, and you can’t get much more glamorous and elegant than their venue, the Royal Palms Resort and Spa in Phoenix. Oh, and the magical part? The breathtaking flowers by White House Flowers. Color, color everywhere! As always, the ladies from Outstanding Occasions created a flawless event and Melissa Jill Photography captured absolutely amazing images – get ready to fall in love!

Shannon and Scott were married on a rainy day at the historical Mayflower Renaissance Hotel in Washington, DC. Their beautiful purple and ivory color palette included florals by Da Vinci’s Florist which were so so gorgeous with the elegant golds of The Mayflower. Everything about this wedding is just perfect. Shannon looked flawless in that fabulous dress, with her classic bouquet, and I love that cathedral length veil! Allison & Chris Britton did a fantastic job capturing this truly elegant day.

We love featuring EAD readers’ weddings! Emily and Jeff had a beautiful, elegant, and pretty pink wedding in Bloomington, Illinois. Big fat peonies, hydrangea, dahlias, astilbe…the gorgeous florals by Original Neipagen’s Flower Shop include some of my absolute favorites, I mean, check out those blooms! Sigh. I get butterflies every time I scroll through these photos from Simply Jessie Photography. Wait until you see Emily’s party-perfect reception dress and killer heels! A stunning and classic event that will always be in style.

We’re dreaming of warmer weather over here, and we have been served some wonderful wedding inspiration on a plate. It’s a unique one for sure, as it features a trés chic wedding gown from Emily Kotarski paired with some muted colors. Cayleigh Hopkins of The Petal Report jazzed up what we typically think of “summer shades” and used deep versions of reds, blues, and purples instead. Enjoy this shoot from Hannah Alyssa Photography to the fullest, especially those florals from Fresh Weddings and Events. That bouquet with the protea front and center is a dream!

We love this absolutely classic féte hailing from an illustrious museum in our nation’s capital today. This Washington DC wedding was photographed by one of our favorites, Lisa Blume, and it is elegant and so special and timeless. According to Kelly, she couldn’t take her mind off of the National Museum of Women in the Arts’s design and sweetly, how she could picture traipsing down the staircase to meet her dear dad at the bottom to walk her down the aisle to her beau Jamie (tears!). Speaking of tears, we had to mention this touching detail. Kelly needed to have her grandmothers there in some way, so to commemorate these wonderful women in her life, she shipped in two paintings from North Carolina of them and had her grandmother’s tea cup in her bridal suite. Endearingly, the teacup was a gift her grandmother gave to her sister for her wedding.

If you could imagine what a down home southern wedding would look like with a healthy serving of sophistication, we think it’s Shannon and Christian’s wedding, hands down. Our hats are off to Molliner Photography for capturing the sumptuous images we get to share with all of you. This Jekyll Island fête is one for the Pinterest boards (and don’t be afraid to add all of the images!). It’s draped in neutrals galore; set against the couple’s picture-perfect venue, Crane Cottage; and the blooms by Straton Hall Events are stellar. We can just imagine dancing the night away under the mesh of the palmetto and oak trees. It’s giving us all the heart eyes, y’all!

One gaze at this wedding and it would be hard to imagine that Leah and Andy wanted a laid-back fête to reflect their easygoing selves because their wedding is dripping with classic elements. To say the least, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is an old world vision that Renee Lemaire Photography certainly captured at the Porter’s big day. Every aspect of the grounds exudes romance and the whole place looks like it was plucked out of a fairytale. Leah recalls going to Stan Hywet often as a little girl, so she knew it was THE place and after showing Andy, they were both hooked and began dreaming up their wedding. Their September wedding day consisted of a delicate cream and ivory palette with dabs of blush, expert florals by The Budding Tree, and ending the night twirling away underneath the trees and the stars.

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.

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!

Though the setting may be in Southern California, the Villa Del Sol D’Oro transports us to Tuscany with its romantic European estate feel. Sweetest Love Events designed an elegant outdoor soiree with a beautiful mix of vintage elements and muted tones. Sibyl Sophia Floral Design created a showstopping bouquet and pastel garden-style arrangements for the alfresco reception and sweetheart tables, whose buttery tones echoed the villa’s graceful exterior. The stylish couple embraced the glamour with a sophisticated pale dove gray Willowby by Watters gown from Mary Me Bridal and classic tuxedo from The Black Tux . We are completely smitten with this dreamy wedding shoot photographed by Devon Donnahoo Photography!

Lindsay and Andrew chose the stunning Walker’s Landing in Amelia Island, Florida for their wedding, and the venue set the tone for their wedding style. Set on the water and with a bit of a rustic vibe, the venue was a perfect mix of whimsy and elegance. Lindsay’s bridesmaids donned beautiful mismatched champagne dresses, while the men kept it classic in tuxes, with Andrew sporting a white dinner jacket. Tiffany of Liz Stewart Floral Design crafted incredible florals to accent the flowing dresses and woodsy reception space. Edison bulbs and draped greenery were a “must have”, says the couple, along with dramatic swaths of drapery from the ceiling, and the organic, loose bouquets and centerpieces added to the romantic feel of the day. This truly unique and stunning wedding, captured by Brooke Images, is one we know you’ll fall in love with!

Allie and Bryce love their Virginia heritage, and their wedding vision was centered first and foremost around Allie’s dream of being married at Tuckahoe Plantation. Their classic Southern soiree feels traditional and timeless but not at all stuffy! A fresh color palette of shades of purple and green echo the lush surrounding gardens, while touches such as black and white striped grosgrain ribbons add a modern twist. Whitehouse Flowers incorporated peonies into the arrangements as the couple’s own garden is filled with peonies replanted from each of their grandparents’ gardens. In keeping with the Southern theme, they opted for a classic buttercream cake with a cascade of lilac hydrangea. Special touches abound, from oyster shell escort cards to a fabulous custom monogram crest – each moment captured by Sarah Jane Winter Photography is so special and joyous and we’re in love!

Meredith and Brinson’s vision for their wedding day was classic, elegant, and timeless. Meredith says “I wanted to be able to look back on our wedding 30 years from now and still love every detail,” and the moment they set eyes upon The Biltmore Ballrooms they knew it was the perfect venue for their Atlanta wedding. Working with Britain Lamon Events and Lindsay Coletta and a neutral color palette with pops of greenery, they designed their ceremony and reception to highlight the Ballrooms’ gorgeous interiors. The ceremony was special for many reasons, not the least of which was their officiant, “Dr. Bob”, 99 years young, a professor at UGA and one of Brinson’s close friends. Guests then enjoyed a spectacular evening noshing on dishes from Bold Catering & Design such as grilled peaches and dancing the night away to the tunes of Emerald Empire Band. We love every moment and know you will be smitten with the images from Rustic White Photography!

Charleston, South Carolina’s charming Middleton Place—home to America’s oldest landscaped garden—was the idyllic setting for Jessalyn and Jefferson’s timeless spring wedding. A ceremony in the gardens was followed by a beautiful tented recetpion designed by A Charleston Bride. The Sperry Tent was festooned with greenery chandeliers by Palmetto Bloom, which paired beautifully with organic garden-style centerpieces. Loose, natural bouquets perfectly accented Jessalyn’s Pnina Tornai gown and her maids’ pale pink Hayley Paige Occasions dresses. Hopelessly in love with the fabulous Charleston light and the gorgeous images by Aaron & Jillian Photography!

Lowndes Grove Plantation set the stage for Anna and Woody’s gorgeous Charleston wedding. The couple worked with the always-fabulous A Charleston Bride to bring their vision of an elegant, light, and airy event to life, and as Anna says, “Everything was absolutely perfect!” The plantation’s stately oak trees served as the ceremony backdrop, with a wooden cross passed down from Anna’s brother’s wedding as the centerpiece. After a cocktail hour on the lawn, guests made their way to the stunning reception designed by A Charleston Bride and Stephanie Gibbs Events. A dramatic chandelier, blush and gold lounge area, and chic cake table greeted everyone at the entry to the tent, and the scene was only made more spectacular by the amazing South Carolina sunset. Every small detail is perfectly attended to, and their timeless and elegant wedding is one for the books! Get ready to swoon over the gorgeous images from Jennings King Photography!