Real Weddings: Lesley + Adam

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.

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!

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!

Melissa and Travis always knew they wanted a small wedding. Their intimate dinner at Winston-Salem’s Spring House Restaurant ticked every box: a timeless and elegant setting, unforgettable food and drink, and treasured personal details. Melissa stayed true to her initial vision of a neutral palette with sophisticated hints of metallics. Amy Lynne Originals designed lush, clustered centerpieces of calla lilies, roses, peonies, lisianthus, hydrangea, and ranunculus, paired with a sea of candles in glass cylinders. The linens—handmade in India and passed down through Melissa’s aunt—were sheer with gold threading and beading, adding just the right hint of sparkle. From the custom cocktails honoring the couple’s two pups to the beautiful images captured on film by Red Boat Photography, this entire wedding is not to be missed!

Aileen and Alan fell in love with San Juan Capistrano’s Serra Plaza at first sight, and working with Pure Lavish Events, the couple designed a soft and intimate wedding with timeless California style. Florals by Jenny created stunning arrangements from peonies, hydrangea, and dahlia, and completed the setting with a fountain and sweetheart table both overflowing with fresh white orchids. It was such a dreamy scene! A vintage white Rolls Royce getaway car, marble tile place cards, and glimmering chandeliers are just a few of the unforgettable details that make this wedding from Devon Donnahoo an instant favorite!

Kathryn and Mark’s wedding was inspired by roots and wood grain, a metaphor for putting roots down: the strength and malleability of wood and the importance of building something with a strong foundation together. The couple illustrated the theme in creative and meaningful ways, from the wooden invitations by Spilled Ink Press to wooden tables and barnwood planter boxes handmade by the groom’s father and laser-cut place cards for each guest. The wide-plank floors and floor to ceiling windows of The Chapel at Montage Palmetto Bluff needed no decoration, but Kathryn and Mark and Spencer Special Events left not a detail uncovered in the spectacular tented reception. Em Creative Floral created chandeliers dripping with greenery and centerpieces of lush, snowy white blooms provided a gorgeous soft contrast to the wooden and metallic elements featured throughout. Their wedding day is full to the brim with special moments and it is beautifully captured by Jennings King Photography!

Jovanna and Chase pulled off the perfect combination of earthy and elegant with their Salt Lake City wedding! The base for the look of the day was lush, earthy ivory florals and chunky greenery garlands, exquisitely mixed by Petal Pixie. A whimsical stationery design from Huckleberry Paper also ties into the decor. That timeless element gave way to both decor and attire, with Jovanna in a lace Allure Bridals gown for the ceremony at Salt Lake Temple. We adore the two handmade veils Jovanna wore; a birdcage version for photos and a cathedral-length veil during the ceremony. Sparkly gold shoes influenced gold accents throughout the reception at the Salt Lake Hardware Building. At the industrial-chic spot, Charming Details worked magic on the styling to make Jovanna and Chase’s vision of a classic, clean look with a twist come to life. Brass candlesticks, lush florals, wooden tables, and flickering light are simple and timeless, yet breathtaking! We especially love the simple wrap of greenery around the confection from Le Loup Cakery. Enjoy each and every lovely photo from Shannon Elizabeth Photography!

We just love an elegant Southern wedding and Meredith and Jason’s candlelit soiree at Auburn’s Moores Mill Club had us at hello! Invision Events worked with the couple to bring their effortless, sophisticated vision to life. The rustic interior of the venue was perfectly dressed up with white hydrangea centerpieces by Stanley Sistrunk of The Flower Store, dark chivari chairs, and a lush greenery garland for the bride and groom’s seats. Enjoy each flawless image by the lovely Morgan Trinker!

Ahh, what a breath of fresh air Tiffany and Jason’s whimsical wedding affair is! We’re taken aback by these stunning images from Ashley Seawell Photography—vintage touches, candlelight, rustic elegance, and lush white blooms from Emily Wynn Wildes Floral Design create a sophisticated simplicity that we’re loving. For the outdoor ceremony at Cypress Bay Plantation in Varnville, South Carolina, Tiffany wore her sister’s gown and held the hands of her children instead of carrying a traditional bouquet. The cross at the altar, draped in a greenery garland, is a family heirloom built by Emily’s stepfather. Post-ceremony, Tiffany and Jason’s fathers opened the barn doors behind them to reveal an amazing reception setup by Ashley Rhodes Event Design. Cozy tables set with burlap, lace, and mercury glass accents held beautiful white flowers that glowed in the candlelight. We love the burlap and lace runner across the table that holds a two-tier dessert from Tara Hayes Cakes. Everything about this day is perfection!

You know when two wedding photographers are getting married, it’s bound to be spectacular! And such is Sarah and Matt‘s magical affair at Salvage One. The industrial, whimsical locale was perfect for pastel florals from Fleur, romantic candlelight, and vintage decor from BHLDN. We adore their invites, elegant but fun with silhouettes, from Love vs. Design. Sarah said no to traditional bridesmaids and matching dresses, and instead focused on a gorgeous classic gown from J.Crew for herself paired with glittery Kate Spade shoes. Special touches at the event, coordinated by Liven It Up Events, included desserts from Molly’s Cupcakes, mini burgers from The Slide Ride food truck, and custom cloth napkins by Dot & Army. We’re swooning over the amazing images by Pen / Carlson and we know you’ll agree that it’s one of our favorites of 2013!

There’s no better way to start off the week than with an absolutely gorgeous wedding! Nicki and Matt’s stunning soiree at Santa Barbara’s Bacara Resort is complete and utter perfection. The clean and classic navy, ivory, and gold color palette complements the natural beauty of the resort perfectly, and we are swooning over every detail from the blue calligraphy to the glittery linens, and the lovely florals by Toast. You & Me Events made sure the day ran smoothly, and guests danced the night away to So Cal DJs. Jordana of Hazelnut Photography captured the day with all of her usual grace and we are head over heels! See it all in the gallery!

Sarah and Francis’s wedding is seaside splendor at its finest! The stunning cream, chocolate, and green color scheme is simply breathtaking in Florida’s Seaside Interfaith Chapel and on the lush Lyceum Lawn, where the ceremony and reception were held. Shades of ivory and white flowers in bouquets from Events by Nouveau Flowers provided an elegant vibe to the beachfront wedding. Sarah added sweet touches like a lace wrap and a cameo pin that belonged to her grandmother to her flowers; the bridesmaids’ bouquets were wrapped in the same fabric as the sashes on their LulaKate dresses. Sarah’s lace Monique Lhuillier gown is totally amazing—we love the vintage feel of the matching jacket! Francis wore a fabulous khaki-striped bow tie from High Cotton—such a fun Southern twist on a traditional tie. Even though the overall vibe of the day was true sophistication, Sarah and Francis wove in laid-back elements at their outdoor reception, like a signature cocktail served in jars, laid-back lounge seating, and a perfectly imperfect buttercream cake from Confections on the Coast. There are so many great ideas in the gorgeous images from VUE Photography that we can’t pick a favorite, but we wish you luck trying!

Ashley and Joshua’s sweet wedding—held at the Holy Redeemer Childhood School Chapel in Marshall, Minnesota—shows off some of our favorite things about the winter season: deep coral bridesmaids dresses from Banana Republic topped with fabulous fur shrugs and feathers in the flowers done by Jessica Cattoor Design! Ashley wore her mother’s gown (she just had the sleeves removed), adding in a sentimental vintage element to the day. We didn’t think it could get any better until we saw Joshua’s awesome striped tie that complemented the rest of the color scheme. As always, Laura Ivanova Photography did a lovely job of capturing every last detail of Ashley and Joshua’s day!

There are so many gorgeous elements in Jennifer and David’s wedding, held at The Blue Dress Barn in Benton Harbor, Michigan. The site itself is rustic, but touches like feathers and lush blooms in bouquets and arrangements from Posh Petals and Jennifer’s absolutely amazing Paloma Blanca gown—complete with an unbelievable rhinestone-and-lace capelet—upped the glam factor in a major way! French Country details and a chocolate wedding cake festooned with more feathers from Dee’s Specialty Cakes just furthered the sophisticated feel at this woodsy location. The images from Amy Carroll Photography captured the magical, charming sentiment of this wedding. And we totally adore the bride’s lottery ticket wedding favors, tied in festive bags with a penny! We’re somewhat teary just looking at the emotion on Jennifer and David’s faces—what an absolutely breathtaking affair!

We are absolutely blown away by the gorgeous Southern charm of Callie and Andrew’s Birmingham, Alabama wedding. Held at the historic Donnelly House, the outdoor ceremony gave way to an indoor and outdoor reception, both featuring tons of lush hydrangea blooms in centerpieces and bouquets created by Continental Florist. The bride’s Rivini gown starts as a traditional strapless style, but the bottom will nearly leave you breathless—pleated orchid-like ruffles make this a dress to remember. The chocolate-colored dresses from Bella Bridesmaid are a stark and sophisticated contrast to the white flowers. Spindle Photography captured every last perfect part of the day, including that amazing wedding cake from Olexa’s. We can’t pick just one favorite detail of this delicious affair!

Ashton and Brandon’s beautiful Greensboro wedding is full of lovely and classic Southern details!  Tables were cleanly dressed in crisp white linens with beautiful arrangements of magnolia leaves, white hydrangea, and other foliage by Farmer’s Wife. Ashton and Brandon have travelled all over the world so they used places they’ve visited as table names! The images by Pasha Belman beautifully capture this Southern fall wedding and all the pretty details designed by Leigh Pearce Weddings!

Carrie and Will’s wedding is all about easy elegance and natural beauty.  Sharing a love of the outdoors, the couple chose to hold their reception at Will’s family home in North Carolina, and their elegant reception tent full of ivory and green details echoed their gorgeous surroundings.  I just love all of the personal elements in their wedding – everything from bridesmaids in cowboy boots to Randy McManus‘ suggestion to use annuals in their centerpieces (Carrie and Will planted them after their wedding and now they will always have a reminder of their big day!). Such a beautiful, classic Southern wedding with gorgeous images from Kellie Kano!

There’s nowhere more beautiful than sunny Charleston, SC, and its historic venues and scenery, and no better setting for Alissa and Kyle’s classic wedding than the seaside Historic Rice Mill, the only one of Charleston’s three antebellum rice mills still standing.  The small terrace is a gorgeous spot for an intimate ceremony or cocktail hour, and the fabulous interior features exposed brick, wide plank wood floors, expansive double windows, and pressed tin ceilings.  I adore how Alissa and Ryan enhanced the natural beauty of the venue with their natural white and brown color palette, and how they brought a bit of the seaside indoors with lantern centerpieces.  Sit back and enjoy the beautiful images from Chi Photography of Charleston!

I want to move right into The Lodge at Sonoma after seeing Elisabeth and Michael’s gorgeous wedding!  The high ceilings, wooden beams, and amazing fireplace in the Stone Building were the perfect backdrop for the couple’s cozy and intimate event.  I’m especially smitten with the lovely floral created by Vanda Floral Design.  Hurricanes with candles lined the top of the fireplace, birdcages with fluffy ivory and blush flowers served as centerpieces, and bouquets of white hydrangea set atop wooden wine barrels at the altar.  Elizabeth’s gorgeous bouquet was filled with ranunculus, sweet pea, hydrangea, hypericum berries, orchids, and succulents, and Mike’s boutonniere is a matching succulent.  And of course, Gladys Jem captured the romance of this Wine Country wedding perfectly!