Real Weddings: Melissa + Abe

Tori and Jon’s Milwaukee wedding is nothing short of fabulous. Tori says “once we saw the Grain Exchange there was no question that it fit perfectly!” and we couldn’t agree more. This spectacular venue is equal parts elegant and glamorous. and Evenement Planning created a beautiful ambiance with a color palette of gold, dusty blue, peach, gold, and pinks. Every detail from the cocktail hour to the late night snacks was accounted for! Sparkling sequin linens and tall centerpieces by Impressions by Esther graced the tables, and a custom bar by Barlotta’s added a finishing touch. Each moment is beautifully captured by the incredible Kelsy and Butch of The McCartneys Photography!

Tina grew up in Hong Kong and Australia, with half of her family in Scotland, and Zac is from Australia. Their close family and friends live all over the world, so what better way to celebrate their union than with a destination wedding in Barcelona, where they were living when Zac proposed? Their vision of an intimate, personal wedding came to life when they found Casa Felix, a Spanish villa in Barcelona’s wine region, with a relaxed, peaceful ambiance. The couple worked with A Spanish Do to create a poolside reception highlighting the stunning locale. They selected a pastel color palette with pops of berry tones and an abundance of greenery, and Paradiso Barcelona designed rich, organic florals to complement the natural beauty of the villa. The result is positively breathtaking! Prepare to transport yourself to Spain with these lovely images from En Route Photography!

Chicago’s University Club is one of the most spectacular settings in the city, and Adriana and Stephen’s wedding made its beauty shine even brighter. LK Events and Exquisite Designs worked with the couple to create a romantic and cozy ambiance in the stately ballroom. The majestic florals by Exquisite Designs featured roses, hydrangea, and peonies in a mix of low and high arrangements and a sea of candles – each tabletop its own work of art. Dramatic lighting by Frost accented the University Club’s incredible stained glass windows, and Adriana says “When we walked into the reception (to the song Pony by Ginuwine) you could smell the flowers and the sun was still streaming into the room showing off the stained glass.” From their sweet first look to the afterparty on the roof deck underneath the city lights, each unforgettable moment was captured beautifully by Amanda Megan Miller!

There’s only one word befitting Temmy and Wayne’s Edmonton wedding: exquisite! Held at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, a landmark building fashioned after a castle, their intimate event was truly out of a fairy tale. It was love at first sight for the couple, and after six years and two children, saying “I Do” couldn’t have been easier. Working with Samantha of J’Adore Design & Events, they designed an enchanted wonderland of flowers, from topiaries lining the aisle and dressing the altar of their rooftop ceremony to elegant reception tables with shimmering pink linens, gilded accents, and patterned stone chargers. The final perfect detail? A something blue settee for two at the head table. We are mesmerized by this gorgeous family and all of the incredible images captured on film by Justine Milton!

Christine and Daniel’s wedding is equal parts romantic, dreamy, and classic. With the beautiful villa and gardens of Villa Montalvo as the setting and perfect Northern California weather provided by the month of May, the couple’s graceful ivory and blush color palette came to life within the lush green foliage. Charmed Events Group brought the elegant setting to life with lace linens from La Tavola, a dramatic draped arch decked with greenery and florals by Tango & Foxtrot, and fresh, clean centerpieces of peonies, garden roses, and ranunculus. A gorgeous lace-embellished cake from Studio Cake completed the scene. Christine is radiant in a sophisticated Allure gown to match Daniel’s chic black tux, and to honor their heritage, both donned traditional Korean wedding attire from LeeHwa Wedding for an incredible sunset portrait session. We are completely in love with every moment captured by Danielle Poff Photography!

Since she was a little girl, Courtney had dreamed of her fairytale wedding day, and—in her words—her wedding to Jack at Georgia’s Ritz Carlton Lodge Reynolds Plantation was more magical than she ever could have imagined! The couple fell in love with the natural setting on Lake Oconee and from the moment they stepped onto the property, they knew it was the perfect location for their Southern wedding. They shared their vows underneath a gorgeous floral arch created by Designs by Kent, and then danced the night away to the tunes of Simply Irresistible underneath the stunning reception tent, which featured soft pink lighting, elegant white and gold china, and elegant centerpieces of rose, garden rose, and hydrangea set atop textured white linens. The night was capped off with a spectacular fireworks display—the perfect ending to the perfect day! Prepare to be spellbound by every beautiful image from Ashley Seawell Photography!

If we had to choose but one word to describe Paul and Vida’s wedding, it would be sublime. With Vancouver’s Hycroft Manor as the setting and Coco Events & Weddings at the helm, the couple celebrated their autumn nuptials in front of their nearest and dearest on a gorgeous October day. The graceful interior of the manor created an intimate backdrop for the lush florals by Celsia Floral. A gorgeous ceremony arbor was matched in beauty only by Vida, breathtaking in her gown from Blush Bridal. We are suckers for vintage transportation and adore the 1930s Cadillac from Ritz Limousines, its regal elegance befitting the venue. Each and every image from Kirill Bordon Photography is exquisite!

Lucas and Brooke were married on a spectacular spring day in Arizona at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort. After saying “I Do” at sunset on the resort’s Lagoon Lawn, guests moved into the Palomino Ballroom for an elegant reception. The theme was “Manicured Rustic”, and the reception was a veritable wonderland with candlelight and a mix of jaw-dropping centerpieces from The Flower Studio which evoked the feel of a secret garden. We adore the color palette of cobalt blue, peach and gold, with wood accents to complement the garden feel. Amsale bridesmaids dresses in assorted silhouettes flattered each of the maids, while Brooke is resplendent in a Martina Liona gown from Mariee Bridal. Ashley Gain made sure the day ran without a hitch, and we are head over heels for the gorgeous images from Brushfire Photography!

Sheena and Nicholas’ South Florida wedding is all about elegance and glamour! Their January wedding was held at The Vinoy Renaissance in St. Petersburg, and the whimsical pink resort helped to inspired the decor’s palette of champagne, pink, and gold. Subtle champagne Bill Levkoff bridesmaids dresses were a perfect match for Sheena’s mermaid Tara Keely gown, and we’re loving the dramatic bows on her adorable Enzo Angiolini heels. Stonehouse Events worked with the couple to craft their day, which was filled with personal details, including printing Sheena’s something old, new, borrowed, and blue in the ceremony programs. Redman Steele created cascading centerpieces of hydrangea, roses, and orchids. In lieu of favors, the couple donated to The Christopher Reeve Foundation in honor of Sheena’s father, who was paralyzed in a car accident and passed away in the year before the wedding. We are simply in love with each image from Justin DeMutiis Photography!

Elegant and sophisticated, Chloe and Jonathan’s wedding featured not only one but two New York City neighborhoods. Grace Church in Brooklyn Heights is in a magical setting, sitting near the promenade with views of lower Manhattan’s iconic skyline—a perfect spot to catch a gorgeous sunset! Although it was terribly cold on their November wedding day, the bridal party braved frozen toes for portraits in their stunning Amsale dresses and tuxedos from The Black Tux. Chloe, Jonathan, and their guests traveled to Manhattan’s Upper East Side to the Harold Pratt House for the intimate reception designed by Celebrations Event and featuring beautiful ivory and blush florals by Stems Floral Design. Chloe is a vision in a stunning Mika Inatome gown, and we are head over heels for the elegant images from Rebecca Yale Photography!

Colleen and Mark’s Chicago wedding is indescribably elegant. At no time is the city more beautiful than in the summer, and the gorgeous day was a perfect complement to the gorgeous couple and their wedding party. Colleen is resplendent in a lace Ines Di Santo gown from Dimitras Bridal Couture, and her maids donned chic champagne Jenny Yoo Social Collection gowns. The extraordinary Preston Bradley room of the Chicago Cultural Center was the setting for their July nuptials, and the architectural gem’s Tiffany Dome was incorporated into the custom stationery by Magnificent Milestones. A mix of lush teacup florals and elegant garland-style centerpieces with a sea of candles by Exquisite Designs adorned the tables. The fabulous Lori Stephenson of LOLA Event Productions went above and beyond to both curate the details of the day and insure the event with off without a hitch, right down to duct taping the floor when the jubilant reception dancing literally cracked it open! We adore each of these soft and lovely images from Annie Parish Photography!

Jacqueline and Trebor’s wedding in Italy was a surprise to everyone, who thought they were simply participating in a styled shoot until the night before when guests received gorgeous watercolor invitations from Signora e Mare. We are swooning over this stunning romantic fete they held at Villa Bertolami in Rome! These breathtaking images from Buffy Dekmar make us feel as though we were there—almost—and we’re so happy to share the details with you. Puffy pink and green blooms in loose arrangements and Jacqueline’s amazing oversize bouquet are from Bo Boutique Flowers, and we’ve never seen anything quite as lovely. They are the perfect complement to Jacqueline’s bespoke vintage-style gown from LWD Couture. To help pull off this surprise affair, Jacqueline and Trebor asked Fine & Fleurie to help coordinate the peach and turquoise details, from the garden setting of the reception to Jacqueline’s beautiful colorful coat to the intricate cake put together by Natalizi. We just can’t get enough of this fabulous wedding!

Natives of Los Angeles, Michelle and Miguel wanted a spot for their wedding that didn’t feel like typical LA. The Legendary Park Plaza Hotel was the perfect venue for that, with its dramatic staircases, ceilings, and windows. The Dainty Lion helped Michelle and Miguel plan a celebration that was uniquely theirs, which included lush peony bouquets, baby’s breath topiaries, and pretty blooms in glass vases along tables peppered with gold sequin linens. Bridesmaids in taupe dresses were elegant, especially standing next to Michelle in a lace and tulle Pronovias gown from Bellasposa. We love Michelle’s blue Badgley Mischka shoes with sparkling brooches! Romantic touches such as floral stationery from Wedding Paper Divas and feather accents on place settings matches the drama of the location! A dessert table at the reception featured macaroons from Sweet and Saucy Shop, topped off with a cake designed by Hotcakes Bakes. We’re swooning over every detail in these photos from Love, Janet Photography!

Claudia and Greg chose the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove in Miami for their wedding festivities because the South Florida location represents their family roots but the look of the venue called to mind their former loft in Denver and their current home in Brooklyn. It’s a gorgeous estate by the water, which was a lovely site for an outdoor ceremony. Claudia looked amazing in a Watters gown from RK Bridal, paired with vintage jewelry and blush shoes from BHLDN that remind us of Old Hollywood. Lush blooms of peonies, hydrangeas and roses from Glady’s Flowers are a classic and elegant choice, and we love the earthiness of the dusty miller that’s mixed in Claudia’s bouquet. Thanks to the one-stop help of Exquisite Productions, who coordinated the wedding day, catering, rentals, linens, and DJ for their laid-back reception, Claudia and Greg didn’t have to worry about the details of their day. All of these images from Tega Photography are gorgeous, but we especially love the romantic first look shots at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens!

We have one word to describe Lauren and Patrick’s Laguna Beach wedding: stunning! The Montage Laguna Beach is a special site for the couple, it’s the location of one of their first “real” dates, their proposal, and now their elegant, California-style wedding. Lauren and Patrick worked with Jeannie of Details Details to bring their vision to life and incorporated several elements honoring Lauren’s Chinese ancestry, including a tea ceremony, Zen garden inspired florals by Inviting Occasion, and savory treats from the famous dumpling restaurant Din Tai Fung. We are completely head-over-heels for Lauren’s Jenny Lee Couture gown! After looking high and low for her perfect dress with little success, Lauren worked with Jenny Lee to create her dream dress from scratch! The fabulous end result featured a deep v-back and seemingly endless layers of gorgeous silk organza rosettes—a few even hand-painted in the palest of blues. Every thoughtful detail (right down to the “sweet past, present, and future” cake toppers) has our heart skipping a beat—we know you’ll agree this is one of the most gorgeous weddings of the year! See all of the captivating images from Caroline Tran in the gallery!

Emily and Dan’s Columbus, Ohio, wedding is impossibly classic and sophisticated, with a dreamy palette of ivory, blush, and gold and dramatic pops of navy. The gorgeous St. Mary’s Catholic Church was host to the catholic ceremony, and the ethereal colors continued at the reception, held in the breathtakingly gorgeous The Westin Columbus. Marble floors and gold details created a fairytale space for Emily and Dan; Emily looked like a princess in a CB Couture lace gown, accented by a stunning vintage veil from Vera’s House of Bridals! Bridesmaids wore long navy dresses by  Joielle, but their flowers, like the others, were held to the neutral palette. Flowers on Springtree Lane translated Emily’s vision so that the blooms accented rather than competed with the surroundings. Textured roses on linens by Urquid Linen and the cake by The End Dessert Company were in keeping with the intricate detailing of the décor. We are simply in love with these swoon-worthy images from Two Maries!

Rachel and Stephen’s snowy and romantic wedding in Park City at The St. Regis Deer Valley reminds us of an elegant Parisian affair! These glamorous images from Chantel Marie Photography have us dreaming of winter in Europe. Pink and cream blooms from Calie Rose Floral & Event Design are aplenty, woven in hair wreaths for bridesmaids and sweet bouquets for Rachel and her bridesmaids. We love the mix of blush and black bridesmaids dresses from BHLDN, Nordstrom, and Watters. Rachel’s Enzoani gown is stunning, especially with her soft updo and sparkling headpiece. Run, don’t walk, to the gallery to see all of the gorgeous details!

Melinda and Matt’s wedding is simply a stunning example of how gorgeous rustic and elegant vintage decor can look when paired together! Held at Sodo Park by Herban Feast in Seattle, McKenzie Powell Floral & Event Design created a fairytale backdrop, with greenery gardens, vignettes of cream and blush roses grouped on mirrored trays, and swags of flowers everywhere you look! We’re loving the sparkly glamour of gold sequin linens from La Tavola Fine Linen Rental, too! Melinda’s single bridesmaid wore a silver dress from White by Vera Wang, while she opted for a flowy romantic gown by Hayley Paige paired with a rhinestone hairpiece that adds extra sparkle. We’re in love with the look of these photos from Michele M. Waite Photography!

Wow—we are just smitten with the gorgeous details of Daniele and Aydin’s cross-cultural wedding in Austin, Texas! These beautiful images from Caroline + Ben show a lovely, laid-back day filled with bright smiles and sophistication. Daniele and Aydin’s Catholic wedding mass at Central Christian Church was followed by a Persian ceremony celebrating Aydin’s heritage, held at the Green Pastures Reception. The first part of the day included soft taupes in bridesmaids dresses by Alfred Sung and cream and pink peony and orchid bouquets by Unexpected Elements. The scene at the backyard-style reception included bolder touches, like gold and jewel tone sequin linens and bright flowers, where the team from Brock + Co. Events kept the evening running smoothly. Throughout it all, Daniele dazzled in a strapless Enzoani gown from Blush Bridal Lounge. This is one fun party—see it all in the gallery!

Charles’ and Brianna’s downtown Los Angeles wedding is full of elegance and sophistication! The couple chose the rooftop of The Los Angeles Athletic Club for their ceremony, to which Brianna wore a structured gown with a mod silhouette. Bridesmaids chose their own vintage-inspired gowns in the taupe-gold family, and beading on the dresses made sure they shined in the city’s afternoon light! Pink and gold flowers mixed with subtle baby’s breath from Rosebud Floral Design dressed up the gorgeous ballroom, and the wedding went off without a hitch thanks to Whitney Wing Drake of Wish Wonder Dream. These gorgeous photos from B&G Photography have us swooning at the old world glamour, right down to the gold wedding cake draped in pearls from Porto’s Bakery & Cafe. See all of the fabulous details in the gallery!