Real Weddings: Mary + Andy

The word ‘beautiful’ barely does justice for this Scottish Rite Cathedral Wedding, photographed by Danielle Harris Photography! Patia and George envisioned a quintessentially classic wedding in the heart of Indianapolis. The Scottish Rite Cathedral, with its richly appointed ballroom, was decked out from head to toe with lush greenery and overflowing blooms in vases that the couple collected in the year leading up to their wedding. The beautiful patina of the blue and white pottery paired with the spectacular space makes for a stunning affair that we know you’re going to adore!

KJ and Kenny are two Midwesterners currently living in California, and when they became engaged, they knew that they wanted to marry in the groom’s hometown of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. The classic Detroit Lakes Country Club was the perfect (albeit only!) choice for their outdoor ceremony and tented reception, which fused their North Dakota and Minnesota roots with elegant details, such as a fabulous floral arch by Natalie of Native Poppy that served as the backdrop for their vows. Using local greenery foraged from the Detroit Lakes area and over 2,500 blooms, Natalie created gorgeous arrangements and a cascading bridal bouquet that is simply heavenly! Fun details honoring their home states, such as die-cut state invitations and escort cards and a Fargo-friendly hashtag—#youBlattcha (youbetcha, get it?)—make this Midwest destination wedding a favorite! We are head over heels for the beautiful images from Abby Anderson!

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!

Erin and David selected the elegant Belmond El Encanto in Santa Barbara for their July nuptials. Erin was inspired by the idea of a Southern garden—lush, lively, and romantic—and worked with Precious & Blooming to craft a “perfectly imperfect” feel, mixing white, ivory, and light gold blooms, surrounded by swaths of greenery. After a showstopping ceremony set around the lily pond with a dramatic altar draped with fabric and dressed with greenery, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour with “Babes and Bombers” cocktails (a nod to their softball team) and a Polaroid guest book, before moving inside the ballroom for the reception, where they danced the night away to the tunes of Gold Standard. Erin shares “The end of the night was one of my favorite memories. There was a grand piano in our venue and our best man, Matthew Walker, started playing. Everyone gathered around and sang along with him to “Rocket Man” while I sat on the piano, straight out of an old movie. At the top of the chorus, everyone would through petals in the air, making the most incredible smelling confetti.” We are smitten with every gorgeous image from Jillian Rose Photography!

Rachel and Charlie’s Wisconsin wedding is the epitome of relaxed elegance. The only wedding ever to be held at Door County’s historical Horseshoe Bay Farms did not disappoint, as the couple worked with Carrie of Door County Event Planners to perfectly blend the grand property’s charming setting with a show-stopping reception tent for a magical result. After a waterside ceremony, guests were greeted with champagne-filled glasses for their short walk to the farm, and Rachel and Charlie embraced each guest as they entered cocktail hour under a stunning, larger than life canopy created by Flora Flowershop. The classic Sperry reception tent was filled with a sea of paper lanterns and a mix of unique tabletops, from farmhouse tables to rounds, each with a different centerpiece. A perfect Door County sunset and the glow of the tent illuminated the barns, resulting in a marvelous scene not likely to be forgotten. We are simply smitten with each image from The McCartneys Photography!

Vero Beach’s Quail Valley River Club sits along the Indian River and made for a picturesque setting for Kim and Drew’s Florida wedding! With a fresh color palette of ivory, green, and gold, their wedding was equal parts waterside preppy and clean-and-classic! The couple both grew up in Vero Beach, but didn’t connect until they were living in NYC, so celebrating at home in Florida with both their Florida and NYC friends and family was special. Kim, her best friend Jen, and her mother-in-law Glen (an artist) worked together to create the stationery, with a laurel wreath emblem hand-painted by Glen, who also created the husband and wife chair signs for the reception. The chic and modern aesthetic of the day carried through to the fashion, and we are head over heels for Kim’s bridal ensemble of Karen Willis Holmes separates, Alexis Bittar earrings, and relaxed waves styled by Haute Dry. Ivory J.Crew and Amsale frocks for the maids were accented with bouquets of lisianthus, astilbe, rose, and greenery from Lara’s Theme. Not to be outdone, Drew donned a navy suit from Combatant Gentlemen and bow tie from Fox & Brie. Prepare to be transported to paradise in the beautiful images from Charlie Juliet Photography!

Rebecca and Cory were married on a spectacular August day at the Wentworth By The Sea Country Club in Rye, New Hampshire. The couple selected a pretty, neutral palette of cream, gold, and blush, and after a ceremony along the water, moved inside the nearby reception tent for an evening of celebration with their nearest and dearest. Inspired by the waterside setting, the couple incorporated subtle seaside details into their wedding, including adorable oyster shell place cards with calligraphy by Honey Honey Calligraphy. Flower Kiosk created a mix of garland and traditional centerpieces with soft hydrangea and roses, and our favorite detail may just be the romantic swaths of greenery on the bride and groom’s chairs! The I Do Scene made sure that the day was more perfect than Rebecca and Cory could ever hope for, and every detail came together to create a day they will never forget. Enjoy each beautiful image from Rachel Red Photography!

Katie and Jeffrey celebrated their nuptials on a gorgeous winter day. After a ceremony at Katie’s childhood church, the guests moved to New Jersey’s Ryland Inn for a warm and cozy reception. The Ryland Inn’s large rustic ballroom with a beautiful stone fireplace was dimly lit by candlelight and Conroy’s Creations created breathtaking large arrangements to accent the cathedral ceilings. To combat the chilly December day (theirs was a 12/13/14 soiree!), the bridesmaids accented their J.Crew gowns with soft gray pashminas. Their warm and romantic day was beautifully captured by Brklyn View Photography!

A little rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of Lauren and Robert on their wedding day at the lovely Bedell Cellars in Cutchogue, New York! The theme of the day was “refined rustic.” A clean color palette of green, white, and ivory brought out the natural beauty of the surroundings. Lauren’s father officiated their ceremony, held under a large tree within the orchard. The rain let up for a few precious moments, allowing for the outdoor celebration! Paying tribute to their locale, the couple’s favors were baked apple cider donuts from the nearby Wickham’s Fruit Farm and created a “North Fork Iced Tea” for their signature cocktail. House of Flowers created beautiful arrangements of anemones, succulents, peonies, hydrangea and wildflowers, and set next to iron lanterns the result was classic and sophisticated. Lauren is a vision in a lace Marchesa gown from Mark Ingram Atelier, with the perfect Tiffany blue Badgley Mischka heels as her something blue! Every image from Lindsay Madden Photography is absolute perfection.

Meagan and Adam’s Missouri soiree is the perfect summer affair. Held at the lakeside venue of Integrity Hills, the couple worked with Abby Mitchell Events to bring their nautical theme to life. Flowers were an important part of the day, and Artistry in Bloom matched the beauty of the surroundings with lovely and interesting arrangements of kale, hydrangea, coffee berries, garden roses, and protea. Meagan traveled to South Africa during her veterinary training and became enchanted by protea, so incorporating the exotic bloom was close to her heart. Maritime accents such as rope and knots decorated the tables, which were set with navy linens and striped silver napkins echoing the bridesmaids’ pretty J.Crew frocks. Meagan is a vision in a vintage Priscilla of Boston gown from Marry Go Round and veil handmade by her aunt. We love the perfect pop of pink lipstick in her flawless makeup by Makeup by Melissa Britt. Each image from Christine Bonnivier Photography is perfection, right down to the sparkler exit!

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!

Elise and Michael’s wedding showcases the stunning city of Chicago almost as well as it illustrates their love for each other! An interfaith ceremony at Old St. Patrick’s Church brought together both families’ traditions, and their Chicago Cultural Center reception—planned and designed by Beth Bernstein of SQN Events—is the epitome of classic sophistication. The stunning Preston Bradley Hall, with its ornate dome and stately marbled walls, was the perfect backdrop for a reception featuring elegant calligraphy details, centerpieces of greenery, candles, and soft white blooms from Flora, and a rocking party set to the tunes of Matt Lewis and The Union. Each and every image from Olivia Leigh Photographie is perfection!

Alexi and Stephen’s Pittsburgh wedding is all about pure timeless romance. After a ceremony at the gorgeous All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, guests moved to the historical The Pennsylvanian for a stunning reception designed by Rania Harris. Mt. Lebanon Floral brought the outdoors in with gorgeous greenery, elements of moss, and textured florals in shades of green and coral. Alexi and her bridesmaids wore  Monique Lhuillier gowns from Ann Gregory For The Bride, the bridesmaids dresses in the palest of blush perfectly offset by bouquets of deep pink and paired with lace ribbon to match Alexi’s gown. We know you will fall in love with the elegant images from Caroline Yoon!

Diane and Brendan’s fancy summer garden party is the perfect mix of preppy and classic, and the couple peppered sweet details throughout the day to make their celebration uniquely personal. Diane’s grandmother’s family china not only graced the tables, but its beautiful toile pattern was also carried throughout the day, from the invitations by Alissa Bell Press to bow ties and shoes. In lieu of a traditional wedding party, a little flock of “flower kids” joined the couple for their backyard ceremony, for which Brendan composed the processional. Diane and her mother truly brought the event to life: they custom-cut the table runners, rubber-stamped confetti bags, handmade the pups’ bow ties, and even hand-painted a toile pattern on Diane’s shoes! We love the touch of thistle in the blooms from Mindy Rosenberg Design, and are simply head over heels for these images from Diana Marie Photography!

Hallie and Matthew are absolutely gorgeous and their clean and classic Oklahoma City wedding fits them perfectly! The couple selected July 4th as their date as an homage to Hallie’s grandparents, who were married on Independence Day 56 years prior. Hallie’s classic Jim Hjelm gown was fitted with a champagne sash, matching her maids’ J.Crew dresses, and we are loving Matthew’s sleek navy and brown groom attire. The Skirvin Hilton, with its 1920s chandeliers and downtown location, was the setting—its stately ballroom decorated with elegant greenery and a mix of ivory hydrangea, peonies, roses, eucalyptus, lisianthus, and astilbe. Poppy Lane Design absolutely outdid themselves with the chic and unfussy decor! Guests enjoyed a full dessert bar from the fabulous Amy Cakes, with a centerpiece cake with fresh flowers that we absolutely adore. Enjoy each and every image from Amanda Watson Photography!

Sara and Chris’s romantic garden wedding at Hartley Botanica simply has us swooning! For starters, Sara’s White by Vera Wang gown–in a soft and sweet shade of pink–is nothing short of amazing! And with a backdrop like that, pastel roses in more shades of pink and lavender are a must; we adore the lush bouquet by Belle of the Ball Designs that Sara carried! Whimsical floral stationery from Minted further grounded the theme of this affair, where Sara and Chris took their vows beneath a canopy of curly branches, twinkling lights, and a jaw-dropping chandelier covered in lush blooms. Don’t miss a single detail in these stunning images by Valentina Glidden Fine Art Photography–we can’t stop staring!

I was smitten from the moment I laid eyes upon Ashley and Taylor’s wedding! Every little nuance is perfection—from Ashley’s chic sideswept braid and floral crown to the mismatched peach and cream Tommy Hilfiger bridesmaids dresses and Taylor’s navy Express suit—and the navy, peach, and cream palette is lovely! Blossom Sweet created lush bouquets and centerpieces of roses, sweet pea, berries, and hydrangea, and not one but two gorgeous bridal crowns: a ceremony wreath of baby’s breath and reception crown to match the florals. Sleepy Ridge Golf Course was the beautiful reception setting, which was anchored by sweeping tulle garlands adorning the ceiling and floods of natural light. Ashley would love to to re-live her wedding daily, and we can certainly see why. We just adore all of the lovely images from Rebekah Westover Photography!

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!

Molly and Mike’s lovely Wayzata, Minnesota, wedding was a family affair, starting with the location of their ceremony and reception—Mike’s parents’ backyard! With help from Jennae Elizabeth of Blush & Whim, Molly and Mike planned the summer wedding of their dreams, which included vows beneath a pergola constructed by Mike’s stepdad. Along with Sarah of Four Finches, Molly’s mom, Mary, helped style the colorful flowers for the affair, some of which she grew in her own garden. Molly paired her ivory gown by Blush by Hayley Paige from The White Gown with a lace mantilla veil, also made by her mother. Bridesmaids in navy dresses from J.Crew and groomsmen in gray suits were casual but perfectly in step with the rest of the laid-back elegance of the day. Other fun touches included a heart-shaped pinata handmade by Molly’s sister and a delicious looking unfrosted chocolate wedding cake by Catherine Miller of Camelbear Bakery. Enjoy all of these gorgeous images from Clary Photo!

We are smitten with Karen and Michael’s classic wine country wedding! With the help of Covenant Coordinating, their vision of an intimate gathering at Mayacama fell into place. A seasonal color palette of burgundy, eggplant, taupe, and olive echoed the gorgeous surroundings, and lovely florals by Maria Philbin Floral Design dressed gorgeous tabletops set amongst the votive-lit trees. Karen is radiant in her Amy Kuschel gown and Kate Spade heels, which are perfectly complemented by her ladies’ J. Crew dresses. We love each and every image from Julie Mikos | Photographer!