The fairytale wedding we always dream about is exactly what we created for Clair and Michael’s big day. Whimsical, dreamy, magical and glamorous…Clair was everything that a princess bride should be. Michael and Clair had an intimate ceremony at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church where Clair’s parents have been long time parishioners.
When we first met Clair and Michael they started telling us the story of their engagement last summer. We talked for hours about their love story, the engagement and all the details she’d thoughtfully planned. After our meeting we couldn’t help reflecting on the love and joy this couple so clearly share with one another, and how much we adored Clair for her kindness and humor, it felt like we were going to be friends forever.
A wedding signifies all the things that the couple wishes to highlight representing their personal style, marking this as the first day of their life together as husband and wife. Knowing this, we opted to hold their reception at Oaklands Mansion. After all, a fairytale deserves the elegance and drama that could be provided by such a stately home.
As Clair gracefully descended the 150 year old spiraling staircase for Michael’s first look at his bride, we couldn’t help but hold our collective breath in anticipation as we had never seen a gown as lovely as hers. And his reaction was well worth the dramatic decent as he simply could not take his eyes off her for even a moment.
While Clair and Michael had a quiet moment together prior to being whisked away for photos with enthusiastic friends and family, the bridesmaids dressed in rose gold eagerly awaited their arrival on the mansion grounds as they admired the stunning florals created by Sheila Hines Floral Designs.
Carefully crafted, each bouquet featured flowers that were ones that Michael often surprised Clair with, ‘just because’ during their courtship. Roses in all shades of ivory, white, blush and soft pinks, accented with ivory hydrangea, dusty miller and seeded eucalyptus. These fragrant blossoms, as well as soft cotton blooms, adorned every surface from the historic mantle in the Maney Hall ballroom to the lush tables capes.
Guests were offered savories and sweets from Wildberry Cafe in a variety of stations positioned throughout the ballroom. For those guests who preferred to spend their time dancing to the musical stylings of the Chris Winward Band, the fantastic catering staff passed through the crowds with trays of treats to entice them throughout the evening.
You may notice that a tiny pup has taken up residence atop the chocolatey groom’s cake. He certainly earned his place here as he was the reason that Clair and Michael had met in the first place! Not only were guests treated to this chocolate treasure from Julia’s Homestyle Bakery, but they also had the option of slices from the wedding cake which featured a layer of white chocolate and a layer of snickerdoodle.
This precious pup was handcrafted by Clair so that he was ready and waiting for Michael when it came time to cut the cake. We also loved their lovely cake topper custom created for them by one of their groomsmen.
At the end of the evening Clair and Michael were bid farewell with cheers and song as their guests lined the hallway of the tent entrance leading to Michael’s classic Ford pickup. Shaking glittering gold pom pom caught the light like fireworks. It was quite a send off for the happy couple!
This wedding from start to finish was truly a dream of lace, roses, and the romance of a bygone era. Knowing the importance of the wedding day, we always make sure that no detail goes overlooked. It was truly a fairytale fit for a princess. We were all too happy to make their dream of a romantic autumn wedding a reality. After all, who wouldn’t like to receive the royal treatment for a day and dance the night away with their prince charming? Now, how can we make YOUR dream wedding come true?
Planning & Design: Weddings & Events by Raina
Floral Design: Sheila Hines Floral Design
Ceremony: St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church
Reception: Oaklands Mansion
Photography: Eden Ingle Photo
Cake: Julia’s Homestyle Bakery
Caterer: Wildberry Cafe and Catering
Entertainment: Chris Winward Band
