While the idea of a Las Vegas wedding often conjures up images of Elvis impersonators, Bellagio backdrops, and late-night revelry, Anna and Jeff’s romantic celebration at Lake Las Vegas defied convention. The couple’s elegant affair, captured by Gaby J Photography, showcased a sophisticated side to Sin City nuptials that’s just as captivating.
Amidst the serene surroundings of the Florentine Garden at the Hilton, where a replica Ponte Vecchio bridge added to the charm, Anna and Jeff worked with their planner, Open Invitation, and top-notch vendors to craft an unforgettable evening. Every detail, from the cuisine to the music to the stylish attire, was meticulously curated to honor their love story rather than mere aesthetics.
The result: A genuine, romantic, and stunning union that paid tribute to this endearing couple’s fated romance. Dive in and discover a fresh perspective on a Nevada wedding, as well as the intimate, whimsical beauty of Anna, Jeff, and their enchanting garden soiree.
Wedding Day Snapshot
While the idea of a Las Vegas wedding often conjures up images of Elvis impersonators, Bellagio backdrops, and late-night revelry, Anna and Jeff’s romantic celebration at Lake Las Vegas defied convention. The couple’s elegant affair, captured by Gaby J Photography, showcased a sophisticated side to Sin City nuptials that’s just as captivating.
Amidst the serene surroundings of the Florentine Garden at the Hilton, where a replica Ponte Vecchio bridge added to the charm, Anna and Jeff worked with their planner, Open Invitation, and top-notch vendors to craft an unforgettable evening. Every detail, from the cuisine to the music to the stylish attire, was meticulously curated to honor their love story rather than mere aesthetics.
The result: A genuine, romantic, and stunning union that paid tribute to this endearing couple’s fated romance. Dive in and discover a fresh perspective on a Nevada wedding, as well as the intimate, whimsical beauty of Anna, Jeff, and their enchanting garden soiree.
The Proposal
We’d been dating for approximately two and a half years when Jeff’s proposal plans went into high gear; just before Easter, he inherited his Grandma Bea’s wedding ring, which sparked a chain of events that would ultimately lead to our future together. The original plan was to propose on Easter day itself, but Jeff’s enthusiasm got the better of him after receiving news from the jeweler that the refurbishing of the ring was complete.
He hastily drove to the store to gather all the essentials for his Easter basket, eager to pop the question. I walked in on the scene after a yoga class, finding Jeff busy with dinner and an Easter basket laid out before me. My initial reaction was amusement at his lack of patience, as Easter was still four days away; Jeff had cleverly hidden various candies inside each plastic egg, which I got to discover one by one.
As I opened each egg, my excitement grew until I reached the special one – the egg containing Grandma Bea’s beautiful ring. It was April 1st, 2015, which, as it turned out, wasn’t exactly the most auspicious date for a proposal, but Jeff’s impulsiveness and eagerness to seal our future together made up for it. I said yes, and we set a date to make it official.
Our Wedding Day
As we exchanged vows on March 11th, 2 Written as if by Virginia Woolf during the modernist period:The room bathed in a pale light that seemed to distill essence from mere air. Our hands met—a silent communion amidst whispers of rustling silk and laughter’s soft echoes. The space, like our minds, wandered through time without restraint; past the rigidity of convention, we embraced an existence untethered by societal dictates or linear progression.
Our conversation flowed in currents—rapids and streams interwoven seamlessly. Words were vessels for thoughts, drifting through a stream-of-consciousness that defied orderly structure yet conveyed profound truths about our beings. We spoke of selves as fluid entities, transient as the shadows on the wall of Plato’s allegory—ever-changing perceptions in an ever-shifting room.
Jeff, with his background steeped in culinary arts, orchestrated a symphony of flavors served family-style; each dish a reflection of our intertwined narratives and individual preferences. His brother’s selection of melodies underscored the evening—each note an integral thread in the tapestry we wove through the night.
In these moments, as Jeff whispered to me about the songs carried by the breeze at the altar, time itself seemed a mere construct, dissolving into the ethereal dance of sound and silence that enveloped us. The very air was charged with an intimate power—a testament to the profound connection we shared in this ephemeral space where our souls resonated more strongly than words ever could.
The Dresses
On my special day, I chose to wear a stunning Morilee by Madeline Gardner ivory gown made from exquisite chiffon fabric adorned with sparkling crystal beading. Meanwhile, my bridesmaids each opted for a unique Adrianna Papell design in various shades of nude, also featuring intricate beading that added an extra touch of elegance to their overall look.
The Inspiration
With the aim of crafting a one-of-a-kind garden party, we collaborated with our wedding planner to bring to life a whimsical bohemian-inspired celebration. The colour palette was carefully curated to feature a mix of bold hues and lush greenery, perfectly balanced by vintage gold accents. At its core, the scheme revolved around two primary colours: cream and rustic brown.
These earthy tones served as the foundation for a vibrant array of accent colours, including blush, coral, orange, green, and gold.
Favourite Moments
As I look back on my wedding day, it’s hard not to smile at the countless cherished moments that filled the occasion: from getting ready with my girls while taking in the stunning venue setup, to being surrounded by loved ones as I prepared to walk down the aisle and start this new chapter – there were simply too many special moments to count. One of those unforgettable experiences was sharing the walk down the aisle with my dad.
He’s been a constant source of support throughout my life, and having him by my side as I embarked on this next adventure was an incredible feeling. And then there was the moment when Jeff stood at the altar, his eyes shining with tears as he took in the sight of me. The way he expressed his emotions to everyone present is a memory that will stay with me forever.
But if I had to pick just one favorite moment from the day, it would be standing at the altar alongside Jeff, our hands clasped together as we looked into each other’s eyes and listened to Angie, our officiant, share our love story with everyone. It was as if time stood still in that instant, with the wind dying down and the birds singing their sweet melodies. The sense of connection and gratitude I felt in that moment is something I’ll always treasure.
To have found my soulmate and to have all of our closest family and friends gathered around us to celebrate our love was truly a gift. It’s a memory I’ll carry with me for years to come, and one that fills me with joy whenever I think back on it.