Misty & Michael’s whimsical wedding celebration was a breath of fresh air, as they boldly defied traditional wedding norms. The couple’s unconventional approach began with their cocktail hour taking center stage, allowing them to delay the ceremony until twilight. This unorthodox timeline added a unique charm to their special day, which was further amplified by an intimate ceremony surrounded by fairy lights and loved ones.
As the night unfolded, Misty made a stunning transformation from her initial iridescent kaftan gown to a breathtaking bohemian lace wedding dress featuring vintage-inspired bell sleeves and a show-stopping fresh floral necklace. Michael, meanwhile, embodied his effortlessly cool style with a man bun, jeans, and a tweed waistcoat.
The couple’s personalized touch extended to every aspect of their celebration, from the sumptuous color palette to the eclectic decor, delectable eats, and an array of creative cocktails. The result was a truly one-of-a-kind bash that perfectly reflected Misty & Michael’s free-spirited nature.
Wedding Day Snapshot
Misty & Michael’s whimsical wedding celebration was a breath of fresh air, as they boldly defied traditional wedding norms. The couple’s unconventional approach began with their cocktail hour taking center stage, allowing them to delay the ceremony until twilight. This unorthodox timeline added a unique charm to their special day, which was further amplified by an intimate ceremony surrounded by fairy lights and loved ones.
As the night unfolded, Misty made a stunning transformation from her initial iridescent kaftan gown to a breathtaking bohemian lace wedding dress featuring vintage-inspired bell sleeves and a show-stopping fresh floral necklace. Michael, meanwhile, embodied his effortlessly cool style with a man bun, jeans, and a tweed waistcoat.
The couple’s personalized touch extended to every aspect of their celebration, from the sumptuous color palette to the eclectic decor, delectable eats, and an array of creative cocktails. The result was a truly one-of-a-kind bash that perfectly reflected Misty & Michael’s free-spirited nature.
From the Bride
As we began planning our special day, my vision for the wedding was a harmonious blend of bohemian charm and effortless elegance. And, thanks to an incredible team of vendors and a miracle-working wedding planner, that’s exactly what we got. The color palette wasn’t carefully curated – I simply fell in love with the rich tones of wine and deep red, which served as the perfect focal point. As the other colors and elements came together, I was thrilled by the cohesive beauty that emerged.
Our goal was to create a truly one-of-a-kind celebration that reflected our unique bond as a couple. If I had to pinpoint my favorite unconventional touch, it would be the stunning floral lanterns carried down the aisle by my bridesmaids, accompanied by my own breathtaking bouquet – its soft glow illuminated the ceremony in a sweet, ethereal way. It was truly a dream come true.
For soon-to-be brides, I’d offer two pieces of advice: first, don’t hesitate to invest in a wedding planner (and if you’re based in Phoenix, Olivia from Liv Events is an absolute gem). Second, listen to your heart and pursue what makes you happy, even if others may not initially understand your vision. Trust me, it’ll be the best decision you make.
From the Photographer
The unforgettable union of Misty and Michael took place at the enchanting Secret Garden on April 22nd, 2016. As I had the privilege of capturing the special moments, I must say that this wedding stood out from the rest. The intimate twilight ceremony, cleverly crafted timeline, and an eclectic boho-inspired bridal party, adorned with delicate flower necklaces and lantern-filled bouquets, collectively created a one-of-a-kind celebration.
As a photographer, it was a true delight to document every detail of this extraordinary day.
The Cocktail Hour
Misty’s wardrobe was a key player on her special day, with two dresses serving as perfect reflections of her style. Her first choice was a stunning silver Free People dress, which she paired with a show-stopping flower crown for the cocktail hour. This unconventional approach to traditional wedding timing allowed her to wear her more relaxed attire while mingling with guests before the ceremony and reception.
The result was a seamless transition into the formal events, as everyone enjoyed each other’s company from the get-go. Michael, meanwhile, brought his expertise as a former bar manager to create an impressive array of cocktails for their open bar. Rather than just one signature drink, they offered around eight unique options featuring ingredients like strawberry and peach shrub.
These miniature wine barrels were adorned with whimsical signs, making it a delightful experience for guests to explore and discover their new favorite cocktail.
The Wedding Dress
As the cocktail hour drew to a close, Misty discreetly slipped away to transform into her stunning wedding gown. The formal attire featured long, lacy sleeves and a dramatic plunging neckline, perfectly capturing her elegant style. In a subtle yet striking move, she traded in her flower crown for a delicate feather headband, which she had crafted herself, and an exquisite floral neckpiece that masterfully tied the entire bohemian look together.
The pièce de résistance was her bouquet, carefully designed to incorporate twinkle lights that would sparkle and shine as she made her way down the aisle at twilight.
The Bridal Party
The bridal party’s attire, carefully curated by Misty, was an absolute highlight. The groomsmen and lady stood out with their eclectic ensemble, featuring bolo ties, floral print ties, vests, and rolled jeans – a truly stylish and unique look. Michael’s sister, standing on his side of the ceremony, wore a stunning For Love & Lemons dress paired with a black floppy hat.
Meanwhile, the bridesmaids showcased a range of dresses from Free People, For Love & Lemons, Asos, and Revolve in beautiful red wine and pink hues that harmonized perfectly with their bold floral headpieces. Two of the bridesmaids also added an extra touch with floral bracelets, while Misty herself wore a breathtaking ornate floral necklace with her wedding gown. To top it off, each bridesmaid received a knuckle ring as a thoughtful gift from Misty.
But what truly stole the show was the absence of traditional bouquets – instead, each girl carried a radiant lantern adorned with blooms down the aisle, creating a whimsical and enchanting atmosphere that perfectly captured the essence of their twilight ceremony.
The Ceremony
As the twilight ceremony unfolded, it was nothing short of breathtaking. The twinkling lights above, juxtaposed with candles below, created an ethereal ambiance. Hanging dream catchers added a whimsical touch, while the eclectic mix of couches from Prim Rentals and chairs from Goodwill provided a unique seating arrangement.
As Misty walked down the aisle with her father and daughter, Avery, surrounded by glowing lanterns, the scene felt like it was plucked straight from Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream. Michael’s pledge to commit to Avery, complete with a heartfelt necklace presentation, was a poignant moment as the trio stood united. The ceremony’s personal touches included the bridal party reading notes penned by Misty and Michael, evoking laughter and tears from all involved.
The Reception
The celebration was designed to feel like a lively party rather than a formal dinner. The absence of assigned seating and traditional tables allowed guests to mingle freely, indulging in the scrumptious buffet at their own pace and claiming a spot that suited their mood. The culinary delights were courtesy of The Clever Koi, a favorite haunt of the happy couple, and did not disappoint.
The reception took place beneath a majestic tree, where the ceremony’s plush couches were rearranged to create an inviting atmosphere. A spacious barn served as the dance floor, where the energy was kept alive by Desert House Productions until the very last note. Tassels adorned the dance area, adding a playful touch to the festivities. It was clear that this was a wedding that would be etched in memory forever. And have you seen those lantern bouquets?
The innovative ideas showcased by this couple – including their thoughtful incorporation of Misty’s daughter and stunning groomsmen – are simply too wonderful to ignore. Kudos to Jane Z Photography for capturing these special moments, and thank you once again to Misty & Michael for sharing the beauty of their bohemian wedding with us. May it serve as inspiration for those seeking unique wedding ideas.