As we wrap up the week, we’re thrilled to share a radiant real wedding that’s sure to brighten your day. This enchanting celebration took place in the picturesque state of California, where love was in the air and the sun shone brightly. The lovely Sherry and Brody exchanged vows in a sweet and sunny afternoon ceremony, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant blooms.
Wedding Day Snapshot
As we wrap up the week, we’re thrilled to share a radiant real wedding that’s sure to brighten your day. This enchanting celebration took place in the picturesque state of California, where love was in the air and the sun shone brightly. The lovely Sherry and Brody exchanged vows in a sweet and sunny afternoon ceremony, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant blooms.
The Inspiration
From the onset, my wedding dress served as the cornerstone of our special day’s aesthetic. Its unique charm inspired every subsequent decision, from the overall style to the subtle nuances that brought it all together. We aimed to strike a delicate balance between bohemian flair and vintage sophistication by embracing simplicity and incorporating natural elements from the venue itself.
The color palette, featuring festive hues like cream, soft peach, cranberry, and plenty of lush greens, was designed to evoke warmth and joy. Looking back, our wedding can be summed up in three words: intimate, sweltering (yes, it was scorching hot that day in LA), and absolutely unforgettable.
The Attire
I had the pleasure of wearing a stunning Nicole dress by Jenny Packham. The design is unconventional yet elegant, effortlessly blending vintage charm with bohemian flair and sophistication. From the moment I laid eyes on it, I was smitten. Despite initial doubts about whether my figure would do justice to the garment, I couldn’t resist the urge to make it mine, and when I finally slipped into it, I felt like a million bucks.
While it may not be the most flattering dress for those seeking to appear thinner, I chose to prioritize my own happiness and personal style over external validation. In the end, it was worth every penny.
The Honeymoon
After spending time with my family the week following our wedding, we decided to take a two-week break before embarking on our next adventure. We opted for a tropical getaway to Hawaii, where we were able to relax and recharge in paradise.
While we may have felt that the cost of our trip could have been better utilized towards a luxurious vacation in Bali or another picturesque destination in Southeast Asia, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience our honeymoon in such an idyllic setting.
The Budget
By making the simple yet effective decision to hold our Saturday lunch, we were able to make a significant cost reduction of around $5,000. This small tweak had a notable impact on our overall expenses, allowing us to stay well within our budget.
The Ceremony
We opted for an intimate and brief ceremony, enlisting the help of Brody’s uncle to perform the honors and his grandmother as our lovely flower girl. Unfortunately, my own grandmother had passed away just two months prior, so she wasn’t able to be there, but we felt her presence nonetheless. The informal atmosphere was palpable, with us writing our own vows on the spot – a decision that added a touch of humor and brevity to the proceedings.
Our guests appreciated the concise ceremony, which lasted a mere ten minutes, allowing them to fully engage with every moment. Brody took charge of selecting the ceremony’s musical accompaniment, making each choice feel deeply personal and meaningful. As a nod to my Jewish heritage, I took the opportunity to shatter the glass, a traditional and symbolic gesture that added an extra layer of significance to our special day.
The Venue
As we arrived at the venue for brunch before meeting with them, we stumbled upon an intimate baby shower that instilled a sense of confidence in us. The organic and vegan-friendly options resonated well, and the understated charm of the space seemed perfectly suited for my dress. Our decision was sealed the moment we received their quote. However, there was a brief lapse of doubt when we returned for our food tasting.
Unfortunately, the initial experience left much to be desired – the cuisine was subpar and took an inordinate amount of time to arrive. Thankfully, the waiter acknowledged the shortcomings and offered a complimentary meal. A subsequent re-tasting revealed a remarkable turnaround, with the dishes prepared to perfection. We learned that our initial visit coincided with a mass exodus of two chefs, leaving one harried server to man the kitchen.
The lesson learned was that even in the face of adversity, there’s always room for improvement and second chances.
The Refreshments
The venue’s drink selection, which included wine, beer, and champagne cocktails, was a hit with our guests. We also served an assortment of gourmet popsicles, which surprisingly became the talk of the party – perhaps because the temperature soared above 90 degrees that day. I myself couldn’t resist indulging in not one, not two, but five of these refreshing treats.
Favourite Moments
It’s clear that Sherry and Brody’s special moments didn’t just happen during the ceremony For instance, after everyone had settled in to enjoy their food, Brody took the opportunity to steal Sherry away from the crowd for some quality time together. They shared a laugh-filled moment, savoring the joy of their big day. The heartfelt speeches that followed only added to the emotional impact of the celebration.
As the party came to a close and guests began saying their goodbyes, Sherry and Brody had one final sweet moment: a romantic dance to ‘Just the Way You Are’ by Bruno Mars. However, they were both feeling the heat and fatigue, so they decided to share a refreshing popsicle before calling it a night. The flower crowns for all the ladies, cronuts, and popsicles were all fantastic ideas that we might just have to borrow.
A huge thank you goes out to Sarah Kathleen Photography and our lovely newlyweds, Sherry and Brody, for sharing their enchanting celebration with us. If you’re looking for inspiration for your own big day, be sure to check out more of our beautiful real weddings.
