Sally and Gerard’s wedding “Love is in the Air” The Saint Regis Monarch Beach Resort and Spa
Sally and Gerard are a lovely couple and without a doubt, very much in love. Sally is an elementary school teacher and when she is not enjoying teaching her students, Sally and Gerard embark on many outdoor adventures such as kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing and everything else literally under the sun. All Brides are beautiful, but Sally not only has an outer beauty, but an inner beauty that shines all around her. Sally was so excited about her special day and she could not wait to marry the love of her life, Gerard.
We created a romantic, vintage garden setting for Sally and Gerard using soft palettes of blush pinks, champagnes and hints of green. We used wrought iron bird cages and decorated them with lush floral, elegant lace and pearls. We created such a soft and romantic environment for this couple which was fitting as their love for one another filled the air.
The Bride looked amazing in her wedding dress adorned with lace. Nisie, from Nisie’s Enchanted Florist, the amazing floral designer, and I wanted Sally’s bouquet to be as delicate and beautiful as her dress and so we incorporated maiden hair fern into the bouquet. Maiden Hair Fern is such a delicate green which takes on the look and feel of lace. Sally’s wedding dress and Bridal bouquet were perfect for her, but SHE definitely wore the dress and carried the bouquet!
Sally and Gerard opted to see one another for a private moment for just the two of them prior to their Wedding Ceremony. When my Brides and Grooms decide to see one another before their ceremonies, I always want to make it just as special as when the Groom sees the Bride walk down the aisle to him. I always consult with my photographers to see where the private moment will take place. On the Wedding Day, the fabulous photographers, Joe and Myrta Barnet from, Barnet Photography, looked to see where the natural light was best as that element is so important for great photography. Then, together, we created the perfect setting for the “First Look.” The Bride can walk to the Groom and tap him on the shoulder and when he turns around to see his beautiful Bride it is quite a memorable moment and I always have plenty of tissue handy just in case. I am a hopeless romantic and I love seeing the look in the Groom’s eyes when the Bride walks down the aisle to him, but more and more of my couples are opting to see one another before their ceremony. If they do, I always make it special for them. Some couples choose to see one another before their ceremonies so that they can get most of the photos out of the way so they can enjoy their cocktail reception with their family and friends. In regards to seeing one another before the ceremony or not, there is no right or wrong answer. I tell my Brides and Grooms to listen to what their hearts tell them to do and do what feels right to them. It is their day and they need to have everything feel just right.
Well, when Sally and Gerard saw each other for the first time, Sally walked gracefully down the grand staircase at the Resort and walked up to Gerard, who had his back to her, anxiously awaiting her arrival. Family and friends were invited to watch this moment from afar and there was not a dry eye in the house! Gerard turned around when he felt Sally’s tender touch and the beautiful photograph below that Barnet Photography captured says it all. Whenever I work with Joe and Myrta, from Barnet Photography, they are always right there to make sure they capture all the priceless moments like these, beautifully. I still cry during these amazing moments and I want them to be perfect for my couples. If they do not want family and friends to watch from afar then I guard them with my life and if they do then I gather everyone up. I have a great job to be part of such precious moments!
I just saw a sparkle in Sally’s eyes all day. She just looked so happy and content and Sally and Gerard truly enjoyed their day together.
We placed the beautifally decorated birdcages on wrought iron stands at the ceremony and then after the ceremony they were brought in by Nisie’s hardworking team to use for reception decor. As long as the guests cannot see the items being moved, I am all about reusing ceremony decor at the reception. It allows my couples to maximize their ceremony decor and not waste the beautiful ceremony decor designed for them. These birdcages were so delicate and quaint. I just loved them!
Sally walked down the aisle on her Father’s arm led by the sweetest little girl holding a handmade sign that read, “Here Comes the Bride”. It really fit the vintage garden feel. Sally’s friend put a lot of effort into making that sign for her and Sally loved it. It was perfect!
In the romantic garden setting, Sally and Gerard exchanged their vows during a heartfelt ceremony that had a perfect combination of laughter and tears. 
After the ceremony, the guests went on to the Cocktail Reception on the Terrace and got to witness a beautiful sunset. The reception was in the Wine Cellar and we created a beautiful entry way to lead the guests in with lanterns hanging from the tree branches and candles that gently lit the way.
Inside the Wine Cellar hundreds more candles burned brightly. You can never have too many candles and candles are an affordable way to create enchantment. The Centerpieces were smaller birdcages than those used for the ceremony, mercury glass vases filled with floral and an eclectic mix of cut crystal candles. The guest tables were all named “LOVE” in different languages such as “Amore”, and “Mahaba”-we had to keep “Mahaba” as the Bride and Groom were going to be spending their honeymoon in Africa. Naming your guest tables is a great way to personalize your wedding, share with your guests and also to “break the ice” and to lead your guests to conversation for those guests that may not know one another very well. 
We added a Starburst Broach to each napkin to add some glamour to the table. This broach is so “Happy” and has a vintage feel to it. 
The Cake was showcased on a beautiful wooden table that already existed in the Wine Room. I like to use furniture that already exists in a room instead of removing it as it makes the room feel more intimate and natural. The Birdcages were brought in from the ceremony and perfectly placed near the cake to enhance its beauty. 
This Cake was so pretty and its design shared the delicate touches found on the Bride’s wedding dress and the Bridal bouquet. The Cake was placed on a custom made cake stand adorned with pearls and lace. It complimented the beauty of the cake perfectly. So pretty! To add to the fact that we used birdcages in the decor, sweet lovebirds were placed on top of the cake. 
Love was in the air all day and all evening and I thought to myself as I watched Sally and Gerard gaze lovingly into one another’s eyes on the dance floor that whenever Sally and Gerard are together, for the rest of their lives, that Love will fill the air. That made me smile.
Special Thanks to:
The Saint Regis Monarch Beach Resort and Spa
…and, as always, to my Fabulous Team
