What do you get when you combine old Hollywood glamour, a modern event space, beautiful florals and an absolutely stunning couple? Well, it’s today Real Wedding of course! For Amy and Shaun, they envisioned a day where they could bring together their families, as well as their heritage, to set the stage for an epic and elegant affair. They included many details that are special to them and found unique ways to tie in some of their favorite things. With images by Gerber + Scarpelli Photography, every scene from their big day plays out like a love story on the big screen. And for a couple who kept their romance alive, even with an ocean between them, it’s easy to see that today’s feature presentation will stand the test of time.
Congratulations to the couple and thanks to Gerber + Scarpelli Photography for sharing Amy and Shaun’s love story with us!
Who, What, Where ~ Ceremony + Reception + Flowers: A New Leaf. Catering: The Berghoff. Photographer: Gerber Scarpelli Photography. Dress: Matthew Christopher. Shoes: Jimmy Choo. Groom’s Attire: Men’s Warehouse. Wedding Planner: Chrissy Magliano, Big City Brides. Ceremony Musicians: Paul and Kerena Moeller. Hair: Nicci Loiacono. Makeup: Jessica, Sonia Roselli Makeup Studio. Ceremony Musicians: Paul and Kerena Moeller.
From the bride, Amy….
When we first got engaged, Shaun and I spent a quiet moment to reflect on what a wedding means to us. Our initial thought was the opportunity to just be together. After meeting in Vancouver, Canada, most of our relationship had been spent across an ocean; Shaun’s soccer career taking him back to England and mine in the States. We knew that where we had come from and where we met would play into the planning. But more so, our wedding meant the joining of two worlds, and two families.
Our venue, with its bare loft vibe, varied levels and stunning flower shop, reminded us of places we had been in Vancouver. Our invitations and stationery were designed by a good friend, and assembled by family, designed to tie in an old Hollywood feel inspired by my wedding dress.
The ceremony music featured Welsh and English folk songs, a nod to the groom’s heritage, and the six-pence in my shoe came straight from England, courtesy of Shaun’s mum. My something borrowed was my great-grandmother’s wedding ring, which both my mother and grandmother had on their wedding days. All of the floral arrangements included myrtle, a traditional flower in English and Welsh bouquets, signifying love and marriage.
After the ceremony, the guests dined on food inspired by our hometowns, such as fish and chips served in newspaper cones and Chicago style hotdogs. The bar featured signature drinks, named after the Fred Astaire movies my parents had met and fell in love watching, and the cocktail hour included a scotch tasting station to represent my affection for the spirit. And of course, a chocolate and butter cream cake for the chocolate loving groom. We tied all of these little details and more into our seating cards; small booklets containing tidbits about the wedding, romantic quotes, and wedding trivia for our guests.
For us, the fun in planning our wedding was finding ways to represent our love for each other, and what makes us unique, as well as our love for our families in our event. The small personal details made the evening incredibly touching. And being together at the end of it all? Well, that’s just icing on the wedding cake.
