Setting the Stage for Happily Ever After

Renata + J.P.

Renata and J.P.’s “theatre wedding”, on October 14, 2017, was nothing short of sensational! The black tie optional affair took place in West Palm Beach, FL at Harriet Himmel TheaterCity Place. The Himmel, a cultural landmark and converted theatre, made a stunning backdrop for the occasion which featured newlyweds in a choreographed dance routine.

The pair performed 2 choreographed dances for their guests – the first, a smooth number set to Whitney Houston’s "My Love is Your Love", followed by a sultry, sensuous dance to Dirty Dancing theme song, "The Time of My Life".  Bride Renata, who has a passion for theatre, sparkled as she twirled gracefully on the arms of handsome groom, J.P.

The unique wedding truly did not lack for style, flare nor swagger!

Renata and J.P. trained for months with dance lessons at Fred Astaire Dance Studio to make their ballroom dance wedding dreams come true. After exchanging vows, they made a grand entrance onto the dance floor, complete with stage lighting, an MC announcing the duo, and a videographer to capture their dazzling performance.

The Harriet Himmel Theater was constructed in 1926 in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. Full of old-fashioned glamour and sophistication, it’s a charming venue for any special occasion, or theatrical performance.

After Renata and J.P.’s dance, the Himmel staff (managed by Hilton West Palm) did a 1 hour change over from the ceremony to reception, while guests watched from the landing above during cocktail hour. It was quite the production!

The décor was full of panache and classy touches, with dramatic pops of crimson and burgundy florals offsetting the stylized 20s setting. The Brazilian dessert table was a nice addition, too, with its adorable mini ferris wheel of confections. 

After their incredible entertainment-packed wedding Renata and J.P. took off for their honeymoon, on a jet-setting trip around Europe. This wedding -- just like the couple -- was stylish, footloose and fancy-free, don’t you agree?

Venue: Harriet Himmel Theater ; Photographer: SO Photography ; Videography: Dana Lynn Photography ; Entertainment: Vision DJ's ; Florist: J Morgan Flowers ; Cake Artist: Two Fat Cookies ; Beauticians: Kate Blake Artistry and Ivy & Lace

Michigan Farm Wedding

Lara + Nate

With the guests beginning to arrive, a late summer wedding in the country is about to take place before the sun sets. Lara and Nate, chose the idyllic scene at a rustic Air BnB farmhouse near Traverse City, MI for their venue. Both Michigan natives, they are surrounded by loving family and friends.

The countryside setting is perfect for their intimate wedding of 87 guests. At once beautiful and brimming with joy, the atmosphere is just right for this momentous occasion. Every little detail has been painstakingly crafted to bring the most important elements of the couple’s lives to the forefront. From the flowers that were hand-picked that morning from the farm, to the centerpieces pulled together from bits of family memorabilia, the décor is inviting, nuanced and full of charm.

The ceremony, officiated by Rev. Kellerman, takes place at 5 p.m. on the grounds, amidst a wide expanse of open field. With enough sunlight showering down still, the handsome couple stand ready to exchange vows before a verdant vine-wrapped arbor.

Today as they celebrate their union as husband and wife, Lara and Nate are blessed with a balmy, bright late summer afternoon. It's a tender affair, filled with spirit and love and every aspect of the event reflects that. Wedding photographer Joshua Kane did an especially good job of capturing the spirit of the exuberant couple and their surroundings.

Lara radiates from the inside out, with her natural beauty complimented by soft makeup hues done by local makeup artist Brittany of Elegant Bridal. Her hair, has been coiffed by Zee's Hair artistry, with a whimsical fishtail braid, cascading loosely to one side. 

Following the ceremony, guests kickback and grab a drink at a casual Cocktail Hour hosted in the Tool Shed. And then, the time everyone's been waiting for: the party! Ehem, Reception.

First dinner, and a beautiful cake adorned with sprigs of green from Sweet Tartlette.  Floral arrangements by local Flower Designer, Field of Flowers. 

The soiree finishes on the dance floor, under a tent adjacent to the house. Guests linger into the later hours of the evening, as the night draws to a close. Lara and Nate's wedding simply sparkles -- truly one for the books! 

Wedding Vendors:

Venue: The Farm House Officiant: Reverend
Catering: Chef's Pride Catering Cake Artist: Sweet Tartlette Photographer: Joshua Kane Photography DJ: UnNorth DJ Rental Company: Monstrey MacDonald Floral Designer: Field of Flowers Transportation: Midnight Madness Hair: Zee's Hair Artistry Makeup: Elegant Bridal Restroom Trailer Rental: Houdek Massage: Northern Lily Massage Associates

Sunday Brunch Wedding in South Florida

Easter, Ēostre, Ostara, or simply put, the Spring Equinox, is one of my favorite times of the year. I grew up in Michigan and Canada where we have fields of Tulips, Daffodils, and Black-Eyed Susans that fill the view as the snow melted away. Metaphorically speaking, it's that time of year where everything gives way to the old and in with the new. The beginning of Spring marks a perfect time on your calendar to start a new project, explore a new idea, learn a skill, or even have a wedding! That's why I was so excited about this Easter brunch inspired wedding. In order to celebrate the naturalistic side of spring, the wedding was hosted on a local ranch: The Davie Ranch! 

As I pulled together our team, including Lara Rose Photography to capture the day, one of the most important parts of the reception for me was that it was placed on an open field, snug with one of their beautiful oak trees. The mix of the rustic Davie Ranch with the chic softness of Elements and Accent's tables was bound to be natural and sophisticated at the same time. The benefit of having an outdoor wedding reception on their farm is the variety of visitors we ended up getting in our shots! We had peacocks, chickens, and even some baby cows walk by as if on cue. 

An important factor of a nature-inspired spring wedding is the flowers. Our floral designer, Julia Rohde Designs, provided us with an array of flowing greenery, garden roses, lavender sprigs, and peonies. We decided to stick with a lavender, blush and ivory color palette to compliment the blush wedding dress provided by LA Boudoir and to fit with the spring theme. Instead of a 3-course meal set up, we decided to go with a gold and porcelain brunch look with teacups to compliment it, provided by the Mix Dish. 

Every holiday has its traditions. Some people roast a ham or duck for Easter, others may incorporate a grand breakfast spread. We had our caterer, the Culinary Republic, create a beautiful spread of cakes, macaroons, and cupcakes. Altogether, it made for an absolutely beautiful morning of everything you could want for a reception.

Another guest at our table was a baby bunny who couldn't have tied in the theme any better. After the reception, the bride had a horse that Julia Rohde created a neck collar for. There is something very romantic about a groom carrying away his bride on horseback. No matter how you spend your holiday weekend, we hope that you have happy beginnings this year!

For more photos, be sure to check out the whole gallery here.

Venue: The Davie Ranch; Designers: Blue Orchid Events; Photography: Lara Rose Photography;  Furniture Rentals: Elements & Accents; Tableware Rentals: The Mix Dish; Florals and Stationery: Julia Rohdes Design; Cakes and Catering: Culinary Republic; Women's attire: LA Boudoir Miami; Beauticians: Kiss This Makeup