The picture of sophisticated elegance, Jordann and Adam’s winter wedding took place on New Year’s Eve. Crystal Marek of Style & Grace Events created a secret garden oasis with twinkling bistro lights that provided romance beyond words and Dana Goodson‘s photos capture the atmosphere so beautifully.
The Couple: Jordann and Adam
The Wedding: 12.31.2013 – Sweetwater Branch Inn, Gainesville, Florida
The Goals: As a couple, the main priority was the wedding date. This was very important to us. It was the anniversary of when we started dating and not only that, but also a symbol of starting anew. It wasn’t the easiest thing, planning a wedding on a Tuesday that was also a holiday, but we stuck to our guns on that one. We loved the idea of having a sweet Black Tie New Year’s Eve party (that also happens to be our wedding) with our closest friends and family.
The Design: We wanted an intimate, natural setting with some personality. We had mostly cocktail tables to encourage movement throughout the late night. The venue was like a nighttime secret garden with plenty of twinkly lights. The vintage style carried over into our seating area with its loveseat and wingback chairs, the low centerpieces with their dusty, romantic hues, and the champagne and lace linens. All the while we kept black as a constant accent to reiterate the Black Tie theme. Cake and desserts were from our favorite bakeries in my hometown, Ocala, Florida.
The Look: Above all, I wanted to feel confident and comfortable. I wore blue velvet shoes, following the tradition of blue wedding shoes from my mother and sister. To be honest, my dress was the inspiration for the entire wedding. I built everything around it. The lace, the asymmetry, the not-quite-white color, the glitzy belt, the fact that it made me feel beautiful – all things that made it the perfect thing for me to wear as I married my honey. My makeup artist, Kendra Chaney did a smokey eye on me with defined brows, as I had a birdcage veil covering my face during the ceremony. My hair was pretty simple with some fingerwaves, allowing the veil to take center stage. The whole look was very coquettish, as was my intention. I wanted my bridesmaids to be individually beautiful with a fabulous lacey dress that suited their personality and style. They each had some kind of braid incorporated into their hairstyle.
The Moments: The “first look” we did with our photographer Dana Goodson was so special. Dana found a little park behind our venue and my sister, also my Maid of Honor, walked me to Adam, standing with his back to me. That allowed us to have a genuine, private moment that was just about us and our love before the whirlwind that was to ensue. I was calm and focused by the time the ceremony rolled around. Another fun moment was when I couldn’t get Adam’s ring on during the ceremony and really had to jam it on there. We got a laugh out of it and the light-heartedness I think Adam was looking for in our ceremony. His ring was a whole size too small.. oops. The best moment, though, was turning to face our guests after being pronounced husband and wife. Biggest. Smiles. Ever.
The Advice: Crystal, our wedding planner from Style & Grace Events, was invaluable the day of the wedding. I would have been worrying all day had I not been able to rely on her and her assistant. Even if you only hire a planner to coordinate the day-of, make the investment. It will take a lot off your shoulders. My advice is not to lose sight of your and your spouse-to-be’s vision for the special day. Everyone has an opinion of what you should do but it’s your wedding and you can do anything you want.
The Wedding Team:
Photographer: Dana Goodson Photography
Event Planner: Crystal Marek of Style & Grace Events
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Sweetwater Branch Inn
Officiant: Chad Reed
Invitation Designer: Alethea and Ruth
Catering: Sweetwater Branch Inn
Florist: The Plant Shoppe
Cake: Betty Cakes
Wedding Dress: Legends by Romona Keveza
Bridal Accessories: Mariell (veil), Isa Tapia (shoes)
Bridesmaids’ Apparel: Watters
Groom’s Apparel & Accessories: Black by Vera Wang, Hugo Boss, Florsheim by Duckie Brown
Groomsmen’s Apparel & Accessories: Black by Vera Wang
Makeup Artist: Kendra Chaney
DJ: Jacob Towe
Rentals: Party Time Rentals
Thank you Jordann and Adam for sharing your totally gorgeous wedding with us!
Did you love the bride’s wedding dress? See more of the latest collection from Legends by Romona Keveza in our Wedding Dress Gallery!
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