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This Park Chateau Wedding Was a Garden Come to Life

May 12, 2024 | justine

Danielle and Nicholas dreamed of a wedding that was unique, intentional, and elegant. Their journey began with the bridal shower–hinting at the magic of their upcoming celebration–as they poured their hearts into the theme. It all came seamlessly together at their Park Chateau wedding, adorned with soft earthy hues and gentle pastels, surrounded by lush flowers and greenery. It was as if a vibrant garden had sprung to life, making their special day a breathtaking reality.

The expansive property, boasting a gorgeous mansion and manicured gardens, provided the perfect setting for the couple’s ceremony at the stone courtyard. Against the backdrop of the stunning garden landscape, surrounded by their loved ones, the couple exchanged heartfelt vows. Meanwhile, greenery installations and textured arrangements seamlessly brought the outdoors in, softening the opulent aesthetic of their ballroom reception.

If you dream of a wedding adorned with vibrant greenery and blooming flowers, you won’t miss these stunning photos captured by Junebug vendor 4K Wedding Videographer. This celebration is overflowing with inspiration, making it a must-see for anyone planning their dream garden wedding.

The Couple:

Danielle and Nicholas

The Wedding:

Park Chateau, East Brunswick, New Jersey, United States

How DIY Touches and a Special Officiant Made Their Park Chateau Wedding Personal to the Couple

We were so nervous that everything would be executed as we envisioned it because we had truly DIYed every aspect of our wedding and coordinated that vision with our vendors. Our favorite part was marrying one another. Nick and I have been together almost nine years after meeting in college. We had envisioned walking down that aisle and seeing one another for the first time for so long. The rabbi who married us has known me my whole life. He did my baby naming, was there for our family in joyous and challenging times, and truly took the time to get to know Nick. Under the chuppah, we kept squeezing each other’s hands, smiling and whispering, “I love you.” It felt so real and personal. We felt like our guests could see how much we loved each other and how excited we were.

Handcrafted Details That Brought Their Wedding Vision to Life

We are definitely most proud of the details. We planned andmade mood boards and PowerPoints for months and months while planning this day. We built every single piece of decor and signage ourselves in our home and even some in our tiny NYC apt before we moved. All our friends and family thought we were in over our heads. Nick and I love to dream, create, and come up with unique ideas, and we have done precisely that for our day. You can see it in the details of all our decor!

Navigating Wedding Planning on a Budget

Nick and I were definitely on a budget when it came to the wedding. I had just finished my medical residency and started working as an Emergency Room Attending Physician, which meant a lot of loans from schooling. We’d also just bought a new home to start a family. We did a great job prioritizing what mattered most and making our money stretch. We made our invitations, spending hours distressing paper, watercolor painting each one, and adding ribbon and wax seals before sending them out. We became experts at DIY projects, from building structures to repurposing items from the bridal shower. Nick’s engineering skills came in handy. Instead of hiring a designer or wedding planner, we did it all, drawing up countless design ideas until everything was perfect. We knew photography was essential, so we didn’t skimp there. Our florist was great at helping us make wise choices with our budget, focusing on critical areas for impact. My cousin’s band, Cause and the Effects, played at our wedding, giving us a family discount. They were terrific, providing live music with their versatile repertoire throughout the event.

How the Bride Kept Her Park Chateau Wedding Look a Secret Until the Aisle

Choosing a dress was a real challenge for me. Having done some bridal modeling before, I had tried on various dresses, but I wanted to find the perfect one for my wedding day. I decided on two, knowing I couldn’t settle on just one style. I also wanted to keep my look a surprise for Nick until I walked down the aisle, which made photos before the ceremony tricky. So, I devised a unique idea: wearing one dress for pictures and changing just before the aisle walk. Only my mom knew about this surprise, keeping everyone else guessing. Nick’s style is simple, traditional, and classic, so I aimed for that during the ceremony with a twist. I was fortunate to meet one of Rita Vinieris’ designers after COVID-19, who made me a custom design, adding a modern, pointed, strapless neckline to a stunning satin dress with a beautiful back adorned with buttons. For my second dress, worn mainly at the reception, I chose a fitted lace gown with intricate applique made by Marina Farbinni, personalized to perfection. For a party look, inspired by my mom’s chic gauntlets from her wedding, I opted for a sleek short dress with a high neck, paired with Loeffler Randall white heels featuring bows, and surprised her by wearing her lace gauntlets. It was such a fun and memorable ensemble.

Transforming a Ballroom Into a Secret Garden Wonderland

One standout feature was the crossing arches adorning the main tables, where flowers cascaded and climbed over, creating a garden-like ambiance down the center. We aimed for height with our florals to add unique flair, opting for a design that stood out from traditional weddings. Our band’s stage was transformed into a living garden, complete with boxes we built, adorned with rattan hanging lights wrapped in vines and flowers. Incorporating our new last name, “Wright,” into our decor became a playful theme: “Welcome, you’re WRIGHT where you belong,” greeted guests, while “WRIGHT this way” guided them to their seats, and “Drinks coming WRIGHT up” beckoned them to the bar. Even our first dance was a labor of love, choreographed to John Legend’s “Conversations in the Dark” after nights of practicing on our checkered dining room floor. We wanted our bridesmaids’ bouquets to evoke the feeling of freshly picked flowers, so we collaborated with our florist to create stunning arrangements in wicker bags. Every detail was chosen with purpose, reflecting our love and intention behind every element of our special day.

The Wedding Team:

Photography  – Jaymo James
Videography – 4K Wedding Videographer
Venue – Park Chateau
Floral Design – TR Floral Design
Live Music – The Cause and the Effects
Invitation Design – The Bride
Makeup Artist – By Alyssaa
Hair Styling – Kristen Okaly
Wedding Dress – Kleinfeld + Wedding Salon of Manhasset
Bridal Accessories – Loeffler Randall
Groom’s Apparel – Suit Supply
Rings – Ring Concierge

 

Congratulations to Danielle and Nicholas on their Park Chateau wedding! A huge thank you goes out to Junebug vendor 4K Wedding Videographer for skillfully capturing all the remarkable details and unforgettable moments that made this celebration truly memorable. To explore more weddings like this one, visit their profile in our directory featuring talented videographers from across the globe.

Whether you’ve already selected your ideal garden location or are considering incorporating outdoor elements indoors, explore our floral guide for planning your own flower-filled celebration. Armed with these ideas, a top-notch florist, and a skilled team of vendors, you can create the garden-themed event you’ve always envisioned!

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Whimsical Gardens Meets Black Tie Affair at This Lotos Club Wedding

May 11, 2024 | justine

Jessica and Brian’s Lotos Club wedding embodied the essence of a timeless celebration. With its picturesque venue, abundant blooms and greenery, classic color palette, and chic attire, their special day had all the ingredients of a dreamy wedding. It was a perfect blend of whimsical garden charm and sophisticated black-tie elegance, creating a truly magical atmosphere for their guests to enjoy.

The ceremony unfolded in the Tennyson Room, where the sparkling chandeliers and intricate window details set the stage. After sharing heartfelt vows, everyone gathered in the Ballroom for the reception, which was transformed into a magical wonderland that brought the beauty of the outdoors inside. Soft lighting, elegant table settings, and stunning florals and greenery adorned the space, creating an atmosphere of pure enchantment. As the night progressed, guests danced the night away in the cozy ambiance of the library.

Thanks to Junebug florist Laura Clare Design,  it had everything they could have hoped for and more. If you’ve been envisioning a classically romantic affair filled with timeless details and personal touches, then this is the perfect inspiration for you. Luckily, Michelle Scott beautifully captured this breathtaking day. These stunning photos are filled with ideas that will never go out of style.

The Couple:

Jessica and Brian

The Wedding:

Lotos Club, New York, United States

Creating Three Modern Yet Timeless Wedding Looks

I had an entire inspiration board for a modern, drapey silk charmeuse dress. I wanted a dress that felt sophisticated since I work in fashion, yet one that would fit in with the old-world aesthetic of Lotos Club. I wore my grandma’s vintage diamond and pearl earrings, my mom’s diamond necklace, and Loeffler Randall shoes. I also added a pair of custom sleeves to my dress to give it an edge. After the ceremony, I changed into a pair of Vera Wang lace sleeves. My after-party dress was a short, sparkly Johnathan Simhkai with sparkly Prada mules. My husband wore a custom-made suit from the notorious Martin Greenfield, which was midnight navy and Magnanni Tuxedo shoes.

Hand-Painted Details Created by the Bride

We hosted an intimate secret garden black-tie affair wedding. Picture enchanted details at every turn—from the fully watercolor invitation suites to the handmade watercolor menus adorned with hand-applied custom crest wax-sealed satin bows. Each romantic detail contributed to the nuanced romantic atmosphere. Every table number was illustrated and placed upon a mossy patch inside of a cloche. The tablecloths were hand-painted, and the napkins were custom-printed. Each hand-painted element, as well as the entire wedding design itself, was imagined and created by me, who is a designer and illustrator.

Discovering Old-World Charm: The Story Behind Their Wedding Venue

Although we initially sought a modern venue, our search led us to the enchanting old-world charm of The Lotos Club in New York City’s Upper East Side. Serendipity brought us here one day while wandering the neighborhood, and we were immediately captivated by its intricate charm, ornate architectural details, and elegant grand piano. Our wedding celebrated with our 75 closest friends and family members was beyond extraordinary—a perfect-sized gathering for a magical affair.

How Jessica Used Her Background in Design to Make Their Lotos Club Wedding Unique

At our wedding, everything was handmade and custom-designed, reflecting our personal touch throughout the event. I took on the task of creating all the branding and design elements myself. From the charming place cards with illustrations and keys to the elegant invitations, save the dates, and menus adorned with custom illustrations and sealed with bows, every detail was crafted with care. I also made the drink menus, signage, programs, party favors, packaging, table numbers, and even the tablecloths by hand. Each element contributed to the cohesive and unique design that made our wedding day truly special.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Michelle Scott
Event Planning + Invitation Design- JH Mintz
Ceremony + Reception Venue – Lotos Club
Floral Design – Laura Clare Design
Cake – Hide and Sweet
Videography – Rever Weddings
Makeup Artist – Amy Kate
Wedding Dress – Katherine Tash
Bridal Accessories – Loffler Randall
Groom’s Apparel – Martin Greenfield

 

Congratulations to Jessica and Brian on their whimsical garden meets black tie Lotos Club wedding. Thank you to Michelle Scott for expertly capturing every timeless detail and offering soon-to-be-wed couples valuable inspiration to share with their team of vendors. A special acknowledgment goes to Junebug florist Laura Clare Design for making this wedding a flower-lover’s dream come true For more breathtaking celebrations she’s helped bring to fruition, explore her profile in our directory of the world’s top wedding florists.

For a timeless wedding, you can’t beat a picturesque venue, lush florals, a classic color palette, and meaningful personal touches. If you and your partner envision an elegant affair like this, explore our planning and budget guides to kickstart your journey!

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Our Favorite Etsy Elopement Announcements

May 9, 2024 | riley

Image by Tida Svy Photography. See more of this real elopement here.

More and more couples are opting to elope. And while elopements are still not as common as traditional weddings, they are taking the wedding industry by storm. Because of this, newlyweds are trading out save-the-dates for elopement announcements. These let your friends and family know that you tied the knot and help you avoid hurt feelings by ensuring they find out from you instead of hearing it from someone else or seeing it online. They’re also great for announcing your post elopement party!

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect announcement, you’re in luck. Etsy has a ton of elopement announcements that you and your loved ones are going to love.

What To Write In An Elopement Announcement

Before we dive into our favorite announcements on Etsy, let’s talk about what to write on your announcements. They can be as formal or casual as you want. Ideally, they will announce the date of your elopement and where it was located. Beyond that, you have the freedom with wording. You are not–and never will be–obligated to explain why you eloped. However, if you want to provide that context to lessen the chance of someone being offended, go for it.

If you’re unsure what to say, write something that portrays your joy over the decision. If you two are happy, then your loved ones should be as well. Some language that you can include is:

  • We’re excited to announce the marriage of…
  • We tied the knot in a private ceremony
  • Announcing the newlyweds:
  • We exchanged private vows in a private ceremony

Elopement Announcements With Photos

Just because you elope doesn’t mean that you have to skip out on hiring a wedding photographer. And why not share those photos of your special day with those who couldn’t attend with these elopement announcements with photos?

Newspaper Elopement Announcement

Modern Photo Elopement Announcement

We Eloped Postcard

Photo Elopement Announcement Card Template

Photo Elopement Announcement

Modern We Eloped Card With Photo

We Tied The Knot Elopement Announcement

“I do. Me too” Elopement Announcement

We Eloped Announcement

We Got Married Photo Announcement

Elopement Announcements Without Photos

Whether you didn’t hire a photographer, or you’re waiting for a better moment to share your elopement photos, there are plenty of elopement announcement options that don’t have photos that are just as cute!

Happily Ever After Party Invitation

Nothing Fancy Just Love Elopement Announcement

Private Ceremony Elopement Announcement

Rust Simple Modern Wedding Announcement

Minimalist Printable Elopement Announcement

Rustic Elopement Announcement

Modern Minimalist Elopement Announcement

 

Now that you’ve got your announcement picked out check out our guide to planning an unforgettable post elopement party!

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