I hope you all had fun/restful/fabulous weekends {delete as appropriate}.
You may remember that last week I shared Melissa and Matt's romantic Picnic Engagement Shoot.
This week, it's their chic and elegant wedding which took place in Denver on October 16th 2010 and was captured beautifully by Laura of Laura Murray Photography.
The Proposal: Matt and I did long distance for about two years, he lived in Canada and I lived in Denver. We traveled to see one another more times than I can count! On an unsuspicious Saturday I thought I was going to dinner with two of my girlfriends, one being my best friend and future maid of honor. When I got to our meeting point Lauren handed me an envelope and my other friend took an overnight bag out of the trunk that she had secretly packed at my house and sneaked into the car before I noticed. I knew then that something was going on.
Matt sent me on a scavenger hunt across town to places that had meaning in our relationship- where we met, our first date, where we became a couple, etc. The final stop in the destination was at Denver International Airport. He was there at the gate where we always said our goodbyes with a dozen roses and a little box ready to pop the question. I cried and of course I said yes.
Hair & Make Up: I wanted something that didn’t look different than how I would normally present myself. I wanted to look like me but at my best. So I went with simple makeup and my hair pulled back (which it usually is).
The Dress: My mom actually picked up the dress I ended up wearing. I just knew it was the one. I could picture myself in our venues in that dress, I just felt like a bride. The others just weren’t quite perfect. Plus my mom cried so that helped seal the deal. The dress was made by WTOO by Watters. I purchased it at D’Anelli Bridal.
The Shoes & Accessories: I wore Stuart Weitzman heels, about 4 inches tall. I got them on Gilt.com for a steal during one of their bridal sales!
The Grooms Attire: A black and white tuxedo we rented.
Bridesmaids/Groomsmens Attire: The groomsmen were in black tuxedos with purple accents and the bridesmaids were in black cocktail dresses.
{Awwww so cute!}
Theme/Colour Scheme: I went for a romantic feel as all of our venues were very old and historical. The lighting at the reception was what really brought the romantic element in. The only light were candles on the tables, string lighting on the ceiling, purple uplights on the walls and small floating lights in the vases that were captured inside small hydrangea balls. We were married at the Cathedral Basilica in Denver and had our reception at the Oxford which is the oldest hotel in Denver. My colors were black, purple and white. We didn’t stick with one shade of purple, we used several.
The Flowers: The bouquet was very traditional and all white. Going with the romantic feel I wanted centerpieces that draped onto the table so there were some longer flowers that flowed over the tall vases towards the table to give a romantic sweeping feel to them.
The Details: In lieu of favors we made a charitable donation. Mostly because I couldn’t settle on the perfect idea. I did put a lot into the little details, I added lavender to the champagne, seating cards went with the color scheme, cocktail napkins had our name on them which matched our initial logo that was on the dance floor with lights. Things like that.
The Cake: I LOVE cupcakes! I eat them all the time. So of course we had cupcakes at our wedding. They were dark chocolate orange, snickerdoodle, black and white and cherry coke flavored. Yum!
{WOW! I've never heard of a snickerdoodle or cherry coke flavoured cupcakes!}
People actually ate them at most weddings the cake sort of gets left behind because no one likes it, not ours.
The Entertainment: We had a DJ. During dinner I had them play all of the classic crooner style songs, Sinatra, Dean Martin, Michael Buble type songs.
The Wedding Music: We used the traditional Church songs and had them toll the bells as we left which was one of my favorite parts. Our first song was “This Kind of Love” by Sister Hazel.
Personal Touches: Our priest was my great Uncle. He’s 92 and gave such a wonderful sermon at the ceremony. It made our day so much more special having family involved in that way.
The Photographer: Laura has the ability to tell a story with photos that you never imagine you could capture. The day went by so fast and when I look at the photo album I almost don’t remember it being so beautiful and romantic. She did more than a perfect job.
Favourite Moment: Our first dance. It felt like no one else was there, it was just us in that moment.
Any Advice For Other Brides? Everyone will give you advice but really its from their perspective. Do what you want and make the things you find important your true priorities. The actual day goes by so fast that you really have to enjoy the planning process because that’s what you spend the most time doing.
Such a good point about the planning, you'll miss it once it's over!
Melisa and Matt did their couple's shots the day after their wedding so come back later for some ‘just married' loved up photos of the couple in a field…
Ok, I can't resist, here's a sneaky peek:
Thanks so much to Melissa and Matt for taking the time to share their story and, of course, to Laura for sharing these beautiful images.
To find out more about Laura Murray Photography, visit her website and/or blog.
You can see her previous features on Bridal Musings here: A Charming Cocoa Cola Engagement Shoot, Rainbow Wedding Part 1, & Part 2.
Are you loving the lavender touches as much as I am? Lavender in the champagne glasses! Such a chic idea…it must've smelt lovely too!
