On Saturday, September 11, 2011, 300 guests gathered in our North Ballrooms for a wedding ceremony and reception for a special couple.When guests arrived they were welcomed to the outdoor patio where flowering pomanders hung from the awning that led to the ceremony site. Guests sat in gold chivari chairs and the aisle for the bride was covered in a variety of colorful rose petals. Programs outlining the ceremony were made which included special thank you's to the bridal parties friends and family.
The bridal party consisted one maid of honor and one best man, along with seven bridesmaids and seven groomsmen. The bridesmaids each wore short, black dresses and groomsmen in matching black tuxes. The bride had a traditional white gown and wore a pink gerber daisy in her hair. The wedding ceremony ended with the recessional song 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours' by Stevie Wonder.
Guests were then ushered into the entry hallway where cocktail tables were decorated in a mix of pink and black linens for guests to mingle and enjoy drinks. A large bar was setup along with a table of hor d'oeurves. One table had a laptop setup which flashed through a slideshow of photos of the couple. A photobook was also out which displayed photos of the couple. Guests were also welcome to take home a monogrammed book of matches with the couples initial on it. Each cocktail table was decorated with small vases filled with water and floating candles. Another long table was setup with tall glass jars filled with different candies. There were bags with monograms of the couple's last name initial which guests were welcomed to take home a bag of candy. There were hershey kisses, m&ms, mike n ikes, and more!
A large poster chart sat in an easle which displayed the table chart. Next to the table chart was a fish bowl and note cards which guests were encouraged to write love messages to the couple. Later the couple will take these notes and make a scrapbook with them. Scattered throughout the entryhall on the remaining cocktail tables were photos of the bridal party and little descriptions of how the couple knew each bridal party member.
After cocktail hour guests entered the grand ballroom. The bridal party was introduced, one by one, each bridal party member entering into the room to a different song choice. Each couple made their own silly dance or style of entering the room. The bride and groom entered and went right into their first dance. After the first dance followed the father daughter dance where the bride danced with her dad. The groom and his mother joined, and then the entire bridal party shortly after.
After the dances dinner was served. Guests enjoyed a buffet (catered by R&R Catering) in the small ballroom which consisted of salad, chicken wrapped in bacon, beef, mashed potatoes, rolls and more.
The bride and groom sat at a sweetheart table near the patio doors which was decorated in pink linen. There were long tables on each side of the sweetheart table where the bridal party sat. The rest of the guest tables were decorated in black linen with white napkins. Centerpieces were a mixture of tall and short vases with floral arrangements. Colorful flower petals were scattered around the base of each vase along with white votive candles. Each place setting had a candy apple which was dipped and decorated like a bride and groom. Candles and floral arrangements decorated each fireplace mantel.
The cake was a beautiful three tiered, white, square cake. It was decorated with florals and petals around the table.
Guests spent the remainder of the evening on the dance floor listening to the sounds of Hitkickers DJ. After the last song of 'You Shook Me All Night Long' guests were asked to come outside to say goodbye to the bride and groom by holding up sparklers.
All planning and coordination was done by Gretchen Wade with Dragonfly Events & Design.
All had a wonderful evening. We wish the bride & groom a long and happy life together!
