I few years ago I got my makeup done before a nice night out with friends and the artist asked me “So who do you want to be tonight?” It was such a cool and immersive way to look at the whole experience. I felt it was so much more personal than him just asking me to show him a run-of-the-mill smokey eye inspiration picture on Pinterest.
I’ve tried to take the same approach when it comes to planning weddings. Instead of just recreating generic inspiration pictures that have sat on a Bride’s Pinterest board since college, I instead ask them, “Who do you want to be at your wedding?”
When I first met with Ellen and Alec months before their wedding I was so impressed with their answer. On the surface their wedding theme was gold dots, but upon deeper analysis Ellen explained that she wanted the gold dots to represent something more akin to the hearth of a home. The place that is the source of light, energy, and warmth. Alec referenced the iconic scene in Titanic where Rose and Jack sneak down to steerage together for a “real party.” “I want our guests to feel like they’re at THAT party!” he told me. On November 11, 2017 the Lodge at Safari Texas was transformed from a rustic wedding venue in Richmond, Texas to that room at the bottom of the ship where drinking, dancing, and fun were the only things you had to worry about!
After the sun set on Saturday night, Ellen and Alec met under the chuppah surrounded by their parents, friends, and thousands of twinkle lights. Together they exchanged vows, drank the Kiddush wine, and broke the glass … Mazel Tov! Lets Party!
No Jewish Wedding is complete without a Hora! Ellen and Alec were raised to the sky as the Hava Nagila raged on in the background. The Royal Dukes kept the dance floor packed all night long as they rocked out with wedding classics and current hits. Ellen came prepared with a change of shoes prime for dancing… gold sequin Keds!
The night was full of the most beautiful and ancient Jewish tradition, wild and crazy fun, and an overall lightness across everyone in attendance. The, hands down, coolest part of the night was the grand exit. Thanks to the Father of the Bride and his amazing circle of friends we were able to coordinate a helicopter landing right in the parking lot of the venue. Bride and groom hopped on and were off to begin the rest of their lives. It was quite the send off that I will probably never be able to top!
Thank you Ellen and Alec for allowing me to become a part of your vision. I had so much fun creating this memory for you!
Brides Bouquet: White Peonies, White Roses, Pale Pink Spray Roses, Chocolate Cosmos, Red Coxcombs, Silver Brunia Berries, and Gold Dusted Greenery by LC Floral Designs
