A white tent framed by an evening summer sky set the scene for a flawless outdoor ceremony. Seated under the tent, guests looked on as the ushers escorted the bridesmaids down the aisle. With the ushers in chocolate brown suits and teal vests as an accent, they perfectly complimented the bridesmaids’ dresses- floor length, strapless brown gowns, with teal blue belted to create an empire waist. Nine-year-old Olivia, daughter of the couple, wore a teal dress with brown accents and a tiara, looking every bit like a princess. Taking her duties as flower girl very seriously, she tossed petals while pulling her 18-month-old brother Nolan in a wagon, who in a miniature version of the ushers’ suits was an adorably handsome ring bearer. Confusion arose once the bride’s sister, a beautifully dressed matron of honor in a dress with the colors opposite from the rest of the bridesmaids, took her place at the altar with no bride in sight. Then just as concern began to envelop the crowd, the distinctive roar of a motorcycle could be heard from the opposite direction. Guests stood and cheered as bride Stephanie rode in on the back of her father’s classic Harley Davidson. Stephanie’s gown was the perfect combination of old fashioned beauty with a modern design; a one shouldered form-fitted bodice gave way to a flowing lace skirt, which gave her an elegant grace. When they reached the top of the aisle, father and daughter stood arm in arm as the music changed to Savage Garden’s “Truly Madly Deeply” and Stephanie walked towards her fiancé, Westley.
Following a ceremony presided over by a justice of the peace, the first kiss between bride and groom was accented by the tossing of all remaining flowers in the air by their daughter. As the guests savored a cocktail hour outside in the evening sun, the bridal party posed for pictures opposite of the tables in the garden area. Enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres of coconut shrimp, chicken tenders, and cheeses, the guests relaxed in the summer evening air.
Inside the banquet hall, the tables were set with white linens, displaying beautifully crafted centerpieces in the bridal party’s colors. With a sweetheart table placed at the front, the bridal party danced their way into the room to introductions that got the party going. Newlyweds Steph and West were announced as husband and wife for the first time, stopping in the center of the dance floor for their first dance. With the melodic tune of “You and Me” by Dave Matthews pouring out from the speakers, Steph and West performed a choreographed dance that left everyone smiling. Speeches from the matron of honor and best man told the story of the couple meeting, and showed how loved they are by their family and friends.
A buffet dinner was then set out, offering guests a variety of delicious tastes; two different salads, Lenzi’s infamous chicken pot pie, mashed potatoes, steak tips, glazed carrots and green beans, cranberry sauce, and dinner rolls. When the plates were cleared, it was time to cut the cake. White frosting with intricate designs and fresh flowers as the cake topper, the cake was wheeled to the center of the dance floor for the ceremonial cake feeding (both bride and groom refrained from making TOO much of a mess for each other).
Next came time for the couple’s dances with their parents. West and his mother took to the dance floor, and shared a beautiful moment together. With the difficulty of following the flawless first dance between the newlyweds, father and bride took the floor for their turn. To the surprise of all the guests, Steph and her dad not only performed a choreographed dance, but to a medley of songs that set the tone for the rest of the night. From there on out the dance floor was never empty as the guests took to it dancing to classics, new hits, and even a little Hannah Montana.
The night drew to a close as the guests offered love and best wishes to the newlyweds. The bridal party was the last to leave, pausing at the piano in the foyer for a spontaneous photo-op on top of it. Steph and West, Lenzi’s was honored to play a role in your joyous celebration. We wish you and your family the best as you embark on this next chapter of your lives!
