The menu is chosen. The venue is ready to go. The flowers are arranged just so. And everything is done in a way that celebrates just who the bride and groom are; after all, weddings are staggeringly varied. From grand destination weddings to cozy little affairs, sometimes the only constant is the “I do.” On the pages that follow, we share a pair of weddings that each shows just how diverse nuptials can be. In one, cultures come together to tie the knot; the second is an intimate garden ceremony. Both are perfect ways to say “I do.”
Kalli Terry and Aaron Mitchell
May 9, 2013
Wedding Planning, Event, & Floral Design: Christopher Confero Design
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Fountain View Mansion
Cake: Gia’s Bakery Boutique
Linens: I Do Linens
Photography: Rob & Wynter Photography
Videography: Holloway Productions
Music: The Auburn Quartet
Bride’s Dress: The White Room
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Sash
Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Tuxedos: Mr. Burch Formal Wear
Catering: Terra Cotta Cafe
“This family was the epitome of gracious and kind. In the fashion in which I hope to carry out my own nuptials one day, it was a quaint garden wedding and reception for 22—only immediate family and best friends. Truly, how perfect is that? No pressure, no rush—just a relaxed and loving environment where togetherness was truly treasured. Everyone sat at one long table so each person attending would feel a part of the group. They said the blessing, enjoyed a delicious meal, cut the cake, and slow danced the night away to a soothing string quartet. A fairytale come true.”
–Christopher Confero, wedding planner
Ekaterina Funtikova and Charles Wood
March 1, 2014
Wedding Planning, Event, & Floral Design: M. Elizabeth Weddings and Events; Adorned European Floral Design
Ceremony Venue: St. Francis Xavier Church
Reception Venue: The Summit Club
Cake: Magic Muffins Bakery
Linens: The Summit Club
Photography: Arden Photography
Music: Complete Music
Bride’s Dress and Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Diane’s Formal
Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse
Catering: The Summit Club
“What a wonderful day it was for a classic spring wedding. It rained the day before, which is considered good luck, and was warm and sunny on the day of [the wedding]. Our idea was to have a traditional Catholic wedding (Charlie) with a Russian Orthodox touch (Ekaterina). Charles also has both Irish and Scottish roots; this is where the idea to have a bagpiper came from. I was born and raised in Russia, which is why we added a very common touch of the groom carrying the bride out of the church, and additionally another well-known custom of taking vodka shots after my parents’ wedding toast.
Two different cultures came together as one. My parents traveled from Russia. It was the first time in their lives to leave the motherland to travel to the United States for the wedding. They also do not speak a word of English. [There were] Russian and American songs and wedding cookies and coins given to us by Melissa, the maid of honor, to bless a couple’s marriage with prosperity (the guests at a Russian wedding customarily drop coins into a champagne glass.) And the vodka shots! The guests begin to shout, ‘Gorko, gorko, gorko!’ Gorko means ‘bitter.’ By shouting, ‘Горько!,’ the guests are saying that the alcohol is bitter, and the couple needs to start kissing to sweeten the drinks.”
–Ekaterina Funtikova, bride
Thank you!!!!!!! Love it!!!