The nature of weddings is one of union—not only a union of two romantic souls which seek to become one, but a coming together of two families, their histories, and collective lives. In a world where so much is manufactured, factory-made, and carbon copy, we have such a sweet fondness for intimate homemade details and the many loving hands which adoringly labor towards so monumental a celebration! It’s the perfect microcosm for the years ahead: the richness of a tribe bonded together in boundless love!
From the photographer, du soleil photographie:
“Dana & Steven’s wedding was beautiful in all senses of the word. From the pieces that the Bride’s parents hand-made for her wedding to the emotions of the Bride and Groom’s first look, this wedding will pull at your heartstrings for all the details that show – simply – love, not only between the Bride and Groom, but also between families and friends.
The Bride opted for a two-piece bridal look and her top was a hand-made gift from her Mom. They designed it together and created a piece of art that’s truly stunning. The filigree pattern against the beige soft tulle was an elaborate yet elegant combination.
Their first look was a very sweet and emotional part of the day. Steven had a bit of a longer wait than expected because Dana’s getting ready ran a little longer than scheduled. You could tell he was anxious to see his Bride. When he finally turned around and saw her for the first time, all the anxiousness and suspense crystalized into happy tears. It was moving. And it was beautiful. Dana read his letter that he had written for her. His words made her eyes glisten as she was reading it. They cried, laughed and made everything around them so sweet and loving.
The Bride’s Dad crafted together a beer garden bar for their cocktail hour and reception. It fit perfectly with their rustic farm wedding and was a unique ‘center piece’ where the guests gathered around and socialized.”
From Steven & Dana, the groom & bride:
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
Dana: “My dress was a two-piece, my mother and I designed the top of my dress together over multiple weekends and my mom spent many many many hours hand sewing the delicate lace pieces onto the base. She did an incredible job. We also had to get my dad involved because he’s really talented and patient, so he built our ‘Beer Garden’, ‘Wine Bar’ and our double door ‘entrance’ to the ceremony – he even made the doors operable! He also spent many weeks on these pieces. My brother-in-law is a Pastor and gracefully agreed to be our officiant. He’s really great at it and the ceremony was perfect. My aunt and uncle are metalsmiths that make Celtic jewelry (Walker Metalsmiths), in which Irish and Scottish is in my background (and Steven proposed in Ireland), they made our wedding rings. It almost seems one-sided as in my family did a lot of input, but Steven’s family was so involved through the process, spending weekends with us when we visited the farm (our wedding location) and visiting the nearby city/town to test out eateries and be by our side through the process.”
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
“We met while serving tables at a family owned Mediterranean restaurant.”
Dana: “I thought he was super cute, his eyes drew me in and you could tell he was a genuine person.”
Steven: “I remember just being amazed how she interacted with people, stranger or friend, she displayed a kindness that I was really drawn to. Oh yeah, her smile and laugh hooked me in as well.”
What part of your wedding day was/is most important to you?
“Our first look! It was such a special moment and even though there were cameras around, it really did feel like ‘our moment’ where we could see each other and take it all in.”
“Our favorite part was in the week leading up to our wedding, we took time off from work to spend time with family and set up the farm. That’s when it started to get really exciting.”
What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?
Dana: “Steven is really great at letting things roll of his shoulder, so he has taught me and still teaches me to let things go. He has a great outlook on life and I’ve always admired how he is his true self no matter who he interacts with.”
Steven: “Dana has taught me how to love. Her nature has taught me how to value and prioritize meaningful things. How to enjoy the little things in life and live in the moment.”
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
“Whether you do a ‘first look’ or not, make sure to step aside and take a moment to really see and embrace each other on the day-of because everyone’s heard this but it’s so true – the day FLIES by and often both of you are meeting and greeting people or in the spot light that you really need that quiet moment just you two, to remember what the day is about.”
What is the most honest thing you can say about love?
“Trust in it…it’s always the answer.”
photographer: du soleil photographie / second photographer: Inna Ovsepian Photography / venue: Our Farm / stylist & designer: MLH Events / dress boutique: Silk Bridal Boutique / cake designer: Sweet Praxis / hair stylist: Hair by Jessica Shade / men’s formalwear: SNAPSUITS / rentals: Revival Vintage Rentals / videographer: Live Oak Film / groom’s tie: Curated Basics / bride’s hair piece: My Lavaliere / bride’s earrings: Cynthia Rybakoff / wedding rings: Walker Metalsmiths / rentals: InTents Events / film lab: The FIND Lab
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