• Real Weddings

When putting together a wedding guest list most couples will find that list growing much longer then they originally intended. So how do you make a large gathering of all the people you love a sincere and intimate event? Well stay tuned readers and the lovely Amber Weir of Amber Weir Weddings & Events will give you several great tips. Plus a great lighting hint for your large reception space! To see more of this gorgeous day captured by Becky Schwartz Photography and Studio Benjamin James take a gander at the full gallery here.

From Amber Weir Weddings & Events:Kristen and Evan's wedding was a true celebration of their love story, their family, and their faith. Having dated as young adults, they were surprised by the gift of their son Micah. Although their love faded around that time, their commitment to raising their son did not. Through faith and patience, after seven years their love re-ignited, this time knowing it would last forever. I was privileged to plan this amazing celebration. With their son by their side, and three hundred of their closest family and friends, they proudly committed themselves to each other on a day that was about celebration!

The most romantic part of our day was committing our lives to each other while saying our vows. We chose the traditional vows because there is just something so romantic about generations of people before us saying those same words of a forever commitment to each other.

From Amber Weir Weddings & Events:In working with Kristin, it was clear that family needed to be in the design elements as well. We used her grandfather's table as the ceremony communion table and then moved it in to the reception as her sweetheart table, adorning it with her grandmother's lace and her grandmother's wing backed chairs. She also sprinkled family photos of those married before her throughout the reception space. Evan's family had bottled their own red wine, which guests enjoyed during dinner.

Kristen's other family is her charity, Chayah Children's Home which she has devoted her time and efforts to. One of the most touching moments was when her mother surprised her with a video of all the kids wishing Evan and Kristen a happy wedding day!

Kristen and I were tasked with the challenge of designing a space that felt intimate with 300 guests! We choose two different linens and five different napkins, to alternate at the tables. Guests sat down and had something that felt unique to the person next to them. We placed three small chandeliers over the centered dance floor to bring down the focus from the large room and then flanked the dance floor with couches and pillows to create a comfortable home like setting.Helpful Hint:
The most effective, as well as cost-effective, way to make a large space feel more intimate is with lighting. Using only candlelight in the space is a great first step either with actual candles or a manufactured lighting design. Go for just bright enough to see your food and safely navigate the room. These gorgeous chandeliers from Ideal Lighting And Sound that were hung over Ashley and Evan's dance floor are a stunning centerpiece for the room that add just the right amount of atmosphere.

To get a closer look at this large and cozy wedding check out the wedding film Aqua Vivus created below!

https://vimeo.com/82675112

• Ceremony Musicians: Classic IV String Quartet
• Chandeliers: Ideal Lighting And Sound
• Cinematography: Aqua Vivus
• Event Planning & Design: Sublime Luxury Weddings
• Flowers: Carter And Cook Event Co.
• Linens: La Tavola Linen
• Photography: Becky Schwartz Photography
• Photography: Studio Benjamin James
• Stationery: Aubrey Rasmussen
• Venue: Bacara Resort