• Real Weddings

White tents and cocktail tables lined the fields at the Arranmore Polo Club for this romantic outdoor wedding. This couple found the formula for that effortlessly chic look, from the beautifully manicured outdoor venue and organic floral arrangements to the groom's grosgrain loafers. The bride wore a timeless A-line gown with a plunging neckline and a lace-trimmed veil and her bridesmaids wore champagne tinted chiffon gowns that fit beautifully with their neutral color palette. With the sound of a violin on the breeze, the two tied the knot under a grand willow tree surrounded by their family and friends.

The couple wanted their wedding to feel laid-back and natural, like bringing their home outdoors. The Local Petaler listened to their vision and created these stunning whimsical floral arrangments like the large chandeliers made of greenery that hung over the dancefloor. Alexandra Cantemir Photography did a beautiful job with these photos, capturing the color palette in every image and keeping them light and airy like the wedding itself. Keep reading to hear more from the bride about their big day and make sure to check out the full gallery to see all of the photos from this wedding. 

A SURPRISE PROPOSAL

Todd and I met at Elon University a decade ago. We met through mutual friends (some of which were at our wedding!). Todd's immediate family has taken a family trip to Union Pier, MI every summer for numerous years. In 2018, Todd's dad (Dan) began a long-fought battle with cancer. In summer 2019, Dan was in good health and spirits and we all made the trip to Union Pier and his entire extended family intended to join us! On July 12, our first night there, Todd proposed on the beach near the vacation house. Two of our best friends were secretly hiding in the brush taking photos during the entire thing and our immediate families were just down the beach watching. As if this wasn't a surprise enough, we went into town for dinner and were met on the patio of the restaurant with more than 40 of our closest friends and family to celebrate! It was an incredibly special night because we were surrounded by so much love and so much family! Todd also purchased my ring from Onomoli, the same jeweler his dad purchased nearly all the jewelry from for his mom.

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

Arranmore Polo Club was the perfect setting for our wedding. We knew we wanted an outdoor wedding somewhere that felt special and different. Arranmore was the first (and only) venue we toured, we knew immediately. I grew up riding horses, so I felt a special connection to the farm. I wanted our wedding to feel like an extension of our home, every rental, floral, etc. we had at our wedding are things I would have in my own home. I wanted our wedding to feel natural with lots of lush greenery, organic, and easy with just a touch of whimsy. Our ceremony space really spoke for itself–we were married under a beautiful willow tree. Fun fact: our invitation designer, Sarah Anderson, custom drew the willow tree on our invitation suite and menus, based on an image of the exact willow tree we were married under! Our reception space was everything I could have imagined. We had a black-and-white dancefloor, greenery hoops, a lounge area with all vintage furniture, and lots of personal touches. Our florals were lots of lush greens with big, fluffy white flowers. They were classic and natural, but so beautifully done by our florist, Jen Turriff of The Local Petaler. Jen also worked with us to create the large smilax hoops centered above our dancefloor in our reception tent–they were something I'd dreamed of and she nailed it! I also created a long, linen drapery for our seating chart, and Jen added that same smilax vine to make it extra special. Our day would have been much less beautiful without her!

A SIGNATURE SCENT

I wanted to give my bridesmaids their own perfumes. One piece of advice I read for brides was to have a signature scent to remember the day–I wanted my bridesmaids to have that same experience, so I gifted them each a mini Hermès perfume. I wore a dress by Jenny Yoo, a satin A-line gown with floral lace at the bodice. I knew I loved my dress when I saw the floral lace, it was beautiful and something I'd not seen on other gowns I tried on. Todd wore a black tux from The Black Tux, it was a classic! He swapped the traditional oxford for something a little more fun, a loafer with grosgrain detailing. He also wore his father's Navy wings to attach his boutonnière–a sweet touch to commemorate his father who passed away last year.

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM THE BRIDE

We decided to write our own vows. As someone who is not a public speaker, I was definitely nervous to read them in front of our guests. But it turned out to be a beautiful moment for us to express how much we love each other and what our partnership has meant to one another. When wedding planning, definitely prioritize what is most important to you and your spouse. Also, leave a little room in your budget for "fun extras" like glowsticks and polaroid cameras. Have traditions, even small ones. We have a certain restaurant we order lunch takeout from every Wednesday, Starbucks coffee on Monday mornings, bike rides in the evenings. These little moments give you things to look forward to together, so you aren't just waiting for the next big thing! Sometimes it's the little things.

• Accessories & Lingerie: Brideside
• Cakes & Catering: Molly's Cupcakes
• Cakes & Catering: Chef By Request
• Cakes & Catering: Cook's Ice Cream
• Couple: Victoria Moylan
• Dress & Apparel: Jenny Yoo
• Flowers: The Local Petaler
• Groom & His Men: The Black Tux
• Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Kate Johnson Artistry
• Jewelry: Onomoli Fine Jewelry
• Linens & Chargers: BBJ Linen
• Paper Goods & Calligraphy: Fielding Milligan
• Venues: Arranmore Polo Club
• Wedding DJ: Mike Dangeroux Band
• Wedding Photographers: Alexandra Cantemir Photography