Location: Maastricht, Netherlands, Europe
Setting: Garden, castle vibes with modern interior
Wedding season: Summer
The number of guests: 100
How long did the couple plan the event: 2 years
Wedding theme/style: Black tie & romantic with a modern twist.
Nikki and Bret first crossed paths when Bret spotted Nikki on a night out. Although his initial attempt to get her contact details was thwarted, fate had more in store for them. Their lives intertwined over the next few years until the timing was perfect. Fast forward to today, and they are celebrating a 5-year relationship and reveling in the joy of parenthood with their sweet son, Miles. Their wedding wishes were simple but profound: a fun and beautiful weekend that celebrated their love and reflected their vibrant personalities.
Every detail of Britt and Joe’s wedding was thoughtfully curated to embody their unique vision, and the wedding stationery was no exception. The color palette, reminiscent of a picturesque sunset in Palm Springs, and the intricately drawn constellations represented the celestial inspiration that defined their wedding style. The delicate, intricate font choice added a touch of gothic allure, perfectly aligning with the couple’s desires.
Britt and Joe sought a wedding look that was authentically “them” with a touch of glam and shimmer. Their goal was to feel like the best versions of themselves while maintaining comfort. This ethos extended to their bridal party and guests, encouraging everyone to embrace their authentic selves.
The bride’s love for Halloween inspired unique elements throughout the wedding journey. Her bachelorette in Salem, Mass, and a Practical Magic-themed bridal shower added a magical touch.
Britt looked stunning in her wedding gown adorned with seaside-inspired artificial pearls. She chose an updo with two loose curls framing her face for her hairstyle, creating a romantic and refined look. A serendipitous revelation awaited the bride after choosing her gown by Watters—it was named “Pisces”, the zodiac sign of her groom. This subtle connection added a layer of magic to their enchanting day.
Britt was eager to share a magical moment with her closest friends during wedding preparations. Anticipation was building around her bridal ensemble, so she hatched a plan to surprise them with a first-look experience. The outcome was enchanting, leaving her friends admiring the breathtaking bride.
Joe spent his morning on the wedding day surrounded by his friends. They helped him prepare, and afterward, they enjoyed a lighthearted time together, engaging in cheerful conversations.
When selecting his wedding attire, Joe opted for timeless sophistication with a touch of personal flair. He chose a classic tuxedo with a bow tie and added a distinctive twist by embracing a plum color that played a significant role in the wedding palette. The result was a groom who exuded unparalleled style and elegance on the big day.
The first look between Joe and Britt was such a tender moment. In every photograph capturing that instant, their incredible love for each other is palpable.
In the hands of Britlyn Simone Floral, the floral design of Britt and Joe’s wedding became a living canvas, evoking the stunning beauty of a Palm Springs desert sunset. The color palette, reminiscent of warm pinks, purples, plums, oranges, and pops of desert sage, was an ode to the magical synthesis of desert glow, moodiness, whimsy, and the rich hues of an autumnal harvest season.
The venue for the ceremony resembled a beautiful autumnal garden. The area where Britt and Joe exchanged vows of eternal love was adorned with a carpet, surrounded by wooden stands displaying lavish floral arrangements, set against the backdrop of a pond. The breathtaking beauty of it all was awe-inspiring, creating a picturesque and atmospheric scene.
Though Bodhi (the couple’s favorite pet) couldn’t attend, the couple ensured his presence was felt. A creative bridesmaid in the film and television art department organized a photo shoot of Bodhi in a tuxedo collar. A sturdy cutout of their furry friend became a trophy, carried around by excited guests throughout the celebration.
The couple’s wedding vision was a blend of moody, romantic, and celestial elements. Guided by the talented wedding planner, Sarah from Gather Events, they created mood boards capturing style inspirations and personal preferences. Described as “romantic with a bit of witchy goth,” the couple aimed for a wedding that echoed the vibes of “If Stevie Nicks Were a Wedding.”
Beyond the blooms, Britlyn Simone Floral curated a sensory experience with a cornucopia of seasonal delights. Pumpkins, walnuts, grapes, figs, pears, and pomegranates adorned the floral arrangements, adding an autumnal touch and celebrating the abundance of the harvest season. Each element was carefully chosen to enhance the overall atmosphere of magic and natural beauty.
Beyond the blooms, Britlyn Simone Floral curated a sensory experience with a cornucopia of seasonal delights. Pumpkins, walnuts, grapes, figs, pears, and pomegranates adorned the floral arrangements, adding an autumnal touch and celebrating the abundance of the harvest season. Each element was carefully chosen to enhance the overall atmosphere of magic and natural beauty.
The wedding reception was brimming with joyous conversations, creating an atmosphere where all guests felt at ease and free. This was precisely what Britt and Joe aimed for – ensuring that every attendee experienced maximum comfort and relaxation.
For the afterparty, the couple wanted the vibe of the “best high school dance party.” Gather Events surprised them by embracing a prom theme and creating a nostalgic atmosphere with spiked punch and a playlist from their teen years.
In the evening, Britt changed into a more comfortable dress and opted for custom-embroidered Converse sneakers, handcrafted specifically for her. With a night filled with dancing ahead, she embraced both style and comfort, ensuring she was ready for the lively celebration.
The wedding band, The Shrines, was incredible. We learned a few songs by special request of the bride and groom, including the last piece of the reception, “I Melt With You” by Modern English. It was such a hit that the band told the couple they were adding it to their set list for future events.
The couple added unique touches that made their day truly special. Instead of traditional garter and bouquet tosses, they introduced the Bodhi toss, named after their beloved golden retriever. Plush golden retrievers were tossed, and the lucky catcher became the next person to embrace dog ownership.
The wedding cake was a gift from Cecily Feng Little Sparrow, a talented pastry chef. It wasn’t merely a dessert but a centerpiece of the celebration. Crafted to complement the wedding theme, adorned with a plum-hued topping, and embellished with the same fruits used in the wedding decor, it was a culinary art.
The entire reception evening was filled with joy and music as guests danced and reveled in the celebration. Britt and Joe relished in the collective merriment, savoring the beautiful festivities dedicated to their love.
Advice from the couple:
• Make planning a date night! We heard it from married friends and told all our engaged couples that having a weekly date night to check in – even briefly – on wedding plans made the process less intense or overwhelming.
• Be honest with what you want! Gather Events crushed our prom afterparty vision, and our wedding DJ understood the assignment for the early 2000s playlist to get a “little weird.”
• Find people who understand your dreams and with whom you want to spend one of the most important days of your life.
FLORAL Britlyn Simone Floral | PHOTO Jenn Emerling | PLANNING & DESIGN Gather Events | VENUE & CATERING Omni Rancho Las Palmas | BEAUTY Beauty by Autumn | MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT Dart Collective, Paul Cherry | RENTALS Signature, borrowed BLU, BBJ La Tavola, BalloonWorks | PHOTOBOOTH Classic Photo Booths | SIGNAGE & STATIONERY Prim & Pixie | CAKE Little Sparrow | BRIDAL DRESS BOUTIQUE Styled by TC | BRIDAL DRESS DESIGNER Watters | BRIDAL SHOES Lulus.com | GROOM’S SHOES To Boot New York | JEWELRY Mejuri | BRIDAL PARTY DRESSES AND SUIT Jenny Yoo, INDOCHINO | MENSWEAR The Black Tux, J.Hilburn | RINGS Staghead Designs, Swiss Watch Gallery
