Location: St. Francisville, Louisiana, USA
Setting: Villa
Wedding season: Summer
The number of guests: 25
How long did the couple plan the event: 5 months
Wedding theme/style: European-styled, garden, intimate.
Madison and Jake’s paths crossed in the narrow hallways of high school, giving rise to something magical – a beautiful and pure feeling, love. And now, after ten years, still deeply in love, they’ve decided to marry and unite their lives.
Madison and Jake envisioned a wedding infused with European charm. And what is a better backdrop for this dream than the captivating gardens of Afton Villa Gardens? This European-styled garden, nestled in the heart of Louisiana, became the canvas for a celebration as unique and enduring as their love. The couple spent five months meticulously planning every detail of their European garden elopement. Afton Villa Gardens, with its breathtaking scenery and historic charm, perfectly encapsulated the essence of their vision.
Madison, the radiant bride, donned a Berta Bridal Gown that epitomized elegance and grace. Her ensemble was completed with Loeffler Randall shoes, and her beauty was enhanced by the skilled hands of Brooke’s Beauty Bar.
In his wedding suit, Jake radiated a timeless charm that perfectly complemented the refined and delicate appearance of his bride. The highlight of Jake’s attire was the embroidered monogram on his shirt, a subtle yet distinctive touch that added a personal flair to his look.
One of the most emotional moments of the wedding was the first look, where the groom and bride set eyes on each other for the first time in their wedding attire. This touching moment, when Jake saw his beloved in her wedding gown for the first time, was breathtaking. There was an expression of love and admiration for Madison’s beauty in his eyes. It was a gaze that spoke volumes, conveying the depth of their connection and the overwhelming joy of seeing each other on this significant day.
The first look became a shared experience of love, surprise, and heartfelt emotion for both the groom and the bride’s father.
The first look became a shared experience of love, surprise, and heartfelt emotion for both the groom and the father of the bride.
Madison and Jake’s celebration was filled with unique touches that left an indelible mark on everyone’s hearts. A special butterfly release, a poignant gesture to honor a recently departed loved one, filled the air with the delicate fluttering of monarch butterflies. Against the backdrop of Afton Villa Gardens, the moment was both beautiful and emotional.
The vision for their special day was crafted with meticulous care. Inspired by the allure of European gardens, the couple dreamt of a celebration that resonated with romance, timelessness, and authenticity. Picture an intimate ceremony under a grand oak tree adorned with Spanish moss, surrounded by Louis chairs, and a dreamy ambiance that transported guests to a place where love blooms eternally.
The ceremony itself was a testament to the couple’s commitment to making their day truly unique. A harpist played a melody that echoed through the gardens as Madison walked down the aisle with her father, creating a magical atmosphere that lingered in the memories of all who attended.
In a departure from traditional receptions, Madison and Jake opted for an intimate cake-cutting ceremony, illuminated by the soft glow of candles. The simplicity of the moment allowed them to savor the sweetness of their commitment in a quiet, personal setting.
Lexie Vaccaro, the talented photographer behind the lens of this beautiful wedding, has woven a visual tale of love and enchantment. Through her lens, she skillfully captured the myriad emotions of the day – from the awe of the first look shared by the couple to the beauty of the wedding ceremony, and the profound love of parents for their children. Most importantly, Lexie artfully immortalized the love shared between Madison and Jake.
A particularly magical chapter in Lexie Vaccaro’s visual narrative unfolded during the sunset, where the golden hues of the sun bathed the garden in warmth. Lexie seized the opportunity to create a series of portraits that captivate with their sheer beauty. These images, taken in the soft glow of the setting sun, transform the garden into a fairytale setting, adding an ethereal touch to the already enchanting day.
Lexie Vaccaro has created a fairytale, a visual legacy that will undoubtedly be cherished by Madison and Jake as a precious family heirloom.
PHOTOGRAPHER Lexie Vaccaro | VENUE Afton Villa Gardens | DRESS Berta Bridal | SHOES Loeffler Randall | HAIR & MAKEUP Brooke’s Beauty Bar | FLORALS Forage | FILM LAB Goodman Film Lab | BRIDE Madison Shoemaker | GROOM Jake Mcclure
