Scholarship Entry, Mary Phan, Very Merry Events

This submission is by Mary Phan of Very Merry Events

He feels that a weight has been lifted, and the natural air helps him to breathe better. She's lived her whole life in luxury, but seeing him so free-spirited makes her life worth living. It is a good change and life is great. They decide to turn their wedding into a combination of their old and new world together. A mesh of what they once knew and one that their guests will treasure forever. Details of diamonds & pearls delicately grace their wedding theme, while the rustic, openness, and nature's setting creates a backdrop for their perfect union. The men are dressed casually, with rolled up sleeves & suspenders. The girls are glammed up--the bride in a mermaid style dress with a luscious bouquet of all white, diamonds, pearls, and black feathers.

They arrive in a black town car, and as they drive up to the day's activities, they are greeted by strolling violinists and guests are given the royal treatment. The bride arrives and is escorted to the ceremony site, which is lined with cushioned benches & the aisleway grouped with rustic lanterns. The ring bearer, too, is in on the theme as he carries a mini briefcase that cradles the wedding rings. The view is perfection as she sees her husband-to- be under the archway that effortlessly combines curly willow, full blooms of hydrangeas, garden roses, and is awe-struck by the glistening of hanging crystals & pearls. With the ceremony leaving their guests misty-eyed and overwhelmed with joy, the servers lead the guests through a freestanding doorway adorned with florals and a sign that reads: "This way to Love..."

The cocktail hour scene serves as a comfortable setting for family reunions & catching up. Guests can sit on picnic tables or grab a rolled up, hand-made picnic blanket to sit on the lawn area. Packed lunches have been neatly displayed for guests to help themselves. Each cardboard gable box has been labeled with the lunch's contents & event information. Off in the near distance, a 125 year old tree is draped with a custom fabric photo backdrop & hanging above are a few crystal lanterns. " Please Leave a message & a memory for the couple" - a sign displays. Guests try to contain their random outbursts of laughter, but a prop box with boas, mustaches, and a chalk board that allow for creativity or drunkeness take over.

The reception tablescapes are adorned with layers of texture from different shaped crystal glassware to the opulence of the different hanging crystal chandeliers hanging from various heights above. As dinner concludes, the guests are led to the barn for the rest of the night's festivities. Chic leather tufted benches & ottomans are grouped inside, leaving an open dance floor in the center. Once a barn from the outside, it is now a transformed into a metropolitan night life. Guests are taken from casual to a hearty blend of textural elements. Each space is turned into an unexpected surprise--a wedding that is completely characteristic of the pair.

Photo credits:

1. & 2. rustic lanterns: Matthew Robins Designs
3. florals
4. guys outfits: Jose Villa blog
5. purse: Angee W from Etsy
6. archway: floral arch: Matthew Robins Designs
7. benches: Green Wedding Shoes Blog
8. couple and lounge seating: Jose Villa blog,
9. rustic tablescape with chandelier: Bride's Cafe
10. casual seating & reception seating: Green Wedding Shoes
11. picnic lunches: Elizabeth Anne Designs
12. doorway: Love and Splendor
13. lounge furniture
14. picnic blankets: A Practical Wedding
15. chalk board with hanging photos: Beautiful Paper
16. reception w/wrought iron chandeliers
17. mirrored table, chandeliers, ottoman, goblet: Classic Party Rentals