December 1, 2012 marked the day of Alissa and Freddy’s wedding ceremony and reception at Villa Siena. The villa was beautifully decorated with a custom arch adorned with greenery, red roses and white hydrangeas. The white runner, normally only embellished with rose petals had the additional touch of a custom monogram that included the names of the bride and the groom and the first letter of the groom’s last name made from an elaborate collection of crystals.
Sometimes love is predestined, despite the paths life takes you on. Alissa and Freddy were high school sweethearts. The love they felt then blossomed into an adult love and the wedding followed. Alissa was a picture-perfect bride with a fitted bodice to her gown that fell into a gathered skirt. Below the skirt was a pair of black patent stilettos. The bride wore her hair in a half up-do with diamond drop earrings. The bridesmaids wore black dresses and carried red bouquets. Red berries finished the bride’s floral arrangement along with a few crystals nestled into the heart of the roses. The bouquet was wrapped with satin and decorated with crystals. The bridesmaid’s flowers were wrapped with black satin and had a diamond brooch in each one.
Freddy was dashing in a black tuxedo with an ivory vest, black shirt and tie. The groomsmen all wore black ties, black shirts and black vests with roses in the lapel. Freddy’s children played an integral role in the wedding ceremony as attendants. When the parents gave vows, they also gave vows to the boys and the boys to the parents. However, instead of platinum rings, the boys received ring pops.
For the reception, the arch was moved inside and set behind the couple’s table and a candelabra set atop. The groom’s children sat on either side of the bride and groom for dinner. On the wall, the couple’s name appeared in lights. Custom vintage frames with photos of the couple and quotes were set around the reception area. Exquisite floral displays sat upon the tables with ornaments that were intended as favors hanging from the display. At the bottom of each ornament a framed sign proclaimed ‘true love is never ending.’
For the first dance two songs were played, I Love the Way You Love Me by John Michael Montgomery and Amazed by Lonestar. At the end of the night after a four tiered white cake with black ribbon was served, the couple enjoyed a traditional sparkler farewell. The bridesmaids spelled out LOVE with sparklers before the couple was on their way to their new life together. Congratulations Alissa and Freddy. We wish you the best!
Photography by: Wendy Newman Studios