July 6, 2012 sparkled at Villa Siena as Sally and Raymond brought their love together. Guests were greeted with the soothing melodies of a harpist. As guests took their seats, Sally prepared to make her grand entrance. The bridesmaids announced Sally’s arrival as they made their way to the altar in floor-length strapless lavender gowns with bouquets of lavender roses. The groom looked suave in a black tuxedo with black and grey striped bowtie and lavender rose in his lapel. The groomsmen stood by their friend in black tuxedos with silver bowties. And then Sally started down the aisle. Every bit of Sally sparkled from her dress to her diamond tiara and bracelet to her smile. The fitted bodice showcased a sequin and beaded pattern reminiscent of a star, while the full skirt looked like a princesses’. For the ceremony, the bride wore her hair up in a bun, but during the reception, let long curls hang softly around her face. During the sand ceremony the harpist sang Ave Maria. The ceremony itself was concise. As the newly married couple returned down the aisle as husband and wife, guests blew bubbles, catching the summer light. Friends and family were treated to the couple’s signature drink ‘Midnight Kiss’ to mark the beginning of the reception. Both the father of the bride and the father of the groom gave heartfelt welcomes to the guests. The couple personalized the space with violet up-lighting on the outdoor pillars as well as in the ballroom. Votive candles were edged with crystals and tall glass vases served as centerpieces with three lavender roses inside of differing heights, while a bouquet of lavender, peach and white flowers overflowed from the top. When the ladies entered, they got everyone up and dancing with ‘Run the World (Girls).’ The boys entered to their own song. The energy stayed high during the reception, with a few tender moments as Sally and Raymond danced to Endless Love by Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey. It felt like a shame to cut the cake as it was so decked out in crystals. The three-tiered cake boasted crystals in the frosting design as well as a crystal band around the second layer. As the reception died down, guests were treated to homemade chimichuri sauce in glass jars as wedding favors. Congratulations, Sally and Raymond. We know you’ll keep the sparkle in your lives.
Photography by: David De Dios Photography