There are people in the world we should extend our thanks to every single day, but rarely do we think about the ways in which they make our lives and our world a better place to be. Sam and Whitney are two of those people. Sam is in the military reserves and Whitney is a nurse. Their wedding, May 11, 2012, was a celebration of family and friends and we were honored to have the two of them at Villa Siena. Whitney’s father summed up the look of bride perfectly; “she looks like Cinderella.” Whitney was a stunning summer bride with a fitted gown of lace and sequins, a keyhole back and buttons. She chose a bouquet of white roses and hydrangeas with pearls to accentuate the look and that matched Whitney’s porcelain skin. A simple pearl and diamond necklace was all that was needed to finish the look. Her veil trailed to the end of her dress while the blusher was lifted by her father in an emotional moment, as Sam became the number one man in Whitney’s life. Sam looked refined in a black suit with white tie and vest. Lest you think the ceremony too serious, the bridal party walked out to Eye of the Tiger. Their black floor-length gowns were brightened with bouquets of green and white. The black, white and sage green color scheme gave a clean, elegant feel to the Villa with our fountain afloat in white rose petals and green spider mums. Programs were layered with black and green ink and bound with sage green ribbon. Inside, a guest table featured two candles surrounded by pictures of the couple. Their sweetheart table was set with votive candles, a picture of the couple and floating spider mums. Elegant scroll served as the design element for menus and programs and table numbers. Speeches were filled with jokes and laughter while the bride’s sister thoughtfully put together a slideshow. The parents of the bride and groom were filled with support. Their pride and love for their children was evident. We aren’t sure who said it, but the advice ‘A happy wife is a happy life,’ was offered to the couple and is some of the best advice we’ve heard yet. On top of the cake sat Mickey and Minnie figurines, a reminder of Sam’s proposal at Disneyland. The sparkler farewell marked the beginning of a bright future that will be filled with laughter and love. As the couple got into their car, decorated to announce their marriage to the world, guests were left filled with hope and happiness. Congratulations Whitney and Sam.
Photography by: Lasting Images