With two high school sweethearts getting married on the 9 year anniversary of their first kiss, I could not help but get excited as this wedding approached on my calendar! I have known the bride and groom, Chloe & Gavin, since high school and was lucky enough to be with them along the wedding planning journey right from the start when Gavin planned his surprise proposal!

I knew everything from the first detail to the last was going to be spectacular, but I was not prepared for how great it would be! Arriving at Pleasantdale Chateau, and only getting a chance to tour part of it, I was stunned at every fairytale detail inside, and beauty of each new room I walked through. Some rooms were cozy and warmed with a fire while others had windows that stretched the length of the walls soaking in the winter sun. The bridal suite was already buzzing with excitement, lots of laughter, and of course hairspray when I arrived. The bride’s flowers were wrapped in lace from her mother’s wedding dress, and her dress by Berta was STUNNING and adorned with beads over every inch. In the morning, I even had a chance to sneak down to the game room, where the groomsmen were hanging out, to grab a few photographs of Gavin in the barber shop getting a hot shave.

Monika, my second photographer not only braved the chilly weather outside for groomsmen portraits, but set up Gavin for the big moment of the first look in front of the whole bridal party and their parents. I will admit, even I still get butterflies before this moment every time! From there, we rolled right into one big bridal party photograph. The bridal party included all their siblings, nephews, nieces, and close friends, all together it was the biggest I have ever photographed, and is now one of my all time favorites!

In the evening, surrounded by an altar of flowers, and vases of pedals with flowers Gavin gave to Chloe during the years they dated, the two were wed in a beautiful ceremony. The party kicked off shortly after a cocktail hour filled with, hands down, the best food, prepared by Pleasantdale Chateau. From the fresh mozzarella station, to the seafood, sliders, and french fries, it definitely filled the baby and I up! The toasts from Chloe’s dad, her best friend, and Gavin’s older brother had the perfect amount of sentiment and humor to kick off the rest of the night. The guests broke out their best dancing that lasted well into the after party! Gavin & Chloe had everything thought out to make the day wonderful for their guests too, including rescue flats during the reception, the AWESOME flip book photobooth, and warm blanket wedding favors that guests received as they left for the night. I could not be more happy celebrate and document this chapter of their love story for them! Congratulations again you two!

If you want to read the couple’s back story from their perspective don’t miss their proposal story on How He Asked!

 

 

 

Vendors

Venue | Pleasantdale Chateau

2nd Photographer | Monika DeMyer

Hair | Bella Viaggio

Makeup | Mon Sheri Beauty

Wedding Gown | Berta Bridal

Bridesmaids Dresses | Bella Bridesmaids

Groom & Groomsmen Attire | Tuxedo by Sarno– designer

Catering | Pleasantdale Chateau

Invitations | Paper Works and Events

Videographer | 1-2 Remember Studios

Transportation/Hotel Shuttles | The Wilshire Grand Hotel

Wedding Cake | Pleasantdale Chateau

DJ | JAM Music

Florist | Oak Ridge Florist