Today’s wedding at The Grand Estate at Hidden Acres is the epitome of class and we are living for it! You absolutely cannot go wrong with a neutral color palette, clean lines, and sophisticated details. Ariel and Eric pulled inspiration from Tuscany and the French countryside when they were designing their wedding day and one word kept coming to mind – elegant. With that as their muse, lots of European inspired elements were woven throughout their big day. Think hand-poured wax seals, luxurious and cascading florals, etched glass, and other elements that will feel like a respite for your eyes. The look was serene thanks to a white, ivory, and cream color scheme, while feminine pops came courtesy of blush pink bridesmaids dresses and the softest of florals from Julie James Design. After a ceremony under blooming trees, the party continued in The Grand Estate’s epic tent, which is always adorned with romantic white draping and hanging crystal chandeliers. Gorgeously captured in a way that only Lauren Renee Photography knows how to do, this feature is oozing in fine art charm and timeless beauty. See if you don’t agree!
About the Couple
A few years ago, fate and an evening out brought Ariel and Eric together. They went through life as complete strangers, never suspecting that one day they might find each other. In December 2014, they each accompanied friends to a comedy show. Here they would say their first hello, unaware that this was the start of their life together. They shared two months of late night conversations, stiff drinks, Frank Sinatra, and french fries. A beautiful four years ensued, filled with laughter, adventure, new family, new friends, many firsts, a few lasts, and love.
On May 27, 2018 in Sonoma, California, he got down on one knee, and with love and joy (and some nerves), he asked her to be his wife. Her answer, of course, was “Ok.” So the two of them and their dogs continued to build a beautiful life together, one brick at a time.
About the Wedding
Timeless and elegant with whites, ivories, and creams with accents of gold and silver. Hand-poured wax seals, hundreds of etched glass candles throughout the tent, and cascading, lush florals created the feeling that guests had been whisked away to a romantic, private destination. The feel we wanted was elegant, warm, and timeless. We pulled inspiration from some details in Tuscany and French countrysides, a nod to the bride’s heritage.
Favorite Moment
His: They called for rain the entire week. We made the decision to not even look at the weather. We figured come what may. Often through our planning, we joked, saying as long as both of us were there that day, nothing else mattered. It ended up being the most beautiful day we could have asked for. When Ariel was walking down the aisle, the sun shone through the clouds almost like it was just for her. It was surreal. Watching her coming down the aisle and our first kiss as husband and wife were my favorite moments of the day. We were surrounded by family and friends; you could feel the love everywhere. It’s something I will never forget.
Hers: The entire day was so magical and moving, but my favorite moment was at the end of the night when we could take a moment to process and just be. We had the most beautiful suite. Eric surprised me with a record player and old Frank Sinatra vinyl (we danced to him on our very first date). We slow danced for a few songs and it felt so peaceful. I felt so much comfort because knew I had made the best decision of my life that day. I’ll never forget that time with him.
