A little bit boho and a lot bit pretty, this woodsy Omni Bedford Springs wedding is making me feel all kinds of lovely today. ydney and Mark knew each other for years, unexpectedly fell in love, and then said I Do in the exact same spot of the resort where he proposed. The sun-drenched, tree-flanked grotto provided a breathtaking nature-inspired ceremony location. Add in lots of candlelight, whimsical oversized balloons, and floral arrangements made by the bride herself (she’s the owner of Stems by Syd!), and it just might be my favorite vow exchange EVER! Afterwards, the black wedding cake, mixed metallics, candelabras, and hanging greenery of the reception decor softened the ornate look of the hotel ballroom. Even Sydney herself played the boho chic part with a flowy Monique Lhuillier gown and golden leaf headpiece. Everything about this wedding – captured by For Rue Photography – is natural, soft, and romantic. It’s sure to be a crowd favorite!
About the Couple
Our families have known each other forever! Mark’s dad has been our dentist since we were little. Mark’s older sister used to babysit me and my brother. Mark and his older brother worked for my dad in high school, and I babysat Mark’s sister’s kids for a while! Mark and I became good friends when I was about 19, and we were friends for three years before we started dating. All of our friends always teased us and said we went on dates and I always denied it! Then, one night on one of our dates I realized I really did love him! We were engaged about seven months later.
Mark took me to Bedford Springs for a night. He had been weird for about a month and I felt like he was taking me there to apologize or have a serious talk. We got there and he walked me around the property to show it to me. When we got to the grotto, he sat down and said he had to talk to me. Cue stomach drop, what did I do now? I basically blacked out and heard him saying how much he loved me and wanted to be with me but I was so confused and then suddenly a ring was on my finger and I’m asking, “Are you sure?!” When I realized what was happening, I was so excited. We went to dinner that night, complete with champagne sent from his brother, and the next day we went to his sister’s where our families were there to celebrate. So intimate and sweet.
About the Wedding
It was natural, neutral, soft, and romantic, with tones of gold and silver. I based the look around the ballroom. It is very ornate with pink curtains and gold wallpaper, so I wanted flowers that softened the look, not competed with it. We added in gold candelabras to tie in the colonial feel and wallpaper.
Our ceremony was where we got engaged! I also DIY it all – from calligraphy that I taught myself to the flowers and favors made by my mom. We also had a whole wedding weekend planned, from a welcome bonfire to farewell brunch. All were complete with little touches. For the bonfire, we had a s’mores bar and my dad had a cigar bar, for which he had made custom labels with our faces, haha.
Favorite Moment
I woke up at 6 a.m. on the day of the wedding, ready to work on flowers. I didn’t wake any of my helpers and I went to the ballroom. While there, Mark called me and ended up bringing me a cup of coffee. He helped me carry in all of my heavy bases and candelabras and the two of us sat in our half-ready ballroom drinking coffee and talking about how excited we were. This moment wasn’t planned and some would call it bad luck, but it was my favorite moment.
Vendors
Band: Bachelor Boys Band | Bride’s Dress: Monique Lhuillier from Anne Gregory for the Bride | Bride’s Accessories: BHLDN | Bride’s Headpiece: Kata Banko Couture | Bride’s Rings: Lisa Marie Kotchey | Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo from Nordstrom | Cake: Omni Bedford Springs | Candy Bar: Sugarfina | Caterer: Omni Bedford Springs | Ceremony Location: Omni Bedford Springs | Decor: Stems by Syd | Favors: Chocolate caramel apples made by the mother, aunt, and friends of the bride | Flowers: Stems by Syd | Groom’s Ties: J.Crew and Neck & Tie Co. | Hair: Alyssa Florentine | Linens: All Occasions Party Rental | Makeup: Beauty by Frex | Photographer: For Rue Photography | Reception Venue: Omni Bedford Springs | Rentals: Omni Bedford Springs | Stationery: Minted
Band: Bachelor Boys Band | Bride’s Headpiece: Kata Banko Couture | Linens: All Occasions Party Rental