Romantic, glamorous, regal and dripping with roses…Meghan + Jarret’s August wedding in Birmingham Michigan was a grand affair. The details just keep coming, from the picturesque cathedral complete with vaulted ceilings and sky-scraping stained glass windows. To the majestic ballroom reception, home of a thousand roses and a room a glow in champagne, gold, rose and ivory. But what makes this real wedding extra special: today’s featured bride was fortunate enough to meet her dress designer…the iconic and talented Ines Di Santo. Keep reading to learn more about Ines Di Santo‘s inspiration for this enchanting gown Anastasie…Enjoy!
Meghan + Jarret | August 3, 2013 | Birmingham, Michigan | Dress Listing: Ines Di Santo, Anastasie
The Ceremony
We were married at the stunning Kirk in the Hills Church in Bloomfield Hills. This incredibly picturesque Cathedral Church has amazing history and beauty, and was designed after the famous Melrose Abbey in Scotland. This magnificent cathedral sits on rolling grounds in Bloomfield Hills overlooking a small private lake. The back of the cathedral is home to breathtaking gardens and sculptures. The inside of the Church is just as breathtaking as the exterior, with massive stained-glassed windows, cathedral ceilings, and ornate stone and wood details. Having beautiful music was an important part of the ambiance for our Sacrament of Marriage. The gorgeous sounds echoing through the cathedral moved everyone there. My Dad and I waited at the back of the Church behind large doors until the powerful organ and trumpet began to play Trumpet Volunteer; it was quite a dramatic entrance. Well-known virtuoso Violinist Sonia Lee, who has played at the White House, along with other musicians from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra added to the spiritual feeling and environment.
The Reception
Jarret and I wanted a very formal, romantic, sophisticated and regal feel for our wedding. Being a black tie optional wedding, in the stunning Townsend ballroom, I chose a champagne/gold, rose, and ivory color palate. From the very beginning we envisioned long tables, symmetrical and uniform, with lots of candelabras, and over-the-top flowers. We had mirrored runners made so that all the candles and massive chandeliers would reflect and the room would glow!
I’ll never forget when we walked into the reception room with our amazing and talented florist, Chris. I had never seen anything so enchanting. My Father-in-law described it as “walking into a Rainforest” in his speech! The visual impact of row after row of long tables with thousands of roses and candles and glistening tabletops was stunning. It was also very important to us to have a fun wedding! Hiring the talented and rocking band, Fifty Amp Fuse, made that happen. The, not so typical wedding band, got everyone on dance floor! It was amazing to see all my friends and family, smiling, laughing and dancing the night away…including my 93 year old Grandma!Adding to the fun, we had a surprise guest at our wedding. Right before we were announced, Mark Wahlberg walked in! He was filming Transformers, and was staying at the hotel where our reception was held. He was so nice to get a picture with us, and congratulated us!
Meghan’s Dress Search
I was worried about how my wedding dress shopping would go, as I love fashion, and loved so many different styles. Ines Di Santo’s, Anastasie, was the first dress I put on, and I fell in love. I bought it that day! I knew that this dress was made for me, and after spending time with the talented owner of the famous Michigan Bridal Salon, Roma Sposa, I was confident that I would not be able to find anything as stunning, fabulous, and sexy — yet soft and magical as this dress. I felt beautiful in this soft and light, off white silk organza gown. Intricate beading and Swarovski crystals were added to the bust line of the flattering sweetheart neckline, which provided the perfect amount of sparkle without taking away from the beauty and design of the dress. The dropped waist bodice is rouched with silk organza and shows no seams, but does show off and accentuate your curves! The perfectly low v-back was embellished with 21 romantic organza covered buttons going all the way down. The skirt was my favorite part of the dress. The long and airy train features countless silk organza handkerchiefs attached with beautiful crystal beads, in addition to hand-sewn laser cut leaves as well as handmade hanging flowers with crystal accents coming through each flower! I was fortunate enough to personally meet the designer herself, Ines Di Santo! She spent time with me while I was in my dress, describing her inspiration for the beautiful design (which was a beautiful garden she had visited in France!), and giving me suggestions for accessories. She also hand sketched my dress and signed it for me! This glamorous couture bridal gown by was featured in the designer’s campaign as well as being featured on the cover of Inside Weddings Magazine.
How Meghan Felt in Her Wedding Dress
This dress is for the bride who wants a timeless, sophisticated and romantic gown, combined with an awe inspiring, red carpet, and high fashion show stopper. For the bride who appreciates the luxury of couture, the Anastasie will not disappoint. On my wedding day, I felt glamorous (like I was floating down the red carpet!), sophisticated yet sexy, and I felt very much like a bride!
Why Meghan Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
I want someone to feel as special and beautiful on her wedding day as I did on mine. I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase this stunning designer gown, and I know that not everyone can for a variety of reasons. Having the luxury of couture, the workmanship, the indulgence of exquisite fabrics, the soft but beautiful details was magical. The dress is the real deal; it’s very in style, high fashion, and it’s made by one of the best designers in the business. I want someone else to be able to enjoy this piece of art, and feel and look like they are walking the red carpet on their big day, as I did!
