Real Wedding | Lisa + John

When this beautiful lawyer married her handsome firefighter husband, it was all about the little details. I love Lisa’s color scheme, where bright oranges and blues made everything feel fresh and fun. From the gorgeous floral centerpieces, to the ribbon adorned cake and the sweet chairback sashes, this wedding felt perfectly put together.  After dancing the night away in her stunning Vera Wang gown, Lisa and John exited the party under a shower of sparklers…shining in the light of family and friends, and glowing in the love they share.

Lisa  + John | August 5, 2011 | Kingston, Massachusetts

The ceremony

Our wedding was held at the Indian Pond Country Club in Kingston. John’s a firefighter, and we were married by the Fire Chaplain of his department. It was a sunny outdoor ceremony at this beautiful club in the greater-Plymouth.  We used 100 white folding chairs on each side to create a grassy aisle, which was adorned with white & orange flower petals, leading to an “altar” marked by two large colorful flower arrangements with beach grass that swayed in the wind as vows were exchanged.  Once declared “husband and wife,” we exited to the jazzy tune “This Will Be an Everlasting Love” by Natalie Cole to set a happy fun tone for the cocktail hour & reception.

The reception

After a cocktail hour on the country club’s deck, the reception took place in a grand ballroom. We filled large round tables with floral centerpieces in our color palette of blue, orange, and white, which complimented the bridal party’s soft blue dresses. To add to the splash of orange, I decorated the dining chairs with translucent orange chair sashes and the walls with up-lighting in varying shades of yellow and orange.  After first dance as husband and wife, the cutting of the cake and other wedding traditions, we boogied the night away with family and friends!

How Lisa found her dream wedding gown

I started my dress search knowing that I did not want a strapless gown.  Although there are some beautiful strapless gowns out there, that is the only style I’ve seen in the last several dozen weddings that I’ve attended, and I wanted something a bit different (whether halter, or cap sleeve, or otherwise).  When I visited Vera Wang’s boutique in Boston, and tried this halter gown on, I honestly had one of those “this is it” moments. 

Vera Wang’s dresses are just so beautifully designed, and this particular one was “extra” flattering due to the ruching along the entire bodice (hiding any & all flaws!), the dropped asymmetrical waist, the low back line, and the A-line skirt.  With the recommendation of the Vera Wang staff, I chose the ivory color (as opposed to the stark white or a pinkish-blush color that was also offered) because it is a gorgeous, rich, soft ivory color that, according to the staff, compliments nearly every skin tone the best.  I just loved it!

How Lisa felt in her wedding dress

To answer honestly, this gown truly made me feel absolutely gorgeous.  I also felt so incredibly HAPPY and GRATEFUL that I found it & was able to (reluctantly!!) deal with the price in the midst of all of the other million costs associated with a wedding.

Why Lisa decided to sell her wedding dress

I wasn’t planning on selling it, but when I got home from my honeymoon and had this big garment bag and veil sitting there, I realized that I would never wear this gown again & the odds of having a daughter/niece/friend who wanted to wear my gown rather than choose & buy their own are very slim. Although I thought of the possibility of cutting it up to make a Christening gown from it, the thought of cutting it up seemed like such a sin to me!  Having only worn the gown for 6 hours & then getting it professionally cleaned & preserved, it is in perfect shape.  I would feel so much happier selling it to another bride. What an incredible way to get a gorgeous designer gown for half the price!!!  I honestly wish I had thought of it!

Lisa’s wedding dress: Vera Wang, 12826 / Photography: Jenni V Photography