Our Wedding Recipe
Photo credits: simplywhitephoto.com
Who wouldn’t want the perfect recipe for a beautiful wedding? We shared our special recipe with a wonderful couple as they shared their wedding day with friends and family.
Ingredients to follow:
Mix liberally, fold gingerly, listen eagerly for the fizz and sparkle before serving with live music and an open bar.
1. Location
Finding a spot on the Earth that takes you and your guests far from the everyday creates an oasis for your day.
For this event the lovely Villa Philbrook in Tulsa, Oklahoma was chosen; a former 1920’s Oil Baron’s mansion later given to the City of Tulsa; Fast forward and you have the Philbrook Museum of Art. What an amazing backdrop for a wedding with the gorgeous gardens and a true villa, Tuscan style.
2. Champagne!
The most elegant and celebratory beverage bestowed upon man!
As each guest arrived they were individually greeted with a flute of champagne and led out to the romantic and classical terrace. The Champagne Reception lasted an hour and was graced with the beauty of the formal gardens of Villa Philbrook.
3. Weather
Be a good boyscout/girlscout and be prepared. Study those weather forecasts and then have a backup plan.
Although we can’t take credit for this particular evening’s incredible weather, we enjoyed a Spring night that was perfection. Following the Champagne Reception, guests descended into the gardens towards the reflecting pond and on to the tempietto, where the nuptials were to be shared.
4. Good Planning
Good plans are worth their sweat and tears.
Our team had the evening scheduled to 5 minute segments from the starting minute.
Knowing that the whole evening is planned- and that you approved and trust the plan is priceless.
No stressing, no worry, no missing bridesmaid or even a missing cuff link.
5. Photographer
I truly believe that the best photographer for a modern bride would be one that can create a story. A photo man or woman who can only capture posed shots won’t be able to share the emotion, the movement and the joy of the day if each and every photo is planned and posed.
6. Officiant
Choose someone to officiate your union that you personally know. Having someone with whom you share beliefs is priceless as well. There is nothing more cringe worthy than either being called by the wrong name in a vow, or invoking The Almighty with a name other than your faith tradition would use.
7. Dazzle
This comes in many forms, of course – but all dazzle is intended to create wonder and fascination for each guest. We are blessed to have exceptionally skilled lighting and sound gurus who could make a chicken house seem fascinating and create energy with great music. I challenged them with this event; I had conjured up a design that centered one’s initial view, upon entering the reception and dining area, with the unexpected. What I saw, in my imagination, was a tiered ‘chandelier’ made of flowers and suspended above the wedding cake. This would all be magically hung from the top of the rotunda, eighty feet above the lovely cake! Thank goodness for our creative partners, who didn’t hesitate to make my imagination a reality for this special bride.
8. Abundance
Abundance is a very generous and gracious way to show your guests that you celebrate them being with you on this day. We planned for an abundance of bar libations, an abundance of food (we featured multiple course stations for the buffet), and an abundance of entertainment;
The Groom’s favorite jazz singer performed with his band and kept the dance floor crowded. Keeping your guests on their feet, laughing and dancing to celebrating your day: what could be finer?
The secret to this whole recipe is a guarded secret; You must add wonder, fantasy and love for this dish to turn out just right. And when it does, my goodness, It’s so satisfying!