You know, one of the reasons that I love to travel so much, is not because I love the physical part of traveling. (ok, well, I do like going to new places too). But, as a planner, it’s really because I like stepping into my clients venues, using my eyes for the first time if you will. I LOVE, taking a venue that has been used a million times by other event professionals and making it new again. I’ve been able to do this to so many amazing places around the globe, but very rarely in my own back yard! But, this year, I had the opportunity to do this at a venue I’ve worked at more than a dozen times.
One of the reasons my clients Bri and Austin hired me, was because of my destination experience. They loved that I could capture a gorgeous destination vibe, in our own back yard, and that while they weren’t able to travel (due to some family members), they could still feel like they were in a gorgeous far off location. They chose the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center because of it’s floor to ceiling windows, wanted to use gorgeous luscious greens on their tables, and gorgeous flowy linens. And, well, we did just that! We created this unique cocooned feeling space, that truly felt intimate, and far away, while still being in Coastal Virginia, and in a relatively large space. A feat, that I’m very proud of!
Oh yeah, and, seriously. WHAT THE WHAT, how beautiful are these two? We love the mixture of Bri’s all white bridesmaid gowns that her sisters wore, Austin’s traditional military regalia for the wedding ceremony and BOTH of Bri’s bridal gowns. She certainly is a stunner.
I think one of my favorite details of the entire wedding was the Jasmine leis that my team passed out as all of their guests entered the reception. It gave such a gorgeous aroma off in the reception space, and of course, certainly helped with the destination feel. It was a favorite scent of Bri’s and such an awesome detail. There’s a picture of her mom dancing in her lei below, and I just LOVED this simple, yet impactful detail!
Planning and Design: Antonia Christianson Events | Photography: Ethan Yang | Cinematography: Ethan Wise | Floral Design: Palette of Petals | Lighting Design/Draping: Blue Steel Lighting | Photo Booth and DJ: Boardwalk Entertainment | Bridal Beauty: Beauty Box and Amanda Stainback | Catering: Omar’s Carriage House | Cake: Aunt of the Bride | Transportation: Truffle Shuttle | Linen Rentals: Waterford Event Rentals |Event Rentals: Big Top Entertainment | Vintage Furniture Rentals: Mad Hatter Vintage Rentals | Stationery: PaperDolls Design
