Alison and Austen couldn’t change the color of the carpet or take down the artificial Christmas wreaths or fix the beautiful stained glass window damaged by Hurricane Sandy. Everyone’s attention was brought to them by the pew markers made with tulle from her mother’s (that’s me!) wedding veil. The swag of greens by the musicians on the left helped bring everyone’s sight line down to the ceremony held on the stage so that the bride and groom were visible even to those in the last row. Photo courtesy of John Arcara Photography
The ATB Dream Team believes that the ceremony is THE most important part of any wedding day. After all, if there’s no ceremony you’re not married and then there’s no reason to celebrate! The style for your ceremony can be as elaborate or as simple as you would like. Sometimes the location will dictate the decor. Indoors or out? Cathedral or chapel? Barn or ballroom? Woods or beach? Backyard or boat? Tent or open air?
Jen and Paulo were supposed to be married on the beach by the ocean on Long Beach Island. Heavy rain during the day put the kibosh to that. The bride insisted their feet would be in the sand so the ceremony was moved to the bay beach next to the venue. Kudos to Katydid Floral Design for setting it up in the rain. The rain stopped long enough for the ceremony to be held outdoors and for the bride and groom to get some photos on the beach. The guests sat on white wooden benches during the heartfelt ceremony. Jen was bouncing up and down just waiting to be pronounced “husband and wife” Photo courtesy of Jeff Tisman Photography
Sometimes it’s the type of ceremony that dictates the style. Religious, civil, ethnic, spiritual? Are you incorporating family or religious traditions? Huppah, mandap, or arch? Maybe a tree is your focal point or a mountain in the distance or perhaps a body of water that’s as large as the ocean or as small as a stream.
Dani and Jacob were married in the boathouse at Bonnet Island Estate. Their huppah was topped with Jacob’s bar mitzvah tallit. It was a fitting place under which he and Dani stood surrounded by their parents and bridal party to begin their lives together. Photo courtesy of John Arcara Photography.
If your ceremony is outdoors the possibilities are endless! Will there be chairs or benches? What about couches or hay bales covered with quilts? Rows or in the round? Aisle runner or bare floor/ground? PLANNERS NOTE: Don’t forget to have a Plan B established well in advance in case of inclement weather.
Heather and Tim were married at Tim’s parents home under an arbor made of birch logs covered with curly willow and bunches of white dendrobium orchids. The bride exited the house and walked a white carpet across the circular driveway to the head of the aisle. The sand for their ceremony came from their favorite beaches in NJ (where they’re both from) and CA (where they live). Photo courtesy of ADC Photography.
If you’ve got rows of chairs or pews are you using aisle markers or pew flowers? Will the VIP guests have “behind the rope” cards to show the ushers so that they may be seated in the seats reserved for them? PLANNERS NOTE: If your ceremony venue does not allow – or you don’t want – your flower girl(s) to throw petals give her a basket of stemmed flowers (daisies, roses, etc) to hand to those sitting on the aisle as they make their way forward. OR give her something else to carry like Morgan did (see caption below).
Morgan and Craig were married in the barn/chapel at The Ashford Estate. They brought in real trees that were hung with twinkle lights and re-purposed at the reception to flank their sweetheart table. Craig’s parents took the tress back to their house for planting afterwards. Morgan’s flower girls carried teddy bears made from button mums. The ceremony was performed by a family friend of the bride who had a fabulous sense of humor which he used throughout the ceremony. There was plenty of laughter to go with the happy tears. Photo courtesy of Images by Berit.
Perhaps your ceremony location is unusual such as an aquarium, zoo, or amusement park.
Shawna and Tony were married in an enclosure in the giraffe and zebra section at Great Adventure before the changes were made to the safari. Now ceremonies can take place at Camp Aventura on a hill overlooking the safari. All the Best is the exclusive wedding planner for Six Flags Great Adventure and the possibilities are endless. Ask us for details
How about a vineyard, park, farm or backyard?
Leigh and Tom were married at a vineyard. They could have been married outdoors overlooking the vineyard but chose the indoor tasting room because it was August and they didn’t want to deal with the heat. The inspiration for the baby’s breath swags and wreaths can be found on the ATB Aisle Style Pintrest page. Since the wedding pre-dated Pintrest, Leigh found the photo in a magazine and gave it to her florist – Dara Ellis of Floral Designs by Dara. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Barger Photography
The ATB Aisle Style Pintrest Board shows over 200 possibilities from which you can draw inspiration for your Aisle Style. The photos range from extremely elaborate to very simple. Make it your own style by changing the colors, adding or subtracting flowers, creating different focal points, and adding your personal touches. Can’t decide? Contact an expert! All the Best Weddings and Celebrations can help you define your style and bring it to life. Contact us to inquire about a complimentary consultation now!.
