Sweet Love at The Estate on Second
Alexandra and her bridesmaids in blue posed together for pictures upstairs at The Estate on Second while Derek and his groomsmen suited up downstairs. To ensure the bride and groom didn’t cross paths before the ceremony, the wedding party kept a look out and maneuvered around The Estate strategically to get all the bridal party photos. From the Attic to outside and around the venue, Alexandra and Derek went the entire morning without seeing each other so that their first look would be down the aisle. With memories captured, the wedding party lined up for ceremony as guests began arriving.
Guests marked Derek and Alexandra’s guest book with their fingerprint, then headed into the Crystal Ballroom to take a seat. White and pink flowers lined the aisleway and framed in the center Palladian window that acted as the ceremony backdrop. Once everyone arrived, a hush fell over the room as Derek led the wedding party down the aisle. Alexandra was last to make an entrance and her and Derek held back tears as they saw each other for the first time that day. Once joined together in front of all their family and friends, the bride and groom read personalized vows, exchanged rings, and sealed the ceremony with a kiss. Everyone cheered as the newlyweds exited the ceremony and headed for cocktail hour.
The bar was pouring beer and wine while Filet and Wild Mushroom Wellingtons and Caprese Skewers were tray passed to hungry guests. While everyone mixed and mingled, the newlyweds snuck away to soak in their very first moments as husband and wife. The couple wandered around downtown with their photographer, then returned to the venue just in time for dinner.
Guests made their way back into the Crystal Ballroom for reception and found their assigned tables via seating chart. Grey linens were draped over each table and the floral arrangements that earlier lined the aisle were repurposed as centerpieces. Alexandra and Derek made their grand entrance as soon as everyone was seated and had their first dance before taking a seat at their sweetheart table. Chicken Pignoli, Tortellini Corsica, Italian Green Beans with Pancetta, Red Roasted Garlic Potatoes, and Caesar Salad was served just as toasts began. The menu was selected by the bride and groom with help from our Event Specialist, Lauren, during their planning process. Glasses of champagne clinked in the air when each speech concluded, then it was time to cut the cake and have dessert. The bride and groom cut into their personal-sized marble cake, shared a bite, then invited their guests to indulge as well. Our Classic Dessert Station with an assortment of Raspberry Chocolate Decadence Cakes, Fresh Fruit Tarts, Vanilla Bean Chocolate Eclairs, Mango and Passion Fruit Macarons, and French Apple tarts and Italian Dessert Station with Fresh Fruit Tarts with Vanilla Mascarpone, Chocolate Dipped Cannoli with Lemon Ricotta Filling, Florentine Cookies, Meyer Lemon Cheesecake Bars, Mini Italiano Tiramisu Cupcakes was unveiled, and guests picked their favorite sweets from the bunch. The evening ended with everyone out on the dance floor showing off their best moves.
Venue: The Estate on Second // Catering: Jay’s Catering // Photography: Jasmine Marie Photography // Florist: Fantasy Floral Designs