What do you love to do more than absolutely ANYTHING in the whole wide world? For me, it’s connecting with different couples and learning about their cultures, traditions, and styles. I wholeheartedly find purpose in designing unique weddings and guest experiences that last a lifetime.

Working with Karina and Jim was like a dream came true. They were one of the kindest couples I have met! Genuine, warm, funny - all the best things!

It’s especially great to work with them as they came to us from one of my past clients Amanda and Zach - which is always the best, because we already know each other and can just hop into the thick of planning!

Karina and Jim both work in the medical field, in fact, Jim was just finishing up his residency in Cardiothoracic Surgery at Duke so they both had a busy and demanding schedule. I’m incredibly grateful for their trust to design their day based on a few really cool inspirational thoughts that we talked through at the beginning of the planning process.

I love this wedding for so many reasons - the blending of cultures, the creative liberty that they gave me, the venue, but most of all the bride and groom.

Karina and Jim chose Bay 7 as the backdrop for their celebration, which coincidentally is one of our most favorite places to work and design in. We wanted to recapture the essence of a trip that K + J took to Italy together when they ate and drank their way through the beautiful country. Jackpot - this was so much fun to put together!

We pulled in vibrant colors, textures, nods to European and Latin hospitality and food to create a day that would be memorable for them and their intimate guest list.

We started with long tables for guests to enjoy conversation, food, drink, and celebration. We wanted the seating arrangement to be indicative of a summer dinner party under the stars - maybe in a vineyard somewhere in dreamy Tuscany.

We chose crisp white linens to be the base for the most lovely layering of botanical elements. Runners of warm greenery, with pops of vibrant bougainvillea in shades of fuschia and coral throughout down the length of the tables. We wanted to introduce a citrus element, so we did lemon place cards paired with lemon-infused spring water place on all the tables for guests to enjoy throughout the evening.

Next, we added blue and white striped Turkish towels in place of a traditional napkin- the fresh pop of blue tied in their invite palette and really completed the Mediterranean vibe we were looking to capture.

And we added lighting - black iron lanterns accented with the pops of bougainvillea hung along the center of the space adding a warm and glow over the intimate feel of the space.

Karina’s family is Jewish and so it was very important to her that this element be incorporated into their ceremony. We created a Chuppah that was the perfect blend of a traditional Jewish Chuppah and an American wedding arbor. The soft draping was accented with the bright blooms of vining bougainvillea and framed the couple as they said “I do” and yes, of course, smashed the glass!

Prior to the ceremony, we set aside time to sign the Ketuba - which is a traditional Jewish document that is signed as a contract of marriage. These documents are also truly pieces of art. The design is always intricate and beautifully paired with the Hebrew script. These rich elements of culture were such a special part of Karina and Jim’s wedding day.

Another really fantastic detail that I loved about their day was their ceremony music. Karina has a dear friend that is a renowned Flutist. He performed the bridal processional as Karina and her father took the long walk from the Mezzanine level down into the ceremony space. It was so personalized and beautiful - because you knew he was truly playing for her.

Of course, this wedding wouldn’t have been complete without a rendition of the Horah with the bride and groom going up on chairs followed by the bride’s parents. I don’t know if you have ever had a chance to be a part of one of these celebrations but you can’t help but light up at the joy and celebration that ensues.

To honor Jim’s heritage as well, they then transitioned into the Polka to make it even more special for their families!

I hope you’ll enjoy browsing through the images from this wedding captured by Ally and Bobby Fine Art Photography - they are so gorgeous. This was such a unique and special day for two people that couldn’t be more deserving. It was such an honor to be a part of it.

Xo
Carrington