Tara + Mike – Chateau at Coindre Hall

If I told you that when they walk into a room they light it up like a Christmas tree, I wouldn’t be lying. And if I told you that they had a love that would make the movies jealous – it would be the truth.

They finish each others sentences, and hardly a moment goes by that they are not touching or gazing at one another. They don’t just hug, they snuggle. All. The. Time.

They have a way about them that leaves a lasting  impression on you. They can’t help it. It’s in the way they talk, laugh and love.

***

Drips of crystals hung from a large oak tree and the smell of lavender permeated the air. A glitter gold aisle runner sat gingerly on the lawn in between a path of swaying chandeliers awaiting the arrival of the bride. The guests began to arrive – the ladies in sequined dresses and fascinators, and the gentlemen sported top hats, and tuxes for the 1920’s themed wedding gala.

Old family photographs were placed through out the chateau, and a plethora of feathers and palm trees added to the festive atmosphere.  It was just like a page out of  The Great Gatsby.

The planning, imagination, dedication and love that was poured into every single detail made Mike and Tara’s happy day lavish, glamorous and nostalgic.

The extravagant nature of it all literally took your breath away at moments. There was no wedding planner or Martha Stewart there to help…they did it together.

***

Weddings are a celebration of not just one moment…but of all the memories that make a relationship unique. Oh. Don’t get me wrong. A wedding day is about the dress and the cake, and the details that were agonized over too.  I love those details…but I also love the people details. The personalities, the smiles, the happy tears, and the relationships. The part of life that’s not remembered so easily. The part that’s moving almost too fast for us to catch or hold on to. The part that’s quirky, and not perfect…but oddly fascinating. The ordinary moments in between that sometimes go un-noticed which makes them sometimes so extraordinary.

Tara had two requests about how she wanted her day to be remembered. She wanted her album to be mostly in black and white, and the day to be purely documentary.  I hope it was achieved in their story below.

***

It’s one thing to envision your wedding day, but it’s quite another to make it a reality.

Here’s hoping our dreams too will be our reality, and that we are living in every moment, and loving every minute as Mike and Tara.

   

  The dress hanging in the parlor of Coindre.

   

Tara worked closely with ‘Flowers by Rosemarie’ to make her vision come to life. Tara collected the vases and other decor for the flowers to be displayed in.

La-la-looove!

   

Some of you may remember the sneak peek I gave you on these fabulous invitations right here on the blog….

   

Curlers…

   

Many thanks to Stacey from Dollface for the lovely make-up…

     

 Gettin’ ready…

       

Tara picked a fabulous peacock feather fan instead of the traditional bouquet.

What I loved most about Tara is her individuality.  Their wedding day incorporated such unique elements that made their day their own. I adore when my couples make it personal.

   

There is something just so classy about a gorgeous little clutch. They each have their own little personality I think.

   

The shoes…

   

  Soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs.

   

Tara and Mike had photographs of past generations sprinkled about the venue. Maybe I’m bias since photography is my thing but I loved seeing the faces and post processing of film.

They inspired me a bit to age a photo or two…

   

 The ceremony took place on the grounds of the Chateau at Coindre.

   

The programs were ahhhhhmazing!

   

 Bringing glamour back…

   

 Moments in between…

 

   

THE moment…

         

The table seating was written on fabulous vintage postcards…

     

Tara designed and put together the fabulous centerpieces…

   

Let the party begin!

         

The best man recalling the best most heartfelt memories of his childhood spent with Michael.

       

Mmmm…

   

The ‘wishing tree’ was adorned by love notes from the guests…

   

The card ‘box’…

   

 Making memories…

     

That there is Mindy, my first bride ever…who I love dearly and who referred me to the lovely Tara.

xo girls!

   

I swear Tara also has a full time job! You would never know that though by everything she created….

   

It’s official.

 

 

Yes, dear readers. That is indeed her leg on his shoulder!

They surprised everyone in the room with a dance that could have put the dancers on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ to shame.

   

Neil Diamond lyrics accompanied their first dance…

“You are the sun, I am the moon. You are the words, I am the tune. Play me…”

   

Tara and Mike, there are no words to adquately describe the feel of your happy day. You transported each and every one of us to a different place and time with your attention to the details and eleborate theme. I’m going to be honest. Themes are super hard to pull off, but you did it flawlessly. The amount of work and effort that was put into your day was breathtaking.  Even more so was that everything was made with so much love.

I adored all of the personal touches, the attire of your fabulous guests, and the pure magic of what a  little bit of glamour can do.

Thank you for letting me document such a unique and amazing day. It was such an honor.

 I hope you’re enjoying your ‘snugglemoon’ with your ‘snuggle bear’!

p.s.

Super big hug and thank you to Mindy and Kathleen for referring me!

p.p.s.

Before you go, leave your thoughts below!