When a couple who has known each other since the 2nd grade and who has been dating for 8 years plans an epic wedding, you know it’s going to be a grand event! The setting was the beautiful Blomgren Estate, where these two love birds saw what they considered their dream wedding there years before. You can always count on Blomgren to provide the perfect canvas to create a masterpiece of a wedding, especially if you’re going for the classic Country Rustic vibe Katie and Jason adored.
It takes a real winning team to pull off a wedding of this scale, and Monique and her crew from Tux and Veils was up for the challenge, handling not only Katie’s long list of décor details but wrangling all of the guests and vendors between two distinct and unique locations on the property. Stacey’s Petals and Stems, who used sunflowers and other floras to a stunning effect, brought each space to life beautifully. The ceremony was set under the trees on top of the hill and was presided over the always witty and charming Stephen Stewart, who oddly enough, Katie and Jason met at a funeral. The multi talented Stephen even helped arrange an EDM song they love into a romantic ballad that they played for Katie’s entrance. Will Riddle was recommended to sing and play his guitar for the ceremony, and his sweet tones ushered in the family, groomsmen, and of course, Katie. As the guests made their way back down the hill, the spectacular photography and videography team from Michael Anthony Photography continued to capture some of the most amazing and creative scenes imaginable, including drone fly-overs and one of the coolest Father of the Bride first looks I have ever seen. Katie’s dad, Eric, even lent a handy-hand and hand built my cool DJ façade, amongst other things like the photo booth backdrop.
As the bridal party followed by Katie and Jason made their way into the reception, the couple’s first dance brought out lots of “awwwwwws” from the guests. We immediately followed that up with a few toasts, which were absolutely owned by Katie’s little sister Haylie, whose toast concluded with a rap parodying Eminem’s “Real Slim Shady.” (Will the real slim Haylie please stand up???) As if that wasn’t enough, dinner concluded with a sentimental Mother/Son dance, followed by a surprise Father/Daughter mash-up, where Katie, Jason, and both sets of parents pulled off an absolutely awesome choreographed finale.
With all the heavy lifting over with, the guests were ready to hit the huge dance floor, and hit it they did! I received a request list from Katie, who asked all of her guests to recommend their favorite songs in her invitations. It was a fun challenge to mix as many of the guests’ favorites together with the usual crowd pleasers to create a fun and personalized dance set. After the last few formalities wrapped up (along with some unique night shots by the photographers), it was time to finally cut loose and begin the after party. (Not before Jason recreated the Magic Mike Pony dance while taking off Katie’s garter however.) Some folks thought between all the stress of the day, the cooling weather, and the long day that this party might end a little earlier than expected. NOPE! The party-goers kept this party going till the very end, and the circle of love surrounding Katie and Jason for their final slow dance took up almost the entire dance floor. What an incredible night!
Dave’s recommended vendors for this wedding are:
- Blomgran Estate (aka Blomgren Ranch) – www.blomgrenproperties.com
- Tux and Veils Wedding Planning – www.tuxandveils.com
- Michael Anthony Photography – www.michaelanthonyphotography.com
- Words for All Occasions (Stephen Jeffery Stewart) – www.facebook.com/chameleonhelp
- Will Riddle (Musician) – @will_riddle_ on Instagram – willriddle926@gmail.com
- Stacey’s Petals & Stems – @staceyspetalsandstems on Instagram – ssdeutsch17@hotmail.com