Derek and Vanessa became man and wife on November 5, 2021.
Vanessa looked stunning in a sleeveless trumpet dress with a plunging illusion neckline, beaded straps, low-cut back with pearl button detail, embroidered bodice, and a long skirt with a train. Her accessories included a triple-strand necklace and a full-length veil. Her bouquet was composed of white roses and peonies. Her six bridesmaids wore matching burgundy full-length dresses with cross-strap halter necklines. They carried smaller versions of the bride’s bouquet.
Derek wore a classic black tuxedo with a white shirt, black bow tie, and white peony boutonniere. His six groomsmen dressed to match him.
In the ceremony, the couple placed a special bottle from the winery where they had their first date and got engaged into a box to drink on their anniversary. Vanessa and Derek recited personal vows to each other.
Next, guests sat down to a plated meal that included flatiron steak and stuffed chicken.
During the toasts, the maid of honor, the bride’s younger sister, told stories about their childhood years. The best man, the groom’s older brother, told stories about when they were kids and how he helped Derek meet Vanessa. The matron of honor, the bride’s best friend, talked about growing up together during their long friendship. The groom’s parents also gave a toast.
Vanessa and Derek’s first dance was to “Never Stop” by Safety Suit. Vanessa and her father and Derek and his mother danced to “Stand by Me.” Other wedding fun included a photobooth, a special song Derek had commissioned that he played for Vanessa, and a giant wine bottle that served as a guestbook.
The four-tier white wedding cake had a rose design on the bottom and second layers, and a dot design on the third and top layers. It was graced with an ornament bearing the couple’s last initial.
Congratulations to this beautiful couple!
Photography By: Leslie Ann Photography