From High School Lovebirds to Mr. and Mrs. Bates
When a couple has been together for over a decade, you know that their wedding is sure to be one big ceremony. So when Sasha and Clayton (who have been dating for 14 years) celebrated their big day at the Villa, we envisioned heartfelt speeches, lots of laughter, and gorgeous decor and fashion — and that’s exactly what they got!
The couple was wed outdoors in our Piazza Toscana. The couple decorated the aisle and fireplace/altar with beautiful greenery and candles in gold vases, which reflected the wedding’s sweet, traditional style, using greenery and white and pink roses for a romantic atmosphere.
The bridal party also looked rather elegant: the bridesmaids wore long gowns in dusty pink; the groomsmen wore navy blue suits (with a precious ring bearer dressed to match); and the two flower girls made everyone coo over their cute, poufy white dresses.
Of course, no one looked quite as astonishing as the bride and groom! Clayton’s navy three-piece suit and white boutonniere looked classy and sophisticated, and Sasha’s Tres di Santo gown was absolutely breathtaking! The dress featured a sheer lace bodice with a long row of buttons down the see-through back. The skirt flared at the feet into a long, rounded train, and her cathedral veil added an extra sense of drama to the look.
The wedding was a traditional Persian ceremony with a few personalized touches to make the day extra special. Clayton’s uncle officiated the ceremony and the couple wrote touching vows to one another that made nearly everyone tear up! And after saying “I do” and kissing the bride, guests moved indoors for dinner and dancing.
During the reception, guests heard speeches from the best man, maid of honor, and Sasha’s father as they dined on green salad with vinegarette, grilled chicken, beef tenderloin, baked potato with bacon, and vegetables.
The couple shared their first dance as husband and wife and danced with their respective parents; Clayton and his mother danced to “I Believe in You” by Don Williams, while Sasha and her father danced to Carrie Underwood’s “The Girl You Think I Am,” and performed a traditional Persian dance. Then the party truly started, with everyone hitting the dancefloor (with a brief interlude for some vanilla-flavored cake). The evening ended with a sparkler exit — perfectly befitting this vibrant, lovely couple!
Photography by: Leslie Ann Photography