Tiana & Cody ~ November 15, 2018

These days, it’s so common for couples to really go all out on their wedding day. While we love, love, love seeing people get super extra (seriously, it’s so much fun), there’s something really refreshing about couples who keep their nuptials beautifully simple. And when Tiana and Cody came to the Villa for their wedding in November, they chose to zero in on what matters most — their love.

The couple’s simple ceremony was all about pink and white roses. Tiana carried them in her bouquet, as did her maid of honor, and our courtyard where the ceremony took place was covered with rose petals (even the fountain was dressed up for the occasion).

The bride wore an elegant, yet understated lace gown with a sweetheart neckline and lace-up back. She looked absolutely stunning — but we have to admit, our favorite part of her look was her shoes; Cody had written a secret message on the soles, which read “The best day is here. I love you with all my heart.” (Too cute, right?) Cody also wore something simple, yet sophisticated, sporting a navy suit with a white tie and white rose boutonniere.

But this wedding wasn’t just about looking beautiful (though these two certainly mastered that). The couple put special focus on the adventure they were embarking on, discussing in the ceremony how love means making sacrifices and going the extra mile. Also, in addition to the traditional vows and exchanging of rings, Tiana and Cody also added a special “love letter ceremony” to their wedding day.

During the ceremony, the couple put love letters they’d written to one another into a box and locked it up. These letters will wait inside the box until the day Tiana and Cody really need them, perhaps during a difficult time in their life together. This beautiful gesture proved to us that these to lovebirds are in it for the long haul, and we suspect it will be some time before that box needs to be unlocked.

Photography by: Free Light Photos