Turns out the brides’ party-first energy is the secret formula to a great wedding.
With a theme of “let’s party with expensive Champagne” leading their planning choices, Camille and Shandra had one goal in mind: to have fun. “We wanted to really focus on that for not only our guests, but also ourselves,” say the newlyweds. “It was a long two-year planning process, through COVID, so we wanted to make sure that everyone had a really fun time.
Kicking the party off with a tequila unity ceremony before inviting guests to enjoy games during cocktail hour and finishing off with a Champagne tower in lieu of cake cutting are just some of the ways they infused their fun theme throughout.
Find LGBTQ+ Inclusive Wedding Vendors in Your Area
Photography
Venues
Floral
Wedding Planning
Rentals
Stationery
Videography
Entertainment
Officiants
Photo Booth
Transportation
Cakes & Desserts
Beauty & Grooming
Event Design & Styling
Attire & Accessories
Audio/Visual
Catering & Bar
CEREMONY
While guests filtered into the outdoor area, all wearing black attire as requested, the wedding party — also in black — got ready to process down the pampas grass-flanked aisle. Their bouquets featured white anemones and ferns painted black to match the dark and moody twist to their Old Hollywood aesthetic.
As Camille walked down the aisle toward Shandra in her caped BHLDN gown, emotions hit. “I saw nothing except for her in that moment. Even with a first look, seeing her walk down toward me crying all over again … I was so nervous that day, and seeing her took all my nerves away,” Shandra says.
They met under the circular backdrop where their friend led them through vow exchanges and tequila shots. “We wanted to make sure that our ceremony reflected who we were as a couple. Fun, happy, loving and ready to party.”
I saw nothing but her in that moment. Even with a first look, seeing her walk down toward me had me crying all over again. I was so nervous that day, and seeing her took all of my nerves away.”
RECEPTION
After a lawn game-filled cocktail hour, the newlyweds entered the space in style as cold sparks flew. Taper candles and greenery decorated the tables for a timeless look, while uplighting spotlighted the venue’s already established beauty. Guests enjoyed their plated course meal before hitting the dance floor for the remainder of the evening. “The night went by in a beautiful blur,” says Camillle. “All I could think about was how I got to spend the rest of my life with her.”
