We're Swooning Over This Bride's Rose-Covered Dress

The color, quirks, and vintage nods are some of the many reasons we find Elaine and Rae’s California wedding at Madonna Inn so special. “We didn't have a theme per se, but the aesthetic and mood was, glamour! Drama! Ghost of Christmas Present-meets-Old Hollywood!” exclaims the couple.

The Madonna Inn couldn’t have been a more fitting area for these two as they said their vows in the iconic setting.

Elaine wanted a nontraditional, non-white wedding gown and selected a custom gown from Chotronette, inspired by Marchesa's 3D floral dresses. “It was bridal, but unlike any wedding dress we had ever seen before,” she says. Rae selected a green tailcoat, inspired by the dapper glamour of Marlene Dietrich and Fred Astaire, noting “Tailcoats aren't ‘supposed' to be green, but when you're already breaking the rules by wearing a suit, you can go all in!” She paired it with a tuxedo shirt and vest that she made herself, with a sheer rose-patterned overlay that matched Elaine's dress perfectly (unbeknownst to them! They kept their outfits a secret until the wedding day!). She made a bow tie as well, the backing of which was made out of the necktie her late father who had passed away just a month prior had bought to wear to the wedding.

“We wanted the ceremony to be a mix of Jewish tradition and queer celebration,” they said, standing under an asymmetrical chuppah designed by Rae's dad with a canopy painted by Elaine's mom. Elaine's best friend since middle school, Josh Lin, officiated the ceremony and brought a mix of humor and poignancy. “We were inspired by the sheva brachot, or seven blessings, and wrote our own based on the ancient themes that we feel honored both the historic tradition and our modern queer selves and community. Instead of drinking from a cup of wine after each blessing, as is tradition, we took a sip of Dr. Pepper — a nod to Rae's dad's favorite beverage.”

Just looking at the moments shared between Elaine and Rae show how strong their connection truly is. “Elaine is a singular person, unlike anyone else I've ever met,” explains Rae. “She is witty and goofy and generous and thoughtful. I am always honored to have a place at her side.”

With Elaine adding “In addition to being beautiful, Rae is so passionate and intelligent and loving and loyal. Rae is so intelligent and so creative and an incredible partner.”

These two and this day really shares what real love is about, folks!

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