The first time I met with Katharine and Zack they had a vision for their wedding: something outdoor, maybe a touch of rustic style with long wooden tables and definitely use some succulents. Well, their DragonRidge Country Club wedding ended up a little differently (to say the least). As the wedding planning progressed, the vision also changed. Getting married in January eliminated quite a few Las Vegas outdoor wedding options, so Katharine & Zack decided on a ceremony at a nearby Catholic church followed by a reception at DragonRidge Country Club. The beautiful ballroom and one of the best views of the Las Vegas Strip makes this country club an easy favorite of ours! Now that we had a venue, the design of the wedding evolved into a formal event with touches of glamour, luxury and sparkle. Katharine’s original vision kept nagging in the back of my mind and I wanted to create something for her that would feel like a touch of the outdoors were brought indoors, but still blend cohesively with the rest of her decor. The solution? We brought in another Catherine (from Layers of Lovely) to create a hanging lantern and floral installation over the dance floor to create a bit of garden-esque romance. It was a show-stopper! Keep reading to learn how their blush, navy and gold wedding details came together–but first, the pictures!
{last photo collage by Adam Trujillo Photo}
Walking into Katharine’s hotel suite at Green Valley Ranch Resort was like walking into a scene from a movie. Bridesmaids and moms were in chairs getting their hair and makeup done, other bridesmaids were enjoying coffee and sunshine on the patio near the fireplace and everyone had an easy sense of calm mixed with smiles of excitement. The photographer and video team kept busy capturing the getting ready details and we all had an ‘ohhhhh my goodness’ moment as the bridesmaids and Katharine’s mother helped Katharine into her wedding gown. **A quick reminder to brides: please have your bridesmaids in their dresses before the bride puts on her gown! The photos are so much prettier with your gorgeous gals dressed to the nines with you.**
The ladies got in the limo to head to the church, while Zack and his guys were finishing up getting in their tuxes. They all arrived at the church and we slipped Katharine away into her waiting space while the groomsmen mingled with guests and ushered them to their seats. As the ceremony processional began, we sent the wedding party down the aisle at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. The ring bearers each held a Bible that belong to Katharine’s father, tied with lace and a wedding band fixed on top. Katharine walked down the aisle, escorted by her parents, and clutching a bouquet wrapped in lace from her grandmothers wedding veil. It was an incredible moment seeing them approach the altar–even the flower girl wanted a peak! The Priest conducted a beautiful ceremony and entertained guests with the story of their engagement in Costa Rica.
Before you know it, the I Do’s were done and Katharine & Zack were pronounced husband and wife! Guests were taken to Green Valley Ranch Resort where the wedding party took photos around the gorgeous property. Later that evening, everyone was brought to DragonRidge for the wedding reception. Cocktail hour began with delicious drinks and passed hors d’oeuvres, while a Jazz trio sang on the balcony. We wanted a playful way for guests to stay entertained when they arrived, so we created a Guess Who game incorporating custom silhouettes of Katharine & Zack created by ShePaperie. The silhouettes were also used on a large mat for guests to sign and leave well wishes. As guests made their way to the balcony, an escort card display helped them find their seat for dinner. These escort cards were anything but ordinary–each card had a navy bowtie for gentlemen or pink hair bow for ladies. Guests attached the bow to the hair or attire for the evening, you may notice Katharine & Zack both wearing theirs in the photos above!
While guests were enjoying cocktail hour on the balcony, we were able to sneak the newlyweds into the ballroom for a reveal of the space. I felt like an HGTV designer welcoming a family into their new home! Kat & Zack walked in and I watched Katharine go wide eyed and jaw drop–she didn’t scream or shout, just stood soaking it in and quietly saying, “oh. my. goodness. Oh. My. I had no idea. I don’t know where to look.” Francesca urgered her to look around the room and Katharine made her way to the tables commenting on the custom navy menu cards, the blush silk linen, the ivory floral textured linen and the large sequin paillettes mocha linens, the different vintage champagne coupe at each place setting and vintage lounge seating around the dance floor. She stopped under the lanterns and floral above the dance floor and did a quick rehearsal with Zack of their first dance.
When the doors to the ballroom were opened, guests entered and immediately began commenting on the amazing smell of the flowers and garland wafting through the room. Katharine & Zack entered and gave a smashing performance for their first dance. After dinner and toasts, the bride danced with her father. It was a special moment watching Katharine and her dad take to the dance floor, while her father reminded Zack, “I loved her first. I held her first. I prayed that she’d find you one day, but it’s still hard to give her away.” Not many dry eyes in the room at that point! Zack then took his mother for a spin around the floor—they kicked it up and got the dance floor hot for the party. The rest of the night was filled with photo booth shenanigans, 90’s hits coming from the band and even a beer barrel polka!
Kat & Zack, even though we planned for a number of months, it seems like your planning came fast and furious. I loved that you had an open mind and trusted the design and vision for the wedding as it changed throughout the process. Watching you two from the outside, it’s clear your support, love and connection with each other is rooted in your relationship as a team. I know there are fantastic things in store for you two and I’m looking forward to more lunch dates soon! xoxo, rissa
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Las Vegas wedding planner: Scheme Events | Ceremony venue: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church | Reception venue: Dragon Ridge Country Club | Photographer: Ostara Photography | Videographer: Adam Trujillo Cinema | Floral: Layers of Lovely | Stationery: She Paperie | Linens: La Tavola | Vintage dishes: Dirty Dishes |Lounge furniture: Nostalgia Resources | Lighting: LED Unplugged | Cake: Gimme Some Sugar | Entertainment: Lucky Devils Band | Hair and makeup: Amelia C & Co. | Rentals: RSVP Party Rentals | Transportation: ODS | Photobooth: Shutterbooth |Bridesmaid dresses: Bella Bridesmaids | Mens attire: Tuxedo Junction