On a very cold November day, Ryan and Danielle ....wait, let's start somewhere in the middle with a pair of shoes. Don't all good stories start with a shoe? After Ryan and Danielle fell hopelessly in love while working at Isle of Capri, after the romantic proposal snuggled up in their first home, after a dream trip to Paris, the wedding planning began. Fast forward to Danielle's shoes. A girl doesn't just run out and buy the very first pair of shoes she sees for her wedding, no! Shoes are important. Shoes have something to say. (only a woman understands this, so gentlemen, just indulge us for a bit) The perfect pair for Danielle were dainty, ivory, sparkling, jewel-kissed Badgley Mischka heels named Barbara. Yes, named Barbara. Maybe you didn't know this, but good shoes have names. Danielle was amused for a bit until all of sudden....something clicked. Barbara.
Danielle's beloved grandmother had passed away and wouldn't be at her beautiful grand-daughter's wedding. Or would she? Barbara must have been smiling down from heaven as she watched the wedding preparations and we are pretty sure those shoes sparkled just a little more so that the bride to be would fall in love with them. See, shoes are pretty magical. These were picked out all the way from Heaven! Wasn't that worth starting in the middle!?
Now, to the very cold November day....Danielle and Ryan vowed their loyalty and love at Star of the Sea in Virginia Beach amidst gold dresses and very smart suits. Family and friends smiled from ear to ear, but not as much as the bride and groom. Joy poured from their hearts and shimmered across their faces. This was a dream come true.
They'd come a long way from doodles in a reservation book and steaming bowls of pasta. They had found their forever. Ryan married his princess, that is what he always called her and Danielle, well, that amazing girl gets to be a princess for life. The couple posed and laughed their way through Seashore State Park alongside their wedding party. It was a blur of beads and jewels and satin and trees. Freshly fallen leaves carpeted their footsteps and sunlight danced through the forest by the bay.
They were greeted by everyone they love in the appropriately named Atlantic Ballroom inside The Wyndham on 57th Street. The ballroom had been transformed into a Parisian fairy tale. Tall plumes of white ostrich feathers graced each table. A carriage fit for the princess herself stood aglow, casting its light and magic upon the guests.
All of this is just a teaser for the real surprise....as if tables drenched in white and gold and princess carriages could be topped. Cue the first dance. Ryan surprised his new bride by choosing A Whole New World and having each of Danielle's uncles waiting in line to dance with her. Through tears of joy, the bride was surrounded by love and danced the night away. Pop. Fizz. Clink. Happily ever after, indeed.
Ceremony Location: Star of the Sea Church
Reception Location: The Wyndham on 57th Street
Hair stylist: Amanda Stainback (of Salon OH!)
Make Up: SB makeup artistry (Sydney Balmer)
Tuxedos: Kenneth Cole (Groom had a different tux than groomsmen)
Bridesmaids Dress: From Vow to be Chic. The Gemma dress by Theia (in gold)
Florist: Wayne Jones Florist
Centerpieces: Bride’s mother purchased ostrich feathers and Eiffel tower vases online, Norfolk Wholesale arranged and delivered the centerpieces.
Music: Litt Keys (Chris Hall & DJ Litt/Mike Littman)
Invitations: Printed by Virginia Beach Printing
Cake: Rice Krispy Treat Cake & Chocolate Tortes made and provided by groom’s mother (Kathy Arcese)
Dress: Sottero & Midgley: Amélie (in Champagne)
Shoes: Badgley Mischka: Barbara (in ivory)
Other: Day of coordinator; Astrid White