S’more Love at Grand Gimeno
Leah and the girls each took turns for hair and makeup inside the Powder Room at Grand Gimeno. Champagne was popped and bubbly conversations filled the room as the bride and her crew got ready at their leisure. Once the beauty team was done, the girls changed from cute and cozy pajamas to their formal dresses. Leah slipped into her wedding gown in the suite’s private room, then had a first look with her bridesmaids. Sweet compliments were shared, many photos were taken, and Leah handed out thank you gifts to her bridal party. Meanwhile, Stephen and the groomsmen arrived in the Parlor just across the Foyer. The guys, needing much less time to get ready, suited up and crowded the windows of the suite to get a good view of Stephen and Leah’s first look. Stephen took his mark and faced the Parlor under the courtyard archway. Leah soon approached him, and with a tap of the shoulder, he turned around to see his beautiful bride. Waves of emotion hit both of them as they shared a sweet kiss and after a moment alone, the two joined the rest of their wedding party for group pictures before the ceremony.
Guests arrived, signed Leah and Stephen’s guestbook, then took a seat in the Foyer. Flower petals and candles lined the aisle and greenery topped the fireplace mantle. Once everyone had been accounted for, the wedding party made their entrances ending with Leah arm-in-arm. With her father. In front of family and friends, the bride and groom read handwritten vows, exchanged rings, and sealed the ceremony with a kiss. Guests cheered as the newlyweds exited into cocktail hour.
Thai Chicken Spring Rolls and Caprese Skewers with pesto were tray passed in the courtyard and refreshing beverages including the newlyweds signature cocktails, a Paloma and Old Fashioned, were shaken up and served at the bar. The bride and groom snuck off for photos around the venue before dinner while guests mixed and mingled out front. Before long, everyone was invited back inside to enjoy the reception.
A seating chart guided guests to their assigned tables inside where white floral centerpieces contrasted black table linens. The bride and groom made their grand entrance into their first dance, then took a seat at their sweetheart table. Toasts were made as the first course of Tangerine and Pecan Salad was served. Up next, a dual entrée of Chicken Santorini and Roasted Atlantic Salmon Fillet with Roasted Broccolini and Oven Roasted Rainbow Fingerling Potatoes. The dual entrée plated menu was selected by Stephen and Leah during their planning process with our Event Specialist, Patti. Guests loved that they were able to enjoy two main options instead of having to select only one for dinner. As dinner came to a close, the bride and groom thanked everyone for coming and invited their guests to indulge in a S’more Station before heading home.
Venue: Grand Gimeno // Catering: Jay’s Catering // Photographer: Alexandra Wallace // Planning: XOXO Weddings // Florist: Honeycomb Affair // Beauty: Flawless Faces Inc.
