Elegant Wedding at The Palace at Somerset Park

You know some may say that relationships don’t last from high school. Well let me tell you something, Christina and Marko are living PROOF that anything is possible when it comes to love. Okay, now that I’m done being corny….

The Love Story

High school sweethearts turned lovers. Christina and Marko met the summer before Christina’s senior year in high school. They both believe it was “meant to be” (ugh, I love these kind of stories). Fate brought them together before Christina left for college and the rest was history. Just days after their wedding, marked 9 years together! Marko and Christina got engaged in one of the most romantic and beautiful places to visit… Niagara Falls. Since then, they have been counting down the moments to get married and the day finally had arrived.

The Palace at Somerset Park

On this day, the weather was absolutely amazing. The sun was shining and everyone was just so excited to get the day started! Christina and Marko chose the perfect venue to get married at, The Palace at Somerset Park. Inspired by the Vanderbilt mansions, this mansion is 80,000 sq. ft of pure bliss. To the beautiful grounds and architecture to the elegance that this wedding venue holds, it’s no reason C+M chose this spot for their big day.

Of course, we started off the day with Christina and her bridesmaids getting ready and having some celebratory drinks. I mean come on… it is a wedding of course *wink wink *. After putting on her stunning dress, it was then time for the first looks. Not only did Christina decide she wanted a first look with Marko, but she also decided on a first look with her dad as well! Now the amazing thing about first looks, is that it’s a perfect alternative for anyone trying to calm those wedding day jitters. You get so caught up with the hustle and bustle of the day, that you sometimes are overwhelmed with all of the emotions. A first look gives you and your partner and opportunity to see each other before the ceremony as well as have a little bit of privacy on a rather busy and hectic day. First look with a family member is also a good opportunity to build up anticipation and can leave more room to showcase all of the loving and intense emotions.

If first looks aren’t your thing, you can always opt for a first touch. A first touch is an opportunity for you and your partner to touch hands, but not be seen by one another. By the corner of meeting walls or by the sides of a tree, these are the perfect chances to still leave a sense of mystery and excitement to see your partner down the aisle, but you are still able to have a bit of alone time… just the two of you.

Beyond the first looks, we made sure to utilize as much of the beautiful architecture and decor as possible. Even grabbing some shots of both C+M by their floral backdrop at the ceremony site. From the beginning to the end of the day, it was beautifully curated and I just KNEW this would be a day to remember.

The Ceremony & Reception

Okay, so the moment that we’ve all been waiting for… the ceremony. Just like any ceremony there were many “ooo” and “ahhh” moments and a few tears here and there. They both decided on having an unplugged ceremony and for anyone who doesn’t know, an unplugged ceremony is when the couple requests that guests put away phones/cameras (aside from the photographer) in order to be fully present in the moment. C+M said there “I do’s” and were pronounced husband and wife. The end.

I’m totally kidding! It was then PARTY TIME! Not only did Christina and Marko have a beautiful first dance as husband and wife, but they also had a fog machine while doing it! Okay… put that on the list of things I need LOL! Aside from the amazing food, dancing and so much laughter, Christina and Marko looked so incredibly happy and filled with love. Every moment of this day was beyond beautiful and I am so honored to have been there for them to capture such special moments. Congratulations C+M!

Oh and if you thought this Elegant Wedding at The Palace at Somerset Park was good, just wait until you read about Boho Chic Farm Wedding.

Psst.. looking for vendors? Scroll to the bottom of this blog!

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Vendors:

Wedding Photographer: Courtney Simpson Photography

Wedding Planner: Antonia Lauber at The Palace at Somerset Park

Florist: Michelle Jones at The Flower Bar

Hair: Kristen Okaley

Makeup: Adrienne Arguedas

DJ/Entertainment: Gemini DJs

Ceremony & Reception Site: The Palace at Somerset Park