We met Sarah and Brenden for the first time a few weeks before their romantic wedding at the Delefield Hotel, and we knew right away that their celebration would have lasting impact.Yes, they were adorably in love. And yes, they were are a gorgeous couple, just ready for the spotlight.But that’s not what touched our hearts.Brenden had lost both his parents several years ago, and Sarah was also feeling the void of her father’s passing, too. These two leaned on each other for support that was beautiful to witness. In fact, both carried lovely mementos — Sarah had photo charms on her bouquet, and Brenden sported new cuff links with his parents’ wedding portrait on them — during the ceremony, and we knew those elements had to be incorporated into their sneak peek.Yet, it was also apparent that Sarah and Brenden weren’t dwelling on their losses. They also wanted a full-throttle celebration that would officially launch the start of their marriage.
Romantic, light-filled
They couldn’t have picked a more perfect location than the newly renovated Delafield Hotel with it’s beautiful blend of dark wood and contemporary furnishings. In fact, we are wholeheartedly endorsing the hotel’s corner suites as “the best bride prep location” in the lakes area. The contemporary rooms have spacious bedrooms and attached living rooms, which gave our bride and her attendants plenty of room to get ready without tripping over each other. And most important, the large windows cast incredible natural light, which enhanced the glow from Sarah as she smiled throughout the morning.The renovated ballroom served as ceremony and reception location, and we were impressed by the hotel staff’s quick flip of the room. Candles, gorgeous flowers and “The Simpsons” carried the romantic themes of the day with beauty and laughter.It’s inevitable that major life events, such as a wedding, rub those tender spots in our hearts, those little compartments where hold fast to memories of those we’ve lost.But knowing loss firsthand, we also know that loved ones who have passed would definitely want the living to really live, to celebrate, to love and to build a life worth remembering.Congratulations to Sarah and Brenden! A hearty thanks, too, to the wedding pros who helped make this day beautiful!Venue: Delafield HotelPhotographer: Steve Bowman PhotographyDJ: Xcite EntertainmentFlorist: Leaves FloristCake: Aggie’s BakeryBride’s hair and makeup: Creative Beaute AgencyBride’s attire: Justin Alexander from Bucci BridalBridesmaids attire: Wtoo and Mori Lee from Bliss Bridal