Why it's OKAY to "Do You" on Your Wedding Day

As legend has it, traditionally "bridesmaids" were meant to protect the bride from those trying to steal her dowry while walking through the groom's neighborhood. And they wore similar or identical attire so as to confuse the evil spirits. The best man was meant to ensure that the bride didn't escape during the ceremony. He was chosen because of his strength and capability rather than his relationship to the groom. So yeah. Times have changed. And yet we truly are still beholden to tradition despite not really knowing the "why" behind it. So, here's a thought. What if we changed things up a bit. If instead of getting ready with the girls, she woke up beside him. Instead of drinking champagne or taking shots with the guys, he lovingly helped her get ready, gave her kisses throughout the day and got to hold her hand when she saw herself in a gown on the day she would be married. That is what Joy Proctor and April Baytan - with photographs by Amanda Wei - had in mind when they designed this shoot. And the result is so romantic, so beautiful and so inspired.

With this design I wanted to tell the story of the modern day couple and celebrate the inspiring love story of two individuals who have found intimacy, solitude, and joy in one another. The goal was to achieve a design which gave insight into a modern couple's lifestyle and how their uniqueness and the life that they built together could translate into an elegant wedding design.

For this shoot I wanted to showcase a couple that was independent of traditional gender roles and pair a bride that was bold, beautiful, and stylish with a groom that is charming, kind, and nurturing.

When selecting a color palette, I chose various shades of gray to represent the strength and commitment of the couple and paired it with shades of white, ivory, and blush to represent the femininity, softness, and romance I envisioned the loving groom to bring out in his more daring bride.

Similarly, various textures illustrated the same juxtaposition with bold textures found through the slate, marble and stone vessels and velvet La Tavola Linen...

...then softened by adding a light and airy tulle Liz Martinez dress provided by Kinsley James Couture Bridal, silk Frou Frou Chic ribbon, and romantic calligraphy on the invitation and paper goods provided by The Idea Emporium and Plume Calligraphy.

We began with the bride and groom waking up together in each other's arms followed by their individual moments of self care before getting ready for their big day. The simple ceremony comprised of sleek silver chairs provided by Theoni and were paired with beautiful lush aisle arrangements.

For the tablescape, clean modern tableware provided by Thoeni complimented the chic personal style of the couple and also served as the perfect setting for the New American/California cuisine created by Feast & Fest and memorable cake by Pretty Please SF.

Every detail and intimate moment from beginning to end was captured so beautifully by Amanda Wei Photo who truly brought to light the beauty of a design inspired by love and life.

Thank you so much to Joy Proctor and her incredible team of artists for sharing this beautiful day with us!

Photography: Amanda Wei Photography | Wedding Dress: Kinsley James Couture Bridal | Wedding Dress: Liz Martinez (by Kinsley James) | Cake: Pretty Please Bakeshop | Shoes: Bella Belle | Hair + Makeup: Chateau Belle | Groom's Suit: Bonobos | Food + Drink: Feast & Fest | Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen Rental | Mentorship + Styling: Joy Proctor Design | Paper Goods: The Idea Emporium | Park: Kestrel Park | Planning + Design + Florals: April Baytan | Planning + Design + Florals: April Baytan