Anna + Paul had been to their fair share of weddings when it came time to plan their own, so they had a clear vision for how they wanted their special day to feel.
“Paul and I almost felt like professional wedding-goers at that point in our lives,” Anna says, “so when it came to our own we agreed on the main things we wanted: a dance floor that was never empty, drinks that were flowing, and enjoying every moment with our nearest and dearest.”
With these joyful guidelines in place, Anna + Paul put together a timeless + elegant outdoor wedding at The Cottage at Riverbend in Eagle, Idaho. The whole event—coordinated by Major Events Idaho—had a sophisticated garden party feel. Pearls. Satin. A champagne tower. A string quartet. Classic black + white decor.
And! the couple’s precious pup Mishka was there to play the very important role of ring bearer.
Let’s take a look at these beautiful photos from Lionlady Photo!
Incorporating a charming hand-drawn feel into your wedding day aesthetic like Anna + Paul did with these super cute b+w invites may be even easier than you think! There are tons of hand drawn wedding invite templates to choose from on Etsy that you can customize yourself!
We are so into grooms embracing the sophisticated silhouette of a classic tuxedo like Paul did. Look through our A to Z men’s formalwear guide to brush up on all the important do’s and don’ts of getting fancy!
“I had several dress shopping dates with my mother-in-law and best friend in San Francisco,” remembers Anna. “Despite trying on numerous beautiful dresses and iterations of ‘the look’ (capes made more than one appearance), none of them quite evoked that bridal feeling for me — but the process helped me narrow down some of the sartorial elements that inspired and felt true to me: exposed shoulders, a touch of pearl, a structured bodice.”
“With the months before our wedding ticking away, I went into the Marina Morrison bridal boutique in SF and finally discovered my dress,” Anna says of finding her stunning strapless pearl accent “Nela” gown from Lihi Hod. “I instantly knew it captured my style perfectly!”
The Ceremony
We are obsessed with the all-white, greenery-filled flower arrangements. So chic!
“We took great pride in honoring my Armenian heritage throughout the day,” Anna says “by incorporating traditional Armenian music, food, and dances, and including symbolic rituals in the ceremony including the breaking of plates and sharing lavash and honey.”
Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding From the bride: "One of the most significant highlights was our ceremony, which was made even more meaningful by having our closest friend, who has known Paul since childhood, serve as our officiant. His personal connection to us added an extra layer of emotion to the proceedings, put our nerves at ease, and truly reflected us as individuals and as a couple.
Throughout the day, the moments that connected me to my Armenian traditions felt rich with meaning.
One especially memorable moment occurred during the height of the dancing when suddenly, the music and lights unexpectedly went out. Undeterred, everyone on the dance floor spontaneously began chanting an acapella rendition of “Jingle Bells” until the electricity returned a few minutes later. In the unscripted spontaneity of it, we felt the incredible love and energy of our family and friends enveloping us."
Our Musical Choices Processional: "The Skye Boat Song" by Bear McCreary
Recessional: "Cold Heart" by Dua Lipa
First Dance: "Daisy Jane" by America + "Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You" by Frankie Valli
Two dresses are better than one! Anna totally changed up her bridal look for the reception, swapping into this short champagne satin reception dress + scarf and letting down her hair.
Our Advice To Those Planning Now Remember, the most precious memories from your wedding will center on feeling the warmth of your loved ones gathering to honor your love. Once the day fades, it won't be the decorations, logistics, or other meticulous details you planned that you'll remember; it’ll be the words and promises exchanged, the laughter shared and happy tears shed, the feeling of your friends and family surrounding you on the dance floor and into your life. Also, try to delegate the small, ‘last-minute’ tasks so that when the week of your wedding arrives, you can enjoy yourself and be as present as possible.
Is there anything more celebratory than an overflowing champagne tower?
Fresh orchids added even more elegance to this classic white wedding cake from Marsh Cakes.
Congratulations, Anna + Paul! Your elegant Idaho wedding was nonstop sophistication. All the best from all of us at GWS!
photography: Lionlady Photo // venue name: The Cottage at Riverbend, Eagle, Idaho // wedding dress: Lihi Hod // wedding dress boutique: Marina Morrison // videography: WISPP Productions // catering: Open Table // cake: Greg Marsh Cakes // music: Syringa // event coordination: Major Events Idaho