Today’s real wedding, shot by the Kristina Carter of Vrai Photo, sums up why I share wedding stories. Kristina’s work weaves passion, candid moments and fresh style into a blanket of images that warms the soul like your favorite childhood memory. Adding her to the Vendor J’Adore list was a “no brainer”, and you’re about to see why:
Amidst the towering boudoir of the Swiss Hotel in the windy city of Chicago, sits our heroine – Jewel and her entourage of Vera Wang clad maidens, awaiting the culmination of her two year engagement to Adam.
Setting: Chicago, IL
Heroine & Hero: Filipino American Bride – Jewel and her Caucasian American Beau – Adam
Colors: Blue & Chocolate
Scene #1: SOMETHING CHOCOLATE SOMETHING BLUE
(Above: Bridal Gown by Vera Wang; Bride’s Shoes by Manolo Blahnik; Bride’s Make up by Nicole Ventura; Bride’s hair by Lisa of Blo Dri Salon; Bridal Jewelry from Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels; Flower girl’s dress by Fox N Lily; Bridesmaid’s dress by Vera Wang Style 23M15; Bridesmaids Shoes by Blue Tux Shoes; Flowers by Suzanna Dulin, Chuck Hutson & Randy Ballesteros of Flora Chicago)
Scene #2: THE GROOM’S POSSE
(Above: Groom’s Tux by Calvin Klein via Men’s Wearhouse; Boutonniere by Flora Chicago )
An entourage of men in fine suits is always a great photo to take. As if style weren’t enough, the attention to detail and overall cohesive vision was quite inspiring. You’ll see how the grooms men’s tie come into play later on…
Scene #3: I’LL BE AT THE ALTAR
In accordance with Jewel’s heritage, the couple incorporated traditional wedding customs from the Philippines into their ceremony.
I’ve talked before about Filipino wedding customs: Typically, at the beginning of the ceremony the parents of both the bride and groom will light two candles, one on each side of the Unity Candle. These will later be used by the bride and groom to light the Unity Candle to symbolize the union of the two families. The lighting of the Unity Candle is used to invoke the light of Christ in their married life.
(Above: Ceremony at Old St. Patrick’s Church; Event Planning/ Design by Stacy Saltzman of So Stacy; Photos by Vrai Photo)
Two of the secondary sponsors pin a veil to the to the shoulder of the groom and drape it over the bride’s head symbolizing their unity (being “clothed as one”.) Another set of sponsors places a white silk cord or “lasso” loosely around the necks of the bride and groom in a figure eight configuration, symbolizing a lifelong bond and everlasting fidelity between the bride and groom.
Once the sponsors have fastened the veil and draped the cord the groom gives the bride the arrhae (13 coins) that have been blessed by the priest. Arrhae reflects the groom’s dedication to his bride’s well being and that of their future children.
For some gorgeous fashion inspiration brought to you by trend setting designers in the Philippines, visit here. If you missed our previous real wedding feature with elements of lovely Filipino customs, read Aina & John’s wedding.
Coming up…Part 2 of Jewel and Adam’s wedding, later on today with some Burberry blue plaid, chocolate chic and stylish architecture in decor and detail.
