Valparaiso, Indiana Wedding Photography | July 31, 2010
Photographer: Katie Whitcomb | Photographers, Ceremony Venue: Taltree Arboretum, Reception Venue: Gamba Ristorante, Florist: House of Fabian, Caterer: Gamba Ristorante, Cake: Gamba Ristorante, DJ: JOS Entertainment, Band: Dick Diamond & the Dusters, Wedding Consultant: Michelle Cabella, Hair: Mirror Image, Make-up: Mirror Image
Rich & I actually met through my family. He’s worked at my family’s business for years, and we became friends over time. He helped me move back from Colorado in November 2007, and we’ve been together ever since that cross-country drive.
Rich proposed at Fiorentino’s, where we had our first date in Chicago. It was perfect.
I wanted our wedding to feel summery and bright and preppy. Since we were getting married and celebrating outdoors, I really wanted to incorporate green. And navy has been my go-to color for years, so it was a no-brainer.
We chose Taltree Arboretum because of how beautiful it is, and I knew I wanted to have the ceremony outside. As my family and the Gamba’s have been great friends for years, we were lucky enough to hold our reception in a tent at Gamba Ristorante. There is no better dining experience, and I knew the food and service would be nothing short of perfect. I was right.
I actually chose our photographer based on a recommendation from a friend of mine, Alana Kinnis. A photographer herself, she was unavailable to shoot our wedding day, but suggested Katie Whitcomb Photographers. I had total faith in Alana’s judgment, and loved what I saw on the blog.
We chose to have a plated dinner, which was fantastic – or so I hear. The bride doesn’t get a chance to eat! Our wedding cake was an atomic cake, which is Rich’s favorite dessert from Gamba’s. Yes, they even made our cake for us, too!
Our florist, Patrick Fabian of House of Fabian, is a family friend. We met several years ago, after my mom started visiting his shop and he began doing our Christmas decorations. He is not only the best florist I’ve seen, but he’s truly one of the nicest people you’ll meet. He knew exactly what I wanted, even when I didn’t. I couldn’t possibly recommend him enough. He even decorating our flower girl’s wagon!
Our cake was really Rich’s territory. He is the one with the sweet tooth, so he chose the flavor. We didn’t even have a tasting, he knew immediately what he wanted after eating at Gamba’s for years! We kept the design simple to fit in with our classic, summery theme. Just white with navy detail and green flowers.
The best moment for me was right before Rich & I were introduced. We were standing alone right outside the tent, excited to finally be married and to start the party! All the nerves were gone, and we were just happy to have our closest friends there to celebrate with us.
My best advice is that as much as you plan, there’s an equal amount that is unplanned. It doesn’t go exactly how you thought it would on your wedding day, but embrace it. I received this advice from a bridesmaid, and it’s really true: your goal is to get married. No matter what happens that day, you’re still going to end the day as married. And isn’t that the whole point?!
To view more images from their day go to: http://pictage.com/790905
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