Daniel & Julianna, Cheekwood Wedding
Q. What would you like to share about your wedding experience?
A. It was a dream come true. The anxiety of pulling off a wedding amidst a global pandemic was completely diminished by the pure joy that came when it had finally arrived! The decision to significantly reduce our guest list and simplify our day due to local guidelines was not made easily. However, spending our intimate wedding day with truly the most treasured people in our lives was extra special.
Q. What made you choose your ceremony or reception venues? Did they have any special significance to you?
A. Getting married at church was important to us, so our ceremony venue decision came easily. Daniel and I have found a real sense of community as members at Westminster Presbyterian Church. We love and treasure Cheekwood. Having such a gorgeous backdrop to our summer supper and celebration with our family and friends was such a dream. It was also a special, full-circle moment to share our "first look" at the same spot Daniel got down on one knee to propose, on the Wisteria Arbor.
Q. Our favorite detail of the wedding was:
A. The music and art! Daniel and I both love music. During the first few months of our dating relationship, we spent a lot of time together listening to vinyl over a glass of wine. We are so thankful for the incredibly talented musicians that were a part of our day - our church's amazing organist and trumpeter during our ceremony, the sax and keys over cocktail hour, and our band who played lovely dinner music and amped it up after toasts. Making it even more special, the lead female vocalist taught my sister and me. Who else can say their eighth grade English teacher sang their first dance song? As a wedding gift, my mother had a local artist do a live painting of our reception. She captured the beauty and detail of the evening in a painting that we will have in our home forever. Having Dale Chihuly's art on the grounds at Cheekwood and above us during dinner in the Loggia was an extra treat!
Q. For the groom - what do you admire most about your wife?
A. I have always admired Julianna's grace and beauty, and most importantly, her thoughtful and caring nature toward others. Julianna has a special way of always thinking of others. This was especially true throughout the unpredictability of the last several months and all of the details on our wedding day.
Q. For the bride - what do you admire most about your husband?
A. His consistency. Daniel is caring and secure, intelligent and data-driven, my strategist and best friend. During our ceremony, our minister pointed out that we are, in many ways, quite opposite! He is my perfect complement.
Q. 3. What was your favorite phrase, verse or line from your ceremony or your vows?
A. My brother-in-law read scripture from Ephesians 3 and our minister wove the passage throughout his charge, to "count your blessings." Paul's prayer is that being rooted and grounded in love, we may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height of Christ's love for us. Our minister called out our "saints," my father and our grandparents, reminding us that though they are absent in body, they are present in spirit. "Count your blessings on your good days, they'll keep you connected to the holy. Count your blessings on your bad days, and you'll know you're never alone."
Q. What is your most memorable moment from the wedding day?
A. There are a couple! The moment the organist and trumpeter started playing Trumpet Voluntary, the sanctuary doors swung open then BAM! There was my handsome groom waiting for me. That walk down the aisle is an unforgettable feeling and moment.
I'll also say... the quiet moments before our family and friends joined our reception from cocktail hour were special. Our vision of the details had been brought to life. We got to see the Loggia for the first time and look out over Swan Lawn together while enjoying our signature cocktail, a Murphy Blakemore.
Q. What's next for you as a couple?
A. We are basking in post-nuptial bliss... while also living in a construction zone. We are renovating and remodeling our 1920's Craftsman bungalow in historic Whitland. This season has certainly illustrated the importance of being able to find peace and comfort in your home. We're excited to find our combined style and create a space that does just that!
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Thanks to Julianna and Daniel and their families for having us photograph their beautiful wedding and to this team below for working with us!
venues: Cheekwood and Westminster Presbyterian Church, planner: Casey Cannon of EBJ & Co, florist: Tulip Tree, videographers: White Heart, catering: Beyond Details, lighting: Bright Event Productions, cocktail hour band: Craig Duncan Music, cake: Dessert Designs by Leland, transportation: Hello Trolley, getaway car: Matchless, live painter: Paint Your Event - Heidi Schwartz, hair/makeup artist: Parlour 3, reception band: The Number One Party Band
photographer: Rachel Moore, second photographer: Rachael Black