Local Love – Grace & Nicholas at The Hyatt Lodge
Grace and Nicholas wed in a stunning ceremony, surrounded by their closest family and friends. The bride and her bridesmaids carried gorgeous bouquets, and the groom and groomsmen wore boutonnieres, all personally created by the Mother of the Bride. The couple exchanged vows in front of an ethereal round floral arch and exited as “Mr. and Mrs.” with a flock of doves released as they came through the doors. The elegant ceremony was followed by a beautiful reception, full of cascading florals and flickering candles to evoke a garden feel in the indoor space.
The color green, which the couple both love, and the trees surrounding their venue served as inspiration for Grace and Nicholas’s Big Day. The couple incorporated the earthy vibes in the reception décor featuring trees, fairy lights in glass jars and candelabras among the abundant flowers and greenery. The pair made a spectacular entrance to their reception, with a lively Zaffa dance (a Lebanese tradition) to welcome the newlyweds. Grace also gave a nod to her Lebanese roots with small juice boxes she used to enjoy as a child in Lebanon at every place setting.
Guests did not need to worry about going home hungry. In addition to their wedding cake, the pair offered both traditional Lebanese and Croatian desserts, to reflect the heritage of both families. Grace and Nicholas also used the handmade card box that Nicholas’s parents used in their wedding, as well as twelve other family weddings since 1978. It was important to the couple that their wedding day include family traditions as they began their new family together.
It’s never easy to narrow down a favorite memory from one’s Big Day, but Grace and Nicholas were able to come up with a few top moments from their day. They both really loved the intimacy and excitement of their first look. It was so special to see each other dressed up and ready to say “I do!” Grace also especially loved spending time with her mom and close friends while getting ready for the festivities. That alone time, in the calm before everything begins, was something she’ll always remember.
Number of Wedding Guests: 160
Vendor List:
Venue: The Hyatt Lodge at McDonald’s Campus
Photography: Making the Moment Photography
Officiant: Raed Turkmani
Rings: Fox Jewelers; Moukarzel Jewelry
Bride’s Gown: Nicole Sposa via Eva’s Bridal International
Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Hair: Hair by Danielle Mudra
Makeup: Alana of Amelia C. and Co
Bride’s Other Jewelry: Oscar de la Renta; Etsy
Formalwear: Formally Modern Tuxedo
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Nordstrom; Revolve; Aweea
Floral & Décor: Yanni Design Studio; Mother of the Bride
Catering: The Hyatt Lodge
Entertainment: Your Night Productions; Afrah Events US Zaffa & Dabka Group
Cake & Sweets: Lezza Spumoni & Desserts; Balkan Bakery; Sea Sweet Patisserie
