Crazy in Love with this Firefly-Inspired Garden Wedding
To be completely candid, we were a weepy mess when we first read Michelle and Jason’s wedding story. With the romantic ambiance of a whimsical garden wedding, beautiful details flooded the property, each one with meaning + significance to the couple. Those fireflies aren’t just a pretty picture! Read on to see just what they mean.
California wedding creative Jen Rodriguez is a photography goddess. So much color and happiness in these images!
From the bride, Michelle: Jason is an engineer and had been working on a secret project for our wedding favors any few hours he had after work and between activities on weekends. Once we were well into the planning stages of our wedding and it came to a point where I needed to know what his project was, he revealed to me his creation, which he said was his wedding gift to me. Jason created, developed, built and programmed from scratch glowing fireflies, that mimic the same lighting patterns as real fireflies in nature. The backstory is that when we moved for California to Maryland with our jobs, one of the first things I saw that I loved in Maryland during the summer were fireflies. Jason would catch them for me and put them in a jar for a little bit so I could see them glowing up close, and take me for long drives down quiet roads with tall grass so I could watch the world light up around me. And that’s just what he made happen for our wedding. His fireflies, appropriately named “Lundbugs,” hung above all the guests, strung from the market lights that were zig-zagged above the reception, and in the tree that gave the backdrop for the cake table. Plus, all of our guests received the fireflies, which were wearable; guests that came as a pair had paired fireflies that Jason uniquely programmed to “talk” (flash) at one another when each partner was near. It was the most incredible gift, and the entire night was lit up with love and sparkling lights.
While the wedding was designed by the bride herself (seriously, how can we absorb her awesomeness?), the day was coordinated by Carolyn of Maravilla Gardens – the picturesque outdoor wedding venue.
Romona Keveža designed Michelle’s breathtaking gown that mimics the garden landscape. If there’s one thing we’re crushing on this year, it’s floral embroidery!
Simple + clean wedding invites from Basic Invite with a glittering string light effect – just the right foreshadowing! Also peep that round engagement ring from Kubes Jewelers.
Illustrated floral signage with whimsical brush calligraphy from Emerald & Ivy Studios – stop it, we’re blushing!
As you think back on your wedding day what are a few memories that stand out in your mind?
Where to even begin! Certainly saying our vows to one another I will cherish forever, and that moment our friend Brian who officiated declared us husband and wife. Also, seeing my mom look at herself in the mirror after having her hair and makeup done, and actually seeing her feel beautiful – that meant everything to me. The walk down the aisle with my dad, well, I was a blurry-eyed mess, but those precious seconds with my dad, standing tall and proud as he was, I’ll always remember. Then, shaking our booties on the dance floor; Jason is not usually a dancer, so to see him let loose with me, our wedding party and family and friends was THE BEST! Lastly, When Jason and I were thanking our guests for coming to the wedding at the beginning of the reception and I shared with them the story behind the firefly and hearing everyone gasp with awe and emotion – it couldn’t have been more perfect with the significance of what we shared.
How did you and your spouse meet?
We met while both working for Lockheed Martin’s The Skunk Works, an aerospace and defense company, out in Palmdale, CA. We had a mutual friend, Jacalyn, who introduced us. Jason told me the first time he saw me, he immediately popped his head over Jacalyn’s desk and said “Who was that? You have to let me meet her!”
This bright flower wall from Unique Floral Designs is a piece of art that exceeds our imaginations! With hydrangeas and roses, a subtle ombre effect makes our eyes dance as the texture just blows us away.
How did your spouse pop the question?
I’m not sure that Jason even realized it, but his proposal was somewhat like being in the Little Mermaid, where Ariel and Prince Eric are in the boat during the “Kiss the Girl” scene. Jason took me out onto the lake in Columbia, MD, where we live, in a giant swan boat. After reaching the other side of the lake near some flowering lavender hanging trees, he pulled out a watermelon ring pop (my favorite, and the one I had requested years prior I be proposed to with). After some sweet and hilarious words, he asked me to spend life with him, and of course I said YES…..and proceeded to almost flash the boats on the lake since I wore a skirt that day, LOL.
Where did you head off to on your honeymoon?
St. Kitts and Nevis at the Marriott resort and Four Seasons resort during Christmas-time, with the goal to see sea turtles! We saw 5!
What was your first dance song? Why did you pick that song?
A cover by Calum Scott of “Yours”, with original by Ella Henderson. The lyrics of the song really applied to what Jason and I were able to do for each other. Logistically, this was a perfect song because it wasn’t too long – just the right amount of time start to finish for a non-awkward first dance.
What advice would you give to couples currently in the planning stages?
Give yourself plenty of time ahead of the event. I would recommend no less than 12 months, but 18 months preferred. Giving yourself the luxury of time will allow you to book the vendors and location you want because you did it far in advance. Also, remember that this is for the two of you, so no matter what your overly involved family member or crazy friend says, just do what you know will make you two happy – it’ll make the actual day what you really dreamed of, and people will be happy because you’re happy.
Welp, we’re pretty defenseless against this ruffle textured cake from Frost It Cakery. Let’s cut a deal where admire the cake from afar… and eat it too.
Wedding Vendors:
Photography: Jen Rodriguez
Wedding Coordinator: Michelle Lund
Day-of Coordination: Carolyn Hart of Maravilla Gardens
Floral Design: Unique Floral Designs
Event Rentals: A Rental Connection
Calligraphy: Emerald & Ivy Studios
Invitation Suite: Basic Invite
Guest-poster: Guestbook Envy
Catering: Command Performance Catering
Cake: Frost It Cakery
Hair & Makeup: Design Visage
Dress and Veil: Romona Keveža
Bride’s Shoes: Macy’s International Concepts
Bridal Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar
Engagement Ring & Wedding Band: Kubes Jewelers
Hair Piece: Ulyana Aster
Bridesmaid Dresses: BHLDN
Groom’s Suit: Hugo Boss purchased at Nordstrom
Groom’s Shoes: Aldo
Groom’s Wedding Band: Blue Nile
Groomsmen Suits: The Men’s Wearhouse
Music: DJ Graham of Elegant Event Entertainment
Firefly Hanging Decor & Favors: Jason Lund