Classic Black & White Wedding with Hints of Gatsby

There’s no need to overcomplicate your wedding color palette when you have the always classic and gorgeous black & white wedding look. With a nod to Gatsby, this summer wedding in California has touches of gold, a 1930s vintage Packard car, and a groom in a white suit jacket. Swoon! Lauren & Troy elegant affair captured by Apollo Fotografie will sweep you away with it’s refined look plucked straight from the 1920’s. So buckle up, old sport and enjoy this classically beautiful summer wedding.

What was the inspiration behind your day?
From the bride and groom: My vision was for the most classic, elegant, romantic affair with a vintage vibe. In two words I might call it ‘vintage glam’ – tuxedos, crystal, white white white everything! A nod to the Gastby era, with intense romance. I was inspired by the history and beauty of my two venues, and the tradition of our Catholic ceremony. Every decision I made was based on energy, a vibe, a feeling – music, flowers, the flow of the day – not so much based on a pinterest board, but how I thought it would make me and my guests FEEL.

This classic black and white wedding look has never looked better! We love how the groom stands out with his white suit jacket.

What were the florals like in your wedding?
Unexpectedly, flowers were a huge element to the day. I had flowers everywhere! I wanted whimsical romantic whites, with tiny accents of very pale lavender. I went for movement vs. perfect bulbs. Flowers were our table centerpieces, in the fountain, carried by the bridesmaids of course, on the pews in the church, along the railing at the villa, and the venue itself had a ton of beautiful greenery. It ended up being an allergic’s nightmare! It truly made the whole energy magical, lively, and romantic.

Did you personalize the day in any way? We had personalized cookie favors made with marble frosting and our initials and date. Seems simple, but we are truly cookie monsters so anyone that knows us knows it’s our kryptonite! We also had a unique vintage car pick us up from the church and bring us to the reception, for our arrival and into the first dance. It was a beautiful 1930s Packard – a nod to our theme and to the tradition of a true Bride & Groom getaway car.

Let’s talk fashion. How did you both choose your wedding day look?
In staying with the traditional, vintage glam theme, I wanted a silhouette style dress (no poof! no bohemian!) that was comfortable and I could move in. I found the perfect dress with a button down back, and crystal accents across the bodice. Snug and trim with a dramatic train and an incredible detailed and dramatic veil (trailed almost 5 feet behind me!) The skirt was a smooth, silky material that moved with me. Even once pinned up for dancing, it was the most beautiful fitting, classic elegant dress!

How did you meet? Tell us about the proposal!
We met at work, where dating was forbidden and kept our love story under wraps for an entire year until finally one of us left the company….5 years later we were engaged! Troy surprised me by renting out the top story of our very favorite Italian restaurant in Saratoga and invited our closest family and friends to witness. He had selected my favorite items off the menu, including my favorite wine. I was shocked and couldn’t stop crying! It was a long time coming, as I knew the moment I saw him, he was my future husband. When you know, you know!

What was the most anticipated or special moment of your wedding day?
Walking down the aisle without a doubt. We did not do a ‘first look’ so this was the first time I would see my Troy that day. Of course it’s a whirlwind leading up to that moment (day of + an entire 18 months of planning), and with the formality and intensity of the church (organs playing, pews, dramatic entry, etc.) it was almost an unbearably full bucket of happy emotion! Seeing everyone in my world stand before me and turn to look back, as I walked down with my dad, towards my future husband…it’s too intense a feeling to describe! I locked eyes and said hi to as many people as I could with a huge smile on my face and tears in my eyes. I finally locked eyes with Troy and that – that was the most special moment. From there it was all a beautiful series of amazing moments.

Do you have any wedding planning or marriage advice that you’d like to share with other couples planning their day?
1. Hire Apollo for your photography, videography and photo booth! 2. Hire a wedding coordinator! I don’t recommend someone planning your whole day top to bottom – not only is that pricey but you lose your chance to design and be a part of the planning – but for the 30 days prior, to be able to pass off the final walk throughs, contracts, coordination, timeline creation, etc. to your planner is a MUST. That way you can focus on YOU and getting your mind ready for the big day. They will usually act as a ‘consultant’ along the way as well if you have questions about ‘how do other people typically handle X’? or ‘have you worked with X vendor before’ – it’s like a wedding bestie who will make sure nothing drops – then day of, you get to be a guest!

We love our classic black and white wedding looks, but if you want something that’s on the opposite end of the spectrum, then this juicy colorful wedding is for you.

Wedding Vendors:
Photography + Videography: Apollo Fotografie
Ceremony Venue: Mission Santa Clara
Reception Venue: Villa Montalvo
Event Rentals + Decor: Le Papillon
Florals: Bloomsters
Desserts: Icing On The Cake
Catering: Le Papillon
DJ: Sound in Motion
Transportation: Elegant Journey Limo
Makeup: Brush by Michele
Hair: Kat Paule
Musicians: Megan Bernstein, Mary Quinn & Elegant Touch of Strings
Wedding Coordination: 2 Friends Events