Jennifer Fenton and Ryan Smiley wore hard hats when they visited their wedding venue for the first time. “We toured the hotel while it was still under construction, and although I couldn’t tell how it would all turn out, I knew it was where we were going to get married,” says the bride. Jennifer and Ryan relished the fact that they would be the first of their friends to marry at the impressive new venue, making their selection especially unique.
The ceremony décor focused on florals inspired by the couple’s lovely invitation suite. The blossom motif and Bordeaux hue used on the wedding stationery were both reflected on place cards and a custom dance floor. A towering arch featuring a variety of fresh flowers served as the backdrop for a traditional Jewish service. In lieu of a customary bridal party, Jennifer chose her mother as her matron of honor, and Ryan selected his father to serve as best man. Other close family members were also invited to walk down the aisle. “In order to honor all our friends, seats were placed on both sides of the chuppah,” describes Jennifer. “We could see them in our peripheral vision throughout the entire ceremony.”
Following the service, guests were ushered into the reception area for a sit-down dinner and an evening filled with dancing. Tables showcased stunning floral arrangements in varying heights that included plenty of tulips, the bride’s favorite flower. Each guest was gifted with a note of thanks tucked inside a box of “Smiley Face” cookies. “Not only are they our favorite cookies, but since Ryan’s last name is Smiley, we thought it was perfect!” shares Jennifer.
The reception began with a video that shared a closer look at the couple’s relationship and fun information about the pair. Towards the end of the film, Jennifer and Ryan introduced themselves on camera, which served as their real-time cue to enter the room for their first dance. “It really set the tone for the entire evening, and it gave our guests a chance to really get to know us as a couple,” says Ryan.
Guests were offered a choice of entrées that had been carefully selected by the groom: prime filet mignon with peppercorn sauce, or pan-seared John Dory with tomato. Shortly after dinner, Jennifer and Ryan cut into a marble wedding cake with white chocolate-chip filling; however, guests were served a completely different treat. “Every guest received a cupcake, a chocolate-covered strawberry, and a custom-engraved shot glass of chilled milk,” says the bride. To really get guests geared for a late night of dancing, additional treats of chocolate chip cookies, lemon bars, and ice cream Push-Ups were passed around the dance floor. “We really wanted a fun dessert atmosphere since we both have a sweet tooth,” adds Jennifer.
Once Ryan had changed into a pair of black leather Vans – the shoes he felt best reflected his personality and style – he was ready for a night of shimmying to the lively beats of a DJ. “For me, the experience was just about having an amazing night with my wife,” the groom affirms. “And I did.”