Megan Rogers and Brian Ogan didn’t need to wait for a ring to catalyze the coordination of their nuptials. “We had already begun to plan the wedding without actually being engaged,” Megan reveals. The couple had been set up by their fellow hospital staff at a Journey concert some time before, and neither of them had been more sure of anything. “We knew we wanted to be with each other forever.” Nevertheless, after two months of pre-engagement planning, Brian made it official by popping the question following a romantic evening out.

Despite getting a jump on organizing the big day, Megan decided that she needed some organizational assistance from expert planner Hope Weis. “I had been planning for [two months] before I enlisted the help of my coordinator,” she tells. “Hope really helped bring my vision to life!” As a seasoned veteran in the art of tying the knot, Hope held a plethora of sage advice when it came to recommended professionals. “I never questioned the vendors that [she] brought to the table […] and they didn’t disappoint,” smiles the bride. Upon finalizing their decisions with a select few friends and family members, Megan and Brian were more excited than ever for their summer wedding date to arrive.

On June 21st, all of the separate elements the two had been working so tirelessly to perfect came to fruition. Both parties nervously prepared for their “first look” with their nearest and dearest at their sides. The stunning bride, clad in a delicate drop-waist lace ball gown with a full tulle skirt and a romantic sweetheart neckline, traversed an outdoor courtyard to meet her groom before the wedding. “[That was] my most memorable moment,” muses the bride. After an emotional few moments together, Brian and Megan joined their guests in their ceremony space: an opulent hall with pearly chairs encircling a raised white platform. The metallic chuppah was bedecked with low hanging circular vessels that were clear in order to view the miniature candles placed inside each. The votives were surrounded by dangling strands of crystals emanating from the sheer alabaster fabric that adorned the top of the structure. Crowning the beautiful area was a lovely chandelier comprised of suspended sections of ribbon decorated with countless dainty orchid blooms to match.

“Wanting to incorporate both Jewish and Christian [traditions] into the ceremony, we had family from both sides participate in the [service] reflecting each religion,” Megan tells of their interfaith vow exchange. “We had information printed into our program, so that our guests understood the background of the [customs].” Immediately following the breaking of the glass and a resounding “Mazel Tov!” friends and family were ushered into a large ballroom to continue the merriment. The room embodied a lavish motif with its royal-hued accents. “We wanted a timeless, elegant wedding, and planned the color scheme accordingly,” the bride explains of the event, which was photographed by KingenSmith. “The majority of [the tones] used were soft ivories, pinks, and gold.” Round tables topped with patterned silk linens, gilt charger plates, and mirrored stands holding up grand glass vases housing bouquets of cascading blossoms lined the location. “John Hensel from HMR Designs really outdid himself with the arrangements,” Megan muses. “The centerpieces were tall [and] filled with orchids, peonies, roses, stock, and freesias […] they were truly phenomenal.”

Revelers enjoyed the lively atmosphere of the reception – dancing playfully with the bride and groom throughout the evening. In lieu of a cake, the newlyweds opted to provide their guests with a wide variety of treats that could satisfy any sweet tooth. Macaroons, chocolates, meringues, crème brûlées, and pastries were proudly presented for friends and family as the perfect end to a magical day. “I remember reading something and it always stuck with me,” Megan reflects. “Always make sure that you [keep in mind] that the wedding is just a party; the real celebration is being able to marry the person you want to be with for the rest of your life.”