As a content creator, Tara Millamena didn’t think anything of it when her boyfriend Ivan Arefkov gladly joined her for a self-timer photo in front of a famous castle-inspired tower in Laguna Beach, as it’s something they did often for her social-media accounts. However, this time was different. As the camera snapped away, Ivan got down on one knee and proposed. 

When planning their wedding, the couple decided to invite 14 guests to join them for an intimate wedding at an elegant teahouse, which wonderfully set the stage for the pair’s Bridgerton-inspired wedding theme and aesthetic. “We kept getting feedback from our guests about how astonished they were,” shares Tara. “I think having a small wedding, our guests didn’t think it would look like anything special… but we proved that any wedding of any size can look remarkable if you invest in a great wedding designer to help you create your dream wedding!” 

“I think having a small wedding, our guests didn’t think it would look like anything special… but we proved that any wedding of any size can look remarkable!”

From the décor to the entertainment, the entire wedding day evoked the Regency style the bride desired. “Our harpist really reflects how much I like to create an ambience,” she says of the fairy-tale day. Tara was gorgeous in a form-fitting gown with illusion details and floral appliqués as she walked down the flower-petal aisle towards her groom – one of her favorite moments of the day. “I was surrounded by beautiful fresh flowers that had such a strong, lovely aroma. It was just a romantic feeling,” she adds of the memory. 

Following the vow exchange, friends and family found their seats at one single table that promoted togetherness and achieved the intimate feel the couple desired. The whimsical tablescape showcased romantic roses, peonies, and elegant florals in organic designs interspersed with greenery and candelabras to provide a warm glow. “Candelabras almost gave this fairy tale a Beauty and the Beast flare, which I loved,” affirms the bride. 

Though they had a small wedding, Tara and Ivan didn’t want to forgo traditions often seen at larger celebrations, such as their first dance to “Waltz of the Flowers” from The Nutcracker. “Originally I thought my wedding was too small for a first dance, but it was one of my favorite moments!” notes the bride. All in all, the pair wouldn’t change a single thing about their nuptials, which proved to be the ultimate fairy tale they hoped for.

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