1. Real Weddings

A Black and White Wedding at Jackson’s Bistro in Tampa, Florida

Jennifer Epstein (31, a news anchor) and Jeremy Rivers Cooke (35, a student) demonstrate the classic case of how opposite personalities can attract wh

Jennifer Epstein (31, a news anchor) and Jeremy Rivers Cooke (35, a student) demonstrate the classic case of how opposite personalities can attract when it comes to love. “I am a loud, vibrant, talkative city girl and Jeremy is a reserved, soft spoken, country boy! All of our friends say that we even each other out,” says Jennifer. They met for the first time at a mutual friend’s house. Within a few months, the couple went out on their first date in North Carolina. Jeremy proposed by the water after an early Christmas and celebration in Curtis Hixon Park. “When we got down to the water he told me he had another present for me and to close my eyes," says Jennifer. "When I opened them, he was down on one knee asking me to marry him!” They were wed one year later in a spot  reminiscent of their engagement, overlooking the water from Jackson’s Bistro in Tampa, Florida. The couple chose a black and white wedding to create a classic look as well as acknowledge Jennifer’s favorite animal. “I love penguins but didn't want a penguin theme!” she says. After an outdoor ceremony, the couple and their 80 guests went inside for a seated meal and entertainment by a DJ. “We hired a fun, vibrant DJ with Music On the Move who kept our guests on the dance floor the entire time,” says Jennifer .The couple also entertained their guests by playing the shoe game and answering fun questions about each other.

The couple’s custom invitations were shipped from the United Kingdom. Each black ribbon accented card has an eye-catching lasercut lace design, says Jennifer.
Vera Wang Suit and Double Rose Boutonniere
Jeremy and his groomsmen were dressed in black Vera Wang suits. The groomsmen accented the classic look with white shirts and black ties. Jeremy stood out in all-black with a black striped tie, black shirt and double white rose boutonniere.
Multicolor Patterned Groom and Groomsmen Socks
The bridesmaids wore black dresses in various styles and lengths. Each carried a white hydrangea bouquet tc complement the bride’s white ranunculus, rose and hydrangea bouquet with black gem accents.
Jennifer and Jeremy’s rescue dogs, Kote and Otis were also given a special part in the ceremony. “Everyone knows how much we love our rescue dogs, they are like our children,” says Jennifer. The dogs were walked down the aisle so each could be kissed by Jeremy. “It was a sweet moment that we will always cherish,” says Jennifer.
Jennifer found her lace Martina Liana wedding dress at the Brides Against Breast Cancer bridal store in Sarasota, Florida. “My mom is a breast cancer survivor so I try to help the cause whenever possible,” she says. Jennifer paired the gown with kitten heel dark blue wedding shoes.
Jennifer and Jeremy’s Black and White Ceremony
Jennifer and Jeremy’s Recessional with Waterfront Backdrop
As they entered the reception, each guest found their name card placed upon a small gold bell with a heart shaped handle.
With black and white as both the couple’s color scheme and theme, their reception was decorated with black linens, black fabric covered chairs, white chair sashes and tall arrangements of white hydrangea in clear glass vases.
The couple chose a tiered white frosted confect from Hands on Sweets. Each tier was accented with a black strip at the bases as well as black and white anemones.