1. Real Weddings

A Classic, Formal Wedding at Hotel Alex Johnson in Rapid City, South Dakota

Haylee Weisgram (23 and a speech-language pathologist) and Sam Shreeve (25 and an accountant) had their elegant wedding reception inside Hotel Alex Jo

Haylee Weisgram (23 and a speech-language pathologist) and Sam Shreeve (25 and an accountant) had their elegant wedding reception inside Hotel Alex Johnson in Rapid City, South Dakota. They fell in love with the historic details of the 1920s venue, and Haylee's parents had had their reception there 31 years before. Colors of purple, white and black flowed throughout—from the one-shoulder bridesmaids dresses to the rose, chrysanthemum and stock bridal bouquet—that contributed to the classic style Haylee and Sam envisioned. The day started at Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid City, South Dakota, where a four-person string quartet played as Haylee and Sam got married on the main wooden stage. Bridesmaids held white rose bouquets mixed with hypericum berries while groomsmen had ivory white roses pinned to their lapels, both arranged by Victoria's Garden. At the ballroom reception, guests sat at white-covered tables draped with black runners set with dinnerware that matched the classic color combination. Each guest took home a black and gold koozie that read "They Said I Do" on one side and "Haylee & Sam" with their wedding date on the other. Our attention drifted toward Haylee's romantic Casablanca wedding dress, which had a ruffled skirt mixed with lace that elegantly draped down to the floor. Cadey Reisner Weddings captured all the beauty. A tip from Haylee: "I think everyone should enjoy their day and not fret the small things. In the end, it's not about the food, ring or flowers, but a couple becoming one."
 

Haylee carried a bouquet filled with ivory roses, purple hydrangeas and chrysanthemums mixed with green hypericum berries. "I added a few shades of purple and pink flowers to add some color to the bridal bouquet," Haylee says. "I didn't want my bouquet to get lost with my dress, and so they colored flowers fixed that.
Haylee wore a strapless ivory Casablanca dress, which had a sweetheart neckline and a ruffled skirt with lace mixed into it.
Round-Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Haylee posed with her bridesmaids dressed in one-shoulder bright purple gowns. The floor-length dresses all matched one another in the same style and shade of purple.
The bridesmaids each cute arrangements of ivory roses and green hypericum berries, which matched the bridal bouquet filled with the same flowers, plus hydrangeas and chrysanthemums.
Black-and-White Classic Ceremony Program
Haylee and Sam had their first kiss on the wooden stage inside Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid City, South Dakota, surrounded by their wedding party, who clapped for their marriage. Haylee wore a medium-length white tulle veil throughout the wedding ceremony.
Silver Wedding Rings in White Boxes
Ivory Rose and Green Hypericum Boutonniere
Haylee, Sam and their wedding party stood outside for a group shot. Sam and his groomsmen wore formal black tuxedos with black bow ties to match, and the bridesmaids wore floor-length purple dresses in a one-shoulder style.
White Wedge Shoes and Black Shoes
At the reception, guests were seated at long dining tables covered with white tablecloths and draped with black runners. The white plates and black napkins set at each seat matched the linens.
Black and gold koozies wedding favors read "Haylee & Sam" and their wedding date on one side and "They Said I Do" on the other.
Dining tables were dressed in black-and-white linens and decorated with tall arrangements that matched the purple and white color scheme. The centerpieces consisted of ivory roses and purple chrysanthemums mixed with a variety of blooms.
"Mr." and "Mrs." Hanging Signs
Everyone got to indulge in the two-tier white wedding cake, topped with an abundance of ivory flowers. Gold candelabras with tall white candles surrounded the cake, giving the display a romantic glow.
White Mermaid-Style Ruffled Skirt