1. Real Weddings

A Garden Wedding in Livingston, NJ

Erika had a crush on Ron since her freshman year of high school -- but they didn’t get to know each other until Ron invited Erika and her friends to h

Erika had a crush on Ron since her freshman year of high school -- but they didn’t get to know each other until Ron invited Erika and her friends to his family’s lake house during their junior year. They haven’t gone a day without talking since! The Bride Erika Baron, 27, a PhD candidate in psychology The Groom Ron Polye, 28, an analyst for an asset management firm The Date June 28 Eight years later, while the couple was on a trip with Erika’s family, Ron decided to propose when he and Erika were alone on a boat. “I was in knots before I popped the question!” says Ron. “It was the same feeling I had leading up to our first kiss 10 years earlier.” After Erika said yes, Ron steered the boat back to the dock where Erika’s family was waiting with a celebratory dinner.

The couple’s monogram decorated the top tier of the gilded, five-layer cake with fondant icing.
The bridesmaids wore matching burnished gold–colored, tea-length dresses. Erika added a gold sash to her gown to coordinate with them.
Every guy wore a boutonniere made with one of each bloom used in the bridesmaid bouquets.
In honor of Erika’s Jewish heritage, the couple exchanged self-written vows beneath a huppah made with French-iron topiaries, pomanders, and urns filled with blooms.
Mini ivory pearls tied in the bride’s bouquet with the stationery.
Floral Centerpieces
Yellow Ceremony Programs
Erika and Ron chose a green, purple, and brown color scheme for their vintage wedding. They achieved a sultry vibe by mixing natural elements with antique details.
The bride’s bouquet of mums, dahlias, ranunculus, and painted berries was wrapped with extra material from her sash. Two brooches added a vintage feel.