A Preppy-Glam Wedding at Bacco Ristorante in Southfield, Michigan

With a formal yet fuss-free fete in mind, Elyse Samardzich and Dan Oyer (who both work in finance) combined striped linens with mirrored accents, black flatware and equestrian-inspired details. “One of our first dates together was at a racetrack, so we came up with a ‘lucky in love’ theme,” Elyse says. Gold horseshoe escort cards directed guests to their seats at long dining tables lined with black acrylic chairs, and oversize knight chess pieces decorated the bar. For an added pop of color, gold-rimmed dinnerware juxtaposed mirrored tables set with monochromatic flatware. Clusters of white peonies, garden roses and sweet peas lent a lush garden look to the lantern-lined reception tent. In addition to the evening’s theme, the couple gave guests another glimpse into their story by hosting the reception event at their go-to local restaurant, Bacco. A Latin band was on hand during the reception, where guests danced to Peruvian music and dined on vanilla cake filled with blood orange curd and vanilla buttercream. When it came to matters of style, comfort was key for Elyse, and a sleeveless ivory sheath gown by Mikaella Bridal fit the bill. “I wanted something comfortable and just elegant enough to make me feel beautiful,” Elyse says.