1. Real Weddings

An Orange and Blue Wedding in Seattle, WA

If it wasn’t for Nikki’s sister and Michael’s brother’s wedding, the two probably never would have met and fallen in love. They first met at a family

If it wasn’t for Nikki’s sister and Michael’s brother’s wedding, the two probably never would have met and fallen in love. They first met at a family gathering before her sister and his brother were married. “I thought Michael was incredibly handsome but considering the circumstances, didn’t let my mind wander too much,” Nikki says. The two reunited a year later on St. Patrick’s Day and, after admitting a shared affection, started dating. They kept it on the down-low at first but after their siblings were married, dated openly. Six months later, Michael proposed. The Bride Nikki Larson, 24, fourth grade teacher The Groom Michael Calkins, 28, tennis pro The Date September 8 The two had decided to take a long weekend vacation to Whistler over Valentine’s Day weekend and the plan was to go with her sister and his brother. When their siblings called and said they’d be a day late, Nikki was disappointed. Going ahead with their plans, Michael suggested they do a special dinner anyway. A chauffer picked up the two at their lodge and drove them to the top of Blackcomb in Whistler for a dinner. Halfway through dinner, the two stepped outside on the patio and Michael proposed. To Nikki’s surprise, her entire family arrived the next day to celebrate the engagement weekend.

The bridesmaids looked chic and fun in short navy dresses and silver heels.
Nikki’s favorite part of her Paloma Blanca wedding dress was the back with buttons that ran all the way down through the end of the train.
Nikki’s bridesmaids carried bouquets of orange and yellow dahlias, tied together with an orange ribbon.
Jars of candy were on hand during the reception for guests to take and enjoy throughout the evening.
The guys dressed in chino suits from Banana Republic and alternating orange and navy ties. Their flamed orange calla lily boutonnieres complemented the fresh color combo.
Fitting of a bright orange and blue color scheme, Nikki’s bridal bouquet was made with a mix of fresh orange and yellow roses, pincushion mums, dahlias, calla lilies, and orchids.
The ring bearer wore an orange and blue striped bowtie so that he coordinated with the rest of the guys.
“I wanted our send-off to be romantic and fun!” Nikki says. Their guests lined the stairwell and blew bubbles as the couple made their exit in a chauffeured Rolls Royce.
A floral arch made of orange and yellow dahlias and greenery created an elegant, natural backdrop for the ceremony. Additionally, white lilies were used as aisle markers and orange rose petals defined the ceremony aisle.
Michael loves cupcakes, so they decided to skip the traditional wedding cake idea. Their cupcakes were creamsicle-flavored, frosted in orange, and drizzled with white chocolate or topped with white chocolate roses.
The reception tables were topped with fresh flower centerpieces filled with white orchids and hydrangeas and a mix of yellow and orange dahlias and mums. Orange slices lined the round vases to give it a fresh look.
Nikki wore a fresh white orchid pinned in her hair for the reception. She had done a trial run a month beforehand to ensure she got this simple, chic hairstyle.