1. Real Weddings

Liz & Tyke: An Elegant Wedding in Mount Laurel, NJ

Blind dates can certainly cause jitters, but Liz and Leonard (Tyke) are proof that the reward can be well worth the nerves. Liz and Tyke knew quickly

Blind dates can certainly cause jitters, but Liz and Leonard (Tyke) are proof that the reward can be well worth the nerves. Liz and Tyke knew quickly that their setup had been a success. “We went out that night, and there was never any question for either of us from that point on,” Liz says. “We’ve been together ever since!” The Bride Liz MacAlpine,31, sales manager The Groom Leonard (Tyke) Carter Jr.,32, general contractor The Date September 23 Tyke proposed with a ring he’d designed himself on the lot where the pair was building their new home -- this proved to be a fitting location, since the couple ended up hosting their tented reception in that very same yard.

The low centerpieces consisted of Eskimo roses, white hydrangeas, and lamb’s ear accented with crystals and placed in glass compote bowls.
The couple added depth to their reception space with alternating short and tall centerpieces. The tall arrangements consisted of dendrobium orchids in tall glass trumpet vases with crystal accents hung from satin ribbon.
Liz complemented her wedding day attire with strappy open-toed heels.
The couple exchanged vows during a full mass in the Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel.
Liz and Tyke's florist for their ceremony and reception was Beautiful Blooms.
Though the couple initially considered a destination wedding, they decided it was more important that all of their family and friends be able to attend. After searching local reception venues that didn’t match their vision, they decided to create their ideal space in their own backyard.
Liz and Tyke shared their first dance to For the Love of You by the Isley Brothers.
The groom's stephanotis boutonniere coordinated perfectly with the bridal bouquet.
The bride carried a hand-wired bouquet of stephanotis with lamb’s ear and crystal accents. “The amount of detail and labor that went into making the flower arrangements was unbelievable, but it showed!” Liz says.
The four-tiered square cake was iced with white fondant and adorned with white orchids. “It was simple, yet very beautiful,” Liz says, “and everyone raved about how good it tasted!”
To extend the color theme, the five bridesmaids and two maids of honor wore dark silver floor-length dresses by Lazaro.
Silver and white details throughout the reception tent set a classy scene. Each table was topped with silver, matte satin–striped linens, glass chargers with silver beading around the edges, and white and platinum china. The menus were tucked into the napkins at each place setting, and the couple completed the look with silver chiavari chairs.