Float Into This Couple’s Luxurious, Modern-Day Fairytale Wedding at Sagamore Pendry Baltimore in Maryland
Few can say they’ve taken part in a real-life fairytale—that club is reserved for kings, queens and anyone in attendance at the enchanting wedding of April Nelson and Jason White. “The inspiration was a modern-day, enchanted fairytale. With our theme, we knew we wanted lots of greenery and light colors,” shares the bride. After an equally magical proposal at the Wynn hotel in Las Vegas, the couple’s team of expert vendors went to work designing a luxurious, ethereal event to celebrate the college sweethearts’ big day.
After tons of hard work—and a little pixie dust—April donned her first of two stunning wedding gowns, both by Fjolla Haxhismajli, on the morning of May 1. This ceremony dress featured a plunging sweetheart neckline, illusion sleeves bedecked with lace detailing and a fitted skirt underneath a detachable overskirt sporting embellishments that added royal whimsy to the ensemble. “Choosing our wedding day looks was tons of fun. Together, we have owned a fashion brand for over 10 years, so this was our area of expertise,” reveals April. Not to be outdone, Jason put on his own princely attire: a white, crystal-embroidered tuxedo from Alexander McQueen.
Friends and family members entered the immaculate, alfresco ceremony space to find their seats on golden, circle-back chairs. The altar was framed with a live floral arch made up of blush, cream and white blooms against a backdrop of lush trees and topiary bushes that lent themselves to the enchanted garden vibe. Bridesmaids ascended the white aisle—lined with arrangements of snowy flowers—wearing chic blush gowns in varying styles. Each carried a smaller version of the bride’s abundant bouquet, filled with roses and other blooms that complemented the color scheme. “The most anticipating, special moment of our wedding was reading our vows,” says April about the ceremony. “Every word was heartfelt and honest. Our guests cheered and cried at the same time.”
Following the “I dos,” attendees were invited inside to kick off the festivities. The boutique hotel’s grand ballroom was decorated with sweeping pink drapery, giving the space an extra-regal feel. The custom white-and-gold dance floor gave way to the sweetheart table, which was covered in small votives and flanked by floor-to-ceiling arrangements of the newlyweds’ floral scheme. Guests were served dinner at long and round tables—each place setting displaying soft pink napkins and matching menus atop gold charger plates—that offered crisp, white linens and an assortment of low centerpieces, tall candles and towering trees filled with pastel-hued blooms: exuding a sense of botanical romance. “Our gorgeous florals set the tone. There were stunning, fresh flowers in every detail: from the draped entrance to the huge arches. Flowers covered every space to capture a fairytale setting,” April tells.
For the lovebirds, the cherry on top of their dreamy wedding came after dinner (and after switching into her second gown: a fitted blush-and-white trumpet gown with intricate beading). “The entertainment for our wedding was next level,” gushes the bride. “Recording artist Case Woodard sang our first dance song. LED robots and fairies kept the reception full of life. An amazing saxophonist helped our guests dance the night away. These were the perfect ways to personalize our wedding.”
When it comes to wedding planning, April and Jason want others to focus on what’s important. “Put you and your partner first, do not try to please everyone and stay on budget,” they advise. “Continue to show love, gratitude and appreciation to each other.”