1. Real Weddings

Susan & Douglas: A Hollywood-inspired Wedding in Fontana, WI

Susan and Doug's love story could have been taken straight from the movies, so it was only fitting that it culminated with an Oscar-worthy wedding cel

Susan and Doug's love story could have been taken straight from the movies, so it was only fitting that it culminated with an Oscar-worthy wedding celebration. The Bride Susan Vignieri, 30, human resources assistant The Groom Douglas Ladd, 30, online comic designer and bartender The Date May 7 Long before Susan and Doug were born, Doug's father was actually engaged to Susan's mother. Despite a broken engagement, the parents still held each other in high regard, regaling their children with stories about their past together. Susan and Doug, however, did not finally meet until they attended high school together. Though they casually dated for a month or so as fourteen-year-olds, they didn't yet realize they were destined for romance. Susan and Doug became close friends, but it wasn't until long after graduation, when the two had gone their separate ways, that they finally realized the romantic potential.

Each guest was graciously thanked with a silver framed place card, a silver candy tin (accented with a silver L on the glass lid) and a cinched bag of Jordan almonds (in honor of the bride's Italian heritage).
Susan's Jasmine gown had her feeling like a sexy 1930's starlet. The fitted, strapless white satin dress featured a curve-enhancing trumpet skirt and godet train. Though simple in design, special details -- like distinctive silver threading and beaded trim -- made the gown far from ordinary. Susan accessorized her gown with large silver and crystal chandelier earrings and white satin shoes with silver rhinestone buckles. A simple, knee-length veil studded with a few small Swarovski crystals completed her look.
The Cake
Old Hollywood glamour permeated the sophisticated fete. Susan, who lives for party planning aimed to set a scene that felt very upscale, kind of Frank Sinatra era, but with a fun-loving twist. A palette of champagne and black accented with soft pink and silver set the stage for a swanky affair. Using Doug's graphic design skills, the couple created elegant champagne and black invites, maps, RSVP cards, and programs which subtly introduced the theme to their guests. For the ceremony, Susan and Doug exchanged vows in a quaint Catholic church. Family members read special passages about love, chosen by the bride and groom, adding a personalized element to the otherwise traditional ceremony. Susan's uncle also sang a beautiful a capella version of Ave Maria during communion.
The Bridal Bouquet
The Accessories
The quest for the perfect bridesmaid dress (to make each of my five girls feel beautiful, the bride explains) was far more complicated than Susan had predicted. In the end, she settled on a champagne-colored, floor-length, empire waist satin dress embellished with black streamers. The savvy bride had a seamstress alter the design somewhat, replacing the spaghetti straps with a black satin halter neck and adding black satin trim across the top of the bodice. A glitzy silver brooch securing the streamers on the front of the dress was the finishing touch. Each maid also wore black and crystal drop earrings and a unique, handmade bracelet featuring black, Swarovski crystals -- both gifts from the bride.
The Rings
The Abbey Resort's grand ballroom and indoor terrace (boasting a beautiful view of the harbor) hosted the couple's 300 guests for the reception. Tables decorated with white linens, votives on silver trays, tall silver candelabras, silver candlesticks, and petite cups overflowing with pink and champagne roses were spread throughout the room. Each table was also equipped with a silver disposable camera engraved with the couple's names and the wedding date for capturing candid moments throughout the night. The reception room also featured a large dance floor that late in the evening boasted guests doing every kind of dance, from the cha-cha to the Electric Slide.
The Programs
The Accessories