It all started with a vintage engagement ring. When Heather and Michael were first engaged, they knew a traditional wedding wasn’t for them. Instead, they opted to invite their friends and family to an intimate engagement party and surprise them with a wedding ceremony and cocktail reception.

Aside from telling their parents and siblings, they were able to keep the surprise a secret and plan everything in just five months! The day started with a ‘first look’ in the alley behind their house. They were all smiles seeing each other and both were full of nerves and excitement knowing what was going to happen later that day.

Their party was held at Bricco Kitchen and Wine Bar and it was the perfect location to highlight the look that Heather and Michael were going for. They mixed contemporary details, like the venue and Heather’s dress, with whimsical touches including a custom portrait of the two of them and a stunning floral feature wall created by the one-and-only Becky from Blush and Bloom.

After guests had arrived, Heather and Michael delivered a speech to thank everyone for being there throughout the stages of their relationship, from dating, to getting engaged and then to getting married – At which point Michael then shouted: “Which is happening tonight!” It took some guests a minute to realize they were being serious but quickly everyone was shocked and elated. After a quick change, Heather and Michael stood on the upper level of the restaurant with their loved ones surrounding them and exchanged vows, which included a personal thank you to their parents – ah my heart! After their kiss and celebratory toast to everyone in the room, the party started.

I absolutely love how Heather and Michael threw tradition out the window and decided to do what made them happy. These two created a celebration that was uniquely them and the result was genuine and beautiful. I cannot say enough great things about them, they are ridiculously creative and the nicest people I’ve met! Congrats Heather and Michael!

It took guests a second to believe what was happening, most of them thought it was a joke!

To make their looks more ‘bridal’, Heather added a veil and lace blouse to her dress and Michael changed into his tux.

 

The amazing team that brought Heather and Michael’s surprise wedding together:

Dress: A la Robe’s Juliette silk gown from Lovers Land
Blouse: Rue de Seine Grace Blouse from Lovers Land
Veil: Jaclyn Jordan’s Anne veil from Lovers Land
Suit: TopMan
Rings: Custom design by Cynthia Findlay Antiques
Makeup: Vicky from Ethereal Faces
Hair: Sarah White at Grateful Head
Flowers: Becky at Blush and Bloom
Invitations: Danielle Hitchcock
Macarons: Patisserie V Marie
Cake and additional desserts: Wedding Cake Shoppe
Venue: Bricco Kitchen and Wine Bar
DJ: Corey Dawkins
Photography: Laura Clarke Photos