Good morning, folks!! There’s a good chance you’ve seen one of the photos from today already—it’s been shared numerous times on Instagram—because, well it’s absolutely MESMERIZING! Yep, the long family-style dinner table that winds into the forest and looks like something out of a fairy tale was designed just for Michael + Bradley’s big day by Wonderstruck Event, Design & Planning.
As M+B’s wedding took place on Labor Day Weekend, they had all of their family and friends stay on site in rustic cabins that were tucked into the forest. They tell us: Friday was the welcome dinner, Saturday was the wedding day, and Sunday was a beautiful Sunday Funday where we had brunch under a tent outside, lawn games, volleyball, drinks and music.
Let’s proceed to all the festivities and discover the magic Carly Bish Photography captured in the forest!
The Sweethearts
The two tell us: It all began in NYC at a local LGBT charity event that Bradley was hosting and where Michael was attending as a guest. Michael noticed Bradley’s dashing looks and suave demeanor and immediately walked over to the sign-up booth where Bradley was collecting phone numbers. Bradley saw a handsome, tall guy approach him and knew he better not screw this up! Michael happily obliged by offering his phone number…
Six months later, we found ourselves moving into our first apartment together in Hell’s Kitchen! Almost nine years later, after living in two continents and experiencing more than 30 countries together, we decided we were ready to take on the biggest adventure ever: marriage!
Hand in hand, into the woods they go…
How dashing are these two? We love the juxtaposition of formal tuxes and the wildness of the woods.
The Wedding in the Woods
The wedding day itself was nothing short of magical. We were surrounded by our closest friends and family in the middle of an enchanted forest enclosed by green moss and lights peeking through trees that were as tall as the eye can see. The air was perfectly crisp and filled with love.
Isn’t that floral arch a masterpiece? We love the way bash & bloom incorporated branches and how the entire piece almost looks like it could have been growing there all along (with a little touch of forest magic, of course!)
Processional: Instrumental Cover to 1000 Years
Recessional: Higher and Higher by Jackie Wilson
First Dance: Say You Wont Let Go by James Arthur
Natural wood benches were designed and nailed into the forest floor for their guests.
We were introduced to guests after the ceremony while Rupaul’s “Covergirl” played and worked with our DJ to edit a mock Rupaul’s Drag Race lip sync battle between our wedding parties (clearly HUGE Rupaul’s Drag Race fans).
The Family-Style Dinner Table…That You Have to See to Believe!
The two have been all over together—Japan, Thailand, and Cambodia—and for the last two years, they’ve been living in Singapore. So, naturally they incorporated their love of travel into their seating chart!
The dinner table snaked down an exquisite nature trail and seemed to go on for days! Candelabra lights provided twinkling light and tons of magic underneath the canopy of natural branches.
Isn’t this INCREDIBLE?!
We love the gold touches and sweet pops of lavender, don’t you?
Carousel
Carousel
What was your favorite part?
It’s really hard to say. The dinner table took our breath away. But the true beauty of the wedding was seeing all our friends and family whom has supported us for 9 years, come together and celebrate our love and commitment.
Abundant florals + those in cloches—doesn’t this décor remind you of something out of Beauty and the Beast? We really like how they combined elegance with all the natural elements, so it’s refined yet wild and earthy.
Wooden chargers complemented the forest setting + all that greenery on the candelabra is such a brilliant touch!
We couldn’t help but tear up when reading this excerpt from Michael’s vows:
One of my earliest memories when I first came out, like many people facing that realization, was the feeling of being lost. Not with who I was, but how my life would unfold. As a gay man, I had no examples, no aspirations of what a happy couple looked like or whether I would even be able to achieve that happiness that we all longed for. The idea of marrying a good man, possibility of a family, having the stability and life we have had seemed unfathomable.
The world started changing, the nation’s heart opened and all while your arms were making me feel safe, your smile was brightening my darkest moods and all I wanted to do was make you happy – I was falling in love with you. For 9 years and especially today, I can confidently say you have made so many of my dreams come true. I am the luckiest person to have you by my side.
And be sure to watch their video below by Driftwood Stories…magical!
What a way to end such an enchanting day. Congratulations to the two of you!!
photography: Carly Bish Photography // venue name: Copper Creek Inn, Ashford, Washington, USA // event design: Wonderstruck Event, Design & Planning // planning: Wonderstruck Event, Design & Planning // florals: bash & bloom // videography: Driftwood Stories
This table is magical :)