The rain had magically stopped just before Carrie walked down the granite steps toward her happily ever after, looking breathtaking in a vintage-inspired lace appliqued gown. Her handsome fiance, Brent, waited beneath the arched architectural marvel of the Bethesda Terrace entryway at Central Park in New York City. Angelic statues nestled on the terrace’s iconic fountain silently watched on, alongside 24 guests, as the couple exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony.

Afterward, they retreated to City Winery, an industrial chic space where oak barrels mingle harmoniously with the bottles, and they celebrated with life’s simplest pleasures: good food, good wine, and good company.

Carrie, 33 & Brent, 33

New York, NY

Wedding Date: October 19, 2012

Number of Guests: 24

Wedding Ceremony Location: Bethesda Terrace, Central Park, New York City

Wedding Reception Location: City Winery, New York City

As every wedding planner will tell you, if you’re hosting an outdoor ceremony, you should always have a back-up plan in case of rain. Luckily, Ancaster Mill located in Ancaster, Ontario boasts two chapels, one outdoors and one indoors, that are equally beautiful.

The outdoor chapel is surrounded by greenery, with the calming sound of the nearby waterfalls and trickling stream wafting through the air. If rain is an unexpected wedding guest (don’t worry, they say its good luck!), you’ll have no problem moving indoors at this flour mill-turned-venue. The historical setting boasts a cozy stone fireplace topped with wrought iron candelabras.

For the cocktail hour or reception, you can choose amongst Ancaster Mill‘s five incredible spaces.

• The Solarium: Perfect for cocktail hours, lounge space, or intimate wedding, this glassed space overlooks the property’s covered bridge and picturesque waterfall, with a three-way fireplace adjoining other rooms. Seats 32.
• The Governor’s Room: Located on the upper floor, this room is infused with historical charm thanks to the stone fireplace, hand-carved beams, and elaborate chandeliers. Seats 135 and includes used of the Solarium for cocktail hour.
• The 1812 Room: For those who want the best of both worlds, this room offers a covered, heated deck. The wrought iron railings are wrapped in lush greenery and intricate iron chandeliers kiss the ceiling while encompassing a romantic glow on the mingling guests below. Seats 70.
• The Millview Room: Much more modern than the other rooms, this L-shaped option offers floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the scenic landscape. Seats 110.
• The Falls Room: The crème de la crème, this spectacular space offers views of both the waterfall and mill stream thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows. A wood burning stone hearth keeps guests toasty, while an elaborate bar area ensures Champagne flows smoothly. They recently added an outdoor patio located at the mouth of the waterfall, which offers a truly enchanting setting. Seats 225 and includes the Millview Room for cocktail hour.

Photo credit: Andrew Mark Fine Art Weddings

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Not only are Fitzgerald fans highly anticipating The Great Gatsby once again hitting the big screen on May 10, but the blockbuster’s Art Deco style is playing a starring role when it comes to wedding inspiration.

For the past several years, rustic has been the favored theme, but thanks to the movie’s stunning décor and fashion, glamour and elegance straight out of the Roaring ‘20s are now at the forefront of wedding trends.

This was seen prominently during the recent Bridal Market in New York City. Designers such as Jenny Packham, Reem Acra, and Maggie Sottero seemed to be inspired by the literary classic, showcasing Deco-driven designs in their Spring/Summer ’14 collections.

These Cinco de Mayo Pinata cookies look like they would take heaps of patience, but aren’t they awesome! They are actually sugar cookies that are hollow in the center and filled with goodies. Charis and Aram, who were featured on Intimate Weddings this week, had these cookies instead of a wedding cake (the bride’s best friend made them all!).

You can learn how to make them here. 

Imagine exchanging vows above the twinkling neon lights of Las Vegas’s iconic strip, soaring over the painted plateau of Nevada’s Valley of Fire at sunset, or descending 3,500 feet below the rim of the Grand Canyon itself to tie the knot in the natural wonder. The award-winning aerial tourism company, Maverick Helicopters, located in Las Vegas, makes these surreal experiences come to life for a truly magical wedding.

The wedding packages begin with a limousine pick-up from your hotel, which then whisks you to the landing site where you board the aircraft, taking your first step toward happily ever after. What follows is guaranteed to be bucket list-worthy, as you spend the next several hours flying above rock formations such as the Bowl of Fire, world-famous sites such as Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, the Grand Canyon, and Fortification Hill, and an extinct volcano. Depending on the package you select, you’ll exchange vows in exclusive ceremony sites tucked away in some of Mother Nature’s most breathtaking locations, or even wed hovering above the Las Vegas lights.

They offer eight packages to accommodate every couple, priced between $1,099 to $4,499, with add-ons such as photography/videography services, limousine transportation to and from your hotel, Champagne toast, hors d’oeuvres, and wedding cake.

Whether you’re looking for a “Just Us” elopement or a group charter with several guests, Maverick Helicopters will certainly provide an unforgettable experience.

Photo: Chelsea Nicole Photography

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