Gabi and Kristof had so many flourishes for their Aldie Mansion wedding to make it all theirs. So much creativity and musical references and I don’t even know if I’ll be able to share them all in this one post. But here it goes!
We started pictures at Gabi’s parents’ house in Doylestown. Gabi, the ever stylish one, donned bright red lipstick and a gorgeous lace sleeved overlay over her wedding gown. I love that sleeves are coming back into fashion and Gabi managed to seamlessly blend several eras into the day. The bride herself was stunningly vintage.
The sapphire and diamond bracelet and earrings that she wore fit with her engagement ring perfectly.
The bridesmaids wore deep blue chiffon dresses with bright red patent leather pumps. Gabi had a pair of the same heels herself.
Her navy blue petal-fold invitation was beautiful. It was a trifold with pops of vibrant colors (you’ll see a trend here really soon!).
Though getting ready at home can often be overwhelming (and messy), the place looked great. I loved seeing the painting of Gabi as a child hanging in the dining room.
Kristof saw Gabi for the first time in front of the house and we managed to take some pictures together (and maybe a few with a photobomber) before heading to Aldie Mansion.
The day was set up so wonderfully, allowing plenty of time for family formals and pictures of the ridiculous wedding party at the venue.
And perhaps a few sweet ones of just Gabi and Kristof.
Gabi (a former journalism major) laid out an awesome wedding newspaper for the guests and also had a fun wedding madlibs floating around.
The weather was fabulous. Right up until about 30 minutes before the ceremony was due to begin. Then one drop. Then two. Then many more. The group made the decision to move the outdoor ceremony up 15 minutes to try to beat the rain.
At fate would have it, the rain stopped as her parents walked Gabi through the front courtyard of the mansion.
A friend officiated the ceremony. The couple is very into music (note the groomsmen’s Jerry Garcia ties). My absolute favorite part was Gabi’s vows to Kristof. The entire thing was lines from songs (see quote at bottom of post). You could hear the realization run through the crowd as they listened.
The Aldie Mansion ballroom was like I had never seen it before. There was color everywhere! Boldly patterned linens adorned every table and each was topped with clusters of flowers grouped in the colors of the rainbow sitting in milkglass containers. It was so bright and happy.
Gabi and Kristof entered to a room full of enthusiastic guests and danced their first dance to “Thank You” by Led Zeppelin. Both were mouthing the words through the song.
As you can imagine of this crowd who loooooves music, the night was a blast. There was much dancing, singing (Gabi can seriously sing!), cigar-smoking, glass-smashing, and all-around having a phenomenal time!
It was a fantastic day and I loved being a part of such fun!
How can I tell you that I love you?
Sweet wonderful you, you make me happy with all the things that you do.
You came along and stole my heart.
You’ve got that certain something, what you do takes my breath away.
For once in my life, I have someone who needs me; someone I’ve needed so long.
And maybe I’m amazed by the way you love me all the time or maybe I’m amazed at the way I need you.
You’re the only one that knows me, better than I know myself; you’re my best friend.
I knew I loved you before I met you. I think I dreamed you into life.
My love is warmer than the warmest sunshine, softer than a sigh, deeper than the deepest ocean, wider than the sky.
No other woman is gonna love you more.
You are my sunshine and I want you to know that my feelings are true.
I’ve loved you forever, in lifetimes before. I give you my word, I give you my heart, that I’ll stand by you whether times are good or bad, happy or sad, this I promise you:
With this vow and band of gold, I swear by the moon and the stars in the sky that I will love you ‘til the end of time.
~ Gabi’s vows to Kristof(amazing, right?!)
