Backyard Wedding, Complete with Fried Ice Cream Stand

May 10

As an editor, I receive hundreds of submissions a week. It's an honor to review stories, and especially, review wedding stories—something so personal to a couple. All of the weddings we receive are beautiful, but this one particularly caught my attention. Yes, it has an adorable fried ice cream stand, which I had not seen before in a submission. But it caught my attention because of the very real joy I could feel from the photographs of Natasha and Dima.

After publishing hundreds of blog posts and several magazines, I've seen wedding trends come and go. And with so much observation through submissions, it starts to become apparent quickly in the submission process what the couple values most. It's almost as if, my photographs alone, I can tell what kind of couple I'm looking at, no interview required.

Natasha and Dima value family. They chose to marry at Natasha's family home. And not only is it so beautiful—very 'Father of the Bride' feeling to me—you can tell that the family and guests are comfortable, happy there. I especially love the warm details from the olive branches and lemons gracing the tables to seasonal berries and Italian gelato found at the adorable fried ice cream stand.

Speaking of Italy, Natasha and Dima love the country. They have visited numerous times and wanted to show their love for its style in the little details from wine barrels to hold the ceremony flowers to honeymooning there!

One other thing I would love for you to notice: Look at the beautiful Russian calligraphy on the paper goods. I love to see calligraphy in other languages, so beautiful.