~ Charming Gervasi Wedding ~

Beth and Tom’s love story began in the piccolo section of their university marching band. She was a freshman. He was an assistant leader. They spent a lot of time together because of band, but their time spent outside of band led to a lovely relationship. They enjoyed the three years they had together at school before enduring four years of long distance. Beth credits the success of those four years to video chats, shared streaming, and keeping busy with life in between visits. The progression of their relationship led to Tom surprising Beth with a proposal the day before Thanksgiving in her childhood home. Beth was so surprised that she now only has a vague memory of all the wonderful things Tom said while down one knee! And the wedding planning began…

A wedding day inspired by Beth and Tom’s love of music started with a ceremony at Christ Presbyterian Church. Both the bride and groom played their flutes during the ceremony, delighting their guests and showcasing the element that brought them together all those years ago in marching band. Beth wore a simple, elegant gown adorned with lace, with a wide, flowing train and a veil that was handmade by her mother. The bride’s bouquet featured white calla lilies and roses surrounded by an abundance of various greenery. The four bridesmaids wore floor-length dresses in a rich teal hue, with bouquets to match Beth’s. Tom and his groomsmen sported dark gray suits with bowties and white pocket squares. Their boutonnieres matched the bride’s bouquet, with a white calla lily and rose on a background of greens.

The reception began on the exquisite grounds of Gervasi Vineyard following the ceremony. The guest tables showcased lanterns surrounded by greenery, teal accents, and table numbers that were handcrafted by Beth’s brother. Seating cards were placed in personalized corks with the couple’s names and wedding date. The guest book was created by the bride, and was modeled after the movie ‘Up’, titled ‘Our Adventure Book’. It showed many of Beth and Tom’s photos in a scrapbook style, with room for guests to sign (like a yearbook!). The ‘adventure’ theme continued with a surprise cake for Tom. This two-tiered cake was decorated with mountains and a forest, as Beth and Tom love to hike. A trail sign topper saying ‘Adventure awaits’ captured the couple’s adventurous spirit. The regular cake had three tiers with blue ombré and a topper figurine of the couple. The live band, Perfect Choice, was a nod to Beth and Tom’s love of music and proved to be everyone’s favorite aspect of the reception.

When asked what her favorite wedding day memory was, Beth couldn’t choose just one! “Definitely one of my favorite moments was when my husband shed a tear or two during the ceremony. Another was playing my flute to start the ceremony, and then hearing Tom play his flute as I started walking down the aisle. Another was dancing with Tom at the reception, and all our friends coming to dance in a circle around us like the crazy, weird, and wonderful friends they are”.

Beth’s advice for newly engaged couples during the wedding planning process? Have fun with it! She mentioned it can be frustrating at times but should overall be a pleasant experience as you prepare for your special day. Finally, Beth suggests building a little bit of time into the day to just be alone with your new spouse and decompress from the pressures of being surrounded by people all day. Sharing a private moment with your partner allows you both to truly enjoy the love and excitement you feel on your wedding day!

Charming Gervasi Wedding