ForeveR&R: The Wedding Story of Regan & Ryan Wasoski

Ryan Wasoski, an experienced jeweler, wanted to create something spectacular to give Regan Harding on her birthday, the night he planned to surprise her with a proposal. Mirroring her unique style of both vintage and modern elegance, Ryan created a showstopper – an oval center stone wrapped in a floral halo – and on her snowy December birthday, he presented the ring on bended knee along the St. Joseph River. With family and friends anxiously watching from a distance, Regan wholeheartedly said, “Yes!”

“R & R” envisioned a romantic celebration at the country surroundings of St. Joe Farm. The charm of the property and all its places and spaces provided the perfect location to host a full weekend of events. Once they solidified the venue, they dove into the planning process with the help of family.

 

The couple shared, “We have the unique blessing of two amazing women in our family whose talent and expertise in the wedding industry are unmatched. Without the guidance and support from Cup of Lovely and Wygant Floral, as well as our parents, we would have been lost.”

The bride’s sister-in-law and event designer at Cup of Lovely, Jamey Harding, helped define the couple’s vision and conceptualized a totally tailored look inspired by their eclectic style. From a customized color palette to dramatic transformation of the event space, Cup of Lovely brought Regan and Ryan’s “romantic garden glamour” fairytale to life.

 

The groom grew up working for his aunt Mary Green’s flower shop, Wygant Floral Co., and it was an honor for the family to provide one-of-a-kind wedding florals. Organic compositions of breathtaking blooms perfectly captured a natural sense of ease and elegance. The bride’s bouquet was one of many exquisite designs that caught everyone’s attention.

 

Regan looked especially stunning in a Stephen Yearick gown, featuring extraordinary fabrication of beading and lace, detachable tulle skirt and cathedral-length veil. The  groom looked dashing in a deep navy suit complete with tweed vest and white orchid boutonniere finished with leather cording.

Each bridesmaid styled the versatile heather maxi dress in unique fashion. The groom gifted his groomsmen personalized tie bars to wear with heather ties and deep navy suits. The mother-of-the-bride’s gorgeous lace gown perfectly complemented the garden glamour aesthetic, as did the mother-of-the-groom’s full-skirted floral dress.

 

Many other details reflected a unique sense of artistry. Upon entering the space, a lovely vignette of gilded mirrors provided guests with their seating assignments. The bride’s “found” glass window transformed into a customized photo op, the cake emulated her gown’s lace, and her dear high school friend provided chalk calligraphy throughout the space. Undeniably dramatic, rustic wooden ladders wrapped in undulating greenery and suspended from the barn’s 35-foot cathedral ceiling created the feeling that the garden was floating above the central bridal party tables.

Each guest enjoyed a different place setting, featuring a collection of uniquely patterned china, and a delicious chocolate chip cookie freshly baked by the groom’s mother. Ryan explains, “My mom’s cookies have been a part of every chapter of my life, so it was important that they were there as a sweet end to the new beginning of the most important chapter.”

Music enhanced the affair with extra magic. A string quartet added soft stylings to the ceremony, the couple’s favorite local talent provided acoustic guitar and vocals during cocktail hour and dinner, and the DJ brought everyone to the dance floor. The father-of-the-bride even arranged a surprise tribute following his speech, including family members performing a special rendition of “The Prayer.”

Although it rained, nothing dampened the joyful ambiance of the day. Like the light bouncing off Regan’s ring, there was a brilliant sparkle in the couple’s eyes throughout the once-in-a-lifetime experience. The bride shared, “Just as my parents always hoped, it was the wedding of my dreams. I will never forget the rush of emotion I felt when we stood out on the landing overlooking this gorgeous venue filled with our dearest family and friends. It was incredible, and one of the best moments of my life.”

The wedding reflected who and what they love…a beautiful memory to cherish “FOREVER&R.”

 

 

 

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