A Moody Victorian Celebration: The Real Wedding of Valentina & Derian Doherty in Sterling Heights, Michigan

Getting married on January 3, Valentina and Derian wanted their wedding to feel distinctly their own—not like a New Year's Eve celebration. Instead of the expected black, white and gold palette, they embraced rich winter jewel tones. Once the color palette was set, she gave her florist creative freedom to bring the vision to life, filling the venue with lush, textural floral installations that became the focal point of the design. The abundant blooms seemed to spill across the reception tables and throughout the space, creating an immersive, garden-like atmosphere. Softer details, including neutral linens and understated ceramic dinnerware, balanced the vibrant arrangements beautifully while allowing the flowers to take center stage. Paired with Valentina's cathedral-length veil, elegant candelabras and a timeless buttercream cake, the celebration perfectly blended Victorian-inspired romance with a modern, editorial aesthetic!

 

Advice from the Couple

Valentina and Derian advise, “The advice we’d give other couples is to truly make the day your own. Whether you lean more traditional or more unorthodox, choose details that genuinely reflect you and your partner. It’s easy to get swept up in social media trends, but in fifty years no one will remember what was ‘in’—they’ll remember how the day felt and how true it was to who you are.”

 

 

 

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