Real Wedding Wednesdays: Laura Braun and Brad Bales
Laura and Brad Bales, who recently celebrated their first anniversary, share a passion for history that has carried through each step of their relationship. Brad proposed to Laura at the Battery in historic Charleston, South Carolina, and the pair continued their history-philia for their wedding. A vintage theme was accentuated by the old glam aesthetic of the Westin Columbus and antique reception décor. But the theme hardly ended there.
The Bales’ wedding also celebrated family history. Avid Columbus Weddings readers may recall a story in the most recent issue discussing Laura’s heirloom attire, the oldest piece of which dates back more than 100 years. Laura wore her grandmother’s restored wedding dress and veil, alongside her great-grandmother’s Juliette cap and a broach bouquet made by her mother, for the ceremony.
Laura’s family wasn’t the only one being honored that day, though. The Bales left a spot for Brad’s sister Kelly, who passed away in 2011, among the bridesmaids. The pair also displayed photos from their parents’ and grandparents’ weddings.
The Details
Wedding date: Jan. 7, 2017
Wedding colors: Gold and navy
Attendants: Seven groomsmen and six bridesmaids (with a space left for a late bridesmaid as well)
Bride wore: Her grandmother’s dress and veil, restored by Joan’s Bridal Couture, her great-grandmother’s Juliette cap and Donald Pliner shoes for the ceremony; Pronovias gown from B.Loved Bridal Boutique and Jimmy Choo and Yosi Samra flats for the reception
Hair and makeup: Makeup by Pearls and A Black Dress, hair by Salon Elevation
Groom wore: A tuxedo from Men’s Wearhouse
Rings: Engagement ring from Grandview Mercantile and wedding bands from Winston Wilson & Co.
Rehearsal dinner: Gresso’s
Ceremony: The Westin Columbus
Reception: The Westin Columbus
Caterer: In-house
Cake: Cake-a-Licious; cupcakes from Sweet Persuasions
Flowers: Sue Rouda, Flowers by Nature's Gifts
Photographer: Brett Loves Elle Photography
Photo booth: Brett Loves Elle Photography
Videographer: Brett Loves Elle Photography
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Reception tunes: Buckeye Entertainment
First dance: “Rose of My Heart” by Johnny Cash
Guest favors: Photo booth pictures
Registries: Bed Bath and Beyond and Macy’s
Guests stayed at: The Westin Columbus
Honeymoon: Hawaii
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