Today, we're thrilled to share a heartwarming feature about a real Labor Day weekend wedding we had the delight of planning. Meet Alex and Nino, a couple who found love in the demanding halls of medical school. However, despite Nino's impending move for an internship and their friends' worries about the strains of a long-distance relationship, Alex chose to follow her heart. Now, as busy residents juggling 100-hour weeks, planning a dream wedding seemed almost out of reach. That's where we stepped in at Verve!

From the moment they reached out, we took the reigns, easing their stress by handling all the intricate details and vendor communications. Although Alex and Nino knew exactly what they DIDN'T want for their wedding, pinning down what they DID want was a challenge. They were concerned that this might make working with a planner more challenging. If that's you, fear not! We navigated these waters smoothly, and we can’t WAIT to reveal how their special day unfolded.

Here's what they had to say:

The Rehearsal Dinner & Welcome Party

First, the magic of Alex and Nino's Labor Day weekend wedding began to unfold at the scenic Lake House on Canandaigua, where they gathered their close family and wedding party for the rehearsal dinner. But the celebration didn't pause there; we seamlessly transitioned the evening into a vibrant Welcome Party! The theme was a nod to one of their cherished vacation memories at Rosa Negra in Tulum. The couple wanted to bring the essence of that experience to life together with their guests. They hired a DJ to spin their favorite house tunes and our team adorned the space with colorful flowers, linens, woven basket chandeliers, and twinkling bistro lights. Guests were treated to a feast of authentic Mexican delights (washed down with refreshing margaritas, naturally). It was a festive prelude to the memorable Labor Day wedding weekend that lay ahead!

Getting Ready at The Lake House on Canandaigua

The Ceremony

Next, in the heart of a picturesque Labor Day weekend, Alex and Nino exchanged vows at the stunning St. Mary’s Church in Canandaigua surrounded by 150 of their closest family and friends. As the church bells rang, Alex, looking breathtaking in a Maggie Sottero gown, made her way down the aisle. Our team beautifully adorned the aisle with lush white floral arrangements.

The Attire

A moment for the attire, please! Stepping into their Labor Day wedding in style, Alex glowed in her first gown! She wore an exquisite piece by Maggie Sottero paired with elegant Stuart Weitzman heels. Nino looked dashing in a custom tuxedo by IndoChino, complemented by sleek Christian Louboutin shoes. But, the fashion didn't stop there!

After a lively cocktail hour, the couple switched it up. Alex slipped into a stunning gown by Rosa Clara, while Nino opted for a chic velvet dinner jacket by Hive and Colony. Their attire not only reflected their impeccable taste but also added a layer of glamour to their Labor Day weekend wedding, making every moment picture-perfect. 

“We had SEVERAL friends and family come up to us and tell us it was a fairytale wedding, and that every aspect was perfectly planned, reflecting who we are as a couple in every way. The design was meticulous, and so very us.”

Design & Stationery

For their Labor Day weekend wedding, Alex and Nino chose a sleek and modern design. Beautifully blended neutral shades like gray and silver with touches of Alex’s favorite, mauve, and elegant marble accents. Additionally, their stationery perfectly mirrored this chic aesthetic, featuring soft neutral colors, subtle floral patterns, and marble details. From the inviting invitation suite to the tasteful day-of paper goods! It was a stylish nod to their Labor Day wedding colors that graced every part of their special day.

Cocktail Hour

During cocktail hour, guests enjoyed a serene cocktail hour on the lawn with a breathtaking lake view, serenaded by a string quartet. We set the scene with chic, blush-toned and neutral furniture that created an airy, elegant vibe. The bar was a highlight, adorned with the couple's custom monogram from their invitations and a whimsical cocktail sign nodding to their careers in medicine. Nearby, an inspired escort card display featured books on fashion and entertaining, along with marble decor and fresh greenery, tying in beautifully with the Labor Day wedding colors.

The Reception

From there, our team transformed their enchanting Labor Day weekend wedding reception into a truly magical setting. The evening was aglow with candlelight and brimming with lush floral arrangements—a dream come true for the groom! Above, the air shimmered with three opulent floral chandeliers, interlaced with twinkling bistro lights, creating a romantic canopy over the elegantly set tables. The décor featured crisp white linens, providing a pristine canvas for the sophisticated marble chargers, mauve velvet napkins, and cleverly color-coded place cards attached to each menu. Each table number echoed the floral motifs from their invitation suite, enhancing the cohesive and stylish vibe.

In a heartfelt nod to their early days as a couple, Alex and Nino chose custom-made candles as guest favors. they ordered from their favorite store in Skaneateles—a place that held special memories of their dating years. The ‘Summer in Skan' scent was a favorite of theirs, and they were delighted to share this piece of their story with guests. Letting the aroma evoke memories of their Labor Day wedding long after the day had ended.

“If you are considering a planner, just do it! You won't regret it, not even for a second. Desirée and her team are true professionals, and not only that, they become friends. Our wedding never felt like just another weekend for Desirée; we really felt like she and every member of her team cared about us, and cared about making our day incredible. That level of detail orientation and care for her clients is not something universal, and is the reason we feel so incredibly blessed to have been able to work with Desirée and her team.”

The Sweetheart Table

Can we have a special moment for the sweetheart table? Opting for comfort without sacrificing style, Alex and Nino chose a tufted loveseat that allowed them to comfortably sit close together throughout the evening. We designed the table itself to be beautifully simple, adorned with a delicate arrangement of white flowers and candles. Enhancing the romantic setting, the florist creatively repurposed the lush, low meadow arrangements from the ceremony, featuring seasonal blooms and foliage, which framed the table perfectly.

Dessert

Lastly, Alex and Nino chose a petite sweetheart cake, exquisitely designed to echo the floral pattern from their wedding invitations. We thought it was a lovely tie-in to their overall theme! Guests also indulged in a variety of mini desserts including cupcakes, cheesecake cups, and rich fudge brownies. This ensured there was a little something for everyone’s taste at this festive Labor Day wedding celebration.

Fireworks & After Party

Alex and Nino’s Labor Day weekend wedding on the picturesque shores of Canandaigua Lake coincided beautifully with a cherished local tradition—the Ring of Fire! On Saturday night, as the community lit flares along the beaches, the couple added their own spectacular touch with a dazzling fireworks display, lighting up the night sky and delighting their guests.

The celebration didn’t stop as Alex and Nino's Labor Day weekend wedding transitioned into an exhilarating after-party. Returning to the scene of their lively welcome party. Under a canopy of bistro lights and woven basket chandeliers, the couple and their guests danced under the moon until 2:00 AM. True to their passion for music and vibrant nightlife, the couple ensured the playlist was packed with electric and eclectic beats. From the rhythmic house music to the unique blend of a live sax and DJ at the reception, the music kept the energy high all night, making their Labor Day weekend wedding a memorable dance-filled event.

Sweet Words From the Couple

We absolutely cherish hearing back from our couples after their special day. It's one of the highlights of what we do here at Verve. Moreover, reading their testimonials not only fills us with immense joy but also reaffirms our commitment to creating unforgettable weddings. Here's what Alex and Nino had to say about their experience working with us for their Labor Day weekend wedding:

“Probably one of the single biggest benefits was Desirée's perseverance and ability to work with vendors who may be difficult to get in touch with. We likely would not have had a welcome party or after party if it weren't for Verve. We definitely enjoyed lower stress levels, and increased time together as a couple talking about the fun aspects of planning (like music, color scheme, registry, honeymoon) as opposed to stressing over getting in touch with vendors. Additionally, no ask was too big for Verve – so we never experienced any last minute breakdowns. There was always a plan B, or a way to solve a problem, and we knew that Desirée and her team had it handled.

Lastly, and most importantly, we were able to be present and enjoy every single aspect of our wedding weekend, without stressing about the details because we knew that Desirée and her team were there, and would make sure everything was perfect, and would handle any little hiccups if they came along. I am generally a stressed person, and I have never been so relaxed than on my wedding day, because I knew that Verve had it covered!”

Labor Day Weekend Wedding at The Lake House on Canandaigua

Finally, as we wrap up the story of Alex and Nino’s breathtaking Labor Day weekend wedding, we hope you’ve found inspiration and joy in the details of their special day! At Verve, we’re passionate about bringing each couple’s unique vision to life. All with the same care and attention to detail that we devoted to Alex and Nino’s celebration. If you feel we might be a good fit for your wedding planning needs, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d LOVE to help make your wedding day as magical and memorable as you’ve always imagined it to be!

WEDDING VENDOR TEAM

Planning & Design: Verve Event Co.
Attire: Maggie Sottero
Calligraphy: Loria Letters
Cake & Desserts: Scratch Bakeshop Rochester
Catering: The Lake House on Canandaigua
Ceremony: St. Mary's Church
DJ: Breakthrough Entertainment
Florals: Flowerwell
Hair: Hair by Jessica Shade
Makeup: Ashley Knight Makeup
Photography: Laura Rose Weddings
Rentals: BBJ La Tavola & Petunia Rose China
Stationery:  Loria Letters
Table Settings: Petunia Rose Luxe China
Videography:  Gabrielle Fordham Films
Venue: The Lake House on Canandaigua and Rio Tomatlan