Sofreh Aghd at Serra Plaza

With help from her mother, Ariana finished knotting the bows on her bridal gown inside the Lounge at Serra Plaza. Her bridal party waited just on the other side of the wall for their first look of the bride while Branden and his groomsmen hung out in the walkway upstairs. Once Ariana was ready, she stepped outside to excited faces and cheers. Her best friends showed her with compliments and hyped her up for her first look with the groom. Without further ado, the bride and groom met upstairs. A tap on the shoulder signaled Branden to turn around, and once he did, his jaw hit the floor. Sweet words were exchanged by the bride and groom, then the two headed back down for group photos with the wedding party until they had to line up for ceremony.

Guests arrived through Serra Plaza’s gates, signed Branden and Ariana’s guest book, then took a seat in the Courtyard. The Spanish fountain was decorated with fresh flowers at the ceremony backdrop and a sofreh was displayed just to the left. Once everyone was seated, Branden and Ariana made their walks down the aisle. In front of their friends and family the two performed a traditional aghd in front of the sofreh, recited vows in front of the Spanish fountain, exchanged rings, and sealed the ceremony with a kiss.

Filet and Wild Mushroom Wellingtons, Crab Cakes, Caprese Skewers with Pesto, and Thai Chicken Spring Rolls were tray passed while the bar served the bride and groom’s signature cocktails, an Old Fashioned and French 75. While guests mixed and mingled, the newlyweds wandered around the venue with their photographer posing for their first pictures as husband and wife. They joined their guests at the end of cocktail hour and invited everyone back to the Courtyard to enjoy dinner.

Tables were topped with taupe candlesticks and arrangements of white, peach, yellow, and pink flowers. When everyone had found their assigned tables, Ariana and Branden made their grand entrance, shared their first dance, and took a seat at their sweetheart table for toasts. Family and friends stood and shared their fondest memories and glasses of champagne clinked in the air when each speech ended. The first course of Pear and Walnut Salad was served followed by a dual entrée of Chicken Veronique and Short Rib Rotolo Bolzano with Haricot Verts and Gourmet Mashed Potatoes. The menu was selected by the bride and groom with help from our Event Specialist, Sierra. After dinner and dessert, everyone hit the dance floor. The evening ended with everyone surrounding the newlyweds and sharing a dance or two before wishing them well and heading home.

Venue: Serra Plaza // Photography: Foolishly Rushing In // Catering: Jay’s Catering // Florist: Posey Pop // Planning: Level Events