Photography by Jamie Thrower, Studio XIII Photography

NAMES Danielle Gilmore & Maia Lazarus Live in Jamaica Plain, Boston OCCUPATIONS Danielle is a preschool teacher; Maia is a bartender. HOW THEY MET Danielle stopped by the Boston hat shop Maia worked in at the time and after meeting her quickly became a regular customer. Danielle: “After a month or two, Maia realized she should ask me for my number, which she wrote down incorrectly. Feeling rejected, Maia was very excited when I finally worked up enough courage to ask her out online.” HOW THEY GOT ENGAGED After dating four years, Danielle purchased a ring for Maia and six months later proposed. Danielle: “I had finally come out to my family and asked her parents’ permission.” As they began planning the big day, they easily found vendors and enjoyed being part of “two families that were incredibly supportive throughout the entire process.” BACHELORETTE PARTIES They flew to New Orleans for a joint bachelorette party planned by Maia’s best man, Ryan. Thirteen friends from five different states converged for a crawfish boil and live music. REHEARSAL DINNER Danielle’s godmother hosted a rehearsal luncheon in her Sonoma home. Danielle: “It was a perfect chance for our families to meet and mingle while the kids swam in the pool.” WEDDING DAY WEATHER Sunny and warm NUMBER OF GUESTS 125 WEDDING COLORS Navy and blush Theme Garden party FLOWERS The ceremony florals, reception centerpieces, bouquets, and boutonnieres were all arranged by Danielle’s family and included beautiful blush and white garden roses. DIY HIGHLIGHTS The couple, assisted by many friends, created much of the wedding décor, which included table numbers, signage, and place cards (fashioned from recycled corks). Danielle: “Together, we made 130 jars of strawberry jam as favors for our guests.” THE MENU Because it was a noon wedding, the pair held a brunch reception. The menu included an omelet station, a brunch buffet, and bagels and lox. Fried chicken–and–waffle bites (Maia’s favorite) were served as hors d’oeuvres. Beer, wine, champagne, and mimosas were also offered. DESSERT A close friend created a three-tier cake with buttercream frosting and fresh Sonoma strawberries. MUSIC They created a playlist that incorporated many guest requests. The first dance song: “A Sunday Kind of Love,” by Etta James IF THEY HAD TO DO IT OVER They would have taken steps to avoid several mishaps, including major wedding-program changes, a cake issue, and an emergency suit-jacket reconstruction. Danielle: “So many things went wrong the week leading up to—and even the day of—our wedding.” Nevertheless, she says, “Our wedding day was exactly as we had both envisioned it—a beautiful sunny day surrounded by our favorite people.” IF THEY COULD HAVE SPENT THEIR MONEY DIFFERENTLY They would have added a videographer. Danielle: “I didn’t think we needed it, but now I wish we could watch the ceremony and all the speeches and the dancing.” FAVORITE DETAIL Danielle: “Walking down the aisle with my father as a string quartet played ‘She’s a Rainbow,’ by the Rolling Stones.” Maia: We created the ceremony ourselves, and it was perfect.” UNIQUE ELEMENTS OF THE DAY The couple patterned their wedding program on a Sunday newspaper, complete with a crossword puzzle containing clues about the couple’s relationship. UNEXPECTED EVENT How quickly the day flew by ADVICE FOR OTHERS In the week leading up to the wedding, get as much sleep as possible. THE DAY IN THREE WORDS Beautiful, loving, perfect

Walking down the aisle with my father as a string quartet played ‘She’s a Rainbow,’ by the Rolling Stones. –Danielle

VENDOR LIST

Ceremony, Reception, and Catering
Ramekins Culinary School

Rentals and Lighting
Bright Event Rentals

Officiant
John Sambraillo

Wedding Planner
Victoria Campbell, Ramekins

Photography
Jamie Thrower, Studio XIII Photography

Rings
Karina Mattei

Hair
Taylor King Holbrook

Makeup
Marisa Perel

Music
AMS Entertainment

Registry
Honeyfund