“He always had a girlfriend and I always had a boyfriend,” shares Tara Romagni of her and Julio Rincon’s previous relationships. After college, they were finally both single and reconnected. “The rest was history!” adds Tara. It wasn’t long before Julio was preparing to ask for Tara’s hand in marriage. He proposed on Valentine’s Day after a romantic dinner in Las Vegas, where they reside. “Julio just whipped out the ring and got down on one knee… I was shocked!” reminisces the bride. 

When beginning to plan their fall celebration, the pair followed the advice of Tara’s grandfather and hired the best group of wedding vendors – first enlisting the help of a talented event designer to ensure their big day was absolutely perfect. “Our wedding planner, Lia with I Do Details Weddings & Events gave us the most planning advice,” shares Tara, noting that she even recommended the venue they selected. 

Desiring a color palette of white, greenery, and gold, the design of the celebration came together absolutely beautifully for the elegant fête with timeless décor and details. Guests were first introduced to the sophisticated style of the day with elegant invitations featuring sleek black and gold details, as well as a sketch of Las Vegas on the envelope liner with script that read, “See You In Las Vegas!” 

On the day of the alfresco ceremony, 95 friends and family members found their seats atop wooden vineyard chairs with ivory cushions dotting a manicured lawn. White flower petals blanketed the aisle, which was beautifully lined with lush greenery and white flowers that led to a stunning structure composed of similar foliage and florals. The bride was gorgeous in a form-fitting gown featuring stylish embellishments and a plunging neckline as she made her way to meet her groom, who was dapper in a classic suit. 

Following the vow exchange, guests found their seating assignments that doubled as favors on an escort card display covered with greenery and decorated with a neon sign that read, “Love is the best medicine.” “With Julio and I being in the marijuana industry, we wanted to incorporate that into our wedding day,” shares Tara of the unique addition. “We created a display with shelves and miniature glass jars with each guest’s name and table number that were filled with chocolates that looked just like marijuana.” 

Like the ceremony, the dinner service took place outdoors. Bistro lights were suspended overhead, which provided a warm ambience throughout the evening under the stars. Reception tables featured both high and low centerpieces accented with an array of candlelight. Square tables showcased tall, lush greenery arrangements in stone urns with lower florals interspersed with candles, and rectangular tables displayed low centerpieces in mostly white, along with candelabras to provide a romantic glow. Each guest’s place setting featured a black-and-white place card, a modern menu, and golden flatware. 

A buffet-style dinner was savored by everyone in attendance, and libations including a signature “Salty Dog” cocktail to honor the couple’s pups, Taco and Porkchop, were served all evening. To ensure their loved ones enjoyed the revelry throughout the night, late-night snacks – including selections from a French fry bar and wood-fired pizza station – kept the energy up. In fact, the bride’s favorite moment of the day was the very last dance of the night. “Every single person was jumping up and down on the dance floor,” she remembers of the special day that turned into such a memorable night.