In the late afternoon of a gorgeous spring day, 300 loved ones gathered at a country club for the nuptials of Julie Martin and Bart Shelley. As attendees arrived at the alfresco ceremony, they were greeted with glasses of Champagne. Guests then took their seats beneath the shade of lush towering trees. Rustic lanterns lined the ivory aisle that culminated in a canopy composed of greenery accented with white and mint flowers.

Escorted on the arm of her father, the beautiful bride donned a fabulous fit-and-flare lace wedding dress with a crystal sash and ruffled skirt. Her delicate jewelry consisted of diamond drop earrings, as well as tennis and pearl bracelets. Pastel pink roses lent a hint of color to Julie’s bouquet of vanilla roses and peonies. Her dapper groom was attired in an alabaster tuxedo jacket and ebony slacks. Julie and Bart were honored to have the bride's uncle, a Presbyterian reverend, officiate the service.

Following the vow exchange, attendees strolled to the reception. The escort card table featured a bed of white blooms with a few pastel yellow and pink varieties. A similar collection overflowed from a vase covered with leaves. Dinner was served in an inviting space with a heavenly draped ceiling from which crystal chandeliers were suspended. Walls of windows afforded views of the verdant grounds. Two long head tables boasted mirror tops and tablecloths with a modern pattern in gold and ivory. Stunning floral runners were composed of blush and vanilla blossoms and were softly illuminated by lamps and votive candles in gilt glass vessels. As a finishing touch, attendees’ names were propped on gilded pear ornaments next to clear chargers with golden rims. Round guest tables were swathed with bullion linens and decorated with creamy, petite centerpieces and a variety of crystal candleholders as well as tall designs in pastel tones.

After dinner, a gospel choir in sharp pinstripe garments led friends and family to the dancing tent singing the hymn, “Oh Happy Day.” Resembling a starry sky, hundreds of twinkling lights adorned the ceiling. Stylish furnishings, candlelight, and uplighting in fuchsia and purple hues gave the interior the ambience of a chic lounge. A magnificent circular structure suspended over the dance floor was covered in sparkly gold details and laden with violet orchids, lavender hydrangeas, and red tulips.

Wanting partygoers to have a good time, the newlyweds put a lot of emphasis on the entertainment – and they did not disappoint. From the raised stage, Boyz II Men sang Lonestar’s “Amazed” for the bride and groom’s first dance as husband and wife. This was followed by the moving father-daughter dance to “My Girl” by The Temptations, also performed by Boyz II Men. The Grammy Award-winning R&B group continued to delight guests for part of the night.

Following a bit of advice they received during the planning process, Julie and Bart spent the best night of their life at each other’s side while they celebrated with friends and family.