After their first date, Lindsay Goodner and Jonathon Gorbach knew they had something special. “I decided he was a keeper when he offered to walk me to my car at the end of the night,” reveals Lindsay. The two became inseparable and grew to truly know one another. As such, when it came time for Jonathon to pop the question, he knew exactly how to design the scene. “When I got home from work, my beloved dog, Isabella, came and greeted me at the door like always,” Lindsay recalls. “The engagement ring was attached to her bandana!” The bride-to-be notes that her sweetheart knew how important it was that her pup be included in the proposal.

During the 14-month engagement period, Lindsay made research her top priority. “I consulted almost every wedding publication, blog, and photo-sharing site for ideas,” she divulges. “I also discussed everything with my mother and our venue coordinator to narrow down choices and finalize plans.” The location had been the simplest decision made by the bride and groom, as it was a favorite vacation spot for Lindsay’s family growing up. “Since we were going to have family and friends flying in from all over the United States for the wedding, we wanted to have it in a place that would offer a lot of activities, yet provide an intimate setting for the ceremony and wedding-related activities,” explains the bride.

The morning of the vow exchange, Jonathon donned a chic, offbeat ensemble comprised of a white tuxedo jacket over his mostly dark-hued formalwear. The small blush boutonniere on his lapel offered quick hint to the couple’s wedding color palette. The groom and his groomsmen awaited the women in the on-site chapel featuring stained-glass windows, crystal chandeliers, and an altar simply bedecked with greenery. Bridesmaids in grey dresses with bow adornments on the necklines carried nosegays of peonies and ranunculus blossoms in varying shades of pink. Finally, the bride entered in a ball gown fit for a princess showcasing multiple tulle tiers and a unique black sash. “I also put the sixpence that my mother had worn to her wedding in my shoe!” the bride divulges. “Additionally, Jonathon had just given me a necklace with Isabella’s name on it, so I wrapped that around the base of my bouquet.”

Following the ceremony, guests retreated into a ballroom setting to continue the festivities. Finding their seats from sentimental escort cards featuring the newlyweds’ two beloved pups – an emblem carried out in many different décor elements such as the menu and the bar façade – attendees enjoyed a meal of either seared filet, beef tenderloin, Chilean sea bass, or roasted vegetable strudel. Each tablescape featured textured metallic linens and a compilation of ivory-and-blush arrangements at varying heights. “We wanted the wedding to be elegant and classy with a funky, modern touch to it,” says Lindsay. “Coral peonies were used throughout the room’s centerpieces to complement the hue of the walls.” The round table in the middle of the space displayed a grand arrangement with an intricate, twisting floral design, which brought focus to the center of the room. 

Instead of a traditional dessert, Lindsay and Jonathon elected to offer their guests a tiered macaron “cake” with an ombré pink pattern. In hindsight, the bride has practical advice for future couples looking to exchange vows. “Upon becoming engaged and after you have reserved your venue, I highly recommend reserving your photographer and band immediately,” she tells. “These are two of the biggest and most important vendors for your wedding – you will be surprised at how fast they book up.”