NEUTRALS AND NUDES: A LUXE COLOR PALETTE FOR A MINIMALIST WEDDING AT ARIA LAS VEGAS
Destination Wedding Planner Andrea Eppolito. Images by Nicole Hernandez.
As someone who is known for a more is more, over the top interpretation of their clients worldview, it was exciting for me to be invited in to plan Tarra and Jeffery's minimalist wedding at ARIA Las Vegas.
The bride was referred to me by American Express, which offers select customers VIP concierge services for travel and experiences. Tarra and I immediately bonded over our love of neutrals and a shared appreciation of quality, intentionality, and visual storytelling. When she shared that they wanted a clean, streamlined design with a big impact, I thought it would be a thrilling opportunity to play with tonality and texture.
Having designed and executed a series of pure white weddings in the past, I really wanted to warm things up. Instead of working with a crisp and cool white, I began with a base carpet in a warmer ivory tone. Champagne drapes, with a soft sheen were wrapped around the room, and a white on white stage was placed in the center of our space. We selected velvet chairs in a café color for the ceremony, and lined the aisle, with white boxes, filled with ivory, florals and candles. I wanted the ceremony itself to pop, but remain sleek and modern. Rather than fill the space with flowers, which is my go-to love, I sketched three tall, slim arches that spoke to the minimalistic vibe my couple loved. These were created in a brighter white plaster to ensure that they appeared to jump out from the rest of the muted space.
My bride walked down the aisle to a live performance by iconic pop singer Kenny Lattimore. She and her groom were married by celebrity officiant Roxy Birchfield, otherwise known as married by Reverend Roxy.
The cocktail hour took place on the veranda. While guests enjoyed smoked cocktails, and an oversized grazing board, we released the drapes from the ceiling to reveal long, white, lacquered tables on each side of the dance floor. We wanted this to feel more like a dinner party, and less like a traditional wedding. We kept the florals in line with our minimalist, five, and topped it table with white and ivory bowls filled with creamy, ivory blooms. Tall, tapered candles were placed between each floral grouping.
When designing with restraint, every item carries weight and importance. We spent months developing just the right combination of flowers; soft white ranunculus, white spray roses, hydrangea, and dried white florals. Tarra wanted the room to feel cool and sleek, so we used silver instead of gold metallics to offset the cream and champagne fabrics. I brought in milky-glass chargers with a silver trim and heavy silver flatware. The champagne flutes and the votives were cut crystal to add a delicate patten and texture to the tables. I used a tight fold on velvet napkins to place the menus at a slight angle.
The ceremony stage became the backdrop for our entertainment, which included DJ Malik from Florida. He performed alongside a saxophone player and a full percussionist. To echo the silver, we placed a gray bar front in front of the ivory arches. In the corner, we added a portrait center where guests could have beautiful images taken.
Finally, we created a sweetheart table flanked by two towering arrangements on white pedestals. ARIA created a towering cake with a smooth fondant finish and the couple’s monogram, which we set nearby. As a fun, cheeky touch and a nod to the bobblehead dolls they love, Tarra had a topper made in their own likeness!
Many thanks to Tarra and Jeffrey for allowing me the privilege of designing your dream wedding. It was a joy watching you and your family celebrate your love.
Always…a
CREDITS:
Luxury Destination Wedding Planner Andrea Eppolito. Images by Nicole Hernandez. Wedding at ARIA Las Vegas. Production by The Rental Ave. Flowers by Javier Valentino. Live Performance by Kenny Lattimore. Entertainment by DJ Malik.
