We are eagerly anticipating the wedding of Modern Family’s Jesse Tyler Ferguson and his lawyer beau Justin Mikita. So much so that we’ve taken it upon ourselves to showcase three inspiration boards for their big day (feel free to thank us with invitations, guys).
The talented team behind Something Fabulous, an event planning firm with locations in Washington, D.C. and Detroit, brainstormed with us and came up with some pretty amazing ideas for the Hollywood couple. “While their status as pop culture icons and cause activists are important to their lives and personal passions, we sought to dig deeper,” says Kimberly Allen, IDEAS/Experience Director and co-owner of the company. They infused humor, style, individuality, fashion, art and equality—a few of Justin and Jesse’s favorite things—into their design for the duo.
THE STYLE: They’ve already proved themselves to be successful tie designers, and we expect they would design their own. “The color scheme for this special detail would set the tone for the wedding day’s visual design. Our palette picks are orange, blue, green and brown. Of course, Leaf needs a tie, too,” says Jennifer Charles, co-founder and Design Director for Something Fabulous. The boutonnieres decorated with white knots give a nod to marriage equality, while the lock-and-key design symbolizes their bond. As for apparel for the grooms, we will leave that to the gentlemen themselves. “Their fashion savvy-ness isn’t styled, it comes naturally.”
THE DECOR: We can’t say it better than Jonathon Adler, “Make it your own—personal style means having a space that’s comfy but filled with stuff that has meaning to you. It should hold things created and inspired by passionate people. Personal style should make you happy and happiness is chic.”
“This holds true to personal wedding style,” notes Allen. “Happy and chic sums up the reception space.” Décor includes Jonathon Adler vases and accents on the tabletops filled with a mix of favorite blooms: whimsical gerbera daisies and intellectual orchids. Mr. and Mr. salt-and-pepper shakers add a little something unexpected. Traditional stationery accents are replaced by miniature table art accents that double as conversation starters.
The foundation of Something Fabulous’s wedding design comes from significant details from Jesse and Justin’s life together. A favorite Liza Minelli bust that sits in their living room is referenced in needlepoint pillows added to soft seating in party lounge spaces, while their organization’s signature owl makes an appearance on the tabletops.
THE LOCALE: Because the couple regularly escape to Palm Springs and frequents the Ace Hotel and Swim Club for breakfast, we felt this iconic hotel would be the perfect quirky setting for their special day. Its proximity to downtown, Joshua Tree National Park, the Salton See and modernist desert architecture, as well as its onsite spa, make it an ideal place to celebrate and give both the guests and grooms plenty of options for a fun-filled weekend. “Of course, it’s dog-friendly so Leaf Coneybear Ferguson-Mikita will have his place of honor as part of the wedding party!” adds Allen.
THE FARE: Organic and epicurean, with a little twist at the end. “We envision cocktail hour poolside, with an eclectic mix of favorite overtures from Broadway to Hollywood playing in the background,” says Charles. “Perhaps a signature drink named after their dog or their foundation. Dinner is strolling and includes international favorites at cleverly styled food stations.”
The menu is comforting and enjoyable, sophisticated yet approachable. After an evening of festivities, the after-hours menu wouldn’t be complete without chicken fingers (a favorite of Justin’s) and a Mexican food truck surprise.
GET THE LOOK
Utopia Owl Vase by Jonathan Adler, $158
Capuchine Large Gourd by Jonathan Adler, $325
Carnaby Talitha Vase by Jonathan Adler, $68
Mr. and Mr. Muse Salt & Pepper Shakers by Jonathan Adler, $48
Disco Lady Pillow by Jonathan Adler, $165
The Alexander Tie by Jesse Tyler Ferguson for tiebar.com, $25
Wedding Lock and Key Set boutonnieres on etsy.com, $40
Brittny Drye is the senior editor at Equally Wed, the nation’s premier online magazine for gay and lesbian weddings and honeymoons. Follow her on Twitter @BrittnyDrye.
