Christina and Lisa met and fell in love while singing together in the same choir. For their proposal Lisa set up a scavenger hunt for Christina. Christina followed countless clues from location to location until the final clue revealed an engagement ring — and proposal!
The luxurious atmosphere of the historic Grand Island Mansion set a splendid backdrop for Christina and Lisa’s 1920s themed wedding. The couple knew a themed wedding would suit their personal taste and mutual love of the Great Gatsby as well as the Titanic. The ceremony was held on the lawn, accompanied by a harpist and classical guitar. Guests arrived dressed to impress, as they wore beading, glitz and accessories that mimicked the flapper-themed dress code. Lisa wore a white tuxedo with custom black accents, while Christina donned a fitted gown with ornate pearl adornments and a corseted bodice. Centerpieces were DIY’d from wine bottles, pearls and ostrich feathers to add ornate flair to the vintage spaces. The couple also designed their own casino speakeasy club reception, where their 100 wedding guests gambled at different tables and enjoyed lighthearted debauchery.
Tell us how you met!
Lisa sang in my choir and we fell in love with music as our backdrop. Lisa sent me on a scavenger hunt one evening and after following countless instructions (which led to friend’s doorways for another clue, etc, etc, etc) at the final clue and location, was an engagement ring and Lisa asking me to marry her.
What were you inspired by while planning your wedding?
Lisa and I love the movie Titanic, as well as the Great Gatsby and all the splendor of the 1920s.
What were some of your favorite wedding day details?
We loved our beautiful venue, the Grand Island Mansion. A perfect location for our Great Gatsby–themed wedding. We also loved our casino speakeasy club reception. Everyone had so much fun gambling on the gaming tables!
Did you have any DIY details? If so, please share more about them below.
We added DIY centerpieces for the speakeasy club. Using empty wine bottles, we spray painted them gold, hot glued strands of faux pearls, added some black lace to the gold bottle and topped it all with some ostrich feathers. Added a beautiful touch to each table.
Tell us about your attire. What did you each wear and how did you choose it?
My dress was a custom designed dress by a local wedding dress designer. It had a fitted, corseted bodice filled with pearls, and off the shoulder tulle panels on the form fitting floor length gown. Lisa wore a white tuxedo jacket, with a black interior vest, and white pants with a black stripe down the outside length on the pants.
What would you say are some of your favorite wedding day memories?
I did my first look with my mom instead of my now spouse. Seeing how happy my mom was to see me in a wedding dress just gave me so much joy and happiness.
What advice would you give to future couples planning their wedding?
Enjoy the process and don’t stress too much over minute details. A dear friend gave me some wonderful advice the night before the wedding. She said, “Only you will know what went wrong from what you’ve planned so don’t stress about things no one else will expect. Enjoy your day.”
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your big day?
It was perfect in every way, thanks to each family member, friend and vendor we used or depended on.
Search our directory of LGBTQ+ inclusive wedding vendors.
FEATURED WEDDING VENDORS
Photography: Classic Photographers
Venue: Grand Island Mansion
Florals: Amour Florist
Desserts: Sinful Treats
Photo Booth: The Photo Spot
Dress: Custom Designed
DJ: DJ Jeffrey
Gaming Tables: Signature Casino Parties
Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse
Kirsten Palladino
MOST VIEWED STORIES
- How to Find the Perfect Ring for Your Partner
- Bold, romantic, ethereal wedding inspiration
- Rebel Wilson marries Ramona Agruma in a stunning Sardinian wedding
- These nonbinary cosplay lovers brought anime to life for their ethereal wedding
- Adventurous Love: Laura and Jill’s Stunning Elopement in Olympic National Park