1. Real Weddings

A Classic Jewish Wedding at the Addison in Boca Raton, Florida

From the all-white florals to the chiffon-draped chuppah, everything about Melissa Samowitz (28 and an accountant) and Derek Goldsmith’s (28 and an at

From the all-white florals to the chiffon-draped chuppah, everything about Melissa Samowitz (28 and an accountant) and Derek Goldsmith’s (28 and an attorney) white wedding was classic. The Addison’s twin banyan trees were accented with rows of simple white folding chairs and sleek black lanterns along the aisle as the couple started their day with an outdoor ceremony in Boca Raton, Florida. Dalsimer Atlas, the couple’s florist, placed twin bouquets of white roses and white hydrangeas on each post of the chuppah. “The Addison is so beautiful that you don't need to do much,” Melissa says. She came into the ceremony in a gorgeous trumpet wedding dress from Bijou Bridal that stood out against their simple decor. White lace cascaded down from the illusion neckline onto the overlay of her grand neutral skirt. She paired the dress with a simple fingertip-length veil. After the couple exchanged vows, they ended the night inside their venue. Amber uplighting filled the room as each table was met with white linens and black chiavari chairs. The couple's florist designed lush white rose and hydrangea halos around black lanterns for the centerpieces. Another standout detail: their all-white wedding cake. The team from Creative Cake Factory baked an elegant round confection with delicate swirl piping, white blooms and white dots along each tier. Poirier Wedding Photography captured every moment of the day, below. Melissa shares a tip: “Don't leave each other's side the entire night. Greet people together and dance together, so you are both in all photos.”

Melissa and Derek decorated their wedding with only a few simple accents. The couple's white fabric-draped chuppah was met with two bouquets of white roses and white hydrangeas designed by their florist, Dalsimer Atlas. Their team also made an all-white bouquet for Melissa.
Melissa and Derek used the Addison's twin Banyan trees as the main decor for their wedding in Boca Raton, Florida. Rows of white folding chairs were met with navy fan programs as simple black lanterns lined the aisle. The couple's white fabric-draped chuppah stood out with the only florals along each post: white hydrangeas and roses.
Sleek Black Candelit Lantern Aisle Decor
“Once I found the perfect color I told the girls to pick any long style they liked,” Melissa says. Her four bridesmaids wore blush floor-length dresses with empire waists and sweetheart necklines. Each woman matched the pleating on their skirt with either a strapless, one-shoulder or off-the-shoulder style.
For their floating courtyard and indoor cocktail hour, Dalsimer Atlas accented the Addison's fountain with sweet white rose petals in between low arrangements of white roses and hydrangeas. A saxophonist played in the background as their guests enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres and Hawaiian signature drinks inspired by the couple's honeymoon spot.
Classic White Chuppah With White Hydrangeas
Melissa paired her stunning white and neutral lace wedding dress from Bijou Bridal with just the right accessories. She paired the white lace with a simple fingertip-length lace-trimmed veil and a matching hair comb in her side-swept hairstyle.
For a fun and unexpected twist, the couple decorated their escort-card display with wine corks. Each of the Melissa and Derek's 125 escort cards was paired with a wine cork, and the same accents formed their initial. Black lanterns and lush white florals also lined the table and complemented their centerpieces inside the reception.
"I knew I wanted all-white flowers, low table settings and lanterns with flowers around it," Melissa says. Each table at the reception was accented with lush white roses and hydrangeas around sleek black lanterns. For a pop of color, amber uplighting also filled the room.
Creative Cake Factory baked a classic all-white confection for Melissa and Derek that was composed of red velvet and chocolate cakes. A slight champagne ribbon along each base was met with white delphinium blooms and swirl or dotted piping. White roses served as the topper. “I cannot wait to eat it on our one-year anniversary,” Melissa says.
Derek and his groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos and white rose boutonnieres for the couple's traditional ceremony. For a fun touch, the groom stood out with a black-and-white polka-dot tie.