1. Real Weddings

A Classic Wedding at The Saturn Club in Buffalo, New York

Six years after they began dating, Lauren Barrick (25 and a speech-language pathologist) and Francis Snyder (30 and a firefighter) tied the knot in a

Six years after they began dating, Lauren Barrick (25 and a speech-language pathologist) and Francis Snyder (30 and a firefighter) tied the knot in a classic ceremony in their hometown of Kenmore, New York. "The church was very meaningful to both our families, since it's only a few block from where Francis and I grew up," Lauren says. With a simple yet classic design in mind, the pair pulled off a timeless affair filled with muted florals and clean white accents. "I didn't want to stick to a strict color scheme," Lauren says. "I just wanted a wedding that will look timeless when people view our wedding photos in 50 years." The celebration took place at the Saturn Club in Buffalo, New York—a space large enough to accommodate the guest list of 260 family members and friends. "Two minutes into the tour of the venue, I had my heart set on having our reception there," Lauren says. "The venue has so much character and architectural beauty that I didn't want to cover it up." Gold chiavari chairs and crisp white linens gave the room an element of elegance, while ivory and pink arrangements of hydrangeas and roses added a sense of romance to each tablescape. "The result was better than we could have dreamed," Lauren says. "It was the perfect official start to our lives as husband and wife." —Rachel Sylvester

"When I started planning, I knew I wanted to keep things very simple and classic," Lauren says of sticking to a neutral palette of ivory and white.
A cathedral-length veil was a must for Lauren, who donned a classic A-line style complete with a large bow detail on the bodice. After showing her bridal consultant a photo of her dream gown, Lauren was shown the exact replica of the dress without the bow. "She assured me that the seamstress could create the bow that it was missing," Lauren says of the all-white design.
Lauren carried a classic arrangement of ivory and pink roses paired with eucalyptus leaves and wrapped in satin ribbon. "I tried to keep the flowers neutral, simple and classic," she says.
Bridesmaids wore silver, embellished Adrianna Papell gowns in a silver hue. "The color was subtle and matched with the black tuxes perfectly," Lauren says. "With such a large bridal party, it was easy to have everyone order online rather than try on dresses at a bridal salon. I think all the bridesmaids appreciated the simplicity of the process."
Bridesmaids carried matching miniature versions of Lauren's bouquet—an arrangement that included ivory roses, hydrangeas and pink blooms.
The couple's flower girl wore an ivory dress and carried a miniature pomander made from hydrangeas and roses for her walk down the aisle.
Lauren and Francis said "I do" in a traditional ceremony at St. John the Baptist Church in Kenmore, New York. "The church was only a few blocks from where we both grew up," Lauren says. "Francis and I both attended Catholic school, so the church was very meaningful for both our families."
Family and friends gathered outside St. John the Baptist Church to congratulate the newlyweds before the reception.
The decor in the Saturn Room was kept to a minimum, with gold chiavari chairs and neutral linens paired with elegant hydrangea-filled centerpieces.
Each round reception table was topped with elegant, ivory and green centerpieces made from hydrangeas, eucalyptus leaves and seeded eucalyptus.
Sweet Beginnings bakery created a four-tier confection for the newlyweds, topped with fresh pastel blooms. "I wanted a classic white wedding cake with a matching exterior," Lauren says.