1. Real Weddings

A Whimsical, Purple Wedding at the Ashford Estate in Allentown, New Jersey

Classy and elegant with whimsy is how Anne Lin (36 and in finance) and Michael Treadow (30 and in finance) describe their wedding at the Ashford Estat

Classy and elegant with whimsy is how Anne Lin (36 and in finance) and Michael Treadow (30 and in finance) describe their wedding at the Ashford Estate in Allentown, New Jersey. With a navy and lavender color scheme, the couple highlighted the whismy of the estate with plenty of soft, natural light and accented the venue's lush, green lawns with ivy, inspired by the groom's time at Princeton University.  The ceremony at Ashford Estate's refined yet rustic barn included an aisle of lavender rose petals, while Anne's bridesmaids carried bouquets popping with purple blooms. Before the reception, the newlyweds moved inside to an elegant lounge, where they performed the traditional Chinese tea ceremony, before inviting guests to the ballroom for an Asian-inspired feast. One special touch? The couple donated to the American Cancer Society in honor of Anne's father as part of each guest's favor. —Allie Volpe

Anne's ring is a classic round-cut stone with a white gold band adorned in two rows of baguettes.
Anne's headpiece was an asymmetric band of pearls and crystals "that added a bit of fairy tale," the bride says.
Anne's bridal bouquet included several hues of purple on the classic blooms.
Incorporating the colors of the day—lavender and navy—each bouquet featured deep purple, lavender and white orchids and roses for Anne and lighter shades of purple and pink florals for the bridesmaids. All arrangements featured romantic touches of greenery.
The barn at Ashford Estate in Allentown, New Jersey, was decorated with ivy, a nod to nearby Princeton University, where Michael went to college.
Anna and Michael took photos in a floral-adorned swing on Ashford Estate's property.
To honor Anne's Chinese heritage, the couple's family and bridal party took part in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony before the wedding. Elders are honored with tea served by the couple.
During the tea ceremony, Anne was given two gold bangles, symbolizing the dragon and the phoenix. The bracelets symbolize a happy marriage.
The escort cards were placed in wooden boxes peeking out of an arrangement of dainty white florals.
Lavender orchids, greens and succulents sat at the center of each reception table.
Anne and Michael's whimsical, three-tier cake featured a cascade of purple butterflies adorned to the white icing.