1. Real Weddings

An Ivory Classic Wedding at Sainte Claire Hotel in San Jose, California

Jennifer Lu (34, a teacher) and Shawn Davis (44, a teacher) both taught at the same elementary school for many years and always enjoyed when they got

Jennifer Lu (34, a teacher) and Shawn Davis (44, a teacher) both taught at the same elementary school for many years and always enjoyed when they got to spend time together. One thing led to the next over time, and after being in a serious relationship, the couple got engaged and was searching for the ideal wedding venue. Jennifer and Shawn booked the Sainte Claire Hotel in San Jose, California for their wedding celebration. The couple envisioned a theme that embodied a feeling of renewal, such as the two of them starting their lives together. With natural lighting and a unique backdrop, the Sainte Claire Hotel did just that. Their color palette was ivory and green, using the combination within their hydrangea centerpieces spread throughout the venue space. Jennifer wore an ivory strapless wedding dress with a mermaid fit and a lace covering along with ivory heels to match. Shawn wore a dark charcoal gray suit with a light green tie, all purchased from Joseph A. Banks. The guest book was ordered from Etsy, which was a hand-painted tree on a canvas for guests to mark their thumbprint on the tree and sign their names. Now hanging in Jennifer and Shawn’s home, it is a day to remember forever.

Silver Engagement and Wedding Rings
Ivory Open-Toed Bridal Shoes
“During the day, we were very casual because we wanted to be comfortable,” says Jennifer. “I wore a strapless, off-white mermaid gown with a thin layer of lace. I ordered ivory heels from Etsy. Hair and make-up took about 3 hours, but it was well worth it!”
The bridal bouquet was a green and white colored arrangement of roses, hydrangeas and lilies.
The groom wore a dark gray tuxedo with a green tie, and had a yellow lily pinned to the jacket.
Large floral arrangements in white vases outside the venue had a mix of white and green daisies, hydrangeas, roses and lilies.
Jennifer and Shawn had a sand ceremony, where ether both poured two individual containers of sand into one.
First Kiss as Married Couple
Couple Shot at Wedding Venue
Bride and Groom Standing Outside Venue
“We had the wedding at the Sainte Claire Hotel in downtown San Jose,” says Jennifer. “We chose it mainly for the atrium room, which fit our theme, number of guests, and budget. It is a beautiful venue, which has natural lighting and a unique backdrop.”
“I ordered a guestbook from Etsy, which was a hand-painted tree on canvas and all the guests put their thumbprint on the tree and signed their names,” says Jennifer. “I got it framed and it's currently hanging up in our house, so we'll always remember it!”
“Our colors were mainly off white and different shades of green,” says Jennifer We wanted a feeling of freshness, life, and renewal. We used a lot of white and green hydrangea with sliced lime circles for the centerpieces.”
Photo Collage of Bride and Groom
Wildflower Seed and Dianthus Wedding Favors
Heart-Shaped Glass Wedding Favors
The ivory wedding cake had green ribbon wrapped around the base of each tier, and was accented with ivory hydrangeas.
“I had a lot of support from my friends and my sister, so everything went smoothly and I couldn't have asked for more,” says Jennifer. “It was a dream come true.”