SHP Team 2, Wesley, Jenn & Mary, set out early on the morning of Leighanne & Lawrence’s big day. We arrived at Vernon Downs Casino with plenty of time to scout the grounds while we waited for the bride and groom to separately arrive. The skies were threatening and the gambling bets for the day began early as we wondered if the ceremony would take place as planned on the terrace outside. While the wedding coordinator watched the radar, we met up with Leighanne and her ladies as they got ready. We made sure to document Leighanne’s gorgeous gown. She had a piece of her mother’s wedding gown stitched into it; such a sweet touch! She also had a rockin’ pair of Lifestride Sevyn heels for the ceremony. We loved the bright colors!

On the floor below, the men prepared for the day. Lawrence paused while getting ready to present his guys with gift bags! He gave each guy a monogrammed pocket watch. Super classy! He didn’t forget to also add personalized booze and Team Groom shot glasses either.

Team SHP knows Leighanne and Lawrence through Sarah’s husband. Leighanne and Sarah have been cousins since 2013. Sarah’s in-laws have always been kind and great supporters of SHP, so this day was super special for all involved. We met to talk business and solidify plans about the wedding well in advance and bonded over tacos, of course!

Leighanne and Lawrence chose to do a first look on their big day. Once the finishing touches were on the outfits they’d been planning for months, we led them to the Vernon Down gardens for their special moment. Leighanne and Lawrence were super laid back and the first look moment allowed everyone to come together briefly before the ceremony.

While those that put money on the ceremony being outside collected their winnings, Team SHP hung out with the whole wedding party to get formals. The clouds were definitely threatening as we began, and eventually we had to hightail it inside – but we were pretty prepared from our morning scope! While the angry clouds hovered, we could see more pleasant ones in the distance so we headed over to the stadium for some indoor group shots to wait out the raindrops.

The clouds parted for the sun just in time for the guests to arrive and take their seats on the terrace. Leighanne and Lawrence were married by their cousin, Heidi, another extra special touch. They said their vows and then created a blend of different colored sand in one jar to have blown into glass later. Once the I do’s were sealed with a kiss, the guests cheered in congratulations for the new couple and made their way to cocktail hour on the other side of the terrace. The Vernon staff already had plenty of amaretto sours and whiskey sours made and displayed to refresh everyone!

Leighanne and Lawrence first celebrated their new union with family photographs by the garden. Wesley and Mary once again had to take a gamble on the weather! Everyone did the best they could to gather family for portraits before the skies opened up again. In the end, some of them did have to be done inside. Thank goodness we love OCF!

Each guest was greeted with a ticket for a horse participating in the eighth race of the day tucked into the napkin of their classy place setting. The tables were dressed in navy blue and pale pink. Whistlestop Florist did a lovely job with the centerpieces, pale pink roses, and bouquets. The newly weds were introduced and salads were passed as everyone waited for the first fun gamble of the day (gambling on the weather is so stressful!!)!

With full bellies (those cheesy potatoes!), the guest cheered as the screen came down to broadcast the race. Everyone grabbed their tickets and cocktails and turned their attention to the horses. It was a close one and the tables with horses in it to win it watched intently and encouraged their horses. In the end, only one table could win, and they celebrated on the dance floor! Leighanne and Lawrence kicked off the dance party with a bouquet and garter tradition. They joined many of their guests in the SHP photo booth throughout the night.

Here are some highlights from Leighanne and Lawrence’s best day ever:

Congratulations & best wishes, Mr. & Mrs. Piper!

Featured Wedding Professionals || Dress Designer – Stella York | Dress Vendor – New York Bride | Cake Artist – Candy Flock | Florist – Whistlestop | DJ – DJs R US