Romantic, moody, timeless, and undeniably classy—this real wedding was the perfect balance of dramatic beauty and refined elegance. From the very beginning, the couple envisioned a celebration that felt rich in atmosphere yet effortlessly sophisticated, where every detail worked together to create an unforgettable experience. Think deep, layered hues, candlelit ambiance, and thoughtfully curated design elements that felt both modern and enduring.
We are delighted to feature the stunning wedding of Natalie and Benson Holmes—a celebration as meaningful as it was beautiful. From the elegantly curated décor to the heartfelt moments woven throughout the day, every detail reflected their unique love story. The Holmes wedding was more than just a joyful gathering of family and friends; it marked a deeply significant chapter in their lives, thoughtfully beginning their journey as husband and wife.
DJ: How would you describe your wedding decor, theme, or vibe?
NH: From the very beginning of our wedding planning, I knew I wanted the overall feel to be romantic and moody, yet still timeless and classy. Choosing a color palette was one of the hardest decisions for me, because there were so many combinations I loved. I always knew that red had to be a part of it- it’s my favorite color. We built our palette around that, and thoughtfully layered in complementary tones as the vision evolved. The cake table and two floral arches we had were some of my favorite aspects. As a fun fact, our arches featured real trees the groom cut down himself just three days before the wedding. When everything was finally in place, the result was breath-taking and more beautiful than I could have imagined.
DJ: What are some of your favorite special memories of your wedding day?
NH: I have only biological aunts, so one special thing I did that created such sweet, lasting memories was a first look with my mom’s two sisters and my dad’s sister.
Another meaningful choice we made was taking family photos before the ceremony, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and immediate family. This ended up being the only time during the day that I was able to hug each of them individually and truly speak with them, and I’m so thankful we chose to do that.
Of course, there are the more traditional moments—like first looks with parents and with the groom—but some of the memories I hold closest to my heart are the quieter ones. My last morning at my parents’ home, and the final car ride before becoming a Mrs. with my mom and siblings… those are some the moments that truly stand out to me and always make me smile.
DJ: Were there any funny moments or things that didn't go according to plan?
NH: Actually, yes! The two biggest unexpected moments were the bouquet toss and cutting the cake.
We didn’t realize only the top layer of our cake was real—and it was tall. When it came time to cut it, we found ourselves tapping on each layer trying to figure out which one was actually cake. I ended up having to stand on a chair just to reach it! It was completely unplanned and honestly so funny in the moment.
The bouquet toss didn’t go quite as expected either. We had guests from out of town, family and friends included who we don’t see often and that meant we wanted pictures with a lot of them. Some of the more traditional reception activities got pushed to the side because of this. Since I hadn’t done the toss yet, my coordinator suggested, “Just throw it during your exit after the kiss.” So that’s exactly what I did, and it ended up making for such a unique and comical send-off!
It definitely wasn’t what we had planned, but by that point, we were just going with the flow and soaking it all in.
DJ: How did you find the perfect wedding dress?
NH: Everyone has a unique style, and I knew I wanted my dress to be completely me, but classy and timeless. I had my eye on a dress I saw but didn’t see how I would get my hands on it since this designer’s store was in New York City. You know how shopping for “the dress” goes, and I was afraid to go all the way there and then not truly be in love with the dress in person. That lead me to book an appointment with a local bridal store. When I walked in, they had a dress that looked exactly like the only I had been eyeing! It, however, was not modest, so we did have to make it modest by having a top made for it and then added it on. That process was nerve-wracking because I had a vision in my head that I was holding on to. In the end, it came together exactly how I envisioned!
DJ: Do you have any advice for future brides?
NH: About a week before the wedding, my mom told me to try something: look at a moment then close my eyes. She said someone had told her it helps make your memories clearer when you look back on the day. I decided to do it throughout the week. I did it in the room that morning, in front of the decorations, and even after seeing myself in the mirror. And it truly worked.
So many brides and grooms say their wedding day feels like a blur, but Benson and I both agree that it didn’t feel that way for us. Our reception flew by, but being intentional about remembering helped me hold onto those moments.
Be intentional.
Pause and remember how you felt during your first look.
Remember what your grandmother said when she saw you for the first time.
Remember the tears. Remember the laughter. It only happens once.
DJ: Is there anything else in particular that you'd like to share about your wedding or your love story?
NH: Trust God! His ways are truly perfect, and He has a way of working things in your life for good even when you don’t see it or feel it.
Also, be friends with everyone. You never know who you will meet that knows someone else who may just be your soulmate! Benson and I met through mutual friends!
Photographer: Dillon Pacholek ~ abbiestreet.com