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Romantic Ancient Roman Wedding: The Viles

July 29, 2024 · by Andrea Long

Weddings are special times, and here at Dainty Jewells, we love to celebrate these momentous occasions. We are especially amazed by talented brides who take their weddings to another level. Winter Viles is one such bride with a completely unique wedding vibe. We are delighted to feature Winter on the blog today! Welcome, Winter!

SI: How would you describe your wedding theme or vibe?

WV: Growing up, I had always wanted something that would stand separate while also carrying that timeless feel (Yes, I was that little girl constantly planning my wedding! I even thought I wanted to be a wedding dress designer growing up.). If I were to try to explain the wedding theme/vibe, I would say it was romantic ancient Roman mixed with a bold monochromatic modern flare! I wanted that ancient royal wedding feeling which came from the venue! It was an ancient Spanish monastery built in the 1100’s in Northern Spain, and relocated/rebuilt in America in 1953. It was a dream location! When it came to the modern touch, I dove in head first with the royal, cobalt blue shades! The flowers, velvet linens, bridesmaids’ dresses, candles, and even the aisle runner were all this same blue! Simply put, all my décor was my “something blue”, and I loved it.

SI: What are some of your favorite or special memories of your wedding day?

WV: Before the ceremony started, two moments stick out in my mind. I did a first look with my brothers and dad, and my sisters and mom carried my dress behind me before they turned. The silence while I looked at all their backs and the girls situated my dress was so overwhelming; I couldn’t help but think how grateful I was for the best family in the world. The second they turned around all the tears flowed freely! Another moment before that I don’t hear many people talk about is the minutes before you walk down when all of your bridal party has begun walking down. I was alone in my bridal suite, and the next thing I know my mom is putting my veil over my face; I walk out to see my dad there waiting, and all he says smiling is, “Let’s do this thing”. What a full circle moment it was to have my greatest supporters through my whole life support me in one of the happiest moments of my life. 

Really there were so many moments that made the day special; it’s hard to only list a few, but if I were to rapid fire I would say it was: The video from my grandparents during the ceremony, the tears in my husband’s eyes that started BEFORE he turned around and saw me, the live music and performances during the entire reception, the dance battle between groomsmen and bridesmaids (the girls won!), and my dad’s iconic cookies (IYKYK) he made from scratch for our wedding favors!

SI: Were there any funny moments or things that didn't go according to plan?

WV: Well, it turned out our florists only made half of the bouquets than what we needed! So, my girls started quickly throwing together extra bouquets with extra flowers that they snatched from centerpieces, only minutes before walking down the aisle! 

Also, the order of the ceremony got a little wonky, but it really didn’t disturb the flow in an obvious way. Right before my parents and I were supposed to start walking down the aisle, I'm trying to signal that the doors needed to be opened, and then suddenly I heard my uncle start singing “We Are Standing on Holy Ground”. That’s when I realized that the order was flipped around (as that was supposed to be the opening song). It turned out to be a beautifully intimate
and peaceful moment of worship with my parents right before the doors opened.

SI: How did you find the perfect wedding dress?

WV: It was interesting because I initially went to a shop and tried on multiple dresses, thinking I found the one or even options! It was later that evening they came back with the pricing and each dress was around double the budget we had set, although we had notified them of what we were comfortable spending! I was pretty much devastated. I knew I tried on some of the most beautiful designers’ dresses (Monique Lhuiller, Reem Acra, etc.) and now didn’t know how I was supposed to try on other dresses again and feel the same or not compromise my style or taste! 

A week later, I went to the same shop my sister got her wedding dress at and it was the second dress I tried on! I fell in love and couldn’t stop smiling! It was perfect. The dress originally was completely sheer lace on the top with the entire back out! We had to construct an entire bodice under the lace with boning. And for the back, my mom found a beautiful appliqué that we added. Because the back needed so much done to make it modest, it wasn’t finished until the morning of!

SI: Do you have any advice for future brides?

WV: Things will inevitably not go to plan, so mentally prepare and remind yourself that no matter what, you are marrying the love of your life and it’s going to be the greatest adventure ever. Distributing out the planning, thrifty preparations, payments, decisions, and self-care will help the process from becoming too overwhelming or you as the bride getting decision fatigue. Remember when you think ,“I don’t care anymore; it's whatever”, that you owe it to your younger self that dreamt of this day to gather yourself and make the final decision. 

Really try and remind yourself that it’s a special time, and special things don’t always come easy! Just like finding your husband! It takes effort and dedication, but always allow yourself "you time" and little things that make you feel special in this season!

Two things (that should be discussed more often): don’t forget to ask for help, and don’t feel guilty. These people love you and would love to help you!

And lastly, this is one of the most special moments of your life; invite those that YOU want to share it with. Don’t let the pressure to make others feel important dictate the day that’s meant to celebrate how much YOU are important. Be kind, discerning, and, yes, even picky. I carried this so heavily, worrying about people being offended, and afterward I realized that I can’t control people’s feelings, nor the venue's cap amount of people allowed. Breathe and know that those that love you will understand.

Photography by sushdigitalmedia.com

Andrea Long

About Andrea Long

Andrea Long is wife to Clinton and mommy to Clark and Chantry. She is editor and manager of The Dainty Jewells Blog and part of the marketing team of Dainty Jewells. She is also a Registered Nurse turned stay-at-home mom of her two precious boys. Her life is full of adventure as she travels full-time with her evangelist husband and little ones in a "tiny home on wheels". She enjoys decorating her small space, time with her family, holistic health, a good book, a strong cup of coffee, and as much time at her piano as possible. Andrea considers herself very blessed to live this life for her Faithful Friend. Follow Andrea on Instagram @andreagrindlelong.

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