Real Weddings: Ivy & David

From beginning to end, Ivy and David’s story shows that love can survive anything. Their engagement began with an anniversary of firsts as David got down on one knee in the same spot where he took Ivy for their first date, where they shared their first kiss amongst surprise fireworks, and where he asked Ivy to be his girlfriend. David’s proposal brought Ivy, who is a mental health advocate, motivational speaker, and blogger at BeautifullySimplyYou.com and IvyWattsSpeaks.com, to tears. The magic continued into their wedding day as Ivy walked down the aisle accompanied by both parents. Getting married in 2020, the couple had a pandemic to be concerned with as well as the health of Ivy’s mother, a recent cancer survivor. Ivy and David knew that her mom was a fighter and honored their bond by performing a surprise mother-daughter prior to their own first dance as a married couple. It was comforting to have her mom by her side because at times with her cancer they were unsure about the future, Ivy says. It was through these hardships, that the couple was able to remember what was truly important in life: love, joy, and togetherness. The two danced the night away in their Ivy’s parents’ backyard alongside 50 of their closest friends and family. Ivy felt truly beautiful in her Allure dress covered in floral appliques that not only beautified the dress but embodied her spirit. And each wedding detail was reminiscent of the couple’s unique personality, from their Mad Lib guestbook to wedding sparklers — a nod to the surprise fireworks they experienced during their very first kiss. The magical evening was truly indescribable as David and Ivy embarked upon their forever.

Wedding Details

LOCATION: Boston, MA

TIME OF YEAR: Summer

WEDDING STYLE: cheerful, friendly, personal

CEREMONY & RECEPTION: The bride’s parents’ backyard

MENU: Appetizers consisted of shrimp cocktail and mini chicken and waffles bites along with sweet potato fries; entrée choices included lamb chops, jerk chicken, salmon or stuffed mushrooms (Vegan), with rice, plantains and asparagus accompanying.

DESSERT: a gourmet cupcake display

FIRST DANCE SONG: “Why I Love You” by Major

INSPIRATION: Happy, fun colors that reflected the quirky personalities of David and Ivy, and touches of natural materials such as wood

SPECIAL FEATURES: The bride wore bright yellow shoes under her gown; sparklers; DIY touches including table number décor; a mother-daughter first dance; Corona beer and 7-Eleven cup toasts; backyard games such as ring toss and bean-bag toss; guest book was a Mad-Libs style guest book; their hashtag #davidgoesivyleague

HONEYMOON: A mini-moon to New Hampshire and Maine due to Covid, with plans to take a longer honeymoon in the future

COLORS: