Black & Gold Chic Wedding — With An Officiant You May Recognize

Oh, Kayla and John. You had the most perfect summer day for a wedding! You have the most perfect love with the perfect person. Your day was so special! All of us at Hitch Studio adore you two!

Kayla came to Hitch Studio looking for help with decorations for her wedding reception at the Hilton Garden Inn South in Sioux Falls, SD. Of course, I loved her black and gold forever-classic color palette and styled her some sparkle-infused centerpieces. What I didn’t know at the time was how special her ceremony would be to me too.

Kayla and I met as work associates. I decorated many events at the Swiftel Center, and Kayla was an employee there, often helping me decorate tables as we talked and talked like good friends do. Eventually, Kayla accepted a position at South Dakota State University (SDSU), but our friendship didn’t waiver. As Kayla and John were looking for a non-denominational ceremony, they also wanted a less formal wedding officiant. My heart skipped a beat when they asked me (yes, me…Renee) to officiate their wedding. What?! I’ve always wanted to get ordained, but needed the right reason and perfect couple to do so. And here they are right in front of me. Both opportunity and love took over. I happily accepted and presided over their ceremony as an officiant for the first time. I am now a wedding planner and clergy member. (I have a badge and ID card and everything) 🙂

I wrote their vows as if I was writing my own vows to my soon-to-be husband. My fiancé and I are engaged to be married in October, so writer their vows was very personal and make me tear up every time I read them. Later, I gifted those vows to Kayla in a book, with a special message from me written in it also. They’ll have their vows forever now!

After the ceremony at the Museum of Visual Materials, guests headed to the reception decked out with black and gold sparkle. A sprinkle of Schinkel I like to say. The romantic bistro lights hanging above, created this glow for the evening. Their head table was gilded in gold sequin panel backdrops and each table had black linens with gold chargers. The couple planned such cute personal aspects of their wedding as well, with “His Favorite”, “Her Favorite” and “Their Favorite” snacks, treats, and desserts. Guests loved trying all of them! I just love this couple. Writing someone’s vows and giving a piece of your heart to them creates a bond that’s lifelong.

Enjoy the photos of their wedding reception! With so much love, Kayla & John,

Hugs,

Renee