May 24, 2008
When you ask a bride about the theme of her wedding, most will give you a color scheme or an object that will
appear many times throughout the day, like butterflies, hearts, pears or polka dots. But theme is much more than
that. It is an attitude and an atmosphere that evokes an emotion from those attending. It is an overall ambiance
that surrounds the day and inspires the guests. A theme can be romantic, whimsical, family oriented or trendy but
all the elements of the day should contribute to make the wedding a cohesive event.
After getting engaged in Scotland in the shadow of ancient European architecture, when Melanie Cismowski and Doug
McGregor planned their wedding day, they were looking for the elegance of Old World Europe with a touch of New
World fun. The choice of the majestic Trinity English Lutheran Church in downtown Fort Wayne was a magnificent
place to start building on that theme. From the ornate altar area with vaulted ceilings to stained glass windows to
the long stone aisle, the venue was reminiscent of the cathedrals of Europe that the bride and groom had seen on
their trip to Scotland. Add to that scene classic black menswear with bronze accents and the luscious richness of
the brown/black iridescent taffeta gowns for the bridesmaids and the stage was set for the bride and her dad?s walk
of a lifetime down the aisle.
Melanie chose the vintage inspired "Rhianna Royale" gown by Maggie Sottero topped with a mantilla style fingertip
veil to complete the picture perfect look. Although blue is her favorite color (it matches her eyes), she chose to
stay with rich fabrics and colors for the bridal party attire and accented with flowers of the blue and ivory with
a touch of yellow for fun and contrast. Details like a bagpiper playing as they exited and an old fashioned trolley
to take the wedding party from church to reception added just the right touch to the ceremony.
At the reception, the couple added more of the element of fun to the theme. Guest tables were covered with sheer
ivory embroidered overlays, and a variety of floral art incorporating glass, flowers, curly willow, river rock,
copper accents and water features were displayed throughout the country club. Candles and blue uplighting gave a
glow to the evening as the family and friends danced and partied. The evening was capped off with a fantastic
fireworks display?a surprise gift from the bride to the groom, reminding them of watching fireworks together over
the lake when they were young. They completed their Old World theme with a honeymoon cruise through northern Europe
and Russia.
Trinity English
Lutheran Church
Fort Wayne, IN
Reception Location/Caterer:
Orchard Ridge Country Club
Fort Wayne, IN
Wedding Coordinator:
Linda Maggert AIFD,
One of a Kind Events
Fort Wayne, IN
Photographer:
Justin Vaughn Photography
Fort Wayne, IN
Wedding Gown:
Toumas Bridal & Tuxedo
Fort Wayne, IN
Bridesmaids Gowns:
The Perfect Dress
Fort Wayne, IN
Hair Stylist:
Heavenly Hair and Spa
Fort Wayne, IN
Tuxedos:
Men's Wearhouse
Fort Wayne, IN
Flowers:
One of a Kind Events
Fort Wayne, IN
Invitation:
The Monogram Shoppe
Fort Wayne, IN
Wedding Cake:
All Occasions Cakery
Columbia City, IN
Reception Band:
Living Proof
Indianapolis, IN
Rehearsal Dinner:
Summit Club
Fort Wayne, IN
Transportation:
Trolley from Excellent
Adventures
Fort Wayne, IN
Honeymoon:
Northern Europe
and Russia via
Princess Cruise Lines