July 8, 2006
"It's not easy being green."
--Kermit the Frog
If only Miss Piggy could get Kermie to the altar, he'd see how easy it is to be green. Beth (Brogdon) and Jim Leep made it look like child's play at their July 8th 2006 outdoor wedding at the Morris Civic Fountain in downtown South Bend. "I didn't really have any one color, just lots of greens and I wanted it to be woodsy," explained Beth.
Greenery and wood accents reigned throughout the wedding from the moss aisle runner that led to an arbor covered in curly willow, moss and grapes to the flower arrangements that included chocolate lilies and fragrant herbs. The bride and groom had three attendants each, and with no ring bearer or flower girl, the wedding quickly went to the dogs--their dogs--Waldo, a blue tick coonhound and Otis, a basset, who led the wedding party in. After the otherwise traditional ceremony, guests released monarch and painted lady butterflies.
The outdoors theme continued for the 400 guests at a reception held at Palais Royale. Woodsy table centerpieces, fresh green apples with "leafy" place cards, pear candle guests' gifts and a frog bride and groom cake topper added a touch of whimsy to the elegant setting.
It all began when Jim surprised Beth by proposing to her in Fort Myers, Florida on a trip that included members from her family and his.
Everyone was kept in the dark on his plans including Beth's grandmother who was celebrating her 80th birthday. "My grandma didn't understand, so she was crying. She thought that everybody was making a big deal about her 80th birthday," explained Beth.
Grandma wasn't totally outdone, however. "I hung out with grandma the rest of the night because it was really her birthday too," reflected Jim. "She was still in the spotlight."
The couple honeymooned for two weeks in Italy where they enjoyed the Venetian festival, complete with midnight fireworks; Florence, with a hot springs getaway and Verona where they saw Carmen in an outdoor coliseum. "That was probably the coolest thing--I've always wanted to see an opera and then to see it there, of all places," said Beth. "Under the stars, with Mi Amore."
Morris Civic Foundation
South Bend, IN
Reception Location:
Palais Royale
South Bend, IN
Wedding Coordinator:
Shari Crase--Palais Royale
Janie Reese--Friend of the family
Photographer:
Gary Mester Photography
South Bend, IN
Videographer:
IndyVisual
Fishers, IN
Wedding Gown:
Bridal Boutique
South Bend, IN
Bridesmaids Gowns:
David's Bridal
Mishawaka, IN
Hair Salon:
Salon Nouveau
South Bend, IN
Make-up:
Spa at Colfax
South Bend, IN
Tuxedos:
Louie's Tux Shop
Mishawaka, IN
Wedding Rings:
JR Fox Jewelers
South Bend, IN
Flowers:
Bellisima
Wheeling, WV
Wedding Cake:
Rascia's
Bristol, IN
Reception DJ:
The Impalas
Rehearsal Dinner:
Summit Club
South Bend, IN
Limousine:
C & C Limousine, Inc.
Mishawaka, IN
Honeymoon:
Italy