Alex & Ethan’s Summer Wedding
July 17th, 2026
Planners: Jolene & Allison
A Picture-Perfect Summer Wedding Celebrated Entirely Outdoors
There are outdoor weddings, and then there are weddings where the entire celebration happens outside.
Alex and Ethan were the very first couple to host their wedding completely outdoors at The Wells Estate. From their ceremony beneath The Grand Arches to dinner, dancing, and every celebration in between, their guests spent the entire evening surrounded by summer air, beautiful florals, candlelight, and the countryside setting of the estate.
And the weather? Absolutely perfect.
It was one of those picture-perfect summer days that seemed made for an outdoor wedding. The sunshine, the greenery surrounding the property, and the soft white floral arrangements from Stacy K Floral created a setting that felt romantic without being overly formal. Every part of the day had room to breathe—and the result was an unforgettable wedding experience for Alex, Ethan, and everyone lucky enough to be there.
A Summer Wedding at The Wells Estate
From the very beginning, the day was filled with moments that felt incredibly personal to Alex and Ethan.
Alex shared a special first look with her dad, and there wasn’t much anyone could do about the happy tears that came when he saw his daughter all grown up and ready to walk down the aisle.
Then came Ethan’s first look.
His reaction said it all. He was completely stunned by his bride.
And, naturally, there was one more member of the family who needed to be part of the day’s biggest moments: their puppy, Dodge.
He was there for it all—the important moments, the celebrations, and, naturally, anything involving food. And when the cake came out, he made it very clear that he would like to be included in that part of the evening, too.
Honestly? He may have been the real star of the wedding.
An Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Under The Grand Arches
Alex and Ethan’s ceremony took place beneath The Grand Arches, surrounded by the summer landscape and an abundance of white florals and greenery.
But before Alex ever appeared at the top of the aisle, Ethan and their guests heard a message from her that made the moment even more meaningful.
Alex had recorded the sweetest message for Ethan, which played just before she walked down the stairs from the Countryside Cathedral. Then, she made her way toward the aisle and down to the Grand Arches, where her soon-to-be husband was waiting.
It’s hard to imagine a more personal way to begin a wedding ceremony.
Under the arches, Alex and Ethan exchanged thoughtful vows, rings, and their first kiss as husband and wife.
And just like that, they were married.
From Cocktail Hour to an Outdoor Wedding Reception
After the ceremony, guests moved into the Countryside Cathedral for cocktail hour while the Partyman Catering team went to work.
Because this wasn’t just an outdoor ceremony. This was an entirely outdoor wedding.
While guests enjoyed cocktail hour, the ceremony space beneath The Grand Arches was transformed into the reception setting. By the time everyone returned, the space had completely changed.
White floral centerpieces from Stacy K Floral brought softness to the tables, while candlelight added warmth and romance as the sun began to shift into evening.
The result was exactly what made Alex and Ethan’s wedding so special: their guests weren’t simply looking out at The Wells Estate during dinner.
They were dining underneath it. And then they danced underneath it, too.
A Romantic Reception Beneath The Grand Arches
By the time guests returned from cocktail hour, the ceremony space had taken on an entirely new feel. The tables were set beneath The Grand Arches, surrounded by the greenery of the estate and the soft glow of the evening.
It was relaxed, romantic, and completely fitting for a summer celebration.
But before anyone could settle into dinner, Alex and Ethan had something to show their guests.
Their first dance.
And WOW.
The two performed a beautifully choreographed routine that had everyone watching. Alex’s dress was absolutely twirling, the dips were seriously impressive, and for a couple of minutes, the dance floor felt like their own little stage.
Then came the special dances with their parents—a quieter, more sentimental moment in the middle of an otherwise very celebratory evening.
And from there, the evening only got better.
The Little Details That Made Alex & Ethan’s Wedding Personal
Some of the sweetest details weren’t necessarily the ones you could see.
Alex and Ethan gave their guests an interactive guestbook that allowed them to record messages using a phone—essentially creating a collection of sweet voicemails from the people who celebrated with them.
It’s the kind of guestbook that becomes more meaningful with time.
Instead of simply signing a page, their family and friends were able to leave behind their voices, their congratulations, their stories, and little pieces of the night that Alex and Ethan can listen to again long after the wedding day is over.
We already touched on Alex’s message to Ethan, but it’s worth highlighting again because of how special it truly was. Hearing those recorded words right before she walked down the aisle added such a personal, heartfelt layer to the start of their marriage.
These are some of the details that make a wedding feel like their wedding.
A Wedding Day Full of Family, Laughter, and Celebration
One of the most memorable parts of the evening came during the speeches.
The Father of the Bride delivered an incredible speech about Alex and Ethan, sharing the things their family loves most about them.
There’s something especially meaningful about hearing those stories as a wedding guest. Even when you’re not part of the family, you get a glimpse into the people being celebrated—their history, their personalities, and all the reasons the people attending are so happy to see them begin this next chapter together.
There were cheers. There were plenty of laughs. There were smiles around the tables. And then, eventually, the speeches were over and the dance floor was officially open.
Encore Events brought the party, and Alex, Ethan, and their guests absolutely tore it up.
A Wedding Made for the Outdoors
Some wedding days just seem to belong to their setting.
Alex and Ethan’s was one of them.
From the moment they said “I do” beneath The Grand Arches to their first dance under the setting summer sun to dinner by candlelight and a packed dance floor that kept the celebration going, the entire evening felt connected to the landscape around them.
The weather couldn’t have been more perfect. The florals were effortlessly beautiful. Their families brought the emotion, their friends brought the energy, and their puppy made sure he was included in absolutely everything.
It was the kind of summer wedding that makes you want to slow down and stay awhile.
And underneath The Grand Arches, with everyone they love gathered around them, Alex and Ethan created something that felt completely, unmistakably theirs.
One beautiful day. One incredible setting. And one unforgettable way to celebrate becoming husband and wife.
Vendor Team Spotlight
This celebration came together through an amazing group of vendors, who all played an important role in making this day truly feel like Alex and Ethan’s day.
Vendors:
Each vendor played a part in transforming this wedding into something truly magical.
Venue: The Wells Estate
Catering: Partyman Catering
Florals: Stacy K Florals
Entertainment: Encore Events
Photography: Lauren Branagan Photography
Internal Photography/Content Creation: Malorie DePerna Photography
Videographer: Flower & Oak
Hair: Christina Miranda Hair
Looking to plan a wedding that is perfectly YOU?
It starts with The Wells Estate. Start planning today.