Real Weddings: Dream Nuptials in an Italianate Garden
College newspaper sweethearts Julie Xie & Mike Wisniewski said "I do" in Wellesley's Italianate Garden at Elm Bank.
Photo by Sean Gallery Photography
Julie Xie and Mike Wisniewski shared an office for six months before ever saying a word to each other. The two met in 2012 while working for their college newspaper at the University of Pennsylvania: Julie covered news, while Mike was on sports. “Traditionally, those two teams don’t ever cross paths,” Julie says. But by the second semester, Mike broke the silence at a party by asking Julie to be his beer-pong partner.
“Very college,” Mike jokes.
Eight years later, Mike gathered their college newspaper friends together again for a hiking trip in the Poconos—where the now couple took their first trip together—and proposed to Julie overlooking the Delaware Water Gap. In the summer of 2022, the friends and some 140 of those closest to the pair came together for perhaps their most important assignment yet: watching the duo say “I do” in the Italianate Garden at Elm Bank.
Photo by Sean Gallery Photography
Photo by Sean Gallery Photography
THE FLORALS
“We wanted bright, bold colors,” Julie says. “We worked with Artistic Blossoms to have florals that complemented the garden instead of trying to compete with it.”
Photo by Sean Gallery Photography
THE BRIDESMAID DRESSES
“Red is a very auspicious color in Chinese culture,” Julie says. She honored her heritage by having the bridesmaids wear vibrant, satin red dresses.
Photo by Sean Gallery Photography
THE DRESS
“It was actually the first dress I tried on,” Julie says of her gown. “I thought the lacey flower work on the front went well with the venue setting.” And while she didn’t want a dramatic train, Julie notes, “This one was the right amount of drama.”
Photo by Sean Gallery Photography
THE ESCORT CARDS
Julie’s friend from Japan did the calligraphy on the escort cards. “A couple of days before the wedding, I was in her hotel room with her, and she was finishing up, I was tying the ribbons, and it was really fun to have her involved in that way,” Julie says.
Photo by Sean Gallery Photography
THE FIRST LOOK
“At Julie’s bridal shower, there was a question, ‘Who’s going to cry first?’ and we both agreed it was going to be me—and it was me throughout the entire day,” Mike says. “There was no rain on our wedding day, but there was a steady rain from Mike throughout,” Julie says jokingly.
THE FIRST DANCE
The couple danced to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley (“Mike is a big Elvis fan,” Julie says). The moment was made even more special by surprising Julie’s mom—a dancer by hobby—with a choreographed number while Mike’s brother, the best man, sang the song alongside the band.
Photo by Sean Gallery Photography
THE LEAD VOCALS
Traditionally, Mike’s father sings “Mack the Knife” at every family wedding. Although he was hesitant at first to sing alongside the nine-piece horn band, Dad pulled off a memorable performance. “It was one of the most special moments of the night,” Mike says.
Photo by Sean Gallery Photography
Photo by Sean Gallery Photography
Band
Soul City Band
Cake
Jenny’s Wedding Cakes
Caterer
Gourmet Caterers
Flowers
Artistic Blossoms
Hair & Makeup
Min-Ah Campos
Lighting
Design Light Company
Officiant
Kezia Bacon
Photographer
Sean Gallery Photography
Planner
Stone Event Planning
Rentals
Peak Event Services and Sperry Tents
Stationery
Albertine Press
Transportation
Dav El Transportation and Local Motion Transportation
Photo by Sean Gallery Photography
First published in the print issue of Boston Weddings 2024.
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