If you google popular wedding themes, you end up with romantic, modern, vintage, whimsical, rustic, bohemian…. but for me, I never felt like my vision fit into anything “traditional.” I knew I wanted bright colors (obviously) and I wanted the wedding to FEEL like us. We didn’t have a theme in mind going in, but as we started talking about little details of our day, we ended up with a CLEAR theme — Taylor Swift and America. And honestly, it couldn’t have been more of a Leslie & Michael wedding.
First off what’s with the obsession of Taylor Swift and America?
I mean, I’m thinking how can you not be obsessed with Taylor Swift and America. But somehow those two things have always been big in our relationship and 10-year friendship. Michael and I saw Taylor Swift twice in concert… before we were even dating. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve watched the Reputation tour on Netflix. And our Alexa never hears us say anything other than “Alexa, play Taylor Swift.”
As for America, Michael may be the most patriotic human I’ve ever met. You rarely see him wearing a shirt that’s not reppin’ the flag. Usually, when he receives gifts from friends, it’s something America-themed.
OUR INVITATIONS:
Our reference to Taylor Swift started with our Invitations. We used a lyric from “Love Story” to get people to RSVP. “It’s a Love Story, baby just say yes….” Get it?
THE MUSIC:
Speaking of music, the ceremony and reception were full of Taylor Swift songs (and a few patriotic songs). I walked down the aisle to Love Story and we walked back down the aisle to Paper Rings (also by Tay). Our first dance was “Lover” - the Shawn Mendes and Taylor version.
THE BRIDESMAIDS:
We listened to Folklore and Taylor ALL day long getting dressed. And the girls even surprised me with Taylor-themed shirts they made. All their shirts had a different lyric!
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM:
The first way we incorporated our patriotism into the day was by kicking off the ceremony with The National Anthem. This was an idea we had WAY back. We joked that the officiant would say “please remain standing for the National Anthem” after I walk down the aisle.
OUR KOOZIES:
Our koozies were also a way we could incorporate America AND Taylor in a more subtle way. The koozies were red with an American flag that said “America’s Couple” and it said “United We Stand” which is obviously an American thing to say, but actually it’s a line I pulled from “Death By A Thousand Cuts.”
THE GROOMS CAKE:
Michaels’ grooms cake couldn’t have been a surprise if I tried. There was literally no other obvious choice for a groom’s cake other than an American flag. And it may have been the best cake I’ve ever had. Batch Baking Co did a phenomenal job.
OUR EXIT:
Our wedding was at our house, so we had a “fake” exit, but it was still so much fun. We had little American flags for everyone to wave down our sidewalk. We walked out to “Party In the USA” (another one of our favorites). The only thing that could have been more perfect is if Taylor sang this instead of Miley, but we love Miley too.
DANCE PARTY IN THE USA:
The party didn’t end there. In fact, it cranked up a few notches. And now we all had American flags in our hands to dance with.
LATE NIGHT POOL PARTY:
Yes, we ended up in the pool by the end of the night. Our American flags came with us — we were getting them all out of the skimmer the next day haha. I may have jumped in wearing my dress, but later we changed into our American flag swim suits — you know just to make sure we stayed on theme :)
Photos By Melissa McInnis at Bliss Photography
KEEP READING: OUR ENGAGEMENT + THE STORY OF US
Cheryl Frost
It was a very beautiful wedding and so unique. Just like you, Les! 🥰 So happy for you both. Aunt Cheryl