Real Weddings // Riley & Dan
When Riley walked down the aisle on April 20th, 2024, at Aurora Farms in Greenville, SC, she wasn’t just making a statement of love - she was making a bold statement of personal style too. Wearing Barbara Kavchok’s Ophelia gown, Riley encapsulated the essence of her vibrant and unique personality on her big day.
Finding “The One” in Color
From the start, Riley was a bride with a vision.
She knew she wanted every vendor she worked with to be inclusive and affirming to every guest in attendance.
She knew she wanted to share private vows with her husband before they publicly shared.
And she knew that she wanted her all of her wedding looks to be as interesting as her personal style.
For her engagement photos, that meant a lace skirt and sneakers on the South End of Charlotte. For her wedding dress, that meant something colorful and comfortable and fun.
She reached out to Opal Bride with a request that would bring her dream to life – to have Barbara Kavchok send an array of colored gowns for a private viewing.
Among the stunning options like Romeo, a purple A-line organza gown, and Cora, a coral piece with a classic sweetheart neckline, it was Ophelia that stole her heart.
Ophelia is this ethereal silk chiffon gown drenched in an ombre sunset palette with hand-rolled rosettes in orange clay and dusty yellow blossoming across a daringly low back, cascading down to an elegantly long train.
The dress typically comes with these delicate sunset bishop sleeves and a graceful cowl neckline.
However, Riley went a step further—she had the sleeves made removable to switch up her look through the day.
The Team Behind the Big Day
Aurora Farms was the backdrop of Riley and Dan’s big day.
Owned by Mike and Yvonne Fortner, it’s got a family vibe that feels so warm, welcoming and comforting.
It’s nestled on an old horse farm, highlighted by the most stunning weeping willow tree.
The Fortners are committed to making wedding planning a breeze - with options rom the simple to the extravagant, they’re on a mission to make your day as stress free as possible.
Opal’s very own Julia Sears was their photographer, adding another layer of our team’s excitement in their big day, and our friend Kendra at Laurel Creek Florals created arrangements to add color to the vibrant day.
The Big Day
Back to the big day: under that gorgeous weeping willow, with their nearest and dearest around, Riley and Dan’s wedding was the perfect blend of modern chic and timeless romance.
It wasn’t just about the stunning setting or the gorgeous gown; it was about celebrating their unique love story in a place that values personal touches as much as they do.
Riley’s choice of the Ophelia gown not only highlighted her individuality but also her commitment to celebrating this in a venue that values personal touches and family history.
Her wedding was a beautiful fusion of modern style and traditional elements.
At Opal Bride, we take pride in helping every bride find the gown that speaks to their heart.
Riley’s journey to finding her perfect Barbara Kavchok gown was a journey of color, style, and personal expression.
We’re all about helping you find a gown that’s as unique as your love story—one stitch, one color, one dream at a time.
Feeling inspired by Riley’s story? Whether you’re dreaming of a colorful gown or something more traditional, we’re here to help make that dream come true.
Book a private appointment to explore our exclusive Barbara Kavchok collection.