“Luckily we had Debbie to point us in the right direction,” says Summer Leigh Elliott of Elias Events’ Debbie Elias. “Without her, I truly would have been lost.” With the expert planner’s guidance, Summer orchestrated the wedding of her dreams to fiancé Joel Michael Monahan, at the elegant Chateau Polonez.

Darryl & Co. created an exquisite scene for the outdoor ceremony. A variety of white floral arrangements and wrought-iron candelabras set a romantic tone against the overcast autumn sky. The 150 wedding guests sat in white garden chairs while an outdoor fireplace created a romantic glow for the couple’s exchange of vows. The bride, too, glowed, in a Jenny Lee gown from Louise Blum, as did the mother of the bride in attire from David’s Bridal.

Then, just before Summer was about to proceed down the aisle to meet her fiancé, a smoldering log fell out of the fireplace and onto the ground. “Had it been five minutes later, it would have fallen out on me and our preacher,” says Summer. “The photographer even got a picture of the fire extinguisher. That will definitely be going in our wedding album.”

When asked how future brides should handle unexpected mishaps like this, Summer advises: “No matter the stress… it’s your day, enjoy it! It’s all about you two being married in the end.”

Summer remembers another moment, also captured in photos, as her favorite from the wedding: watching Joel’s face light up as she walked down the aisle. Photographer Elizabeth Sullivan shot the moment in sequence. Summer now enjoys looking back on the images and reflecting on her groom’s expression of delight. “It’s the cutest thing,” she says.

The seated reception took on a modern feel with a palette of red, black and white. Tall centerpieces, which Summer calls “fun and fabulous,” topped the tables where guests dined. After dinner, celebrants indulged in sweets from a custom candy bar and a cake from Who Made the Cake! Videographer MDI Video was there to record the excitement as the couple danced the night away on a custom monogrammed dance floor before leaving on a honeymoon to Florence, Sorrento and Rome, Italy.