A Family Affair: Jace & Hayden’s Wedding at The Farm at White Oak

My daughter is entering her sixth year of competitive dance, and while that’s a story for another day, I want to share how we met the Combs family.

Their daughter, Ella, was O’Brien’s “big sister” in her dance family. As one of four kids, Ella understood our big-family life. The Combs family shares so many qualities I admire—it’s a family affair for them in nearly everything they do. And if you know me, you know I love having my people together. So, when Jace (who returned to teach dance—keeping it in the family! ) got engaged, the entire dance studio was thrilled. You really do become like family with these people, sharing in their wins, losses, heartbreaks—all the things. So, when Mrs. Kim and Jace asked me about flowers, right in the middle of recital (which they were helping run), we all paused to celebrate!

Jace and Hayden got married at The Farm at White Oak, a venue that is simply unreal. This was my second time doing a wedding there, and I’m always excited to return. The property is rich in serenity, with endless green fields, a beautiful house for the bridal party, a charming honeymoon suite, and a barn perfect for late-night dance parties. I could go on and on about how special this place is.

Jace, true to her laid-back nature, didn’t have many specific requests. She wanted just a touch of pink, and her main focus was making the wooden cross at her ceremony a statement piece. That’s just who she is—always giving glory to God. Even on her wedding day, her heart was set on honoring Him. She trusted me completely with the florals, which as a florist, is always a dream. When a bride says, “Do what you want, I trust you,” it allows us to work our magic. We can fill in the gaps, adjust if certain flowers don’t arrive, and really make sure her wedding dreams are not just met but exceeded. That’s where the magic happens.

Their ceremony took place outside, in a beautiful grassy field, where the wooden cross adorned with flowers and aisle markers filled with roses awaited 600 guests! Yes, 600!

Bridal bouquets are always one of my favorite things to create, and Jace’s bouquet was no exception. The peonies for her wedding were extraordinary—bigger than I’ve ever seen! They added the perfect touch to her bouquet. Watching her dad hand her the bouquet during their first look was a heartwarming moment that I didn’t know I needed. The bond between a father and daughter is truly special.

Jace and Hayden’s wedding party was massive—30 people in total, with 14 bridesmaids and 16 groomsmen. Seeing all those beautiful summer blooms lined up in one picture made my heart so happy.

As guests transitioned from the ceremony to the barn for the reception, we wanted to create a statement. We focused on the cake table—can you imagine the size of the cake needed to feed 600 people!? It was definitely a statement piece. We lined the floor around the cake table with lush greenery, peonies, hydrangeas, roses, and ranunculus. Pops of pink were added to the cake itself, and paired with champagne, it was simply stunning.

We aimed for an elegant look that didn’t overpower the natural beauty of the barn. We used cherry laurel to make large, natural centerpieces, and placed over 200 candles throughout the venue. Bud vases filled with a mix of ranunculus, roses, peonies, and variegated pittosporum added the perfect touches.

Our team worked tirelessly all weekend to bring Jace and Hayden’s vision to life. We were fluffing, adjusting, and adding right up until the last minute to ensure everything was perfect. This wedding was one for the books, and it gave me a glimpse of what I hope my own children’s weddings will be like someday—a big family affair, with not only your relatives but friends who have truly become family.

Photos: Laura Kathleen