When I first heard that Monica + Mikhail were planning to have a Harry Potter themed wedding at A Simple Affair, I was freaking excited. Yes, I am a Harry Potter nerd and yes the wedding was a magical day with the classiest Harry Potter decor and so much love you could feel it. Melina from Starry Eyed Events beautifully designed and decorated the room and helped to add so many amazing touches that elevated the space to a new level!
So when Melina sent the email out before Monica + Mikhail’s wedding, the subject was, “You’re a Wizard ‘Arry! All Monica & Mikhail’s Magical Wedding Details!” So that is how I learned very quickly that the day was going to be amazing.
The ceremony took place at the Mt. Charleston Amphitheater— this was my first time photographing an event at this location and I must say, it was so so beautiful. The way the sun sets in the background in one direction and the beautiful fall colors across the mountain in the other direction were just some of the things that made this spot amazing. And we definitely got lucky with amazing weather and warm sun during the ceremony.
Also— the background really gave all of the “Hogwarts” vibes + the triangle arbor is a deconstructed deathly hallows sign!
The backdrop made for some epic portraits! The bridal party was so much fun and they were so great during photos after the ceremony even as it started to get a little chilly. And Monica + Mikhail’s Shiba hung out for the whole wedding as well and was sure to give all of the kisses to his newly married parents! :’)
And then the party freaking started. A Simple Affair was the venue for the reception and it was transformed into the great hall of Hogwarts. Melina is a genius, honestly.
The room reveal with Monica + Mikhail was one of my favorite parts of the day. Their reaction put the biggest smile on my face and obviously, they had the biggest smiles on their faces!!
The cake was also to die for— Wee Little Cakes made the Harry Potter Cake of Monica + Mikhail’s dreams. It included the same symbols from Monica’s tattoo on her shoulder and the golden snitch (which is extra meaningful to these babes because Mikhail proposed to Monica with a ring in a custom made golden snitch!)
All of these Harry Potter details really pulled everything together. On the seating chart, the first table was designated for Harry, Ron, Hermigony, and the HP squad, the signature cocktails from CraftLV were named Umbridge’s Elixir and The Triwhiskey Cup, and they even had a bubbling cauldron for their punch.
After dinner and speeches concluded, dancing commenced. + the good ole’ money dance. 10/10 recommend doing this. Also, check out Monica’s deathly hallows crown— another perfect detail for the day!
Another super cool part of the reception was when two of Monica’s aunt and uncles came on to the dance floor for a surprise performance together, which they had never done before (or even practiced!!) They killllled it and they brought the whole mood of the evening up to another level!
And to end the night, Monica and Mikhail had all of their friends and family line up outside of A Simple Affair, sparklers were passed out, and they got to run through the lights while everyone cheered. I always love a good sparkler exit and this was no disappointment!!
It was the BEST day!! + a few others though the same and wrote their own blog posts!!
You can find this wedding featured on The Knot + Bridal Musings!
XO
Ash
And a good blooper of the humans that like to “JOKE” with me with their sparkles… + check out my Hufflepuff scarf because I get REAL festive when allowed.