Tess and Zack's The Bolles School Wedding

Our Southern Charm Events team is so excited to share Tess and Zack’s wedding story with you. This elegant wedding is a story of love for each other, their family and friends.

Their wedding was held at The Bolles School, a historic Jacksonville property that during the 1920s, was a high-end hotel with incredible architecture. 

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Tess, her sister and father had all attended the Bolles school. Additionally, this was the first large wedding, with 250 wedding guests, to be hosted at the school. They were able to craft a never before done unique wedding with a reception tent along the riverfront.

Tess looked stunning in her wedding gown by Israeli designer Berta. She had first seen the designer’s work some years ago, and then she saw this particular wedding gown and sent the photo to her mother. 

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Years later, living in New York City, Tess discovered that the designer had opened a storefront showcasing sample and runway gowns. When she and her mother went gown shopping, they made an appointment and low and behold, not only did they have the same gown but the sample gown fit like a glove. We guess it was meant to be!

Zack looked very handsome in his Brooks Brother’s tuxedo from the Great Gatsby Collection, accented with a classic rose boutonniere. 

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After their first look and a Ketubah signing ceremony, the couple exchanged their wedding vows in a blended Jewish and Christian wedding ceremony officiated by Tess’s brother-in-law.

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Just weeks before the wedding, Tess’s father was hospitalized and they were not sure he would be out of the hospital or be able to walk her down the aisle. Tess accompanied her father to his first physical therapy session for support and told them he had to be able to walk her down the aisle and dance with her. 

While he was still using a cane when the wedding day came, his adrenaline kicked in and he was able to do both without the cane.

After their wedding ceremony and some family photos, including some with their 3 ½-year-old Golden Retriever, everyone made their way to the beautiful sailcloth tents erected along the waterfront. 

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A black and white checked dance floor was created in the center of the tent with a riser for the band on one end and a gold-toned mirrored sweetheart table at the other. Above the dancefloor was a luxurious white floral canopy dotted with garlands of white orchids.

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Wedding guests were seated at collections of long rectangular and round tables draped in white linen. Gold custom wax seals on menu cards, a detail that began with Tess and Zack’s wedding invitations became the reception decors color story. Gold chivari ballroom chairs, gold-rimmed glass charger plates, gold flatware, gold acrylic table numbers, and gold-toned candles were paired with soft white and blush floral pieces.

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After introductions and Tess and Zack’s well-choreographed first dance, Tess took to the dance floor with her father in a beautiful and touching moment. 

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A Hora where the couple was nearly lifted into the white floral canopy really kicked off the evening of dinner and dancing.

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An elegant three-tiered white combed buttercream wedding cake with gold beading and gold custom cake topper rested on a gold riser and mirrored table.

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The newlywed’s wedding day ended under a canopy of sparklers, surrounded by the people they love.

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You might want to grab a tissue and enjoy this touching film of Tess and Zack’s wedding day.

A huge shout out to our amazing vendor team for putting everything together” – Tess and Zack
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Jacksonville Wedding Venue: The Bolles School

Jacksonville Wedding Planning and Design: Southern Charm Events

Catering: Blue Sage Cuisine

Bartending: Oliv’r Twist

Floral Design: Anything With Plants

Beauty: About Face Design Team

Wedding Photography and Videography: Nate Puhr Photo + Cinema

Rentals: Beachview Rentals and Design

Entertainment: Blonde Ambition Band

Transportation: East Coast Transportation