Patrick + Julianna by Steph Kadlicko

Our vision was to create something that felt European and timeless.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

Patrick is an electronic music producer and DJ, so sound is almost like another language in our relationship. I work in brand partnerships, though writing – my first love- still shapes how I move through the world and is generally what I like to claim.

It seems like music has always been where we meet in the middle. In the most cliche manner, we both cherish quiet mornings with coffee, a good record playing, and our dog Stetson curled up somewhere nearby. He was with me long before Patrick, has been with me for years, but really feels like the heart of our little family.

We spend a lot of time travelling, watching all sorts of films, playing tennis or backgammon together, but more than anything, we’re spending time laughing together. Our humour is what keeps everything light. The moments we love most are the ordinary ones: slow weekends with zero plans, sitting on our balcony, or simply existing together in the same space but occupying ourselves with what we love individually.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

We met at Bonnaroo in Tennessee in 2017, a music festival neither of us was particularly meant to attend, but somehow both ended up at. A mutual friend introduced us, and before we ever met in person, Patrick sent the first text message. Conversations about the lineup, who we were excited to see, other artists we liked, and other things we liked all turned into longer conversations and FaceTime calls. By the time we finally met, it felt like we already knew each other.

From the very beginning, there was an ease between us, as though life or the universe had quietly been leading us toward each other all along. I (Julianna) always said that if Patrick wasn’t the person I was meant to end up with, it would have to be someone just like him.

We dated for around seven years before getting married, and somehow, every year felt both new and comfortably timeless, just as it does today.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).

Our vision was to create something that felt European and timeless, like a romantic garden celebration that could exist in any decade. We wanted Duncan Estate to feel as though it were our own home, hosting an al fresco evening among family and friends.

The colour palette was soft and natural: ivory, cream, cappuccino, and the natural greenery, paired with smoky taupe linens and glassware. Florals were understated, consisting of added roses, but domestic azaleas and dogwoods to echo the estate’s charm. Our planner, Sarah, brought this world to life so seamlessly that it felt like stepping into a dream that we couldn’t have brought to life on our own.

Naturally, music was its own narrative. Guests arrived to a playlist of 1960s Italian film jazz, the ceremony unfolded to Ludovico Einaudi’s “Fly,” which I walked down the aisle to, cocktail hour swayed to Sinatra and big-band brass, and dinner drifted through the decades — 1950s Motown to 1970s soul, all the way to early 2000s nostalgia. Each transition provided somewhat of a story, but through our guests. My Granny sang along to Elvis, other friends and family members felt compelled to dance to 70’s disco, our siblings couldn’t sit down for the 80’s and 90’s songs; watching it all felt like watching eras of different love stories we could hopefully contribute to one day.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee, etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).

Duncan Estate itself was the heartbeat of the design. Built in 1866, it radiates Southern charm and old-world grandeur. When we arrived for our rehearsal, Katie – the owner – ran toward us, beaming: “The azaleas are in bloom!” She explained it happens only once a year. After Hurricane Helene had caused such devastation months prior, the sight felt like we were being given a positive blessing or sign of goodwill.

Between the dogwood trees and cascading greenery, we kept florals minimal: ivory roses along the arch and tables, paired with lace overlays and velvet tablecloths. Vintage silver trays, goblets, and cutlery from my mother and sourced by our planner tied everything together with the quiet elegance we were going for.

When I walked in on the morning of our wedding, Sarah was laying out silver pieces in the foyer and smiled, saying, “Doesn’t it feel like you’ve pulled out the family silver for a special occasion?” And it truly did. It felt like comfortable history polished and passed down just for us. It’s truly such an ode to the venue itself; every inch of the space makes you believe it’s a familiar space, which is just so special.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process, and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

(Julianna) For me, the most meaningful part of planning was the people who made it all happen. Working with Sarah, our planner, and Steph, our photographer, never felt transactional; it felt like creating and planning alongside family or friends. They became a part of our story, grounding us through every detail and decision.

For Patrick, the most memorable moment was when we sent out our save the dates, sealing envelopes, placing stamps, and realising that everything we’d dreamt of was actually coming to life. It was a quiet milestone, but a profound one.

Our advice? Protect your peace and your vision. SO many opinions will surface throughout the process, but remember that this celebration belongs to the two of you. Lean on one another with excitement and, more importantly, kindness. And more tangibly speaking, if you can, work with a planner. It changes everything for the better!

Tell us about your vendors. Were there any standout suppliers you would like to make special mention of?

We were beyond fortunate to work with an incredible team of people. Sarah, from Gather Events, was the architect of our entire vision. Every moment carried her touch. Steph, our photographer, captured not just images but emotion; her ability to translate our feelings into still moments and light is something we’ll cherish forever in complete gratitude.

The En Blanc team helped me find my perfect dress, and Katie and her team at Duncan Estate made us feel like family. A special mention also goes to our dear friend Michael, who officiated our ceremony and gifted us a Michelin mixologist who crafted three signature cocktails — “His,” “Hers,” and “Theirs”, each reflecting a part of our story.

At the end of the night, I texted Sarah and Steph before even leaving the grounds just to say how much I missed them already. That’s how deeply we connected. They were so much more than just vendors to us.

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, and is there a story?

The dress I chose was from House of Flora, an ivory satin gown with a strapless A-line silhouette and custom drop sleeves. Ironically, it was everything I said I didn’t want, and yet the moment I tried it on, I knew. It felt timeless, cinematic, and romantically alive.

My veil was the easiest decision of all, given it was the one thing I had a complete decisiveness about from before ever meeting Patrick. I always wanted a cathedral-length mantilla, reminiscent of brides from centuries past. When I described what I envisioned, “something old-world, romantic, and reverent,” the En Blanc attendants pulled out the exact piece. It felt like stepping into a Renaissance painting.

Patrick wore a classic black tuxedo and bowtie from Friar Tux in Glendale, California – traditional and sharp, perfectly complementing the softness of my look.

Later that night, I changed into a chiffon strapless dress by Meshki. It was a fun, 1960s-inspired piece, and effortlessly perfect for dancing.

Tell us about your wedding and engagement rings.

Patrick worked with an old friend, Greg Zaks, to start the design process for my engagement ring – a timeless piece that feels like an heirloom already. The most special start to our wedding journey, though, is that we actually went through the design process together. While the ring sits on my finger, it somehow feels like a shared piece. Our wedding bands were made by Jack and Harry J., two brothers who’ve been crafting jewellery together in Los Angeles for over three decades.

We wanted something simple but meaningful, something that would weather with us over time. Each piece feels like an extension of our story — enduring, understated, and personal.

What were one or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).

Photography was our greatest priority and worth every investment. Our photos are the memories we’ll carry with us through every season to come; a way to relive the atmosphere, laughter, and stillness of the day. Steph and her team gave us not just images, but a visual love letter to look back on forever. Still to this day, sifting through our gallery continuously feels like coming across something new and reliving a new memory.

Hair and makeup were another non-negotiable. I wanted to feel like the most elevated version of myself, not someone else entirely. The artistry and care that went into every detail made me feel calm, radiant, and present.

Was there a favourite moment (or two) that you will treasure always?

For the two of us collectively, our first look will forever be one of the most treasured moments of our lives. We’d gone back and forth about whether to do it, but it became an anchor in the day, really, one that was very necessarily quiet, emotional, and grounding. I remember feeling SO nervous before stepping outside. Sarah literally had to report about ten times that I was okay, but the second I saw Patrick, every worry fell away. It just felt like home, which is exactly what we are to each other.

For me, singularly, there were other small, sacred moments too. Sharing a cannoli with my grandmother, laughing with my mom as she helped me get ready with my jewellery, the way my dad looked at me when he first saw me in my dress, it was all heavy, but in the most rewarding way. After nearly losing both my parents when I was a kid, having them there was everything.

For Patrick, it was similar. For him, seeing his father there, healthy, present, beaming, and making all of the jokes we fully expected was the only gift he wanted. After so much uncertainty, it meant the world to him.

The photos Steph captured of that joy are among the ones we’ll cherish forever.