A Modern Hotel Destination Wedding in Las Vegas

In early 2009, journalist Dan Slater was attempting to excel in a yoga class when he was gently advised by off-duty instructor Sophie Herbert that he was twisting the wrong way. She may have had a boyfriend at the time, but two years later, Dan contacted newly single Sophie via Facebook, and they "liked" each other instantly. Over Thanksgiving 2012, Dan proposed to Sophie with a sapphire engagement ring.

After nixing the idea of a big celebration, aunt Martha Stewart asked if she could organize their a small soirée in Las Vegas. How could a niece say no?

Upon guests arrival to Wynn Las Vegas (there were only 11), they were greeted with a Paper Mart welcome bag filled with a Moleskine notebook, pens, Mario Badescu facial mist, Aubrey sunscreen, dried spiced mango, roasted pistachios, Beau Coup chocolate poker chips, and a map. A playing card–inspired thank-you tag also nodded to the Vegas setting.

For her “something borrowed,” Sophie walked down the aisle in the stunning vintage garnet jewelry her mom wore to her own wedding in 1990.

The stunning clutch is actually made of clay—yes, clay! Sophie's mom sent Deco Clay Craft Academy a photo of the bouquet that her sister Martha made for her when Laura wed Sophie's stepdad, and the company carefully recreated it.

Sophie’s mother made this beautiful lace ring pillow for her own wedding to Sophie’s step-father, Randy, in 1990. (She is, after all, Martha’s sister!)

The bride posed with her aunt, who wore Marchesa, and her mom, in Reem Acra. "We felt special, sparkly, and so Vegas in those great dresses," recalls Martha.

Dan, decked out in a custom tuxedo, and Sophie, radiant in her mom's vintage wedding dress, snuck in a sweet Eskimo kiss before the ceremony.

The pair chose Vegas because "we were heading there to promote Dan's book, Love in the Time of Algorithms

, and thought, 'Why not?'" says Sophie.

Dan and Sophie exchanged vows in the rose garden of the Wynn Hotel under a simple white canopy adorned with—what else—pastel roses.

Thanks to the marble walls and venetian-glass chandelier, the reception table required little more than lush, low arrangements of pastel roses.

Wooden chopsticks printed with "Sophie and Dan" greeted guests at each place setting. Once seated, everyone dug into a meal of sushi, fried chicken, and ice cream cones.

The wedding cake by Andrea's at Encore was chocolate, vanilla, and raspberry.

Nashville Wraps favor boxes were stuffed with bonbons from Brooklyn chocolatier Cacao Prieto.

"After cocktails, we went to the casino, where everyone was cheering for the couple as we walked through," says editorial director Darcy Miller.

The new Mr. and Mrs. tried their luck at the slots.

Martha joined the newlyweds at a craps table.

Location: Wynn Las Vegas

Event planning, flowers, and music: The Wedding Salons at Wynn and Encore

Catering and cake: Andrea's at Encore

Officiant: Rabbi Mel Hecht

Bouquet and boutonniere: Deco Clay Craft Academy

Dress cleaning and restoration: Madame Paulette

Bride's accessories: Jessica Fields (rings); Nina (shoes)

Hair and makeup: Daisy Schwartzberg

Groom's tuxedo: Rebecca and Drew

Whether you decide to go big or small, seaside or mountainside, bohemian or black tie, find more wedding inspiration in our fall Real Weddings issue by downloading our app and buying the digital issue for only $.99.