Michael and Tyler: A Candlelit Celebration at the Biltmore Estate

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Biltmore Estate, Michael and Tyler’s wedding was a celebration of romance, theatrical design and unapologetic individuality. From a candlelit ceremony and couture lace to a hidden speakeasy complete with burlesque-inspired swans, every detail reflected their personalities and the story they share.

Photography Shannon Yen Photography

THEODORE Mag: Firstly, tell us about how you met?

Michael and Tyler: We met online when we were undergrads. We were at two different universities, but about an hour apart. We remained friends for years, until I liked one of Tyler’s stories on Instagram about five years ago. We began as a long-distance relationship, with Asheville, NC, as our meeting spot. Our first date was actually at the Biltmore Estate!

THEODORE Mag: Who proposed and how?

Michael: We got engaged in August 2025. We were on vacation in Napa Valley for my birthday. Tyler proposed in the private cellar of Elusa Winery at the Four Seasons property.

Tyler had designed a ring with assistance from Kaitlin Hikes at Spicer Greene Jewelers. The ring was custom-designed with a beautiful platinum band and gold braids on the outside. Tyler’s wedding ring is the reverse of this to represent our love, individualities and similarities.

THEODORE Mag: When did you get married?

Michael and Tyler: October 17th, 2026, on the Front Lawn at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.

THEODORE Mag: Tell us about the wedding planning process?

Michael and Tyler: Getting to work with Josiah Carr and Justin McGregor at SAMKOMA was wonderful. We loved getting the opportunity to plan our wedding with another gay couple. The collaboration felt natural, intuitive, and came with a sense of being personally understood. Josiah and Justin were always inspiring us and brought imaginative ideas that were impossible to resist. A staircase inside a tent? A massive candle chandelier? Burlesque-inspired swans? Their creativity made every step in the process exciting, and we loved the opportunity to work with them.

THEODORE Mag: Tell us about your look…

Michael and Tyler: Olia Zavozina was recommended to us by our planners. She designed his and Justin’s wedding suits and came highly recommended. Once we had our initial consultation, we knew she was the perfect creative person for us.

We wanted to show our personalities in our attire while complementing one another. One of the best parts of working with Olia was the large amount of lace she allowed us to explore before making our final selections for our wedding day outfits.

Following our first fitting, we were so inspired that we asked Olia to make our welcome party outfits as well. For these, we took inspiration from our trip to Japan.

During our initial consultation with Olia, we brought several images inspired by lace, couture fashion and old-world romance. From there, we truly let Olia be inspired. A beautiful button detail, more lace, a custom dragonfly brooch for good luck. The artist was at work!

Olia also assisted us in selecting our shoes for all of our outfits. In addition, Olia attended the wedding and personally assisted us in getting ready for both our welcome party and wedding day.

We loved the back of my wedding jacket! The exposed lace back was breathtaking. An amazing detail, Tyler’s second outfit was a completely lace top inspired by my wedding jacket.

Michael and Tyler: We both wanted natural-looking makeup with a soft, warm glow.

Michael: My hairstyle was inspired by the romance of vintage braids. Hair was styled by Lacy Key with Bella Beauty.

THEODORE Mag: Why did you choose the venue?

Michael and Tyler: The Biltmore Estate has always been part of our love story, from our first date. It holds so many happy memories for us, and we wanted to share this with everyone we love. The overall architecture and design continued to inspire us throughout our process, from our wedding invitations to the custom columns.

THEODORE Mag: Tell us about the aesthetic of your wedding?

Michael and Tyler: One of our favourite design details was the stairs in the tent! The grandness of the stairs really elevated and transformed the space. It truly felt like we were not even in a tent any longer! We loved watching our guests’ reactions when they reached the top of the stairs to explore the next part of the celebration.

Early on, we were inspired by the atmosphere of speakeasies. A wall with drapery concealed the speakeasy until after dinner. The speakeasy was green from floor to ceiling, with brass and dark brown accents. We were inspired by swans given that they represent enduring love, loyalty and, importantly, gayness. Swans have high rates of same-sex partnerships and we truly embraced swans! We had swan art scattered throughout the speakeasy as well as several brass swan accents.

We love the rule: no bright overhead lights and as many candles as possible! Josiah and Justin took this rule to another level. During our ceremony, we were surrounded by candles on stage. The night continued with two massive candle walls that welcomed our guests to cocktail hour. At the reception, candles filled the space. From the tables and stage to candles along the stairs behind our sweetheart table. The centrepiece was a massive candle chandelier dripping with bleached dried amaranthus to create a wax effect. It was truly breathtaking!

THEODORE Mag: And finally, what were some of your favourite moments from the day?

Michael: Tyler’s favourite moment was the ceremony. Tyler and his mother exited a 1959 Rolls-Royce, while, at the same time, my mother and I stepped out of a 1960 Bentley. We proceeded to walk down our V-shaped aisle until we met at the centre. It truly represented our love story by having us walk down two paths that finally come together in union.

Michael and Tyler: One of our planners’ brilliant ideas was to bring in burlesque-inspired swan performers. They were a massive hit! Guests took pictures with them, danced with them and accepted passed cocktails from them. However, the moment we will never forget was my grandmother sitting in one of the swan performers’ laps while she was smoking a cigar in the speakeasy!

Reflecting back, one of our most memorable moments was the massive outpouring of love for us. Growing up gay, we had never seen a wedding like ours. Throughout the celebration, every time we kissed, everyone cheered and celebrated our love. We hope our wedding inspires others in the queer community to keep dreaming of their own fairytale!

Michael and Tyler ’s Team

Planning and Event Design @samkoma.world
Event Support @samkoma.mariann
Photography @shannonyenphotography
Videography @klasseyproductions
Content @the_contentfriend
Florals and Candles @stellarosefloral
Limewashed Columns Justin of @samkoma.world
Beauty @bella_bridalartistry
Entertainment @emeraldempireband
Ceremony Musicians @eastcoastentertainment
Production and Rentals @whitedoorevent
Lighting @pisgahavl
Tenting @professionalparty
Tabletop @curatedeventscharlotte
Linens @reverie_social
Paper Goods @jlfcalligraphy
Scent @lelabofragrances
Rings @spicergreene
Custom Attire @oliazavozina
Custom Jewelry @elenazavozina_accessorize
Vintage Cars @coatscars
Transportation @eliteglobaltransportation
Cigars @therealcigartailor

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