Style Me Pretty

Wedding Cakes By April Reed

Just a bit more eye candy from April Reed for you to devour as you are wrapping up your day! These cakes are just so beautiful. The sugar flowers look so real, they are just incredible. I have to say (and I've been thinking about it all day) the one thing that I really love about April's cakes, is the stunning simplicity paired with the one exquisite detail. Whether it's a flower or a branch or a gorgeous ribbon, April edits her designs so that the cake takes center stage...

And in my opinion, I've saved the best for last. These next two cakes are sheer perfection...AND they epitomize the April Reed look. Simple, sophisticated, gorgeous...

Thank you SO much, April for sharing these stunning cakes with us! We can't wait to see the new designs you are working on!

Wedding Cakes By April Reed

So, we all agree that April Reed is one of a kind when it comes to cake design. BUT, did you know that she also makes cupcakes? Yep...it's true! And, they are equally as gorgeous as her cake creations...

I absolutely love the sweet simplicity of these two cakes. Set among these gorgeous backdrops, these little gems don't fight to take center stage!

Stay tuned, I even more gorgeous April Reed cakes to show you!

Wedding Cakes By April Reed

I am certain that most of you, like myself, are already HUGE fans of April Reed...the cake designer that has literally redefined what a wedding cake should look like. Her work is delicate, it's beyond sophisticated...it's basically perfect. Well, it's probably a given to you guys that I was SO excited to receive an email from April with photos of some of her favorite cakes...

Last set of photos by Henry Top

How completely beautiful are these cakes? The simplicity is perfection and yet the details...oh the details! The flowers, by the way, are ALL real...made completely out of sugar. Isn't that amazing? I sound like a twelve year old girl right now, I know. But, I just love April's work so much that it's hard for me to find the right words to express just how lovely these cakes are!

Here are a few more from her collection...

Top photo by Michael Dwornik / Last set of photos by Henry Chan

Stay tuned! I have lots more GORGEOUS April Reed photos to share with you!

Wedding by Lyndsey Hamilton

Like I said earlier today, I am just completely smitten with this wedding designed by Lyndsey Hamilton Events. It's beautiful, without being showy. It's elegant, without going over-the-top. It's sweet, it's sophisticated, it's simply lovely...

And, lucky for us, Lindsey has shared some of the details from this beautiful event...

photos by Shawn Connell at Christian Oth

"My favorite wedding took place this summer at the bride’s family home in Westchester, New York. We planned the wedding from beginning to end.  We worked closely with the bride’s mother, as the bride lived in London throughout the entire planning process. It was a labor of love and so rewarding to see the event unfold and come into fruition. 

We began planning in January and over the next seven months, my team at LHE, Matthew Robbins and his team at Artfool managed to create a Martha Stewart worthy event, which is featured in the current issue of MS Weddings Winter 2008. 

We created a New England, meets Southern, meets British event. The wedding was a mix of the bride’s family’s Southern heritage, where we had a Dixie Land Band lead guests from the church to the reception at the family home. It was amazing to see over two hundred guests follow the band as they played. We also incorporated the groom’s British heritage and served “Pimm’s Cups” as the signature cocktail.  To combine both the bride and groom’s lineage, we displayed two flags atop the tent: one American and one Union Jack. 

The family’s classic New England style home was an intricate part of the wedding, as the bride and her mother wanted to use the home as a key element of the wedding.  After cocktails in the back yard, guests entered the back of the home, gathered their place cards inside the home, and exited the front of the home into the grand tent.

photos by Shawn Connell at Christian Oth

Guests dined on “lobster two ways”, highlighting the New England theme and the setting of the home, which is located along the Long Island Sound. The tent was decorated with an abundance of garden arrangements in antique containers at each table, with each container and floral arrangement being unique.  The linens were a lovely blue with a linen napkin, and floral treatments at each place setting. The tent was lit with lanterns and candlelight. Each table was named after quirky places where the bride and groom had traveled, or funny events throughout their life together.  One table was named after the bride's high school principal because she had spent so much time in his office throughout high school.  Guests were offered an array of old-fashioned cakes and cookies, ranging from red velvet to German chocolate, where we created a dessert bar. Guests danced until 4AM and truly had an amazing time!

We love planning events at homes because they are so personal and literally EVERY detail has to me considered, from what place setting to use, to the lighting, and the ingredients of the menu.  It is truly special to be apart of this process!"

A Wedding by Lyndsey Hamilton Events

I know that I use this phrase a lot, but...I am MADLY in love with this wedding, designed by Lyndsey Hamilton Events. I am only going to give you a teaser for the affair, as I am still working on a style board that I am going to feature in just a couple of hours. But, for now, these images should give you a hint at just how gorgeous this wedding was...

These stunning photographs were shot by Shawn Connell for Christian Oth and the painfully gorgeous flowers were done by Matthew Robbins from Artfool. Trust me, you will want to check back a little later to see all of the lovely details that Lyndsey and this talented team of designers put together!

Cake Toppers

We are so excited about some of the upcoming features that SMP has in the works...from rounding out the Little Black Book with new vendors and additional cities, to creating resource guides and event calendars in your area, we are working really hard to transform SMP into both an inspirational and practical resource for all of you that are planning a wedding.

One of the guides that we are working on, is our Cake Decor Guide. It seems that there are so many chic ways to dress up your cake, from cake jewelry to cupcake wrappers...

From Vintage Cake Toppers...

To Sweet, Contemporary Toppers...

All products featured above can be purchased at Fancy Flours

The options in cake decor seem to be much more abundant now than they ever have. So, we are putting this mission to our readers. What is your FAVORITE source for wedding cake decor? It can be anything from great new cupcake wrappers, to edible jewels or even pre-made fondant decorations. Just write a note with your favorite source in the comments section of our site. As a thank you, we will be offering a $100 Amazon gift certificate to a random commenter (so that you can pick up that wedding book you've been dying to get but can't quite justify).

**update...we've chosen our winner! Claire Harvey has been selected to receive the Amazon gift card. Thank you so much to everyone who answered. We are going to complile these tips into a cake topper guide!

Wedding Photography by Bella Rose

I wanted to share a few more pictures of the gorgeous Southern wedding that we featured earlier today...

Lisa, of Bella Rose Photography, has been sweet enough to share some of the details that went into this beautiful event...

"The wedding of Amy and Angelo took place at Orton Plantation (www.ortongardens.com).  The property is such an amazing example of Southern beauty, it is often used as a location of movies and television shows. The entrance of the property is lined with huge live oak trees. It is an incredible site. The trees are hundreds of years old. Their graceful branches cascade over head and are draped in spanish moss. It was a gorgeous wedding from start to finish. The bride is a fashion designer and she currently has her own line of designer jeans. Her clothes are sold in stores like Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman and many speciality designer stores across the country. Amy envisioned a wedding with an elegant 'Great Gatsby' theme with a 2007 flair.  Every detail was perfect and well thought through- even down to the unique collection of stamps that decoratively adorned each invitation. The wedding ceremony took place in Luola's Chapel on Orton Plantation. The  quaint white church created an intimate setting.  Violins, cellos and violas played as the doors opened as the bride, dressed in a Vera Wang gown, walked down the aisle. The highlight of the day was when the bride and groom were whisked away in a horse drawn carriage.

The reception, just steps away from the chapel,  was set under a beautifully draped tent with three chandeliers. Long rows of formally set tables were lined with hydrangeas in hundreds of silver tulip vases. Guests enjoyed live entertainment and each others' company in lovely wicker furniture accented by lanterns hanging from the grand oak trees. The cake was a lovely egg shell blue color with and intricate white design, made to look like vintage Lenox china. The party really got going when Angelo, Amy and friends danced to traditional Greek music to celebrate Angelo's culture."

I am totally in love with this wedding. It just screams beauty to me...in such a sweet and romantic way. Thank you so much to the bride and groom, and of course to the ever-so-talented Lisa  Brown of Bella Rose Photography. And, definitely check out Amy's (the bride's) SUPER cute collection of denim wear!!
 

Wedding Photography by Bella Rose

How beautiful is this sweet, Southern wedding, shot by Bella Rose Photography...

I have to say, there is something utterly romantic about a classic Southern Wedding. I think that it's the perfect blend of tradition and beauty that creates a sense of warmth and approachability, while still letting guests know that they are attending a truly special evening. This wedding in particular, is stunning. The vintage touches add a sense of tradition, while the hanging lanterns, the classic china patterned cake, the beautiful florals...add a touch of romance.

Thank you so m much to Lisa at Bella Rose Photography for sharing this gorgeous wedding with us! Check back a little later for more photos and all of the beautiful details from this Southern wedding!

Dear Abby

One last question for the day!

Q. I hope you can help with some ideas for how to incorporate a wedding party into the ceremony. We have our immediate family standing in the front with us but where does the wedding party go? There are some family members that we definitely want to sit in the front rows but I also don’t want to overcomplicate this production. Also, have you ever heard of not having the party walk down the aisle but rather come from both sides of the room and then either sit or stand in the front rows? Also, any ideas for what we could do in lieu of floral bouquets for the bridal party so I can keep costs down, i.e., a single flower, a candle, etc??

A. There is something really sweet and intimate about sharing your vows with only your significant other...while close friends and family marvel at the beauty of a wedding ceremony. I think that a wonderful way to honor your close circle of friends is the create a wedding party...perhaps even ask them to wear similar attire...and have them walk down the aisle (or come in from the side), then quietly sit in the first or second row (just behind your immediate family). I've seen this done quite a few times and it always turns out lovely.

As for something that the bridal party can carry...I really think that they don't need anything at all. If you are printing programs...a nice note, thanking your wedding party will certainly suffice. If you'd like them to have something, I agree that a single stem flower for the ladies and a boutonniere for the men is appropriate.

Honestly, I would follow your heart with this one...for many brides, tradition is beautiful. For others, simply having their loved ones around them, without the titles or placements, is the only thing that matters. Your friends and family know that you love them and as long as you include them in your joy while planning the wedding, they will feel more than appreciated.

Dear Abby

Another reader question for you guys to tackle!!

Q. I am wanting to have a 1940s wedding theme. I am having my reception at an unconventional place because of budget, and I plan on hiring a wedding planner to help with converting this place that will place people in that time.

First things first, I am planning a wedding for 2009, no rush. I like the 40s swing era, because I love dancing and it is so fun to swing dance, even if you are not a pro. I am very flexible on the color palate, although I love pink and my fiance's favorite color is black. I am not planning a detailed "everything must be 1940s" look. I just want the general feel. I am extending an invitation for my guests to dress in the 1940s era. Overall, I am looking for a classy style that is elegant, romantic, relaxed, and most of all... looks expensive, but isn't. I am a bargain girl at heart.

Can any of you offer this reader ideas as to how she can infuse a 40's vibe, without going over the top?

A. What a great idea! I love bringing a vintage chic feel into a wedding...it just seems so appropriate. Glamor, fun, dancing. And, I LOVE the idea of using plumes and feathers to decorate rather than flowers. I also like the idea of scattering crystals around the tables, or stringing crystal beads and kind of "draping" them around the centerpieces. Another centerpiece idea would be to buy some inexpensive mirrors, then place 6 or 7 candles of varying height in the center.

There is a restaurant in San Francisco called Foreign Cinema, that plays old movies on a white washed wall, while diners eat oh-so-elegant food. It's a lovely concept and it might be a wonderful, unexpected touch to this wedding...rent an old projector, then play black and whites from the era like Casablanca (silently of course), while a swing band keeps everyone dancing.

Serve champagne in champagne saucers, rather than flutes (spend money on champagne, rather than an open bar...one specialty drink is a great way to cut costs). For my own wedding, my mother and I scoured ebay, flea markets and antique shops and ended up with 200 crystal champagne saucers. It was SUCH a lovely touch to the wedding and really brought that element of glamor to the night.

Seems like you have a great start! I can't wait to hear how everything turns out...please keep us posted!

Dear Abby

It has been FAR too long since we've done a Dear Abby Session. I have some great reader questions that I want to share with you today with the hopes that collectively, we can help solve some wedding day dilemmas.

Q. So...here's my dilemma.  I work for Rebecca Taylor and want to use something from our collection for my bridesmaids.  I fell in love with a certain dress that was almost the right color, which I thought would be fine, but now it's driving me crazy.  Now, I know that not everything has to be matchy-matchy, but I'm not sure how to fit it with the color story I orginally wanted.  I always admire the way you put colors together, so I'm hoping you have a brilliant idea for me.

The original idea was:  navy, classic, gold chiavari chairs, cream linens, champagnes, warm and traditional with an edge.  pink peonies, floppy bows, and city formal without being cold....

So - the bridesmaid dresses are not quite navy...more dark blue with a periwinkle tinge.  The problem is, now all I can see is pink and blue when I picture the dresses and my must-have peonies together.  For some reason, this color combo says more casual, bold, bright to me and less classic.  Now that it's time to pick out invitiations, etc. I still gravitate to navy and I'm not really that into embracing the new dark periwinkle color for everything else.  Any thoughts??  Go on with navy for everything else and pretend the dresses are navy?  Give up on navy and go periwinkle even though I'm not really into that color?  Find a way to combine?  I just really want a cohesive color palette for our event

We'll have more questions throughout the day, but for now, can you help this reader? I will post my thoughts towards the end of the day...

A. Okay! I think that this is a pretty common problem...brides have a very particular idea of what they want in their head. Then they fall in love with a gown or a bridesmaids dress that fights their original idea. My best advice is this...go with what you love. Designing a wedding, is like decorating your living room. If you try too hard to achieve a "look", you will fail miserably. If you focus on elements, colors and textures that you love...the wedding will turn out to be just as you've always imagined and more importantly, it will truly reflect you.

Here is a photo of the bridesmaid dress that this reader loves (I love it too, big time love it)...

The blue dress is STUNNING. And, it would look perfect with creams and golds, so elegant...so feminine, but so sophisticated....I think that a soft pink brought in subtly would only add to the beauty of the palette. I know that you are attached to peonies (who isn't). There are quite a few really beautiful hues available for peonies. What about going with a super soft, almost white pink peony? This will allow you to still have that elegant look, with a rosy shade of pink to break up the palette a bit? I will work on getting a color palette together so that you can see what I mean.

Bottom line...go with the element that you love, then build around that. Everything else will fall into place!

Tablescapes by Alice Charlier

After spending the morning pouring through the Alice Charlier Events site, I have decided that these two tablescapes are my favorite of her online designs...

This first design is so lovely...a table that I would want to sit at for hours, eating warm french country cuisine...surrounded by candlelight, laughing with friends and family. This look is so dreamy and so romantic, and yet completely doable.

This palette screams elegance. The silk neutral colored linens, the gold chivari chairs, the perfect white roses set off so nicely with the earthy hydrangeas. I am madly in love with this particular table. And the starfish. Oh the starfish. So chic, and yet so simple.

I have two more tables from Alice Charlier that I want to share with you in a little bit! These two, a bit more for inspiration than practicality.

Green Wedding Tables

Alice Charlier, an event planner based out of Los Angeles, just sent me these magazine-worthy images from a recent eco-friendly wedding that she did...

I looooove the use of mason jars and tin cans...somehow, Alice manages to make everyday objects seem chic and dare I say, expensive?  The best thing about these table details is the cohesive way that each object is brought together. Alice uses essentially a hodge-podge of different colors, textures, and everyday pieces that when brought together, create a completely inviting and warm environment.

Check back for more from Alice Charlier Events!

Wedding Flowers by Interieurs et Fleurs

I wanted to share with you some of my FAVORITE images from the oh-so-talented floral designer that we have been featuring today, Laura Dowling...

How incredible are these arrangements? They are honestly works of art, done in such a fresh-from-the-garden, but-incredibly-elegant, almost-regal kind of way. Her work is so approachable and friendly, but wonderfully sophisticated. Thank you so much, Laura for inspiring all of us today...and for sharing trends that we will forever incorporate into our weddings and into our homes.

Floral Ideas by Laura Dowling

Here is a bit more from Laura Dowling, on Parisian Floral Wedding Trends...

Haute couture bouquets.  Catherine Műller, who formerly served as creative director for legendary French florist Christian Tortu, teaches the “haute couture” style in her chic new Parisian studio.  Her bridal bouquets are characterized by a lavish use of exquisite flowers, intricate details, and elaborately decorated stems. These special bouquets are little jewel-like works of art that are at once striking and delicate.  In class we made the Bouquet Chanel, featuring all white flowers – white calla lilies, roses, ranunculas, and phaleonopsis orchids, tied with ivy.  We decorated the stems with variegated lily grass, woven into a basket-weave pattern, finished by a single, perfect phaleonopsis orchid.   Trés chic!

Color schemes.   Color trends for French bouquets typically take their cue from the runways of Paris, the fashion capital of the world.  For spring 2008, en vogue color combinations are purple and icy pink, fuchsia paired with vermillion red, and gentle pastels with metallic touches in mink, sand, or shell hues.  The French also love white flowers and know that you can’t go wrong with floral bouquets in shades of white and green.  A new twist is the scheme of white, silver and crystal, featuring layers of white on white decorations and flowers, silver and crystal accents, and transparent glass.  Lime green is a perennial favorite as is orange (Hérmes orange) combined with fuchsia (a la Christian Lacroix). 

Overall, current bouquet trends run the entire spectrum from being highly structured bouquets with extraordinary detailing and flourishes – like the haute couture style – to being very natural and unstructured, as if the bouquet is coming from the field or garden and the flowers are springing up from the base.  The latter trend of an au natural style is the dominant trend in Paris, and is often juxtaposed against stark, modern backdrops, producing surprising and exciting effects.

 

Check back for more gorgeous images from Laura's portfolio!

Floral Ideas by Laura Dowling

I am beyond thrilled that Laura Dowling, of Interieurs et Fleurs, is joining us today to share with us the trends and ideas that she learned from her recent floral study trip in Paris. I am going to hand the baton right over to Laura, as I don't want to waste a second of time...

Fleur Couture – New Designs and Trends from Paris.

Bonjour! And Bonne Annee!  Having recently returned from a floral study trip to Paris, I wanted to share with you some inspiring new bouquet ideas as well as fabulous new design trends for Parisian-inspired floral décor in 2008.  I love how the top Parisian fleuristes follow trends in fashion and interior design, and how their creations evoke such excitement and emotion.  I am grateful to my friends at L’Ecole des Fleurs for sharing their special secrets with me for creating “l’art du bouquet.”   Here are some au courant Parisian trends to look for in party and event décor this year:

Mirrors.  Mirrored cubes and pedestals are all the rage in Paris right now and provide the perfect foil for flowers and candles.  I spotted chic mirrored cubes, used as vases for flowers, everywhere:  from the swank Georges V Hotel to the luxe shops on the Avenue Montaigne.  Set a flickering votive candle in front of a mirrored floral arrangement of garden roses and trailing ivy  – magique! 

Vignettes de table. A major Parisian floral trend is the use of multiple glass cubes of different sizes and heights, combined with candles and natural elements to create distinctive garden-style landscapes.   For this concept, simply place four tall, rectangular bud vases at each corner of a 12 inch glass cube vase, and add a shallow base of water.  Place a single flower stem in each bud vase and float petals on top of the water.  Voila! 

Bouquets classique.  In his ultra-chic boutique in St. Germain du Pres, Remi Guenin, artistic director of L’Ecole des Fleurs, demonstrated how to make a classic wedding bouquet “a la francaise.”  He used a combination of large pink garden roses, pale pink ranunculas, and green viburnum, interspersed with spiky sage foliage.  After tying these flowers together with raffia, he took large, soft platycerium leaves and wrapped them artfully around the stems, creating a beautiful, natural covering that offset the flowers exquisitely.  The use of plant material to decorate the stems is a hallmark of French design, and adds a poetic element to the entire composition.  Click here, then do a search for “Les Fleurs de Paris” to see examples of the classic Parisian wedding bouquet. Here are some images...

Stay tuned for MORE great ideas, and a ton of stunning images of Laura's work!

Cinematography by Watson Videography

I absolutely LOVE this video clip that Chris Watson, of Watson Videography just sent me...a high def clip, from one of his favorite weddings...

Chris shoots his films using high definition, edited for wide screen...that means that your wedding day is essentially shot using the finest techniques, comparable to the high def movies that seem so incredibly real, you can reach out and touch the characters.

Watson Videography was also named one of the top 25 Videographers in the World by Event DV Magazine, for the second year running. In a nutshell, this is the highest award that a video professional can receive in their career, as the votes are placed by peers, rather than clients.

For more delicious clips of Chris's work, check out his blog...TONS of wedding inspiration!

Cinematography by Mason Jar Films

So, if Super 8 film is used to create that fantastic vintage feeling, 16 mm film is used when you want to acheive that same nostalgic feel...with a bit more clarity, color and richness...

Mason Jar Films also specializes in 16mm films and it's pretty obvious...they are incredibly talented cinematographers. What I really love about this format, is that it seems to be the best of both worlds...one part old vintage, one part beauty. I love that you can really see the modern beauty of the day, while looking at it through an oh-so-romatic lens.

Thank you so much to Mason Jar Films for providing these gorgeous clips. And, congrats again to both Mason Jar and Watson Videography on their huge Top 25 in the World accomplishment!

Cinematography by Mason Jar Films

We are so thrilled to announce that TWO of our Little Black Book members, Watson Videography and Mason Jar Films, have both been named in the top 25 in their field worldwide, sponsored by eventdv magazine and voted on by over 21,000 video professionals. This is a HUGE honor for these talented vendors and Style Me Pretty is completely over the moon.

Mason Jar Films specializes in those oh-so-cool retro Super 8 wedding films, something that very few cinematographers around the world can do...

I was first introduced to this style of film a few years back and ever since, I have been hooked. What an amazing way to capture your wedding just as it should be...a keepsake on the most romantic day of your life. There is just something so nostalgic and dreamy about these super 8 films. As if you are watching a brilliant old movie, one that will always be your favorite love story, your favorite late night flick.

Congratulations to both Watson Videography and Mason Jar Films...what an incredible feat! Stay tuned for more on these two brilliant cinematographers. In the meantime, check out the Mason Jar Blog...filled with great tips, ideas and gorgeous cinematography!

Destination Wedding by James Abel

*Update...I just got some additional details from James Abel, the event planner for this gorgeous weddings, that I've updated in the comments section!

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend! I must say, I am a little slow going today, after a weekend in Naples, Florida for one of my dear friend's weddings. I can't wait to show you pictures of this event because it was, in a word, STUNNING. I am going to wait until the photographer has the proofs online, but I have to tell you that everything...from the gorgeous pink and orange color palette, to the bride's simple but gorgeous gown, was done to perfection.

Today, though...I wanted to share with you an equally stunning wedding. Designed by one of my good friends, James Abel of James Abel Events and shot  by B. Loved Photography (both James Abel and B. Loved are Little Black Book Members...how great is that?), this affair seemed to be the perfect destination wedding...

James Abel, who I should tell you is ALL talent, started working with myself and Abby Jean on the gorgeous yellow and black letterpress invitation that you see in the bottom photo. He sent us his sketch and we worked it into one of our existing designs. The end result was absolutely beautiful and really helped inspire the full wedding style.

This wedding was held in Anguilla and seems to be the perfect combination of understated elegance and beach sophistication. I love the formality of the event, paired with the casual beach surrounding. And the yellow hues...amazing. I am going to see if James can stop by later today and tell us some more fun details!

Wedding Inspiration Board

I thought that this inspiration board, created by one of our readers, was absolutely gorgeous...so "right now" but in that classic, forever beautiful kind of way...

I love the infusion of crystal into this palette. It makes the entire look sparkle. I would encourage the bride to find little ways to sneak in a bit of glitz. Since the greys and the yellows are generally kind of a matte look, the addition of crystal will turn a seemingly modern affair into a really special evening.

Wedding Photography by Doug McGoldrick

I am absolutely smitten with these vintage inspired photographs shot by Little Black Book member, Doug McGoldrick...

What a beautiful way to capture your wedding day...something that can be framed and admired as art. These images are so striking to me. They are elegant and timeless and yet still seem really intimate and touching. Almost as if we are looking into a family album, someone's treasured photographs of their daughter on her big day.

Doug is so incredibly talented and lucky for us, he's launched a blog of his own where he shares tips of the trade to interested readers...and honestly, this blog is jam packed with great tidbits and solid advice...

"Have you ever noticed that the majority of the weddings that get into the wedding magazines are on a beach or at a winery or in some grand old space? Ever wonder why? Well there are a couple reasons but one of the big ones is light, great natural light is a photographer’s best friend." --from Doug's Blog

Green Weddings by Grazier Photography

One of our Little Black Book members, Grazier Photography in Boston, is doing something so unique in the world of weddings...I just had to share it with you.

"Grazier Photography, a Boston-based husband and wife team, is ushering in the New Year with a Green Wedding Photography package. When their wedding clients choose this innovative package, 5% of the package price will be invested in carbon offset credits. Grazier Photography’s investment of approximately $400 per wedding will go a long way towards offsetting the carbon waste produced by an average wedding, even compensating for much of the guests’ air and car travel."

The Graziers' profession is fairly eco-friendly to begin with: they work at home, shoot digital and work as paper-free as possible, and they are conscientious about recycling packaging and other materials. Since discovering Couture Books, a green wedding album company, the husband and wife team are now able to complete an eco-friendly wedding package. Couture books are made using 50% recycled content and in addition to supporting a handful of carefully chosen charities such as Oprah Winfrey’s School for Leadership, Habitat for Humanity, and the National Wildlife Federation, the company works hard to make their production process as carbon-neutral as possible.

From Matt and Enna... “ Our belief is that ‘reduce, reuse, and recycle’ is simply not enough… our ability to preserve the environment for generations to come depends on our willingness to reform our habits and ideas about consumption. We want to be leaders in our industry, and we’re constantly looking for ways to innovate our work, inspire others, and give back to our community.”

I have to say, I'm kind of in love with this duo. Their photographs are just so real. The work that this pair produces truly is...life at it's finest. Weddings at their most beautiful. Couples madly in love. They are the epitome of what a great photographs should be. Filled to the brim with emotion, so much so that a perfect stranger just might crack up laughing or perhaps even be brought to tears. If you need a daily dose of Grazier...check out their great blog!

To learn more about the Green Wedding Package, or for information about how to plan a green wedding, contact Matt and Enna Grazier at inf at grazierphotography dot com, or call them at 617-323-8718. Oh! And I forgot to mention that if you sign up for this particular package you receive a complimentary engagement session and a fun gift basket filled with green living and wedding planning goodies!

Style Me Pretty on Get Married TV

A few months ago, I was approached by Get Married TV to do an interview to discuss wedding blogs and the importance of the Internet in planning a wedding. I was so flattered, as Style Me Pretty is just a baby in this industry! Well, yesterday morning (at the crack of dawn I might add), my interview aired on Lifetime! It's my first on-camera interview, so it was a big deal for me!

They are playing the full program online today over at GetMarried.com so if you have some time, definitely check it out...episode 27. The interview also featured Bee from Wedding Bee, who is such a doll. Hopefully, this is the first of many great TV plugs for SMP!

First, let me start by saying, I loooooove today's post! Renny Pedersen, of Bliss Weddings and Events in Chicago, emailed me some photos from a recent photo shoot collaboration with Hello Darling Events, for Bride and Bloom Magazine...she coined this look "Antique Chic" with a color palette of Cerise Pinks, Lemon Yellows and Metallic Gold...

How much do you love this table? It's so dreamy and feminine...so ethereal and romantic. I think that the infusion of gold into the palette creates such a rich, warm look and yet the whole style still seems youthful and fun. You can click on the photo to see the detail in each shot. From the floral chandelier to the perfectly arranged table...every detail seems thoughtful and unique. Thank you so much to Bliss Weddings and Hello Darling Events for sharing this with us!

Cake Stands by Clara French

One of my favorite cake designers, Judy at the Tallant House, sent over the most gorgeous pictures of her work featured on these oh-so-chic stands. Aside from the fact that these cakes are so completely beautiful...so completely magazine worthy...how great are these stands!?

Designed by the ever-so-talented Michaela of Clara French, a beautiful ceramics line named after the owner's grandmother, these stands really do the cakes justice. They are delicate and feminine, elegant without being fussy. They are the perfect touch to just about any cake. Thank you so much Judy for sending over these images!

Jewelry by Carrie D. Mader

I get a lot of questions from readers who are trying to figure out what to get their bridesmaids. It seems to be a running issue among brides! They want their gifts to be personal, but usable. Elegant, but affordable.

Problem solved. Introducing (although I am sure that many of you already know this oh-so-talented designer), Carrie D. Mader Jewelry. Her work is absolutely beautiful and would be something that your bridesmaids would wear time and time again. And not in that "sure, they can wear their bridesmaid dress again"  kind of way. This jewelry really is something that your maids will treasure...

The best part about Carrie D. Mader is that she can make something that is completely custom, based on swatches from your gown and the bridesmaid dresses, clippings from magazines, images of your flowers, anything really. And, she can work within your desired budget so that the end result is not only completely personal, it can also be given guilt free!

Wedding Color Palette

Today has been really fun for me...an exercise in beautiful colors! This next color palette is a classic and to me, one that will be around for a long time. Navy, accented with hues of Pink and White...

Pink Flowers and cakes by Bella Sera Weddings, Favors by Rebecca Thuss, Programs by Bella Sera Weddings / Other images, please click here.

What I really love about this palette, is that it is both really approachable and yet fun & flirty. It reminds me of a beautiful beachside wedding, one of those late Summer weddings where everything seems so perfect and dreamy.

It's funny...by simply exchanging one neutral for another (slate for navy) or one accent color (pink for yellow), you can achieve such different looks. The darker color grounds the palette and creates a sense of order, while the accent color adds a wisp of personality.

And speaking of color palettes...the time has come to announce the winner of our Abby Jean Contest! Here is the comment that was chosen...

"I like Option C the best. It just feels really fresh and modern. It would be a great color palette for any season. Option B would be a second favorite for the vibrant colors and cheery, preppy appeal. I can picture it with fabulous argyle and little sweaters with vintage brooches."

--Hailey

Congratulations Hailey! And thank you to everyone who provided SUCH valuable feedback. We will post pictures of the chosen color palette once it's been printed!

Wedding Color Palette

Okay, to celebrate the "grey is the new black" phase that weddings seem to be in right now, I have "modified" our palette from earlier today a bit...

Flowers by Domino Magazine, Yellow Flowers by Botanica, Grey Invitation by Gryphon Stationers, Charcoal dress on Bluefly, White Carnations by Domino Magazine, Favors by Rebecca Thuss.

I simply removed the navy images, replacing them with this dreamy charcoal grey...and I LOVE the end result. It's super sophisticated, a bit modern and yet still wonderfully approachable.

Next, we are going back to the navy palette, but we are going to replace the yellow accent color with hues of gorgeous pink! Check back in a few hours!

Wedding Color Palette

I hope you guys had a great weekend!

I have a ton of emails from readers, asking me to help them with their Navy, Yellow and White color palettes. We tackled this a few months ago, but I thought I should give it another go since I still absolutely love this palette...

Yellow Journal by Thuss Farrell, Yellow Florals by Botanica, Dress by Vera Wang on Bluefly , Invitation by Ceci New York, Yellow Favors by Rebecca Thuss

I love the versatility of a Navy, White and Yellow Palette...from a chic beach wedding to a sophisticated ballroom affair, this palette can be adjusted to fit just about any type of wedding. All while keeping an understated elegant vibe.

With that said, there are some newer palettes that are really becoming mainstays...try swapping the navy with a gorgeous grey. The effect is oh-so-chic. Check back later to see what I come up with for this palette! Oh, and we will be announcing the winner of the Abby Jean Contest later this afternoon!

PS - Thanks so much Typepad for featuring Style Me Pretty today!

Wedding Inspiration Boards

I wanted to share two more boards with you that I thought were really lovely...

The first is a pink and aqua inspired color board...SUCH a vibrant palette! The bride is going for a low-stress, high-fun posh picnic in her parents backyard...

The second, is the real wedding of one of our readers...unabashed elegance, with a palette of of deep purple...

Thank you so much ladies for sharing your vision with us!

Reader Inspiration Board

Before we begin today's post, I wanted to let you know that Casey Cunningham Photography (yesterday's featured photographer), along with 25 other photographers, will be featuring their work at the Charlotte Convention Center this Sunday, from 12-5PM. This expo sounds like it is going to have some solid talent, so I definitely recommend checking it out if you are in the area.

I thought that I would spend the day featuring some of the new inspiration boards that readers have sent me...they are so beautiful, it's kind of selfish to keep them all to myself!

This first one is a Kiwi Green Inspired Board, created by a bride who is having a private ceremony at San Francisco City Hall, with a reception the next evening at Manka' Boathouse in Inverness, CA...

Top Row: Green Flowers, San Francisco City Hall (Jennifer Skog), Stationary Suite (Wedding Paper Divas & DIY)

Middle row: Manka's Boathouse - Exterior, Green Orchid Centerpiece (Krislyn Design), Manka's Boathouse - Interior

Bottom Row: Save the Date (Wedding Paper Divas), Candle Arrangement (Simply Blooms), Crystal Sandals (Stuart Weitzman), Wedding Cake (Vanilla Bake Shop), Invitation Envelopes (DIY)

Stay tuned! More to come later today!

Wedding Photography by Casey Cunningham

When I was putting together this next real wedding board, shot by the oh-so-talented team at Casey Cunningham (featured in our Little Black Book), I was completely blown away. The original board featured detail shots...the invitation, the cake, etc. But the closer I looked, the more I realized that the true beauty of the photographs was in the emotion. The crystal clear, beautifully pure emotion that this bride and groom showed...

Shooting emotion in such an honest and straightforward way is really hard to do...and yet, Casey and Drea Cunningham go above and beyond. They capture the day with a sense of beauty, with a sense of sincerity, with a sense of playfulness. Their work is just lovely. Thank you so much for sharing these images with us!

And in the spirit of great photography, I wanted to mention a really fun contest that the also talented Emily Jackson is having. For one lucky couple, Emily will give away either a free wedding (complete wedding coverage with digital proofs on a disc) or a wedding album. To hear more about the contest (it's actually a really cute one), check out the details on Emily's blog. I really hope a SMP reader wins!!

Wedding Photography by Alternate Angles

Speaking of the brilliant photographers in our Little Black Book, Alternate Angles in Boston is one of the best. Here is a wedding that they shot this past September in Marion, Massachusetts...

Owners, Tiffany and Laura, have been sweet enough to let us in on a few insider secrets...

"The groom is Greek and many many guests came directly from Greece for the wedding... they had traditional Greek dancers during the reception along with fireworks to top off the night.

Also, the bride and groom left the church in a vintage vehicle and about 2 minutes after leaving the car ran out of gas!  They has such a great sense of humor about it.  A neighbor ended up having a gas in a can and filled it up, while the couple waited nearby."

There is something so ethereal about this wedding...dreamy, almost like a fairytale. And in pouring over Alternate Angles' online portfolio, this feeling seems to grace all of their photographs. They shoot images that are completely magical. Thanks so much, ladies for sharing them with us!

Wedding Photography by Yvette Roman

Our Little Black Book seems to be filling up fast...and with such beautifully talented artists. Everyday, I go through the vendors, finding inspiration and ideas for this blog. I hope that it is becoming the same sort of resource for you. Whether you live in a particular city and are looking for the perfect photographer, or you are simply looking to find creative ideas and inspirations for your wedding...I am simply so proud of what the Little Black Book has become.

We have added TONS of new vendors and cities so if you haven't checked it out in a while and are in need of a little wedding pick-me-up, definitely spend some time pouring over the new work that we are featuring. One of my favorite vendors in the book, Yvette Roman, sent me these insanely beautiful pictures from two recent weddings that she shot...

I am madly in love with this color palette...the rustic neutrals, paired with shots of pink and black. It is unexpected, but oh-so-sophisticated. This next wedding is equally as gorgeous, in that incredibly romantic, whimsical kind of way...

 

What I really love about Yvette's work is that timeless sensibility that is so difficult to find. There is a romantic quality to every photograph she takes, whether it is a dreamy shot of a wedding cake or a black and white shot filled with all of the color in the world. Thank you so much Yvette for sharing these stunning photographs with us!

Wedding Invitations by Bella Invites

The cute girls over at Bella Invites sent me this dreamy board, filled with images from their oh-so-chic invitation line...

Using Dupioni silk-covered Boxes with silk pillow backings, Folios and silk Envelopes, fine pearlescent papers from Italy, embellishments such as brilliant crystal brooches, rhinestone buckles and luxurious satin ribbons...Bella Invites are absolutely breathtaking.

Although much of their work is completely couture, they also have four "Ready-to-Wear" Collections (which can be customized in terms of paper color, ink, ribbons, silk boxes, etc.):

"The Exclusive Collection" - (the very customized one) prices start at $50 per invitation set (includes invite, reply card, reply envelope, directions card, return address printing).

"The Prestige Collection" - pricing starts at $15.95 per.

"The Classic Collection" - pricing starts at $12 per.

"The Modern Collection" - pricing starts at $9.95 per.

A little pricey, but seriously...these invitations are really special. They are like little works of art. Check out their website for more gorgeous creations!

Abby Jean Contest!

First of all...can you believe the contests these last few days! I am just SO eternally grateful for all of your wonderful feedback, I am jumping at chances to give you guys a little something. So, our next contest will conclude at the end of day on Friday.

Because you all were so helpful when we were launching our last Abby Jean design, we thought who better to ask about our newest color palette dilemma. Our silhouette invitation line, Sophie, is really taking off. For the new season, we wanted to offer it in a secondary color with personalized silhouettes! But we just can't decide which palette we like the best!

Here are the options (click on them to make larger)...

So...let us know which one you like the best! More importantly, which one you would buy for your own wedding! We will choose a random winner who will receive a set of 25 personalized stationery and coordinating envelopes!

Do-It-Yourself Wedding

Two of my absolute favorite DIY entries were the origami branches and the origami bouquets...what innovation! I honestly haven't ever seen a full set of wedding florals done this way, so of course, I was more than intrigued. And lucky for us, the oh-so-talented designer has offered up a few more of her wedding details for us to devour! All DIY...

Can you believe that all of this was handmade? From the ring pillow, to the cupcakes, to the GOWN. All of this was made with two little hands and a lot of imagination. What's makes all of these projects even more unique, is the sense of cohesiveness that they all have. The color palette, the varying textures and styles, the detail in each one...all come together into an absolutely beautiful Do-It-Yourself look!

Many of these projects will be featured in our Do-It-Yourself Wedding Gallery (coming in the next two weeks). Thank you so much, Thryn, for sharing these lovely photos with us!

Believe it or not, we have one last giveaway for the week...check back later this afternoon for details!

Giveaway Winner!

Well, I must say...flattery is definitely the way to a girl's heart. I have been floating on cloud nine for the past few days as I have been pouring over your comments in our 1 Million Hits Giveaway. I am going to tuck these little gems away, pulling them out on a rainy day when I need a little pick-me-up. Although it's nice to hear how great your work is, it's even better to know that I have such loyal readers...of which really do make Style Me Pretty a site that people want to keep coming back to.

From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!

Before I start crying, I thought that I should announce the winner! There were so many great comments...many that just might make it onto the website permanently....it was incredibly hard to choose. But, in the end, the girl that won my heart was Ms. Sarah Day...

"SMP is the "Audrey Hepburn" of wedding blogs. It's not an afterthought, every detail posted is carefully considered, yet appears effortless. The hard work is absolutely appreciated."

Okay, I admit...just SAY the word Audrey Hepburn and I melt. So congratulations Sarah Day! You will be receiving a set of 50 Letterpressed Personalized Stationery with Coordinating Printed Envelopes! It's a good day for Sarah Day!