Kristin and Joe tied the knot this past September at McCormick Ranch in Southern California. Here is a cute little note from the Sandra, the photographer, that gives you a window into this couple’s life…

Kristin and Joe hold strong values and have close knit family and friends and it showed throughout the wedding.. I love this wedding particularly because Kristin and Joe wanted to make every guest feel extra special by using vintage plates purchased through ebay, swap meets, flee markets.. Kristin and her mom and aunt took 2 montths trying to find these plates..they bought over 200 + plates! Click here to see Sandra’s Blog posts and the gorgeous vintage plates.

The Vendors: Venue at McCormick Ranch / Photography by Sandra Pan / Band by Stellar Band / Cake by Melissa Boothe / Flowers by Yamaguchi Flowers, 805) 525-9268 / Coordination by Star Quality Events / Catering by Epicure Catering / Bridesmaid’s Dresses by Jenny Yoo / Hair by Hair Grove Salon / Make-up by Hair Grove Salon / Dress by Vera Wang / Shoes by Liz Claiborne

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photo by Carrie Patterson

My mom’s a pretty amazing seamstress. She learned to sew in her teens, which means she’s been sewing for more than 40 years. In addition to sewing her own prom dresses, she made our Halloween costumes growing up, from princesses to cheerleaders to space women to ladybugs. Planning my wedding, she was a huge resource. And even though she has lots of sewing experience on her belt, she said that anyone with a sewing machine can make these super simple 14-foot long runners! Plus, you can customize your look and use any type of fabric/thread color combination!

Materials

One bolt of 54-inch wide burlap (you can use less, but 21 runners took the full bolt)
Teal Blue Thread

Directions

1. Cut fabric in lengths of 14 feet, two inches.

2. Cut in half lengthwise so that each strip is 27 inches wide

3. Turn the ends and sides under one inch and hem

4. Stitch with a zig zag stitch (my mom used the largest zig zag, about a quarter of an inch) on her machine and chose satin thread)

5. Iron flat

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Post tags: Cara and Spencer, DIY Table Runners, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Jackson Hole
Post categories: DIY Projects, The Blog, Wedding Decor

I spent months scouring Style Me Pretty, The Bride’s Guide and other blogs for inspiration. Then, I turned to Sarajane Johnson with Lily and Company. Erin and I gave Sarajane a stack of pictures and left everything in her hands. Sarajane and the Lily gals really got my vision. They selected succulents and flowers that picked up the blues in the bridesmaids dresses. They also used tons of stuff that Sarajane picked up at antique stores. I didn’t want to spend the money to rent table runners, so my mom sewed 21 burlap ones with teal string to match the dresses. I used brown kraft paper because it seemed like something I would do for an impromptu dinner party, like cut up some brown grocery bags to scribble the menu last minute. I wanted the tables to seem relaxed.

Or course, I couldn’t relive this day for the rest of my live without the help of our amazing photographer, Carrie Patterson. Carrie and I met a few years ago when I wrote a magazine feature about her. With Carrie, I had to give little direction. I knew she would capture all those things about my day that I didn’t see. She has a fantastic eye. I am forever indebted to her.

Erin and I felt that the ceremony site was too expansive and that we needed a focal point. A groomsman offered to build an altar for us, and one weekend later he got permits to cut down trees in the national forest. He and Spencer built this amazing arch in a few hours. Later, the wedding arch turned into our photo booth, one of the best decisions I made. I bought about $100 in props, and my mom sewed the fabric for the backdrop. Taking the photos really got people in the mood to have fun. The photo booth also gave people something to do other than to look at us. Guests will get a copies of their photo booth pictures as gifts.

Thank you so very much to Cara and Spencer for sharing their wedding with us. It’s one of my favorite weddings EVER (I know, I know) and the details…well, I am pretty sure that most of you have saved them in your “inspiration” files. Here is a list of vendors that participated in the event:

Vendors

Wedding Coordinator: Erin Roy / Photographer: Carrie Patterson / Gown: Monique Lhuillier / Shoes: Stuart Weitzman / Hair piece: Oh My Deer / Groom’s suit: Paul Smith / Invitations: xowyo / Makeup: Jenny Hickey / Hair: Cynthia Estrada / Venue: Jackson Hole Golf and Tennis / Flowers: Lily and Company / Cakes: Rich McLaughlin / Band: Soul Impressions

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Post tags: Cara and Spencer, Carrie Patterson, Jackson Hole, Lilly and Company
Post categories: Casual Elegance, The Blog, Traditional Elegance

For me, this wedding is the perfect example of DIY that looks REALLY expensive, really luxe. Together with friends and family, Cara (bride) kept their budget in check by doing little tidbits that added charm and personality. From hand sewn table runners to do-it-yourself invitations, so many of the details were made by hand. And the result was total perfection.

all of the gorgeous photos were snapped by Carrie Patterson

From the bride…

My dad actually found our venue with a quick Google search. Jackson Hole Golf and Tennis was perfect because it offered straight-on views of the Tetons. We thought the view would be magical for our 80 out-of-town guests. Golf and Tennis also had a big white tent with brick pavers, which gave us a perfect canvas for creating our look.

From the start, my wedding was destined to look amazing because of my vendors. I hired Erin Roy to help me put it all together. I have a tendency to think of ideas that are too grand (I wanted to pickle 130 jars of beets this summer and give every guest a jar of “Heart Beets,” but that was vetoed). Erin kept all my ideas in check and cohesive and offered up plenty of others. I decided the wedding would be an Anthropologie meets comfortable Autumn outdoor dinner party.

all of the gorgeous photos were snapped by Carrie Patterson

My friend and I came up with the Western-inspired design and created the elk head logo (elk hunting season is in September), which we carried throughout the event. My mom stitched 130 invitations for me. And that was only her first sewing project. Some of the men even folded them in their suit pocket for the wedding. People loved the invitations so much that my friend and I are starting a company creating invitations and stationary with a mountain feel.

Through planning a wedding, I realized that I am very girly. I wanted the tent and tables to twinkle and sparkle – just like the necklace. I wanted succulents and hydrangeas because they remind me of my childhood – my mom had jade plants all over the house and a huge hydrangea bush. And I also wanted organic elements that reflected Jackson, mainly wood cuts. One day, I noticed my friend’s neighbor had cut down a big birch tree. Early the next morning, I drove back and put the stumps and branches in my car. Someone walking his dog asked if I lived there and if I should be doing that. Spencer used a table saw to make the cuttings.

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When I first approached the bride from today’s affair about doing a double feature on our blog and on Darcy’s blog, she was beyond shocked. She couldn’t figure out why we chose her wedding for our launch feature. Well for us, it was a no brainer. This wedding is the epitome of all things chic, the epitome of effortless elegance. It’s a little bit organic, a little bit eclectic, a little bit fresh-from-the garden chic…and we heart every bit of it.

all of the gorgeous photos were snapped by Carrie Patterson

From the bride…

It was just a matter of days after getting engaged that we started planning our wedding. We decided to be married in Jackson Hole in the fall, our favorite time of year because most of the tourists have left and the leaves are changing colors. We chose Jackson because that’s where we met. We wanted our wedding to be as much about our guests as it was about us. If 80 people were going to have to travel, we wanted to make it a trip of a lifetime for them.

photos by Carrie Patterson

A more than 100-year-old crystal necklace and earring set inspired the look of my wedding. The set belonged to my great-grandmother on my mother’s side. My grandfather inherited the jewelry after his parents died, but the necklace clasp was broken. They were a big Catholic family with seven kids, and fixing the necklace was never in the budget. Still, my mom remembers pulling it out of her mother’s draw just to look at the necklace. Aside from a few vintage pocket watches, my mom said it was one of the most luxurious items in their house. My mom inherited the set after my grandmother passed away and had it fixed so all the granddaughters can be married in it. She’s worn the jewelry twice in 20 years, and I was the first granddaughter to wear it.

The jewelry helped us find the gown. I knew I had found my Monique Lhuillier when I put on the necklace, and my mom and I cried. They looked perfect together, and I had tried on what must have been 50 dresses. I actually had to go to San Francisco for the dress because there are not a lot of options for finding a gown in Wyoming. We don’t even have a dress shop in Jackson. I also chose San Francisco because that’s where Spencer’s parents live, and I wanted his mom to be involved.

photos by Carrie Patterson

I borrowed a veil from my college roommate, Whitney, who owns the cutest boutique. Whitney, who’s having twin girls, was one of the first of us to get married. She wants all of us to borrow her veil and plans to embroider every bride’s initials on it. So with the necklace, the veil and the dress, my attire really set the tone for the rest of the wedding. Together, they looked very vintage and “Anthropologie-esque” to me.

My bridesmaids chose their gowns. Since there was nowhere for me to look in Wyoming, my mom, sister and Whitney went shopping without me in Charlotte. It was important to me that each girl have a dress that she really loved and felt pretty in. The gals selected the three Jim Hjelm dresses and the colors. I didn’t see them until wedding day.

We have so much more goodness coming up for you from this gorgeous wedding.

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Post tags: Cara and Spencer, Carrie Patterson, Jackson Hole, Monique Lhuillier
Post categories: Casual Elegance, The Blog, Traditional Elegance

Now the MOST cost effective approach to tuxes is through rentals. Men’s Wearhouse has a good selection, great prices and generally a helpful staff. There are a ton of other well known brands that cater to wedding attire but they all vary regionally in terms of quality. It’s best to get a personal recommendation from a friend or family member. If you can get the name of someone to help you within the store, even better. The problem with rental companies is that sometimes the quality is a bit off and more annoyingly, you have to return them pretty quickly which isn’t always possible when you’re throwing a destination wedding. But in terms of bang for your buck, this is definitely the way to go.

If you are thinking about purchasing a tux for your groom…here are a few favs!

First Row: The first, by Men’s Wearhouse is a total classic. Designed by Calvin Klein this tux is a total classic, bow tie an all. The price is $519.99 Next up, a gorgeous tux that we found for $495 at Nordstrom. Love the easy going style and the quality construction. And lastly, another Men’s Wearhouse find. It’s a single button tux, non-vented, 100% wool. It’s sexy, classic and yet the long tie makes it a bit more contemporary…all for $319.99

Second Row: Our next row is a little bit pricier but still not totally extravagant. All found at Nordstrom, these strike the perfect balance between cost and quality. Ideal for the groom who wants something that will last him a while while maintaining its timeless look and feel.

Third Row: These are all priced between $1,000-$2,000. And here’s what you get for a more expensive suit…quality. A tux that your hubby can wear over and over and over. Fit. Buying a high priced suit usually comes with a lovely tailor on site to make sure that it’s total perfection. Timelessness. These styles simply won’t go in and out of fashion. Tuxes by Brooks Brothers, Neiman Marcus and Brooks Brothers.

OK. So that’s a bare bones look at tuxedos. And I’m an old fashioned girl, so a classic tux is SO up my ally. But for all of you girls that need a little “something-something” to jazz up the look…it’s all in the details. Great cuff links, a fun bow tie, cool shoes, graphic pocket squares.

Bow ties from Brooks Brothers, Shoes from Zappos, Cuff links from Vera Bradley

Although some might think that messing with the classic tux is a big fashion don’t…I’m not in that camp. I’m of the thought that you should make your look work for YOU. It should reflect your own unique personality, your own unique style. And there is nothing wrong with a great pair of converse sneaks underneath a classic tux. It’s the perfect marriage of style and substance.

So there you have it ladies. TONS of great options for dressing your boys. Whatever approach you decide, remember that just like in choosing your wedding gown and bridesmaids dresses, your groomsmen attire should fit cohesively within the look and style of your wedding. Always start with your venue and let the space dictate your fashion picks.

And speaking of fashion…we have an incredible spread for you coming up next!

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Post tags: Mensware, Menswear, Rentals, Tux, Tuxedo
Post categories: Round-Ups, The Blog, Wedding Fashion

The photographer that captured the table is none other than Mel Barlow. Mel is one of Darcy Miller’s favorite photographers and a quick glance at Mel’s work will tell you why. I had the opportunity to meet Mel at the Martha event and she was pure loveliness. Just like her photographs.

What do I love about this table aside from EVERYTHING? Well…the color palette for one. It’s so stunning. So vibrant, fresh, fun. Every detail threads back to the perfectly chic color palette with the graphic print on the cake totally stealing the show. Love, love, love.

Amy has been sweet enough to share a bit of her inspiration…

The design was a geometric diamond motif and was largely inspired by a rug pattern. I always say that you can take your inspiration from anywhere! We thought that bold colors like bright pink and yellow would complement the pattern perfectly. We created mini cherry ice cream cupcakes with EDIBLE pink chocolate cupcake wrappers.   These completely edible mini cupcakes are ideal for parties since guests can eat the whole cupcake without having to worry about throwing away a wrapper. We also made a diamond-shaped stained-glass cookie garland and a fondant cake with the diamond patter. Add to that, raspberry-lemon panna cotta and cake-filled truffles covered with pink and yellow sprinkles. Voila!

I don’t know how the girl does it but every table that Amy gets her hands on is total perfection. She has a great sense of style…chic and yet restrained. Her work is always edited to perfection so that the table and all of its perfect details can really shine.

Coming up next, we have a Lisa Vorce wedding that is sure to make your fall out of your chair.

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Post tags: Amy Atlas, Dessert Buffet, Dessert Table, Mel Barlow
Post categories: The Blog, Wedding Cakes, Wedding Decor, Wedding Details

The survey is open to ALL readers…brides, grooms, industry pros and wedding junkies. It’s a chance for us to get to know all of you a little better, to make sure that we are giving you what you really want. So come on people…everyone’s doing it!

Oh and PS…all results are totally private.

Click here to get started!

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Here is a quick look at the Brunch Farewell that the wedding vendors designed just for this lovely couple…

Thank you so much to the following vendors for sharing this incredible adventure here with us today. Real Weddings Maine Director, Jessika Brooks / Venue by Retreat at French’s Point / Event Design by Flora Fauna Designs and coordination by The Sweetest Thing Weddings / Photography by David Murray Weddings / Stacey Kane / Michelle Turner / Audra Photography / Catering by Silver Tureen / Tent by Sperry Tent / Cake by Let Them Eat Cake / Henna by Genevieve Levin of Blackbird Studios

And for those of you that missed it, here is a clip of the film that will air tonight on PBS…

A little snippet from Real Weddings Maine, the organization behind this wedding…

Bangor International Airport in Maine is a very common refueling point for flights coming and going to the Middle East. Therefore, a vast majority of service people headed to or fro pass through BIA. This group of Troop Greeters organized during Dessert Storm to ensure that no troop coming or going from war felt forgotten and to be sure they would feel appreciated for their sacrifices and service. The Troop Greeters are veterans, spouses of veterans, current servicemen and women, and supportive community members from all walks of life and all ages. The film documents the story of the Troop Greeters today, the lives of the three subjects, and all of the issues these three are coping with in their personal (now public) lives such as the emotional anguish of sending loved-ones off to war, loss, aging, physical pain, financial distress, and loneliness. It is also a movie about patriotism, love, and hope in a time when these things are needed most in this country.

Click here for the official The Way We Get By website.

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Post tags: Audra Photography, David Murray Weddings, FloraFauna Design, Let Them Eat Cake, Madeliene’s Daughter, Michelle Turner, Pronovias, Real Weddings Maine, Rehearsal Dinner, Retreat at French’s Point, Sandi McKeen Couture, Silver Tureern, Sperry Tent, Stacey Kane, The Sweetest Thing WEddings, The Way We Get By
Post categories: Casual Elegance, The Blog

Yep. It’s a good day on SMP. We have the entire wedding, the perfect details and some behind the scenes goodness from the bride…all coming up next!

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From Sanderson Images…

Jenny and Evan are true artists through and through. Evan is a woodworker who makes fabulous, original items. (in fact he made the mustaches, for which they have a funny obsession with!) Jenny is a painter with an amazing sense of style. We knew right away that they were going to have a fun and unique shoot that would exemplify all of their wonderful, creative attributes. They told us they had a blast picking out the perfect outfits and we sure had fun photographing them!

I think a few props are a great accessory in a photo shoot. Sometimes a balloon, a cute hat, or a great outfit is just the thing you need to help you loosen up in front of the camera. Oh, and really cool shoes, don’t hurt either. If you can’t get enough of this couple’s light-hearted, whimsical style head over John and Kimberly’s blog to see more of these amazing photographs.

We are also featuring several great e-shoots on the Little Black Book Blog today if you’re in the mood for even more great engagement session inspiration.

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Post tags: e-session, Engagement Shoots, Sanderson Images, Vintage
Post categories: The Blog

As I mentioned, the fabulous (and I when I say fabulous, I am hardly doing him justice) Leo Patrone sent us today’s real wedding and it is complete and total loveliness. From the perfect bride, to the undeniably gorgeous flowers and sweet little details, every bit of it is swoon-worthy. With a soft, feminine color palette and a really simple approach to design, this couple managed to pull off an affair that is as timeless as it is chic. I love that. It’s a style that will forever remain gorgeous, that will forever be used as inspiration.

The wedding was held at Tilden Park in Berkeley’s Brazil Room. It was planned by Jessica Goldblatt from Dreams on a Dime Events and Weddings and was a perfect combination of timeless elegance, and a fun, modern sense of whimsy. You can actually feel the joy in each and every photo with a bride and groom that are clearly madly in love and a celebration that is all charm.

Make sure to check out Leo’s ridiculously cool site and his blog that is completely filled with eye candy and inspirations! Even a couple of the prettiest weddings you’ve ever seen.

Additional Vendors: Caterer – Serves You Right Catering, Flowers – Orchid Florist, Hair & Makeup – Sherrie Long, Invites – Vistaprint + Michaels, Rentals – Celebration Party Rental, Violin & cello duo – Ramen & Rice, Gypsy jazz band – Pacific Manouche Trio, DJ – Dave Hosley, Transportation – On Time Limousine, Dresses – Melissa Sweet + J.Crew, Suit – Ermenegildo Zegna, Wedding bands – Van Craeynest + Shane Co., Cake topper – Naked Peggies on Etsy, Scrapbook – Kolo, Parasols – Lunabazaar

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Post tags: Berkeley, Leo Patrone
Post categories: Casual Elegance, The Blog

So make sure to check out Flowers Uncut with Jeff Leatham tonight at 10PM on TLC. It’s a 12 part docu-series where Jeff and his assistant Mat take on a new event each week and let us see the drama behind the gorgeousness. Can’t wait to hear what everyone thinks!

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Post tags: Flowers Uncut, TLC
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Yep. We are going to be featuring a Style Me Pretty Real Wedding on Darcy Miller’s Blog, The Bride’s Guide starting in November. We’ve selected a very small handful of our favorite, never been seen before weddings, that we’ll debut over on their blog then we’ll unveil even more images and details on SMP the following week. It’s a really fun project for us and we are so thrilled that the team at Martha Stewart has asked us to be a part of this fabulous adventure.

Photos from Grace Bonney’s amazing wedding. Click here for more!

So…remember to mark your calendars kids! The second Tuesday of every month, starting next week, will be devoted to a picture perfect SMP wedding over on The Bride’s Guide. SO EXCITED!

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From Yelena of The Stylish Soiree…

Carissa from JL Designs created the lovely vintage vignette with items sourced from thrift stores and I brought in an old vintage side table too. Jesi Haack also helped by bringing the great green velvet chairs and the tall lanterns. All of the gorgeous florals were done by Carissa at JL Designs, and incorporated succulents, reindeer moss, dahlias, black and white anemones and scabiosas and some great berries for a rustic, vintage feel. Vintage clocks, trays, typewriters and vessels rounded out the decor.

During the party, guests enjoyed signature “ISy Kiss” cocktails with IS Vodka (pronounced ‘ice), tray passed appetizers and desserts from the amazing Sweet & Saucy dessert table. The table included fun seasonal items like Pumpkin Cupcakes, Coconut Cupcakes, Pumpkin Pops, Chocolate Mousse Dessert Shots, Sugar Cookies, Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecakes.

Carissa and I bought these great unusual pumpkins that have a cool vintage vibe to complement the rest of the decor without using the typical Halloween orange pumpkins. The pumpkin on the welcome table pictures are a special type of ‘Australian blue’ pumpkin that have a great green/gray/blue hue.

Credits: Venue, Nature Center Courtyard in Franklin Canyon Park, Beverly Hills, Photography by Meg Perotti, Planned by Yelena Johnson, The Stylish Soiree, Floral & Event Design by Carissa Jones, JL Designs, Catering by Nathaniel Neubauer of Contemporary Catering, Dessert Table by Melody Brandon of the Sweet & Saucy Shop, Photo Booth from Mint Photo Lounge, Calligraphy by Calligraphy Katrina, Entertainment: by DJ Crash, Rentals from Town & Country, Classic Party Rentals, Linens from Wildflower Linen, and Candy Bar by Special Events by Luz Pencyla.

Okay, now I’m really excited for the weekend… and desperately in need of satisfying my sweet tooth. Thank you to Meg Perotti and Yelena Johnson for sharing this stunning event with us. If you’re like me and can’t get enough of these images… head over to Meg’s blog, to see even more of this Halloween eye-candy. Have a great weekend and a Happy Halloween!

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Post tags: A Stylish Soiree, Halloween, Meg Perotti, Vintage
Post categories: Real Parties, The Blog, event