Click here to see the FULL photo shoot!

From Amanda Auer of In The Now Weddings & Events…

Invitations: The invitation was one of my first inspirations to the design of this shoot. Ever since I saw the neon plexiglass in this cool blue hue I knew it was a MUST for something In The Now. Since it’s a subtle neon, it can be carried off as a very elegant piece of stationary — but the fun is brought in when you realize the edges of that plexi glow like wildfire! Receiving a tiny “package” in the mail is exciting for any guest, and wedding invitations are the gateway to the look and feel of your event! Inside the box was a handmade green washi [Japanese] paper to wrap the invitation along with a velvet blue ribbon tied into a bow. And, of course, we couldn’t resist throwing in some of that custom confetti either!

Custom Clear Confetti: Since nearly everything in the shoot was monogrammed, I knew that my little “aisle poppers” had to be no exception. I printed full sheet, full color transparencies at my local Staples. When I printed, I had already created a full sheet of just our little plus-sign monogram. From there, I used my 1″ round circle hole punch to create custom confetti that could easily be mixed in with our cardstock/solid color circles. I love the contrast, and this was such a FUN, EASY project with a lot of bang for the buck!! I mean — custom confetti?? Come on!!

Centerpiece: The centerpiece was going to be constructed of pegboard. I found a metal pegboard online and from there on, it was destiny. Since it all had to be done same-day, on-site, it was quite the time-consuming feat. But, really, the effect was so gorgeously modern, subtle, and classy — it was worth every second. The idea was these sunken flowers with their dangling stems, nearly floating above the table. The legs of the pegboard are made from metal brackets that we found and screwed in through the holes.

And a Utensil Dipping DIY: We started with purchasing a kit of Plasti-Dip, one that you could custom-tint to whatever color you chose. From there, I knew I wanted to achieve an ombre effect for each place setting, dipping each utensil with a shade just barely different from the last. I chose to use the lightest shade for the largest utensils, closest to the plate, and have them graduate darker accordingly. Plasti-Dip is EASY to use and fun to tint to whatever color you’d like to achieve. To make it easy on myself, I started with the darkest shade of green and worked my way lighter by adding a touch more white to each round of dipping. And the best part? It’s completely easy to remove if/as desired, and peeled off like a charm when I was done with it. Though, if I hadn’t peeled it off, who knows how long it could have lasted! It did not feel cheap or temporary at all!

Voila…gorgeous, dipped beauties for your eating pleasure

Photography: Jasmine Star / Event Planning + Design: In The Now Weddings & Events / Flowers + Invitations: In The Now Weddings & Events / Ceremony Location: Vibiana / Catering: Jay’s Catering / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Specialty Rentals: Found Vintage Rentals / Multimedia Projects: Creative Media Print / Linens: La Tavola / Hair + Makeup: 1011 Makeup / Dress: Jenny Yoo / Veil: The Dresser / Accessories: H&M + Nordstrom / Plasti-Dip: Plasti-Dip

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Post tags: 1011 Makeup, California, Classic Party Rentals, Creative Media Print, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Found Vintage Rentals, H&M, In the Now Weddings & Events, Jasmine Star, Jay's Catering, Jenny Yoo, Los Angeles, Modern, Nordstrom, Plasti-Dip, The Dresser, Vibiana
Post categories: DIY - Other, DIY Projects, Photo Shoot, The Blog, Wedding Style

 Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From Grey Likes Weddings…Our concept centers around the idea of using gift wrap as an added gift! We decided to use affordable jewelry (found at stores like Forever 21) as gift toppers…you’ll spy some broaches, earrings (used individually on two separate gifts), a ring, and even necklaces wrapped around some of the boxes. For gift tags, Lindsay of MStetson Design created long skinny tags that we fashioned in all sorts of ways. There are 12 in total, all of which feature a different line from “Twelve Days of Christmas”. These tags can be downloaded and printed for your own use here! Of course we couldn’t resist a surprising color concept: navy, blush, teal, and copper. Our fabric accent pieces were purchased from Forever 21. 

Styling: Summer Watkins of Grey Likes Weddings / Design: Lindsay Thompson of MStetson Design / Photography: Hayley Collins of T&H Photography / Stationery: “Happy Holidays” card via Rifle Paper Co. / Materials: Forever 21

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Post tags: Christmas, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Forever 21, Grey Likes Weddings, MStetson Design, Rifle Paper Co., T&H Photography
Post categories: DIY Packaging, Wedding Favors & Gifts

On your Wedding Day, putting your best face forward is usually on the bride-to-be wish list but unfortunately a makeup artist isn’t always in the budget. Well today, Sonia Roselli, makeup artist extraordinaire, is sharing her tricks of the trade. This look is dubbed “Beauty in Bloom” and would be oh so perfect for a garden soiree or outdoor wedding. So get your DIY caps on ladies and take notes. A fresh, gorgeous face is right at your fingertips.

Hair + Make-up: Sonia Roselli / Floral Headband: Laura Hubka / Model: Noelle Lynn / Cosmetics: Sonia Roselli Cosmetics

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 8 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Illinois, Laura Hubka, Noelle Lynn, Sonia Roselli, Sonia Roselli Cosmetics
Post categories: DIY - Other, DIY Projects, Illinois Weddings

More in the gallery!

Those of us who love Style Me Pretty know that details make an event, and sometimes the most beautiful inspiration can be found right outside your back door. Sugared flowers would be an especially lovely embellishment on a cake for a small garden party such as a bridal shower or bridesmaids’ luncheon. The recipe is easy and the results are enchanting.

Here in Wisconsin, wood violets are abundant from April until early June. When the violets fade away, other edible blooms take their place … wild roses and daisies; nasturtiums, pansies and chamomile from the garden. The perfect finishing touch would be a braided garland of fresh violets, daisies or nasturtiums – or a sprinkling of rose petals, around the base.

Andrea Berto, of Fleurishes, and Heather Krakora, of Krakora Studios, visited a local park to find a magical wooded setting, complete with rustic stone table, to stage this imaginary occasion. Click here to make a braided violet garland.

Photography: Krakora Studios / Flowers: Fleurishes / Cake: Chris’ Confections

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 5 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Bouquets, Chris' Confections, Color Palette Blue Purple White, DIY Flowers, DIY Projects, Fleurishes, How To, Krakora Studios, Violets, Wedding Cakes, Wedding Flowers
Post categories: DIY Flowers, DIY Projects, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Flowers

Supplies:

fabric
toothpicks
hot glue
scissors

Directions:

1. Cut your fabric to size for each bow tie cut one 6 inch by 3 inch piece plus another 1 inch by 1 inch piece. You don’t need to worry about the rough fabric edges, they will all be turned under.

2. Turn your fabric so the backside is facing you and fold up the bottom long end and fold down the top long end to meet in the middle.

3. Fold each short end into the half way point, joining them together in the middle and leaving you with the back of a basic bow tie.

4. Hot glue this portion down and together with one small dab in the middle backside of the fabric.

5. Using your fingers scrunch down the backside oft he bow tie creating small pleats. Use a few dabs of glue to secure these pleats and hold into place until the glue dries (about 30 seconds).

6. Take your small piece of fabric and fold it into thirds. Wrap it around the middle of your bow tie and secure on the backside with a small dab of glue. This little piece should effectively hide all your previous glue dots and will complete the front of your tie nicely.

7. Using one more dots of glue attach a toothpick or small dowel to the back side of your bow tie.

8. Stick into your dessert of choice and enjoy!

See? How easy was that? A round of applause for Victoria Hudgins for sharing this super sweet idea and for Carly Taylor for her fab photography skills. Thanks ladies!

DIY styling and concept design: Victoria Hudgins / Photography: Carly Taylor / Macaroons: Lisko Artisan Deli and Fish Market

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 19 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Carly Taylor, DIY Projects, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Lisko Artisan Deli and Fish Market, Victoria Hudgins
Post categories: DIY Packaging

Click here for the gallery!

I’ve always loved the cozy, romantic feeling of winter, however, I am sure that most people thought Dave and I were crazy for choosing a wedding date at the end of January! Luckily our families, friends and wedding party humored us and braved the snow and cold to help us celebrate.

There were two ideas that we held onto while we were planning; first, we were determined to keep the day focused on what was really important, and secondly, that we wanted the ceremony and reception to be as personal as possible. I tried to hand-make as much as I could, from the invitations to the favours, the wedding cake to the candle holders, the name tags to the menu cards. My maid of honor and I collected jars, pine cones and wood rounds for months leading up to the wedding while my florist used white flowers, green berries and curly willow to help give the day that wintery, woodsy feeling.

Our ceremony included a number of poetry selections and blessings that were meaningful to Dave and I, allowing us and our guests to feel more connected to the service. For the reception, we knew that we wanted to highlight the beauty of the season in our décor and keep the tone very earthy and organic. Thus, the Millcroft Inn in Alton, ON was an easy choice of venue, as it offered the perfect mix of vintage romance and rustic charm.

The day was so special and I think the excitement that Dave and I felt for our marriage and our life together was evident. Thanks to my wonderful wedding planner, Melissa Andre, everything went so smoothly and the day was even more perfect than I could have envisioned!

Wedding Planner and Stylist: Melissa Andre Events / Photographer: Little White Dress / Venue: Millcroft Inn / Wedding gown: Amsale / Hair and Makeup: Melissa Andre, Celebrate.Beauty. / Florist: Joy Magwood for Torry Lane Mille de Fleurs / Bridesmaid Dresses: Jim Hjelm / Groomsmaid Dress: Angelina Faccenda / Limousine: Two of a Kind Limousine & Luxury Coaches / Entertainment: AMV

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 20 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Amsale, AMV, Angelina Faccenda, Canada, Jim Hjelm, Little White Dress, Melissa Andre Celebrate.Beauty., Melissa Andre Events, Millcroft Inn, Mille de Fleurs, Two of a Kind Limousine & Luxury Coaches, Winter Wedding
Post categories: DIY Wedding Decor, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Planners & Designers

From JL Photografia … Leigh is a graphic designer and Pablo is an architect. They are both very talented so it was not surprising to learn that all the graphics, decor, invitations, and floral arrangements were made by Leigh with some help from Pablo, of course. Their second date was at an apple orchard so the apples had a lot of significance. All the succulents used were grown in their own backyard. With the help of the fabulous people at the Headlands Center for the Arts, and their family and friends, everything came together wonderfully.

Click here for more in the gallery!

Pablo and I met on the corner of 2nd and 4th in New York City, September 18th – a perfect New York fall day. For two years prior a mutual friend had been badgering us to meet, but both a bit wary of blind dates, we kept finding excuses to blow off our persistent friend. Thankfully, Pablo caved first. He called and suggested we meet for a cup of coffee.

Fast forward to our wedding. We had been to the Headlands Center for the Arts to visit a friend, who was in residence there, and fell in love with the space. It’s rustic austere “left-alone-ness” is breathtaking. The Center is comprised of two old officer’s barracks, built at the turn of the century and lovingly restored by the artists that came to reside in the program. We were lucky enough to have a meal that night prepared by Katie Powers and also fell in love with her food. Katie is the exclusive chef for events at the Headlands and she really does do a perfect job of it.

If I were to define a theme or an inspiration for our wedding, I would say the simple elegance of the space had the most direct influence on us. It was raw and authentic and unadorned which I think describes our love well. The ceremony was also influenced by simple beauty (save our army of five flower girls… too many eager and cute little girls to choose from). Family and friends performed readings and songs and our officiant and good friend Dan Bellm, spoke beautifully and simply about our love and history.

What more can I say that Lisa and Janet of JL Photografia have not perfectly captured? It was such a beautiful day. I know everybody says this but there really was something magical about it… it was 75 degrees and sunny (unheard of that time of year). All of our family and friends were together in one place, and we had the chance to express our vows in front of all those we cared about in such a beautiful and intimate way. My only regret is that we can’t somehow live that day over and over again.

Venue: Headlands Center for the Arts / Catering: Katie Powers Catering / Photography: JL Photografia / Floral Design: Leigh Okies Events / Event Planning & Design: Leigh Okies Events / Invitation Design: Leigh Okies Events / Cake & Desserts: Thorough Bread and Pastry / Wedding Gown: David Fielden / Bridesmaid’s Dress: Anthropologie / Groom’s Suit: Isaia

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Anthropologie, California, David Fielden, Headlands Center for the Arts, Isaia, JL Photografia, Katie Powers Catering, Leigh Okies Events, Rustic, Sausalito, Thorough Bread and Pastry, Vintage
Post categories: Casual Elegance, DIY Flowers, DIY Wedding Invitations and Stationery, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Photography, Whimsical

From Krystal, half of Studio Foto … Paul (the other half of Studio Foto) and Sarah (the lovely bride) have known each other since they were little, and I’ve known Sarah for as long as I’ve known Paul. It was amazing to be there, not only as friends to witness their marriage, but as their “fotographers,” capturing a really special day in the life of this beautiful couple. Their wedding was so personal, homemade and heartfelt.

Almost everything about their wedding was DIY. Ella, Sarah’s mum, made her daughter’s gorgeous wedding gown by hand. She and her friends came together to hand stitch the pearls onto Sarah’s veil, and Ella even decorated a pair of darling ballet flats to adorn Sarah’s feet on her wedding day. All the food and flowers were locally grown (lots on the couple’s own farm). The entire wedding took place at the farm, making it even more special.

Check out Studio Foto’s blog for Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 of this wedding!

My husband and I run Red Fire Farm, a wonderful certified organic farm in Western Mass, where we grow all kinds of vegetables, flowers, some fruit, and eggs from pasture-raised chickens. Amidst the seasons of getting the CSA farm shares all harvested, and winter markets full of bounty, and our crews running smoothly, we weren’t sure if we’d have time to get married in any proper way. I thought at first we could just go to the courthouse and check it off our list!

On our farm there’s this field we call the Faraway Little Hill field, down a bumpy farm road, over a stream, bordering on the old beaver pond and a neighbor’s woodland. The natural world, the land, living ecosystems and outdoor beauty, have always been the strongest source of spirituality for us. When I asked myself what place I wanted to create a marriage, I saw it had to be outside. The Faraway Little Hill Field fit the bill just right.

In the spring, we planned and planted a garden there, in a semi-circle, to be the backdrop of the ceremony. We used plants that would be in bloom for our wedding date in September, and every week of the summer went up to weed and water and fix things together.

This field is indeed far away, so we had to figure out how to get everyone out there. One of our neighbors has a hay wagon, so we hooked that up to the tractor, and planned timed rides down to the field leaving from the barn, which everyone got details about in the invitation. There’s also a path, and walking outside is a beautiful thing, so we made a hand-drawn map as part of the program.

Planning our wedding started with the food, naturally, because we are farmers. It was the easiest part! So the wedding had to happen at the peak of vegetable season. It was easy to think about the dream meal – and very hard to say no to any of our favorite vegetables! Everything we grow has charms and delicious potential, and we had to whittle it down to our favorites, finding ways to showcase their best features in ways that would be somewhat simple to prepare and serve.

I think weddings, in many of their facets, are a celebration of community, and an affirming of community. For us it was very important to source the parts of our wedding from people and farms that we care about. In so many ways this is strengthening.

Photography: Studio Foto / Catering: Locally grown food from Red Fire Farm, Hillman Farm, West Country Cider, & Wine Trail in the Finger Lakes. Cooking by Isis Masoud, Devon Johnson, and Brendon Fitzgerald / Flowers: Organic flowers from Red Fire Farm designed by Joanne and Carol Norris / Location: The Faraway Little Hill Field at Red Fire Farm / Reception Location: Red Fire Farm / Invitations: DIY / Shoes: DIY / Dress: DIY

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Post tags: Barn Wedding, DIY Invitations, DIY Projects, DIY Wedding Dress, farm wedding, Maryland, Organic, Red Fire Farm, Studio Foto
Post categories: DIY Fashion Accessories, DIY Projects, DIY Wedding Decor, DIY Wedding Invitations and Stationery, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Photography