We chose to do a wedding in which every part of the ceremony was meaningful to us. If it wasn’t meaningful to us personally, we didn’t do it. This meant that we wrote and emceed the ceremony ourselves and had a total of 13 guests (plus a stray dog), who sat in a semi-circle and each spoke during the wedding. Our guests were our closest family members–the people who would find our ceremony as significant and meaningful as we did. To us, marriage is both a very private and a community affair, so we wanted people who would be an active part of our married life to be a part of our wedding.

Throughout the wedding process, we made sure to stay true to ourselves. At the end of the day, we were the ones getting married, and we were the ones to whom every choice would matter the most. Plus, our parents got to plan the receptions that came a few months later, so they could funnel all of their own preferences into those. Also, we tried not to sweat the small stuff or fall prey to the belief that more extravagant is always better. Matching dresses and hair, decorations, and seating arrangements wouldn’t have made the day any more special to us. Nor would anything more expensive than we chose. (Some good resources for others trying to decipher what elements of weddings are truly meaningful to them are the books Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert and A Short History of Marriage by Ethel Urlin.)

One aspect of the wedding that was very important to us from the get-go was having a really, really good photographer. We wanted more than anything to remember the emotions we and our families felt on that day, and the best way to do that was to get the kind of photographer that captures people as they are, not people as they look. I think you will agree that our wish was more than fulfilled.

In fact, the whole day was absolutely perfect. And every bit our dream wedding.

Photography: Hawes Photography / Venue: Old Orchard Gallery / Hair & Makeup: Dominic Michael Salon

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Post tags: Black and White Photography, Dominic Michael Salon, Hawes Photography, Intimate, Intimate Weddings, Missouri, Old Orchard Gallery, Rain, Rainy Day, Short Gowns, St. Louis, Umbrellas, Wedding Photography
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Photography

David and I had been dating long distance for about a year and a half. We had talked about getting married, but wanted to be sure he would be able to move closer to me before we took the plunge. After searching and waiting, he finally got a promotion within his company that would allow him to move. Shortly after, we went on a weekend trip to the mountains with another couple we are friends with. We spent most of the weekend enjoying the peace and quiet at their cabin.

On Saturday afternoon David (a part time photographer) mentioned that he wanted to take some pictures of the sunset since it had turned out to be a beautiful day. So we bundled up and took off to the top of the mountain. When we arrived to the top, he started taking various pictures and kept walking toward this particular tree that he has always been fascinated with. When we got close enough, he told me to turn around. When I did there was the ring box hanging from one of the branches. I turned back around to find him down on one knee holding the ring! We toasted to our future with the champagne and strawberries he had waiting, then our friends, Madison and Ashley, came up to join us and take some pictures. After calling our family and friends we capped off the night with an amazing dinner that they had cooked. It was perfect!

David and I both have so many friends and family from all over the country, so in the beginning we contemplated having a destination wedding. After a while, it became evident that we did not have enough time to plan like we would want. My parents have a beautiful property and graciously offered to have it there. Ultimately, knowing it was FREE and that I wouldn’t have to travel the week before the wedding helped to make the decision. Plus, I knew it would be special to have it in the small town where I grew up.

Since the engagement, my mom and I had spent quite a lot of time on Style Me Pretty. There were so many great ideas out there, and I just couldn’t decide. Once we decided we were having the wedding at my parents’ home, I knew everything needed to fit into the outdoor/garden/Southern look of the property, but I didn’t want it to look like I had a specific “theme”. This actually seemed to help becuase it gave me so many more options than being limited to one look or set of ideas. I eventually decided that I wanted to use mason jars for the centerpieces. I thought they were the perfect way to add a Southern touch. Luckily, we were able to get enough of the blue mason jars to add some extra color. I knew this would be perfect with the salmon colored bridesmaid dresses I had picked. After that, I just started picking the things I liked and figured out how to make them work, and everything came together perfectly.

I didn’t want our wedding to be just another wedding that people went to. I wanted our guests to really enjoy themselves and share in our happiness, so we tried to add as many personal touches as possible. We did several signs around the ceremony and reception. The main one in the middle of the reception area started out just as a sign to point the way to different areas of the party (dance floor, restrooms, etc). Then we thought it would be cute to make it more personal. David and I love to travel together so there were signs highlighting several of the places we had been or were going to…..Savannah, GA, Cape Cod, and Greece (our honeymoon destination). We also had a station where guests could leave us a note to read on various anniversaries in the future. Just about everything had some sort of personal touch or meaning. I also wanted everything to be unique. I made DIY programs that were completely “out of the box” and non-traditional. We also had a local gospel choir to sing before the ceremony started.

We actually had my dad join the minister and perform parts of the ceremony. It was so special to have him marry us. After he pronounced us man and wife, the gospel choir sang “Oh Happy Day” as we walked back down the aisle.

The mother of one of my bridesmaids volunteered to do a photo booth as a surprise for the two of us. She even made the backdrop and found all the props. This turned out to be a huge hit, and now we have so many great photos of all our guests.

As much as I didn’t want to, I let some of the wedding day stress get to me. So one of the best moments was when David and I had our “first look” before the ceremony. When I saw the look on his face I immediately felt at ease.

Photography: Chris & Adrienne Scott, Photographers / Flowers: Jonathan Kendrick / Ceremony and Reception Location: Bride’s parent’s house / Invitations: Robin E Designs / Shoes: Target / Dress: Martina Liana from Low’s Bridal / Hair: Scott Little from Haute Heads / Makeup: Anna Sellers / Rings & Pearl Earrings: Mednikow Jewelers / Suits: Jos A. Banks / Ceremony Music: United Voices of Anointance Choir / Reception Music: Magi / Cake: Dinah Fewell of Take the Cake / Cupcakes: HaliHannigan’s Cupcakery / Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale from Bella Bridesmaid

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Post tags: Amsale Bella Bridesmaid, Anna Sellers, Bells, Burlap, Chinese Lanterns, Chris & Adrienne Scott, Color Palette Coral Blue, Cupcakes, Dina Fewell, HaliHannigan's Cupcakery, Haute Heads, Jonathan Kendrick, Jos A Bank, Low's Bridal, Magi, Martina Liana, Mason Jars, Mednikow Jewelers, Outdoor Ceremonies, Outdoor Weddings, Photographers, Robin E Designs, Rustic Chic, Scott Little, Southern Weddings, Take The Cake, Target, Tennessee, Tented Receptions, United Voices of Anointance Choir, Wedding Photography
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Photography

As we approached our last year in medical school and began to apply for residency we were forced to think very seriously about our commitment to each other. We needed to decide whether it was worth it to apply for residency as a couple or risk not being in the same city.

In the midst of an incredibly hectic interview season, Jono suggested we get away for a weekend in Vermont. We drove up to his ski house near Mount Snow and he had arranged for dinner at a new restaurant. I suspected he was up to something, and asked if I should wear a dress – no ring…

The next morning he surprised me with skins that we could attach to our skis so that we could hike up the mountain. It was a beautiful morning and we set off up the Cascade Trail. Skiers in the lifts above shouted, ”You’re going the wrong way” but we loved the challenge. Just near the top, Jono had pulled ahead and was fixing his boot by the time I caught up. While down on one knee, he said the most beautiful words about our relationship and our future and pulled out a gorgeous ring from his ski jacket. I was jumping up and down, and of course, said yes. A ski patrol officer noticed the commotion and came over to ask if we were ok. I showed her the ring and we got our first congrats!

We drove back to NYC that evening and Jono suggested dinner at our favorite restaurant on the upper east side called Sfoglia. There, we were escorted to a hidden back door, up a flight of stairs, and into a private dining room filled with both of our families. Jono has pre-selected for all of our favorite dishes to be served family-style and as usual dinner was amazing. It was the perfect proposal from start to finish!

I remember when we were getting ready, the site coordinator came over to explain that it was raining and the lake was flooding the dock (the site for the cocktail hour). She explained that we could move the ceremony inside at the last minute, but the cocktail hour needed to be decided on earlier on. The room was quiet, as my parents, each of my 9 bridesmaids, and even the hair and make-up stylists stared at me, waiting for a decision. I remember feeling surprisingly calm, looking out over the lake, through the rain, and seeing a patch of clear skies heading in our direction. I knew exactly what Jono would want us to do… I decided to go ahead with everything outside as planned. Sure, I walked out in the rain, but we got the rainbow and the cocktail hour was beautiful. The rain started up again once we were in the tent and didn’t even affect the fireworks!

The ceremony was my favorite part of the day, I feel like I remember every second of it. I wasn’t sure how our interfaith ceremony would turn out (he is Jewish and I am Catholic), but our officiant did an amazing job of balancing our traditions and focusing on our love for one another and our families. She also met with us each individually beforehand to remind us to be present, and it really helped. A friend sung “Feels like home” during the ceremony, while the wedding party and our immediate family members passed around and each blessed our wedding rings. We stood holding each other, looking out over our guests and the beautiful surroundings and listening to our friend’s beautiful voice and the sweet lyrics; we really soaked in the moment and I will never forget feeling so happy and fortunate. It was incredibly special.

Another memorable part of the ceremony was the weather. It was crazy for those 40 minutes, we had rain, sun, wind… and best of all a double rainbow, just as the officiant had finished saying something about how couples who get married in bad weather can weather any storm! We felt so blessed that weekend, but the rainbow was like a sign from nature affirming our commitment.

Ceremony & Reception Location: Basin Harbor Club / Florist: Blomma Flicka Flowers / Photography: Orchard Cove Photography / Band: Sultans of Swing / Bride’s Dress: Sassi Holford / Bridesmaid’s Dresses: J.Crew / Hair: Erin McKenna / Makeup: Heather Garrow of Makeup Artists Guild / Invitations: Shindig Invites / Wedding Structure: Brian Gluck of Vermont Rustic Cedar / Rentals: Vermont Tent Company / Photobooth: Vermont Photo Booth Company

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Post tags: Autumn, Autumn Weddings, Basin Harbor Club, Blomma Flicka Flowers, Bowties, Cherries, Chuppah, Dogs, Erin McKenna, Fall, Fall Weddings, Heather Garrow, Interfaith Ceremony, J. Crew, Makeup Artists Guild, Orchard Cove Photography, Outdoor Ceremony, Outdoor Weddings, Pumpkins, Rainbows, Sassi Holford, Shindig Invites, Sultans of Swing, Tented Receptions, Vermont, Vermont Photo Booth Company, Vermont Rustic Cedar, Vermont Tent Company, Wedding Photography
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Photography

After dating Miss Katie Woodard for about two years I was thinking it is time to ask her to marry me. We started dating near the end of college and neither of us had any expectations for our relationship. We quickly realized though, that we were falling in love. After I graduated college I started a job in Oklahoma City, while Katie was working in St. Louis. She was trying to find a job in OKC about the time that I decided I was going to propose. I kept leading her on that I only wanted to get married when I was 30 or older so she thought that it was going to take forever. So when I planned a trip to Europe she had no clue about what I had planned for her.

We first flew into Liverpool from Oklahoma City. Our second day we went to the beloved Paris. She wanted to go for quite some time now, so I thought it was the perfect romantic time to take her. We strolled along the Eiffel tower at night, the Louvre during the day and had an amazing time exploring the city together. The next day we were going to Switzerland and this is when I started to get nervous.

After arriving in Geneva, Switzerland we took a scenic and very beautiful train ride to Vevey, Switzerland. The train ride curved throughout the mountains surrounding Lake Geneva. We stayed in the small quaint town of Vevey and strolled along the lake and had a great dinner overlooking the lake and the mountains. Now, since I had been leading Katie on for quite some time about not getting married until we were 30, I decided I should drop some hints before I asked her (the next day). So I brought it up somehow and then said well it might be sooner than you expect, which I thought was a huge hint but I guess she never got it.

The next morning we took a train to a small town of Chateau d’eau and tried to find the little hot air balloon house. We arrived and got all set up for a ride at 2 o’ clock. The whole trip was very beautiful, blue skies, and about 65 degrees throughout England, Paris, and Switzerland. This day was no exception. We ate a meal outside right before the balloon ride. While Katie was inside looking at the place I took the ring out of the bag I had been carrying as quickly as I could and put it in my pocket.

So we drove to the take off site and started to fill the balloon up to take off. We both jumped in the balloon and it started to ascend above the ground. This is when I started to not think about the proposal so much but I was thinking about how high I was and how I could die if I happened to fall out (scared of heights syndrome). Now my mind was going crazy. I was nervous about the heights and extra nervous about what I should say. We had a private reservation in the balloon so it was just me and Katie, plus our balloon expert who didn’t speak much english. I figured that we should enjoy the ride before I decided to ask her to marry me.

The Alps were truly stunning. I will never forget being 3000 meters in the sky and looking across to the Alps, Lake Geneva, and the beautiful green Switzerland. We were pointing out the sites and mostly in awe of what we were seeing. It was quite an adventure. So while we were at the top of our flight I decided it was time to ask her. I was ghostly pale and Katie kept looking at me and laughing. She was making fun of me because she thought I was scared of the ride and being that far up in the sky. While part of that was very true, I was more nervous about whipping the ring out and falling on one knee. So that is exactly what I did.

I wasn’t sure what to say, all I could think of was I love you and I want to spend my whole life with you. So I said that while going down on one knee. After doing all this I could very well see that she was in complete shock. All she could say was “ohhhh my gossshhhhh, are you kidding, NOOOO, are you serious?” This happened for about five minutes while I on the other hand was sweating up a storm and wasn’t sure if that was a yes or a maybe or a I don’t know. After the complete shock reaction I received I was thinking to myself that maybe I should have done this different. Maybe an easy going talk three months before the proposal about getting married should have taken place, and maybe we should have gone ring shopping together, and maybe I should have planned it better. The shock reaction was not convincing. Katie spend the rest of the ride convincing me that she would have married me a year ago!

This whole time we started our decent to a field below the mountains. So we finally landed and then had champagne while sitting in this beautiful scenery. Afterwards we talked for hours about everything that had happened while spending two more days in Switzerland. Looking back on it, it is sufficient to say that the surprise was everything I wanted it to be in the end. The balloon ride symbolizes our marriage to come; romantic, fun, and adventurous.

Photographer: Hawes Photography / Floral Designer: Sisters Flowers / Event Designer & Planner: Erin Schulte, Exclusive Events / Invitation Designer: Ellie Snow / Cake: Jilly’s Cupcake Bar / Wedding Gown Designer: Enzoani / Bridesmaid’s Dress Designer: J.Crew / Ceremony + Reception Location: The Gardens of Malmaison / Shoes: Cole Haan / Menswear: Express Men

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Post tags: Cole Haan, Ellie Snow, Enzoani, Exclusive Events, Express Men, Hawes Photography, J. Crew, Jilly's Cupcake Bar, Lanterns, Missouri, Outdoor Wedding, Ring Bearers, Sisters Flowers, St. Louis, Tented Ceremony, Tented Reception, The Gardens of Malmasion, Wedding Photography
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Photography

Click here for more in the full image gallery!

Jonathan and I chose to have some of our engagement photographs done in Central Park, as it is a tranquil spot but you still see the sweeping skylines of New York City in the background. It is romantic and features some of the most amazing scenery in New York City with its natural woods, lakes and walking tracks. It is one of our favorite spots to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Times Square is a quintessential New York City location. We also chose this site as Times Square represents the energetic lifestyle we live on a day to day basis. Bright lights, tall buildings and tons of people encompass the world we live in.

My first look was a white silk Diane von Furstenberg dress. I wore a black Balenciaga dress in her second look with Christian Louboutin shoes. Jonathan wore a Charles Tyrwhitt button down with a charcoal Theory blazer and jeans.

The session was extremely fun! We really connected with Jenny, our photographer.  As the shoot progressed, we just became more and more comfortable with her. It was great to be able to relax and just have fun.

Photography: Captured Photography by Jenny / Bride’s Dresses: Diane von Furstenberg (white) & Balenciaga (black) / Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin

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Post tags: Balenciaga, Captured Photography by Jenny, Central Park, Christian Louboutin, Diane von Furstenberg, Emerald Cut Diamond, Engagement Sessions, Engagement Shoots, Manhattan, New York, New York City, Time Square, Wedding Photography
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Photography

And here’s a little somthin’ somthin’ from Stillmotion…

Aaron and I met when we were 15 and in high school. We somehow managed to maintain a long distance relationship over ten years, while I attended school in Boston and him in Philadelphia, and after graduation, when Aaron moved to Boston and I returned to Los Angeles. When Aaron finally made it out west to San Francisco, I knew it was time for me to join him up north as well.

During Aaron’s vows, he said, “The faith that we developed as teenagers had withstood this test, and the love I have for you has only grown stronger over the years and the total seat miles traveled on AirTran, Southwest, and US Air combined.” How fitting, as our the significance of our wedding was so important to us not just because we were so ready to get married, but because we would finally be able to share our lives together at last!

Ian Grant, our photographer and Stillmotion, our videographers, captured everything that truly reflected our love and how we felt for each other.  I didn’t have any specific ideas for details, but knew that I wanted our wedding to reflect our testament to our long distance love. I gave Amanda Auer from In the Now Events full reign over this, and she executed the wedding details perfectly!

I also wanted to surprise Aaron with a game of beer pong at our wedding – he had been begging for a “Beirut Tourney” throughout the planning process, and I had always dismissed the idea as unsuitable for a wedding. This was all a ruse, of course, as I secretly planned with our vendors for over a year to surprise him with a few beer pong tables, of course, monogrammed in the classiest way possible. Not only was it a ton of fun, but seeing the final details that Amanda had executed perfectly, complete with monogrammed paddles, cups, and tables, was just the best feeling and the most wonderful night!

Makeup: Elaine Chou from Echoumakeup / Photographer: Ian Grant Photography / Videographer: Stillmotion / Coordinator & Florals: Amanda Auer from In the Now Events / Caterer: 24 Carrots / Rentals: Versatile LA & Bob Gail Events / Photobooth: Snappy Joe Photography / DJ: SoCal DJ, Eric Mosqueda / Officiant: Pastor Matt Nault, City Church San Francisco / Cake: King’s Hawaiian / Event Design & Coordination: Amanda Auer for In The Now Weddings / Floral Design: Stephanie Hester and Amanda Auer for In The Now Weddings / Monogram Design: Shannon LaBare for In The Now Weddings / Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen and Signature Party Rentals / Vinyl Decor & Details: Creative Media Print / Calligraphy Details: Kristina Kunza, K.A. Kalligraphy / Venue: Saddlerock Ranch

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Post tags: 24 Carrots, Bob Gail Events, California, City Church San Francisco, Color Palette Pink Purple, Corks, Creative Media Print, Echoumakeup, horses, Ian Grant Photography, In the Now Events, K.A. Kalligraphy, Kings Hawaiian, La Tavola Fine Linen, Orange County, Outdoor Ceremony, Outdoor Wedding, Rustic, Rustic Chic, Saddlerock Ranch, Signature Party Rentals, Snappy Joe Photography, SoCal-DJ, StillMotion, Versatile LA, Vineyard Weddings, Wedding Photography
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Photography

From Chad Morgan Photography … When I met Jon and Jenette last year, the three of us had an immediate bond. Conversation was easy, full of laughter, and authenticity…we all got each other. I was 40 minutes late to our initial meeting (something that never happens), and they didn’t seem to mind. Of course, I apologized profusely, and they felt my sincerity, understood, and quickly forgave me. Nevertheless, I walked out of there feeling like I had made new friends…and I have.

A couple months later, I got a call from Joanna (planner) with some upsetting and scary news: Jenette had been diagnosed with breast cancer, was going to have a double-mastectomy, and an intense and aggressive regimen of chemo. My heart sank. My wife has MS. So, I understand the pain, struggle, and heartache that comes along with a diagnosis. My initial thoughts were with Jenette and the life-changing events set before her, mentally and physically.

And then, I thought of Jon. On a personal level, know what it’s like to be the support system, and what it means to have the love of your life threatened with an illness, or disease. Nothing about their journey was going to be easy.

The wedding was moved from June to August, we shot their engagement the very next week after Joanna’s call (before she started chemo), and I kept them in my thoughts and close to my heart, checking in every so often to see how they were doing, and if I could help in any way. I could definitely tell things were getting tougher as the treatments got more intense. But never did their resolve lessen. Seeing Jenette and Jon on their wedding day, made me…a little misty.

When I saw Jenette a few weeks ago getting her makeup and hair done, I told her I was proud of her. And I am. Her smile was new and powerful. Jon, too, seemed “grown up.” They had a new confidence in each other, and a new outlook on their life. It was palpable…and amazing.

I’m so, so honored to have been a part of their wedding. I’m also grateful to give Jenette and Jon these images that will allow them to remember their wedding, and all of the wonderful friends and family that surrounded them.

Planner & Florist: Joanna Bailey Weddings / Venue: Denver Art Museum / Photography: Chad Morgan Photography / Second Photographer: Amanda Forbes

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Post tags: Amanda Forbes, Art Gallery, Birdcage Veils, Chad Morgan Photography, Color Palette Purple, Colorado, contemporary, Denver, Denver Art Museum, Flower girls, Jimmy Choo, Joanna Bailey Weddings, Modern, Ring Bearers, Wedding Photography
Post categories: Contemporary, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Photography

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From Jemma Keech…I am trying to incorporate more film into my work, so I did this inspirational wedding shoot. I chose a pretty palette of soft pinks and creams – colors that I know perfectly suit beautiful, creamy film. We did the shoot amongst the old street-scapes in Fremantle, Western Australia.

Photography: Jemma Keech / Floral Design: Natural Art by Rebecca Grace / Car: Belle Classic / Gown: Pallas Couture / Male Model (Tom): Chadwick Models / Female Model (Sarah): Friend

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 18 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Australia, Belle Classic, Chadwick Models, Inspiration Shoot, Jemma Keech, Natural Art by Rebecca Grace, Pallas Couture, Pastel Color Palette, Western Australia
Post categories: Australia Weddings, Bouquets, Photo Shoot, Wedding Dresses, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Photography, Wedding Style, Western Australia