They were married at Terra d’Oro in September and the images that Allison Stahl captured are nothing short of fantastic!

Here’s a little bit from Kristi about their wedding inspiration …

The inspiration for our wedding started with the lovely town of Sutter Creek. Justin and I both loved the friendly, comfortable, small town feel. It was really important for us to have a fun day that reflected us as a couple. Once we discovered Sutter Creek, we started checking out wineries and fell in love with Terra d’Oro. When they described to us how my dad and I would enter down the stairs and through the huge doors, it was too good to pass up.

Most of our favorite times together involve getting outside, fishing, camping and enjoying fresh air. The fall colors came naturally to us once we settled on the venue. With the beautiful trees, vineyards, and wooden trellis, it was the natural choice. Justin does a lot of graphic design for his work and since we both love fishing together, we decided to name all of the tables after local fish. Justin was inspired by a book on vintage travel posters and he came up with all of the designs for the table cards which also served as the menus. I got to choose my favorite country songs for the reception which included “River of Love” by George Strait and “Fishing in the Dark” by the Nitty Gritty Band. It was the perfect setting and the perfect group of family and friends.

* * *

We designed the cake with a lot of help from Justin’s sister, Shannon. She lives in San Francisco and took us to this lovely shop which sells nothing but beautiful ribbon. We spent hours sorting through different styles until we came up with the final design. Ingrid did a wonderful job putting it all together – and it tasted it even better.

Martha Andrews designed some pretty incredible florals to wow Kristi & Justin’s guests!

So to those of you planning fall weddings in the future, we’ve shared some beautiful examples of autumn florals at their very best from Martha Andrews. We thank Allison Stahl and Justin & Kristi for sharing this gorgeous day with us!

* * *

Credits: Blooms by Martha Andrews, Allison Stahl Photography, Chef Beth Catering, Ingrid Fraser Cakes, Stephanie J. Designs (Invitations), Rivini, J.Crew

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Post tags: Allison Stahl, Blooms by Martha Andrews, California, Fall Wedding, Ingrid Fraser Cakes, Pumpkins, Sutter Creek, Terra d'Oro
Post categories: Bouquets, Centerpieces, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Flowers

First up ~ Maribeth, from Red Ribbon Studio is sharing Jamie & Randy’s May wedding with us. It’s classic, it’s elegant and it’s simply timeless in it’s beauty …

Jamie and Randy were married at the historic Semple Mansion in Minneapolis. Between Jamie’s Peter Langner gown, the grandeur of the venue and the wedding artist they commissioned … well, their wedding kind of blew me away!

Mimi Wedding Planning worked with the couple to pull their modern classic wedding vision together. The floral decor is to die for … and the stunning cake is from Gateaux Inc.

Their wedding artist was Nicole Herzog. She sketched and painted throughout the entire evening and at the end of the day … a gorgeous painting to commemorate the celebration was complete!

What a great idea.  A HUGE thanks to Maribeth at Red Ribbon Studio … and to Jamie and Randy for sharing this joyful day!

* * *

We’ll have another wedding from Maribeth at Red Ribbon Studio in just a bit, so do check back!

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Post tags: Gateaux Inc., Mimi Wedding Planning, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Nicole Herzog, Peter Langner, Red Ribbon Studio, Semple Mansion
Post categories: Centerpieces, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Photography

Lindsey made the aisle decor (and bridesmaids ‘puffs’)!  Their fantastic stationery and paper pieces are from Three Little Birds.

Stunning Carnation Centerpieces from The Place For Flowers!

I’ll have all the credits and vendors posted on this feature in just a bit! And I know Lindsey is answering questions as we speak … so fire away!

One more hurray for Kristin Vining and Weddings and the City for bringing us this spectacular wedding! Remember, they’ll have more images and details, with more of Lindsey’s thoughts over on their blogs!

* * *

Vendor Credits and other details (in no particular order!) ~

Cake Lady Jill, The Place For Flowers, Romona Keveza from J. Majors, Shoes by Mary Norton (Charlotte), Bridesmaids dresses BCBG, Tuxedo from Penguins, Headpiece from Castle Bride Couture, Bridal Hair & Makeup by Elizabeth Tollye, Bridal Portrait makeup (Miami) by Mara Fernandez, Invitations/Stationery ~ Three Little Birds, Videography by Richard Israel, Ceremony location: Mint Museum of Craft + Design, Catering by Best Impressions, Rental Providers~ Classic Party Rental and Connie Duglin, Lindsey’s Necklace from BCBG, Flower Girl Dress from Sweet Plume on etsy, Baby’s tutu from Hannah’s Tutus on etsy, 36″ balloons from 2 The Limit Events.

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Post tags: BCBG, Cake Lady Jill, Castle Brid Couture, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Elizabeth Tolly, J. Majors, Kristin Vining Photography, Mary Norton, Mint Museum of Craft & Design, Penguins, Romona Keveza, The Place For Flowers, Three Little Birds, Weddings And The City
Post categories: Accessories, Bouquets, Centerpieces, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Jewelry, Shoes, Vintage Chic, Wedding Details, Wedding Photography, Wedding Planners & Designers, Whimsical

LBB members, Lilywillow created all the adorable paper products and Michele and Mark of IN Photography captured all the beautiful details of the day.

From Michele …

Lisa included so many personal details that made the wedding especially unique to the couple. She wore Will’s mother’s veil, a ring that belonged to her great grandmother and on her bouquet, she held a hanky that was a part of her bonnet from when she was christened as a child.

Lisa even hand-picked all of the aspen leaves that were strewn along the aisle …

Bloom Flower Shop (LBB member) created some truly sensational fall florals for Lisa & Will’s wedding …

Taking inspiration from their love of white-water rafting, Will and Lisa named the tables after rivers in Colorado.

Other vendors who contributed to Lisa & Will’s wedding celebration include Ned Archibald (cake), Michelle at An Occasion To Remember, and music from A Great Time DJ.

Oh … I wish autumn lasted longer!!

Congratulations to Will & Lisa and a HUGE thank you to Michele & Mark for sharing!

We’ll be adding these images to our photo galleries in the next day or so, but in the meantime, you should take a look at the galleries of gorgeous images on IN Photography’s website:  bouquets, cakes, a cool collection of escort card and table number images, plus so many more gorgeous Colorado weddings!

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Post tags: An Occasion To Remember, Bloom Flower Shop, Color Palette Fall, Colorado, Fall Wedding, Keystone, Ned Archibald, Ski Tip Lodge Bed & Breakfast
Post categories: Bouquets, Casual Elegance, Centerpieces, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Photography

cake by Village Cake Shoppe

Their photographer, Jessica, at Stout Photography sent us this info about the couple and the day …

Dave and Jenny’s wedding was a long awaited, MUCH anticipated, exclusive event of the year!  My good friend and fellow photographer friend Dave married his high school sweetheart and mother of his two beautiful children at the Firehouse Restaurant in Old Sacramento. Wow, so much to say! First of all, I’ll start by saying there was an absolute role-reversal in planning this wedding. Dave (admittedly) was the “Bride”, handling all the vendor selections, planning and details. With a little push in the right direction from me, he got in touch with Martha Andrews of Blooms. Together, they took his and Jenny’s ideas and added Martha’s artistry!

And from Martha …

The Firehouse Restaurant is an institution in town, where law makers, governors etc… frequent. It really WAS originally a firehouse! Jenny and Dave started the day off in downtown Sacramento, a lovely old building that has been converted into a boutique hotel ~ The Citizen Hotel. The groom, an aspiring photographer  basically gave me a color scheme and told me to do whatever I wanted because he trusted me. I went with twigs hung with crystals and votive candles, then candles embedded in the flower base. Down the aisle I floated orchids in gel and topped it off with floating candles. I made the flower girl basket out of flowers. I hung crystal votives in the trees surrounding the courtyard and flowers in the fountain.

all photographs courtesy of Stout Photography

This is just beautiful!! Love this place. Our congratulations to Jenny, Dave & family!! And thank-you Martha, for sending it our way. The floral decor is simply divine!

* * *

Blooms by Martha Andrews’ website is LOADED with gorgeous floral and wedding design ideas! Plus, if you want to see some really WOW flowers ~ a Zafari pomander~ check out her October 6th post on her blog!

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Post tags: Blooms by Martha Andrews, California, Dave Shilling Photography, Firehouse Restaurant, Old Sacramento, Stout Photography, The Citizen Hotel, Village Cake Shoppe
Post categories: Bouquets, Centerpieces, Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Flowers

Kyoko & Han’s wedding took place in Hartford, Connecticut this past June. The beautiful bride prepares …

Kyoko and Han were married at Christ Church Cathedral with a reception following at the Hartford Society Room.

Jessica sent us some info about the amazing floral decor …

Her bouquets were hand-tied bouquets of lady slipper orchids, ivory and lavender roses, lavender cymbidium orchids and purple mokara orchids. For the reception, we created several different “tree” centerpieces. Curly willow, birch branches and manzanita branches. All decorated with lavender roses, lavender cymbidium orchids, purple mokara orchids and purple vanda orchids. With detailing of moss and black river rocks.

And the results? Well … see for yourself!

Other wedding vendors who made this whole beautiful day come together … Troy Photography, Cakes by Donna, The Greeting Shoppe, Cloth Connections, After Hours DJ (Springfield), Fran Gagnon Films, Details Wedding & Party Planning, Keri Shea(Hair), Janice of Naomi’s Studio & Salon (Make-Up), New England Photo Booth (Springfield).

All photographs courtesy of Troy Photography

Congratulation to Kyoko & Han on a beautiful, beautiful wedding! And a huge thank-you to Jessica’s Country Flowers for sharing!

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Post tags: After Hours DJ, Cakes By Donna, Candy Buffet, Cloth Connection, Details Wedding Planning, Fran Gagnon Films, Hartford Society Room, Jessica's Country Flowers, Troy Photography
Post categories: Bouquets, Centerpieces, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Flowers

John is actually one of the founders of the incredible floral studio, Spruce, here in Boston. They did my own wedding so I have had a love affair with all things Spruce for a long time. I am so thrilled to be able to show their gorgeous wedding!

photography by Michael Robinson Photography and Violet Marsh Photography

From the bride and groom…

The mood of the event was fun, but sophisticated. We took our time to develop a menu that would be complex but easy to serve and prepare with this in mind – gourmet comfort food was the perfect answer. We spent a year testing the menu and then spend days in the kitchen prepping. Macaroni and cheese became Four Cheese & Lobster Mac and Cheese with Black Truffle. Our version of the cheese sandwich was Brie, Fig Jam and Arugula on fresh sesame ficelle. The roast beef sandwich became Mini Filet Bites with Carmelized onion and Salsa Verde on crusty baguette. Individual chicken pot pies. Crab cakes were served with a fresh, Asian chili sauce. A friend who is a professional baker provided baked goods such as rosemary & carrot scones, fresh ginger cookies and gourmet whoopee pies ( a HUGE hit!) The cake was a cupcake tower with cupcakes from a local baker – decorated with ribbon and edible sugared pansies, which Nikki spent the summer making by hand.

The flowers were designed by Sarah (Miles) Matteson, my partner and the Creative director at  Spruce Floral. Nikki deferred to Sarah for all creative direction, saying that while she was a graphic designer she knew that Sarah’s expertise in floral design would supersede her wildest expectations. Her only request was that the flowers have a modern garden feel, with unusual elements such as fiddleheads and rich, bold colors.

Guest entered though a winding path of hanging jars of hydrangeas in greens lavenders and plums. Two huge arrangements of hydrangeas and trailing autumns clematis framed us  as wed exchanges vows. The reception was filled with small tables high and low covered with plum & chartreuse linens – glazed ceramic bottles of fiddleheads and dahlias, stone compotes of  dahlias and licorice vine, sweet peas and ruffled heuchera leaves. Each table was different. Nikki carried a bouquet of lavender sweet peas and lady slippers peppered with fiddleheads. Satin ribbons trailed as she walked down the aisle…

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Post tags: Backyard, Cupcakes, Nantucket, Spruce Floral
Post categories: Bouquets, Casual Elegance, Centerpieces, Wedding Flowers

from Laura …

On recent trips to Paris and the German countryside, I found inspiration for my flower designs at every turn – in a rustic country garden that provided an idyllic backdrop for an international master class, in the fashionable Parisian neighborhoods of St. Germain and the Marais, and at the haute couture shows during Fall Fashion Week.

The new floral aesthetic focuses on creating a rustic, vintage look of casual elegance using flowers from the woods, meadows, vineyards, and gardens. There is an emphasis on incorporating contrasting elements – colors, materials, textures — into the bouquets and using organic elements (such as folded leaves, bundled twigs, etc.) in innovative ways to form couture finishing touches. While nature provides inspiration and the raison d’etre, trends in haute couture fashion and the decorative arts continue to influence the poetry and artistry of l’art du bouquet.

The overall effect of combining simple garden and woodlands flowers with stylish embellishments is fresh, elegant, and natural. Here are some new ideas, trends and color combinations – inspired by the French garden style aesthetic — that I find compelling for the upcoming season.

Jardin Rustique

photography courtesy of Open Air Photography

For a rustic, garden-style approach, the key point is to emphasize a rich mix of textures and a muted, monochromatic color scheme. Try combining woodsy elements such as twigs, moss, pods, and grasses with flowers in shades of cream, green and brown to create a sophisticated, pastoral look.

In this bouquet of roses (above,  left), pinecones and ferns, found objects and materials– branches and twigs gathered from the garden — are fashioned into bundles, and then entwined around a square-shaped Italian mason jar to complement the design.

For the lavender bouquet (above, right), fallen oak leaves are rolled into cylinders to create an organic container which is then filled with a mix of beige/lavender roses, wheat, English lavender and several types of foliage.

Jardin Nostalgique

photography courtesy of Open Air Photography

The nostalgic flower garden celebrates classic, timeless look – these bouquets feature abundant masses of old-fashioned garden flowers such as snapdragons, roses and hydrangea arranged in classic urns, retro-inspired color schemes, (e.g., peach and green, pale yellow and cornflower blue, amber gold and red), and are accented with either vintage containers or stems and vases decorated with natural elements. In the examples below, nostalgic garden flowers are paired with mixed foliage and berries to create a charming natural style that transcends fads and trends to articulate a fresh and original look.

photography courtesy of Open Air Photography

Jardin Simplicite

photography courtesy of Kevin Allen Photography

Simplicity in design has universal, enduring appeal – not only is a pared down aesthetic accessible and attainable in terms of technique, it’s more cost-effective than highly intricate and complex designs. To achieve this look in bouquets, use a single kind of flower in a monochromatic hue, and arrange the stems loosely in chic, coordinating containers. By incorporating interesting details and selecting unusual colors and materials, it’s possible to embellish basic designs with artistic elements to create simple, yet distinctive bouquets.

Jardin Couture

photography courtesy of Kevin Allen Photography

Many flower trends are derived from the runways of Paris, the fashion capital of the world. And, this July, there was a palpable sense of excitement in the air during Paris Fashion Week. In current collections, there is a focus on contrasting color and texture – bright fuchsia or purple paired with black, deep plum and chartreuse, gossamer gold and brown, and the bold use of vivacious hues and patterns that evoke baroque and byzantine influences.

photography courtesy of Open Air Photography

Already, you can see these Parisian fashion trends translated into bouquet designs – in striking displays of pink hydrangea and deep burgundy calla lilies arranged in black ceramic cylinders and presented on mirrored pedestals at the Georges V, in chic, garden-style bouquets of purple and white hydrangea wrapped with passion flower vine at Hermes, and in poetic arrangements of summer flowers in shades of amber, orange, fuchsia, and red at a chic cocktail party on the Rue de Rivoli.

photography courtesy of Open Air Photography

Bottom line: Parisian Floral Trends

What’s new this summer is to emphasize contrasting elements in design – placing rustic flowers in elegant settings, using organic materials as couture finishing touches, integrating a pared back aesthetic with more opulent displays, and juxtaposing a wild, country-garden style with sophisticated and fashion-forward trends. From vintage chic and rustic elegance to high-style haute couture, flowers in the French garden style are inspiring and reflect all of these sensibilities.

* * *

Thank you SOOOO much, Laura for continuing to bring us the most fashionable updates in the world of floral design.  Your creations are truly exquisite and your expertise is delightful!! Laura is a French-trained floral designer based in Washington DC. For more of her incredible work, visit her website and blog. She has several more images of Summer 2009 French-inspired bouquets on her blog.

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Post tags: French Garden, Interieurs et Fleurs, Kevin Allen Photography, Laura Dowling, Open Air Photography, Parisian Trends, Washington DC
Post categories: Bouquets, Centerpieces, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Flowers

We looked back at Tiffany’s blog at some of the other weddings she’s shot at Auberge du Soleil ~ what an awesome wedding venue! And for Ashleigh & Michael’s wedding, a fantastic contrast for their wedding party photo shoot!

From beginning to end … Ashleigh & Michael’s wedding was utterly amazing!

The bride is a wedding coordinator and you can easily see from her own wedding that she must be fantastic at her job!

She enlisted the help of Pacific Events, Las Vegas for design and floral decor. The flowers, alone, are breathtaking! Place all of this in the middle of Napa Valley at Auberge du Soleil and you’re nearly in heaven!

LOOK at the seating chart (above)! Oh my goodness …

Ashleigh’s gown is from Vera Wang. Again, simply stunning. Her hairpiece was custom designed by Couture Bride in Las Vegas.

Beautiful wedding paper pieces by Checkerboard ~ Folios of Maria Thomas.

Such an exquisite presentation … and you have to love this crystal chandelier!

Wedding cake by Laurie Lucov. Gorgeous~

We’ll be updating the post a little later today with answers to many of your questions!

Update: So … only a couple of answers to your questions so far! Brides Shoes: Chinese Laundry (the platforms) and Diane Lynn (the sparkling ones); Bridesmaid dresses: Priscilla of Boston, Vineyard Collection (in slate)

Bracelet, Seating Chart, Flower Girl Dresses, Men’s Suits: Don’t know yet. Will keep you posted!

* * *

Congratulations on a sensational wedding, Ashleigh and Michael! And a HUGE thanks to Tiffany for sharing these absolutely beautiful images from the day!!

* * *

Tiffany and Erica are the photographers and owners of Adeline & Grace Photography. Tiffany is based in California, while Erica works throughout Southern New England.

For more of their fabulous work and more amazing weddings from their website and blog, take a peek at these …

Another terrific wedding at Auberge du Soleil ~ Juliana & Daniel

Jennifer & Keith’s super-cute engagement shoot

Megan & Jason’s Cline Cellars Wedding ~ previously featured on Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book Blog!

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Post tags: Adeline & Grace Weddings, Auberge du Soleil, California, Checkerboard, Chinese Laundry, Couture Bride, Hairpiece, Laurie Lucov Wedding Cakes, Napa, Pacific Events, Priscilla of Boston, Vera Wang
Post categories: Accessories, Centerpieces, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Vintage Chic, Wedding Photography

photographs courtesy of Karlisch Photography

We asked Amy to tell us what she loved the most about her wedding  …

I loved how our monogram was positioned on the back of our Phillipe Stark ghost chairs at the reception (see image below). I also loved how the T and M were hung on the big wooden church doors- cleverly created out of hot pink peonies. The M was later taken off the door and attached to the back of the Rolls Royce that we were riding in!

The escort cards were hung from a stunning silver tree that glistened with dangling crystals. Later shelves were positioned around the tree that contained rows of gift boxes with porcelain red bird limoge boxes sitting on top. Being from St. Louis and a fan of the Cardinals I had to somehow bring my hometown flair into my reception. I really wanted each guest to leave with something tangible that they could smile at and remember the evening.

The whole weekend was themed- “I DO in Dallas!” – Mary Wright Shaw even had stickers on the buses that we rented that had the logo on them. People were spotting them all over town. It was hysterical! My mom and Mary surprised me with the decal on the wall in the suite I got ready in.

I pinned my best friend and maid of honor, Erin’s grandmother’s brooch into my flower arrangement as my something borrowed. My something old was a beautiful handkerchief that was my Grandmothers. The neat thing was that Erin was married 3 months after me and she borrowed my grandmother’s handkerchief.

We had a cigar bar outside on the patio with hand rolled cigars that was a huge hit. My Dad is a real cigar lover. I just had to do it for him! He finally had one after Patrick I drove off to end his night!

Their magnificent celebration was at the Dallas Ritz-Carlton.

From Mary … The look for the reception portrayed contemporary elegance that highlighted the couple’s colorful and warm personalities. The room was adorned with crystal and mirror accents that reflected a feel of old Hollywood glamour. Flowers included grape hydrangeas, David Austin Roses, pink French tulips and over 3,000 Sandra Bernhart Peonies.

photographs courtesy of Karlisch Photography

Amy’s beautiful gown is from the Vera Wang Luxe Collection at Saks Fifth Avenue, Hair & Makeup – L.B. Rosser, Groom’s Attire – Culwell & Son, Bridesmaid’s Dresses – Vera Wang at StarDust Celebrations, Floral Design – Todd Event Design, Cake – Fancy Cakes by Lauren.

* * *

Congratulations, Amy & Patrick! Your wedding was a truly magnificent event!!

And a huge thank you to Mary at Diamond Affairs … spectacular!

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Post tags: Christ The King Church, Christian Louboutin, Dallas, Diamond Affairs, Fancy Cakes by Lauren, Karlisch Photography, Peonies, Star Dust Celebrations, Texas, Todd Event Design, Vera Wang
Post categories: Bouquets, Bridal Party, Centerpieces, Contemporary, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Decor, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Photography, Wedding Planners & Designers, Wedding Style

from Lisa …

The Hotel Bel-Air is synonymous with elegance, service and old-world glamour. It was the site of many a surreptitious Hollywood coupling and is still a choice location for many weddings. Hidden among the lush estates of Bel-Air and found at the end of a eucalyptus-lined drive, the Hotel Bel-Air is as romantic a hideaway as they come. We were excited to become part of the tradition of weddings at the hotel, but wanted to make our own creative and artistic stamp on the property, one that diverged from the well-trodden path of wedding white.

These spectacular centerpieces were designed by the fabulous Asiel Design team. So dramatic, yet so romantic!

Lisa said, ” I wanted the flowers to start with the darkest of reds and cascade into softer purples, pinks, and caramels, creating a dramatic look still bright enough for the summer season. The use of lavender, thistles and fiddlehead ferns added an element of whimsy to the symphony of deep tones.”

* * *

When Laura and Rebecca at Docuvitae capture a wedding, the images do more than tell a story. They take you right to the heart of the moments. They elicit emotions and a sense of awe to all who view them.  Lisa and Lance’s wedding imagery gives me goosebumps!

More of their story … in a bit.

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Post tags: Asiel Design, California, Docuvitae, Feather Boa, French Romance, Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles
Post categories: Accessories, Centerpieces, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance, Vintage Chic, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Photography

Oh my gosh! How precious are these?

So when you have killer invitations … killer shoes … a killer dress … hmmmm …you’ve got one fabulous wedding …

Chenin at Boutwell Studio shared Lindsey and Chris’ wedding with us, not just because she knew you’d love it … but also because Lindsey is a faithful SMP bride and she found Boutwell Studio in our Little Black Book.

If the invitations weren’t pretty enough, what about the vintage mailbox?

Enough oohing and ahhhing from me.

their story, from the beautiful bride, Lindsey …

Five years after meeting at a Halloween party, Chris asked me to marry him. He proposed in the snow at Lake Tahoe. As soon as I got home, I started planning the wedding. I knew I really wanted to have fireworks, but also wanted to get married in San Francisco, which was a little bit of a problem, until I noticed that the 4th of July, 2009 fell on a Saturday. Problem solved. Once I figured that out, everything else fell into place. We chose the Fairmont atop Nob Hill because it has a large reception area at the tip top of the hotel that has panoramic views and we would be able to see all the fireworks. It’s a beautiful and historic hotel. It lent itself to the overall look and feel of the wedding, which was “vintage charm”.

The wedding was beautiful. It was a gorgeous sunny day, and the fog didn’t even roll in (a rare thing in SF!). The entire day from start to finish could not have gone better.

I really had the best vendors in the world. The “A Team” I would call them. I actually found our photographer, Chenin, in the Little Black Book of vendors on SMP. Prior to the big day, we had a little bump in the road and had to switch photographers from our first one we hired. It all worked out and I could not be happier with our photos. Chenin was amazing to work with. She is so easy going and made it fun, and our pictures are killer. Our planner, Alice, helped to make the whole process-from start to finish-the best experience. I don’t know what I would have done without her. She made sure everything was perfect, and it was. Nancy did a wonderful job on the flowers, they were stunning. She went above and beyond to make my floral dreams come true, including surprising me with a second bouquet option of Peonies, which were out of season, but she tracked some down for me.

My favorite little items from the Big Day were:

Sign in Mail Box: I bought a vintage mail box (from a lady off ebay) and used vintage looking SF postcards for the sign in book. I had our guests “send” us their best wishes and memories.

Table Numbers: I saw some table numbers from a wedding (on SMP of course!) where they had scalloped cut table numbers and thought they were the cutest thing. I searched high and low for scalloped cards or a large enough punch cutter to do the job, but couldn’t find one. So I ended up buying a heavy duty die cutter and die cut each one. I know it may seem a bit silly for just some little scalloped table numbers, but I just fell in love with the idea. In the end I’m sure not many people really noticed them, but I just thought they looked so charming.

Invites and paper items: The vintage handkerchief invitations were a big hit (from Bird and Banner). Each guest received a different and unique vintage handkerchief. The other paper items (programs, menus, and candy bags) were designed by a friend of mine, who works in graphic design, and me. I loved the stripes.

Photo Booth with vintage props: are you sensing a theme here? but it was really cute. I bought a bunch of these vintage hats off ebay and a few little moustaches on sticks from etsy and everyone got really into it. The photos turned out really cute.

I thought I would be nervous or anxious, or even sad that it was going to be over, but I had a calm sense the whole day. I was just really really happy. It was a perfect day.

Wow! She’s right … just plain perfect!

Our special thanks to Alice at Grisez & Co. Event Design for helping us with all the details of the day.

The absolutely-unbelievably-drop-dead-gorgeous floral designs were by Little Black Book member, Nancy Liu Chin. Seriously, the flowers were amazing!!

And Chenin ~ your photos captured Lindsey & Chris’ wedding with a true sense of grace, charm and artistry. (ps… LOVE your website. super-cool graphics!)

Boutwell Studio has a GREAT BLOG … full of fantastic wedding eye candy!

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Post tags: Bird and Banner, Boutwell Studio, Fairmont Hotel, Grisez & Co. Event Design, Kate Spade, Nancy Liu Chin, Nob Hill, Photo Booth, San Francisco, Vera Wang
Post categories: Centerpieces, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance, Vintage Chic, Wedding Decor, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Invitations & Stationery, Wedding Photography

Kristina and Mark’s wedding style was ‘modern ~ organic’ …

We LOVE the twist of the maids in white and the bride in her Vera …

The bouquets are simply awesome!

We love the simple elegance that the chosen blooms convey.

So soft, so pretty!

Our thanks to Christie Pham Photography for these great images of the day … Congratulations to Kristina and Mark!

And to Flowergirls … Mahalo â nui!

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Post tags: Christie Pham Photography, Flowergirls Floral Design, Hawaii, Hawaii State Art Museum, Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Oahu, Vera Wang
Post categories: Bouquets, Centerpieces, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Dresses, Wedding Flowers

We always LOVE the unposed, laid-back style of The Marantz’ group shots. What a wonderful bunch of friends Jenna & Joe have!

And just as wonderful was the reception and the floral decor. Tracy Romano Events and KD&J Botanica did a tremendous job …

At the end of the night, the Black Rock Yacht Club served the guests these adorable mini-burgers & fries!

Congratulations Jenna & Joe … you guys look like you had a fantastic wedding day!

And a HUGE thanks to Mary and Justin for allowing us to repost your fabulous work!

For more Marantz Moments … keep a close eye on their website!!

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Post tags: Boutonniere, Centerpieces, Connecticut, JD&K Botanica, Justin & Mary Marantz, Mini-Burgers, Placecards, Purple, Ring Pillow, Table Settings, Traci Romano Events
Post categories: Centerpieces, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Decor, Wedding Photography

photography by Alissa Dinneen

One of our favorite Little Black Book floral designers, Jessica’s Country Flowers, is giving away her services to one New England bride and groom in her 2010 Deserving Couple’s Contest. All your wedding flowers complements of Jessica!!! Can you imagine?

Take a look at some of her extraordinary creations …

photography by Jessica’s Country Flowers and Alissa Dinneen

But that’s not all. Jessica’s Country Flowers has partnered up with Jamie Collins Photography and so you’ll get a fantastic wedding photographer too!

photography by Jamie Collins

Here’s what Jessica has told us so far  … you have to be a New England couple planning to marry in 2010. This is a need-based giveaway for one couple undergoing economic hardships and/or special circumstances. Jessica will provide all floral services and Jamie will provide photography services for 5 hours.

photography by Jamie Collins

To enter … go over to Jessica’s website and fill out the Contact Form, telling her that you found her via Style Me Pretty. You’ll need to fill in your complete information there. You will also need to provide a photo of you and your fiancee. Questions can be sent to Jessica via her website.

This is the opportunity of a lifetime so please don’t delay.

photography by Alissa Dinneen

{ps … there is even the possibility that other wedding services could be provided based upon need…hhhmmm … Little Black Book members?)

Remember, only New England 2010 weddings. Need based. Enter via Contact Form at Jessica’s Country Flowers website.

We’d love to know if you’re going to enter, so if you would, please leave us a comment below with the date and location of your wedding.

Pretty great, huh? Jessica’s Country Flowers is the best!

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Post tags: Giveaway, Jamie Collin's Photography, Jessica's Country Flowers, New England
Post categories: Bouquets, Centerpieces, Contests, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Flowers