SUBMIT WEDDING
View Posts By:

categories

 

tags

 
Patina with Poppies and Posies + Belathee Photography

Belathee  and Poppies and Posies are kind of a force to reckon with. I mean, basically everything they touch turns to gold. And when they teamed up to shoot a textile collaboration between Poppies and Posies and Society of Wonderland, beauty was simply bound to ensue. And ensue it did (just take one look at the glorious gallery). But as a designer, I couldn’t help but focus on all things studio. The space they rented for this particular shoot, Patina, is chalk full of eye-candy and it’s definitely worth a serious glance.

From Kim of Rent Patina… Patina is all about handpicked vintage furniture oozing with the character and beauty that comes with age. Our collection of rentals is curated by a design addicted, vintage junkie who brings pieces from different eras, styles, and far flung places together under one roof in an old garment factory in Brooklyn. Our ever-expanding collection helps designers, producers, brides and photographers infuse their events with soul and personality.

And just in case you were hoping to get a similar eclectic feel for yourself, we’ve got you covered. The secret sauce? One part whimsy (hello boxer oil painting!), one part classic (hello tufted sofa!), and a few parts vintage. This recipe? Well it can’t be beat:

[dotted]

Venue: Patina | Design & Styling: Poppies and Posies | Textile Designer : Society of Wonderland | Photography: Belathee Photography | Get the Look Round up: Couch from Wisteria | Boxer Painting from Anne Zoutsos | Vintage Cameras JVMDesign| Black and White Pillow from AnyarwotDesign | Gold Pillow from Melongings | Gold Bookcase from Worlds Away | Antique Globe from Mallcarts | Tray from Terrain | Dining Table from Urban Barn | Depressed Plate from K and M Antiques | Gold Cutlery from Hudson’s Bay | Vintage Trunk from 1st Dibs

Jacquelyn Clark

Melbourne Wedding from Daniella Melfi

This is the kind of wedding that pours on the pretty with bundles upon bundles of simple, yet sophisticated details and that downright glamorous vibe that we’ve come to know and love from Australian weddings.  You know the one.  It’s rich with elegance, stops you in your tracks and is responsible for more than its fair share of swooning.  See it all captured beautifully by Daniella Melfi in the full gallery.

From Daniella Melfi… I shot Atalanti and Adrian Biasi’s wedding in January this year.  I was seven and a half months pregnant and it was a HOT summer day!  I was a little nervous to begin with but I had my husband by my side assisting me and one of the most easy going couples I have ever worked with!!  They were constantly telling me to sit down, take a break… it was fantastic. It was honestly one of my most favourite weddings I’ve shot to date… Am I allowed to say that?!

The botanical gardens in Melbourne set the scene for the wonderful ceremony.  After the ceremony we walked around and just took photos with whatever caught our eye!  The array of colours of flora and fauna was fabulous.  The reception was in Kew at The Boulevard.  Just next to the car park was this amazing pathway lined with trees.  It was incredible!!  The light was perfect at this point, too (gotta love that golden sunset light) and so we got a lot of great shots before we had to head into the reception.  The reception was set out nice, clean and simple.  Just as Atalanti described how she wanted her wedding to be. 

[dotted]

Photography: Daniella Melfi | Ceremony Venue: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne | Reception: The Boulevard | MUA: Jacinta Carbone-Morelli

Skirball Cultural Center

When it comes to Californian wedding venues, the Skirball Cultural Center is always at the top of my list! The dramatic Taper Courtyard and amazing sail-like ceiling of the Ahmanson Ballroom have been long standing favorites when it comes to tying the knot in Southern California. And with the upcoming opening of the Guerin Pavilion featuring an incredibly stunning 9,000-square foot ballroom and breathtaking living garden wall, I’ve fallen even more in love. Between the Skirball Cultural Center’s amazing outdoor spaces, top-of-the-line indoor spaces, all complete with a gorgeous, neutral, modern aesthetic, you’ll be planning your dream wedding before you know it.

Breathtaking, isn’t it!? The gorgeous new Guerin Pavilion, and the adjoining Herscher Hall, adds 17,500-square feet to the already amazing Skirball Cultural Center. With gorgeous, brand-new designer chairs and tableware (hello incredible Bernardaud china!), this crazy-beautiful California venue seriously has it all. Want to personalize your big day even more? No problem. Couples can bring in specialty linens and furniture rentals to totally transform the space!

Ready to say “I do?!” Bookings for the Guerin Pavilion (which can accommodate events for more than 600 guests!) are available for dates starting November 2013. To book your tour and to get more info, call 310.440.4589 or head over here. And listen to this, my dears, as an offer to any couple that books their wedding in one of these beautiful new spaces in the next 30 days, the Skirball Cultural Center is offering an “illuminated wedding” package featuring complimentary pinspots and up lights for 25 tables (value up to $500). So go ahead and get booking! xo

dottedline

Photo Credits: Elon Schoenholz PhotographyChocolate PhotographyMichael SegalLin & Jirsa Photography

Sponsored-Post

Newberry Library Wedding from Evan Hunt Photo

Anyone that knows me knows one thing: I am obsessed with libraries.  I mean, one room after another filled with a plethora of never-ending knowledge + history housed in a beautiful building?  It’s magical. And since I also happen to have a slight obsession with weddings (read: a huge obsession), a wedding held in a library is basically my favorite thing (ever).  And this gorgeous day captured perfectly by Evan Hunt Photo?  It’s amazing… with a breathtaking backdrop (but of course), lush florals from Parrott Party Productions and two people in l.o.v.e.  See it all in the full gallery.

From Evan Hunt PhotoKaleigh and Bill’s wedding day represents the very reason why we love photographing love stories. Their story is undeniably strong and evident in their kindness, love for each other, and faith in God. Their wedding reflected this with simplicity, elegance, and an ease to the day that only comes with confidence with a couple who is truly in love. We can’t thank them enough for allowing us to capture their story and we wish them the best for their future!

From the Bride… After asking my Father for permission over a cigar in Florida, William proposed to me on December 10th, 2011 in a romantic night helicopter ride over the city of Chicago. As we flew over the city that watched our relationship grow; under the heavens that will guide our life together, he was ready to ask my hand in marriage. A suburban boy and a Chicago girl. Two very different paths crossed and resulted in the most amazing years of our lives.

[dotted]

Photography: Evan Hunt Photo | Ceremony Venue: Harvest Bible Chapel Chicago | Reception Venue: The Newberry Library | Hair + Makeup: Mario Tricoci | Wedding Dress: Paloma Blanca | Bride’s Shoes: Something Bleu Shoes | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Alexia Designs | Mother of the Bride Dress: Sue Wong | Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse  | Floral Design: Parrott Party Productions | Lighting: Parrott Party Productions | Catering: D’Absolute | DJ: DJ-Chicago

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
Ontario Engagement Session from Laura Kelly Photography

I love summer. With all my being. So a sweet engagement shoot like this one from Laura Kelly Photography fills my heart with happiness. Particularly when the two sweethearts in the center of it all, just seem to be over the moon for each other (we all know I eat that up with a spoon). So it’s safe to say when you pair summer and love, I turn into mush – and you can see all the reasons why right here.

From the Bride-to-be…James and I met in third year of university during a group Co-op interview. The first part of the interview was a written test that I had done the year before. I remembered that there had been a question on grilled cheese sandwiches. I peeked under the sheet while everyone else was filing into the room and couldn’t contain my excitement so I whispered out, “It’s about grilled cheese again!!”. This apparently caught James attention and we started talking in the waiting room afterwards.

When James went home, his roommate asked him how his interview went, he responded “I think I met a girl”. He went to find me on Facebook only to realize that I had already added him because I had found his profile through a mutual friend. (I’m a super creeper.) We started talking on msn and realized that we both love ‘Friends’ , that we had taken a few classes together, had worked in the same building during a previous co-op term and had even attended a workshop together in that building. Years later, we would also find out that my aunt, uncle and cousins used to hunt in James’ home town and that they knew some of his neighbours. Small world.

Our first date was a couple of days later. We picked up Starbucks and went for a walk around Parliament Hill. It was going so well that we went back to my place for tacos and then ended up watching Big Fish. He was a perfect gentleman through the whole date and didn’t make one move. Needless to say, I was disappointed. It wasn’t until our third date that we had our first kiss. After about two months of dating, the OC Transpo bus strike happened. With me living downtown and James living near Woodroffe and neither of us having a car, I think we saw each other twice in about 30 days. We talked almost every day and thankfully we beat the long distance odds. Were we ever happy when the strike ended. For me falling in love was just a thing that happened naturally, until one day I needed to tell him.

[dotted]

Photography: Laura Kelly Photography

Picnic Wedding Inspiration Film from Vanessa Repupilli

It hit me this morning that we just entered August. I don’t know why, but I just couldn’t believe it. How is it that the summer months just seem to fly by? So in an effort to help things slow down a bit, I thought we could all sit down and soak in this fun picnic inspiration from Vanesssa Repupilli

The best part? Getting the look is totally doable. With just a few key pieces your summer picnic will go from drab to fab in no time. Now if we could only find a way to make summer (and its fabulous picnics) last all year…

One: Urban Outfitters Chair | Two: Picnic Basket via Macy’s | Three: Goblets via Macy’s | Four: Pitcher via Target | Five: Yellow Dot Plate via Anthropologie | Six: Crystal Charger | Seven: Bird Cage via Save on Crafts

From Vanesssa Repupilli….This video was made for an inspiration wedding in the Italian countryside. The Groom is a young Italian cinema actor.

[dotted]

Cinematography: Vanesssa Repupilli

Dallas Wedding at Meadows Museum from Anne Brookshire Photography

This wedding is chock-full of awesome.  Like a contemporary meets classic awesome that is seriously overflowing with pretty.  The kind of awesome that combines a stunning Monique Lhuillier gown with some crazy beautiful personal touches and an entire gallery of devastatingly gorgeous images from Anne Brookshire Photography.  Even better?  It’s a day that is not only the epitome of lovely, but seriously heartwarming.  Read all about every glorious moment below (I insist) and then join me in the gallery for sooo much more.

From Anne Brookshire PhotographyI am excited to share this wedding with you because it was truly a memorable one for me personally as well as stylistically. Chelsey and I knew each other as kids, so I was super excited and honored when she contacted me about shooting her wedding. Their wedding day also happened to be my 26th birthday and Chelsey was sneaky and found out! She surprised me with Red Velvet Cake balls. She and her bridesmaids lit a candle and sang me Happy Birthday! It was an unforgettable moment. I truly love clients like Chelsey, so kind and thoughtful. This wedding had such a beautiful contrast between classic and modern. The day started at a traditional beautiful old church, complimented by the soft gray, mint, and pink in the florals, as well as the bridesmaids dresses and jewelry. I love the growing trend of fruit + veggies mixed into floral arrangements. Green apples were chosen to give visual interest and texture to the large floral pieces placed at the altar. The element that was a modern contrast to the classical elements of the ceremony was Chelsey’s choice of dress: Monique Lhuillier’s “Candy” in Ivory. A corset bodice with intricate embroidered tulle. The dress had such amazing visual interest and an effortlessly beautiful sweep across the floor as Chelsey made her way down the aisle. And it looked so perfect with her auburn hair and freckles! They also had really sweet personal elements such as: John’s family has handed down a six pence for generations. The bride wears it in her shoe as good luck and as something borrowed! A very classic English tradition. As well as, right after the ceremony, Chelsey changed her necklace. Her new necklace was her married initials in scripted silver. Another sweet personal element was that Chelsey displayed (around every centerpiece at the reception) black and white photos from the weddings on each side of their families. There is the sweetest picture of her grandmother showing me her wedding photo. Truly priceless!! Their reception was in the Meadows Museum. I was so excited to shoot a reception in there because I love art and the Meadows Museum is a beautiful building with several different collections. The main collection displayed were portrait pieces from the Spanish Golden Age. The main room had beautiful rose colored walls, a black ceiling and golden chandeliers. SMU catering served truly fine art hors d’oeuvres. They were beautifully presented and tasted just as good as they looked! Chelsey surprised John, a lover of fly fishing, with one of the most elaborate and authentic looking groom’s cake I have ever seen! It was a bass fish with a lure in his mouth jumping out of the cake. Fantastic. Chelsey told me she was sooo happy with how the cakes by Frosted Art came out. In the same spirit of the art collection in the museum, Chelsey and John went on a European cruise for their honeymoon!! Lucky them! [dotted] Wedding Photography: Anne Brookshire Photography | Ceremony Venue: Highland Park Presbyterian Church | Reception Venue: The Meadows Museum | Catering: SMU Catering | Cakes: Frosted Art | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Floral Design: Rusty Glenn Designs | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Watters | Mens Attire: Men’s Wearhouse | Stylist: Garrett Lemmons | DJ: Complete DJ

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
French Country Inspired Farm Wedding from Christopher Helm Photography

Oh my, this Bride and I are kindred spirits. And the fact that her hubby asked for her hand in the gardens of Versailles makes my heart skip a beat. They planned their beautiful day with the French countryside in mind, and the result was a day where I could easily spend all my days. It’s all around lovely, and captured to perfection by Christopher Helm – making this one seriously gorgeous gallery.

From Christopher HelmsCloverleaf Farm is a new venue just outside of Athens, Georgia. The house is an interesting 1860’s antebellum mansion in the true southern style. The couple was really sweet, and a pleasure to work with. Erin has a great sense of style and really put a lot of work into the details. She successfully mixed her French style with the southern atmosphere of the house and surrounding pecan groves. Gavin is one of the sweetest guys in the world and a true gentleman. These guys are truly happy and in love.

From the Bride… My husband and I met in the workplace– a high school in Athens, Georgia. I traveled the world throughout my 20’s, even lived in Japan for two years, only to meet the man of my dreams in the classroom next door. We both teach economics and history which meant that we spent a lot of time together collaborating on lesson plans. We had great chemistry together, similar senses of humor, and deep down we were both super dorky. Not to mention my husband is easily one of the kindest, most sincere and hardworking people I’ve ever met. Over time we became good friends and it seemed only natural that we would end up becoming much more! I knew almost immediately that we would be getting married– at nearly 30 years old I knew that I had found someone incredibly special. He proposed in the gardens of Versailles, one of my favorite places on Earth, and so when the wedding planning started I knew I had to incorporate some aspects of Versailles and the palace’s most famous queen: Marie Antoinette.

And therein was the difficulty: we didn’t want too much of a rococo influence, with its gilded gold opulence. This level of formality and excess simply just isn’t our style (or fit with our wedding budget). We are both down-to-earth people who enjoy all things informal. This meant that we were drawn to images of the peaceful countryside but with a touch of aristocracy. Luckily, I knew just where to look for inspiration.

In order to escape the rigid court life of Versailles, Marie Antoinette had an idyllic country village created at her private palace, the Petit Trianon. It is a 30-minute walk from the main palace of Versailles and often overlooked by tourists. This beautiful garden provided the inspiration for our wedding with a ceremony under the trees and whimsical floral arrangements in soft pastel colors that evoke the colors of gowns Marie Antoinette herself might have worn in the gardens. The same theme also appears in our paper goods, with our cameos appearing both on our save-the-date postcards and our program fans. I even added a wide blue sash (handmade by my mother) to my whimsical Jim Hjelm gown in order to pay homage to the chemise a la reine style of dress made popular by Marie Antoinette.

The wedding was truly a lot of fun for us to plan. We spent over a year collecting milk glass vases, mirrored vanity trays, and tarnished silver platters to use in our wedding décor. This meant many trips to thrift shops, antique stores, and garage sales– a fun weekend tradition that I hope we will maintain even now that the wedding is over. I threw myself into many DIY projects including designing all of our paper goods, designing our website, hand-stamping and filling lavender toss bags, and creating all of our wedding day signage.

In the end the day was more beautiful and magical than I ever imagined. Everything came together perfectly. I was so happy to see that my vision of a relaxed, countryside wedding (with some Marie Antoinette flair thrown in for good measure) was realized so perfectly. And the outpouring of love and support from our friends and family was the icing on the cake. And that is how two teachers, so very in love, ended up with a fairytale wedding.

[dotted]

 Wedding Photography: Christopher Helm | Wedding Venue: Cloverleaf Farm | Floral Design: Gardenia Floral Design | Stationery: Bride | Cakes + Desserts: Cecilia’s Cakes | Catering: A Divine Event | Wedding Dress: Jim Hjelm | Bride’s Shoes: Lola Cruz | Hair + Makeup: City Salon and Spa

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
Rustic New Hampshire Wedding at Brass Heart Inn from Tyra Bleek Photography

Even though I happen to be one of the few SMPers that doesn’t reside in the land of beauty known as New England, that doesn’t mean that I don’t truly appreciate just how seriously awesome it is.  Nope, weddings like this one (and a few amazing vacas) have been a constant reminder that no one does pretty, pretty nuptials quite like New Englanders, especially when it’s a rustic love-fest with a few fab contemporary details sprinkled within.  Add in some gorgeous images from Tyra Bleek Photography and a party that couldn’t even be stopped by temperamental electricity and this, my friends, is a wonderful way to spend a Thursday.  See it all in the full gallery.

From Tyra BleekThis was one of my favorite weddings this past year. It was held in New Hampshire at Brass Heart Inn. The couple found this location doing a chocolate cookie tasting tour in New Hampshire. They have some of the best details and got married in a really cute church with a white steeple. The reception decor was amazing. They have a really good story about how the electricity went out for almost two hours during the reception but the party still went on. Just before they were about to excuse everybody to go home, they got word that it was going to be fixed down the road within 15 minutes. Needless to say we celebrated!

[dotted]

Wedding Photography: Tyra Bleek Photography | Wedding Coordination: Jessica Harris of Alden Blair Events | Wedding Venue: Brass Heart Inn | Floral Design: Cymbidium Floral | Cake: White Mountain Cupcakery | Wedding Dress: Country Bridal Boutique, Hingham, MA | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Pronuptia Bridals | Men’s Attire: Brooks Brothers | DJ: Chris Renn of Get Down Tonight

Austin Wedding from Forever Photography Studio

If this bride isn’t the cutest bride in the whole wide world, I’ll eat my keyboard. She is so stinking cute. And nothing is sweeter than a ridiculously adorable bride on the happiest day of her life, especially when the wedding day is just perfect. Seriously, just perfect. Forever Photography Studio captured the aforementioned wedding, and holy cow, we are smitten!

Colors
Settings
Museum

From the beautiful bride… Jonathan and I met at The University of Texas Cheerleading tryouts in April 2007. For me, it was definitely love at first sight, but I was confident that he was probably already seeing someone because he was so adorable! After a little research, I discovered that he was actually single and we really clicked over the summer. He was from Dallas, I was from Houston, but that summer in Austin was unforgettable. We started dating the day after cheer camp. We had been dating for three and a half years and I was blessed to share three of those years cheering on the Texas Longhorns alongside my partner and best friend. We had talked about marriage for some time but knew that it would be difficult with him starting law school in San Antonio in August 2010. He also knew that my dream proposal would occur on the UT football field after one of our games. The 2010-2011 season has been a record-losing season for Texas, which was very disappointing coming off of a National Championship Game last season. Our last game/my last game to EVER cheer at Texas was on Thanksgiving Day vs. our in state rival, the Texas A&M Aggies.

As the final seconds ticked off the clock at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium on Thursday/Thanksgiving/my LAST football game to cheer at EVER (excluding alumni games of course), the cheerleaders ran over to the front of the band to sing “The Eyes of Texas” for one last time. Of course, I was bawling crying, just soaking it all in and thinking of all of the wonderful memories I had had out on that field. Afterwards, all of the seniors were having a moment, namely Alyssa Durrett, our team captain and I. As we were hugging, my coach grabbed me around the neck and started walking me towards the 50 yard line. In the middle of that beautiful burnt orange longhorn on the 50, stood Jonathan, decked out in his Texas Cowboys gear. Jono (his nickname that I gave him) kept walking backwards because he knew I would want it to be RIGHT on the 50 yard line. He said, “Why are you so sad?” and as any good longhorn would I replied, “Because they’re playing the Aggie war hymn…”  The Aggies had just beaten my beloved Longhorns by a measly seven points, to end my cheerleading career forever. He took my hands and said, “It’ll be okay. And besides, I’ve been wanting to ask you this for a really long time.” And as he got down on one knee he said, “Brittany Elise Wier, will you make me the happiest man in the world? Will you marry me?” I immediately tried to say “YES!” but had no voice from yelling the entire game, so I just shook my head violently and mouthed “yes, yes yes!” I was so excited and overwhelmed with emotions. I was closing one chapter of my life and opening another! The other best part was that all of our friends and family were cheering on the sidelines and almost all of my very best girlfriends were all there to share my special moment with me!  I will cherish that moment forever. Even though Texas lost the game, Brittany Wier and Jonathan Richardson won. Not only was I thankful for friends, family, and the Texas Longhorns that day. I was SO thankful for my wonderful new fiance. Not only had he moved to a new city to take on law school, but he somehow found the time and money to get me the perfect ring and pull off the PERFECT Texas Proposal!

We knew we wanted a Texas’y wedding, so what better place than the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum? In all seriousness, I grew up in the Houston area, Jonathan grew up in Dallas and we met in Austin. We both love Austin and that’s where we plan to settle down, so it seemed like the obvious choice. The museum is beautiful and would house our 350+ guests, so it just worked! It was absolutely perfect!

Being born and raised in Texas and meeting at The University of Texas, we wanted our wedding to be very Texas inspired. At the same time, I had always dreamed of a large, extravagant and elegant wedding. So I would say our style was Texas elegance. We thought about burnt orange for a wedding color or a metallic copper, but that was too difficult to incorporate and too fall-like for our winter nuptials. We went with metallic gold with rhinestone, bling detail everywhere. Our flowers were ivory with subtle hints of blush pink. We wanted lots of rich gold tones throughout the reception space from the metallic gold bridesmaid dresses to a sparkly gold sugar rim on our signature drink, The Grandioso. We served Salt Lick BBQ for dinner, as another tribute to our Texas heritage.

I mentioned that I was very close to my grandparents who lived three houses down growing up. I wanted to pay tribute to my seamstress grandmother who would have given anything to make my wedding dress and to be at our wedding. At the reception, we displayed my mother’s wedding dress and my grandmother’s wedding dress, both made by my grandmother. We also had their bridal portraits next to mine.

Everything went by so fast; I really enjoyed brunch the morning before the wedding and hanging out with my 13 bridesmaids at the Driskill all afternoon. I loved seeing Jonathan’s face as I walked down the aisle. I loved the photos we took with our two golden retrievers (bow tie and tutu clad) after the ceremony. I really loved seeing the reception space for the first time and catching up with so many people who love us so much. It was so neat seeing my two year long vision, come to life.

[dotted]

Photographer: Jona and Jerry Blackwell, Forever Photography Studio | Videographer: Richard Lizama,  Lizama Videography | Floral Designer: Amy Bodle, Merveille Events | Event Planning + Design: Aimee Villa, Lizze Belle Events | Invitation Designer: Vanessa Pischer, Posh Posh Designs | Cake + Desserts: Judy Lee, Simon Lee Bakery | Wedding Gown Designer: Pnina Tornai, Kleinfeld | Bridesmaid’s Dress Designer: Lula Kate from Bella Bridesmaid | Any special jewelry: Grandmother Dorotha Hurst’s wedding ring worn on right hand, along with tennis bracelet, given as pre-wedding gift from the groom.

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
Riverside Wedding from Kayla Adams

The best way to sum up this Riverside soiree is classic…with a twist. Think a muted, peachy palette with subtle pops of gold, and soft feminine details alongside a modern chevron print. It’s the best of both worlds wrapped up in one gorgeous day, and we have the entire wedding from the talented Kayla Adams waiting for you here.

Before you immerse yourself in all the gallery goodness, make sure to view this fabulous wedding day capture from Arex Films

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/70824941?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=66ffcc 600 338]

From the Bride…I cannot say that I’ve been a girl who had every detail of her wedding day planned prior to ever meeting the groom, but whenever I did think of it, I pictured a classic affair. Don’t get me wrong, I love some of the recent trends in weddings, but it isn’t for me. And when I did finally meet the groom, I was relieved to find out it wasn’t for him either. After he proposed in the most romantic spot in Sunset Cliffs, we began planning our big day. We wanted our classic affair to take place in our hometown, and the Riverside Art Museum proved to be the perfect venue.  Designed by Julia Morgan (the same architect that designed Hearst Castle), the architectural features are stunning. (We also thought it’d be fun to drive by it often and remember our wedding day.)

One thing that surprised me in the planning process was the trouble in finding the right dress, and I just could not find exactly what I had pictured in my mind. After an unproductive search far and wide for the perfect dress, I decided to get it made. And then, I decided to get all 12 bridesmaids dresses made and the 2 flower girl dresses. This is definitely not for the faint of heart as coordinating fitting after fitting can get quite laborious but it was completely worth it in the end. Each bridesmaid got to design the top of her dress to her liking so every dress was unique yet all uniform and I absolutely loved the finished product.

For our traditional wedding, I pictured flowers in shades of white and décor elements in neutral colors with pops of gold, a string quartet, a white runner, gold flatware, Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr.  serenading guests during the cocktail hour and just an overall elegant evening in the heart of downtown. I was stunned by the final result of so many friends and loved ones who helped make our dream wedding come together. It was more than I could’ve imagined. For our wedding gifts, he bought me pearls and I bought him cuff links which we plan on passing down to our children and the generations to come.

One of my favorite parts of the wedding was walking down the aisle towards my groom as the string quartet played “Cannon in D”. It was a perfect, surreal moment that I will never forget.  A favorite feature was the groom’s cake. He has snowboarded the slopes of the Matterhorn many times so I asked our cake designer to create a custom Matterhorn cake as a surprise for him. He loved it!  We also had a custom painting done from a photo that was taken of us walking into the sunset the day we got engaged. It was the perfect touch for our art museum venue.  

My advice to brides would be to make your wedding you own. Go with your instincts on what you want to have for your special day and just enjoy it! Enjoy the process and enjoy the day, because it really does go by so fast. And get a good photographer, who will help you remember it forever!

[dotted]

Photography: Kayla Adams | Floral Design: Maranatha Flowers | Ceremony + Reception Site: Riverside Art Museum | Graphics: Kathryn Macintyre, Reply by Design Studio | Cinematography: Austin Thompson, Arex Films | Photobooth: Flash Photo Booth | Cakes: Beth Gromis | Favors: Napoleon’s Macaroons | Wedding dress, Bridesmaids’ + Flower Girl Dresses: Custom designs by Daniel Bohunita (949-472-9374) | Bride’s Shoes: Steve Madden | Groom’s Tux: John Varvatos | Groom’s shoes: RED, Saks Fifth Avenue | Groomsmen’s Suits: Zara, H&M

A Grand Canyon Mini Guide with Bryce Covey

I’ve done my fair share of traveling in the past and one of my very favourite moments to date is witnessing the Grand Canyon for the very first time. It’s almost physically impossible to capture the magnificent beauty that’s happening before your eyes, but Bryce Covey does an incredible job at expressing it through his lens. From gaping craters to wild deer, you can see it all right here in the gallery!

WHERE TO STAY:
Phantom Ranch is the only lodging available inside the rim of the Grand Canyon.

WHAT TO WEAR:
Casual and comfortable. The weather can be very dynamic, it was sunny, stormy and rainy all in the same day so it’s a good idea to throw a light rain jacket in a backpack just in case.

WHERE TO EAT:
Sophie’s Mexican Kitchen in Tusayan is a very fun, colorful stop along the way to the Canyon.

NOT TO MISS:
Leave early so there is enough time allowed to take the bus tours around the park, which have exclusive access to some of the lookouts. Remember which is your favorite lookout and return 45 minutes before sunset to watch one of the beautiful sights I’ve ever seen.
[dotted]

Photography: Bryce Covey | Film: Richard Photo Lab

Jacquelyn Clark

Central Florida Southern Wedding from Kt Crabb Photography

This sweet fête reads like the most darling of southern fairytales – complete with a dashing prince and a charming southern princess. It’s a little bit country, with a side of style, and filled to the brim with the prettiest blooms you ever did see. It’s all made even better because we get to see it all unfold through the gorgeous images from Kt Crabb Photography, and they are all sitting pretty right here.

From Kt Crabb PhotographyHeather and Alex were married at a local church and continued the celebration at Heather’s grandparent’s lake house. It was a sweet southern affair complete with sweet tea and honey. Loved her dress with sleeves, the ring bearer’s pink bow tie and the delicious cupcakes.  

It’s a story of a small town Florida gal who met a sweet southern gentleman from North Caroline. They started out as friends, but everyone could tell there was something more to their friendship. Their sweet story continued as Alex proposed to Heather during sunset on the west coast of Florida. As they entered into the planning stage, they knew there was no better way to honor their roots than to celebration at Heather’s grandparent’s lake house. It was a true southern affair complete with sweet tea and honey.
From the Bride… The inspiration for our wedding was a country, vintage style. We had BBQ, lawn games, and lots of sweet tea! We also incorporated a lot of burlap and lace. We wanted to have a laid back and fun atmosphere. ‘
I found my wedding dress by looking all over Pinterest. I fell in love with a lace dress and did some research and found out that the dress was from The Perfect Dress in Utah. They shipped me the dress, and a sweet friend of my family helped alter the neckline. My grandma then helped make the dress perfect by adding some final touches. 
 
One of my favorite details of our wedding day was all the beautiful flower arrangements. We had roses, garden roses, baby’s breath, carnations, and peonies. Each arrangement was displayed in a variety of different vases such as milk glass, large mason jars, tea cups, and antiqued tin cans. All of this was designed by special friends who volunteered their time.
 
One of our favorite memories of our wedding day was being surrounded by family and friends. We had so many family members and friends come together to help make our wedding day so special. It was overwhelming how much help we had during the months leading up to the wedding and on our wedding day. They helped make our day everything we dreamed of and more!

[dotted]

Wedding Photography: Kt Crabb Photography | Ceremony Venue: First Baptist Church Umatilla | Reception Venue: Grandparents’ Lake House | Flowers: Southern Tradition Florist + Pennock Flowers | Cake + Cupcakes: The Cotillion Southern Cafe | Wedding Dress: Allure via The Perfect Dress | DJ: Jason Lovelace of PunchBuggy Productions | Hair + Makeup: Kristy’s Makeup Artistry and Hair Design

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
Manhattan Wedding from Sara Wight Photography

Manhattan weddings are the epitome of sophistication; the crème de la crème of glamour, if you will.  So when a talented photographer like Sara Wight sends us a little Manhattan ditty, we bask in its beauty like it’s no one’s business.  Because is there anything better than lush blooms from OVANDO, a swank reception at One if By Land, Two if by Sea and two sweeties in love?  Answer: no.  Join us in the gallery for soooo much more.

From Sara Wight PhotographyFelicia and Peter had planned on marrying in Italy, the bride’s native country. The ailing health of Felicia’s mother forced the couple to rethink their plans and hold the wedding in their hometown of Manhattan. They were married in a traditional Roman Catholic ceremony at the Shrine Church of St. Anothony of Padua in the West Village. The reception was held at their favorite restaurant, One if by Land, Two if by Sea. The couple loved the old-world European charm of this venue, as well it’s rich history (it was once Aaron Burr’s carriage house), not to mention the restaurant’s delicious menu! A trumpeter and pianist added ambiance to an already elegant affair.

[dotted]

Wedding Photography: Sara Wight Photography | Ceremony Venue: The Shrine Church of Saint Anthony of Padua | Reception Venue: One if By Land, Two if by Sea | Floral Design: OVANDO | Entertainment: Ryo Sasaki Jazz | Wedding Dress: Designer Loft | Bride’s Shoes: J.Crew | Wedding Cake: Pasticceria Bruno of Greenwich Village | Invitations: Greenwich Letterpress | Favors: Lemon Soaps from Antichi Sapori d’Amalfi, Amalfi, Italy

Grandma’s Favorite Recipe Contest!

So we’re hosting, like, the best contest in the entire world right at this very moment. You want to know why it’s the best contest in the entire world? Because once it’s over, we all end up with a handful of your grandmother’s recipes (which, lets face it, are always far superior to any other recipe), and one of you ends up with a KitchenAid mixer! Now that’s a win-win if I’ve ever heard one.

The details:

1. Whip up one your favourite family recipes
2. Style it, photograph it and plunk it in an email.
3. Send it to info{at}stylemepretty.com by Monday, August 5th, at midnight.

We will be choosing 10 of our favourites to feature next Wednesday, August 7th! Our readers will then vote on their favourite of the bunch, and that submitter will win a Kitchenaid Mixer! Ready? Set? Cook!

Jacquelyn Clark

Napa Valley Wedding by Kristin Newman Designs + Gathering Floral + Event Design

It’s hard to imagine a day when I didn’t know that this wedding existed, because now?  It’s all I can think about.  A Napa Valley stunner from Kristin Newman Designs and Gathering Floral + Event Design, it’s the kind of day you grow up dreaming about with lush, beautiful blooms, a take-your-breath-away ceremony and a stunning bride and groom filling every last moment with unimaginable pretty.  And the gallery of gorgeous images captured by Dan Chennergy?  Downright amazing.  Join me there ASAP.

From Gathering Floral + Event Design… The ceremony and wedding took place at a private residence in Napa Valley. The property is very well maintained and beautiful. Given that the bride and groom live on the east coast, Napa Valley was the chosen destination because the brides family is primarily from Hong Kong.

Guests entered the property through an enchanted garden. The ceremony took place by the water under the weeping willow trees. After the ceremony guests gathered for cocktail hour by the bocce ball court. As the sun set guests migrated to dinner. The reception was a seated dinner outside in the garden. It was catered by Paula LeDuc – fine catering within the San Francisco area. Not only does their food taste good their presentation is phenomenal!

Soft touches of greens and pinks were within the decor from flowers, linens, accent pillows, to printed material. Bell jar lanterns were hung from surrounding trees. Following dinner guests danced to the beat of the band Pop Fiction. Seating groups and lanterns were poolside for guests to rest their dancing soles. The night concluded as the bride and groom departed during a sparkler send off.

[dotted]

Photography: Dan Chennergy | Floral Design: Gathering Floral + Event Design | Event Design: Kristin Newman DesignsGathering Floral + Event Design | Event Planning: Kristin Newman Designs | Ceremony & Reception Location: Private Residence | Bride’s Dress: Mark Ingram | Band: Pop Fiction | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals + La Tavola | Catering: Paula LeDuc Fine Catering

West Hollywood Wedding from onelove photography

When you’re a designer for Tory Burch, it’s inevitable that your wedding is going to be rocking some serious fashion must-haves and this Bride has more than a few major wow moments bundled inside this affair. But right along side all that beauty is a wedding that is all at once modern and romantic with details by My Bride Story, bushels upon bushels of garden blooms by Fleuretica and all topped off with a gilded cake by The Butter End. It’s a lot of goodness coming your way thanks to imagery by onelove photography and you can watch it all unfold right here and in the beautiful highlight film from Cotton Love Studios.


From the bride… With my love of design, decor, interiors, fashion, I wanted to incorporate that into my wedding day with a mix of classic & modern with lots of greenery. Instead of how a “wedding” should be with color themes, I wanted it to be “how I would decorate my home” or a “dinner party.” Romantic, classic, a bit quirky with all my favorite things – topiaries, blue & white Chinoiserie vases, black & white checkered floors, chandeliers, candelabras and long rectangular tables. I also had my Olympia Le Tan book clutch for the wedding as something blue, which I loved! I felt The London was such a modern space, so i wanted to balance it with soft, vintage colored flowers in organic shapes, gold accents and a chandelier. I always knew I would have a giant monogram topiary at my wedding… I wanted it more giant but it took much longer and it was much heavier than expected so that was as large as I could go

I wanted it to feel classic but with a little twist – a little “Alice in Wonderland” like- with the gold chairs, black & white checkerboard dance floors, giant topiaries, and a crystal chandelier centering the dance floor. I thought the bistro lights and candelabras would give it more of a soft, romantic feel (instead of harsh spotlights or colored lights) with the view of Hollywood from the rooftop. I also love anything topiary hence the DIY project of the B&W lettered topiary. It took weeks and many trips to downtown LA but I thought it was successful at the end. My friend, Patty helped paint the map and wreath/garlands for my invitation. I knew I wanted it to be watercolor, organic looking, and lots of green. From that I created the watercolor menu. My cousin was generous enough to print them all for me at his print shop in NYC. I also wanted all the guys to wear a colorful striped Happy Sock. It’s the grooms favorite thing so I thought it would be cute to have all the groomsmen and my nephew, the ring boy, to wear them!

It was definitely life saving to have a part time wedding coordinator. Especially since I was planning an LA wedding from NY. Esther definitely helped me be organized with a check list, dealing with vendors, introducing me to vendors and all the nitty gritty stuff! 

[dotted]

Photography: onelove Photography | Venue: The London West Hollywood | Event Design + Coordination: Esther Kim, My Bride Story | Floral Design: Fleuretica | Cake: The Butter End | Catering: Gordon Ramsay at The London West Hollywood | Cinematography: Cotton Love Studios | DJ: Allen Lee | Lighting: The Event Company | Officiant: Grooms Father- Martin Park from Calvary Faith Church | Stationery: DIY design, printed at Bestype Imaging | Rentals: Chiavari Chair Rentals (chair and dance floor rental), Bella Wedding (wedding dress + veil rentals) | Makeup + Hair: Ashley Sul | Groom’s Attire: Ralph Lauren- Black Label | Jewelry:(reception earrings) Tory Burch | Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale | Shoe Designer: walter steiger

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
Blackberry Lemon Cake from Love & Lemons

What’s a better combo than berries and cream? If you ask me, it’s berries, cream… and cake. Better yet, cake that’s scented with lemon. This one is pretty simple and easy to make. It’s also vegan and uses healthy coconut oil which should be enough justification to eat it for breakfast if you really wanted to (surely, I didn’t…) If you have more restraint than I do, it would be a lovely addition to a Sunday brunch. For more recipes, head on over to Love & Lemons!

Blackberry Lemon Cake
prep time
30 Minute/s
cook time
30 Minute/s
total time
1 Hour/s
Serves 6Ingredients
  • FOR THE CAKE:
  • 1 cup white flour
  • 1 cup spelt flour (or just 2 total cups of white flour)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
  • juice and zest of one lemon (equalling 1/4 cup juice)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • FOR THE BLACKBERRY TOPPING:
  • 1 cup blackberries
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • FOR THE COCONUT CREAM FROSTING:
  • 1 can of full fat coconut milk, refrigerated overnight
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon oil
Instructions
  1. FOR THE CAKE:
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare an 8" round cake pan or equivalent.
  3. In a medium bowl, sift together all dry ingredients except for the sugar.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the almond milk, sugar, coconut oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon oil and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, whisking together each addition.
  5. Pour the batter into your baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out nearly clean.
  6. FOR THE BLACKBERRY TOPPING:
  7. While the cake cools, mix together the blackberries, a tablespoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt. Using your hands or a fork, gently mash some of the berries. Set aside.
  8. FOR THE COCONUT CREAM FROSTING:
  9. Open your chilled can of coconut milk and carefully scoop only the solid part off the top, trying not to mix it with the watery part underneath.
  10. Using a stand or a hand mixer, mix it until it's whipped. It should take less than a minute.
  11. Sift your powdered sugar to remove any lumps and mix it into your cream along with a drop of lemon oil and vanilla. Chill until ready to use.
  12. TO ASSEMBLE:
  13. Once the cake is cool, spread the frosting onto the cake and top it with the blackberries.
  14. Note: This cake is best served same-day otherwise the coconut cream melts. If you intend to keep it longer, make cupcakes and frost as you're ready to eat them.

[dotted]

Recipe & Photography: Love & Lemons

The Honest Company Discount + Giveaway!

I’ve always been eager to live a healthier, happier life — from the food I eat or the products I use. But let’s be real, sometimes that’s just way easier said than done. And whether you’re a bride striving to look and feel your best before the Big Day, or like me, a beauty nut who doesn’t have time to mess around with health compromising products, let’s make a pact and put an end to the madness. Let’s say “no” to products that include a zillion chemicals we can’t pronounce, and turn to the ones we can unquestionably trust. This, my dears, is where The Honest Company comes in.

I’m talking about products that are natural, non-toxic, and safe to use day in and day out. Because really, who can feel good about a company that doesn’t put your health and wellness first? Okay, okay, I know that you’re thinking. How can I be certain The Honest Company products are the real deal? Well simply put, I’ve used them first-hand. That’s right, I got to test out my favorite bath and body goodies once they were shipped straight to my door– talk about a tough day of “research,” right?

My product picks included The Honest Company’s Face + Body Lotion, Aromatic Soy CandleOrganic Lip Balm (a girl can never have too much lip balm) and Conditioning Mist. And while every product had me at “hello,” — I’m a sucker for cute packaging — it wasn’t until I started testing each out that I really fell in love.

Anyone suffer from a little case of dry skin? Me too. Which is why their Face + Body Lotion is my new magic-in-a-bottle. Super lightweight and 100% hypoallergenic, this lotion moisturizes like no other. And the Organic Lip Balm Trio? Same story. These three pretties are a lifesaver for my lips in flavors that make my heart happy — Sweet Orange Vanilla, anyone? But let’s not forget about the hair. Not only does The Honest Company’s Conditioning Mist let me kiss unruly knots goodbye, but leaves my hair smelling a little like a creamsicle. Score! And after all that’s said and done, it’s time to talk about my favorite product of all. The Aromatic Soy Candle that brings the scent of a spa right into my home.

Now that I’m convinced I need way more natural products in my life, join me as I shop my heart out right over here. With goodies for moms-be-be, babies, cleaning products, and more, The Honest Company has something for women and families in every stage of life. And with their free trial or bundle and save packages, (Check them out here and here) there’s no reason not to get started now. But as if all that wasn’t enough reason to love The Honest Company, we’ve got two more. Not only are they offering SMP readers *$10 off their first purchase (using the code: HonestPampering), but they’re also hosting a major giveaway!

the-giveaway

The Prize: One lucky winner will receive The Honest Company’s Pampering Collection (valued at $45.95!)

To Enter:  Head over to The Honest Company and pick out one product you just can’t live without. Then simply leave a comment telling us your new found treasure, and you’ll be entered to win!

To Win: The winner will be randomly chosen on August 14, 2013 and announced right here on SMP on August 16, 2013.

Terms & Conditions: Can all be found right here.  Good luck! xoxo

* $10 off a $40 minimum. Applies to first purchases only, one per customer. Expires August 9, 2013.

// < ![CDATA[
// < ![CDATA[
// < ![CDATA[
// < ![CDATA[
// < ![CDATA[
// < ![CDATA[
// < ![CDATA[
// < ![CDATA[
// < ![CDATA[
// < ![CDATA[
// < ![CDATA[
//

Sponsored-Post

Kiawah Island Wedding from Gayle Brooker Photography and Gathering Floral + Event Design

If there is one thing we know does well with you lot, it’s a neutral backdrop, letting a really big, gorgeous love take center stage. Whites, creams, beiges… we all go a little crazy over the beautiful whites, especially when they are perfectly textured with things like beautiful blooms from Gathering Floral + Event Design and a beyond gorgeous paper suite from Oscar & Emma. This wedding is sure to be a hit, because, as you can see, Gayle Brooker Photography captured a design worthy of the extremely beautiful love at the center. See it all right here.

Hart to Hart Media has taken this pretty party one step further with a trailer that is ridiculously perfect:

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/62944717 601 338]

From the stunning bride… We held our wedding weekend in Charleston, South Carolina. Although we are New Yorkers through and through, we chose Charleston because it holds a special place in our hearts. We visited this beautiful city on our very first trip together. As the backdrop for my favorite film, The Notebook, the destination already had a point in its favor. But we were thrilled to discover, amidst the picture-perfect setting, Charleston also had the nightlife and culinary delights to rival our own New York City backyard. We were sold! Somewhere between the cobblestone streets and Zach’s third helping of tomato pie…we fell in love with each other and this incredible town.

We were married at The Sanctuary Hotel on Kiawah Island, a beachfront oasis just south of downtown Charleston. Our guests traveled to the wedding on vintage trolleys; they said they felt like they were being transported back in time as they took the scenic route out to Kiawah. Our ceremony and cocktail hour took place on the Grand Lawn. It was designed to feel like an old-fashioned lawn party with antique furniture, fresh shellfish and that perfect ocean breeze. We then retired to the Grand Oaks Ballroom for an unforgettable evening of cocktails, dinner and dancing. Our band was OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD amazing and kept our guests on the dance floor the entire night. It was truly incredible to have all of our favorite people in one room; dancing, laughing and making memories together. Our last song was “Time Of My Life” from Dirty Dancing (another one of my favorite movies). In true Ashley and Zach form, we attempted the famous run and lift and Zach (fortunately!) caught me and lifted me high above the dance floor. Hands-down my favorite moment from the wedding. It was movie-magical and ended things on a high note, literally.

I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect weekend in the most historically delightful part of our southeastern shoreline. We are so grateful to our friends, family and the exceptional team that worked so hard to make our fairy tale come true.

[dotted]

Photography: Gayle Brooker Photography | Cinematography: Hart to Hart Media | Flowers: Gathering Floral + Event Design | Event Planning + Design: Kristin Newman Designs | Venue: The Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island | Invitations: Oscar & Emma Custom Design Studio | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Jim Smeal

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here