Don’t forget to have a sample invitation weighed before you stamp and send them all. Oversized invites, or those with several enclosures, may require more postage – and you don’t want to learn that from a mailbox full of envelopes marked “insufficient postage.” Brought to you by bridalguide.com. And, check out Style Me Pretty’s style tips on Bridal Guide!
This next pretty board was designed by Laurel…
Row 1: Ice cream image found on The Knot / Invites by Minna Designs /Row 2: Grapes image found on Snippet and Ink / Ring bowl by Paloma’s Nes / Drink image found on Snippet & Ink / Bouquet from Brides / Wine Label image found on Style Me Pretty / Row 3: Flower Pew Bucket image found on The Knot / Lantern image found on Style Me Pretty / Row 4: Programs and escort cards images found on The Knot / Car photo by W. Scott Chester / Row 5: Wine Barrel image found on Duet Weddings / Table cloth image found on Style Me Pretty / Sign image found on The Everyday Bride / Monogram by Go Against the Grain
I have always thought that if I ever had to do it over I’d get married in a vineyard. They are very romantic and I love the rustic charm. The bride to be seems to have a fun personality and what better way to show it off, then with mini ice cream cones. You are never too old or young for ice cream and this would sure be a crowd pleaser. I chose invitations with a darker purple/grape color to accent the brighter raspberry. The floral motif plays well with the vineyard location.
An idea for creative and simple centerpieces would be to utilize grapes! It is pretty hard to resist one of the cute little ring bowls; they are a unique way to present your rings that isn’t the traditional pillow. The best part is that this can be used for years after!
Adding on to the details, a signature drink in the colors of the wedding is a great idea, you could even float some raspberries in champagne to make it a bit simpler for the more traditional drinkers. Adding on to the vineyard venue by having custom made wine or champagne labels made is another great detail.
Scattering wine barrels around the reception area and maybe covering a few with coordinating linens would make for a great cocktail hour. And of course you can’t leave out the hand painted directional sign helping point the way to the happy event. Having flowers in the bright pink and white combination will make for a dramatic presentation when walking down the aisle in a bouquet or for isle decorations. I have always been fond of lanterns and I love the romantic and rustic feel that they have. A few of these scattered around would be a beautiful detail.
Other paper items like programs and escort cards can be accented with hints of color to make them pop without being overwhelming…utilizing a monogram throughout is another easy detail to add in without too much fuss. An old classic getaway car would be he perfect way to end the reception, especially with the pink and white streamers and balloons trailing behind.
Our next board was designed by Laura…
First Row: Hershey Kisses Ring Photo by Kamila Harris Photography; wine cork placecards by LeapFrog photography; Cake table by MK Photography; shoes by Christian Louboutin, from Bluefly; Wine label by LeapFrog photography
Second Row: Flower girl picture by MK Photography; Centerpiece and tablescape arrangement by In Full Bloom Floral Design; bouquet by Kamila Harris Photography
Third Row: Personalized fans picture by MK Photography; raspberry checkerboard chocolates by Carnival, on Etsy; Invitation Suite by Bird and Banner; Dress featured in Martha Stewart Weddings
Fourth Row: Champagne toast with Raspberries from MK Photography; dress by Vera Wang on Bluefly; Seating card, chair wrap and boutonierre from Martha Stewart Weddings
Fifth Row: Bridal Party and Flower cones by MK Photography
It’s number 20 and this lovely board was designed by Laura…
Cake by Delicious Desserts, Tablescape by Beth Helmstetter, Wedding Logo by Betsywhite Stationery Boutique, Dress by JCrew
Our next inspiration board was designed by Karine…
Car by Wonderful Wedding Graffiti/Flowers by Fleurish Floral/Cake Topper on Brides.com/Milk Bottles by Alyssa Ettinger on Etsy/Boy and Girl by Bride and Bloom
We are interrupting our inspiration board schedule to announce a really exciting new “tips exchange” between Style Me Pretty and the fabulous Bridal Guide. Each day, Bridal Guide is giving us brilliant tips on how to design a chic, style savvy but budget friendly wedding that we will be highlighting in our Featured Box at the top of the page.
From budget tips to fashion advice, each Monday, the Bridal Guide tip with go in the #1 slot, then Tuesday thru Friday, a new tip will be updated in our #2 space. Make sure you check in daily, as you really don’t want to miss out on the advice!
Just as exciting, Style Me Pretty is offering Bridal Guide readers even more style centric tips on everything from inspiration and decor ideas to fashion trends and color palettes. We give a fun, practical tip each and every day so, after you check out Bridal Guide’s SMP tips, make sure you check out SMP’s Bridal Guide tips!
Don’t be afraid to register for a variety of styles of tableware and accessories. Mixing formal and casual, sophisticated and country-style, even gold and silver trim, is not just acceptable; it’s downright chic. Brought to you by bridalguide.com. And, check out Style Me Pretty’s style tips on Bridal Guide!
Our next inspiration board was designed by Katie…
Flowers: Simplicity Floral / Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Cocktail: Martha Stewart Weddings / Letterpress Cards: Milkfed Press / Macaroons: Matthew Mead / Beverage Carrier: Matthew Mead / Cupcakes: Matthew Mead / Guest Book Table: Rebecca Thuss /Votive Holder (with Fan): Shabby Chic by Rachel Ashwell / Pillows: Cox & Cox
Our next board was designed by Jenny…
Top row: First two photos by Jose Villa , Wood sign photo by Leigh Miller, Shoe image by Mark Brooke Photographers / Second row: Chandelier image by Jonathan Canlas, Jake McBride at Christian Oth via Style Me Pretty, Favors by Rebecca Thuss / Bottom row: Bridesmaid dress by Jcrew, Cake photo by Leigh Miller, Wedding gown by Claire Pettibone, Silhouette photo by Leigh Miller, Tie and boutinnaire by Jennifer Skog
From Jenny…
My board is inspired by the vineyard location and the shabby chic theme the bride was looking for. I think this bouquet is a beautiful raspberry color and with the matching shoes, so elegant. I picture chandeliers hang from the trees, and the tables have different fabrics that pick up the raspberry colors with different vases, candles, etc in the center. I think variation in the tables will help for that “shabby chic” look. For some fun details, I was thinking a photobooth. They are popular now, guests love them, and you will have some great photos. I also like the element of incorporating silhouettes of the bride and groom – whether it be hanging them on a string at the reception and/or using them on the invitations. For favors, these raspberry boxes add a touch of elegance and you can include something that is important to you as a couple – a favorite dessert, something from your hometown, or something special for the two of you.
Rebecca Gaffney, Co-founder of Red Letter Days Events, LLC, sent us today’s out-of-this-world wedding. Rebecca and Mia are two of Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book Wedding and Event Coordinators who create totally fabulous celebrations! Andrea & Scott’s chic, contemporary, Asian-Inspired wedding is no exception. We think you’ll agree …
Add another LBB super-star to the team, Dawn Stone of Embellishmint Floral and Event Design Studio, and voila!…an extraordinary melange of floral treats and accoutrements that were the talk of the evening.
Floral Sushi…
Have you ever seen anything so beautiful? Rebecca referred to Andrea and Scott’s wedding colors as black, white, and wasabi green. Pretty clever!
According to Rebecca …
From the get go, Andrea and Scott set out to create a wedding that celebrated what they value most: each other, their family and friends, self-expression, and creativity. Andrea and Scott met in Los Angeles where they were both sound mixers for television and film (Andrea worked for several years on The Real World and Scott worked for Bunim Murray Productions). With a clear but very open vision, the couple let creativity reign supreme from scouting an urban venue for the event to selecting the best match for our floral and event design partner, Embellishmint Floral and Event Design Studio.
Dawn Stone and her team at Embellishmint created contemporary personal florals that complimented the clean look of Andrea and Scott’s attire.
Andrea and Scott wanted an Asian-inspired theme to set the stage for (but not overpower) their décor. Music was VERY important to the couple–and was a defining element of the event. And the cake … oohh the cake! It served as a focal point that brought all theme, color and personality together.
The escort card table was stunning with the “floral sushi”.
Bamboo centerpieces strung with votives, and screens upshot with lighting brought warmth and play to all levels of the room.
The rooftops of downtown San Diego framed the magic of their ceremony and the Manchester Grand Hyatt served as a perfect place to celebrate with friends, family and loved ones.
Jay Reilly masterfully captured the love and fun that flowed, as well as the unique beauty of the environment and people.
The team of vendors who partnered to actualize Andrea and Scott’s day were a perfect fit and are folks that we at Red Letter Days refer often.
Kudos to:
Venue/Cake/Catering: Manchester Grand Hyatt
Floral Design: Embellishmint Floral and Event Design Studio
Photography: Jay Reilly Weddings
Videography: TangerineVideo Productions
Linens/Chair Covers/Lighting: Concepts Event Design
Ceremony Chairs: Classic Party Rentals
Officiant: Reverend Mark Smith
Entertainment: Pianist Lee Galloway/DJ Miz Sku
Bridal Salon: M Bride
Gown Designer: Angel Sanchez
Hair Styling and Makeup Artistry: Gila Rut
Invitations: Invitation Consultants
Our next board was desinged by Emily…
From Emily…(From Left to Right, Top to Bottom)
Photo #1: Taken at Krug Estate Vineyard / Photo #2 & #3: Snippet and Ink /Photo #4 Melissa Sweet via Brides.com / Photo #5 & 6 via Beau-Coup / Photo # 7 by Snippet and Ink / Photo #8 by TSOGB / Photo #9 lilribbers by Etsy / Photo #10 on Crafty Rachel Knot Bio
From Emily…
I think incorporating pops of blue and green will go perfectly with the brides preferred color scheme, definitely “shabby chic”. I love the strands of ribbon with place cards attached. This would be gorgeous blowing in the wind at the entrance of the reception.I think purchasing various vintage, antique vases and filling them with peonies, roses and gardenias would make beautiful centerpieces! I see this bride wearing a beautiful vintage inspired, lace gown. The bow, sweet little lace flutter sleeves, and the buttons down the back are oh so romantic!
I think wine cork place cards would be perfect to sit at each guests seat. The candle wine corks would be great to place on the tables for a sweet glow, and romantic feel as the sun goes down during the reception. Considering the wedding is outdoors and in May, guests would probably appreciate having a fan to cool off with. These beautiful raspberry colored fans would be so cute to sit on guests seats and you could possibly even tie the program to each guests fan.
Our next board was designed by Emily…
First row, left to right: Raspberry bouquet from Brides, cake from Martha Stewart Weddings, reception set-up from the Little Black Book Blog by Allyson Magda / Second row, left to right: Wine glasses from Brides, vineyard portrait from the LBBB by Allyson Magda / Third row, left to right: White urn from SMP by Katie Moos, attendants from Martha Stewart Weddings / Fourth row, left to right: Umbrella photo from SMP by Jennifer Davis Photography, pink boutonniere from The Knot, hanging lanterns from SMP by Leigh Miller Photography
Some notes from Emily…
In this board, I tried to blend together all of the different elements the reader was looking for: elegant (the pearls, the monogrammed umbrella), preppy (the polka-dot tie and bouquet wrap), vintage (the cake), shabby chic (the fluttery, ruffly blooms, the urn), and rustic (the hanging lanterns). It’s a lot to mix together, but she made a great pick with the vineyard setting and the raspberry and white – I think it can work! If she wants to work in some DIY details, I would suggest vintage monogrammed handkerchiefs for the moms or bridesmaids, rustic wooden signs to direct guests, and a sweet or savory treat to send guests off at the end of the night (donuts and coffee, mini chocolate chip cookies and milk, or personal pizzas and vintage bottles of coke or lemonade would do the trick).
Our next board was designed by Elizabeth…
Shoes by Kate Spade, Wedding Gown by Melissa Sweet (Style: Natalie), Bridesmaids Dress by Priscilla of Boston, Small Bud Vase by Petelena, Invitations by Paper + Cup, All other photos by Brides.com
From Elizabeth…
Along with raspberry and white, I also tried to include some blush tones to give the look a more subdued tone, which I think lends a sense of elegance to complement the fun and preppy style of the raspberry and white. In the end, I think the vintage/preppy/fun/ elegant styles all come together very well. I’m sure the bride’s wedding will be beautiful.
Our next board was designed by Dee…
Rose by Harmony and Home Blog, Cap Cake on Flickr, Cake Stand on Hire Things, Invitations by Polka Dot Bride, Pink Heels by Jcrew on Kenzie Kate
From Dee…
Ideas & small details… If it a small wedding consider writing your invitations by hand & include a personal letter say thank-you how special they are to you both. Collect vintage hankies and give them to mum, aunties & flower girl with a note like this…
To My Flower Girl: When I was just a little girl / About the size of you / I dreamed one day I’d fall in loveAnd then get married, too. / So now that I am all grown up / About to be a bride / I want you for my flower girlTo be right by my side. / For it is common knowledge that / A wedding’s not complete /Without a pretty flower girlLike you, who’s dear and sweet / This hanky is a bridal gift / To use and store away / A keepsake you can carry on / Your happy wedding day…text by Advantage Bridal.
Other ideas…Incorporate Vintage wallpapers, into the invitations. If you have a shower, have the ladies make a patch, sew all the patches together to make a bridal blanket and display it near the guest book with old wedding photo’s. Collect vintage tea cup and sauces, serve cupcake in cups, with a small antique spoon for dessert. Use old books us a part of you centre pieces. Have an afternoon tea insisted of evening reception. Borrow old suit case and display them the also make a get prop for phots. Splurge on your shoes & accessories, things you can wear again. Have a travel register to help with the honeymoon – A Collect old postcard and thank you notes on them.
Our next board is simple and lovely, designed by Carolyn…
Dress: Claire Pettibone from Brides.com / Cake: Flickr / Raspberry Bowl: Flickr / Banner: Christmas Traditions
I mean, who doesn’t love Colin Cowie? Well, Colin just sent me his latest book, 1001 Ideas for Every Moment of your Celebration and I literally spent the weekend devouring each and every page. From absolutely gorgeous photography to practical, hands-on ideas for every budget, this book is an absolute must have!
Hope everyone had a great weekend! We are continuing on with our Shabby Chic Inspiration Board Contest today, so let’s get right to it. Our next five boards (!) were designed by Caroline. The first is called Rustic Raspberry…
Aisle Marker: photo by Union Photography on Project Wedding / Centerpiece: photo by Jennifer Kloss on Project Wedding / Figs: photo from Algarve Buzz / Cherry Basket: photo by Elizabeth Messina Photography on Project Wedding / Maggy LondonA Silk Halter Dress at Macy’s
Next is Peony Pretty…
Flowers: Waterlily Pond /Soaps: French Garden House / Invitation: Papel Vivo / Cork Escort Card Display: photo by Union Photography on The Knot / Dress: Watters
Next is Shabby Pink…
Flowers: Trinity Flowers / Cake: I Do Wedding Cakes / Escort Cards: photo by Union Photography on The Knot, Seating: Jose Villa Photography / Dresses: Meghan Park
Next is Flirty Frills…
Hatbox: French Garden House / Lanterns: Jamali Garden / Necklace: French Garden House / Sign: Funki Folk Art on etsy / Dress: Ann Louise Roswald
Lastly, we have Raspberry Zinger…
Vintage Auction Paddles: French Garden House / Bouquet: photo by Jennifer Kloss on Project Wedding / Invitation: ‘Wine Country’ invitation in ‘Cabernet’ by Wedding Paper Divas / Dress: Lee Klabin
If you’d like to vote for any of these boards, please refer to them by their name (ie…peony pretty, raspberry zinger, etc).
These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
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We’ve had fun gathering advice and great photos from some of our Little Black Book Photographers and their favorite E*shoots. If you’re newly engaged or have been on the fence about the decision to do them– or not to do them … be sure and read the posts (here) (here) (here).
And if you haven’t already voted for your favorite Wedding Logo from Betsywhite Stationery Boutique, you just have today and tomorrow. Winner will be announced on Monday.
But now we’re going to fast-forward to another so-cool photo op … a honeymoon shoot! How great would that be!
Joe Cogliandro, another of our amazing Little Black Book photographers asked us if we’d be interested in the idea … and we jumped at the chance. His photos are to die for!
We present: Lily and Mike’s Hawaiian Honeymoon Shoot … look carefully (they’re in all of the photos).
These photographs are sooooooo lovely………..
On Joe’s blog, he said that these “for him” shots gives the groom a chance (if he wants) for some hands-on help posing “her” as he would like :)
Awesome.
A bit about J. Cogliandro Photography … Joe is based in Houston but is an avid destination photographer. It was while studying overseas, that his love for people and culture developed. His creative vision results in images that powerfully capture the genuine emotion and excitement of the wedding day. His comfortable and unstressed manner allows for people to feel relaxed and real, drawing out the character and personality of those he is photographing. On his website he says that before you think you can’t afford him, give him a call!
If I had another wedding to plan … I know I would!
The last board for the day was designed by Brooke. We are going to resume the inspiration board contest on Monday!
cake by Sweet Art, pink bridesmaids by Your Infinite Event, Tissue Balls by Wedding By Color, Favor by Jean M, Peonies photographed by Evrim Icoz and crafted by {frolic!}, Invitations by Lela New York,
From Brooke…
Sweet pink, sweet roses, sweet tooth! This theme revolves around the saccharine pink that every girl loves. The Martha Stewart Tissue Balls convey the lightness of and airiness of the color, the bridesmaid dresses evoke the the smooth texture of the color, and the candy sticks indulge us with the sweetness!
Our next board is designed by Briana…
Here are my photo credits: From top right: Dress, Lela Rose / bottom R., flower, Heather Bailey / girl w/dog photo, Liz Banfield; bottom L, The Knot; middle L. (invitation) Peonies & Polaroids / top L. Martha Stewart; top middle L., Martha Stewart; top middle R., Whitebox Photo / Icecream photo by Zinke Designs
From Briana…
I stayed with the bride’s original color scheme of bright pink and white, and just threw in a bit of natural greens to tie in with the vineyard ambiance. She seems to have done a lot of research on the details that she wants, and I didn’t want to change her picture of the big day.
The bride would be radiant in a white dress with crochet or lace-inspired details such as the Lela Rose dress above. She would carry a bouquet of all white blooms: freesia, hydrangea, ranunculous, large garden roses, and sweet peas. Bridesmaids would carry smaller bright pink peony and freesia bouquets. The bride would wear a casual updo of loosely cascading curls, with a pink crochet “shabby chic” flower such as the one in the inspiration board pinned in as an accent.
The bridesmaids would wear bright pink and white paisley satin tea-length dresses; paisley has a great preppy and classic feel, or these Alvina Valenta pink gowns with pink paisley handbags.
The ceremony area would feature two large manzanite branches with pink and white peonies tied onto them on either side of the altar. All trees in the ceremony area would be hung with hanging vines and tied with a multitude of hanging white satin ribbons.
Peonies and other large pink and white flowers would take center stage at the reception, cascading out of silver-plated centerpieces with green salal leaves mixed in. If possible, the tables would be long, rectangular dark wood (no tablecloths) with bright pink runners. If wood tables are not available, a heavy white damask tablecloth on rectangular table with bright pink runners would be featured. Bright pink napkins would be draped off the plates, hanging off the table, with white menus placed on top (printed in green ink). The table would be pre-set with white plates and crystal glasses set at place settings. The feature cocktail would be this beautifully shaded pomegranate champagne, bringing the color scheme even to the guests!
If the reception goes into the evening hours, the rectangular table should feature a row of multi-leveled white candles down the center to provide romantic lighting and ambiance.
Rather than having one formal cake, I suggest 3 or 4 smaller cakes on pedestals, providing a homey vineyard chic feel. As a colorful alternative dessert, delicious raspberry sorbet could be served to the guests in quaint old-fashioned sugar cones.
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