Jessica Lorren’s photography slays me. And that slaying happens each and every time I meet one of her weddings. I think it’s the mixture of dreamy Florida nuptials (Key West in this instance), an eye for just the right moments captured by her lens and of course all of said moments and that tropical backdrop wrapped up in the dreamiest film photography. It’s a slam dunk in our book of favorites and you can see all the pretty festivities seaside right here in the full gallery.
From the Bride…When Ian and I were first engaged we decided the most important part of our wedding was that we get to spend quality time with everyone who is most special in our lives. The idea of a destination wedding where everyone could “check out” for the weekend was immediately at the top of our list. Unfortunately, the stress of organizing a vacation for 60 of our closest friends and family quickly became overwhelming and so we procrastinated for a little while.
Fast forward 3 years, and we finally started planning again. We still wanted a destination wedding but didn’t want the stress of not being able to see anything in person prior to the event so we chose Key West, FL which was only a few hours away from our home in Palm Beach. Key West has more than enough personality so we decided to keep everything simple and understated. We wanted to have an elegant wedding but still keep the casual Key West feel so we choose the Southernmost Mansion as our home for the weekend. We took our color inspiration from the pretty Victorian house and I made the invites and menu cards to match. I have a tendency to want to do everything myself and the wedding flowers were at the top of my list. Fortunately, my incredibly intelligent fiancé told me that I needed to hire a florist so that we could enjoy time with friends and family. It was one of the smartest decisions we made. We hired an amazing florist who went above and beyond with our tiny flower budget.
The day ended up being better than I could have ever asked for. After champagne breakfast with the girls we had our first look, which we originally had not planned on doing. Thankfully, with the advice of our wonderful photographer Jessica Lorren, it was the second best decision we made. As much as we wanted to spend time with our loved ones those two hours alone were irreplaceable. The ceremony was held at the Key West Lighthouse and we were back at the Mansion just in time for a beautiful pink sunset. Jessica captured all the details, even the ones I thought would go unnoticed, and I cannot thank her enough for the memories that she captured for us.
Photography: Jessica Lorren | Floral Design: Simply Unique by Lenka | Wedding Ceremony Venue: Key West Lighthouse | Wedding Reception Venue: The Southernmost House | Catering: Great Events | Cake: Publix | Hair + Makeup: Fabiola Cristina | Wedding Dress: Enzoani via Bacio Bacio Bridal Salon
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From the pages of the { The latest from our most exclusive, hand-picked list of vendors }
Pssst…calling all budding photographers and aficionados alike. One of our favorite photogs on the planet, Jose Villa, just announced a brand new workshop for 2013 in the rolling hills of Italy and registration is now open! Our only request is that if you’re lucky enough to snag a much coveted spot, will you pretty please pack us away in your suitcase? We promise not to take up too much room. But I digress. Have a look at some of the beautiful imagery of Villa Cetinale where all the action will be taking place!
Stunning, wildly gorgeous…these are just a few adjectives that come to mind. And not only will you be basking in one on one teachings with Jose Villa himself but the line up of speakers is simply out of this world. Laurie Arons, Kate Holt of Flower Wild, Mar Romero of TEAM Hair and Makeup, Shira Savada of Martha Stewart Weddings, and Joel Serrato, film genius, will all be sharing their industry knowledge, the likes of which is priceless.
Dates: October 24-26, 2013
Location: Villa Cetinale
Investment: $6850
click here for all the juicy details and to sign up for a spot!
Photography: Jose Villa | Location: Villa Cetinale | Italy Workshop Logo: Julie Song Ink
TEAM Hair and Makeup,
Joel Serrato Films and
Julie Song Ink are members of our Little Black Book, Love what you see? Take a look at their portfolios.
For more information on how Little Black Book Members are chosen click here.
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Take everything you thought about your typical Tahoe wedding and be prepared to turn it inside out and upside down. Why? Because this lakeside beauty is an unexpected take on an outdoorsy affair with formality and tradition woven throughout. Merrily Wed designed a day around the prettiest pink, gold and champagne color scheme, and I kind of want to spend all afternoon tucked away in the gallery of Jonathan Young’s stunning photos. Join me right here.
From Merrily Wed…Karen and Cyrus were no strangers to frequent flier miles as they lived apart, she in Los Angeles and he in San Francisco. Upon their engagement in fall 2011, plans were made for her move north to San Francisco. Karen’s family has a second home in Tahoe and she grew up visiting during the summers and winters. As busy working professionals, it was naturally a special place that Cyrus and her could retreat and feel peaceful and complete. They wanted a formal black tie wedding and wondered if they could pull it off outside on the beautiful shores of Lake Tahoe. We think they did!
This past September 8th, 2012 they wed at a private lakefront estate on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. Cyrus and his groomsmen arrived for the ceremony aboard an Italian water taxi to the delight of their unsuspecting guests. Peony pink, ivory, gold and touches of champagne comprised the color palette of this classically elegant wedding. Heavy draping reminiscent of Karen’s stunning gown’s details graced the main arch that guests walked through as well as the wedding processional. Karen wore her mother’s cathedral veil that both of her sisters also wore at their own weddings.
Gold detailed embellishments could be found through-out the reception including the vintage lounge. Crystal chandeliers and clear tents allowed the towering pines overhead to not be forgotten and blended the classic indoors with the Tahoe outdoors. Gold logs anchored the ticket style escort cards. Karen and Cyrus selected table names after their favorite worldwide locations. Vintage etched champagne glasses welcomed guests pre ceremony filled with bubbly. Gold rimmed plates, gold votives and a gold runner added the rich feel to the tablescape. Beautiful blush, deeper pink and ivory floral centerpieces brought a romantic feeling to the tables.
From the ceremony opening with a tenor and string quartet to the 8 piece band from Los Angeles for the reception, guests’ ears were treated to notes from Frank Sinatra and the rat pack days. The checkerboard dance floor was the perfect touch to the stylish feel complete with the overhead simple string lighting. After sunset, the lighting on the pier, from string lighting to lanterns, beckoned guests to come closer to the best vantage point for soaking up the Jewel of the Sierras. Just to ensure no one left hungry, warm chocolate chip cookies and sliders were passed as the dancing winded down.
Photography: Jonathan Young Photography | Wedding Design + Planning: Merrily Wed | Ceremony + Reception Location: Private Lake Tahoe Estate via Merrily Wed | Floral Design: Art In Bloom | Ceremony Music: The String Beings | Band: Jay Sterling Band | Rentals: Celebrations Party Rentals + Archive Vintage Rentals | Linens: La Tavola | Invitations + Paper Goods: Gigi Press | Wedding Gown + Bridesmaids Dresses: Monique L’huillier
La Tavola Fine Linen Rental,
Merrily Wed® and
Jonathan Young Weddings are members of our Little Black Book, Love what you see? Take a look at their portfolios.
For more information on how Little Black Book Members are chosen click here.
Monique Lhuillier is a member of our Look Book. For more information on how members are chosen, click here.
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Cheesecake, Three Ways
