Style Me Pretty: Wedding Blog for the Style-Obsessed Bride

Spring Inspiration In St. Paul At A Renovated Warehouse

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[field title=”The Inspiration”]

Athena from Empiria Studios says, “ My favorite parts of design are when two seemingly dissimilar items are juxtaposed to create a harmonious and cohesive theme. For this photoshoot, we wanted to bring softness and an air of fine art into a very industrial, modern venue. The warmth of spring blooms contrasted against the stark space to create a modern garden party.”

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Sand, sage, blush, and peach with accents of gold.[/field]
[field title=”The Venue”]

The Lowlands is a new venue in St Paul, Minnesota. It is a perfectly renovated warehouse that pays homage to its industrial roots while showcasing modern features like a concrete spiral staircase. Upstairs, light pours in through the windows from all directions, while downstairs, moody lighting against the original stone walls feels like a cozy escape. The first time we visited the venue, we were immediately drawn to the green marble bar and curved architectural elements. Those inspired multiple parts of our design and settings for wedding portraits!

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

The House of FLORA “Gloria” gown was love at first sight. The perfectly voluminous sleeves and soft, yet pop art-esque lace drew us in immediately. Again, the Hair and makeup artist Cristina Ziemer Beauty describes the bride’s look as such: “The bride’s makeup is enhanced with a soft satin complexion. I used bronze and rose tones on the eyes, cheeks, and lips to complement the tones through the bouquet.” The reception separates from The Law Bridal are perfect for dancing the night away without bulk or the hassle of bustling. An added perk was how comfortable the bride was in this ensemble! We kept the groom’s look very traditional, with an addition of a softly colored boutonniere. Martin Patrick 3 had the perfect suit, shirt, and bowtie combination. The white bowtie almost blends into the white shirt, but its silk catches the light and stands out in the right lighting.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Amy from MillerHouse Flowers made spring florals seemingly tumble from the ceiling and cascade onto the table and ceremony space. The decor inspiration started with a floral dinner plate. The way the foliage and blooms cascade across the plate inspired the way that the flowers drape down from the metal chandelier above the dinner table and across the air in our ceremony installation. We infused the design with a thin, gold, geometric pattern in a few areas: the table chandelier installation, the ceremony installation, and the thin gold wire to tie together the stationery. The bouquet was inspired by the stunning gerbera daisies we included throughout the day. This seemingly traditional flower is making a comeback, and we embraced its curly petals and soft color, allowing it to extend out of the bouquet and create its shape. We wanted the bold form to shine and paired it with other soft and romantic textures playing up the juxtaposition we sought throughout the rest of the design. The massive 12-person table is actually five tables put together: four 60” serpentine tables, and one 60” round table in the middle. It makes a statement in the room and allows for a garden to grow out of the center of the table and upwards toward the ceiling. We wanted the arrangements on the table to flow together, like the floral runners we know and love, but with a more delicate and organic quality. Each table element was meticulously handpicked, from the Chandlerie candles to the grapes sprawling down toward the plates. The whimsical blush charger plates add to the garden vibes while still feeling upscale.

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[field title=”Favorite Design Element”]

We have three favorite design elements! One: the styled bar. After being inspired by the curved, green marble bar, we wanted to feature it as its own design. Our couple changed into their reception outfits and sipped on signature drinks created by Gin Gin, a bespoke bar staffing & consulting service focused on hospitality, artful preparation, and humble ingredients. The drinks, crafted with fresh herbs, featured the colors of the design presented in gorgeous ribbed glassware. Two: the cake. The cake designed by Ink Sweets perfectly captured the delicate touches softening modern edges. It defied gravity by featuring a diamond shape; starting with the smallest radius of a cake tier, working its way up to a larger tier and back down again. Flowers cascade on the largest tier in the same manner as they cascade across the ceremony space. Three: the invitation suite and day-of papergoods. Mori from Mori and Co says, “This invitation suite combines modern elegant typography, soft colorful handmade paper, a venue illustration and a custom envelope liner. All design decisions were purposefully selected to be in harmony with the graceful decor and wedding day display.”

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[field title=”Tips To Pull Off The Look”]

If you want to do a second look, consider choosing something that mirrors your first in some way. We loved the voluminous sleeves on the House of FLORA “Gloria” and found that same design feature in the Corrine top, pairing it with a more danceable Camden mini, both from The Law Bridal.

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[field title=”DIY Moments”][/field]
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The Byes Photo

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Petit Bouquet

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Barbie Pink Florals for a Classic Estate Wedding in Washington

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Pink, mauve, peach, shades of pink[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]This classic estate wedding had an elegant feel while still bringing a fun, youthful energy to the entire vibe. Think black tie meets vintage convertible, and classic brick estate meets mismatched floral pink dresses. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]From the bride: “Nate and I have been together since 9th grade, we met in Jr. High and have been together since! He proposed at the Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge.”

Their wedding was a long time coming, and their engagement could not have been at a more beautiful location in Washington state.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Autumn’s wedding gown was simple and elegant with a fun side slit, and a floor length veil to match.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids were instructed to pick out dresses within the pink color palette in both floral patterns or with textures. They were perfectly mismatched yet coordinated. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The couple had an open bar with a sign that said “Drinks on Hank” as a nod to their dog. The brie and blackberry and bacon wrapped dates were a hit during cocktail hour.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]We loved the way Autumn coordinated her elegant florals with specialty glassware including crystal candleholders. The white on white table numbers echoed the invitations in their arched shape, bringing a modern flair to the classic design elements.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The adorable cutting cake was made by Autumn’s grandmother, what a special treat.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Autumn gifted her bridesmaids fun pink pajamas and slippers to get ready in, which were totally Barbie chic! They toasted in the gorgeous getting ready room at the estate.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]A gorgeous glass shelf of champagne flutes greeted guests for a pre-ceremony welcome. It was a hot day, so cold bubbly was the perfect touch.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]Nate and his dad work on vintage cars, and brought their convertible to end the night in style. We drove through the long tree-lined road for a quick getaway, and finished our evening with portraits at sunset. What a beautiful day![/field]
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Blending Rustic and Modernity at Château de Varennes in Burgundy

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Antic pink, corals, orange, white[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The bride really wanted a bright colored design mixing rustic and modernity with wooden table and peps florals with a touch of gold.

The color palette was in the tones of pinks, corals and orange.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]In late 2019, the two started planning a trip to Brussels, Paris, and Prague for the following February. Victoria offered to organize Airbnbs and flights, ensuring that they would be in Paris for a particularly romantic holiday. Little did she know that Ryan was simultaneously doing his own planning to ensure everything was perfect for that day. Upon arrival in Paris early in the morning on February 13, they went straight to Disneyland for a magical day. The next morning, Valentine’s Day, they visited a café in the 16th Arrondissement for a coffee and a pastry (Ryan’s breakfast of choice) before walking around the city. It wasn’t until they reached the banks of the Seine River, with the perfect view of the Eiffel Tower in the background, that Ryan got on one knee and proposed. It was an even more magical day filled with happy tears, croissants, incredible food, and still-vivid memories. They made the most of their time in all three cities, not realizing that their world would turn upside down less than a month later due to the Covid Pandemic.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Victoria wore a beautiful gown designed and created by Moonlight Bridal.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”][/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Ryan wore an elegant tuxedo created by SUit Supply where he worked several years ago.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]”The drinks are on us, the hangover is on you” sign says everything, cocktails were colorful. Spritz is definitely the best !

For this very special celebration, private chef George Winterford created a timeless menu.

It all started with a crispy soft egg with salad lyonnaise & truffled Vinaigrette.

Guests had three options concerning the main course :
° Filet Mignon with red wine sauce, truffled pomme purée & pearl onions
° Filet of organic salmon, citrus leeks, rattle potatoes & shellfish bisque
° Summer squash tandoori with turmeric onion beignets & pilau rice[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Lilas Wood used a lot of different flowers in terms or variety and colors giving this gorgeous result.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Victoria & Ryan chose the typical French Dessert, a Croquembouche Tower, to celebrate their love ![/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Victoria grew up in Montréal, Québec, Canada and moved to Southern California at the age of 15. Ryan was born in San Diego, California and lived in both Northern and Southern California, Seattle, and Washington, DC (where his parents have lived since) before moving back to Southern California for college.

Victoria and Ryan met in the undergraduate dining hall, and he was interested in interviewing her for a linguistics class project. The two quickly became inseparable, and a few months later, they spent Memorial Day weekend in 2011 together at Disneyland. They finally became official boyfriend and girlfriend on the Little Mermaid Ride, after it unexpectedly broke down at the perfect moment.

In 2012, only a few short months into their relationship, they flew out to the east coast to enjoy each other’s company during winter break. They started in Washington, DC, where they played tourist, met Ryan’s family, and explored the vibrant capital area. A few days into the trip, however, and almost on impulse, they booked the least expensive route north to Montréal to visit Victoria’s extended family. Ryan, a much more naïve traveler at the time, thought the climates would be similar and packed few layers prior to their departure from Union Station. Sixteen hours later, they disembarked Amtrak’s Adirondack service in Montréal’s Gare Centrale to windchills of -15F and howling winds. While it was the first of many culture shocks, Ryan quickly grew fond of the area and, with only a few words of French in his vocabulary, loved his visit to the city.

From fraternity formals to weekend trips in Las Vegas, Victoria and Ryan became college sweethearts. However, they didn’t pick up the “travel bug” until after they graduated. Their first big trip together was a month-long backpacking trip in 2015 across (where else?) the many regions of France. While most others their age opted for trips across Europe without staying in a city, or even a country, for more than a few days, they sought to dive deep and learn as much as they could. And they did – they visited dozens of cities, prioritizing UNESCO World Heritage sites, world-famous wine regions, places significant to Victoria’s family history, and anywhere with good food. The trip also inspired Ryan to start formally learning French, kicking off years of formal classes and informal practice.

In the years to come, Ryan and Victoria would continue to travel in the same spirit, often sticking to one country, making impromptu plans, and letting their interest in trying new foods (e.g., India) guide the way. However, after a few years, Victoria made sure to schedule hair and nail appointments before any big trip – after all, proposals can happen anywhere! Future trips took them through the rolling hills of Tuscany, atop stunning observation decks in Taipei and Tokyo, and along the postcard beaches of Costa Rica and Vietnam. Each was more memorable than the last, but one detail remained missing.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Why France?
Of all the places we’ve been, it’s our favorite place to return to! In 2015, we spent our first trip together backpacking France for a month, visiting over 35 cities. Returning every few years for visits, Ryan became mostly fluent in French, while Victoria speaks French (due to her upbringing in Montréal). On Valentines Day in 2020, Ryan proposed in front of the Eiffel Tower. Unfortunately due to covid, our engagement would end up being prolonged. We knew we wanted to celebrate our wedding in France from early on since it’s where we explored together for the first time, fell in love, shared the language and the place where we were eventually engaged. Even though the travel borders were still closed, we booked our venue and began to plan from abroad. We knew we wanted our celebration to be more than a 6 hour wedding like in the US. We had envisioned a multi day event where we could share the experience of the beauty, culture, and food that France has to offer, that we fell in love with. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]Why Chateau de Varennes?
Though we had previously visited multiple potential venues in France, none fit all of our needs. During the pandemic, we booked a FaceTime visit with Château de Varennes and fell in love. It was the perfect mix of classic and modern. It had a wide array of amenities that we were eager to share with our guests, who would be spending a few days with us on-site. It hosted the perfect backdrop for our ceremony, with dreamy additions like nearby horses and a beautiful lavender field. We loved that the Château was not only able to accommodate most of our guests, but was also a truly historic property with over 400 years of lineage.[/field]
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Thomas Audiffren

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Petit Bouquet

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A Magical Soft Pastel Wedding In Mexico

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]The couple wanted a soft romantic mood, based on this we decided on a color palette in pastel tones with an ivory base and small touches of yellow.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Inspired by fairy tales, we have created this concept for the storytelling of
your wedding, where everything is perfect, magical and beautiful.
A very warm decoration, a subtle lighting, soft and elegant flowers and the
perfect music will be the elements that will be present to celebrate the

love story of Basha & Shea.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Shea planned a amaaaazing trip for my birthday and invited my brother and sister in law too. So i thought this was a birthday trip and was totally surprised. 🥰 We went to dinner at the amazing Wailea Beach Resort and started walking around taking pictures enjoying the beautiful scenery. A photographer from the resort was there and i thought Shea paid him to take some pictures of us because ive been complaining we never take pictures (we both only take pictures of places and things when we travel and rarely have photos of us.) So he suggests some beautiful picture spots, and we walked over to this gorgeous beach area. It was completely empty for some reason & the sun was setting and it was so pretty. Suddenly Shea dropped on one knee and asked me to marry him and it was perfect! Total surprise. He had a beautiful private dinner set up for us on a cliff overlooking the water with tiki torches, tropical flowers, a marry me sign, and a Hawaiian singer playing my favorite songs on an acoustic guitar. He was actually supposed to walk me to that spot and propose there, but got caught up in the moment and did it early on the beach. I really thought we were just going to dinner for my birthday and was not expecting anything at all. So i was totally surprised! It was also nice that my brother & Sister in law were there and had the rest of the family on FaceTime.

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The saree was a SriLankan designer Vishan Gunewardena. The Dress was Enaura.

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The brand of bridesmaid dresses was Azazie.

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The groomsman attire was Tom Ford.

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This was the menu and we did a champagne bar: Firsts: Green salad with peanuts, amaranth, goat cheese and cream with a hibiscus and chipotle reduction Roasted pepper cream, fritter stuffed with goat cheese and cashews. Mains: Filet mignon in green peppercorn sauce. Chicken breast stuffed with wild mushrooms, quince jam and rosemary sauce Salmon steak with fine herbs and parmesan crust in a dill and lemon sauce Desserts Passion Fruit Mousse White chocolate lava cake with ice cream

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The design was based on arrangements with a very garden and organic style. The florist team together with Lupita Tirado did several tests until they reached the desired result. Pink renanculus, English roses, tulips, green foliage and agapandos were used.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The flavor was almond filled with vanilla bitumen and apricot jam, it was a very beautiful and handmade cake, they wanted it to have flavors with a Mexican touch[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The music of the ceremony was based on traditional music of Sri Lanka.
They had an officiant who traveled with them especially for their rite. The ceremony was very special, the altar was decorated with a carpet and offers such as grains, flowers, leaves and fruits, each of these elements with a meaning of blessings for the couple.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The groom’s mother sang a beautiful traditional song for the bride and groom after the speeches, this moment was magical.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]A very special detail was that the groom, as a surprise for the bride, added more decoration elements that the bride did not know about, such as extra flowers, decoration of walls with foliage and lamps, this was very beautiful, because when the space was revealed to the bride and groom It was a big surprise for her.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Petit Bouquet

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LUPITA TIRADO

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A Peachy Pink Swedish-American Disco in Coastal Virginia

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From the beginning, the couple knew they wanted a white-to-beige base color palette bursting with touches of pink, peach, and orange. Virignia Beach-based florist The Wandering Petal was the main vendor assigned to really nail the color pops along with the bridal attendants’ mix of gowns.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Mix together the band ABBA, an early summer garden, an Aperol Spritz, and a black tie dress code. What do you get? This wedding. Disco balls, colorful blooms, and a party atmosphere took front stage for this country club fête. The Sweden-based couple wanted to transform the groom’s hometown of Virginia Beach into a European-focused party town; we think we accomplished that with vim to spare.

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]A clean, a-line, square neck gown is an easy way to infuse modern tradition with classic silouhettes. It complimented the more wild, colorful nature of the bouquet as well as stood out among the array of patterned and textured bridesmaid dresses.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Matching bridesmaid dresses are a thing of the past; today’s bridesmaids are given instructions to select their own gowns given a set of parameters. This wedding was no different with gowns ranging from solid hot pinks to patterned tiered yellows. It all ended up being a great match to the floral recipes as well as an excellent pairing aside the men’s classic tuxedos.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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One Swedish tradition that the couple wanted to bring to the United States was the longer, multi-course dinners that happen on wedding evenings. For this particular wedding, we worked with Princess Anne Country Club to create a stunning three course meal comprised of a crab Napoleon stack, filet mignon with pasta primavera, and passed cake slices with coffee. Between courses, guests were served wine and treated to different speeches and activities from the Swedish hosts, known as toastmasters.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

For this wedding, we attempted and succeeded in doing something Princess Anne Country Club hadn’t seen previously: a tented wedding. All newlyweds-to-be elect to hold their reception in the club’s ballroom. However, we raised the bar and figured out how to hold their wedding in a tent on the grounds a couple of blocks from the Atlantic Ocean. With rentals from Curated Events, Astro Entertainment, Stage Right Lighting, and BBJ La Tavola, we executed their initial vision with precision from the tent entrance draping to the haning disco balls to the linen selection. The florals played the largest role in bringing color to complete our clear top tent goals.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

The wedding cake from Custom Cake Shoppe was a classic three-tier with a gluten free version off to the side. Blooms were added to accentuate the cake, and the cake slices were passed to each guest during the final course of the evening’s dinner.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

One highlight of the evening was the couple’s first dance following the final course of dinner and parent dances. In coordination with Amber Justine Events and the couple’s DJ, DJ Cuban of Zandi Entertainment, the groom surprised all guests by serenading the bride with the first verse of Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”. They switched to dancing with guests literally standing in their seats and cheerings. From there, all the guests joined the dance floor for the end of the song, kicking off the rest of the epic evening.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]One new-to-us element of the wedding was the introduction of Swedish toastmasters, which are pre-determined guests that act as hosts for the evening. The verdict? We loved it. The toastmasters took over all announcements from cocktail hour to the end of dinner service. From welcoming guests to explaining Swedish traditions to humorous little quips between courses (including a Michael Jackson dance-off session in a silver jumpsuit), they were the life of the party.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

Disco balls took the literal center stage during this wedding. Guests entering the tent from cocktail hour were greeted with three escort mirror “walls” designed by creative The Native Lion. On the mirrors were suctioned mini disco balls and escort cards for guest to take and keep. Inside the clear top tent, we focused attention on the hanging elements such as rustic chandeliers and a cluster of greenery with disco balls over the dance floor. ABBA vibes were the goal, and the disco balls helped us to achieve it.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

This five-hour wedding included copious dancing via Zandi Entertainment after dinner service was complete. European disco was the vibe, which meant maximizing party time and going until midnight with transportation to an after party to follow in the wee hours. And a party it was – light up viking helmets to honor the bride’s ancestry, silver kitten ears thrown into the crowd, a mix of Swedish and American favorites, and lighting effects to rival the best clubs in Europe. It was a party to end all parties!

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BBJ La Tavola

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Petit Bouquet

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An Enchanting English Garden Wedding in Chapel Hill at The Carolina Inn

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Deep fiddle green, deep sage, light sage, whites, brushed gold, poetic blush[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]My husband and I first met in college, at UNC. We both love Chapel Hill and knew we wanted to get married where it all began. The vision for the wedding was timeless, classic and elegant. The Carolina Inn, a historic hotel built in the 1920s, offered the perfect backdrop, with lush lawns and old brick courtyards. A black-tie affair in June, it felt like the fancy garden party of our dreams, awash with soft whites, gauzy greens, and lots of love. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]After college, Tyler and I dated long distance for almost five years while we were both in medical school. I was in New Orleans at Tulane and he was in Greenville at East Carolina University. We typically only got to see each other once a month so in the spring of 2022, we took a trip to Oregon for a long weekend. The day we hiked Toketee Falls, we made the long drive out into the forest, surrounded by tall pines, no cell service, just the two of us. It was misty, raining on and off but when we got to the trail head, the sun came out and we saw a rainbow. We had the trail all to ourselves as we hiked down to the waterfall. Tyler is really into photography so when we belayed down a steep rock face, he went ahead to set up his tripod. He said he wanted to get a good picture of us in front of the waterfall so he kept climbing back and forth to the tripod to “check” his shot. After the third “check”, when he climbed back to me, he got down on one knee. The tripod captured the moment beautifully. We spent the rest of the weekend driving up the Oregon coast, visiting lighthouses, and admiring the incredible sunsets over the Pacific. [/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]After I got engaged, I made an appointment at Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City. Growing up, my mom and I loved watching Say Yes to the Dress together. We couldn’t wait to see it for ourselves, watching a ton of old episodes leading up to the appointment. At Kleinfeld Bridal, I found a beautiful Tony Ward dress that felt both elegant and sexy, with long delicate lace sleeves, a sleek silhouette and an almost architecturally deep v. Tony Ward happened to be in store when I tried it on. He made my day when he declared that I could have modeled it for him! [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]I loved the idea of mix and matched bridesmaids’ dresses. I wanted something that all my bridesmaids felt comfortable in, something within everyone’s budget and, ideally, something they could wear again. We ended up with a variety of dresses in different shades of green, some floral, some solid, from Reformation, Anthropologie, Birdy Grey, and Azazie. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Tyler picked a classic Vera Wang tuxedo for his groomsmen. We had groomsmen living all over the country – Alaska, California, New York, North Carolina – so we decided to use Menswear House rentals, allowing all the groomsmen to coordinate no matter where they lived. We added suspenders as a final flourish, which looked great when the coats came off and they were getting down on the dance floor [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Our food was catered by our venue, the Carolina Inn. During cocktail hour, we served local artisan cheese and crackers, apple butter, orange blossom honey, and fresh bread. We also served shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, crispy braised pork belly with apple butter and pickled shallots. For dinner, we served filet mignon and scallops with a piquant sauce, whipped Yukon gold potatoes, roasted brussels sprouts and rosemary orange carrots and parsnips. For our midnight snack, we passed out sliders and french fries – a big hit at the end of a long night of dancing. We had three signature drinks: “hers,” an aperol spritz, “his,” an old fashioned, and “ours,” a spicy margarita.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]We really wanted the florals to be a highlight for the wedding. Our florist, Once Gathered, did not disappoint. I opted for a whimsical all-white mixture of full bodied and wispy flowers—sweet peas, white roses, stock, peonies, gardenias, and lilies. My bouquet had a “garden gathered” look. The central feature of our ceremony was a huge arch of English white roses. Draped twinkle light around the reception area made the space feel really romantic and warm. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Our wedding cake was by Cupcake Shoppe-Raleigh. We decided on a white, three-tiered cake. Our flavors were lemon zest and red velvet. The design was textured and topped with white florals.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
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An Intimate Wedding in Italy with Whimsical Touches

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

Blue and white is a color scheme we both love and have throughout our home together. I (Danielle) am particularly obsessed with it from loving French pottery with delicate blue and white floral details, so I knew we had to go in that direction. Ryan loves color, so we didn’t want it to be only blue and white, so we brought in pops of other colors throughout the details (the plates, florals etc). My mom (who passed years ago) also wore a blue dress to marry my dad back in the day, so I wanted to include that as a way to honor her memory. My engagement ring is also blue and white sapphires with little pearls.

[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

We knew for a long time that we wanted a small wedding- neither of us love being the center of attention, and after photographing so many large weddings, I knew I didn’t want to have to deal with that stress. This lead us to start looking into destinations outside of the US for our wedding, since we also love to travel together it made sense to leave the country, and was a way to keep things on the smaller side. We looked at places in Italy and France, and decided on Italy! Ryan is a great cook and food lover, so we knew Italy would be a fun place for us to explore together and to bring our family & friends to experience this with us. Once we hired our wedding planner Natalia, she helped us pick out the perfect venue (I was mainly looking for a place with olive groves for the ceremony and a courtyard with greenery for the reception, so Borgo Bastia Creti was simply perfect!) and then we went from there with the decor. We kind of landed on a European, romantic spring vibe for the overall colors and design. We wanted the vibe to be fun, chic and romantic, and I think we got it.

[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]In 2019 we spent a few months living in New York for Ryan’s old job, and I fell in love with the city. So, once covid was a bit better/we were vaccinated, we planned our first trip since early 2020 for New York in November 2021 as kind of an early birthday present for me. I kind of thought Ryan would maybe propose in NY, but I knew we didn’t have the ring yet so I didn’t expect anything. We spent our first day going to an antique market near central park, and then went on a long walk around the whole park. It was a beautiful fall day, so we took a rest on some large rocks in the park near the water. When we got to get up to leave, Ryan went down on one knee and pulled out a ring pop and popped the question! We had decided to design my ring together since I wanted something pretty specific, so this was the perfect surprise. We then celebrated at our favorite restaurant in Brooklyn (Kings County Imperial) and at other favorite bars nearby. It was perfect.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]I love fashion, so I knew this would be a hard choice! But as we narrowed down the overall look/vibe for the day itself, I knew I wanted something romantic with sleeves. I was originally going to look for a blue dress, but I ended up falling in love with this dress when I was casually trying things on around Chicago to get an idea of what I liked, so I went for it! The neckline was originally high which I loved, but in the end it wasn’t as flattering as I wanted it to be, so we made it lower and I think that was the right call. I love the lace floral detailing and sleeves so much, plus it had pockets! It was definitely a lot of dress to travel with, but it was worth it. For my party look I wanted something fun, so I ended up finding a white sparkly mini dress (that also had sleeves because I love a sleeved dress!) and it was perfect for the direct flash photos I wanted with the champagne tower, and more comfortable for the end of the night hang out.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Since we only had 24 guests, who were immediate family only and then our friends who would have been in the party anyway, we decided against a formal wedding party. But our dress code was “festive semi formal” for all our guests and some people had a fun time with it![/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

Ryan wanted something on the lighter side (color and material wise) so he wouldn’t get too hot. When I decided to go with a white dress, we thought a light blue suit would be perfect for him! We went to Suit Supply and they helped us create his custom linen blended look, and gave us the knit tie option that we would never have thought about but ended up loving. He also lost his mom a few years back, so his sister gifted him some fabric from his mom’s clothing for him to carry during the day to have her with us as well.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]This was an important part for both of us, as we wanted everyone to enjoy a taste of Italy! Our wedding planner connected us with the most amazing local chef and winery, who provided all our food, wine and a spritz bar, plus our delicious cake. They outdid themselves and everyone still talks about how good the food was. My favorite dish we had was a truffle gnocchi, and of course, all the amazing wine and prosecco![/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Besides photography, florals were the most important thing to me! I am a huge plant/flower/nature lover, so I knew I wanted to have minimal but stunning floral decor to compliment the venue space. I love an organic shaped bouquet and arrangements, so I told our incredible florist Rebecca that, plus our colors, and let her do her thing! We combined the florals with a handmade blue linen our wedding planner sourced for us for the main reception table, and had plenty of candles and string lights to create the overall romantic and cozy vibe.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Our cake was a traditional Italian millefoglie cake and it was delicious! It was filled with fresh cream and berries and had a beautiful minimal floral design.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]We didn’t do any readings during the ceremony, but we did have our good friend, who has known us both before we even started dating, officiate for us. She created a beautiful and simple ceremony that I told her to make under 5 minutes, and she did it! We were legally married in Chicago in our favorite park in 2022, so we didn’t need anything crazy, and knew we’d all want to get to the party part of the day quickly. We did private vows to each other after we did our first look earlier in the afternoon, which I can’t recommend enough! It was great to be able to say what we both really wanted to say without worrying about what anyone else thought.

I made playlists for each part of the day. There was the pre-ceremony music that was oldies love songs. Then I walked down the aisle to a string version of “Don’t Wanna Close My Eyes” by Aerosmith because Ryan and I have had a joke about that song for years. We walked up the aisle after the very short ceremony to the Golden Girls theme song because we both love that show so much. There was a dinner playlist that combined both of our music tastes, and a party playlist for the rest of the night. We had our first dance to “I’ve had the Time of my Life” from Dirty Dancing, which is another song that has been “our song” throughout our relationship. We love to joke around and be silly, so we wanted to include that part of our personalities in an otherwise very “classy” day. The best part about that song is how it has the short slow part and then the more fun part, so we did a little slow dancing and then when the beat picked up, we invited all our guests to dance with us for the rest of the song, and it was so much fun.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]I’m a wedding photographer, so I had a lot of little things/details I knew I/we wanted. I loooove shooting detail flatlays, so I made sure to include all of our curated details for Audra to play with, and she did an amazing job. My shoes were the ones I wore when Ryan and I had our legal ceremony here in Chicago on our 10 year dating anniversary the previous August. I brought the ring pop he proposed with, along with my moms wedding ring, and the ring I wore as a temporary ring while we were designing my actual engagement ring. It was a small pearl, so that’s why we also included pearls in my engagement ring. I embroidered Ryan’s pocket square with a phrase we use to talk about our two cats, Hugh & Barry, and made him custom cat socks with photos of the two cats we currently have, and our cat who passed away a few years ago. My something borrowed was a ceramic floral headpiece from my friend Kpoene’s dress shop who I love to work with, Mignonette Bridal, and my earrings were new from Etsy. My veil was gifted to me from Cindy who works at Mignonette but also owns the amazing Blush & Cinders veil shop. I also brought the vintage blue beaded purse I bought at the antique market in NY the day we got engaged, along with some other details and ring boxes I bought on our frist trip to Italy together in 2022. For our PJ photos, I got my dream set from Bon Vivian, and Ryan wore his favorite t-shirt that one of our cats’ Hugh has made holes in from when Ryan holds him, which is very cute.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Photography

Audra Wrisley Photography

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Petit Bouquet

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When Indian Traditions Meets Italian Inspiration at Commodore Perry Estate

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

The wedding color palette was a vibrant and harmonious blend of citrus hues, blue, and green, chosen to reflect the couple’s diverse cultural influences. Inspired by nods to India, Italy, and Austin, the colors evoked a sense of energy and joy. The citrus tones added a lively and festive feel, while the hints of blue and green provided a refreshing and nature-inspired touch, tying the elements together into a visually stunning celebration.

[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]
The wedding was designed to create a lively and culturally rich atmosphere, seamlessly weaving together the essence of India, Italy, and Austin. With a playful blend of traditions, the wedding design transported guests to a vibrant and elegant garden wedding set on the gorgeous grounds of the Commodore Perry Estate. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]For the ceremony, Meredith wore a long-sleeve yellow lehenga with white silk embroidery and pearl accents by Falguni Shane Peacock and jewelry by ReeMat Designs.

For the reception Meredith wore a dress by Danielle Frankel. Silk Marne dress with contrasting billowed gauze sleeve, long train and decorative silk ties. [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Meredith worked with a tailor in India to create custom lehengas in sage green, mint, and pale blue for the bridesmaids. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Eshaan was clad in a pale pink sherwani by Falguni Shane Peacock, which was made of raw silk and embroidered with flowers and an architectural motif. For the reception Eshaan changed into a navy tux by Knot Standard. [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Austin inspired family style menu of gulf snapper, beef ribs and roasted cauliflower entrees choices. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The reception design was created to evoke the charm of Italy’s countryside. Tables boasted lively citrus-colored arrangements against eye-catching pale blue and white embroidered tablecloths accented with white candles, creating a harmonious design that perfectly embodied the day’s spirit. Each centerpiece reflected the joyous atmosphere with its vibrant colors and textures. Citrus floral menus set on natural stone tableware completed the look. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Scrumptious olive oil wedding cake with orange marmalade and chocolate buttercream. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Guests discovered their designated seats through an eye-catching pink seating chart adorned with strands of vibrant orange and yellow marigolds, as well as playful, colorful silk tassels. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]The night evolved into an unforgettable after-party, where a vibrant blend of tropical greenery, dazzling disco balls, and captivating mood lighting transformed the space into an Italian tropical disco haven. This lively setup set the stage for the couple’s first dance, beautifully choreographed to the tunes of “Treat You Better” by Rufus Du Sol. Embracing their shared love for music, which played a special role throughout their wedding day, the bride and groom, both dance enthusiasts, joyfully celebrated the moment. Adding to the excitement, a live saxophone player teamed up with the DJ, infusing the airwaves with an irresistible fusion of rhythm and melody.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

BBJ La Tavola

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Petit Bouquet

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Vibrant Late Summer Wedding at a Waterfront Family Estate

The wedding of Jackie and Chris at our bride’s family estate was a beautiful blend of modern style meeting tradition. Nobl Events worked their magic, transforming the reception tent atop the home’s tennis courts into a romantic oasis. The floral design by Forever Wildfield was a work of art, and every detail of the day was impeccable. Photographs By Caileigh skillfully captured the essence of love and happiness in timeless imagery. With unique experiences like a live illustrator and mobile oyster service, guests were truly delighted. See more of this unforgettable celebration inside the full gallery.

Held at the Bride’s waterfront family estate in Keswick, Ontario, this late summer wedding was a blend of heirloom details and modern touches. Nobl Events designed a fresh and romantic atmosphere in the tented reception space, which was constructed on top of the property’s tennis courts.

Experience-oriented details made a big impact for guests, including a live illustrator and a mobile oyster experience being shucked on the go from guest to guest.

Jackie and Chris are the kind of couple that prioritized having a fun, memorable day with their loved ones and were intentional about creating private moments for the two of them despite their larger guest list.

18th Century France Inspired Wedding at Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C.

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Sage Green, White, Ivory, Gold [/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Paige and Will started their wedding planning process touring historic venues in Washington, D.C. They quickly fell in love with the Cosmos Club and its gorgeous ballroom inspired by mid-18th century France. The wedding details were carefully selected by the couple and their planner, Brielle Davis Events, to create an event experience with a classic, romantic, and timeless feel. The save the dates and invitations designed by Made by Victoria Laine featured a custom monogram—giving guests their first peek at the overall tone of the upcoming celebration.

[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Will proposed to Paige in February of 2022 during a day filled with details from their favorite pastimes and relationship milestones.

They spent the morning at their first date spot—Kaldi’s Social House in Arlington—before picking up some desserts to enjoy later from Bakeshop, the location of their second date.

While they were dating, walks around the DC monuments together became a frequent and favorite pastime. On the evening of the proposal, Will suggested an evening walk before proposing at sunset in front of the Washington Monument.

After Paige said yes, they wandered around the Lincoln Memorial where they saw the Mardi Gras fireworks. At home, Will had roses, candles, and champagne waiting for them to enjoy and finished the evening by cooking Paige dinner.
[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Paige’s gown was designed by Martina Liana Bridal and purchased at Elegance by Roya in Alexandria, Virginia. Paige fell in love with the gown’s lace detailing, and the alterations team at Elegance by Roya worked with her to create custom add-on sleeves that would be removed for the reception. [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids wore matching tulle floor-length dresses from Revelry in the shade ‘Rosemary.’
[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Will’s custom tuxedo from Suitsupply was accented with cufflinks gifted to him by Paige on their wedding day.
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Following the ceremony, guests arrived at the Cosmos Club for a cocktail hour featuring hors d’oeuvres and signature drinks, including a cocktail inspired by the couple’s Portuguese Water Dog, Peaches. After cocktails, guests were invited into the ballroom for a carefully curated five course dinner; each guest had a custom menu featuring their specific meal selections for the multiple course dinner.
[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The wedding flowers, designed by Floral & Bloom, featured lush ivory blooms and greenery. The church sanctuary welcomed guests with two olive trees and romantic candlelight framing the aisle. The ceremony programs featured design elements from the save the dates and stationery, as well as a custom sketch of the exterior of the historic church building.

Guests entered the ballroom for dinner to the sight of candelabras, lush florals, gold adorned place settings, and rich ivory linens.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The wedding cake, crafted by Liberty Baking Co., featured the couple’s wedding monogram. The piping on the cake was inspired by the lace appliques on Paige’s gown and veil, which was a surprise for Will! Paige and Will used the same knife that Paige’s parents used to cut their wedding cake 39 years prior.
[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Guests arrived at the church to the sound of a quartet from Sage Strings. Paige walked down the aisle escorted by her father to Theme from Jupiter from the Planets by Gustav Holst. The song was selected as a way to remember the bride’s late grandfather who loved the song.
[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Paige and her dad arrived to the church together in a vintage Rolls Royce, in which the bride and groom traveled to the reception space following the ceremony.
[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]The night ended with a sparkler send-off as Paige and Will headed out to celebrate their first night as husband and wife before leaving for their honeymoon in Paris the next morning.
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[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

BBJ La Tavola

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Amie Decker Beauty

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Photography

Audra Wrisley Photography

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An Elevated Carmel Valley Wedding With Sophisticated Touches

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

From Marilyn Ambra Weddings and Events, the wedding designer & planner: Allison was originally drawn to the concept of a black and white wedding, while Tyler requested the inclusion of softer edges to the color palette. We opted for a neutral background to showcase the reception space to its advantage, and brought in black to add sophistication in the lounges and bars. We liked Theoni Collection‘s pieces for this. Our floral and linen palettes included nude rose, cream, and deep cabernet red to create depth and texture to the overall palette. BBJ LaTavola‘s textured linens graced the tables. Our bride and groom were thrilled with the overall effect and that we were able to capture both of their visions.

[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Allison and Tyler were drawn to the private estate weddings featured on our website, and asked for a wedding with ‘the look and feel’ of a private estate. One which encompassed an elevated, tasteful aesthetic. As this was to be a destination wedding, the bride and groom both wanted an exceptional experience that showed their appreciation for guests traveling all over the country to attend. Their vibe was sophisticated elegance with dramatic points of interest throughout the spaces.

[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Allison and Tyler met through Hinge in 2016, and started dating shortly afterward. Four years later, Tyler proposed to Ally at her family lake house, which was their favorite place to spend weekends and holidays. Shortly after their engagement, Tyler and Allison packed their bags and drove across the country to Boston, where they embarked on their next adventure! [/field]
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Allison wore a KWH gown, purchased at Unveiled Bridal, San Francisco.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

The Maid of Honor dress was from Anthropologie Wedding.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Along with a full premium bar, champagne and selected wines, guests were offered Allison and Tyler’s signature cocktails. Her’s was a Paloma and His, a Penicillin. Butler passed hors d’oeuvres included Rosemary Grilled Lamb Loin ‘Lollipops’, Pancetta Wrapped Fresh Prawns, Maryland Crab Cakes with Chipotle Relish, and Tempura Dipped Artichoke Hearts with Sesame Aioli.

As guests made their way into dinner, NV Veuve Clicquot awaited them at table for a welcome toast by the bride’s father. The First Course of Wedge Salad, with Cherry Tomatoes, Crumbled Bacon, and Blue Cheese Dressing was paired with a California Sauvignon Blanc by Kathryn Kennedy. Guests chose between Grilled Black Angus Filet Mignon with Truffles Demi Grace, served with Caramelized Shallot Whipped Potatoes and Haricot Verts, and paired with Rombauer Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pan Seared Skuna Bay Salmon, with Lemon Beurre Blanc, Saffron Risotto, and Spring Vegetables, paired with Talbott ‘Sleepy Hollow’ Chardonnay, locally produced in Monterey.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Our bride’s parents fell in love with Tehama as the venue, Clint Eastwood’s private golf club in Carmel Valley, California. Tehama, an architecturally designed California Spanish Revival inspired gem, provided the backdrop for Allison and Tyler’s wedding.

We designed each space as we would for a private estate wedding, bringing in furnishings, lighting, and custom dance floor. We chose Theoni Collection and Chic Event Rentals as our vendor partners to help execute the design.

Playing off the warm neutral tones of the reception spaces, our aesthetic of approachable elegance showcased the architectural detail. Our ceremony space set the tone with sophisticated black chairs to compliment the bridesmaid’s black dresses. The ‘supper club’ dinner | dancing design, black lounges, bars, and cigar bar carried the theme throughout the spaces.

Loop Flowers always understands our vision so well, and they created stunning florals that felt organic and elegant in tones of creams, whites, and nude with touches of deep cabernet reds. These complemented and amplified the overall design throughout the spaces.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

Allison and Tyler opted for a dessert bar in lieu of a wedding cake. Tehama provided a fun dessert trio for guests to enjoy after dinner. Valrhona Chocolate & Amarena Cherry Bombe with Port Cherry Sauce, Poached Pear Tart with Chantilly Cream, and classic Tiramisu (Allison’s favorite) were on offer throughout the evening.

[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

Allison & Tyler decided to read their personal vows to one another in private. Our photographer, Anya Kernes, did an amazing job of capturing all the emotion of the moment. The vow books were by etsy, and were personalized for them.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]We wanted to add some personal touches throughout the wedding decor, so asked the bride’s mother if she would share some favorite pieces for the day. Vintage silver serving trays were staged with our escort cards and made a lovely display on the escort table, an antique candelabra was our centerpiece on the dessert bar, and various touches of family were placed around the lounges. We especially loved the antique ivory and onyx box, which we used to hold gift cards.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]Allison fell in love with the first wedding gown she saw a photo of. We had a giggle about how funny it would be if this turned out to be the gown she ended up buying. She tracked it down to a New York Bridal Salon, which was closing, and had sent the gown to another boutique in San Francisco. The universe aligned as she was flying into San Francisco for a family visit. Her first stop was to the bridal boutique where she tried on the gown and confirmed it was love at first site. The gown fit like it was literally made for her. We think the gown wanted to be worn by Allison and waited for her to find it.[/field]
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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

BBJ La Tavola

View Portfolio

April Showers and Spring Romance in Tuscany at Castello Di Petrata

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]White, blush, baby blue and green[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Garden looking, romantic, fun[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]I had grown quite close to one of Randy’s cousins, Westie, and her 13th Birthday was approaching. We had made plans to drive down to the Panhandle of Florida (where we now live!) to celebrate Westie’s birthday with family. Thankfully, I had gotten a manicure that day! We all gathered on the beach for a bonfire with Randy’s cousins, parents, grandparents, etc. There had been a running joke in the family for years that Randy was the last one (he has 3 brothers) to get married. The younger cousins had been asking “when are you going to engage Ariel?” for years at this point. Well, just as we got settled at the bonfire, the cousins chimed in: “When are you going to propose?! When are you going to propose?!” To which I replied “I did not put them up to this!” Randy, then, turned to the cousins and asked “Well, do you think right now would be a good time?” As soon as I heard the words leave his mouth, I turned to find him on one knee with the most stunning ring staring at me. I was in complete shock! So much so, that I forgot to say yes! After saying yes and crying hysterically, I turned to find my parents leaping toward me – Randy had flown them in to surprise me! We all spent the rest of the night celebrating together and beginning to plan our dream Italian Wedding. It was the best day ever![/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Custom design by Sherri Hill. I met with Sherri several years ago when I was preparing for the Miss South Carolina America pageant, and I knew I wanted something spectacular for the stage, but also recognized it as an opportunity to have a custom gown that I could someday wear at my wedding. I hadn’t even met Randy at the time, and wasn’t dating anyone – but I had dreamt of my Italian wedding since I was 5 years old… And what better to wear for my dream wedding than a custom long-sleeved gown covered in Swarovski crystals?
After becoming engaged 5 years later, I worked with Britt Wood of Atlanta (@jhbrittwood on instagram) to create an Oscar De La Renta Overskirt to add a more Bridal flare to the already-breathtaking gown. Britt also had the idea to add some vintage-inspired buttons to the sleeves and back of the dress to tie the Old-Hollywood inspired gown together with the timeless, luxe overskirt. [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The Bridesmaids wore Amsale Sonia Dresses in the color ‘ice’. My bridesmaids live all over the US, so working with Bella Bridesmaids was extremely convenient for fittings and orders. I chose the Amsale Sonia dress because I wanted something classic and timeless that would flatter all different shapes & sizes. The Bridesmaids ranged from 5 foot 2 inches to 6 feet tall! Yet, I didn’t want different styles to distract from the detail of my gown. The Amsale Sonia dress was PERFECT! It photographed beautifully, was comfortable, and looked stunning on all 7 of my bridesmaids ranging in shape, size, and height![/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The Groom wore a custom-fitted Bonobos Tuxedo with mini-polka-dotted suspenders and vintage velvet loafers. As a former Collegiate American football player, finding clothes to fit his Athletic build can be difficult. We have found that Bonobos Athletic-Fit line provides enough stretch to fit over his muscular quads while still fitting his waist without appearing too tight or fitting uncomfortably. [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The Food & Drinks at Castello di Petrata were truly unbelievable. Another reason we fell in love with this venue was the true farm-to-table experience. We could look out and see the vines from which the wine was made, the fields from which the vegetables grew, and the freshness was evident in every bite. On the night of the Rehearsal Dinner, the servers brought out more Gnocchi for the guests to have seconds, and so many people requested seconds (and even thirds!) that the chef finally just brought out a large vat of Gnocchi for everyone to help themselves! The venue later told us that they were stunned by how much Gnocchi we ate. We are both proud and ashamed of how stereotypically American that is.

Petrata was also wonderful about organizing meals for dietary restrictions and allergies. We had several folks with dietary restrictions in attendance, and they all raved about the food, too! [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Spring flowers, garden vibe, elegant decor.
For the welcome dinner – wooden tables, blue color, lemons
For the wedding day – more elegant, shabby chic[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Traditional Italian millefoglie with berries[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Peter Decker, one of the designers of our rings and a close family friend, read a toast to us that he wrote entirely in Italian. No one in attendance spoke fluent Italian, and he gave a translation only to the Bride and Groom. It was an incredibly special moment for us that we will always remember. It felt like a sweet secret that only we knew. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]We loved the ability for our guests to stay in the venue – we wanted it to feel like Adult Summer Camp and spend as much time as possible with our guests. Castello di Petrata provided just that! Another big factor was their ability to move the wedding inside without much notice and no extra cost – this was huge! And we are so thankful we chose Petrata, because 2 of our 3 nights ended up having to be moved inside due to weather! Their ability to make changes quickly & efficiently with the help of Happy Moments Collector was spectacular. Our “Plan B” was better than any Plan A we could’ve dreamt of![/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]We enjoyed performing our dances during meal courses. That way, guests could enjoy their meals while watching our dances, and it didn’t take away time from the after party. Randy danced with his mother and step-mother, and also danced with my mother. This was extra special because we lost my brother, Alex, 15 years ago, and my mother never got the chance to dance with him at his wedding. Mother/Son dances have always been hard for her, and when Randy asked her to share a dance with him, she was beyond honored & excited. The Bride & Groom also danced to an unusual first-dance song: “Found You” by Kasbo. We took dance lessons to learn basic skills, but didn’t choreograph the dance, and it turned out perfectly! After that, the Mother of the Bride & the Bride performed a surprise choreographed dance to a compilation of fun & silly Country Songs that had been special to us throughout our lives. It was a blast! That was the perfect way to invite the rest of the guests onto the dance floor for the reception!
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[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Happy Moments Collector

View Portfolio

Petit Bouquet

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Here’s Exactly What You Need To Include On Your Rsvp Response Cards

While technology has opened up doors for how guests can RSVP, traditional etiquette calls for a good, old-fashioned response card. Usually the smallest card in the suite, a response card includes a line for the guests or a hired calligrapher to write their names and mark whether or not they’ll be attending the event. Some response cards also include a section where guests can select their meal preference (a large majority of venues nowadays allow guests to choose their entrées tableside, but if that isn’t the case with yours, then here’s where you’d do it!), and in recent years, it’s become good practice to include a line where they can write any dietary restrictions.

Stationery: Every Little Letter| Photography: Tiffaney Childs Photography

The corresponding envelope should be pre-addressed to whoever is collecting response cards, AND include postage as well. No matter how pretty the invitation is, people can get lazy and lack the motivation to mail that baby back in! If you make the process of responding easier with a stamp already on it, more guests will get the picture and do their best to drop it in the post in a timely manner. Mailing invitations in the proper time frame, so that they don’t have too much or too little time to reply, will increase the amount of people who respond as well. Customize your response cards right here on SMP in our stationery shop (BONUS: they come with coordinating envelopes and you can have your address printed right on them)!

Stationery: Milk & Paper Co. | Photographer: Ether Smith

Be sure to include:

Reply by Date

Line for guests’ names

Boxes to mark attendance status

Dietary Restriction Line (Optional)

Meal selection (Optional)

LBB Stationery: Inquisited

Rain Made This Romantic Estate Wedding Even More Beautiful

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

The colors were coral, french blue, butter yellow, and gold.

[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]This wedding was a romantic, enchanting garden party celebration. The style was elevated and upscale, but felt approachable, just like the couple. The original vibe for the ceremony was timeless garden, but with the imminent rain, the plans changed to a more intimate and glamourous mood inside.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”][/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

The Marguerite bridesmaid dresses from Reformation acted as an accent piece to the design of this wedding. This silky, midi dress had a sophisticated floral print that complimented the romantic, garden style. It was a unique choice that didn’t compete with the classic gown the bride wore, but it also paired perfectly with the traditional colonial interior architecture of the Duke Mansion.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

The bar featured the couple’s go-to drinks, which can be found in their hands during the dancing portion of the evening. From the planner, “My favorite detail from all the food and beverage from the big day was the most simple item – Austin’s signature drink! While there were so many details, a beautiful coursed dinner with table-side wine service and champagne tower – they decided to go with a forever favorite for Austin’s signature drink: two Miller Lites. That’s right, no fancy cocktail with specialty glassware and flashy garnishes, but a staple from every night out on the town together. Whenever Austin would order a drink, the order was always “two Miller Lites” – just to avoid having to stand in line again. Seems proactive to me! But the simplicity of this and the fact that they stayed true to themselves made me love it even more. Plus I loved the artwork on the bar signage – so unique.”

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Every single space had its own statement piece that wowed guests as they spent time at the venue. Meraki Blommor designed lush and organic florals that incorporated cheerful hues, combining the tones of peach, coral and soft yellows to pair with the french blue of the linens. The weather caused the creative team to exercise its expertise and restructure the ceremony design to be indoors. Quickly, SoHo Event Design prepped the creative team to bring the garden indoors with a unique seating arrangement to accommodate the iconic hallway. This runway setup for the ceremony allowed guests have a different point of view. A unique floral installation of large urns and a grand chandelier framed the french doors of the checkered hallway, centering the ceremony altar. The organic shape and colors juxtaposed with the colonial architecture made for an enchanting and intimate ceremony. The cocktail hour featured a curved statement bar with gold bar back shelves filled with glassware. The curve from the bar mirrored the cake table and champagne tower in the same space. The reception was held under a tent at the terrace where there was a mix of tables and linens from Nuage Designs. Round guest tables had a beautiful blue textured linen to lighten up the space and create a gorgeous base for the design. The head table was the focal point, featuring a long row of farm wood tables with matching blue runners. The table was lined with cheerful local florals that bounced over the place settings. Hanging above the head table was the statement floral installation, pulling some of the florals to accent the crystal orb lighting.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]This statement wedding cake rested on a bed of colorful blooms and greenery. With the fireplace flickering in the background, it made for a charming private cake cutting experience. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The weather reports kept threatening an afternoon shower, but these two chose to “dance in the rain,” meaning they moved forward embracing adjustments… and a few raindrops. From the planner, “While plans had to adjust, setups were shifted, and rooms had to be flipped – these two took the day in stride, lived in every single moment, and celebrated their love in the most beautiful way!”[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]As guests entered the cocktail space, they were greeted with a unique floral seating arrangement. The florals were covered by a cloche, featuring a table number and guests’ names in beautiful script. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

From the photographer Molliner Photography, “It was very special to watch how much Austin’s affection for Erin is drawn from what he learned from his parents. Their gestures and affirmations were evident throughout the day, from reaching out for each other’s hand during the exchange of rings to singing to each other during the reception. As I carefully watched and documented the effortless interactions between Erin and Austin, I couldn’t help but see his parents.”

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A Fairytale Green and White Wedding at Adare Manor in Ireland

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Green and white.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]”I don’t think we had a theme. It was important for it to be very white, green, and magical with candles everywhere.”[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Emily was in the Galapagos Islands with her mother and best friend looking for
tortoises because Emily has a giant land tortoise herself in Miami. After the Galapagos, Emily had a 12 hour layover in Quito, Ecuador so they decided to go to dinner before the flight. When Emily, her mom, and best friend got to the restaurant, they realized no one was in the restaurant. But, there were candles and flowers everywhere and Ryan was at the end of the room on one knee.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride wore a stunning ball gown with a sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder straps. “My dress was the first one I tried on from Zuhair Murad and then my after
party dress was Vera Wang,” says Emily. “I had such a nice experience with everything. I was much happier in my after party dress because it was so light and I was able to dance.”[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”][/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The couple hosted a seated reception dinner with multiple courses. The meal began with a fresh fig salad and finished with a selection of desserts.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The wedding day was absolutely filled with stunning green and white florals. At the ceremony, organic arrangements of greenery, white roses, and small white blooms lined the aisle on the way to a gorgeous chuppah. Trailing blooms, beautiful hydrangea, and plenty of greenery held together the elegant construction.

The florals made their way indoors as well. The castle’s grand staircase was bursting with similar arrangements of greenery and white florals. A gilded mirror seating chart at the entrance of the reception space also had organic blooms at its base.

The reception ballroom was transformed into a floral wonderland thanks to an incredible overhead installation of greenery and white florals over the dance floor. The tables were elegantly set with black linens, tall taper candles, and dramatic white floral arrangements with garlands that led to the floor. Tall trees on round tables also made quite the statement.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The wedding cake was a seven-tier confection adorned with white blooms. The design by MM Cookies was placed on a table filled with white florals. The couple used a sword to cut into the towering cake.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]”I started to cry when I got in the horse and carriage and the horse started to
walk. It was like a true fairytale.”[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]”Adare Manor was a dream. There is no place that compares. It was the first Google search we found after looking up ‘best buy outs for weddings.’ The first said castle in Ireland and we looked at each other and said DONE. It took a total of one minute. We paid for it without seeing it. We knew it was going to be perfect just off the pictures.”

“But really one of the best parts of our wedding was our wedding planner. Having someone take control and make a lot of decisions for you makes the world a difference. Listen to what an expert has to say because they know what is best. My wedding was perfect but only because of my wedding planner.”[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]”The invitations said black tie or kilt. When I started seeing all of my best guy friends
in skirts and high socks, I think that was the hardest I have ever laughed.”[/field]
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Proof that You Don’t Have to Sacrifice Good Design When You Have Kids

Bridging the gap between gorgeous design and messy children can seem like a mountain not worth climbing. But this home, with its perfect blend of vintage and modern, color and white space, is all the proof you need that said bridge is not only doable, it can actually make your home even more addicting. Using texture, contrast and a perfect marriage of old and new, THELIFESTYLEDCO™ designed a space that will stand both the test of time and the footprint of even the spunkiest of children. Photos by Renna Hoefer.

We’ve worked with this particular client on projects before and when they came to us to design and manage the addition of their primary bedroom and bathroom wing, we couldn’t have been more thrilled!

This family asked for only a few things: high contrast between the space + simple effortless design. Which was made even more important as they would be welcoming their second child just after completion.

The selection of the canopy bed was one of the first decisions made during the design process to give the space grandeur and a hint of formality. We kept both the wall color and the flooring lightly toned so the contrast could be felt in soft goods like window treatments and bedding.

Moving into the Primary Bathroom, the entry point off of the bedroom required a captivating moment signaling the eye to follow the shape of the space, as a long and lean, but bright space!

We beefed up the size of the quartz countertop with waterfall to the ground on one side for added weight and luxury to the bathroom vanity.

Following our desire to let contrast lead the design in the space, we anchored a black acrylic bathtub just under the corner windows to almost backlight the space!

The shower tile is both playful but symmetrical and brings some of the geometric shapes into this space as well as the Bedroom!

Small details have a huge design impact so everything from the towels hung to the bath side table lended themselves to a modern sensibility with vintage, handmade undertones.

Our clients love vintage rugs and while they have several collectors pieces throughout their home, we took this opportunity to layer a jute and a geometric hide rug on top of one another to instantly give the space a more modern feel.

The hallway outside the master bedroom was kept fairly simple with oversized black and white family photos and modern gallery lights.

In this same project, Parker, the soon-to-be big brother, got his own room in a hipster Star wars theme even Luke Skywalker would be proud of!

Our main goal in this space was to loosely follow the theme but also allow for Parker to grow into the space. And big brother not only got his bedroom wishes…he also got his very own baby doll!

We were so thrilled to collaborate on such a beautiful and inspiring space that created the perfect canvas for this sweet family of four to grow and thrive!

Photography: Rennai Hoefer | Builder: Willsheim Design and Build | Interior Design: THE LifeStyled COMPANY

Opulence and Romance at Paris’s Plaza Athénée

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”The Inspiration”]In the heart of Paris, the iconic Plaza Athénée sets the stage for an exquisite wedding celebration bathed in opulence and sophistication. This chic affair seamlessly combines the allure of haute couture with the romance of Parisian glamour.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]A palette of David Austin garden roses, in shades of delicate blush and creamy white, envelopes the venue.[/field]
[field title=”The Venue”]

As the evening unfolds, a symphony of clinking glasses and the aroma of endless champagne fills the air at Plaza Athénée, creating an intoxicating ambiance that only Paris can provide. From an exclusive suite, with an alluring view of the Eiffel Tower, the newlyweds bask in the romantic panorama, their hearts dancing to the rhythm of the city of love.

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride, adorned in a breathtaking Leah Da Gloria gown, glides through the grandeur of the hotel’s halls, accentuated by the soft glow of crystal chandeliers. Our groom donned a custom tuxedo complete with antique cufflinks and a silk bowtie.[/field]
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Hundreds of David Austin Roses filled the oversized floral centerpieces for an intimate dinner in Plaza Athénée’s Organza Salon. Our design boasted a garden-inspired floral aesthetic to pair with the gilded, glamorous setting. The candles slowly burned down as the china clinked and champagne flowed well into the unforgettable evening.[/field]
[field title=”Favorite Design Element”][/field]
[field title=”Tips To Pull Off The Look”][/field]
[field title=”DIY Moments”][/field]
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Spring Wedding at Holman Ranch with Sweet and Sophisticated Details

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

The wedding colors were creams, whites, peachy orange, bone, stone, and olive green.

[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

When designing Sara and Joe’s wedding day we were going for a classic and timeless, Italian dinner party feel – with a guest-focused experience. With the whole venue being outside, Holman Ranch architecture and landscaping really transported you to the Italian countryside. We leaned into this in the design with lots of neutral colors, lush greenery and linen textures. All of the signage was either printed on linen or handmade paper. We coupled these design elements with small experiences that also transported you to an Italian dinner party feel. Guests were greeted upon arrival with a Hugo spritz, at cocktail hour the couple had a separate martini bar (a nod to Sara and Joe’s favorite drink), the alfresco dinner was served family style and featured small bowls of assorted olives at each table for guests to pick on as they mingled and enjoyed dinner.

[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Sara and Joe had been traveling through Mexico on vacation, and ended the trip in Chicago for Christmas with Sara’s family. She was sure Joe wouldn’t be careless enough to carry an engagement ring in his backpack for two weeks in Mexico, so she hadn’t been suspecting anything. The day after they arrived in Chicago, Joe told Sara he wanted to take her family to “lunch” as a thank you for hosting the couple. That morning, Sara’s whole family was sitting in the living room watching Love Actually (including Sara and Joe), when a text popped up on Sara’s phone: “hey – you busy later, or do you want to come with me when I propose?” — a text that was intended for Sara’s brother, Sean (also a 4 letter “S” name). Sara looked at Joe, and said “You texted me.” He swore to himself, and then Sara cried. All the while Sara’s family was looking at them trying to figure out what was happening. He discretely explained his error to Sara’s family, while she got ready for the “lunch” that she now knew was much more important that she had previously understood. They drove to a beautiful park in Chicago where he, very sweetly, proposed.

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Sara opted for a chic, understated, and timeless style in the Sarah Seven Viviana gown with an extended train. The Sarah Seven team’s excellent tailoring staff made sure the dress fit like a glove, while being comfortable enough to dance in all night! Sara paired the gown with jewelry from both her and Joe’s maternal grandmothers – a “something” old to bring luck from both sides of their newly minted family.

[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

Sara’s wedding party–including her best friend of 25 years, and many more she’s picked up along the way. The ladies wore sage satin crepe gowns by Jenny Yoo, in a variety of shapes and styles to complement the Tuscan-themed backdrop.

[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

The groomsman opted for black rental suits from the The Black Tux, paired with ties Joe gifted to them on the wedding day. Joe and Sara gifted their dads custom tailored suits to wear for the wedding from Bespoke by Chase. Joe also wore a custom black suit, simple satin bow tie, and the long sought after watch Sara gave him the morning of their wedding day.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

Food and drink are two details that were very important to Sara and Joe in creating a memorable experience for their guests on their wedding day. From the very start guests were greeted with a Hugo spritz to sip on prior to the ceremony. At cocktail hour they had an oyster bar coupled with passed hors d’oeuvres. Along with their main bar, they also had a separate martini bar offering a dirty martini with blue cheese stuffed olives, espresso martini and a gin martini with a lemon twist. As guests were invited to dinner, the tables were set with bread, seasoned oil, and an assortment of olives to enjoy as the family style dinner began. Paradise Catering provided a beautiful spread of family style dishes featuring ingredients from their garden. After dinner, the couple shared tins of Garret popcorn, from Sara’s hometown Chicago, and Winston pies from Joe’s native LA.

[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

We worked with Paeonina for all the florals and she really brought the vision to life! The ceremony spot at Holman Ranch has the most breathtaking mountain backdrop, so we opted out of having a traditional arch and instead had a lush growing aisle with lots of greenery + neutral florals. The seating chart display featuring an antique Theoni Hutch was tucked in amongst a sea of florals. The whimsical reception florals were a mix of greens and neutrals with pops of peachy oranges to complement the existing wildflowers and greenery. While guests were enjoying dinner, the ceremony florals were then repurposed to the dance floor in front of the band stage coupled with an incredible disco ball and greenery installation above the dance floor. A perfect spot to dance the night away! All of the wedding rentals and decor were specifically picked to complement the existing scenery at Holman. We had textured linens, natural wood chairs, wood bars and wood and linen lounge furniture. The dinner napkins were a beautiful stone colored textured linen sitting on top of a timeliness white ceramic plate with a beautiful border. The plates were rented from Theoni, named Antico Doccia, designed in Italy…of course!

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

Sara and Joe opted for a small cake and decided to have a private cake cutting moment after taking sunset photos. Their intimate cake cutting moment ended with the groom stabbing the cake knife right into the center of the cake (a favorite moment for sure!!).

[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs (Optional): Sara and Joe’s ceremony–officiated by one of Sara’s first mentors–included readings from both of their mothers. Joe’s mom opted for an English reading, a nod to her upbringing in Weymouth. Sara’s mom selected a reading from Winnie The Pooh–that opened “If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you.” Both moms read Winnie the Pooh to the bride and groom growing up, and the couple was excited to include this special common detail in their wedding ceremony.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]When Sara was just weeks old, her great uncle gifted her a sixpence – an Irish tradition to offer a future bride luck and prosperity in marriage. In keeping with tradition, Sara’s father placed the sixpence in her shoe before the ceremony as a symbol of his best wishes of love and happiness for Sara and Joe. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Rather than exchange personal vows publicly during the ceremony, Joe and Sara opted to exchange gifts and letters during their first look. Little did Sara know, Joe had been planning his gift for nearly a year. He purchased a small leather-bound book, embossed with their initials “S&J,” and for the last many months had filled a page each day with a different reason why he loved Sara. As he presented it to her on their wedding day, he filled in the last page: “I love you because, I do.”[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

BBJ La Tavola

View Portfolio

Lucky Devils Band

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Petit Bouquet

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Impressionist Artwork Inspired Spring Wedding At Kingston House

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]The wedding color palette consisted of soft neutrals, lots of airy whites, and touches of pale blue and lightest blush. It was inspired by the softness of impressionist artwork, and the wedding day design featured artwork from two of the couple’s favorite impressionist artists., Monet and Van Gogh.

In Chinese culture, red symbolizes fortune and luck and is a common color in traditional Chinese weddings. Amy and Frank wanted to include red as a nod to their heritage without detracting from the romantic, fine-art color palette they desired on their wedding day. Amy selected shoes with red insoles, and frank wore a necktie with pops of red [/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Amy and Frank’s wedding day was filled with beautiful, artistic details. From the hand-painted backdrop to the incorporation of impressionist artwork in their invitation suite and escort display, every detail was intentional. This wedding was also unique in that Amy and Frank found special ways to pay homage to their Chinese culture, while still maintaining the fine-art style they so desired. The double happiness character on the top of the escort display is a prominent symbol in Chinese weddings. It is meant to convey double the joy and happiness for the newlyweds as they begin their marriage. Including it on the escort display, which featured bookmarks (a nod to their love of reading) made from one of Van Gogh’s most beloved pieces of artwork (a nod to their love of the impressionist artist) created a wedding day piece that was uniquely ‘them’. The table numbers featured both their favorite quotes about love from literary works and Chinese blessings for a happy marriage. They found subtle ways to include red, a prominent color in Chinese weddings that signifies luck, without losing the fine-art feel of their Monet-inspired color palette and overall aesthetic.

[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Somewhat paralleling fictional counterparts Harry and Sally, Frank and Amy met at the University of Chicago as college first-years during orientation week and became the most platonic of best friends all throughout college. Only after graduation did they start dating, separated by an ocean with Amy teaching in China and Frank working in Houston. After long distance relationshipping for three more years and enduring many red-eye flights between SF and Boston, they finally settled down in the Bay Area with their feline roommates, Claire and Millie. Fast forward seven more years, one pandemic, many sleepless nights in Seattle raising the world’s most spoiled golden retriever, Frank and Amy finally decided to get married December 2021.

Frank ordered a dog tag for Woody that said “Will You Marry Me?”, but didn’t pay for express shipping and thus did not have it in time for a romantic weekend trip to San Juan Island where he meant to propose. But he did it anyway when the moment presented itself on a beautiful coastal hike because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible. After finally acquiring the dog tag in question, and with the enthusiastic assistance of Best Dog Woody, he proposed to Amy (again) under snow-glittered pines overlooking a sleepily frozen alpine lake. Amy was definitely surprised (the second time) and did not suspect a thing. Woody celebrated by running across the snowy lake and tumbling into a group of unsuspecting hikers just trying to enjoy some hot chocolate on a winter day. It was the perfect start to the next chapter of the adventure of their lives.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

Amy’s wedding day fashion featured two show-stopping gowns. Amy loved the architectural movement of the bodice on her ceremony gown by Luly Yang Couture. She wanted the romantic, more fitted style for the first portion of the day, but hoped for a slightly more traditional look for the ceremony. Luly Yang Couture fashioned a custom full skirt that could be added for the ceremony and it was such a beautiful juxtaposition with the more modern bodice.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

Amy and Frank chose not to have a traditional bridal party, and instead honored Amy’s sister as their maid of honor and chose their beloved golden retriever Woody to be the best man.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

Frank worked with the brilliant tailor team at Sew Generously Bespoke to create his navy wool suit. His Hermès tie featured a whismical “loves me, loves me not” daisy motif to complement the garden theme of their wedding. Frank finished his look with handmade Vass dress shoes, custom cufflinks featuring cats portraits of Millie and Claire, and an A. Lange & Söhne timepiece.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

Amy and Frank wanted to do more than serve a meal to their cherished guests; they wanted to create a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience that allowed them to celebrate alongside their friends over delicious food and drinks. Enter Chef Aaron Tekulve of Surrell Seattle! He worked alongside Amy and Frank to develop a 6 course tasting menu that spanned the duration of three incredible hours. The menu drew inspiration from seasonal locally sourced ingredients of the Pacific Northwest and traditional Chinese cuisine to create dishes like oysters with Asian Pear Pink Peppercorn Mignonette, roasted Peking duck with dehyrdrated beets, and chilled noodles with chili oil. Each beautiful course featured a wine pairing and guests were repeatedly wowed not just by the unique flavors but the impeccable presentation. Guests were delighted with a unique bar & beverage experience presented by the Bustender of Kitsap Bartending Services. The Bustender by Kitsap Bartending Services is a mobile bar custom built from a 1973 VW bus. The beverage menu featured specialty drinks in honor of Amy, Frank, and their three beloved pets, Claire, Millie, and Woody.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Much like every other detail on this wedding day, the floral design approach was incredibly intentional. The design featured minimal yet impactful florals that take their cues from the serene environment of the Kingston House‘s grounds and architecture. Early summer flowers in a restful palette of whites and soft, neutral hues accented with the palest pink to enhance the already lovely natural setting. Rebecca and Jesi, the floral designers, focused on materials with graceful form and soft, ethereal textures. When designing florals for the ceremony, which was held under a canopy of big leaf maples, the goal was to bring an ethereal feel into the dappled light of the grove while not detracting from the natural beauty of the space. An organic ground installation, composed of billowing textural arrangements, started at the top of the aisle with arrangements placed in alternating steps leading up to the altar, where they merged into a broken arch that was designed to mimic the natural framing of the surrounding trees. The reception featured arrangements varying in scale, from small organic centerpieces in low bowls to delicate and graceful ikebana-inspired pieces. Table ends were accented with billowing arrangements and the sweetheart table was framed by a broken arch, bringing the ceremony and reception design full-circle. Amy’s bridal bouquet was loose and organically formed, with an emphasis on movement and light textures. Her bouquet included garden roses, her late father’s birth month flower, to honor his memory as she walked down the aisle. One special floral element was Woody, the family dog and honorary “best man’s” floral collar!

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

Creating Amy and Frank’s cake was a true work of collaboration with their artist Lisa of ‘Ālewa Bakeshop. They knew they wanted sugar flowers reflecting the same florals used on their day, and also wanted lilies on their cake to culturally signify good fortune and happiness. They also desired flavors that were light with hints of florals, so ultimately chose the roasted strawberry buttercream, yuzu curd with vanilla chiffon and the milk chocolate lavender ganache with earl grey cake.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

The Invitation Suite: Every element of their paper products was intentionally curated and held special meaning to the couple. The suite featured one of their favorite works from Monet as an envelope liner. They designed the oval floral crest (which was also used in their welcome sign) and while it appeared minimal and refined, held so much personal significance. The crest includes each of their birth flowers (cosmos and snowdrops) their last names in Chinese in the path of the oval to symbolize their union and the joining of their families. The custom crest also featured their birth flowers and each of their first initials.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

The Seating Chart: Another nod to their love for impressionist artists, the seating chart featured Van Gogh’s Almond Blossoms, one of the couple’s favorite pieces. In addition to being a painting that they love, almond blossoms also symbolize true love! The seating chart was also a nod to their shared love of reading, featuring bookmarks for each of their guests, topped with vellum butterfly seat numbers. In Chinese culture, butterflies also represent eternal love, happiness, and good fortune.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

Woody: Amy and Frank love animals, and their pets are very special to them. They knew they wanted to honor them on the wedding day, but wanted to do so tastefully. Woody, their golden retriever (who happens to have his own Instagram!) served as their best man/dog of honor and really soaked up all the attention that day. Frank wore custom cufflinks featuring portraits of their cats Millie and Claire and their sweet kitties were also honored with specialty drinks at the bar and on the cocktail napkins.

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A Stunning 3 Day Wedding at Château D’Estoublon in Provence

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

Lavender / Lilac / Blue / White

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The bride wanted a design using Lavender and Lila colours, especially for her flower bouquet.

The design of the dinner uses white tablecloth with Saint-Rémy chairs from Be Lounge and details on the table such as blue glasses by Maison Options.

Tables use names inspired by fishes to celebrate the name of the bride and groom.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride was wearing a stunning Rime Arodaki gown with a delicate lace and a beautiful veil.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]All the bridesmaid dresses had the same colour, a beautiful Lila to match with the lavender in the florals.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]During the cocktails, guests have the opportunity to enjoy a Ruinart champagne and fun drinks such as Spritz. A French refinement with a touch of Italy in Provence !

The dinner preparerd by Helen Traiteurs featured a fresh starter served under a bell jar.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Donna design created a beautiful design with lila, blue and white flowers.

The bride’s flower bouquet combined antic rose and white roses, gypsophila and eucalyptus.

The centerpieces used these flowers in a airy style matching perfectly with the details of the table art and the menus by Promesse Graphique.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The fabulous naked cake was designed by the one and only, Catherine from Made in Cake.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]A dinner “al fresco” on the terrace of the breathtaking Château d’Estoublon with the music of Fomo Production to set the guests “on fire” on the dance flour.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]C & A enjoyed an intimate moment at Bastide de Gordes for their engagement shooting. It was great to walk at the Bastide and around with the view surrounding Gordes and the lavender fields close by.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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