Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride…Doug and I moved together to the Midwest from the palmetto-lined streets of Florida and South Carolina, respectively, more than five years ago. However, as soon as we were engaged, we knew wanted our wedding to be back “home” down south. Luckily for us (and our guests!), my family lives in Hilton Head Island, a place known for its beaches, resorts, golf courses, and more. Therefore our wedding could have the excitement of a destination wedding, yet the comfort of a family party in my own small hometown. The location of the wedding also provided a theme of sorts, since we wanted to showcase the “low country” culture of coastal Carolina—for instance, our menu consisted of upscale twists on dishes like shrimp and grits, pulled pork sandwiches, and crab cakes, and the ceremony and reception were both held on the grounds of a golf club with gorgeous antebellum plantation-style architecture. Even the colors of all the wedding details—especially the sea-green bridesmaids dresses and grass-hued groomsmen ties—were meant to mimic the ocean landscapes and blooming flowers of both the bride and groom’s childhood homes.

Planning the wedding was also truly a DIY family affair—for instance, my sister, a Chicago-based designer and illustrator, designed and printed all the invitations, programs (made into fans to combat the Carolina humidity!), favor labels, table numbers, and reserved seating cards, and even fashioned a personalized hanger for my dress. Meanwhile, my mother made my veil and handcrafted clutches and jewelry for each bridesmaid to wear at the reception. She also added custom touches to each bridesmaid’s (and our one groomsmaid’s!) silk-chiffon dress—a  ruffled shoulder strap here, a sash there—so that each one looked unique but still part of a coherent whole; after all, I wanted my loved ones standing beside me on the big day to be able to showcase their own style even amidst my wedding vision.

I created seating cards out of bookmarks (a nod to the literature master’s program where Doug and I met) that featured photographs taken of landmarks around Hilton Head and Bluffton; these then corresponded with photographs embedded in our beautiful floral centerpieces and served as table indicators. We also tried to infuse important family heirlooms and memories throughout the reception site; for instance, we used my parents’ Lladro cake topper from their wedding, and we proudly displayed framed bridal photographs of our grandparents.

The day of the wedding, things continued to be low-key and close-knit: my best friend and matron of honor did my hair and make-up, while a dear family friend performed the ceremony. Out-of-town guests danced to popular local band The Headliners and marveled at the alligator in the lagoon behind our venue, while all  the Southerners in attendance simply felt at home! Doug and I, meanwhile, were just thankful to be able to have such a beautiful day that perfectly encompassed all the things we love about our past, and everything we look forward to in our future.

Wedding Photography: Denise Gonsales Photography / Flowers: A Floral Affair / Venue, Catering, + Event Planning: Berkeley Hall Club / On-Site Event Coordinator: Maren Rogers / Invitations + Programs: Erin Burke at Yard Sale / Wedding Cake: Signe’s Heaven Bound Bakery and Cakes / Bride’s Shoes: Caparros / Wedding Dress: WToo via Bridal and Formal / Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew / Band: The Headliners

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Post tags: A Floral Affair, Berkeley Hall Club, Bluffton, Bridal and Formal, Caparros, Denise Gonsales Photography, J. Crew, Signe's Heaven bound Bakery, South Carolina, The Headliners, Traditional Chic, WToo, Yard Sale
Post categories: The Blog, Traditional Elegance

click here for the full image gallery!

From the Bride…One of the most challenging aspects of our wedding was finding a location that would allow the majority of our friends and family attend. We had guests coming from 10 different states including everywhere California to New York. After dating for about a year our first vacation as a couple was a trip along the beautiful beaches of South Carolina making it seem like the logically first choice for our wedding celebration. Since it was a destination wedding we were able to have a small intimate celebration with 8o guests.

We always wanted a wedding were our guests could kick off their shoes! We are a pretty laid back couple and wanted our wedding to be a reflection of just that. The ceremony was located on the beach at the Westin Resort and Spa in Hilton Head Island, SC. We loved the location because it enabled our guest to leave the ceremony to be greeted with a beverage on the deck that overlooked the ocean during the cocktail hour.

We were on a budget however I still wanted our wedding to be classic, romantic and vintage feel. One of the ways I was able to save some money was making many of the decorations on my own. The chair decorations were starfish with ribbons that blew in the wind. What made them special for us were that they were the same starfish that we bought on our first vacation in Hilton Head. Decorations for the cocktail hour were simple pink jars with pearl accents along with mason jars wrapped in jute with simple floral stems.

The color scheme for the wedding could be best found in the choices for the reception. We selected baroque patterned linen in rose and cream and paired it with pearl, lace, and gold accents. For an additional treat we also had a candy bar so guests could bring back a late night snack after the celebration. For our wedding I found the beauty with the small details that made it feel like a perfect reflection of the two of us.

The dress was a perfect reflection of the feel I wanted for our wedding. It combined something modern along with vintage. All the jewelry including the broach that I added to my dress was from the 1950′s and was purchased from different antique fairs that we visited during our engagement. Along with the amazing jewelry my absolute favorite accessory was my Kate Spade shoes that added an additional sparkle. Florals were delicate, eloquent and pretty. They included some of my favorite flowers such as garden roses and hydrangeas and were wrapped in satin covered with lace with accents of pearl.

Photographer: Landon Jacob Productions / Bridesmaids’ dresses:  Bill Levkoff in Euro Latte / Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero / DJ: Alan Palchak, Hilton Head Entertainment / Shutter booth: Shutter Booth, Charleston, SC / Flowers: A Floral Affair, Hilton Head Island, SC  / Groomsmen: Joseph A Banks / Cake: Signes Heaven Bound Bakery and Cafe, Hilton Head Island  / Planner: Amanda Rose Weddings / Venue: Westin Resort and Spa

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Post tags: A Floral Affair, Alan Palchak, Amanda Rose Weddings, Bill Levkoff, Hilton Head, Hilton Head Entertainment, Jos A Bank, Landon Jacob Productions, Maggie Sottero, Shutter Booth, Signes Heaven Bound Bakery and Cafe
Post categories: Destination Weddings

There a whole lot more in the gallery!

From the bride … Dave and I were on our way to Maine for our anniversary. He had been acting strange the few days prior to our trip, and I was worried that something might be wrong. We stopped at the Portland Head Lighthouse and got out of the car to walk around. We got to an amazing spot, where we could see the lighthouse, sailboats, and the surrounding towns – it looked like a postcard. Dave looked at me and said “I want to love you forever.”  I high-fived him and said “I want to love you forever!” He said, again, “No Lauren, I want to love you forever.” I replied “Okay, I want to love you forever!” Then, all of the sudden, he got down on one knee and said “I want to be with you forever. Will you marry me?”

Dave and I brainstormed a place that would be forever special to us. My parents live in South Carolina and every time we go down, we just fall in love with Hilton Head Island. Most of our guests were coming from New York, and we wanted our wedding to be and feel special to everyone! We wanted it to feel like a true getaway… kind of like a trip to the beach.

Venue: The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa / Florist: A Floral Affair / Cake: Ronnie’s Bakery & Cakes by Lou / Tux: Men’s Wearhouse / Bride’s Dress: La Sposa, Fanal from Jaehee Bridal / Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Bill Levkoff Style 370 from Rana Bridal / Shoes: Badgley Mischka, Oliver / Photographer: Donna Von Bruening Photographers / Videographer: Savannah Wedding Films / Jewelry: Bourghol Brothers Jewelry & J. Crew Wedding / Invitations: Pretty Papers / Band: Deas-Guyz / Alligator shaped bread: Publix Bakery, Bluffton, SC

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Post tags: A Floral Affair, Badgley Mischka, Beach, Bill Levkoff, Bourghol Brothers Jewelry, Deas-guyz, Donna Von Bruening Photographers, Hilton Head Island, J. Crew, Jaehee Bridal, La Sposa, Men's Wearhouse, Pretty Papers, Rana Bridal, Savannah Wedding Films, South Carolina, The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Photography

Honestly, I don’t even know where to start!

The precious pillow toss? The ice-cream bar? Cupcakes galore? Cute-cute-cute escort & table cards? The dichotomy of grand floral displays vs. sweet, simple blooms? The mantle filled to overflowing with floating candles? (dot, dot, dot)

Suzanne and Justin … this all started with a TIE ???

What’s another word for PERFECT ?

Thank you … to everyone involved in bringing Suzanne and Justin’s wedding to fruition. You all did an amazing job! And we are so proud to feature it on Style Me Pretty.  Any and all who contributed to their day, please let us know below!

For all of the delicious details (and so much more), Justin and Mary Marantz have posted this fabulous wedding on their site. These guys stand for all that is good, all that is beautiful … all rolled up into one awesome package.

Oh! Wait! We can’t leave out Julia! Julia is now their 2nd shooter ( or 3rd?). Her wedding was featured HERE (so detail-oriented it’s 6 parts) … and her all-time favorite vintage-themed engagement shoot HERE! Ha! Love it!  Love you guys!!

***

Branford House Mansion ~ University of Connecticut, Groton CT

A Floral Affair

Felicia’s Sweetface Pastry Shoppe

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 25 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: A Floral Affair, Branford House, Connecticut, Felicia's Sweetface Pastry Shoppe, Groton, Justin and Mary Marantz, Tie, University of Connecticut
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Decor, Wedding Details, Wedding Photography, Wedding Style

Just in case you missed the first post {here}, Suzanne and Justin were married this month at the Branford House in Groton, CT.

Mary described them as “two people who shine from the inside out” …

Suzanne’s mom walked her to the beginning of the aisle, where Justin met her.

Her beautiful bouquet was by A Floral Affair.

Seriously. I’m right, aren’t I? It doesn’t get any better.

To answer just a couple of the questions we know you’ll ask … Suzanne’s beautiful gown is from Nicole Miller. Her necklace is her something borrowed (from a friend) and something blue, by Ralph Lauren.

Next up, the details of the day … from Justin & Mary Marantz!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 11 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: A Floral Affair, Branford House, Connecticut, Felicia's Sweetface Pastry Shoppe, Flowergirl, Groton, Justin Marantz Photography, Nicole Miller, Ralph Lauren, ring bearer, Shawl
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Photography, Wedding Style