Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog

Meadow Brook Wedding from The Gown Shop + Nicole Ladonne + 3rd Street Films

Mallory — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:15:13 +0000

I can’t imagine this Michigan bride ever not looking gorgeous, but on her wedding day, with that fantastic veil, the stunning gown from The Gown Shop, and her face filled with love and anticipation, she was absolutely breathtaking. Which, in turn, carried on to the rest of the luxe, white affair, captured by Nicole Ladonne Photography. And after reading her eloquent story, there was no doubt in my mind that this bride was just as pretty inside, as she was out. Don’t forget about the gallery of images for more!

I wasn’t quite done with this stunning couple, and I knew you wouldn’t be either, and lucky for us, 3rd Street Films has sent over a fantastic highlight film to extend our viewing pleasure!

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If you can, imagine the feeling of a late summer afternoon, when a gusty breeze billows in with perfect timing, cooling and soothing your sun kissed skin. You feel rejuvenated, yet relaxed; the sensation is heavenly. That would be the best way for me to describe how our love feels. And that is exactly what I wanted our wedding to feel like, too.

One of the most helpful things that Eddie and I did to kickoff our wedding planning was to sit down and figure out, together, what exactly we envisioned for our big day. For Eddie, who is of Chaldean descent, it was important to incorporate Middle Eastern music and dancing into the reception entertainment. As for me, I’m very sentimental, so the color palette and the décor were the perfect opportunity for us to, in a way, tell our story. Collectively, we agreed that we wanted to allocate a significant portion of our budget to the cuisine and the cocktails, and if possible, to find a venue with the option for an indoor/outdoor reception, since Michigan is known for it’s comfortable and colorful autumn season.

We were married at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Catholic Church on historical Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak, Michigan. Eddie and I attended mass there on one of our very first dates, and it soon became our home parish. Also, we were blessed to have our wedding officiated by one of Eddie’s childhood friends, who grew up to become an ordained Catholic priest. To attempt to compete with the lavish interiors and the opulent finishes of the church would have been impossible, so we kept the décor to simple white arrangements (an assortment of hydrangeas, lilies of the valley, white roses, and calla lilies) that flanked the altar. Our ceremony was rich with tradition, yet completely personal, and I will cherish it always.

A considerable amount of our guests were from out of town, so we had our hearts set on finding a unique-to-Michigan venue. Meadow Brook Hall was the second spot that we visited, and I loved the look of excitement on Eddie’s face when we stepped out onto the terrace, where we would later host our cocktail reception; it reminded him of the University of Virginia’s campus, his undergraduate alma mater. The mansion, too, was warm and welcoming for our cocktail hour, during which docents provided guests with tours as they enjoyed Southern and Mediterranean influenced hors d’oeuvres. I like to think that dinner and dancing were held under the stars, but in reality, they were just a short chassé away from the mansion beneath a dreamy, white, canopy tent. The billowy draping was the perfect nod to our South Beach reception theme, along with our floral designer’s white-hot creations, some perfectly positioned lounge seating, and Mother Nature’s subtle breeze. Guests danced the night away to a mixture of live Chaldean songs, and the D.J.’s medley of chart toppers and quintessential, Miami house music.

As for the attire, we kept things tailored and traditional. I worked with Stacy Fork from Michigan’s newest wedding gem, The Gown Shop Ann Arbor, to customize my Modern Trousseau Mika gown. A simple, Thai silk bodice met with layers of gauzy silk chiffon, just below the hips, to create cascading tiers that sort of floated along with a romantic subtly. The groom and groomsmen donned Calvin Klein tuxedos with a modern fit, and a traditional bow tie, while the bridesmaids looked elegant in a ballet pink, fit and flare gown, accented with rose gold jewelry. Our flower girl was adorable in a custom, floor length tutu.

My advice for the soon-to-be-newlyweds would be to remain focused on the must-haves, get creative with the details, never underestimate the power of candles, and to truly not sweat the small stuff. In the end, it truly is about the love you share with your beloved, and that is the best décor, detail, and accessory of all.

Photography: Nicole Ladonne Photography / Cinematography: 3rd Street Films / Flowers: Bill Hamilton Designs / Event Design: Bill Hamilton Designs & Affordable Elegance / Event Planning: the Bride / Ceremony Location: National Shrine of the Little Flower Catholic Church / Reception Location: Meadow Brook Hall & Gardens / Invitations: DIY by the Bride / Shoes: Badgley Mischka, Humbie II / Dress: Modern Trousseau via The Gown Shop / Bride’s Earrings: Haute Bride via The Gown Shop / Veil: Haute Bride via The Gown Shop / Tuxedo: Calvin Klein / Bridesmaids Dresses: Impression / Wedding Cake: Le Cakery Bake Shop / Band: The Bells Band / Officiant: Fr. Tony Marques / Hair: Janice Preuett / Make-up: Jeff Marti

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Post tags: 3rd Street Films, Accessories, Affordable Elegance, Badgley Mischka, Bill Hamilton Designs, Calvin Klein, Chandeliers, Color Palette White, DIY Invitations, DIY Stationery, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Haute Bride, Highlight Films, Impression, Janice Preuett, Jeff Marti, Le Cakery Bake Shop, Meadow Brook Hall & Gardens, Michigan, Modern Trousseau, National Shrine of the Little Flower Catholic Church, Neutral Color Palette, Nicole Ladonne Photography, Rochester, Tented Reception, The Bells Band, The Gown Shop, Tony Marques, Traditional Elegance, Veils, Wedding Cinematography, Wedding Dresses, Wedding Fashion
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

Bow Tie Round-up from XOELLE

Emilia Jane — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:00:16 +0000

Bow ties are having a moment right now and I couldn’t be more thrilled. These adorable accessories aren’t just for the ring bearers anymore either. I love to see a groom get a little daring and don some funky neck wear. Why should the bride have all the fun with her outfit? A bow tie is quite versatile and can work with any wedding style. It can be sophisticated and dapper as we saw in this elegant New Haven affair. It can be quirky and whimsical like in the Wizard of Oz-inspired photo shoot. And, of course, it can be totally dreamy and romantic like this amazing Brooklyn bridal shoot over on the New York Weddings blog! It doesn’t even need to be worn on a neck but can be used as decor as well like we saw in this adorable no-sew bow tie DIY project! I got in touch with one of my favorite bow tie creators, XOELLE, who just happens to live in destination wedding heaven – Honolulu, Hawaii. She shared with us a few of her favorite neck accessories and some tips on planning a wedding away from home.

What do you do, how long have you been doing it and what makes you awesome?

I make bow ties out of vintage neckties and second-hand clothing. They are sentimental, fun, and totally rad- just like the story of how I sarted making them. It goes like this: I started collecting vintage neckties in high school that I planned to gift to my future husband. When I did meet Mr. Right he was wearing a bow tie, which is what motivated my “yes” response to his first date request. After we were married I converted the whole lot of neckties to bow ties and have been happily churning them out in my little online shop for 3 years, almost the same amount of time that we’ve been married.

What sets Hawaii weddings apart from weddings anywhere else?

There is no place in the world like Hawaii. It is magical. The locale is enough to make Hawaii the perfect place to get married- the beaches are lovely, the breezes and the flowers are divine, and the people are so happy to share the island with newlyweds!

What kind of weddings do you love the most and what is your favorite trend right now?

I love handmade weddings- the ones where the bride’s sister made the cake, her cousin did the flowers, and her and her bridesmaids stayed up late making all of the placecards for the table. I love weddings that are outdoors and are first and foremost celebrations. I love when the couple really takes the time to make the event meaningful for their guests and family. This list could be really long because I just flat-out love weddings. My favorite trend has to be all of the vintage elements and mixing and matching that is going on- like letting bridesmaids wear a dress they choose in a cohesive palette, serving the guests their wedding cake on an assortment is vintage china, and mixing florals and stripes and polka dots in the decor (I am not big on matchy-matchy in most cases). And, of course, the resurgance of bow ties as something fresh and fun, even for casual weddings.

What is your biggest piece of advice for people planning a wedding?

Delegate. When I got married a wanted to make everything (and I mean everything- tableclothes, photo booth, wedding dress, garlands, invitations, centerpieces, the band’s playlist…) because I was worried that someone else would get a detail wrong- but it meant that I didn’t get to everything and some of the most important pieces were completely left out. Our families and friends are capable and they are usually just waiting for the opportunity to be a part of our once-in-a-lifetime day. Delegate the list to the capable hands of the trusted people in your circle!

Guys, if you’re having a little trouble tying the knot check out this great resource on how to tie a bow tie! And, girls, bow ties don’t have to be just for the boys anymore! Forage has an amazing new summer collection of bow ties just for the ladies!

Bow ties: XOELLE

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Post tags: Accessories, Bow Ties, Destination, Fashion, forage, groom, Hawaii, honolulu, xoelle
Post categories: Destination Weddings, Round-Ups

Hair Accessories Round-Ups III

Elaine — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 17:30:13 +0000

We’ve been gaga over some of the adorable accessories we’ve seen on brides lately. So here with even more fashionable finds, our ever stylish round-up editor, Carrie Moore…

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More and more brides are sporting ultra-fabulous hair accessories on their big day, often in lieu of wearing a veil. With so many options out there, it is often hard to find a truly unique, truly “you” piece. As all of you know, we at SMP are HUGE Etsy.com fans and it just so happens, it is one of our favorite places to find ridiculously couture hair fascinators and hair clips. This next assortment features some of our favorite handmade finds for you brides wanting to create a look that is all your own and all Etsy.

Row I: In several colors to choose from, it’s not hard to have a crush on these adorable headbands by Brown Owl Shop, all sure to add the perfect element of pretty to your hair style. For a more organic shape, yet equally as chic, these headbands by Be Something New are perfect for a touch of rustic or the ornate .

Row II: For the bride that is wanting a look that is high-fashion and undeniably couture, this trio of Etsy designers are sure bets. I am boarder-line obsessed with this dramatic hairpiece by Myra Kim , it has so much frothy goodness, I don’t even know where to begin. If you are channeling your inner Carrie Bradshaw, Etsy designer Pomp and Plumage has you covered. I love this avant-garde take on her fascinator/veil combo. Completely ethereal and as classy as it gets, this fascinator by Lo Boheme is so stunning tucked into an updo.

Row III: Simplicity can be a good thing when looking for an understated, yet elegant hairpiece for your big day. I love the subtleness of these honey-toned bobbies by Percy Handmade. For a more artistic look, add one or two of Bryd Ferth’s rosettes to your do to achieve rustic-chic perfection. If you are looking for a comb that incorporates old-world charm that is heavy in the shabby-chic aesthetic, this comb by Emily Wootton is a perfect little addition to your wedding-day do.

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Post tags: Accessories, fascinator, Feathers, hairpieces, headband
Post categories: Accessories, Round-Ups, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Style

Hair Accessories Round-Up II

Elaine — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:30:02 +0000

There are a lot of little pieces that go into creating your wedding but not all have to be as much of a project as finalizing your guest list, some can be playful, pretty little delights that just add some personality to the big day. Well, our round-up editor Carrie has done some serious leg work and she’s found even more accessories that are sure compliment any bridal style.

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A great hairpiece can truly be the icing on the cake when it comes to completing your wedding-day look. While some brides might choose a more traditional style for the ceremony and jazz it up with a bold look at the reception, most brides forgo the hair-do change, keeping their overall look consistent throughout their special day. This next set of hair accessories all bode classic charm, perfect to wear all day long and into the wee hours of the night.

Row I: Quintessentially chic, this pleated headband by J. Crew is ideal for the bride craving a clean, fresh, unfussy look on her special day. Sometimes all a girl needs is a bobbie, and these pearly beauties found at Anthropologie couldn’t be more perfect for wedding-day glam. Large and fabulous, this bouquet clip, also found at Anthropologie, is as playful as it is flawless, making this piece just about perfect for so many dress styles.

Row II: This trio is all about incorporating clusters of stones and hints of embellishments to your wedding-day do. This fascinator from Aldo is a perfect combination of two popular trends adding loads of glamour to your do for a more elegant affair. I am a sucker for vintage hair combs, and while there are several to choose from on sites like Etsy.com, I just fell head over heels for this star studded beauty that would look great in your hair whether your have it up or down—truly gorgeous. If you are looking to add a little versatile embellishment, I love this simple headband found at Urban Outfitters .

Row III: For the bride that is all about incorporating a look of casual elegance into their hairpiece, all three of these beauties are sure to please. Incorporating lace, feathers, and silks, this rosette by Milk Pod Studio is a must for an ultra-feminine look. For a daytime look, this headband by Urban Outfitters is fabulously demure. I seriously love feathery fascinators in a brides hairdo, and this one found at Anthropologie is a pretty mix of old and new materials—be prepared for complements.

Even more on the way in a few…

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Post tags: Accessories, Feathers, hairpieces, headband, Headpieces
Post categories: Accessories, Round-Ups, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Style

Hair Accessories Round-Up

Elaine — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:30:47 +0000

Abby and Tait are taking some time to plan and prepare for a new year here at Style Me Pretty, so I have the pleasure of bringing you this week’s gorgeous weddings, engagements, and fashion inspiration. To kick things off, we have our fabulous round-up editor Carrie Moore here to share her latest stylish finds from around the web. Whether you’re married, engaged, or just in the mood for some fun post-Christmas shopping, you’ll want to check out these playful little pieces.

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It makes me so happy that the fashion world is bubbling over with undeniably covetable hair accessories. What makes me even more joyful is that there are SO many pieces perfect for bridal attire. From feather-adorned to beaded-chic, there are tons of options for brides wanting to add a little oomph to their wedding-day couture. This next set of hair accessories is all about adding hints of colorful hues, be it saturated or subtle, to make your fashion statement.

Row I: For an lively reception look in bright fushia, this silk show-stopper by Kate Spade of New York is perfect for the gal that is ready to cut loose and have LOTS of fun on her wedding day. For a Great Gatsby vibe, this sparkling, feather adorned headband by Tasha is a sure bet for the bride that’s channeling an updated vintage style. For a shabby-chic soirée, add this charming clip by Anthropologie to a loose and romantic updo.

Row II: Truly for the bride that loves the feather trend, but wants to keep it on the subtle side, this peacock barrette by Jennifer Ouellette is the perfect addition to lengthy, wavy locks. For a more dramatic take on the trend, nestle in this fluffy beauty by J. Crew or go all out with a luscious headband in a saturated color, like this one by Jennifer Ouellette.

Row III: I am loving the natural approach Jennifer Ouellette takes on this feather headband, reminiscent of modern-day Romeo and Juliet—How perfect paired with a flowy, Grecian inspired gown? For the bride that is going for more of a posh fashion direction, this headband by J. Crew is all about girlie sophistication. If a little sparkle is all it takes to complete your desired style, this pair of vintage inspired clips by Juicy Couture packs a huge fashion punch.

More to come in just a bit!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Accessories, Feathers, hairpieces, headband
Post categories: Accessories, Round-Ups, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Style

Giveaway From Accessories Designers, Ivan and Mary

Eddye — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:00:49 +0000

Ivan & Mary are designers of a line of really cool accessories … tote bags, headbands, belts … even dog collars! Their products have previously been available at various shops in Charlottesville, Virginia, but now, thanks to a website re-design, you can shop on-line. To celebrate, they’re giving away one tote bag to three different Style Me Pretty readers! These bags would certainly make great bridesmaids gifts …

from Mindy … Each Ivan and Mary bag has its own personality, just like each special attendant. Some brides choose to do a different bag for each attendant, while others choose one design that matches her color scheme. She can consider filling the bags with wedding day essentials such as tissues, bottled water, lip gloss, safety pins, and snacks. The tote will be used for years to come after the big day!

We counted 21 different fabrics for the totes … and Mindy wants to know which are your favorites. Let us know which is your favorite … and it could be yours! They all have names, so be specific. Voting is open for a week … we’ll announce the winners of the Ivan and Mary Tote Bag Giveaway next Thursday morning.

PS: We know that not all of our readers need bridesmaids gifts … these bags make fantastic work bags, diaper bags and market totes! We won’t ask you what you’ll be using yours for … so everyone, feel free to join in the fun.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 262 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Accessories, Giveaway, Ivan and Mary, Tote Bags
Post categories: Accessories, Little Black Book Blog

Hair Pieces by Textures

Abby Larson — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:00:57 +0000

Okay, I LOVE these hair pieces by Textures on Etsy…

So they definitely would not go with just any dress or any style of wedding…but for the right bride, wow. They would be so gorgeous. More to come!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 1 comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Accessories, Etsy, hairpieces, Textures
Post categories: Accessories, Wedding Fashion

Hairpieces by Amelio Designs

Abby Larson — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 17:00:21 +0000

I have to say, my favorite hair accessory is a simple flower, tucked into a low, messy bun. It’s how I wore my hair at my own wedding and it’s how I always encourage my girlfriends to wear theirs. A low, easy bun is just so effortlessly chic and the addition of a gorgeous flower…perfection.

With that said, many flowers won’t make it through the night before they start to brown. Instead, go for a pretty silk flower that adds that same touch of romance without the high maintenance element, like these by Amelio designs…

Or these a-a-amazing silk flowers by House of Telsa…

Both Amelio Designs and House of Telsa have incredible pieces online, so definitely check out their sites when you have a minute! Amelio Designs actually has a pretty awesome selection of custom gowns, as well.

We have more fun headpieces on the way!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Accessories, hairpieces, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Hair
Post categories: Wedding Fashion