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From Lauren of Lauren Gabrielle Photography… Jocelyn and Kevin met in training at their first jobs out of college in February 2004, which lasted for six weeks. They quickly became friends; however, Jocelyn was based in the New York office and Kevin in San Francisco so they went back to their respective offices once training was completed. Work projects allowed them to stay in touch, but ultimately Kevin was lured by the bright lights of NYC and accepted a new job there. He moved to NYC in May 2005 and the pair officially began dating a month later. Kevin’s version of their story is a bit different — he says he was always courting Jocelyn from across the country and after months of $300 cell phone bills, he picked up and moved to NYC for a girl, then a job — in that order.

From the bride… Our original wedding date was August 28, 2011, but we were in for the surprise of our lives when Hurricane Irene forced all of NYC to shut down. We had to decide immediately what to do about the wedding.  Our venue, the Tribeca Rooftop, was one block from the evacuation zone in lower Manhattan and offered us new dates to reschedule. All our vendors were incredible to work with and within hours, we had settled on a new date in October. However, we still went forward with a mini-ceremony that weekend because our family had traveled from China, London, and California to be with us. My uncle, a minister, officiated our impromptu ceremony during what was supposed to be our original rehearsal dinner. We invited everyone who could make it to NYC on short notice and had about 50 people witness our first round of vows. It was wet, windy, emotional weekend filled with love and memories!

For the new wedding date of October 9, 2011, we still had the same vision and hoped for anything except for a natural disaster. Fortunately, we had the most beautiful weather – sunny and temperatures in the low 80s! I had always envisioned my wedding to be modern but with traditional touches and we definitely accomplished both. The Tribeca Rooftop had a great NYC-loft vibe with amazing views and we always knew we had to make use of the outdoor rooftop where cocktail hour was held. Our flowers and color scheme changed a bit due to the availability of flowers, but our florist, Victoria Ahn, did a great job of recreating our vision with what was in season. We kept everything to navy blue, green, cream and added a touch of purple! In the end, our worries stopped being about the planning and minor details of the wedding – we both felt so happy to be finally walking down the aisle after waiting an extra six weeks to be pronounced husband and wife that we just wanted to start celebrating with all our friends and family!

Photographer: Lauren Gabrielle Photography, Assisted by Diana Lupu Photography / Venue: Tribeca Rooftop / Band: Creations Music / Florist: Designs by Ahn / Bride’s Dress: Watters / Bride’s Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti / Groom’s Suit: Zegna / Bridesmaid Dresses: Ann Taylor / Groomsmen Outfits: Topman / Hair + Makeup: Ayari’s Brides

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Post tags: Ann Taylor, Ayari's Brides, Blue, Cream, Creations Music, Designs By Ahn, Diana Lupu Photography, Giuseppe Zanotti, Green, Lauren Gabrielle Photography, Navy Blue, New York, New York City, Purple, Topman, Tribeca Rooftop, Watters, Zegna
Post categories: New York City Weddings, New York Weddings, Traditional Elegance

It’s a guarantee that Ann Taylor will outfit you and your maids beautifully for your big day with tons of gorgeous new pre-spring colors (think pretty blues, soft greens and shades of light pink) exquisite new fabrics and chic silhouettes to mix and match so everyone feels their best on the big day. These bridesmaids dresses These bridesmaids dresses are designed to live a life beyond the wedding and can be worn again and again. We promise. Prices range from just $215 and go up to $695 for super fashion forward dresses with embroidery, beading and tiers. All styles and fabrics—including their number one selling silk georgette and silk dupioni—are offered in a variety of silhouettes so there’s a style to flatter everyone. Click here to check out even more of our faves at Ann Taylor!

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Post tags: Ann Taylor
Post categories: Sponsored Posts, The Blog

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From the Bride…Joe and I both grew up in Danville, CA and went to rival high schools, but it took Spring Break in Maui for us to meet. I was 16 and a sophomore in high school, and Joe was 18 and a senior in high school. Both of our families were traveling with family friends – who happened to know each other. So all of the kids got together one night and hung out. Joe asked for my number and called me when we got back home. Our first phone conversation lasted 4 hours, and the rest was history! 10 years later, we decided to tie the knot!

Joe and I decided on Tahoe for our wedding location because it’s place we love to go together and spend as much time as possible. Since it would be too difficult to have all of our family join us in Hawaii (Amanda’s dream), Tahoe was the easy compromise to get a destination wedding that was still close enough to home – not to mention it’s a beautiful place to begin with. The Hyatt in Incline was the perfect venue because of their lakefront location and accommodations.

We wanted to keep our decor simple since Tahoe is already a gorgeous backdrop. We went with a wood and crystal theme, and kept all our color palate as different shades of white. The wood balanced out the “bling” of the crystal to give it a natural yet glamorous feel. As you can see from my shoes and head piece – I really like “bling,” but wanted to be sure it was done tastefully.

We worked really hard to make our wedding as personal as possible, which in many aspects just meant making it fun and classy, but with a twist. We scripted our entire ceremony with our officiant, and family friend, which was one of the most rewarding aspects of our wedding. It was short and sweet, but very meaningful and very “us.” We wanted to attend cocktail hour with our guests so immediately after our ceremony we met our guests at the bar and were serenaded by a steel drum band – which was something Joe wanted from the very beginning.

The meal was also a very big part of our wedding. We were able to customize our menu to be a delicious 3 course, Mexican-inspired meal: tortilla soup, salad, and tostadas. We both don’t eat a lot of cake, so we decided to go with our favorite dessert, chocolate malts. And if that wasn’t enough, a frozen yogurt machine and topping bar opened up a bit later on in the evening. The one thing I always said growing up was that I would have a frozen yogurt machine at my wedding – and my wish came true! For those who made it to the end of the evening and worked up an appetite (again), we provided late-night food of hot pretzels and dipping sauces in to-go boxes.

Lastly, and perhaps one of the most personal touches of our wedding was our favors. Joe is a hot sauce connoisseur, so he wanted to create his own and bottle it for each of our guests. He called it: “Joe and Amanda’s burning fire of love,” which definitely brings out sense of humor. To balance out the spicy with a little sweet, we also included “Ball” jars (Amanda’s maiden name was Ball) of raspberry freezer jam, which is a family recipe passed down from Joe’s grandma. We are still getting requests for refills of both.

It was a magical day and all of our vendors made it happen. Now if only we could just relive it!

Venue: Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe / Wedding Planner: Julie Briggs Dunn of JBD Events / Floral Design:  panacea event floral design / DJ + Lighting: Exquisite Entertainment / Rentals: Celedon Events / Wedding Photography: Matt Edge Wedding Photography / Wedding Videography: Rose Street Studios / Hair + Make-up: Jane Kim, The Glamourist / Frozen Yogurt: Raff’s Tropical Frozen Beverages / Steel Drum Band: Bay Music and Entertainment / Wedding Dress: Priscilla of Boston / Head Piece: Priscilla of Boston / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bridesmaids Dresses: Ann Taylor

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Post tags: Ann Taylor, Badgley Mischka, Bay Music and Entertainment, Celedon Events, Destination Wedding, Exquisite Entertainment, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, Jane Kin, JBD Events, Lake Tahoe, Matt Edge, Nevada, Panacea Event Floral Design, Priscilla of Boston, Raff's Tropical Frozen Beverages, Rose Street Studios, The Glamourist
Post categories: Destination Weddings, Traditional Elegance

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From the Bride…Zach and I were high school sweethearts and on the day we wed, we had been together for over 6 years. As far as the wedding goes, I’m not even sure where to begin. I remember every thing, every detail as complete perfection. Almost the moment after Zach proposed I began my search for the perfect venue. I had a distinct vision in my head of “simplistic beauty”. I wanted to be married outdoors, I knew that detail was for sure! After a lot of searching my mom found this lovely place located in Prospect (about 15 minutes outside of Louisville) called Gingerwoods. It was a newer, mostly unheard of venue located on a windy road lined with trees and fantastic views of grazing horses every direction you looked. It had been a church at one time, and when the church moved elsewhere, someone bought Gingerwoods and “re-touched” a few details, but they were still sure to leave loads loads of charm.

As that detail was crossed off the list it was time to think about decor. I was so afraid my simplistic touch and small budget may be mistaken for unfinished, and that is when I remembered a distant friend of mine had just started a small design company. I asked if she would be willing and she dove right in! Believe me when I tell you, she did everything! I call her my fairy god mother because she made my dream a reality. She did complete design of the reception flowers, our bouquets and boutonnieres, she even did the arch we were married under (which she surprised me with on the day of). We were inspired by table numbers that we had seen on SMP months before and even did a DIY project of our own to re-create!

After all of these details were put together, the day finally arrived. I had never seen the sky so blue or so crisp, it was a perfect day for our wedding! One of the most special things about that day was getting ready at the salon I work at, surrounded by all my co-workers that I know and love. They surprised me with mimosas and took such great care of me, being with them for that portion of the day was truly special. Once 6 o’clock arrived it was time to marry my best friend, we were surrounded by only our closest friends and family. After our ceremony, guests were escorted up to a tented deck for cocktail hour while Zach and I took pictures. Right before it was time to head into the reception, a video played of Zach and I through the years, after that was played, we were announced in. This by far, was the best moment of the night. People stood and clapped, some even with happy tears, and welcomed us in. We had never felt so much love in one room!

Wedding Photography: Whitney Rae Photography / Event Design, Planning + Floral Design: Jaclyn Thomas Design / Ceremony + Reception Location: Gingerwoods / Invitations: Hello!Lucky / Bride’s Shoes: Ann Taylor / Wedding Dress: WTOO via Rebecca’s Wedding Boutique / Hair: Christy Young, Hair by Bennie and Friends / Make-up: Jamie Todd, Hair by Bennie and Friends

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Post tags: Ann Taylor, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Gingerwoods, Hair by Bennie and Friends, Hello! Lucky, Jaclyn Thomas Designs, Kentucky, Louisville, Rebecca's Wedding Boutique, Vintage Chic, Whitney Rae Photography, WToo
Post categories: Vintage Chic

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David Noble and Beaux Jensen met on their first day of graduate school at the University of Southern California in the Master of Social Work Program.  After a year and a half, they began dating while working in class together and were engaged a year later.  The couple’s vision for the wedding was to hold the ceremony and reception at the Noble Family Vineyard in Knights Valley, CA, complete with sloping verdant lawns, picturesque flower beds, 100 year-old farmhouse, and over ten acres of vineyards.

From the flowering handmade arbor to the homemade candy favors to David’s band performing after dinner, the wedding was reminiscent of a sophisticated family picnic.  Guests enjoyed a barbeque dinner followed by delicious cupcakes, and activities such as bocce ball, dancing, and wandering through the beautiful property lit by candles and tiki torches.  The bride and groom enjoyed a short Calistoga honeymoon, and plan on travelling to New Zealand later in the year.

Cupcakes: Michelle Marie’s Patisserie / Floral Design: Soulflower Floral Design / Hair + Make-up: J.S Artistry / Catering: Preferred Sonoma Caterers / Coordinator: Carrie Smith / Wedding Dress: Ann Taylor / Venue: Noble Family Vineyard / Wedding Photography: Silvana Difranco

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Post tags: Ann Taylor, California Weddings, Carrie Smith, Fall, Garden Wedding, J.S. Artistry, Michelle Marie's Patisserie, Noble Family Vineyard, Preferred Sonoma Caterers, Silvana Difranco, Soulflower Floral Design
Post categories: The Blog

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From the Bride…We were married at Wolf Mountain Vineyards in Dahlonega, GA on 9/10/11.  Todd’s family is from Ohio and mine is from Alabama so we wanted a venue that allowed our families to enjoy the beautiful scenery.  We both love wine and getting married at a vineyard was a perfect fit for us!  Our guests were able to overlook the Appalachian Mountains during sunset at the reception and enjoy the local wine.

Todd and I wanted to incorporate playful twists to make our event unique.  We had guests throw paper airplanes when we left the reception instead of the traditional bubbles or sparklers.  My husband and I are both avid travelers for work and leisure and we wanted to incorporate our love for travel into the wedding.  One of our favorite things to do together is stay home and cook.  We created a website where our guests could enter their favorite recipes.  It was a yearlong effort but we walked away with a treasured and unique wedding favor.  We included family pictures into the cookbook and all of our guests seemed to enjoy them.  We also included Georgia themed items into the OOT bags for our guests including: peanuts from Plains, GA where Jimmy Carter is from, Peach preserves, Goody’s Powders because you can’t find them in the North, and personalized water bottles.

The day was perfect and it reflected who Todd and I are as a couple.  The special touches that we incorporated were special to us and we will always look back on our day with fond memories.

Wedding Photography: Melissa Prosser Photography / Venue + Catering: Wolf Mountain Vineyards / Programs: Kasey Hamel Custom Design + Event Styling / Floral Design: Stems Atlanta / Wedding Dress: Priscilla of Boston / Flower Girl Dress: Priscilla of Boston / Bridesmaid Dresses: Ann Taylor / Wedding Labels: My Own Labels / Cakes: Classic Cheesecakes & Cake, Mark Lotti / Wedding Dress Hanger: Blackscrapcat

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Post tags: Ann Taylor, Blackscrapcat, Classic Cheesecakes & Cake, Georgia Wedding, Kasey Hamel, Melissa Prosser Photography, My Own Labels, Priscilla of Boston, Stems Atlanta, Wolf Mountain Vineyards
Post categories: Georgia Weddings, Traditional Elegance

Looking for something a little different? Then you’ll love their Silk Crepe One Shoulder Gown. It’s gracefully a-symmetrical and totally sophisticated. And the best part? Both of these new styles are available in petite sizes. As someone who is majorly vertically challenged, this is news to my wedding dress loving ears. Just think of all the money you’ll save on alterations!

As if you aren’t already squealing with glee over the two gorgeous additions to the Weddings and Events collection, the amazing people at Ann Taylor introduce a new color option for bridesmaids. Yup, gray is the new black people and these pretty frocks are sure to have a festive filled life long after your bestie’s wedding day.

And the best part of all? Ann Taylor is offering $100 off full priced wedding gowns and $50 off full priced bridesmaids dresses! All you need to do is head on over to Ann Taylor and use the code SMPBRIDES when you check out. Have fun and happy shopping! xoxo

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Post tags: Ann Taylor
Post categories: Sponsored Posts

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From Robert & Kathleen Photographers… When Boston native Rob saw Jackie for the first time, he knew had to get to know her.  His friends were shocked that he was interested, he didn’t know at the time that Jackie, a New Yorker, happened to be a Yankee fan.  Normally a no-go for a die-hard Red Sox fan like Rob, but for Jackie he would make an exception.  Their relationship started off slowly with light hearted jokes about the teams that eventually led to a first date.  Soon they were inseparable.  Jackie even moved up to Boston after college to be with Rob.

So, when it came time to plan their wedding, they decided to tie the knot in her home state – selecting Manhattan as the perfect backdrop to bring together their families.  The ceremony took place right on the grounds of Battery Gardens, overlooking the Hudson River with the Statue of Liberty in the distance.  For the reception, they moved inside to the Battery Gardens restaurant for a party that brought together all the charm of old-school New York in a modern, beautiful setting.

Wedding Photography: Robert & Kathleen Photographers / Bridal Gown: Cosmobella / Bridesmaid Dresses: Ann Taylor / Bride’s Shoes: Capparos / Flowers: Flora NY / Wedding Ceremony + Reception Location: Battery Gardens / Wedding Ceremony Musicians: Nina’s Musicbook / Wedding Cake: Brooklyn Cake / Cocktail Hour + Dinner Band: Lapis Luna / DJ: Eclipse Entertainment / Event Planner: Lydia Ross Events

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Post tags: Ann Taylor, Battery Gardens, Brooklyn Cake, Capparos, Cosmobella, Eclipse Entertainment, Flora NY, Lapis Luna, Lydia Rose Events, New York Weddings, Nina's Musicbook, Robert & Kathleen Photographers
Post categories: Casual Elegance, New York City Weddings, New York Weddings