Click here for the FULL wedding!

Alice and Ben met on Martha’s Vineyard in August 2001, on the eve of Ben’s 21st birthday, at a concert performed by Alice’s college singing group. Both were undergraduates at Yale (he a senior, she a sophomore), and they began dating the following school year. Martha’s Vineyard carries additional meaning for both of them, as their families have spent time on the island over the years. Alice’s mother’s home is perched on a hill in Chilmark with splendid English gardens throughout, as well a 180-degree view of the lush New England greenery below and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. When Ben proposed almost nine years later, there was no question where the wedding would be held.

With the indispensable help of wedding coordinator Julie Hatt, the couple set about organizing a ceremony and reception that combined simple elegance with the natural beauty and intimacy of the property. The bride chose a color palette of vivid purples, magentas, and blues, which went beautifully with the lush greenery and bright colors of the gardens. Stone walls are ubiquitous in Chilmark, and the stone wall that runs parallel to the ocean in the backyard of the house became a motif of the exquisitely designed and elegantly produced paper goods by Bryn Chernoff of Paperfinger. Alice and Ben recognized the risk they took in planning a summer wedding on an island in the Northeast, but as it turned out, the weather was absolutely perfect the entire weekend. The incredible team of photographers, led by Shawn Connell of Christian Oth Studio and supported by second photographer Glen Allsop, captured every detail and moment of the day to perfection.

As guests arrived for the ceremony, they were greeted with lemonade in mason jars and were provided shade under parasols that had been used previously at the weddings of two of Alice’s close friends. The simple ceremony celebrated the warmth and familiarity of the occasion. After the ceremony, guests milled about the grounds for an extended cocktail period before heading to the dinner tent where they were served a delicious meal of summer gazpacho (Alice’s mom’s recipe), local striped bass with island vegetables and corn pudding, and individual servings of mixed berry shortcake. The escort card table displayed wedding photographs of the couple’s parents and grandparents. Instead of a guest book, guests were invited to write personal message on simple cards, which the couple plans to incorporate into a scrapbook. As the sun went down, many guests sat perched along the stone wall chatting and enjoying the striking Vineyard sunset over the Atlantic. Ben and Alice departed through a path lined by sparklers waved by all of their friends and family who were given little boxes of chocolate for the journey home. 

Wedding Photography: Shawn Connell of Christian Oth Studio / Second Photographer: Glen Allsop / Wedding Venue: Home of Bride’s Mother in Chilmark, Massachusetts / Wedding Coordination: Julie Hatt / Wedding Flowers: Lynda Dandeneau / Wedding Officiant: Cantor Theodore Aronson / Wedding Calligraphy, Save-the-Dates, Menus, “Guest Book” Cards, Escort Cards + Programs: Bryn Chernoff of Paperfinger / Wedding Invitations: Dempsey & Carroll / Catering: V. Jaime Hamlin & Sons / Desserts: Val Cakes (508-274-0396) / Entertainment: The Sultans of Swing / Tents: Big Sky Tent & Party Rentals / Event Rentals: Big Sky Tent & Party Rentals + Be Our Guest / Wedding Dress: Carolina Herrera / Wedding Dress Steaming: Elinor Corfield / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bride’s Jewelry: Jamie Wolf / Bride’s Hair + Makeup: Maysoon Faraj / Bridesmaids’ Hair + Makeup: Mary and Gretchen of Boucle / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo / Men’s Suits: J.Crew / Men’s Ties: Paul Stuart / Transportation: Stagecoach Taxi / Wedding Favors: Chilmark Chocolates (508-645-3013)

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2012. | Permalink | 38 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Backyard Wedding, Badgley Mischka, Be Our Guest, Big Sky Tent & Party Rentals, Blue, Boucle, Bryn Chernoff, Cantor Theodore Aronson, Carolina Herrera, Chilmark, Chilmark Chocolates, Christian Oth Studio, Dempsey & Carroll, Elinor Corfield, Glen Allsop, J. Crew, Jamie Wolf, Jenny Yoo, Julie Hatt, Lynda Dandeneau, Magenta, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, Maysoon Faraj, Paperfinger, Paul Stuart, Purple, Shawn Connell, Stagecoach Taxi, The Sultans of Swing, V. Jaime Hamlin & Sons, Val Cakes
Post categories: The Blog, Traditional Elegance

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From Amy of Amy & Stuart Photography… On arrival, guests were greeted with lavender champagne cocktails and an old school blue grass band before being guided down a cobblestone path to the English garden at the back of this divine private Ojai residence. The ceremony was set with a backdrop of the mountains, and eclectic market chairs, ottomans and blankets were set on either side of a rustic aisle built from reclaimed barn wood. The simple birch chuppa held up an heirloom tablecloth embroidered with the couple’s names and their wedding date.

Cocktails and tray passed treats were served in a poolside lounge set with clusters of vintage furniture draped in a slate dupioni silk. Home-style accents decorated coffee tables and lamps, and assorted scented candles were scattered about the room to create an intimate glow. Dinner was served in an adjoining private dining tent filled with mismatched vintage chandeliers. Long wooden tables were lined with silver candelabras, and hand-picked garden flowers and succulents were overflowing from assorted silver vases collected from flea markets. A cheese course commenced the lavish, family-style Italian feast. Wedding cake and assorted homemade pies and tarts were served with cappuccino and espresso back in the cocktail lounge, where guests danced into the wee hours in celebration of the happy couple…

Wedding Photography: Amy & Stuart Photography / Wedding Design + Planning: Jo Gartin of Love Luck and Angels / Cinematography: Paper Tape Films / Flowers: Holly Flora/ Wedding Venue: Private Residence in Ojai, California / Wedding Gown: Carolina Herrera / Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Cake: Jamaica’s Cakes / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Vintage Furniture: Found Vintage Rentals / Ceremony Music: West Coast Music / Cocktail Hour Music: The Get Down Boys / DJ: Jon Brown of Unite Entertainment / Catering: Heirloom LA / Tenting Decor: Jo Gartin and Eden Rodriguez of Love Luck and Angels

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2012. | Permalink | 29 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Amy & Stuart Photography, Backyard Wedding, Blue, California, Carolina Herrera, Classic Party Rentals, Eden Rodriguez, End Design, Found Vintage Rentals, Heirloom LA, Holly Flora, Jamaica's Cakes, Jimmy Choo, Jo Gartin, Jon Brown, Love Luck and Angels, Ojai, Paper Tape Films, Slate Gray, The Get Down Boys, Unite Entertainment, West Coast Music
Post categories: The Blog

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the bride… I wanted the wedding to have an intimate and natural feel with shabby chic elements. Having the wedding at my parents’ house was important to me as this is where Mark proposed. It is also the place where my older siblings were married. We picked out the dress together in San Francisco during our engagement. Then we went to vintage shops in Toronto to pick out some of the items. A friend did the all the tree art work for the tables. We incorporated Mark’s interests through a sailing drink, the “Dark and Stormy,” and the oyster bar. 

Photography: Debra Eby Photography / Second Shooter: Sarah McLachlan / Flowers: Flourish Florals / Hair: Nicoleta’s Styling Studio / Makeup: Amye Jaynes Stickney / Location: Bride’s parents’ backyard in Waterloo, Ontario / Dress: Priscilla of Boston / Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew / Groom’s Suit: Hugo Boss / Band: Kenny Munshaw Band / Macaroons: Bobette & Belle / Stationary: Dauphine Press at Minted / Food: Janet Lynn’s Bistro (519-725-3440)

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2012. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Amye Jaynes Stickney, Backyard Wedding, Bobette & Belle, Canada, Dauphine Press, Debra Eby Photography, Flourish Florals, Hugo Boss, J. Crew, Janet Lynn's Bistro, Kenny Munshaw Band, Minted, Nicoleta's Styling Studio, Ontario, Priscilla of Boston, Sarah McLachlan, Waterloo
Post categories: Canada Weddings, Casual Elegance, Ontario Weddings

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From Mandy of Mandy and Me Studio… A few weeks after Lauren and Jonathan booked us, they found out that their venue had double booked their date, so they had to start their search all over again. They wanted a fall wedding and, given this was already spring, they were having trouble finding a venue they like that had a date open. In the end, they chose to get married at a small park down the street from their home and have their reception in their backyard. It turned out awesome. We think more people should have a backyard wedding. Why? It brings the intimate feel that you get at weddings to a whole new level. Lauren and Jonathan’s wedding was quite awesome. Between the two of them and their family and friends, there was a lot of effort put into making this a night to remember. We know we won’t forget this sweet wedding anytime soon.

Wedding Photography: Mandy and Me Studio / Flowers: FH Weddings & Events / Food: DIY / Cake: Publix / DJ: A family friend / Wedding Dress: La Sposa Bridal / String Lights: Home Depot / Hanging Candle Lights: CB2 / Tables + Chairs: Signature Events By Design

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2012. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Backyard Wedding, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, FH Weddings & Events, Florida, Mandy and Me Studio, Outdoor Wedding, Succulents, Tampa, Yellow
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Florida Weddings, Tampa Bay

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride…Since we were getting married in my parents backyard, I really wanted the day to be romantic and relaxed. I knew we were going to have a lot of green from the garden, which inspired me to add pastel colors to accent. I searched for a themes on wedding blogs and kept coming back to rifle paper co. – I loved the whimsical drawings and use of flowers. My husband is an artist at heart and I thought it would be so lovely if he could draw our invitations. I showed him the rifle designs I liked and he used that as inspiration for drawing my parents house on our invitation and our flower logo for the whole wedding. Some other DIY paper creations were the fans (a stylemepretty wedding inspiration) and what we deemed ‘favor notes’ which were letters of thanks to each guests that were their place cards and also shared our favor of a donation. I loved that we got to use our own wording and personalize our wedding as we saw fit. We really wanted our touch on everything and as much as I thought our guests wouldn’t notice – I got so many comments on everything – even the bathroom design we created. Creating our own invitation and all paper designs was a lot of fun – however if i don’t see a paper cutter, punch rounder or a tape runner in a while, that will be just fine.

Decorations around the backyard was something I felt we needed little of – since my mom was doing everything to prune, pick and plant to make our backyard look even more beautiful. However I knew we wanted lighting.  The husband and I did not think this was going to be a big deal – and it wasn’t the worst, but it took an entire day of going back and forth to Lowes and a lot of muscle (thank you prewedding work outs) to get those lights up. My husband also cut and painted the signs that we used as arrows to direct the flow of guests and I discovered I am a whiz at using moss and a hot glue gun to make the L&C sign we put on our fence. MOG created something that I will cherish forever. She cut cloth squares and left for all of the guests to add their own note of well wishes for us. She is going to sew quilt that we can use forever. Lastly, one of my favorite additions to our backyard was the bridge over the pool. This came about one evening when my younger sister’s boyfriend joked that he could easily make a bridge over our pool –  he may have been joking, but I held him to it. He built that bridge in ONE day, then my husband and I painted. We even had some help painting from my 3 year old nephew.

As much as DIY projects have you working up until the very last minute, I cherish that we did them all. It really made the day the intimate wedding we wanted. Having a relatively small wedding (75 guests) was everything I hoped for in my wedding day. We were able to talk with all our guests and even sing a traditional Norwegian drinking song during dinner. I would not have done a thing differently.

Location: Private Residence / Day of Coordinator: Very Merry Events / Wedding Dress: Priscilla of Boston / Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale / Bridesmaid Earrings: Etsy / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Hairpiece + Jewelery: Nordstrom / Make-up: Christine Gayvert / Hair: Monica Datillo + Vanessa Perry of Victoria’s Salon / Flowers: Gilliflower Design / Wedding Videography: Friend / Wedding Photography: Annie McElwain Photography / Catering: Springloaf Catering

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2012. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Amsale, Annie McElwain Photography, Backyard Wedding, Badgley Mischka, California Weddings, Christine Gayvert, Etsy, Gilliflower Design, Monica Datillo, Nordstrom, Pricilla of Boston, Springloaf Catering, Very Merry Events, Victoria's Salon
Post categories: The Blog

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride…The day was incredible. The beginning felt a little chaotic, getting to the venue, getting the ball rolling with setup and decorations, etc. Thankfully we had a super creative group of friends and two amazing wedding coordinators to help us with all the tasks. I knew everything was in the best hands. The ceremony and reception went really smooth. It was perfect. Simple and intimate, just what we wanted. I could relive that day over and over again. 

DIY/ handmade was a major theme for us. The venue included nothing, so we were able make everything just the way we wanted. It did add a significant amount of stress because there were so many things to plan out but looking back I wouldn’t have done it any other way. Our wedding was so “us!” We designed our own save the dates and invitations. All the flowers arrangements including the bride and maid-of-honor bouquets were made by friends and family. We had a DIY photobooth that was a big hit with the crowd. The napkin rings were all hand rolled and scripted by my mom and I. Menu boards and ceremony signs were all hand painted as well. I also think the cross stitched table cloths and quilts really brought together the handmade theme. My favorite DIY project was the cake topper. I made it myself from felt, dried flowers and other objects I had in my craft box. It was inspired by a Hayao Miyazaki film. He is quite an inspiration to both of us as artists and I couldn’t think of anything better to represent us as a couple. 

Planning and designing the wedding was a bitter sweet adventure. I LOVED the designing part but the actual planning way scary and just plain frustrating at times. We decided to hire I Do Venues as our “day-of” coordinator and it was the best money spent by far. Gloria and her team kept us focused and on task through the whole process. They thought of everything! We couldn’t have done it without them. I highly recommend to any future bride to hire a coordinator. Worth every penny for the peace of mind. 

Every decor element was hand picked by Josh and I. We scoured antique shops, flea markets and Etsy to find our perfect pieces. The best part is that we will be able to use all our wedding stuff around our apartment! Great way to remind us of that special day! 

I think I am most proud of our budget friendly flower arrangements. We went to a local farmers market as per a friends recommendation and were able to pick up 8 summer bouquets the morning of the wedding. The bouquets were enough to fill 6 large centerpiece jars and multiple other vases. They were freshly cut and gorgeous. We had some close friends do the arrangements at the venue. Total cost: 60 dollars and some big thank you hugs! Check your local farmers markets a couple weeks before your wedding. You can often preorder the flowers you want and it saves you a bundle!!

Josh and his family are from Puerto Rico so we had some little hidden culture jems in there. The obvious was the salsa dancing. Really, how could you miss all the hip action! We also had a cigar bar which the boys really enjoyed. We had our caterer to do a plantain appetizer and our wedding cake was also tropics inspired. It had layers of passion fruit and mangos inside. Yum!!

Venue: Rengstorff House Mountain View / Make-up: Kristen Calderaro / Hair: Gigi Moss / Wedding Cake: Sweet Productions / Caterer: Crunch Catering / Wedding Cinematography: Sonny Aguirre Jr., Friend / Wedding Coordinator: I Do Venues / DJ: Elite Entertainment / Wedding Dress: Enzoani via Rin’s Bridal / Reception Dress: Banana Republic / Bouquets: DIY / Flowers: Whole Foods / Reception Flowers: Palo Alto Farmers’ Market / Groom’s Attire: Zara / Earrings: Etsy / Bracelet: Brides’s Great Grandmother’s pearl necklace / Lighting: Enhanced Lighting / Officiant: The Groom’s Sister, Marilyn / Bride’s Shoe: Classiques Entier® ‘Tamara’ Pump via Nordstrom / Stationery: The Bride + Groom (design) + Zazzle (printing) / Birdcage Veil: Etsy /  Maid of Honor Dress: Anthropologie / Ceremony Rug: Anthropologie / Favor Pins: Anthropologie / Wedding Photography: Delbarr Moradi Photography

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 18 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Anthropologie, Backyard Wedding, Banana Republic, California Weddings, Crunch Catering, Delbarr Moradi Photography, Elite Entertainment, Enhanced Lighting, Enzoani, Etsy, Gigi Moss, I Do Venues, Kristen Calderaro, Nordstrom, Palo Alto Farmers' Market, Rengstorff House, Rin's Bridal, Sweet Productions, Whole Foods, Zara, Zazzle
Post categories: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Whimsical

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From Virtuous Creations Inc.… This wedding took place on 11-11-11 at a private home in beautiful Miami, Florida. The bride and groom choose this date because of it’s epic symbolism. The wedding colors orange and pink displayed the bride’s personality bold and beautiful. The ceremony and reception were both outside under the beautiful radiance of the sunset. The gazebo overlayed with orange fabric billowed in the cool breeze as the guests sat in gold chiavari chairs with pink chair pads. The bride wanted to make sure that her wedding showed her chic side, so she stayed with the traditional flower choice of roses. The roses color of orange were enhanced by flower spray and hot pink roses were chosen so that the color would stand out. The bride and groom shared an intimate ceremony with 100 of their closet family and friends. The bride’s attention to color detailed was made relevant through her floral, table linens, chairs, and custom candy favor boutique.

The wedding reception displayed cylinders adorned with two tone diamond wrap in fuchsia pink and clear diamond. Instead of table numbers, table names were given and guests were able to read words that are important in a marriage. The tables also displayed pink satin napkins with a custom designed napkins rings. Orange pintuck taffeta linens with a rose ball in as the centerpiece. As day turned into night guests danced the night away under the cool Miami night sky. The couples logo lights up the floor and candles are lit to add a more intimate feel to the night. To add a little hint of bling, chandeliers were placed right above the sweetheart table. The crystals glistened in the light to add to the brides elegant appeal. Guests were fed buffet style and danced the night away. The bride and groom now live happily ever after!

Wedding Photography: Studio Andy Photography / Floral Design, Event Planning + Design: Virtuous Creations Inc. / Wedding Ceremony + Reception Location: Private Residence

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 16 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Backyard Wedding, Florida Wedding, Miami, Outdoor Ceremony, Pink, Red, Studio Andy Photography, Tented Reception, Virtuous Creations Inc
Post categories: Florida Weddings, Miami, Traditional Elegance

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From A Simple Photograph…Angie and Mike were married earlier this summer in a ceremony and reception held in the backyard of their new home.  You simply won’t believe me when I tell you all the DIY projects this bride took on herself!  Angie made the custom hangers for each of her bridesmaids dresses.  She designed and printed all of the invitations and paper details including the menu’s and custom signage for the photo booth and a welcome “celebration” sign at the entrance to the event and the escort cards.  She made a custom backdrop for the photo booth where guest were encouraged to take their own photos and assemble them in a guest book also custom made by, you guessed it, Angie.  She home baked, let me say that again, HOME BAKED every item on the dessert table, including the cookies, pie pops and cupcakes and she prepared sweet little Chinese take out boxes for those who were too full to indulge that evening.  She hand decorated a sugar cookie with the word “thanks” spelled out in icing for each guest’s place setting.  She created a s’mores station for a midnight bonfire with a cute little chalk sign.  She made all of the bouquet’s for the girls in the bridal party.  She and Mike hung strings of lights over the tent and wrapped trees in forest behind the tent to create a sparkling night time ambiance.  She arranged all of the terrarium centerpieces herself and, AND the day of the wedding she and her bridesmaids spent the morning preparing the tent, carefully arranging each place setting.  Whew, I’m tired just writing that?  I have no idea how Angie managed to do all that work?  But isn’t the result beautiful!?!

Wedding Photography: Erin Samuell of A Simple Photograph / Catering: Marigolds and Onions

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: A Simple Photograph, Backyard Wedding, Canada Weddings, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Marigolds and Onions
Post categories: Canada Weddings