Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the bride… Vy and I met the weekend before my freshman year at Georgia State University in Atlanta. We started a friendship together and then fell in love. After being a couple for a little over five-and-a-half years, Vy finally popped the question. The plan was to take me to Piedmont Park for an afternoon stroll with one of our pups. We found a nice spot under a tree where Vy said he had a gift for me and told me to close my eyes. When I opened them, he had a new digital camera, which I needed. He told me that there was a picture already on it because he had set it up and that I should take a look. When I hit the preview button, a photo appeared that said, “Will You Marry Me?” It was such a wonderful, creative surprise!

When planning our big day we knew that there was no other place we wanted to get married then the city we fell in love in: Atlanta. It was also the perfect place for our family and friends to travel to. When selecting a venue, we had a few guidelines — we wanted a place that was naturally beautiful, big enough for our guest list, had the facilities to host both our ceremony and reception, an outdoor space for cocktail hour, and we had to love it. When we found Summerour Studio, we knew it was perfect. It was a rustic, Tuscan villa on the outside but an expansive warehouse on the inside. I was one of the lucky brides who had a groom who was willing to help with planning the entire way. I couldn’t have planned our perfect day without all of Vy’s help. Even with a large guest list, we wanted the feeling of an intimate affair with close family and friends. We chose to have candles be the main design with few flowers. I wanted the day to be simple with romantic details, and I wanted to focus on the love that we shared and celebrate with everyone we hold dear to our hearts.

On our wedding day, it began to rain as I was putting on my wedding dress, but it stopped just in time for us to take pictures outside with the sun shining through the clouds. As our ceremony began, there was a steady rainfall and as I walked down the stairs to meet my future husband, the room got dark with the beating of the rain. The room glowed with the candles just enough to highlight the reason why we were all there, to celebrate the union between two people who loved each other. I could feel the love from my future husband and the happiness from everyone who was there. It was everything I wanted and more. We are eternally grateful and thankful for all our family, friends, and wonderful vendors who helped bring our vision to life. My sweet friend and one of my maids of honor, Andrea Gallina, who created and designed my invitation suite, programs, wedding tree guest book and  “here comes the bride” sign. She is truly an amazing artist. Bold American Event Design and Catering team delivered an intimately romantic layout and food that our guests continue to talk about. Brooke Drellos and Christy Gillam of Paperlily Photography, you captured our wedding day perfectly for us to relive forever. We love y’all!

Wedding Photography + Photobooth: Brooke Drellos + Christy Gillam of Paperlily Photography / Wedding Venue: Summerour Studio in Atlanta, Georgia / Wedding Flowers + Event Design: Michelle Leyden of Bold American Events / Catering: Bold American Catering / Wedding Dress: Enzoani via New Natalie’s Bridals / Going Away Dress: BCBG / Bride’s Shoes: Betsey Johnson + Steve Madden / Bridesmaids Dresses: Ivy & Aster via Bella Bridesmaid / Tuxes: Savvi Formalwear / Hair + Makeup: Ellen Park of Hi-Tech Hair Salon (678-530-0039) / DJ: Shane Holden of Pure Entertainment / Wedding Cake: Blanchard’s Bakery (404-366-0267) / Hotel Accommodations: TWELVE Atlantic Station / Koozies: Discount Favors / Sparklers: Sparkle / Invitations, Programs, Table Numbers, Guestbook + “Here Comes the Bride” Sign: Andrea Gallina, A Maid of Honor / Day-Of Coordinator: A Family Friend

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2012. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Andrea Gallina, Atlanta, BCBG, Bella Bridesmaid, Betsey Johnson, Blanchard's Bakery, Bold American Catering, Bold American Events, Brooke Drellos, Christy Gillam, Discount Favors, Ellen Park, Enzoani, Georgia, Gray, Hi-Tech Hair Salon, Ivy & Aster, New Natalie's Bridals, Paperlily Photography, Pink, Pure Entertainment, Savvi Formalwear, Shane Holden, Sparkle, Steve Madden, Summerour Studio, TWELVE Atlantic Station
Post categories: Atlanta Weddings, Georgia Weddings

Engagement photos were such and important part of the wedding planning process to me – when else in life do you have an excuse to be professionally photographed in a stylized, romantic, intimate setting with the person you love? Since our wedding (this summer) is going to be a super casual, nautical affair on a marina, I wanted our engagement photos to be the opposite: indoors, more formal, and a little sexy.

As I brainstormed about possible themes and locations, I found myself drawn to classic-Hollywood photo shoots and Mad-Men era sleekness and style. (This came as no shock to my fiance, since I’m a big classic film nerd AND made him dress up as Don Draper to my Betty last year for Halloween.) I just love the richness and darkness and vintage feel of that time, the simmering elegance of men in suits and women in cocktail dresses meeting in hotel lobbies.

With this idea (and an unbelievably good sport of a fiance), I started shopping for photographers. Heidi Geldhauser of Our Labor of Love (based here in Atlanta, but traveling all over the place if you’re interested!) had photographed a friend’s wedding and her photos were some of the loveliest I’d ever seen. As you can tell, we are extraordinarily lucky to have found Heidi — she took my little kernels of ideas and locations and made them into these fantastically beautiful photos. She suggested things we’d never have thought of in a million years, like abandoning the marble staircase to take tons of photos in an empty office in front of some white plastic vertical blinds! It totally worked, and those are the best photos we have.

As a final note, since we were paying homage to a bygone era, I wore jewelry in each setting owned by either my mother or my grandmother. The white bracelet, the black beaded necklace, and the tri-color gold necklace are my little tokens of the women who lived (and dressed) like classic movie stars for real.

Photographer: Heidi Geldhauser, Our Labor of Love / Orange Dress: Zara / Black Dress: Ralph Lauren / Green Dress: Studio M by BCBG

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2012. | Permalink | 9 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Atlanta, BCBG, engagement session, Georgia, Mad Men, Old Hollywood, Our Labor of Love, Ralph Lauren, Studio M by BCBG, Wedding Photography, Zara
Post categories: engagement session, Little Black Book Blog

Click here for the FULL wedding!

Cana Video Productions is one of my favorite videographers and after watching this sweet film you’ll see why!

From Kristin of The Dazzling Details… Devon’s one request was to be able to surf the morning of his wedding. Kara has a love of all lanterns, and at the top of the list are star lanterns. Relaxed, romantic and intimate was important. On the beach was equally important. They are a little bit Bohemian, a little bit rock and roll, a lot about family and friends. The color palette of green, gray and purple blended perfectly with natural wood to create one of the most beautiful wedding atmospheres I have ever experienced. We wanted the ceremony to be all about the natural beauty of the beach, so a canopy was created with natural bamboo and a simple white linen draped off-center and surrounded with upside-down hanging greenery. Lanterns filled with florals lined the aisle, and a shoe check area was created to encourage bare-footed-ness! The bridesmaids carried beautiful mini-bouquets, and the flower girl held the most adorable pillow (hanging on a branch) created from the same fabrics used in lounge pillows and embroidered with K + D.

While the bride and groom took a few photos following the ceremony, some guests enjoyed cocktails at the nearby palapa bar to avoid the hot sun while others braved the heat and relaxed in lounge area beneath hotel umbrellas! Beautiful beach cabanas were built with oversized pillows and low tables for those who wanted to relax right on the beach floor with a striking view of the ocean just yards away. And with a groom who absolutely had to surf the morning of his wedding, well, it’s just clear that surfing somehow had to be incorporated into the decor as well. We searched and searched and found old surf boards in Sayulita that we drilled holes into, hammered oxidized nails into and hung escort cards on twine right on the boards. The escort cards, which were each marked with a vintage surfing image, led guests to their dinner tables where the same image popped out of the florals. The tables were topped with burlap centers and decorated with an eclectic grouping of pieces including lanterns, simple jar arrangements, limes, tin stars and twigs. The result was so natural, stunning and fun!

During dinner, guests toasted, chatted and watched the sun drop in to the evening sky. And, of course, prepared themselves for the hours of dancing ahead. The dance floor was created especially for Kara; in the middle of the floor, we constructed a small canopy with upside-down greenery around the perimeter and dozens of star lanterns suspended from underneath to add a twinkling bit of romance to illuminate the dance floor once darkness had set in. Later on in the evening, cake was cut and served while guests mingled in lounge areas and on the beach.

Wedding Photography: Jeff Newsom / Wedding Coordination, Design + Flowers: The Dazzling Details / Wedding Cinematography: Drew Barefoot + Ben Potter of Cana Video Productions / Wedding Venue + Catering: Dreams Resort Puerto Vallarta / Wedding Cake: Charme Reposteria / DJ: Sonido Extasis / Trio: Trio Montecarlo / Bride’s Hair + Makeup: The Salon at Dreams Resort Puerto Vallarta / Wedding Gown: Watters “Sonora” / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: BCBG

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2012. | Permalink | 15 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: BCBG, Ben Potter, Cana Video Productions, Charme Reposteria, Dreams Resort Puerto Vallarta, Drew Barefoot, Gray, Green, Jeff Newsom, Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, Purple, Sonido Extasis, Sonora, The Dazzling Details, Trio Montecarlo, Watters
Post categories: The Blog

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the bride… We are lovers of the great outdoors and knew that we wanted to get married outside — somewhere beautiful and serene. We found our perfect spot at Spohr Gardens in Falmouth, Massachusetts, where I grew up. It holds a special place in my heart as my grandmother used to come down every spring when I was young to take a trip to these gardens to look at the thousands of daffodils that bloom there every year. She is long gone, but she was there with us on our wedding day. We got married on a dock overlooking the pond. It was warm, but there was a breeze and it was just perfect. Once everyone had left to go the reception, Stacey had Jim and I walk around the grounds, and snapped photos. These are some of my very favorites! It was all as magical and sweet as it looks, and we are so very lucky to have found each other. We are excited for all that lies ahead for our growing business and are enjoying time with each other before taking the next step to expand our family! Wedding Photography: Stacey Hedman / Ceremony: Spohr Gardens in Falmouth, Massachusetts / Reception: Osteria la Civetta in Falmouth, Massachusetts / Flowers: Astrid of Windfall Market / Wedding Cake: Windfall Market / Wedding Dress: BCBG / Hair: Angela at Belleza Day Spa / Makeup: Kimberly Richard / Pearls: A Gift from the Bride’s Aunt / Groom’s Suit: H&M / Groom’s Shirt: Brooks Brothers / Groom’s Tie: Barneys

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2012. | Permalink | 13 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Barneys, BCBG, Belleza Day Spa, Brooks Brothers, Cape Cod, Falmouth, Green, H&M, Kimberly Richard, Massachusetts, Osteria la Civetta, Spohr Gardens, Stacey Hedman, Tan, Taupe, Windfall Market
Post categories: Cape Cod Weddings, Massachusetts Weddings

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From Elise of Toast Special Events… Low clouds hung over the Ottawa valley as preparations were being made for Tiffany & Wayne’s ballroom wedding at the Chateau Laurier. Since 1912, this hotel has thrived, hosting royalty, heads of state, political figures, celebrities and members of Canada’s elite. With history imbedded in its monumental standing, I couldn’t help but wonder if throughout the evening I would get a sneak peek of the reported ghost of Hays, the chateau’s architect, who perished on the Titanic on his way the hotel’s grand opening. Needless to say, the energy in our team was exhilarating! Audio visual technicians ran around completing last-minute requests, the 10-piece band rehearsed, flowers were positioned and our wedding coordinators did their final walk-throughs. Ivory satin pin-wheeled linens, gold chivari chairs, soft candlelight and luscious fragrances of floral arrangements awaited our bride who was adorned in a beautiful draped chiffon and French tulle gown. The day was perfect! Tiffany & Wayne said their vows in a quaint little church in the bride’s hometown of Manotick and had pictures taken at the Museum of Nature and the Chateau. The evening progressed with sumptuous food, great live music, cupcakes, happy guests and no ghosts!

From the Bride…We were very lucky to have had such mild weather for a mid-October wedding. While it was mostly overcast with the threat of rain, we had some amazing rays of sun that shone through the stained glass windows of the church just as Wayne and I were reciting our vows. That moment was very special and was commented on by a number of our guests. Another exciting moment was having the opportunity to meet former Prime Minister Jean Chretien and get his congratulations and well wishes for our big day. I even invited him to celebrate with us, but he said he wasn’t dressed appropriately.

One thing I was pretty proud of and got a number of compliments on was my hair. After allowing a stylist to do a trial (as I was advised that I shouldn’t be doing my own hair on my wedding day), I decided I was more comfortable doing my own. It definitely made my day less stressful and allowed me to have a relaxing morning at home with no rushing. In that regard, I would suggest other brides trust their gut. For me, being in control of this detail made me more at ease than I would have been in the hands of someone else. Finally, every decision that was made in regard to the wedding was made by both Wayne and me. It was important for me that this day was a reflection of us and not just me. We are very lucky to have such amazing family and friends who were there to share in those moments with us. I wouldn’t have changed a single thing, and continue to smile when I relive that day in my mind.

Wedding Photography: Andrew Geddes of Union Eleven Photographers / Wedding Venue: Fairmont Chateau Laurier / Second Wedding Photo Location: The Canadian Museum of Nature / Wedding Coordination, Flowers + Decor: Toast Special Events / Music: Sway Band / Wedding Gown + Belt: Enzoani via Ritche Bridal / Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Makeup: Lyndsay Karam / Wedding Invitations: Paper Studio / Groom’s Tux: Harry Rosen / Cakes: ThimbleCakes / Transportation: Dewan Limousines / Maid of Honor’s Dress: Lazaro via Ritche Bridal / Maid of Honor’s Fascinator: Chapeaux de Madeleine / Bridesmaid Dresses: BCBG

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2012. | Permalink | 22 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Andrew Geddes, BCBG, Black, Canada, Chapeaux de Madeleine, Christian Louboutin, Dewan Limousines, Enzoani, Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Harry Rosen, Lazaro, Lyndsay Karam, Ontario, Ottawa, Paper Studio, Ritche Bridal, Sway Band, ThimbleCakes, Toast Special Events, Union Eleven Photographers, White
Post categories: Canada Weddings, Ontario Weddings, Traditional Elegance

Click here for the entire gallery of images!

Ami & Poai met in Japan while Poai was training to go into the UFC as a pro Jiu Jitsu fighter.  Speaking not a word of Japanese, somehow the two were able to communicate with the few words Ami knew in English.  Ami fell in love with the kindness and gentleness of Poai, and began teaching him Japanese. After 2 years of dating, the two of them moved to Poai’s hometown of Hilo, Hawaii.  After such a big move, having a big wedding was not in the cards, so they decided to elope.  One of the most important aspects of the elopement was to have a film photographer who was familiar with the natural outdoor setting of Hawaii.  Poai reached out to Lacie Hansen Photography & they instantly connected.  For beauty and wardrobe, Poai sought out Mar R. of TEAM Hair and Makeup. Together they collaborated on a clean, soft, natural look.  Mar brought several wardrobe options to the location on the day of, and the BCBG was a perfect fit!  Ami & Poai are a beautiful couple and you can see the love between them in each shot.

Wedding Photography: Lacie Hansen Photography / Hair, Makeup & Wardrobe: Mar of TEAM Hair and Makeup / Bride’s Dress: BCBG / Turquoise Jewelry: Vintage

In case you missed any, here are all of the pretty posts from the week…

a beyond gorgeous Michigan soiree
fabulous engagement party inspiration
a stunning Chicago soiree
a pretty, pretty Copenhagen affair
a breathtaking Napa Valley wedding
a beautiful Palm Springs affair
a day filled with eight gorgeous weddings
an amazing Nashville elopement
a gorgeous interior design inspired photo shoot
a romantic Santa Barbara affair
a rustic chic California soiree

Some fabulous links from around the web…

gorgeous gilded thank you cards via Camille Styles
sweet mini moss gifts via {frolic!}
a fabulous DIY surprise lantern via Oh Happy Day!
SMP featured on Home Depot via The Apron

We’d like to extend a warm welcome to our newest Little Black Book members…

Oblation Papers & Press
Elizabeth Lloyd Photography
One True Love Vintage Rentals
Small Impressions
An Affair to Remember
T-Square Production
heidi-o-photo
Tweed Weddings
Carte Blanche Design

To apply to become a member of our LBB click here. We’d love to hear from you!

Some lucky winners from the week…

The winner of the Noritake giveaway of 4 place settings of the formal china pattern of your choice is Megan W! Congrats!

Congratulations to our SMP Canada reader, Mackenzie, for winning the free engagement photo session from Vasia Photography!

We are excited to announce the SMP Georgia winner of Tessa Marie Weddings‘ giveaway. Congratulations Bridget!

Thank you to all of our SMP New York brides who entered for a chance to win in our recent giveaways! We have two lucky winners to announce this week:

Congrats to Marcela for winning a LOVE-shoot from Tory Williams Photography!

Karen is the lucky winner of Gabriella New York Bridal Salon’s giveaway for a silk Chiffon garter, silk hankie and jewelry bag.

And, last, but certainly not least…

Attention all SMP Canada brides!  Win a chance for 2 VIP Tickets to Meet Randy Fenoli (with photo op and autograph), hear his presentation and enjoy the Style Lounge’s free beauty treatments and fashions shows at Style & Strut at Sutton Place in Vancouver this Sunday, the 22nd at 11:00am. Please type “Say Yes to the Dress” on this post for a chance to win! All entries must be submitted by January 21st by 11AM PST.

Have a happy, happy weekend, lovelies!  See you back here Monday morning!  xoxo

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2012. | Permalink | 6 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: BCBG, Elopement, Hawaii, Lacie Hansen Photography, TEAM Hair and Makeup
Post categories: The Blog

Click here for the FULL engagement session!

And as promised, Taylor has whipped up some no fail outfits perfect for an engagement session of the glittery kind. Have a look…

1. Little Black Dress: Zara / Necklace: Juliet & Company / Black Bow Heels: Kate Spade

2. White Dress: ASOS / Black Glitter Shoes: Topshop

3. Chambray Shirt:  J.Crew / With these AH-MAZ-ING Green Pants: Alice + Olivia /  Nude Pumps: BCBG / Necklace: J.Crew

4. Glittery Dress: Parker / Heels: Boutique 9 / Earrings: Dannijo

5. Sequin Gold Top: Vince / Jeans: Paige Denim / Black Ballet Flats: Topshop

6. Nail polish: Essie

From the Bride-to-be… Joey and I met back in 2007 and became instant friends! About a year later we started to realize our connection was deeper than just friendship and we wanted to be together–we have been ever since. We fell in love on a date in San Francisco and knew that it would be the perfect place for our engagement session. We chose Ashley Batz who also works for The Glitter Guide like I do. She really captured our love and our sense of humor! We can’t wait for our wedding in August of next year at the Ainsley House garden in Campbell, CA!

Photography: Ashley Batz / Makeup: Priscilla Francine / Location: San Francisco / Bride’s Green Dress: BCBG / Bride’s Shoes: Aldo / Necklace: Forever 21 / Bride’s Black Dress: Diane von Furstenberg / Groom’s Brown Sweater: J.Crew / Jeans: 7 For All Mankind / Shoes: J.Crew / Groom’s Black Shirt: Banana Republic / Pants + Shoes: Nordstrom

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2012. | Permalink | 14 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: 7 For All Mankind, Aldo, Ashley Batz, Banana Republic, BCBG, Buying Guide, California, Diane von Furstenburg, Engagement, engagement session, Forever 21, J. Crew, Nordstrom, Priscila Francine, San Francisco
Post categories: engagement session

Click here for the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride… Since I have been a part of so many weddings myself, I started out with loads of inspiration for planning my own. I had a ton of ideas and reigning them in was definitely a difficult task, but in the end we stuck to what was most important to us: that our wedding be a reflection and celebration of who we are. We kept it simple and romantic to complement the rustic vibe of the venue by incorporating a ton of candles, lanterns, lace, and loose flower petals. The most important decision was the photography, we chose a date and hired our photographers before we even had a venue… looking back that looks totally insane! But we knew what we wanted.

And it was an easy choice, davina + daniel are hands down the best and they are also dear friends of ours. We couldn’t imagine our day without the two of them there to laugh, cry, dance and celebrate with us. Once we had that checked off, I realized with all my ideas we were not going to be able to do this alone so we hired Elyna Kudish to help plan and design our day. She was a life saver, and we couldn’t have done it without her. The best part was I got to relax on the morning of my wedding day with my friends and family with no worries over any details. She made our dreams reality.

Another really important part to us was that our ceremony be super intimate… so we decided to do things a little differently. We had one of our closest friends, Corrie, marry us and we allowed time for our guests to make a speech then instead of during the reception as well as take part in the Scottish tradition of hand binding, which made for a really emotional and teary eyed ceremony. Everyone was feeling the love and we’re so happy we took the risk of doing something out of the ordinary, it was beautiful.

My favorite part of the day was when our good friend and musician, Danny Vallee, serenaded my walk down the aisle. He interpreted the song “Be My Baby” by The Ronettes into a soft and haunting acoustic piece. It’s become this moment that just stands still in my mind, separate from the rest, the emotions of my father walking me down the aisle, of seeing my groom at the other end, of the room glowing with candlelight and Danny’s dreamy song flooding my mind. Magical.

Wedding Photography: davina + daniel / Wedding Planning: Unity Weddings / Wedding Venue: La Vieille Brasserie / Catering: Chez L’Epicier / Cakes and Cupcakes: Cocoa Locale / DJ: Jon Webb / Wedding Ceremony Musician: Danny Vallee / Outdoor Furniture: IKEA / Getting Ready Location: Hotel Gault Montreal / Makeup Artist: Jessica Cohen / Bride’s Dress: Réva Mivasagar / Bride’s Shoes: J.Crew / Bride’s Accessories: Antique / Bridesmaid Dresses: BCBG / Groom’s Suit: Zara / Linens: Celebrations

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2012. | Permalink | 1 comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: BCBG, Celebrations, Chez L'Epicier, Cocoa Locale, Danny Vallee, Davina + Daniel, Hotel Gault Montreal, Ikea, J. Crew, Jessica Cohen, Jon Webb, La Vieille Brasserie, Reva Mivasagar, Zara
Post categories: Canada Weddings, Casual Elegance, Québec Weddings