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From the Bride… Ben and I knew we wanted a San Francisco city wedding, with an incredibly personal ceremony and a dance party reception. We envisioned photos along the streets of Nob Hill, near our first apartment together, and throughout the Financial District where we both worked for many years. The moment we saw The Merchants Exchange and the Julia Morgan Ballroom, we knew it was the right space to bring our vision to life… A classic venue where we could incorporate a modern twist, with clean and simple lines, a balance of neutrals and warm blush tones.

We were living across the country while planning the wedding, and as someone who deals with details for a living, it was a challenge for me feeling like I could not be in control every step of the way. The biggest piece of advice I can offer any bride, but particularly those who are long-distance planning and/or serving as their own planner, is to put in the time up front to thoroughly research your vendors. Read wedding blogs and reviews, ask your venue for recommendations, talk to friends who have been married in the area – and keep in close touch with them through email, phone calls and Skype. If you do all this, you can then trust that they will contribute to something truly amazing when your big day comes around. I personally found my amazing photographer and hair/makeup stylists on Style Me Pretty; my incredible florist did one of my bridesmaid’s weddings; our rocking DJ came highly recommended by our venue, but it was a video showcase we watched that sold us on him.  And THE Dress? I came across the perfect designer for me on Yelp – Her overall aesthetic is structured, simple and chic, with a little flair.

Our wedding weekend was absolutely perfect – from a good friend serving as our officiant, to my mother reciting a poem she wrote for us in Chinese, to the dance party that lasted well into the night. While my many Excel grids and lists may have laid the foundation, I really trusted that I had picked the best vendors to be our team. On our wedding day, we did not worry about one thing. We savored every moment with our friends and family, laughing, crying and dancing, and every detail was even more beautiful than I could have imagined. The best feeling is that there is not one thing I would change.

Wedding Photography: Meg Perotti / Wedding Ceremony + Reception Location: The Julia Morgan Ballroom in The Merchants Exchange / Floral Design: Chestnut & Vine / Wedding Dress: Vwidon / Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo / Hair + Make-up: The Makeup Dolls / Groom + Groomsmen Suits: JoS. A Bank / Ties: Brooks Brothers / Wedding Cake: Beaux Gateaux Wedding Cakes, / Catering: Union Street Catering / Wedding Videography: On Bended Knee Films / DJ: Denon & Doyle / Programs, Place Cards + Invitations: Hello! Lucky / Save the Date + Table Numbers: Photographed by Jay Tsai Photography, Designed by The Groom / Styling + Planning: Bride and Groom

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 8 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Beaux Gateaux, Brooks Brothers, California Weddings, Chestnut & Vine, Denon & Doyle, Hello! Lucky, Jay Tsai Photography, Jenny Yoo, Jimmy Choo, Jos A Bank, Meg Perotti, On Bended Knee Films, San Francisco, The Julia Morgan Ballrom, The Makeup Dolls, The Merchants Exchange, Union Street Catering, VWIDON
Post categories: California Weddings, San Francisco Weddings, Traditional Elegance

Thank you so much to Kiki for sharing her big day with us! It looks like wedding planning might be in your future! And to Ingrid at Myrtle and Marjoram for sending us the insanely gorgeous images. For those of you that aren’t familiar with Ingrid’s work, she is a must-have for any wedding. She also has tons of awe inducing inspiration on her website and her beautiful blog.

One last note…we have received a lot of inquiries about the gorgeous ribbon balls that Kiki crafted. She is going to send us a step-by-step DIY in a couple of weeks when she is back at home with all of her supplies, but in the meantime, you can shoot her an email for more info owl{at}happykoogether{dot}com. Also, check out the cute website that Kiki made for her wedding!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 5 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Beaux Gateaux, Bouquets, DIY Projects, Myrtle & Marjoram Photography, Ribbon ball, Violetta's Flowers
Post categories: Traditional Elegance

all photographs by the lovely and talented Ingrid of Myrtle and Marjoram

Kiki let me know that her dress and veil were custom made for her in Hong Kong, as were those beautiful bridesmaid dresses. Although she designed her own cake (WOW), Beaux Gateaux executed it to perfection. And those flowers (sigh….) were designed by Arlene Boyle at Violetta Flowers.

I have to say, this wedding was flawless. The dreamy, oh-so-dreamy flowers, the gorgeous cake, the perfect details…every element was absolutely lovely. And, lucky for us, we have more pictures coming!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 10 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Beaux Gateaux, Myrtle & Marjoram Photography, Violetta Flowers, Wedding Cakes, Wedding Details
Post categories: Traditional Elegance