Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog

Los Angeles Wedding by Beth Helmstetter

Abby Larson — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:15:09 +0000

For anyone that has ever spent time in Napa Valley, you know that it’s basically like a little piece of heaven. There is just something about the organic elegance of the town, something that screams sophistication and warm, approachable style. So today, I have two really pretty Napa-esque weddings to share that I know you are going to love. And the best part about each one is that they have details that anyone can replicate…on any budget, with any weddings style.

The first wedding that Beth Helmstetter designed, actually took place in Los Angeles and yet it captures the vibe of Napa Valley to perfection…from the color palette to the elegant, but understated details. The gorgeous photographs were captured by B & G Photography.

Beth Helmstetter is one of those designers that approaches each event, each couple as if it’s her very first wedding. She puts her heart and soul into the affair so that the day reflects that unique couple to perfection…whether it’s a chic Cultural inspired dinner or an elegant, rustic celebration. I love Beth and everything that she does.

From Beth…

Susie and Curtis were the most amazing couple! They have been to their share of weddings and knew what they didn’t like as much as what they did which meant leaving out many things such as an uber long photo shoots that left guests hungry and bored, a forced dance floor for a group that wasn’t that into dancing and a stuffy and uncomfortable dinner where guests can’t relax. The end result was a really comfortable and approachable wedding that I was proud to be a part of.

Her vision for the day was rustic and vintage which I definitely think we accomplished. The ceremony took place literally in a forest at the Descanso Gardens and for the decor we let the environment do most of the talking. Adding leaves for the aisle and stumps with candle light and doilies seemed to be all we needed for the heavenly location.

For cocktail hour, Susie is all about cheese, so we served an artisan cheese board and mini grilled cheese sandwiches in the rose garden of the venue. Guests were greeted with Kir Royals which happens to be Susie’s favorite champagne cocktail. For dinner, they wanted the entire evening to resemble a slightly larger version of a dinner party in their home. We worked with the caterer to customize the menu with comfort foods such as Pot Roast, Herb Roasted Chicken and Maple Glazed Squash. The guests dined at ultra long feasting tables and were kept close to encourage intimacy and conversation. For entertainment, we had a small band that played tunes from the Rat Pack all night long which allowed those who wanted to dance the ability but didn’t force the dance floor onto anyone who would rather chat the night away.

Holly Flora did an amazing job with the mismatched, Anthropologie inspired table scape which included everything from vintage pressed glass to sugared plums. For dessert, we had homemade pies which guests helped themselves to and the cake was from SusieCakes here in LA. SusieCakes specializes in cakes that are just like grandma used to make so they were the perfect ending to the down home meal. For the favors, Susie and Curtis gave the guests some of their favorite brownies boxed up in the sweetest packaging complete with a Laura Hooper seal to boot.

Vendor List: Photography by B&G Photography / Calligraphy by Laura Hooper Calligraphy / Florals by Holly Flora /Catering by Patina / Linens by La Tavola / Venue Descanso Gardens / Custom Runners & Pillows The Sewing Lounge / Cakes by SusieCakes

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 19 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: B & G Photography, Beth Helmstetter, Descanso, Holly Flora, La Tavola, Laura Hooper Calligraphy, Los Angeles, Napa Valley, Patina, SusieCakes
Post categories: Casual Elegance

Winery Inspired Rehearsal Dinner

Abby Larson — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:30:40 +0000

I love it when Beth Helmstetter sends me things. She is such a talent when it comes to picture perfect details, thoughtfully designed spaces and absolutely beautiful events. This is actually a rehearsal dinner that was inspired by the gorgeousness of a winery that would be just as beautiful for a wedding design!

Photographed by Steve Steinhardt, you are going to fall hard for this one.

The flowers alone, designed by the forever talented Holly Flora, are enough to send me clear over the edge…let alone the incredible color palette, the venue that is all together perfect, the wine inspired details. Loving. Every. Bit. Kind of makes me want to close up shop and bury myself in a plate of cheese and a big glass of vino!

Thank you so much, Beth…you’ve yet again made me insanely jealous of your job!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 17 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Beth Helmstetter, Holly Flora, Rehearsal Dinner, Steve Steinhardt, Winery
Post categories: Casual Elegance, The Blog

Multi-Cultural Wedding in Southern California, IV

Abby Larson — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 22:36:20 +0000

A HUGE thank you to Beth Helmstetter for sending us such incredible inspiration. And to Steve Steinhardtfor the show-stoppingly beautiful photographs. For those not already familiar with Steve’s work, you really must check out his portfolio. He is a HUGE talent and I can’t wait to feature more from him!

And one more last look for all of you…

Inspiration boards for today are coming up in just a bit!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 10 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Beth Helmstetter, Steve Steinhardt
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Cultural Beauty

Multi-Cultural Southern California Wedding, III

Abby Larson — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 20:05:08 +0000

I am on cloud nine because of this ridiculously gorgeous wedding. Beth Helmstetter designed the picture perfect affair and I am loving…every…bit.

photographs by the amazing Steve Steinhardt

More from the fabulous Beth Helmstetter…

For entertainment the bride walked down the aisle to Spanish guitars who are the same guys that play with the Gypsy Kings when in LA. For dinner and dancing we had DJ Shark and four percussionists playing to his beat which gave the event a very Moroccan flair. My favorite part was kicking off the dance floor. 20 of the couples closet friends had choreographed a Bollywood style dance and performed it for the couple. After the dance the dance floor was packed to Jai Ho, the song from Slumdog Millionaire.

photographs by the amazing Steve Steinhardt

La-La-Love!!! More coming up next!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 14 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Beth Helmstetter
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Cultural Beauty

Multi-Cultural Southern California Wedding, II

Abby Larson — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:15:28 +0000

There are so many reasons I love this wedding. The flowers, designed by Holly Flora, are PERFECTION. The tables are whimsical, they are interesting, they are unbelievably gorgeous. There is something sweet and approachable about the style and yet you know that so much thought went into every detail. Beth Helmstetter is all together fabulous and I am just thrilled that she sent this wedding our way!

photographs by the amazing Steve Steinhardt

From Beth…

For food and drinks, guests were greeted with fresh watermelon lemonade and Custom cocktails like the Cary Grant which signified the venue as it used to be Mr. Grant’s home way back when. The dinner was served family style with a very Meditteranean flair including Braised Lamb and Israeli Cous Cous. For midnight snacks we had Croque Monsieur and pomme frites.

photographs by the amazing Steve Steinhardt

So much more to come!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 11 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Beth Helmstetter, Holly Flora
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Cultural Beauty

Multi-Cultural Southern California Wedding

Abby Larson — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:35:13 +0000

This wedding is going to make you fall out of your chair. It’s definitely one of the prettiest little events I’ve ever seen and there is a chance that it is now topping my list of all time favs. Beth Helmstetter is the genius behind the day and although the bride and groom would rather not have their picture up, the details alone are enough to induce jumping, whooping and more high kicks than you would ever think possible!

photographs by the amazing Steve Steinhardt

The AAAAAMAZING flowers were designed by Holly Flora and here are a few details from Beth…

The bride and groom married in their backyard in Brentwood and wanted a very hippie chic vibe. We had elements of India, Africa and Asia and the end result felt very Anthropologie esque with the mismatched vases, hanging lanterns hanging both over the guests at the ceremony and dance floor and we also incorporated rustic wood elements throughout.

photographs by the amazing Steve Steinhardt

We have a TON of photographs from this amazing affair on the way so stay tuned!!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 14 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Beth Helmstetter, Holly Flora, Jose Villa, Southern California
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Cultural Beauty

Real Wedding: Angie and Brett, VI

Abby Larson — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 21:55:19 +0000

Thank you so very much to Beth Helmstetter for sharing today’s stunning wedding with us. It’s prettiness taken to a whole new level. Love that.

And of course to Angie and Brett! May you have many, many years that are as blissfully beautiful as your wedding. We are so happy for you!

All photographs by the amazingly talented Meg Perotti. Spend some time checking out Meg’s site and blog for hours upon hours of eye candy and inspiration!

Oh and we are posting this weekend, so make sure to check back!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 6 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Beth Helmstetter, Meg Perotti
Post categories: Traditional Elegance, Vintage Chic

Real Wedding: Angie and Brett, V

Abby Larson — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 20:55:37 +0000

Here are a few more details from today’s affair by Beth Helmstetter…

photos by Meg Perotti

Love the handmade quality that seems to grace every detail. From the painted wooden box holding the strawberry jam favors. The mason jars tea lights, the small but unbelievably beautiful cake. The wedding is straight out of the pages of a book and yet it still has air of approachability. Perfection.

Real Wedding: Angie and Bret, IV

Abby Larson — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:45:36 +0000

Love, love, love everything about today’s wedding. When Beth Helmstetter sends us a wedding, we can always trust that first and foremost it will be beautiful. But further, it will be edited and cohesive so that the true beauty of the day will shine right through.

La, la, la…LOVE! So much more to come from Beth and Meg Perotti, the fabulous photographer behind this gorgeous wedding.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Beth Helmstetter, Meg Perotti
Post categories: Traditional Elegance, Vintage Chic

Real Wedding: Angie and Bret, III

Abby Larson — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:30:18 +0000

I heart today’s real wedding. It totally indulges my girly, shabby chic side and it’s fun to see a wedding that executed the style so beautifully. Of course, when Beth Helmstetter is behind an event, the result is usually flawless.

photography by Meg Perotti

I just want to eat that little girl up. So so cute. The whole affair is simply gorgeous…with perfectly designed details next to DIY charm, with a homey, warm feeling right alongside an elegant, oh-so-special feel. It’s the perfect combination of approachability and stunning design.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Angie and Brett, Beth Helmstetter, Meg Perotti, shabby chic
Post categories: Traditional Elegance, Vintage Chic

Real Wedding: Angie and Brett, II

Abby Larson — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:24:04 +0000

We were a little late getting started today, but I promise that it is worth the wait. Today we are featuring Angie and Brett’s SoCal, shabby chic affair that the oh-so-talented Beth Helmstetter designed. It’s absolutely stunning, with layers upon layers of gorgeousness.

all images by the lovely Meg Perotti

So much more to come!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Beth Helmstetter, Meg Perotti
Post categories: Traditional Elegance, Vintage Chic

Inspiration Boards, XX

Abby Larson — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:30:26 +0000

It’s number 20 and this lovely board was designed by Laura…

Cake by Delicious Desserts, Tablescape by Beth Helmstetter, Wedding Logo by Betsywhite Stationery Boutique, Dress by JCrew

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Beth Helmstetter, Betsywhite Stationery Boutique, Delicious Desserts, JCrew
Post categories: Contests, Inspiration Boards

Real Wedding by Jose Villa

Abby Larson — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:19:09 +0000

Today, I thought that we could look at a few of the weddings from our Table Settings feature a few days back! Although all of the tables got great responses, this wedding shot by Jose Villa had tons of interest…

Not surprisingly, the forever talented Beth Helmstetterplanned this gorgeous event. Filled with pretty, simple touches like the lovely birch vases, the candles dripping from the trees, the lace wrapped candles…every element is romantic and seemingly effortless.

Stay tuned, we have more weddings on the way today! In the meantime, check out Jose’s blog…major eye candy!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 14 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Beth Helmstetter, Birch Vases, Jose Villa, Outdoor Wedding
Post categories: Real Weddings

Wedding Table Settings, VI

Abby Larson — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 20:30:45 +0000

This next wedding was also sent to me by Beth Helmstetter…it’s totally lavish, oh-so-feminine and utterly romantic…

I have even more gorgeous tables on the way, so stay tuned!!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 13 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Beth Helmstetter, Table Settings
Post categories: Wedding Decor

Wedding Table Settings, V

Abby Larson — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 20:00:21 +0000

This next table was sent to me by the forever talented, Beth Helmstetter…

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 9 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Beth Helmstetter, Table Settings
Post categories: Wedding Decor