From Chad Morgan Photography … When I met Jon and Jenette last year, the three of us had an immediate bond. Conversation was easy, full of laughter, and authenticity…we all got each other. I was 40 minutes late to our initial meeting (something that never happens), and they didn’t seem to mind. Of course, I apologized profusely, and they felt my sincerity, understood, and quickly forgave me. Nevertheless, I walked out of there feeling like I had made new friends…and I have.

A couple months later, I got a call from Joanna (planner) with some upsetting and scary news: Jenette had been diagnosed with breast cancer, was going to have a double-mastectomy, and an intense and aggressive regimen of chemo. My heart sank. My wife has MS. So, I understand the pain, struggle, and heartache that comes along with a diagnosis. My initial thoughts were with Jenette and the life-changing events set before her, mentally and physically.

And then, I thought of Jon. On a personal level, know what it’s like to be the support system, and what it means to have the love of your life threatened with an illness, or disease. Nothing about their journey was going to be easy.

The wedding was moved from June to August, we shot their engagement the very next week after Joanna’s call (before she started chemo), and I kept them in my thoughts and close to my heart, checking in every so often to see how they were doing, and if I could help in any way. I could definitely tell things were getting tougher as the treatments got more intense. But never did their resolve lessen. Seeing Jenette and Jon on their wedding day, made me…a little misty.

When I saw Jenette a few weeks ago getting her makeup and hair done, I told her I was proud of her. And I am. Her smile was new and powerful. Jon, too, seemed “grown up.” They had a new confidence in each other, and a new outlook on their life. It was palpable…and amazing.

I’m so, so honored to have been a part of their wedding. I’m also grateful to give Jenette and Jon these images that will allow them to remember their wedding, and all of the wonderful friends and family that surrounded them.

Planner & Florist: Joanna Bailey Weddings / Venue: Denver Art Museum / Photography: Chad Morgan Photography / Second Photographer: Amanda Forbes

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Post tags: Amanda Forbes, Art Gallery, Birdcage Veils, Chad Morgan Photography, Color Palette Purple, Colorado, contemporary, Denver, Denver Art Museum, Flower girls, Jimmy Choo, Joanna Bailey Weddings, Modern, Ring Bearers, Wedding Photography
Post categories: Contemporary, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Photography

For adventurous people, our families were happily surprised when we decided to get married in Nisswa, Minnesota. When we originally started thinking about where to host a wedding for family and friends that would be flying in from across the world, the only thing I knew was that I just really wanted it to be somewhere green.  After telling Trent this, he instantly knew the perfect place. Grandview Lodge, in Nisswa Minnesota, is a place Trent and his family spent summers during his childhood. Seeing it, it’s hard to argue that there is any place greener.

The site, along with the weekend we planned to have our wedding, 4th of July weekend, were our true inspiration. We wanted the whole weekend to feel like our memories of 4th of July: sun, bright blue skies, green grass and trees, lakes, beaches, fireworks, s’mores, family and friends. We wanted to make this weekend a fun and relaxing vacation for all of our guests, where they could really enjoy the site to the fullest.

As for our wedding day itself, we chose subtle colors that reflected the nature  and beauty of the sight: burlap and blue. We decided to have a ceremony and dinner in a green open field, and then dancing and dessert (with a bonfire for s’mores) by the beach. While we came up with a loose vision, our family and friends’ talents made the wedding details come to life. Trent’s sister, Kelly, designed all of our stationary: the invitations, menu cards, programs, and thank you cards. Trent’s mom and twin sister assembled the stationary, and did so much for us in finding the perfect details and putting them together in a beautiful way. Trent’s dad helped with the assembly line of invites as well, and is the man responsible for making Grandview Lodge as green as it is, because his company works with Grandview on their landscaping.  My mom and her best friend designed and assembled all of our flower arrangements and bouquets along with the help of many aunts and cousins. My mom and I made the name cards together. My dad made our chocolate boxed gifts for the guests–he shipped the chocolate from Egypt and assembled more than 150 boxes. He also made our wedding arch, decorating it with flowers and vines. My cousins were in charge of site decorating on the day of the wedding. Trent’s uncle used logs from near his cabin to create our table numbers, Trent’s aunt donated her collection of vintage canning jars. My friend Paul and his dad, artists that specialize in book binding, made our guestbook. My brother created a piece of art that sat on our guestbook table, and also was the officiant of our ceremony. All of the moving pieces were brought together by Trent’s incredibly talented and organized cousin, Niki, who we could not have survived without.

Our wedding surpassed our every expectation. It was one of those perfect midwest summer days, sunny, but not humid, with a clear blue sky. We were surrounded by sunkissed family and friends who’s genuine happiness and energy radiated throughout the night of dancing and celebration. Our family and friends were embedded in every little detail of the wedding, and the day was a true reflection of who we are and the people we love.

Photography: Amy Majors Photography / Dessert: Grand View Lodge and Cocoa & Fig / Tent & Rentals: Partytime Rental / Site: Grandview Lodge / Bridesmaid dresses: Jenny Yoo Collection / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier / Tuxedo: The Foursome / Rings: Kristin Hanson / Hair: Courtney Martins, Aveda / Makeup: Grandview Lodge Glacial Waters Spa / Groomsmen Cufflinks: Sherry Truitt Studios / Bridesmaids Clutches: (23rd/1st) / Pianist: Mark Mraz

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 9 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: (23rd/1st), Amy Majors Photography, Aveda, Beach, Birdcage Veils, Burlap, Casual Elegance, Cocoa + Fig, Color Palette Tan Blue, Courtney Martins, Cupcakes, DIY Projects, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Etsy, Grand View Lodge, Grandview Lodge Glacial Waters Spa, Jenny Yoo, Kristin Hanson, macarons, Mark Mraz, Mason Jars, Minnesota, Monique Lhuillier, Outdoor Ceremony, Partytime Rental, Sherry Truitt Studios, Summer Wedding, The Foursome, Travel Themed, Wedding Cakes, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Photography
Post categories: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Little Black Book Blog

Click here to see the full image gallery!

From Vitalic Photo …Alison is a designer and had a hand in all of the planning herself.  She hand crafted the centerpieces – newspaper mache heads, each coordinating with a Jane Austen character (in honor of Ann, who is an English teacher), the bird nest and birdhouse boutonnieres, and she even created a custom font for all of their print pieces.  The napkins were different fabrics with yellow and grey, and scones awaited the guests on their plates to hold them over until their unique brunch was served.  Dishes such as fried chicken & waffles, shrimp & grits, tofu scramble, and lamb sliders were the main courses.

Wedding Photographers: Vitalic Photo / Day of Coordinator:  Helen of Elegant Weddings of Orlando / Florist: Danielle from Dream Designs Florist and Wedding Boutique / Catering and Venue: Bella Collina / Ceremony and Cocktail Reception Guitarist: Dr. Jimmy Moore / Alison’s Dress: Lazaro via Kleinfeld Bridal / Ann’s Suit: Calvin Klein Suit and Ralph Lauren Shirt / Ann’s Seersucker Shoes: Steve Madden / Alison’s Jewelry: Grandmother’s vintage bracelets and Mother’s pearl earrings / Hair: Jaime Field / Makeup: Shannon of Faces by Shannon / Wedding Stationery: andBear / Centerpieces: DIY / Wedding Cake: Party Flavors / Celebrant: Sean Keohane / Yellow Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Sung through Pearl’s Place / Blue and Yellow Bridesmaid Dress: Anthropologie / Boutonnieres: DIY

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 28 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Alfred Sung, andBear, Anthropologie, Bella Collina, Birdcage Veils, Calvin Klein, Chalkboards, Color Palette Yellow, Croquet, DIY Centerpieces, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Dr. Jimmy Moore, Dream Designs Florist and Wedding Boutique, Elegant Weddings of Orlando, Faces by Shannon, Florida, Jaime Field, Kleinfeld Bridal, Lazaro, Monteverde, Outdoor Wedding, Party Flavors, Pearl's Place, Ralph Lauren, Rustic, Sean Keohane, Steve Madden, Summer Wedding, Vitalic Photo
Post categories: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, The Blog

Click here to see more from Lo Boheme in the Look Book

We’re addicted to accessories and brands like Lo Boheme are exactly why. Lauren Christensen, the uber talented designer behind Lo Boheme creates sophisticated pieces worthy of not only the fashion forward bride, but her super stylish bridesmaids too. Her accessories are the perfect mix bohemian beauty and old Hollywood glamour… they’re the icing on the cake and the final touch that will have you feeling ready to skip your way down the aisle.

Photography: Marisa Holmes

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Post tags: accessoires, Birdcage Veils, Hair Accessories, hairpieces, Headpieces, Lo Boheme, Look Book, Veils
Post categories: Accessories, The Blog, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Style

Shopping for your wedding gown is without a doubt a special and exciting process, but no one tells you how much FUN the accessories are. They’re more than just the icing on the cake, they’re that extra punch of personality and sometimes they’re just the thing you need to make you truly feel like a bride. Ready to do a little window shopping?? We’ve only barely scratched the surface of the ah-inducing designs from Sara Gabriel, so scoot on over to the Look Book to see even more.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 6 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Birdcage Veils, hairpieces, Headpieces, Sara Gabriel, Veils, Wedding Veil
Post categories: Accessories, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Style

from sarah …
after a night out with friends, we went back to Hunter’s house and he took me outside on the back porch and told me to close my eyes because he had a surcy (a surprise) for me. (I know what you are thinking- I should have known at this point… but I didn’t. Surcy is a word his family uses often for a small gift/surprise, so this was not unusual.) When I opened me eyes, Hunter handed me a bible with my new initials embossed on the front. At this point, I knew what was going on and when I looked up he was down on one knee. The next thing I know, “Goin’ to the Chapel” was playing on his ipod. We love to talk about how corny it was, but yet how funny and memorable it was as well.

Kristin’s lovely wedding gown was designed by Mikaella and was purchased at J. Majors Bridal Boutique in Charlotte, NC. Bridesmaids wore Jenny Yoo!

During our year-long engagement, my Mom and I did a lot of the detail work at home in Charlotte. We picked out details such as attire, invitations, photographer, wedding day details, etc. My aunt was also a huge help – she did all of the printing aside from our invitations. She printed tags to hang on the guest bags, weekend booklets to put in all of the guest rooms, our programs, a sign for our baskets of flip flops for the guests, and wine tags for our wedding party.

{see their whole SMP gallery here}

When my parents decided to build a home at Brays Island, I immediately fell in love with it. It has such a natural beauty and is a place that is truly hard to describe until you have been there. When Hunter and I got engaged, the first thing on the list was booking our photographer – we knew we had to have Kristin! Not only did she photograph 3 of our friends’ weddings, but we loved her perspective and just knew that she would capture our day perfectly. Second item on the list was the date – we had to find a weekend that worked for both Kristin and Brays!!! May 22 it was …

Oh my lord … exceptionally beautiful!

Like we said … it doesn’t get any better than this!

See the rest of Sarah & Hunter’s joy-filled festivities on Kristin Vining’s blog!

See Kristin’s entire SMP portfolio here.

Photography: Kristin Vining Photography
Ceremony & Reception Location: The Inn at Brays Island Plantation, Sheldon, South Carolina
Cake: Christine Clancey, Brays Island Plantation
Flowers: Brenda Fontenot, Brays Island Plantation
Cateering: Brays Island Plantation
Gown: Designer:  Mikaella from  J. Majors Bridal Boutique, Charlotte
Bridesmaids dresses: Jenny Yoo from Bella Bridesmaid
Grooms Attire: Ralph Lauren , Pink seersucker bow tie from The Cordial Churchman
Veil: Birdcage Veils
Hairstylist & Makeup  - Lindsey Regan Thorne
Invitations/Stationery: Smock invitations ordered from Salutations, Charlotte NC
Music/Entertainment/Booking Agency: Guitarist: DJ Cooke, friend of the groom
Choir for ceremony: The Hallelujah Singers, Beaufort, SC
Reception Band: Still Cruzin’, Willis Blume Agency
Rental providers (tents, linens, tables, chairs, etc.): Classic Party Rentals, Bluffton, South Carolina
Transportation provider: Bill Hatcher Transportation

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Post tags: Beaufort, Bella Bridesmaid, Birdcage Veil, Birdcage Veils, Brays Island, Classic Party Rentals, J. Majors Bridal Boutique, Jenny Yoo, Kristin Vining, Lindsey Regan Thorne, Mikaella, Peonies, Ralph Lauren, South Carolina, The Hallelujah Singers, The Inn At Brays Island Plantation
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Wedding Photography

Melody, of Birdcage Veils in Dallas has totally devoted herself to these little pieces of heaven and she’s stopping by today to share some thoughts!

The birdcage veil brings a new but vintage look to the fashion of wedding attire. Reese Witherspoon wore a birdcage veil in the movie ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ in 2002….which we all fell in love with. When a bride asked me to design a birdcage veil just like the one Reese wore in the movie, I scoured the stores until I finally located a netting source which would help me to duplicate this look.

After posting some photos on my web site, a few brave brides decided to step out of the traditional attire and walk down the aisle wearing netting instead of tulle over their face.  Naturally, grooms, bridesmaids and families’ reaction was mixed as they had not seen this bold new style. And yet, once a few brides began wearing birdcage veils, brides from both the east and west coast liked what they saw and began requesting birdcage veils more and more.  Requests from the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia seemed to be next to request this unique new style. I now shipped birdcage veils to every state and to about 25 countries across the globe.

Birdcage veils or hat veils work best with trumpet or mermaid style dresses.  Any dress that is lace is complimented with the French net look of a birdcage veil. The birdcage can be as simple or as dramatic as the bride wants depending on the overall look that she is going for. Plus, photographers love to capture images of brides in birdcage veils…they are just so chic!

Thanks so much Melody!! Stay tuned, we have more great headpieces on the way!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 16 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Birdcage Veils, Dallas, Vintage Chic, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Veil
Post categories: Accessories