Click here to see the entire image gallery!

A promise is a promise – Hello Super 8 take it from here!

From the Bride… My whole intention was to let the beauty of Blue Hill stand out. We used the tree that was behind the chuppah as the inspiration for our invitations and everything sort of came from that. That’s why we picked the color scheme of greens, whites and some greys- to blend in with what was already there.

The circular chuppah was made for us, as I originally wanted the seating to be set up in a circle, but the space didn’t allow it. I liked the idea of being surrounded, so we did it with the chuppah. Our cake was by Ron Ben-Israel and we were totally into the tilty-ness and imbalance. Everything we chose we aimed to have just a little less traditional and more fun for our guests.

We were banking on the weather being clear and we totally lucked out that day. Chris’ mom had passed away a few months before and we had put her on”weather duty” so we like to think she came through.

Wedding Photography: Heather Waraksa / Wedding Cinematography: Hello Super 8 / Floral Design: Jeff Conti of Pinewood Farm / Event Design: Jeff Conti of Pinewood Farm + The Bride / Event Planning: Exquisite Affairs Productions / Wedding Ceremony & Reception Location: Blue Hill at Stone Barns / Wedding Invitations: Spark via The Wedding Library / Bride’s Shoes: Guiseppe Zanotti / Wedding Dress: Jenny Packham / Feather Bolero: Cassin / Hair: Stacy Pitt of StylesOnB / Makeup: Sally Duvall / Wedding Cake: Ron Ben-Israel

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Post tags: Blue, Blue Hill At Stone Barns, Cassin, Exquisite Affairs Productions, Green, Grey, Guiseppe Zanotti, Heather Waraksa, Hello Super 8, Jenny Packham, New York, NY, Pinewood Farm, Pocantico Hills, Ron Ben Israel, Sally Duvall, Spark, StylesOnB, The Wedding Library
Post categories: Hudson Valley Weddings, New York Weddings, Traditional Elegance

Click here to see the entire image gallery!

From the Bride… Mark and I are originally from half a world apart from each other (Mark is from Nevada and I am from Hong Kong), so from the beginning of our wedding planning we knew that most of our guests would be out of town, and even out of the country! The priority for us was to have our guests feel that they are an important part of the wedding. Having lived hectic lives in New York City, we wanted a wedding that wasn’t exactly in Manhattan. Our vision was inspired by a late summer night in the garden, picnic with old books under large trees, and rustic country elements. Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Westchester NY, a 40 minute drive from Manhattan, couldn’t make a better choice for us. Ultimately, we just wanted a small celebration with 72 guests, eating the most amazing farm fresh food and enjoying an intimate night with everyone. The goal for us was to create one-of-a-kind wedding elements that our guests could take home as keepsakes and treasure after the wedding.

Instead of hiring a wedding planner, I did my own planning and utilized Etsy as a source for most of my wedding vendors (I have 30+ etsy transactions as proof!). With this, not only was I able to create keepsake items by hand (save-the-date, ceremony programs, menu envelopes), but our wedding budget opened up for a few splurges that we would cherish forever, such as our one of a kind vintage hanky invitations, an old time jazz band, my Monique Lhuillier gown, and an amazing floral and decor designer to help realize our vision of a rustic style wedding.

On the day of our wedding, window panes in the atrium were filled with rows of hanging single bud flowers in vintage medicine bottles. The outdoor seating aisle was lined with flower filled garden lanterns. Vintage lace decorated gates led to a pathway of vintage picnic blankets with books and flowers heaped on atop. We said our vows under a vintage reclaimed chuppa. The escort card area that separated the ceremony and cocktail spaces was created with reclaimed wooden containers, bottles and jars with wedding favors (egglings) wrapped in drawstring hemp bags, adorned with hand-sewn lace. Pig and sheep figurines, sourced from ebay, were spray painted in cream and used as place cards, placed on top of home-made kraft menu envelopes. The pig and the sheep theme also appeared on the wrapping envelopes of our wedding invitations. They are actually our Chinese zodiac signs, understood by only those who would have known!

Wedding Photography: Erik Ekroth / Floral & Decor Design: Hatch Creative Studio / Wedding Venue: Blue Hill at Stone Barns / Wedding Invitations: Bird & Banner / Wedding Band: John Ragusa Music / Wedding Cinematography: Barnaby Draper Studios / Makeup: Maral Balian of Warren Tricomi Salon / Hair: Stacy Pitt / Wedding Cupcakes: Billy’s Bakery / Calligraphy: Heather Burns of Perch Papiers / Vintage Postage Stamps: Verde Studio / Wooden Table Numbers: Liz Artistry / Wooden Guest Book: Bragging Bags / Wedding Program Design & Assemby: The Bride / Wedding Program Printing: Baumbirdy / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier / Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Bride’s Hair Piece: Jenny Packham / Bridesmaid Dresses: Sarah Seven + CLF by Claire La Faye / Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Custom / Groom’s Cufflinks & Stud Set: David Yurman / Groom’s Bow Tie: Brioni / Groomsmen Ties: The Hill-Side / Pocket Square: Vintage / Wedding Favors: Eggling

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 12 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Barn, Barnaby Draper Studios, Baumbirdy, Billy's Bakery, Bird and Banner, Blue Hill At Stone Barns, Bragging Bags, Brioni, Christian Louboutin, CLF by Claire La Faye, David Yurman, Eggling, Erik Ekroth Photography, Hanky Invitations, Hatch Creative Studio, Jenny Packham, John Ragusa Music, Lanterns, Liz Artistry, Monique Lhuillier, New York Weddings, NY, Outdoor Ceremony, Perch Papiers, Pocantico Hills, Rustic Elements, Sarah Seven, Soft Color Palette, Stacy Pitt, The Hill-Side, Verde Studio, Vintage Touches, Warren Tricomi Salon, Westchester, Window Panes
Post categories: New York Weddings, Whimsical

Now, if I had to make a list of my top five favorite venues around the country…Blue Hill at Stone Barns would be at the top of the list. It’s a blissfully gorgeous place and when Christian’s team gets an opportunity to photograph a wedding there, you can pretty much bank on perfection. This one, photographed by Shawn Connell for Christian Oth, is not only beautiful…it’s thoughtful and elegant with a focus on handcrafted details and a layering of beauty. Click here to see even more.

click here to see the full wedding gallery!

Matt and I are well known amongst our friends and family as “good hosts”. We love to cook, eat, and spend quality time with the people we care about. Matt is the savory cook, and I am the baker, and so it makes for a good pairing when there is a celebration to plan or even when there isn’t we always seem to come up with an excuse for a party. When we got engaged (in Central Park during an unexpected torrential thunder and lightening storm… oh wait that’s another story), we knew immediately that we wanted our wedding to continue this tradition of showing love thru food and thoughtful attention to detail. We wanted our guests to feel cared for from the moment they opened their Save-The-Date to again months later when enjoying their wedding take-away of Northwood Apiaries wildflower honey.

From the beginning it was also important to us that we work with people whose crafts we admire and respect and to allow them to showcase their own skills and artistic view points. We are both artists; he is a Graphic Designer and I am a Fine Artist who works (mostly) on paper. We didn’t want to redesign or mold a space to fit a theme, instead we wanted a place that already prioritized what we were looking for: amazing food set in the romantic outdoors. Serendipity was on our side when the only day available at Blue Hill at Stone Barns was a year to the day from our engagement. Blue Hill’s sense of responsible and sustainable farming and cooking combined with their staff’s incredible quality of service and care made for a seamless experience. It actually felt like they read our minds at varying times, which is a unique and rare quality, and much appreciated.

The planning process flowed easily from this point. I didn’t want the restriction of having to choose one or two “wedding colors.” Instead I wanted the palate to highlight and explore the relationships between the different elements of the wedding: intimate romance, elegant gardens and farms, with a soft but clean edge. We chose to work with Matthew Robbins in designing the flowers and décor because I had long coveted his aesthetic talents and exquisite color sense.

One of the most fun parts of planning our wedding was working together as Bride and Groom to-be on all the design details. And while I put more than my two cents in, Matt designed EVERYTHING that got printed for the wedding. The Save-The-Date dish towel was one of our favorite pieces because it highlighted what was to come: a food-centric, festive wedding with a reusable purpose. We purchased the dishtowels from Ikea and had them silk-screened with Matt’s design, and then with the help of my friend Brita (who also happens to be an event designer, we packaged them up in parchment tissue and brown paper boxes I got from Uline and tucked a letter-pressed accommodations card inside (see unveiling here).

The inspiration for the design motifs of the invitation suite stemmed from a combination of flowers found in Blue Hill’s gardens and vintage European type ornaments. Matt worked with the Brooklyn-based letterpress company, Sesame Letterpress, to get the tight registration needed for such detailed lines and varying type. We kept the cost of the invites down by only using two colors and by assembling them ourselves.

As for the wedding itself, we had the very best time imaginable. We worked with our officiant to customize and write our ceremony and vows because while neither of us is traditionally religious, we wanted a spiritual and personal ceremony. It was first and foremost that we include Matt’s son, who was our ring bearer extraordinaire. We also wanted to pay tribute to the joining of our families who have offered us such incredible support. I think the photographers, Shawn and Meredith, tell the story of the wedding day with perfection and captured everything from loving glances to the dip of our first dance to the full moon. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat and I wouldn’t change a single thing!

Venue/Food: Blue Hill at Stone Barns / Photographers: Shawn Connell of Christian Oth Studio / Flowers and wedding planner: Matthew Robbins Design / Graphic Design: Matthew Poor / Calligraphy: Ann Vollum / Letterpress: Sesame Letterpress / Cake: Ron Ben-Israel / Wedding Dress: Christos by Amsale / Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Bridesmaid dresses: Alix & Kelly / Hair: Corey Henderson (my hair stylist for 10 years!) / Make up: Deborah Altizio / Music: John Ragusa Music / Officiant: Shauna Kanter Weddings / Cinematography: Film Jones

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 23 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Alix + Kelly, Ann Vollum, Blue Hill At Stone Barns, Christian Oth, Christos by Amsale, Film Jones, Matthew Poor, New York Weddings, Ron Ben Israel, Sesame Letterpress
Post categories: New York City Weddings, New York Weddings, Traditional Elegance

Ok, back to the cute, cute nautical inspired wedding that we are featuring.

More from the lovely and HUGELY talented Candice Dowling, the planner behind the day…

The tablescapes were gorgeous and filled with SO many details. We used navy linen as a base, and brought in beautiful beech wood chiavari chairs with white pads from Party Rentals, Ltd out of Greenwich. Centerpieces were of one tall, French galvanized bucket filled with white peonies, ranunculus and hydrangea. They were fluffy and tightly filled — so gorgeous! There were three satellite arrangements of yellow and white gerbera daisies in smaller galvanized buckets. Each bucket had the same yellow and white polka dot grosgrain ribbon from Kim’s bouquet wrapped around them. The taller, French galvanized buckets had thick red grosgrain ribbon.

Each place setting had a rattan charger with an accompanying blue polka dot plate and clear glass saucer for the chilled gazpacho, all rented from Party Rentals, Ltd. Their navy napkins were rolled and tied onto them was a menu “tag”, which we created in the round. It had a seersucker boarder and a cute little yellow grommet, tied together with white grosgrain ribbon. Each guest received a cute little galvanized bucket filled with red Swedish fish. We created red and blue favor tags with lyrics to their first dance song by U2 and tied it on with red grosgrain ribbon.

Each table was named after a New England town that held special significance to the bride and groom. Places like Westport, Newport, Nantucket, Block Island, Bar Harbor, Mystic…. we even inserted the GPS coordinates of each location onto their table sign. A fun little detail we carried throughout the event — like on the custom stamp we made for their invitations!

Guests dined on chilled gazpacho, surf and turf with filet mignon and lobster tail with steamed red potatoes and corn on the cob. There were even toothpicks on the table for pickin’ corn out of your teeth! The entire event was catered by the Club’s restaurant, Riverview Restaurant. Chef Danny and his team did a fabulous job!

More on the way!

to see the full gallery, click here!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 5 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Blue Hill At Stone Barns, Candice Dowling, Connecticut, Events Jubilee, Nautical, New York Weddings, Paul Rich Studio, Pocantico Hills
Post categories: Casual Elegance

Photographs are courtesy of Kelley and Todd Whittaker (website coming soon)

More details from Candice…

After their beautiful ceremony at Assumption Church in Westport, Matt and Kim went to the spot that was very meaningful and sentimental to them. A place where they spent many nights watching the sun set as a couple. They love Combo Beach in Westport and try to visit at least once every weekend during the summer months. Her love of rowing and his love of the water really drew them together. After the ceremony, Kim took off her gorgeous veil and pinned a fabulous little white flower in her hair. Doesn’t she look STUNNING?

The reception was held at the Saugatuck Rowing Club in Westport. The views? Stunning. It was obvious to them that it was the perfect location, which would marry her love of rowing and his love of the water. Guests were greeted on the blue slate patio overlooking the Saugatuck River and the docks that lead out into the water. They enjoyed Matt and Kim’s signature cocktail, the Pimms Cup, served from large sea glass canisters into high ball glasses which were garnished with a lemon wheel, cucumber spear, and a seersucker swizzle stick. Heaven.

We displayed escort cards on a red linen wrapped cork board with some retro metal pushpins. It was perfect! We also had custom napkins, swizzle sticks, and coasters made for the event. The beautiful calligraphy was done by Lisa Ridgley of Pen and Ink Calligraphy out of Westminister, Maryland. I LOVE Lisa. She is so good to our brides and does AMAZING work!

to see the full gallery, click here!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Blue Hill At Stone Barns, Candice Dowling, Connecticut, Jubilee Events, Nautical, New York Weddings, Paul Rich Studio, Pen and Ink Calligraphy, Pocantico Hills
Post categories: Casual Elegance

Here’s Janet and Ethan’s menu …

Greenhouse Greens and Herbs ~ With this morning’s farm egg
Asparagus Soup ~ American sturgeon caviar, mushrooms
Alaskan Halibut ~ Pistou of spring vegetables
Loin of Lamb ~ Quinoa, cracked wheat, spring parsnips

Is this not incredible??

On his blog, Paul said that he was walking around the exterior of the buildings to catch some evening shots of the property when he came across one of the chefs kneeling in the garden. Paul asked him what he was doing. The chef replied that he was “working on the asparagus soup going on for the wedding meal inside!”

This is such a gorgeous site for a wedding! Gourmet … Green … Simple charm …

Congratulations Janet and Ethan!

Paul Rich and Holly Andres are a husband and wife team based in Portland, Oregon. They work with their brides and grooms to capture the moments that are unique to each wedding. As you can see from the images above, they are story-tellers! Their personalities and talents award them with the highest praise from one and all!

{to see the full gallery, click here!}

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Blue Hill At Stone Barns, New York Weddings, Paul Rich Studio, Pocantico Hills, Wedding Menu
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Wedding Photography

Up first, a fabulous nautical inspired wedding that the forever talented Candice Dowling of Jubilee Events sent me…

photography by Whittaker Photography

From the lovely Candice…

Matt and Kim were married on May 30th, 2009 at 2:30 in the afternoon at the Assumption Church in Westport, Connecticut. Immediately following, guests enjoyed a gorgeous preppy and nautical inspired fete at the Saugatuck Rowing Club in Westport. Kim and Matt were an amazing couple to work with! At our initial meeting I knew we’d be a good match — they wanted a preppy, tailored, and nautical wedding in blue and yellow with pops of red.

Matt and his Groomsmen wore gorgeous seersucker jackets from Brooks Brothers with a navy brooks brothers tie and khakis. The groom wore a head of ranunculus as his boutonniere and his groomsmen wore a single yellow rose.

Their delicious cake was made by Sweet Cakes out of Fairfield, Connecticut. Suzette did a fabulous job bringing Kim and Matt’s vision to life. The guests REALLY enjoyed the cake and complimented on how delectable it was!

So much more on the way!

to see the full gallery, click here!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Blue Hill At Stone Barns, Candice, Fourth Of July, Jubilee Events, Nautical, New York Weddings, Paul Rich Studio, Pocantico Hills
Post categories: Casual Elegance