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From Marina of Birch Design Studio… The design concept for Amanda and Colin’s wedding was a fresh twist on classic patterns in vibrant colours, inspired by a selection of photographs they loved featuring garden trellises, striped textiles, chinoiserie porcelains. These patterns inspired their paper goods, which juxtaposed a variety of crisp patterns in blue and green to create a fresh take on the coordinated invitation suite. We translated this into the décor for their wedding by mixing and matching tailored napkins in bold patterns at each table. On a larger scale, we used oversized stretched canvases featuring these same patterns to punctuate the white walls of the Art Institute. The tailored white dinner tables showcased vivid purples, greens and blues to tie this modern twist on a classic approach to mixing patterns. Even Amanda’s spectacularly timeless wedding gown was juxtaposed with vibrant blue peep-toe heels as a nod to her own chic style. It was such a pleasure to create a wedding for Amanda and Colin that spoke to their personal style, and I feel in the end, their wedding truly was a reflection of their unique personalities: clever, modern, fun, and bold, yet also elegant and sophisticated. 

Wedding Photography: David Wittig Photography / Wedding Ceremony: Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago, Illinois / Wedding Reception: The Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois / Event Design, Planning + Production: Marine Birch of Birch Design Studio / Flowers: Renee Price of Kehoe Designs / Wedding Cinematography: I Do Films / Wedding Invitations: Suitor / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier / Custom Linens: Private Label Linens / Hair: Robyn Tornabeni Productions / Makeup: Rosie Scianna / Lighting, Fabric Panels + Production: Frost / Entertainment: Entourage from Arlen Music

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Post tags: Art Institute of Chicago, Birch Design Studio, Blue, Chicago, David Wittig Photography, Fourth Presbyterian Church, Green, I Do Films, Illinois, Kehoe Designs, Monique Lhuillier, Private Label Linens, Suitor, The Modern Wing
Post categories: Chicago Weddings, Contemporary, Illinois Weddings

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From Anna of Anna Routh Photography… Carla and Sean’s French and Marie Antoinette-themed affair was ALL about the details. Every inch of this beautiful event was draped in pale pink and light blue with gold and pearl accents. Every centerpiece was unique and chock-full of items that had been collected throughout the couple’s engagement. Sean, an Army Captain, beamed when he saw his bride coming down the aisle in her stunning gown that was covered from top to bottom with tiny floral appliques. After a heartfelt ceremony rich with tradition and love from their friends and family, Carla and Sean’s guests enjoyed the most amazing dessert and hot chocolate bar I’ve ever seen — macaroons, cake, chocolate, custard and cookies galore! Yum! After plenty of dancing and even an impromptu hip-hop performance by the groom, the lovebirds were swept away in a beautiful vintage auto. Carla’s keen sense of style and both of their kind hearts showed through in all aspects of this intimate and personal evening.

Wedding Photography: Anna Routh Photography / Event Design + Coordination: April Orr of Leave the Details To Me / Wedding Venue: Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs Mansion / Flowers: Flowers Flowers / Invitations, Stationery + Signage: Blue Eye Brown Eye / Rentals: Premiere Party Central + Marquee Rents / Wedding Cake: Michelle’s Patisserie / Catering: Southern’s Fine Dining / Desserts: Bake Sale Austin / Attendents’ Feather Fans: DIY by the Bride / Makeup: Beauty on the Go / Chairs: Chiavari Chairs of Austin / Bartending: Utopian Bartending / DJ: Kyle Clark / Stickers + Couple Animation: Charlotte Wuthrich / Wedding Gown: Alfred Angelo / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bari Jay

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Post tags: Alfred Angelo, Anna Routh Photography, April Orr, Austin, Bake Sale Austin, Bari Jay, Beauty on the Go, Blue, Blue Eye Brown eye, Charlotte Wuthrich, Chiavari Chairs of Austin, Flowers Flowers, French-Themed, Gold, Kyle Clark, Leave the Details to Me, Marquee Rents, Michelle's Patisserie, Pale Pink, Premiere Party Rental, Southern's Fine Dining, Texas, Texas Federation of Women's Clubs Mansion, Utopian Bartending
Post categories: Austin Weddings, Texas Weddings, Traditional Elegance

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From Nate of Nate Henderson Photography… Allison and Rob were married in Savannah’s first hotel, The Marshall House, which is located in the heart of the historic district. Their intimate ceremony took place in the early spring and was held in the open air atrium. They incorporated succulents along with simple white vases and flowers throughout giving a slight modern feeling among all of the history Savannah offers. We wandered the streets and squares of the city for portraits, and it paid off well! Savannah in springtime is absolutely beautiful, and this is exactly why Allison and Rob chose Savannah for their destination wedding.

From the bride… We were on an $8,000 budget, so our wedding cake was from Walmart. I shopped around all of the grocery stores/big box stores in the area in advance for prices. The morning of the wedding, my maid of honor, Abby, and I went to Walmart, bought a large cake, a small cake and cupcakes. We stacked the small cake on top of the large cake and our florist, A to Zinnias, decorated the top with flowers. My entire cake set up cost $40. We got several compliments on how good the red velvet was.

Wedding Photography: Nate Henderson Photography / Flowers: A to Zinnias / Wedding Venue: The Marshall House / Wedding Gown: Galina for David’s Bridal / Bride’s Shoes: Report (in Pewter) / Wedding Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas / Programs + Table Cards: Vicki Busby (Bride’s Step-Mother) of Studio 629 / Wedding Cake: Walmart / Maid of Honor’s Dress: Anthropologie / Men’s Custom Linen Suits: Studio Suits / Makeup: Glow Med Spa & Beauty Boutique / Hair: Salon Eden

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Post tags: A to Zinnias, Anthropologie, Blue, Galina for David's Bridal, Georgia, Glow Med Spa & Beauty Boutique, Green, Marshall House, Nate Henderson Photography, Report, Salon Eden, Savannah, Studio 629, Studio Suits, Vicki Busby, Walmart, Wedding Paper Divas, White, Yellow
Post categories: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Georgia Weddings, Savannah Weddings

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From the bride… Our wedding was my dream combination of my past, present and future. My husband and I met in ski academy high school in Vermont but fell out of touch for over 10 years before we literally ran into each other on the streets of Manhattan, where we were both living. We fell in love with each other as friends and then he became the love of my life. Our photographers were also friends of ours from high school. My bridesmaids are the family I found when I moved to the big city from Vermont. The wedding was in Watch Hill, the town where I want my grandchildren to play on the beach in, as my cousins and I did as children.  The gorgeous church across from the Ocean House holds memories of my grandparents and now my wedding. I was left my grandmother’s engagement ring after she passed away, and my husband also was given his grandmother’s ring when she passed away.  I wore them both along with a cross given to me by my parents on a chain my husband gave me before the wedding.  It was a way to have our loved ones that could not be there close to our hearts. I feel so blessed to have this wonderful town in my life and it was the perfect place to get married.  

The theme was inspired by the colors of sea glass.  The focus was on having a wonderful weekend.  Incredible food, bright and sunny drinks and amazing company made it the best weekend of my life.  

Special thanks to Carla from Elements Flowers who was not only an amazing help with the flowers but everything else we did, and to Geoff who made sure our photo booth was a huge success! We custom-ordered our frames from Etsy after trying for a month to find cute photo booth frames and I was thrilled with the result.  The bridesmaids’ dresses were custom-made by the extremely talented and sweet Katie Ermilio. Our parents were the most amazing support team during the entire wedding process. It was amazing to have our wonderful parents, incredible friends and beautiful memories made during our sunny wedding weekend in Watch Hill, Rhode Island.

Wedding Photography: Lauren + Abby Photography / Flowers: Carla of Elements Flowers / Wedding Planning: The Bride’s Family / Ceremony: Watch Hill Chapel in Watch Hill, Rhode Island / Reception: Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island / Photobooth: Photobooth Planet (401-316-1423) / Wedding Invitations: Mr. Boddington / Save-the-Dates: Julie Holcomb / Wedding Dress: Oscar de la Renta via Bergdorf Goodman / Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Earrings: A Gift from the Maid of Honor / Bracelet: Borrowed from the Groom’s Mother / Bridemaids’ Dresses: Custom by Katie Ermilio / Bridesmaids’ Shoes: Halston Heritage / Flower Girl Dress: Ralph Lauren via Saks Fifth Avenue / Photobooth Frames: Custom by 2DogsWoodWorking

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Post tags: 2DogsWoodWorking, Bergdorf Goodman, Blue, Christian Louboutin, Elements Flowers, Halston Heritage, Julie Holcomb, Katie Ermilio, Lauren + Abby Photography, Mr. Boddington, Ocean House, Oscar De La Renta, Photobooth Planet, Ralph Lauren, Rhode Island, Saks Fifth Avenue, Watch Hill, Watch Hill Chapel, White
Post categories: The Blog

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Alice and Ben met on Martha’s Vineyard in August 2001, on the eve of Ben’s 21st birthday, at a concert performed by Alice’s college singing group. Both were undergraduates at Yale (he a senior, she a sophomore), and they began dating the following school year. Martha’s Vineyard carries additional meaning for both of them, as their families have spent time on the island over the years. Alice’s mother’s home is perched on a hill in Chilmark with splendid English gardens throughout, as well a 180-degree view of the lush New England greenery below and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. When Ben proposed almost nine years later, there was no question where the wedding would be held.

With the indispensable help of wedding coordinator Julie Hatt, the couple set about organizing a ceremony and reception that combined simple elegance with the natural beauty and intimacy of the property. The bride chose a color palette of vivid purples, magentas, and blues, which went beautifully with the lush greenery and bright colors of the gardens. Stone walls are ubiquitous in Chilmark, and the stone wall that runs parallel to the ocean in the backyard of the house became a motif of the exquisitely designed and elegantly produced paper goods by Bryn Chernoff of Paperfinger. Alice and Ben recognized the risk they took in planning a summer wedding on an island in the Northeast, but as it turned out, the weather was absolutely perfect the entire weekend. The incredible team of photographers, led by Shawn Connell of Christian Oth Studio and supported by second photographer Glen Allsop, captured every detail and moment of the day to perfection.

As guests arrived for the ceremony, they were greeted with lemonade in mason jars and were provided shade under parasols that had been used previously at the weddings of two of Alice’s close friends. The simple ceremony celebrated the warmth and familiarity of the occasion. After the ceremony, guests milled about the grounds for an extended cocktail period before heading to the dinner tent where they were served a delicious meal of summer gazpacho (Alice’s mom’s recipe), local striped bass with island vegetables and corn pudding, and individual servings of mixed berry shortcake. The escort card table displayed wedding photographs of the couple’s parents and grandparents. Instead of a guest book, guests were invited to write personal message on simple cards, which the couple plans to incorporate into a scrapbook. As the sun went down, many guests sat perched along the stone wall chatting and enjoying the striking Vineyard sunset over the Atlantic. Ben and Alice departed through a path lined by sparklers waved by all of their friends and family who were given little boxes of chocolate for the journey home. 

Wedding Photography: Shawn Connell of Christian Oth Studio / Second Photographer: Glen Allsop / Wedding Venue: Home of Bride’s Mother in Chilmark, Massachusetts / Wedding Coordination: Julie Hatt / Wedding Flowers: Lynda Dandeneau / Wedding Officiant: Cantor Theodore Aronson / Wedding Calligraphy, Save-the-Dates, Menus, “Guest Book” Cards, Escort Cards + Programs: Bryn Chernoff of Paperfinger / Wedding Invitations: Dempsey & Carroll / Catering: V. Jaime Hamlin & Sons / Desserts: Val Cakes (508-274-0396) / Entertainment: The Sultans of Swing / Tents: Big Sky Tent & Party Rentals / Event Rentals: Big Sky Tent & Party Rentals + Be Our Guest / Wedding Dress: Carolina Herrera / Wedding Dress Steaming: Elinor Corfield / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bride’s Jewelry: Jamie Wolf / Bride’s Hair + Makeup: Maysoon Faraj / Bridesmaids’ Hair + Makeup: Mary and Gretchen of Boucle / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo / Men’s Suits: J.Crew / Men’s Ties: Paul Stuart / Transportation: Stagecoach Taxi / Wedding Favors: Chilmark Chocolates (508-645-3013)

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Post tags: Backyard Wedding, Badgley Mischka, Be Our Guest, Big Sky Tent & Party Rentals, Blue, Boucle, Bryn Chernoff, Cantor Theodore Aronson, Carolina Herrera, Chilmark, Chilmark Chocolates, Christian Oth Studio, Dempsey & Carroll, Elinor Corfield, Glen Allsop, J. Crew, Jamie Wolf, Jenny Yoo, Julie Hatt, Lynda Dandeneau, Magenta, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, Maysoon Faraj, Paperfinger, Paul Stuart, Purple, Shawn Connell, Stagecoach Taxi, The Sultans of Swing, V. Jaime Hamlin & Sons, Val Cakes
Post categories: The Blog, Traditional Elegance

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From the Bride… Spencer and I truly had a wonderful wedding in Chicago. It was amazing to be surrounded by our friends and family as we became husband and wife. Planning our wedding was an incredible amount of work, but so worth it! To see everything come together on our big day was simply amazing.

We started off the day getting ready with our wedding parties at Hotel Sax. It was such a great morning. My maid of honor, Erin, went above and beyond thinking of so many fun pre-wedding details. She made fun girly wedding CDs, had our champagne labeled with our picture and wedding date and even made sure I had a “Mrs. Brydon” hanger. After we were all ready, Spencer and I shared our first look. David and Nancy selected the ultra-modern fourth floor at Hotel Sax; it made for a perfect backdrop. I loved seeing our wedding party all ready — they looked fantastic! Our color palette was vintage blue and gray with yellow accents. The yellow was a beautiful pop of color for our July wedding. The flowers we selected were a nice blend of playful, whimsical, while still being truly classic. All the details looked gorgeous against the backdrop of The Chicago History Museum where we held our ceremony and reception. My absolute favorite part of our big day was our wedding ceremony and WOW, the emotions were flowing. Spencer and I wanted our ceremony to be about our commitment to each other. After much thought, we asked our great friend Derek to marry us. We went through the process (easy!) of getting him ordained. Spencer and I worked together, picking out what we liked from different ceremonies to create something that fit exactly what we were looking for. Derek has known us throughout our relationship and truly was able to speak about us as a couple and the commitment we were making. We chose to include a wine ceremony blending the bitter and the sweet in life. Spencer’s sister read, we wrote our own vows, and our pups, Biscuit and Bailey, stared as ring bearer and flower girl.

We enjoyed pulling together a few DIY projects with the help of our friends and family. Rocks with “A&S” and “07.16.11” stamped on them held down the programs. Erin made an amazing card box that had unbelievable detail and was so well done. We made our table numbers, incorporating our engagement pictures and parts of our invitations. We also surprised all of our Miami University friends with our band selection, The Paul Otten Band. This was the band we all sang along with until the wee hours of the morning at our favorite college bar. The Piano Man helped make the night exceptional! All the details came together to create the wedding we loved!
We are so thankful to all the vendors who put so much time and thought into our wedding day. We are incredibly fortunate to have such wonderful friends and family that helped make everything possible. Thank you all — we love you so much! Cheers to a great party kicking off a wonderful life together!

Wedding Photography: David Wittig Photography / Wedding Venue: Chicago History Museum / Wedding Flowers: The Flower Firm / Catering: Berghoff Catering / Bakery: Swirlz Cupcakes / Ceremony + Cocktail Music: Parkwest Strings / Reception Music: The Paul Otten Band / Wedding Dress: Wedding Belles / Hair: Kara Widhalm + Melissa Burgess of The Cutting Edge  / Makeup: Vanessa Morales of Nightingale Beauty / Groom’s Suit: Harleys for Men / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew / Groomsmen’s Suits: JoS. A. Bank / Rings: Tiffany & Co. / Bridesmaids’ Jewelry: Erin Gallagher Jewelry / Wedding Menus + Programs: Wedding Paper Divas / Transportation: Chicago Trolley Co. / Hotel: Hotel Sax Chicago / Ceremony Puppy Logistics: Urban Out Sitters / Stamped Rocks: DIY / Card Box: DIY by the Maid of Honor

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Post tags: Berghoff Catering, Blue, Chicago, Chicago Trolley Co., David Wittig Photography, Erin Gallagher Jewelry, Gray, Harleys for Men, Hotel Sax Chicago, Illinois, J. Crew, Jos A Bank, Kara Widham, Melissa Burgess, Nightingale Beauty, Parkwest Strings, Swirlz Cupcakes, The Chicago History Museum, The Cutting Edge, The Flower Firm, The Paul Otten Band, Tiffany & Co., Urban Out Sitters, Vanessa Morales, Wedding Belles, Wedding Paper Divas, Yellow
Post categories: Chicago Weddings, Illinois Weddings, Traditional Elegance

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From Kathryn of Dream A Little Dream Events… Jenn and Caleb wanted to get married at a location that meant a lot to them, and that was the South End Rowing Club in the Fisherman’s Wharf area of San Francisco. They are members and swim there (in the freezing cold San Francisco Bay waters) weekly. We were a perfect fit, as I had worked at this somewhat unknown venue before, and I was ready for the challenge of making their wedding concept of a seaside theme come together, while keeping the guests comfortable. The colors were going to be muted grays, blues, greens with some pops of burgundy reds.

The guests stayed across the street at the Argonaut Hotel. They walked over and were greeted with cozy blankets and flip flops for the sandy beach ceremony. The bride came down the aisle, which was lined in the sand by moss balls and seaweed. Their ceremony literally took place right along the shore, and the officiant even had to ask to be warned if the water was coming up too high! After the ceremony, guests made their way onto the dock and patio for cocktails, before their sustainable buffet was served under the market lights. Each table was named after a sea creature, and the wooden cross back chairs made for a very seaside feel.

They then danced the night away under the stars to the Jugtown Pirates, before cutting their cake made of cheese (another one of their favorite things). Guests danced or lounged in the sand pit until the newlyweds wanted to end their night in only the way they could: they invited their guests to join them for a plunge into the bay! We passed out glow sticks to make sure we didn’t lose anyone, and let’s just say, some chose not to wear bathing suits.

Wedding Photography: Adi Nevo / Flowers: A Simple Ceremony / Event Design + Planning: Kathryn Kalabokes of Dream A Little Dream Events / Wedding Venue: South End Rowing Club / Catering: Nico Martin Presents / Hair + Makeup: Sherrie Long / Officiant: Rev. Ed Holt / Rentals: Hartmann Studios / Lighting: Enhanced Lighting and Sounds / Band: The Jugtown Pirates / “Cheese Cake”: Cowgirl Creamery / Wedding Invitations: Paper Source

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Post tags: A Simple Ceremony, Adi Nevo, Blue, Burgundy, Cowgirl Creamery, Dream a Little Dream Events, Enhanced Lighting and Sounds, Gray, Green, Hartmann Studios, Kathryn Kalabokes, Nico Martin Presents, Paper Source, Rev. Ed Holt, Sherrie Long, South End Rowing Club, The Jugtown Pirates
Post categories: California Weddings, Contemporary, San Francisco Weddings

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From the bride… Finding the one person who makes you smile and feel like a princess is every woman’s dream and I am no exception! Nikos and I had visited Venice two years ago for the Relais Chateaux convention. We only stayed there for 3 days and had limited time to visit everything Venice had to offer, but were totally blown away by its grandeur and both promised to come back for more. We were truly captivated by its beauty — mini pathways, little bridges that led you from one island to the next, cute trattorias filled with amazing pizza, fresh pasta and mouth-watering tiramisu, and of course, the extraordinary view from our suite to the canal grande!

We both knew that a big wedding was not our kind of style. Being a wedding planner gave me a good idea of what I really wanted as a bride.  In my opinion, a wedding has to be all about the couple wishes, hopes, dreams and character. So we decided that a secret wedding would make us both happy! When Nikos informed me that Venice hosts one of the oldest most beautiful Greek orthodox churches (the oldest and historically the most important church of the Orthodox Diaspora), tears of joy made their way! My decoration was inspired by Preston Bailey. His creations are all about going over-the-top, and he loves using orchids. So we decided to use orchids both for the church decorations and at the reception in shades of green and blue. My favorite piece is the decorated tree at the reception table with blue and green orchids, mini tea light candles and crystal pebbles. It was like a fairytale. As Nikos’ last name is Pagonis (in Greek, “peacock”) Astrid Mueller used the colors of the peacock in our wedding programs and announcement cards, plexiglass stirs, table card and cake topper. Astrid also introduced me to Marie at Emici Bridal, who created the most beautiful wedding bouquet out of silk flowers and green and blue brooches!

If I could give any advice? Find a planner who is a good listener and evokes trust, and don’t let anyone from the pastry chef to the wedding boutique stress you all about the “do’s and dont’s” of a wedding. Also, don’t let any last-minute mishaps (and believe me there will be some) make you lose your temper — try to enjoy every minute of your wedding and its preparations!

Wedding Photography + Videography: Andrea & Marcus / Wedding Planning: Andrea Naar Alba + Stella and Moscha (The Bride’s Company) / Wedding Flowers: Munaretto / Wedding Bouquet: Emici Bridal / Ceremony: San Giorgio dei Greci Church in Venice, Italy / Hotel + Reception: Ca Sagredo in Venice, Italy / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier “Amaranth” / Bride’s Bronze Pumps: Yves Saint Laurent / Bride’s Chandelier Earrings: Atlantis Jewels (atlantis@san.forthnet.gr) / Wedding Cake: Ramperti Roberto / Wedding Stationery + Plexiglass Details: Astrid Mueller / Hair + Makeup: Ina Ella Maurer, Maid of Honor / Wedding Bands: Tiffany / Engagement Ring: Nick the Greek in Santorini, Greece (nickthegreek@otenet.gr)

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Post tags: Andrea & Marcus, Andrea Naar Alba, Astrid Mueller, Atlantis Jewels, Blue, Ca Sagredo, Emici Bridal, Green, Ina Ella Maurer, Italy, Monique Lhuillier, Monique Lhuillier Amaranth, Munaretto, Nick the Greek, Peacock Theme, Ramperti Roberto, San Giorgio dei Greci Church, Stella and Moscha, Tiffany, Venice, Yves Saint Laurent
Post categories: Destination, Destination Weddings, Italy Weddings