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From the Bride…I always dreamed of getting married in the backyard of the home I grew up in on Long Island and turning it into an enchanted, magical venue.  Unfortunately for me, my parents moved to Florida a few years ago and the home my dream-wedding destination was no longer available.  I had to find a warm, inviting and naturally beautiful setting and fortunately, I came across an estate on Gianna and Company’s web site.  The home was perfect and had everything I had ever dreamed of having for my wedding and more;  including the option of having our ceremony on a beautiful, sprawling lawn with the setting sun and Pacific Ocean as the backdrop.

The ceremony was very romantic – no matter where you looked there was something beautiful to take in: the side of the home is covered with ivy, while another wall is lined with dark, green Ficus trees. Our dinner reception was on a lovely travertine patio overlooking the moon lit ocean.  One of the biggest inspirations for my wedding was the movie, “Father of the Bride”.  This is one of my favorite movies, and I always felt the wedding scene was beyond charming.  I loved all the twinkle lights with the low flowers and candles, which I incorporated into the night’s design.

I have two favorite memories from my wedding.  The first one came during our first dance, when a gorgeous double-rainbow formed in the sky above us (my mother is convinced it was her parents looking down on us). My second favorite memory is everyone dancing together towards the end of the night, celebrating our love, waving lit sparklers in the night sky (we had the wait staff hand them out to the guests on the dance floor). I wanted everyone to dine under the stars surrounded by crystal chandeliers and Fellini lights above them. My dream wedding came true.

Wedding Photography: Heather Kincaid Photographer / Event Planning + Estate Location: Gianna and Company / Caterer: The Food Matters / Wedding Videography: Lola Film & Video / Floral Design: Brad Austin / Band: James Gang Encore / DJ (Ceremony + After Party): Kane Fortune / Pipe + Drape: Pipe Dream Events / Lighting: The Lighter Side / Rentals: The Korman Group / Make-up: Luxe Beauty Team / Hair: Nine Zero One Salon / Bride’s Shoes: Manolo Blahnik (Ceremony) + Jimmy Choo (Reception Flat Sandals) / Wedding Dress: Carolina Herrera

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Post tags: Brad Austin, Carolina Herrara, Gianna and Company, Heather Kincaid, James Gang Encore, Jimmy Choo, Kane Fortune, Lola Film, Luxe Beauty Team, Manolo Blanhnik, Nine Zero One Salon, Pipe Dream Events, Rustic Wedding, The Food Matters, The Korman Group, The Lighter Side, Washington
Post categories: The Blog, Traditional Elegance

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Stephen and I were married amongst 70 of our loved ones in the beautiful Carmel Valley on 10.10.10 during one of the most spectacular evenings we’ve ever experienced in Northern California.   Our friends and families, many from the East Coast, marveled at the breathtaking scenery and the hidden gem that we chose as the site of our special day, Holman Ranch.   I visited Holman over 15 years ago as part of my job as a then Corporate Event Planner and it never left my memory.  When we were looking for a location for our intimate fall wedding, I knew that the authentically preserved and rustic California backdrop would be the perfect spot for what we hoped would be a laid-back but elegant wedding.

We wanted the day to be about celebrating the things that we value most- our relationship, the blessings of family and enduring friendships. We also wanted to share all the wonderful flavors and scenery of our adopted home. We exchanged vows against the backdrop of the Santa Lucia Highlands with my two daughters and Stephen’s nephews as our attendants.  My dress, an ivory Carolina Herrera trumpet gown made of rich silk-brocade, was a dream (bought in an online sample sale- believe it or not!)  and I wore my favorite flower, a gardenia, in my hair.  I pinned a small locket to my bouquet with a blue ribbon holding a photo of my father who passed away five years ago. The thought of him watching us from above made me cry as my mother walked me down the aisle.

After the ceremony we all enjoyed a spectacular meal together at one long King’s table under a candlelit arbor that smelled of rosemary and was encircled by harvest inspired décor, floating gardenias and bronze pashmina party favors on the lady’s chairs.  The local and sustainable menu featured passed butternut squash amuse bouche shooters, heirloom tomato caprese salad, herb infused rack of lamb, Israeli couscous, garden vegetable medley, grilled chicken with apricot chutney and a variety of great local wines to compliment the meal.

After the toasts were given against the backdrop of a gorgeous Carmel Valley Sunset, we all moved into the Carriage House decorated with candlelight and amber glowing lanterns.  While the 17 children in attendance (and our dog) ran around the Ranch on a photo safari and made S’mores at the outdoor firepit,  we had our first dance to Etta Jame’s “At Last” and the adults enjoyed cupcakes, cocktails and a custom cigar bar. As the fabulous night came to an end I wished that I could keep everyone, all my loved ones, there in that wonderful moment and in that special place.  Stephen says that if heaven is anything like our wedding day, then he’s ready to go now.  Sign me up too!

Wedding Event Design and Planning: Soiree by Simone / Floral Design: Christine Cater Wedding and Floral Designs / Catering: Paradise Catering / Cake: Petals and Pastries / Photography: Alex Johnson of AJPhotographer / Location: Holman Ranch / Cheese & Wine: The Carmel Cheese Shop / Dress: Carolina Herrera /Shoes: Vintage

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 12 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: AJPhotographer, California Weddings, Carolina Herrara, Christine Cater, Holman Ranch, Paradise Catering, Petals and Pastries, Soiree by Simone, The Carmel Cheese Shop
Post categories: California Weddings, Carmel Weddings, Casual Elegance, The Blog

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Sarah & Jeremy were married August 7, 2010 in Newport, Rhode Island.  Sarah and Jeremy live in NYC and hired Raina Dawn Events to coordinate their destination wedding weekend.  The weekend kicked off with a rehearsal dinner at The White Horse Tavern on Friday night after guests checked into the Hotel Viking.  Newport was buzzing that weekend with the Jazz Festival in town and everyone was lucky because come Saturday there was the most perfect summer Newport weather!

Working closely with the bride and groom, the wedding day started early with all 75 guests arriving at 11:00 a.m. ceremony at The Kay Chapel.  Sayles Livingston, a fellow Little Black Book Member, designed all of the beautiful florals on the wedding day, while Carrie Rodman Wedding Photography captured every detail and moment with such beauty.  Sarah and I worked closely on both the wedding day events, as well as all of the fabulous details that were incorporated into the weekend.

Starting with a welcome galvanized tin of goodies representing Newport and Michigan, the bride’s hometown, the basket was full with everything from vintage postcards with history of all of the wedding weekend venues, custom designed maps of Newport, and much more.  They included muslin bags that Sarah hand stamped and filled with vintage style candies (i.e. “Eat at your own Risk” FireBalls, Lemondrops,  Fun Dip), along with vintage looking candles and matches.  In addition to the fabulous gift baskets in every guests hotel room, Sarah also had a number of other DIY projects she took on, like her vintage picture framed Menu Card Board and Escort card board.  Sarah also collects vintage McCoy vases so each table at the reception at OceanCliff had a large white McCoy vase along with a miniature animal McCoy vase that held the table number letterpress cards. Sarah also loves paper, so when it came to her invitations she had Mika 78 produce gorgeous letterpress invitations with a “Welcome to Newport- Wedding Weekend Events Guide” and Tara Jones provided the beautiful calligraphy.

Once the guests witnessed Sarah and Jeremy tie the knot at The Kay Chapel, the bride and groom got in The Hotel Viking London Cab and all the guests headed to OceanCliff for their afternoon wedding reception on the breathtaking coast of Newport.  As the sailboats went by, guests had cocktails out on the lawn and then were ushered into the ballroom for the wedding reception.  For something sweet the Sarah and Jeremy didn’t want the traditional wedding cake, so they opted for the fabulous whoopee pies from Cranberry Island Kitchen.  They were flown into Newport from Maine and Sarah had another DIY project, she color coated with adorable little flags  so guests knew which flavor of whoopee pie they were choosing on the whoopee pie buffet.

The wedding day festivities didn’t end there.  All the guests were then whisked away for a sunset sail on the Schooner Aurora.  Sarah and Jeremy met on Match.com, so when Sarah told me she saw this cute card by Snow & Graham that said “Perfect Match- Caution This Is One HOT ITEM”  I went right to work to have custom made napkins done up with this logo for their sail.

It was such a joy working with Sarah and Jeremy on their destination Newport, RI wedding.  Thanks to all the vendors, Sarah’s DIY vintage projects, and months of planning and coordinating with Sarah and Jeremy, the outcome was a beautiful, fun, intimate, personalized wedding with their own style and flair that truly shined through!

Event Planning and Design: Raina Dawn Events / Photography: Carrie Rodman / Flowers: Sayles Livingston Flowers / Ceremony Location: Kay Chapel Newport, Rhode Island / Reception Location: OceanCliff Newport, Rhode Island / Reception Sunset Sail: Schooner Aurora Newport, Rhode Island / Invitations: Mika 78 / Invitation Calligraphy: Tara Jones Calligraphy / Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Dress: Carolina Herrera, Kleinfeld Bridal / Entertainment: Melissa Woolverton and Rick Costa Band / Hair: LaLaLuxe Salon / Makeup: Makeup by Maggie Leonard / Whoopie Pies: Cranberry Island Kitchen / Perfect Match Napkins: Snow and Graham; ForYourParty.com / Accommodations: Hotel Viking Newport, Rhode Island

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Post tags: Carolina Herrara, Carrie Rodman, Cranberry Island Kitchen, For Your Party, Hotel Viking, Jimmy Choo, Kay Chapel, Klienfeld, LaLaLuxe Salon, Maggie Leonard, Melissa Woolverton, Mika78, Newport, OceanCliff, Raina Dawn Events, Rhode Island, Rick Costa Band, Sayles Livingston Flowers, Schooner Aurora, Tara Jones Calligraphy
Post categories: The Blog, Traditional Elegance

So first, I wanted to start with the super wearable pieces that I fell in love with, designed by some of the major industry players…

Top Row: All gowns are by the amazing Badgley Mischka, as seen on Brides.com
Center Row: All gowns by Caroline Herrera, as seen on Brides.com
Bottom Row: All gowns by Monique Lhuillier, as seen on Brides.com

How beautiful are these dresses? So ethereal and romantic. And yet at the same time, they all have a little somethin-somethin that makes them more than just a simple sheath.

Later today, I am going to talk about my picks from some of the smaller designers…those great up and comers that are putting out such thoughtfully designed pieces. I can’t wait to share my favorites! And, after that, I have some really brilliant picks for those not-so-wearable, but oh-so-cool gowns.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2007. | Permalink | 1 comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Badgley Mischka, Bridal Fashion Industry, Carolina Herrara, Monique Lhuillier, Wedding Dresses
Post categories: Wedding Dresses, Wedding Fashion

Trendy. Perhaps the last word on earth you should think about when choosing your wedding dress. Well, sort of. Wedding dresses, in my opinion, should fit the following description…

Something timeless. Something flattering. Something that makes you feel jaw-droppingly beautiful.

And sometimes, that perfect dress just happens to be an “of the moment, oh-so-now” creation. So, let’s take a moment to review the season’s biggest wedding dress trends.

The Sheath
Ahh, this is my favorite new wedding dress style. So romantic and elegant. Sweet, but intriguing.

Top Row: Carolina Herrera and Rosa Clara. Bottom Row: Badgley Mischka and Vera Wang. All photos via Brides.

The layers of wispy fabric and the romantic, unstructured cut are perfect for a really feminine, or bohemian bride. I love that this season’s sheaths have stunning detail work, whether it be a gorgeous ribbon or delicate beading. The end result is pure bliss.

The sheath is really best on slender women…because it doesn’t have a lot of shape to the cut, the sheath may make a pear shaped woman look frumpy.

The Mini
Hmmm. I have a love hate with this season’s Mini Wedding Dresses. There is something chic and European about them that I adore. And yet, they require the perfect setting to really become a wedding gown.

Top row: Vera Wang. Bottom Row: Oscar and Vera Wang

So what is the perfect setting? Perhaps a casual garden wedding, a ultra sophisticated city wedding in Paris, a quirky but romantic bash at an art gallery. A really great pair of ballet flats (for the garden variety) or a killer pair of stilettos (for the chic of heart) will update this cute look.

The Mermaid
I really don’t like the name “the mermaid.” For such a gorgeous silhouette, it reminds me of Ariel swimming around singing about her long lost love. With that said, The Mermaid look is all the rage…rightfully so. It’s one part sexy, one part sophisticated and there is no doubt, the boys love this look. A thin layer of lace or chiffon will soften up the cut…

Top Row: Amsale & Elizabeth Fillmore. Bottom Row: Reem Acra & Ramona Keveza

If you choose a mermaid style gown, make sure that the flair happens at the right spot. Choose a high end seamstress to help you make this happen. Otherwise, a too high flair might make your rear look too large…a too low flair might make it difficult to walk.

And alas Spring of 2008 is now upon us with the European Runways just debuting their collections. Our next wedding dress trends article will feature some of the highlights from these gorgeous shows.

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Post tags: Amsale, Badgley Mischka, Carolina Herrara, Elizabeth Fillmore, Oscar De La Renta, Ramona Keveza, Reem Acra, Rosa Clara, Vera Wang, Wedding Dresses, Wedding Trends
Post categories: Wedding Dresses, Wedding Fashion

One of my readers asked if I would do a little round-up of some of my favorite gowns for 2007….Um, of course!!! I still honestly believe that my wedding gown is the most beautiful gown ever in the history of wedding gowns, but I suppose there are some pretty ones out there this season. Just teasing. To me, a wedding gown is a lot like a child. Yours is always better.

Here are some of my favorites for 2007…

Okay, let’s discuss. The top row are gowns that are a little more traditional. With that said, each one is completely infused with a contemporary style that I love. From the left, the designers are Melissa Sweet, Jim Hjelm and Amsale. I loooove the Amsale dress. It reminds me of something that Chloe from Project Runway would do.

The second row gowns are all a bit more flowy…almost grecian. This style, for now, is more of what I gravitate towards. It just feels whispy and romantic. I envision a low, very loose bun and antique gold earings to complete the look. I am still kind of obsessed with lace and I love that these designers brought in a very sexy appeal to such a traditional fabric. Designer on the left is Oscar de la Renta and the center/right are Badgley Mischka.

The gowns on the third row are sweet, almost innocent. And yet, they seem so timeless and elegant to me. I absolutely love the detailing on each of these gowns…the first has such a pretty silhouette, the second has gorgeous lace detailing without seeming over the top and the third has such beautiful layering. You don’t see gowns like this often. From the left, the designers are Angel Sanchez, Carolina Herrera and Angel Sanchez again.

If you know about my love affair with all things Vera, you are probably wondering why I don’t have any of her designs up here. To be honest, it’s a totally different beast. Tomorrow, I am going to have my new favorite Vera dresses…I thought they deserved a post all on their own.

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Post tags: Amsale, Angel Sanchez, Badgley Mischka, Carolina Herrara, Chloe, Jim Hjelm, Melissa Sweet, Oscar De La Renta, Vera Wang, Wedding Gowns
Post categories: Wedding Dresses, Wedding Fashion