Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog

Fall Flower Inspiration by Jessica’s Country Flowers

Abby Larson — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:44:00 +0000

We’ve had a crazy couple of days at SMP! My husband and I headed down to NY to attend Martha Stewart Wedding’s 15 Anniversary Party which was amazing, but we managed to get ourselves stuck on a train coming home for over six hours. It was brutal and needless to say, we are thrilled to be back among all of the pretty things at SMP. You can read all about the party over on BACKSTAGE right now!

We’ve been wanting to showcase Jessica’s Country Flowers for a long time and when we saw these gorgeous Fall inspired designs that she crafted for a recent wedding…we knew that this was the perfect feature. And seeing that the gorgeousness of Fall is in full effect we thought it was only fitting!

photos by Diane Parsons

Beautiful right? This is just the tip of the iceberg for Jessica. Her designs are always stunning, completely innovative and utterly timeless.

From Jessica…

We used low metal containers filled with antique green hydrangea, milva and black magic roses, rose hips and seeded eucalyptus. Madrid orange votive cups and clear votive cups scattered down the length of the table.The groom’s sister ironed and folded all of the multi color napkins (fall colors) and dressed the table along with her other brother. The bride’s bouquet was a hand tied bouquet of mango mini calla lilies, rose hips, milva & black magic roses, cinnamon color cymbidium orchids and seeded eucalyptus, wrapped with bronze/chocolate ribbon that had embroidery detailing and sequins. We added 3 vintage auburn rhinestone buttons down her stems for that vintage feel and extra detailing.

If you are ever in need of a little inspiration…Jessica is your girl. Her designs are simply beautiful! More coming up in just a bit!

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Post tags: bouquet, Centerpieces, Fall, Jessica's Country Flowers
Post categories: Wedding Flowers

Black & White Wedding In Wine Country From Gia Canali Photography

Eddye — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:53:33 +0000

Little Black Book member, Gia Canali describes herself as a globe-trotting photographer and writer who, along with her husband and dog, calls Los Angeles her home. She is, in our opinion, one of the best … photographer and writer! Her blog is entitled, “Pursuing The Picture Perfect Wedding” and is a marvelous compilation of tips, tricks, advice and even a few warnings all geared to help couples face their all-important day (and the camera) with zeal and confidence.

One of her recent blog posts is from Sonya and Kevin’s wedding, “Black and White Done Right”. We’re delighted to show you some of her beautiful images from their day …

Another fabulously talented Little Black Book member, Rebecca Feeney of Custom Event Group, designed and orchestrated Sonya & Kevin’s wedding. The color palette was black and white with apple green entertwined into every element. The result was a feeling of graceful, natural elegance.

Gia has provided all the lovely details on her blog and has many more photos that elaborate upon the day. There is also a ’steal these ideas’ section at the bottom of the post.

While you’re there, be sure to take a look at some of her other fantastic weddings! Her photography is pure genious!!

Congratulations Sonya & Kevin from all of us at Style Me Pretty!!

* * *

Credits ~ Custom Event Group, Event Designer, Michael Holmes Design, Florals; Elaine Bell, Catering; Milkfed Press, Save The Dates; Rivini, Gown;

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Post tags: California, Calistoga, Centerpieces, Color Palette Black White, Custom Event Group, Floating Floral Balls, Gia Canali, Hanging Lanterns, Napa, Pursuing the Picture Perfect Wedding, Rebecca Feeney, Wine Country
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Photography, Wedding Style

Bridal Party & Wedding Details From Mary & Justin Marantz

Eddye — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:03:55 +0000

You’ve seen the guy … you’ve seen the girl … and now for the rest of the bridal party!

We always LOVE the unposed, laid-back style of The Marantz’ group shots. What a wonderful bunch of friends Jenna & Joe have!

And just as wonderful was the reception and the floral decor. Tracy Romano Events and KD&J Botanica did a tremendous job …

At the end of the night, the Black Rock Yacht Club served the guests these adorable mini-burgers & fries!

Congratulations Jenna & Joe … you guys look like you had a fantastic wedding day!

And a HUGE thanks to Mary and Justin for allowing us to repost your fabulous work!

For more Marantz Moments … keep a close eye on their website!!

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Post tags: Boutonniere, Centerpieces, Connecticut, JD&K Botanica, Justin & Mary Marantz, Mini-Burgers, Placecards, Purple, Ring Pillow, Table Settings, Traci Romano Events
Post categories: Centerpieces, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Decor, Wedding Photography

Tables by Weddings by Socialites, II

Abby Larson — Fri, 29 May 2009 17:30:11 +0000

We are featuring some of the most lovely, and yet fuss free tables you’ve ever seen that the FABULOUS Kelly McWilliams crafted for SMP readers. For those of you that don’t know Kelly, she is a planner and designer out of Florida who has helps to orchestrate and design the smallest, most beautiful affairs to the largest, most lavish affairs. She is a complete talent and we are thrilled to show off some of her ideas!

the photographs were all taken by the absolutely wonderful Impressions Photography

From Kelly…This table is just classic. I always find that when I use Brown with Red the boldness that Red sometimes gives is much less abrasive. The 2 arrangements are just 2 dozen open red roses in glass cylinders wrapped half way in satin brown ribbon. To bring “elegant drama” to the table I added candlesticks in varying heights. I have to admit, I really love really tall candlesticks. The linen is a brown taffeta pintuck.

Don’t have the budget for roses? Skip them! The candlesticks look stunning on their own…and as Kelly told me, “Probably the most important thing to keep in mind if this is the direction you’re going in- make sure you have something to draw the eyes in. Texture and color usually work best.”

This is actually a combination of two gorgeous tables…the dining table and the cake table, perfectly complimenting each other with their simple, but modern style.

From Kelly…I used a potted Phalaenopsis orchid surrounded by 8 small floating candle cylinders filled with black river rock. Crisp white napkins folded in squares placed center on the white plates continue the clean modern look. Again, I used the apple green bengaline tablecloth. The 4 tier modern cake is from another Little Black Book member, Kakes by Karen.

* * *

Hasn’t this been so great! But guess what…it isn’t over! The incredible Rob Epple over at AMC Video has put together a gorgeous vignette of the day, with the designs that Kelly put together taking center stage.

Thank you so very much to Kelly and to Rob for putting together such a beautiful feature for us. We are so lucky to work with such talented artists!

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Post tags: AMC Video, Centerpieces, Kelly McWilliams, Table Settings, Weddings by Socialites
Post categories: Wedding Details, Wedding Photography

Centerpiece Ideas by Calluna Events

Abby Larson — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:29:31 +0000

Hope everyone had a great weekend! Thanks so much for all of the birthday well wishes…we had a great time, just hanging out at home, eating WAY too much chocolate and doing a little too much of nothing. Perfect way to kick off an all new decade.

We have kind of a hodge podge of stuff for you today, which is sometimes the best way to do it. A little something for everyone. First up, some really simple, but gorgeous centerpiece ideas that Calluna Events put together…

There is something so organically beautiful about the simplicity of these flowers. They are gorgeous enough to suit any wedding style and they are easy enough to do yourself! Here are some tips from Heather at Calluna Events…

These centerpieces can be as inexpensive (think carnations) or expensive (think orchids) as you want to make them. The only other cost is your vase which you can usually rent from a florist or purchase from a craft store such as Michaels. Flowers can be purchase in bulk from your local florist ahead of time. Once you get the flowers you just need to “process” them which just means to trim the excess leaves, thorns and bad stems off, cut the flowers stems down to the size that looks best for vase and plop them in. This is typically called “chop & plop” in the floral world.

So fun, so pretty! Oh and check out the new Calluna Events blog…filled with eye candy!

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Post tags: Calluna Events, Centerpieces, Flowers, Wedding Centerpieces
Post categories: Wedding Flowers, Wedding Planners & Designers

The Romance of Wedding Flowers From BLUSH Floral Design

Eddye — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:43:02 +0000

Elisabeth from BLUSH Floral Design in Connecticut sent us some photos of the flowers from Allison & Jon’s May 2008 wedding that are just so pretty … LOVE ‘em!

from Elizabeth …

Allison and Jon approached me to design the flowers for their May 2008 wedding at Water’s Edge Resort in Westbrook, Connecticut. Allison envisioned lush, romantic flowers in shades of yellows, peaches and creams designed in a freshly picked-from-the-garden style to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. She wanted to feature an abundance of Spring flowers such as Peonies, Ranunculus, Sweet Peas, with the addition of Garden Roses and other flowers with different textures.

For the ceremony and her personal flowers, Allison chose soft colors and a simple, romantic style.

For the cocktail hour and dinner reception, we incorporated the coral colored Peony to add a pop of color. The Bride’s vision was to create an intimate atmosphere in the reception room with warm colors and organically-styled centerpieces.

photography courtesy of Denise Cregier

Can’t imagine ANYTHING prettier!

Thanks to Little Black Book member, Elisabeth of BLUSH Floral Design for sharing!

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Post tags: BLUSH Floral Design, bouquet, Centerpieces, Connecticut, Denise Cregier, Peonies, Roses, Water's Edge Resort
Post categories: Bouquets, Centerpieces, Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Flowers

Real Wedding: Julia & Mike at The Carousel, V

Eddye — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:06:41 +0000

If you’re just joining us today, here’s a really quick re-cap … Julia & Mike’s wedding reception was at The Carousel At Lighthouse Point in Connecticut. Such a fantastic place to celebrate! Justin & Mary Marantz did an amazing job capturing all of the delicious details of the day!

Delish!

Just in case you missed the second post … those are drumsticks (above). Mike is a drummer and Julia secretly had them passed out to their guests at the church. When they were leaving the ceremony, much to Mike’s surprise, they were greeted by the clattering of the drumsticks. Pretty darned cute!

And this is one of my favorite shots from the day!

… more on the way …

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Post tags: Centerpieces, Cupcakes, Desserts, Drumsticks, favors, Justin Marantz, The Carousel at Lighthouse Point
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Real Weddings, Wedding Photography, Whimsical

Bringing The Outdoors In: Justine and Robert, II

Eddye — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:01:34 +0000

Now we want to show you a few of the specifics about Justine and Robert’s wedding at Nestldown in Los Gatos California from Little Black Book photographer, Gia Canali.

Justine & Robert really wanted an outdoor wedding, but opted to move inside for the reception since it’s a little chilly in northern California in October. The floral designer, Valley Flora, did a tremendous job “bringing the outdoors in!”

These are just a few of the many individual floral arrangements from the reception …

from Gia’s Blog: Pursuing the Picture Perfect Wedding …

Justine and Robert chose wonderful centerpieces that incorporated dahlias, orchids, pitcher plants, fresh in-season fruit, leaves, succulents, etc., in unique still-life style arrangements. I know I’m going a little overboard on the detail shots here … but I want to show the kind of variety I love, and how many natural elements were in their florals. Valley Flora from Napa did a wonderful job. These details were definitely “green” without being pretentious or showy.

Potted herbs adorned the outdoor cocktail tables and buffet created by Back to Earth Catering, which specializes in organic (and especially yummy) dishes from locally grown food.

And when you put it ALL together … voila! This is what you get!

Cake by Margaret’s French Bakery.

Lots more beautiful photos from Gia Canali Photography coming up in a bit …

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Post tags: Back To Earth Catering, Cake, California, Centerpieces, Dancing, Eco Friendly, Gia Canali Photography, Green Wedding, Herbs, Los Gatos, Melissa Sweet, Nestldown, Valley Flora
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Wedding Photography, Wedding Style

Wedding Centerpieces by La Partie Events, III

Abby Larson — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:05:55 +0000

Meg Fickling Pearson, the designer behind La Partie Events, just might be my new obsession. She’s designed so many chic centerpiece ideas using really basic materials and flowers that she found that day at her local flower market. Here is her next creation…

all photographs by Stephanie Kleinman of SDK Photo

Loving the modern candlesticks paired with the elegant yellow lilies. So ridiculously chic.

Materials
1 White IKEA Blomster Vase, short $7.99
1 White IKEA Blomster Vase, short round $3.99
1 Set IKEA White Blomster Candle Holders $19.99
3 IKEA White Jubla Taper Candles $4.99 / 4 pack
2 Yards IKEA Katarina Fabric $7.99 / yard
Yellow Water Lily Flowers $43.75 per bunch

Notes from Meg…

Place 2-3 yellow water lilies in vases using varying heights for each bloom. Fill vases all the way to the top so all the stems receive water. Arrange on table on each side of the candles as shown in photo. The look should be balanced, but not too balanced.

* * *

Meg’s next centerpiece is SO chic. It’s simple, it’s modern and it would look great in a budget friendly affair, or with the high rollers in a lavish loft style wedding. Love the versatility of the design.

all photographs by Stephanie Kleinman of SDK Photo

Materials
3 CB2 Long Neck Vases
2 Yards IKEA Katarina Fabric $7.99 / yard
Yellow Eremurus Flower $25.00 per bunch

Instructions and Notes
Place yellow eremurus in vases minimalistically, 2-3 stems in each depending on how full the blooms are. Fill vases all the way to the top so all the stems receive water. Arrange on table on as shown in photo.

So much more on the way!

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Post tags: Centerpieces, DIY Centerpieces, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Florals, Flowers, La Partie Events, Meg
Post categories: Centerpieces, DIY Projects, Wedding Decor, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Planners & Designers

Wedding Centerpieces by La Partie Events, II

Abby Larson — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:10:00 +0000

There is so much inspiration on SMP today, it’s hard to believe it! We are devouring the designs that Meg of La Partie Events crafted for us, using simple vessels she found at IKEA and flowers that she picked up at the LA Flower Mart. Here are a few more of her gorgeous creations!

all photographs by Stephanie Kleinman of SDK Photo

Materials
1 White IKEA Blomster Vase, medium round $9.99
1 White IKEA Blomster Vase, tall $9.99
1 White IKEA Blomster Vase, short $7.99
2 Yards IKEA Katarina Fabric $7.99 / yard
2 White Round IKEA Florera Candles $4.99 Each
Pink Anemone Flowers $18.75 per bunch
Yellow Acacia Flower $12.50 per bunch
Yellow Water Lily Flowers $43.75 per bunch

Instructions
Place pink anemones, yellow acacia, yellow water lilies in vases using the above photo for inspiration. Fill vases all the way to the top so all the stems receive water. Arrange on table as shown in photo.

* * *

The beauty in the arrangements that Meg designed is that they stand alone gorgeously, and yet each of the centerpieces would look lovely mixed and matched among different tables. We have so much more one the way!

all photographs by Stephanie Kleinman of SDK Photo

Materials
1 White IKEA Blomster Vase, tall $9.99
1 White IKEA Blomster Vase, short $7.99
2 White IKEA Kapa Pots $4.99 each
2 Yards IKEA Katarina Fabric $7.99 / yard
3 White Round IKEA Florera Candles $4.99 each
Yellow Acacia Flower $12.50 per bunch
Yellow Water Lily Flowers $43.75 per bunch
White China Mums $18.75 per bunch

Instructions
Place yellow acacia, yellow water lilies and white china mums in vases. Since these flowers look great no matter how they are placed, use as many or as few as you’d like until you achieve the look that you love. Fill vases all the way to the top so all the stems receive water. Arrange on table as shown in photo.

* * *

Or pair down the look a bit and go for something simple and chic!

all photographs by Stephanie Kleinman of SDK Photo

Materials
1 White IKEA Stockholm Vase $34.99
2 Yards IKEA Katarina Fabric $7.99 / yard
Yellow Acacia Flower $12.50 per bunch
White Hydrangea Flower $25.00 per bunch

A Few Notes…
Place white hydrangeas and yellow acacia flower in vase, grouping the hydrangeas together and filling in with the acacia. Fill vase all the way to the top so all the stems receive water. Arrange on table as shown in photo.

So much more to come from the FABULOUS Meg!!

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Post tags: Centerpieces, DIY Centerpieces, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Flowers, La Partie Events, Meg
Post categories: Centerpieces, DIY Projects, Wedding Decor, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Planners & Designers

Wedding Centerpieces by La Partie Events

Abby Larson — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 16:10:27 +0000

Okay, on to our first centerpiece idea designed and crafted by the ridiculously talented Meg Fickling Pearson of La Partie Events. If you plan on designing your own florals, these are great inspiration, as they are all very simple and yet unbelievable striking. Plus, Meg has included the retail cost of all materials so you’ll really know what you are dealing with…

all photographs by Stephanie Kleinman of SDK Photo

Materials
1 White IKEA Stockholm Vase $34.99
1 White IKEA Blomster Vase, medium round $9.99
1 White IKEA Blomster Vase, small round $3.99
1 White IKEA Blomster Vase, medium $9.99
5 Clear Glass IKEA Glimma Tea Light Holders $1.99/6 pack
5 White IKEA Glimma Tea Lights $5.99 / 24 pack
3 White IKEA Mjallby Candles $2.99 each
2 Yards Striped IKEA Elisabet Fabric $8.99 / yard
Pink Lepto Flower $11.25 per bunch
Pink Cherry Blossom $22.50 per bunch
Pink Anemone Flowers $18.75 per bunch
Pink Cactus Flowers $12.50 per bunch

Notes from Meg…

Place pink lepto, pink cherry blossom, pink anemone and pink cactus flower to fit in each vase. Fill vases all the way to the top so all the stems receive water. Arrange on table as shown in photo.

Here is another, slightly more modest variation of the same idea, using different linens and adorning with different accessories…

all photographs by Stephanie Kleinman of SDK Photo

Materials
1 White IKEA Blomster Vase, medium round $9.99
2 Yards IKEA Katarina Fabric $7.99 / yard
2 White Round IKEA Florera Candles $4.99 Each
Pink Anemone Flowers $18.75 per bunch

Notes from Meg…

Place pink anemone in vase. Fill vase all the way to the top so all the stems receive water. Arrange on table as shown in photo.

So much more inspiration from Meg at La Partie Events on the way! Even if you aren’t into DIY centerpieces, the eye candy is enough to make you jump for joy.

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Post tags: Centerpieces, DIY Centerpieces, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, La Partie Events, Meg
Post categories: Centerpieces, DIY Projects, Wedding Decor, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Planners & Designers

Centerpiece Ideas from La Partie Events, II

Abby Larson — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:27:18 +0000

Before I show you the absolute gorgeousness that Meg of La Partie Events sent over, I wanted to share a few more pictures of her morning of shopping at the LA flower mart, as well as a few shots of Meg crafting the centerpieces for SMP. If you can’t already tell, I am madly in love with today’s feature…

And a few more bits of eye candy from Meg and SDK Photography…

Coming up, the gorgeous centerpieces that Meg designed for SMP! YAY!

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Post tags: Centerpieces, DIY Centerpieces, DIY Flowers, La Partie Events
Post categories: Centerpieces, DIY Projects, Wedding Decor, Wedding Flowers

DIY Centerpieces by Custom Event Group

Abby Larson — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:50:39 +0000

As I mentioned yesterday, over the coming weeks, we are going to be featuring the loveliest DIY centerpieces that have been crafted by our favorite Little Black Book planners, designers and florists especially for SMP readers. Today’s feature, designed by the fabulous (and I mean seriously fabulous) Rebecca Feeney of Custom Event Group in the Bay Area, is one of the best. Together with florist Kathy Hoffman, the girls designed a gracefully mismatched collection of centerpieces that would make any bride swoon.

From the oh-so-talented Rebecca…

Ellen’s wedding is an all time favorite of mine, it radiated with authenticity. We featured her amazing collection of glass and old fashionedmilk glass from her mid west home town. She shipped it to us in bubble wrap and boxes and it was like Christmas unwrapping each and every treasured piece. On her wedding day, each dining table was totally unique; it’s quite cost effective and nourishing for one’s creative side to dig around and see what’s in the china cabinet to use for centerpieces.

Materials (prices are based on California, Bay area averages)

White Snowberry – 3.5/stem
Copper colored peony foliage – 2.5/stem
umbrella fern – 3.75/stem
nandina leaves in green/copper and plum – tough to quote per stem!
peach and apricot hypernium berries – 3.00 per bunch
soft bronze calla lilies – 8.00 per bunch (a few go a long way, only use these on a couple tables)
coral passion vine buds and tendrils – 4.50/stem
aged antique colored hydrangeas – 12.00/stem
various garden roses (singing in the rain, fair bianca, evelyn, just joey, caramel antique, and juliet) 4-7.00 per stem
peachy/apricot small spray roses – 4.00/stem
large dahlias, cafe au lait – 4.50/stem

….and a few more types of foliage, wander through your own or a friends garden to gather artistic types of speciality foliage

Notes

The first steps…decide upon the look and direction you want. For example, do you want a cozy wedding with enamel ware and lots of lanterns, or an old fashioned elegant look? Next, pull all your containers that speak to your ‘direction’, and stand back and look, then start creating groupings. If you don’t have enough of one, fill in with another shape or glass, try to stretch your collection to however many tables you have…8 round tables = about 15 vessels. And if you need a few more pieces, scan the shelves of your local Cost Plus, thrift store or even flea markets…you won’t believe how easily you’ll fill in the gaps. The beauty of this look hinges on the careful balance of shapes.

* * *

If you haven’t already checked out Custom Event Group, it’s an absolute must-have. Rebecca’s collection of galleries will literally make you jump for joy, filled with the sweetest inspirations and wedding ideas a girl could ever want!

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Post tags: Centerpieces, Custom Event Group, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Kathy Hoffman, Rebecca Feeny
Post categories: DIY Projects, Wedding Decor, Wedding Favors & Gifts

DIY Centerpieces by Event Jubilee

Abby Larson — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:01:41 +0000

A while back, we asked all of you to let us know what you’d like to see more of in 2009. One of the most requested ideas was DIY! So, with my forever quest to feature DIY projects that are stylish, chic and affordable, I recruited the help of some of our Little Black Book event planners and florist.

We’ve collected a fabulous bunch of gorgeous and totally easy DIY centerpiece ideas that we are so excited to share with you! So, over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be featuring do-it-yourself ideas, sprinkled in with our always beautiful real weddings and inspirations.

The first project was sent to us by the insanely talented Candace Dowling of Event Jubilee. Candace is one of our favorite Little Black Book members, thanks to her impeccable eye for chic, approachable style. If you’re in Connecticut and lucky enough to work with Candace, we would LOVE to hear from you! If not, definitely check out Candace’s site as it’s filled to the brim with GORGEOUS ideas and inspirations!

From Candace of Jubilee Events…

Materials

1 cake stand (free)
2 apothecary jars (free)
3 vintage coke bottles (free)
1 tall pillar candle & 1 short in yellow ($2 – dollar store)
1 black frame stand ($1.99 – Michaels craft store)
2 sheets of 8.5×11 yellow cardstock for paper chargers (.25 ea at craft store)
3 yards of eyelet fabric ($5.99 yard – fabric store)
White card stock for menu
1 lace corner punch for menu ($9.99 – craft store)

Flowers

1 stem white hydrangea
1 stem green hydrangea
1 ½ dozen circus roses (aren’t they divine?!)
1 bushel of fancy yellow tulips (5 total used)
2 football mums
3 stems white lisianthus
$60 wholesale

Details

I can’t wait for Spring, so I put together a preppy, fresh, and fun tablescape inspired by the seasons really hot color: yellow. I used Apothecary jars that I already owned as vases, a cake stand by Martha Stewart that I owned, and vintage coke bottles that I had in the closet. For a runner, I purchased white eyelet fabric from a local fabric store and pinned it together. I wanted something fun for our charger, and opted to use a really thick yellow card stock in a standard 8.5×11 size. I love the pop of color behind the white plate! I added in a few yellow pillar candles, too. I designed the menu card inspired by our kate spade “tidbit” plates, which were also used in the design. The menu has a lace corner punch to tie into the eyelet.

More from Candace at Jubilee Events…

From start to finish, it took about 20 minutes to put this tablescape together – and that even included ironing our pinned (note: not sewn!) eyelet runner. For your wedding day, if you are doing it yourself, it is important to make things uncomplicated. There are three pieces of advice that I can offer: keep your floral arrangements simple by grouping the same flowers together in different vessels, arrange in odd groupings as it is more pleasing to the eye, and be a fan of inconsistencies, which will allow for each table to have its own personality. It would be challenging to duplicate this centerpiece at 10 tables exactly, but if you are open to variation, it can be easy and fun! Use different clear containers, borrow cake stands from family and friends, shop at vintage stores, flea markets, tag sales, and craigslist for your supplies!

To get the template for the round menu, click right here. To get the template for the rectangular menu, click right here.

So much more to come today!

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Post tags: Candace Dowling, Centerpieces, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Jubilee Events
Post categories: DIY Projects, The Blog, Wedding Planners & Designers

Pennsylvania Charm From Amanda Kraft Photography

Eddye — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:37:56 +0000

Today’s featured Little Black Book Photographer is Amanda Kraft, an amazing talent in Pennsylvania. But as you all know, amazing photographers almost ALWAYS have the itch to travel … pretty much anywhere! Seriously, always keep that in the back of your mind. If you see a photographer’s work (or a cinematographer or pretty much any other wedding professional mentioned here on SMP and the LBBB), more than likely, they would LOVE to talk to you! That’s why we always encourage you to take a look at their websites and blogs, no matter where you are having your wedding. Sorry, off my soapbox … and back to today’s wedding!

A lonnnnng time ago, Amanda sent us one of her favorite weddings and as luck would have it, one of those pesky little SMP elves came around and buried the images deep within our overflowing SMP gallery. Eeeeeeee–gads! Should I even admit that? But all is well now at SMP, and Caitie and Mike’s wedding was re-discovered … it’s simply charming.

Caitie and Mike’s Appleford Estate Wedding in Villanova, Pennsylvania from Amanda Kraft Photography…

During the ceremony one of Caitie’s bridesmaids sang a song entitled “Favorite Day,” bringing tears to everyone’s eyes. Guests enjoyed cocktails on the grounds at Appleford, with a tented dinner and dancing following.

Fun Wedding Story From Caitie … “For the rehearsal dinner I had one of my bridesmaids alter my mothers floral polyester wedding dress to something halter and shorter. It looked great and my mother loved it! We had a picture of her in it next to the placecards. We didn’t realize it until later, but her dress was the exact colors I had already picked for my wedding! Spooky!”

Amanda asked Caitie, “If there is one thing that you want to express about your wedding day, what would it be?” Her reply, “It was the most fun I have ever had at a wedding! The energy was amazing, and I didn’t want the evening to end!”

How they met? Caitie and Mike first met while Caitie was waiting tables on a Sunday afternoon in December. Mike came in because it was cold out and she decided to give him whatever he wanted free, just to get him to stay. They’ve been together since Dec. 2001.

Caitie’s proposal story … “During a trip to Rome, Mike proposed. He ended up having to go with his “plan C” because plan A, the Spanish Steps, was a bust (drunk teenagers everwhere) and then I ruined plan B, the Opera. I had been up for 36 hours from the flight and was tired. He proposed in our cute little hotel room in the morning after a good night sleep, starting his proposal with “Do you wouloooooolike this room?”

A few more of the details from Caitie and Mike’s wedding …

Wedding Gown Designer and Description: Atelier Aimee. Strapless, empire waist, pearl beading on the top and silk charmeuse on the bottom.

Tux Designers: Demetrios, Destiny Sand, Two Button Notch Suit.

Something Blue, Something New, Something Borrowed? Blue was the garter from her mother, old & borrowed was her great grandmother’s handkerchief and something new was the dress.

Cake: Instead of a traditional wedding cake, Caitie opted for 5 flavors of cupcakes from Doughmain Baked Goods (cute name for a baker!).

Floral Design from Offshoots: The centerpieces were made of red & green grapes and green apples, roses, daisies, fiddle head ferns and hydrangeas.

Event Coordinator- Merissa Kilbrith, Perfect Weddings

Caterer- Feastivities (LBB Member)

Officiate- Elizabeth Frumin

A huge thanks to Amanda Kraft Photography for sharing Caitie & Mike’s absolutely charming wedding with us on The Little Black Book Blog!

For more of her work, check out her website and blog. And HERE is another of Amanda’s weddings {Melissa & Rob} that we featured on Style Me Pretty!

AND NOW … by popular demand, is a photo that Caitie just sent in of her REHEARSAL DINNER dress (read the story above for the particulars!).

SO PRETTY! (photo on right provided by the lovely Caitie)

Thanks again to Amanda Kraft Photography, a terrific photographer listed in Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book of Wedding Professionals.

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Post tags: Amanda Kraft Photography, Appleford Estate, Apples, Atelier Aimee, Centerpieces, Cupcakes, Pennsylvania, Tented Reception, Villanova
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Photography, Wedding Style