My husband and I had a New England coastal wedding last June in Martha’s Vineyard, MA. The colors were lavender and tiffany blue. Simple but elegant was our goal with a touch of New England charm and style. We grew up in the same Connecticut shoreline town. (I actually played his pregnant wife in a high school play.) Despite growing up in the same town, our romantic paths didn’t intertwine until years later in New York City. I’d been traveling to Martha’s Vineyard for the summers since I was a young girl with and my husband proposed in Oak Bluffs a year and a half ago on a family vacation.

My husband and I custom made the escort cards – they were old postcards from our hometown in Madison Connecticut. The table names were all first date places of ours. The guest favors and attendant gifts were from local island vendors. Our favorite parts of the day had to be the authentic New England raw bar featured during the cocktail hour and the disguised touches of New York we brought with us – our fantastic DJ and groom’s college friend and the New York Yankee cookies that we included in the welcome bags. We had to stay true to our second favorite city after all!

Photography: David Murray Wedding Photography / Flowers: Lynda Dandaneau / Event Planning & Design: Bride and Mother of the Bride / Ceremony Location: Edgartown Lighthouse / Catering & Reception Location: Lambert’s Cove Inn / Invitations: Mr. Boddington’s / Bride’s Accessories: Jennifer Behr / Dress: Amsale / Groom’s Attire: Brooks Brothers / Maid of Honor’s Attire: J.Crew / DJ: Chris Sealey / Guest favors: Chillmark Chocolates / Welcome Bags: Dylan’s Candy Bar / Attendant Gifts: Midnight Farm / Linen rentals: Magnolia Linens / Cupcakes: Sweet E’s Cupcakes

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Post tags: Amsale Brooks Brothers, Beach Wedding, Casual Elegance, Chillmark Chocolates, Chris Sealey, Cigars, Color Palette Blue Purple, Cupcakes, Dandaneau Flowers, David Murray Wedding Photography, Dylan's Candy Bar, Edgartown Lighthouse, J. Crew, Jennifer Behr, Lambert's Cove Inn, Lighthouse, Lynda Dandaneau, Magnolia Linens, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, Midnight Farm, Mr. Boddington's, Ring Bearers, Seashells, Sweet E's Cupcakes, Wedding Photographers
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog

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From the Bride… I was set up with my now husband by a college roommate, who went to high school with Tim in Michigan. I had recently moved from the East Coast to Chicago for work, and she wanted to play matchmaker. I protested fiercely. She gave him my number anyway.  One two hour phone call, and back to back Friday, Saturday & Sunday dates later, I was smitten! Tim proposed just over one year later while picnicking at our favorite spot overlooking the Lake Michigan.

As we live in Chicago and good portion of both of our families reside in the midwest, it only made sense to begin planning for a Chicago wedding. After looking at numerous venues, we didn’t find much we were excited about. We regrouped, thought about what we truly wanted from our wedding (namely an awesome outdoor venue and a killer party for our guests) and made the decision to get married in Northern California where I grew up. From that moment on, everything came together, in great part to my parents, who were our eyes, ears and voices while we tried to plan from 2,000 miles away.

Tim & I wanted our reception location, B.R. Cohn Winery in Glen Ellen, to be the star of the day. With unbelievable vineyard views, we capitalized on the beauty of our surroundings by using lots of natural materials. For the reception we set up long wooden Calistoga tables topped with burlap runners, wooden table numbers painstakingly stained by my Dad, and low centerpieces of local dahlias, hyndrangeas, Bells of Ireland (a nod to our shared heritage), and loads of votives. Heather Murdock of Blue Orchid Floral truly understood the feeling of the day, and enhanced our surroundings rather than competing with them.  We acknowledged our winery venue by displaying the place cards in used wine corks (again, thanks to my parents for spending hours upon hours gluing them together!) and having our guests sign a book of Sonoma wineries that we now have on our coffee table and look at often. We highlighted the olive grove setting of the dinner by decorating our delicious cake with olive branches, set up a cigar bar by the fire pit for those who wanted a break from the dancing, and offered wraps to all the ladies in case the weather turned chilly.

One of my favorite memories of the day was walking into the church on my Dad’s arm, and seeing the faces of every single person who is important to us. I felt overwhelmed with love, especially when I saw my handsome groom’s face at the end of the aisle. In all photos from our Catholic ceremony (which we thought would be formal and solemn), Tim & I have the goofiest grins on our face…we were just so happy to be getting married! I also loved our first dance. Despite being watched by 150 guests, I felt like we were all alone on the dance floor, singing our favorite song to one another. Another magical moment occurred during the speeches. My Dad killed it- he had everyone laughing, and I was in tears. By the time he passed the mic to the best man, the sky had turned an amazing shade of pink. It was unbelievable. The rest of the night included celebrating with our friends and family, including what was probably the most fun bridal party ever, and not one, but two dance offs.

We feel so blessed not only to have found one another, but that we were able to celebrate our love with everyone around us, and we are thankful that so many of our friends and family made the trip out to California. We hoped for a wedding that not only reflected us, but also provided our guests with something to remember.

For those of you planning a “destination” wedding, I’d recommend really vetting your vendors. The day of the wedding I was completely stress-free because I trusted that each of them was going to take care of everything. I was also incredibly lucky to have a friend of the family act as our Day of Coordinator. She knew every wedding detail inside and out, and took care of all the logistics so I could just enjoy the day. It also helped to have an incredibly detail oriented mom who kept me on track. Our wedding would not have been possible without her!

Wedding Photography: Jessamyn Harris Photography / Wedding Venue: B.R. Cohn Winery / Bride’s Gown: Marisa via The Unique Bride / Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew / Groom & Groomsmen Suits: Kenneth Cole / Flower Girl Dresses: Nordstrom / Floral Design: The Blue Orchid / Wedding Cake & Cupcakes: Two For Two Cakes / Hair & Make-Up: Mary at The Powder Room / Moss Letters: Mother and Father of the Bride / Catering: Park Avenue Catering / Rentals: Wine Country Party & Events / DJ: AMS Entertainment / Bagpiper: Jim McElroy / Wooden Table Numbers: Paper Moss / Ring Bearer Bowl: Paloma’s Nest / Wedding Dress Hanger: Etsy

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Post tags: AMS Entertainment, B.R. Cohn Winery, Blue Orchid Floral, Burlap Runners, CA, Cigars, Etsy, Glen Ellen, J. Crew, Jessamyn Harris, Jim McElroy, Kenneth Cole, Marisa, Moss Letters, Nordstrom, Paloma's Nest, Paper Moss, Park Avenue Catering, Purple, The Powder Room, Two for Two Cakes, Wine Country Party & Events, Wine Country Weddings, Wooden Table Numbers
Post categories: California Weddings, Napa Valley Weddings

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Our inspiration was each other. We are both fun-loving and creative, and we greatly enjoy each other’s families. Neither of us wanted to make a big “to-do” about our wedding day that included planning for a year or more and spending our entire savings. Instead we opted for a more relaxed and casual ceremony with our immediate family in Jamie’s parent’s backyard, which seemed to suit us better. Not too much fuss, with just the right amount of formality. With designer-ly touches of color, flowers, and lighting, we had fun pulling it all together.
What made our day wonderful was the very moment that we became partners in this crazy life. The ceremony was unique because it was ours, and in looking at each other throughout the night we knew this was our launching point. Our families, decorations and food were all just icing on the cake, so to speak. Our advice for future brides and grooms would be to take lots of time before making decisions to learn your partners feelings, wants and dreams. Understand that there will be compromises. Don’t hold back, but don’t get caught up in the materiality of the day. Make sure you surround yourself with people you love and there’s nothing that could keep your day from being special.

Photography: Ariel Nay Nebeker / Flowers: Jessica Marquardt of Pollen Floral Design / Ceremony and Reception Location: Jamie’s Parent’s Residence, Auburn, WA / Shoes: Nina / Dress: Voletta Couture

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Post tags: Ariel Nay Nebeker, Backyard Reception, Backyard Wedding, Birds, Casual Elegance, Cigars, Color Palette Yellow, Nina Shoes, Pollen Floral Design, Sparklers, Voletta Couture, Washington Wedding
Post categories: Casual Elegance

from Hunter ~ I moved to Charlotte in January 2005 to take a new job. I had spent a couple summers in Charlotte while I was at Virginia Tech and my parents were living there, so I already knew I loved it and wanted to make it back someday. Anyhoo, it’s pretty well known that through the years, I’ve been in the “serious boyfriend” role waaaay more often than not, so the prospect of being single in an awesome city, full of good looking girls and actually having my own place with a little bit (a very little bit) of money in my pocket was pretty exciting. Soooo, naturally I go and fall for the first girl I take out on a couple dates! Go figure. Kristen worked on the same floor at BofA. My first (self-assigned) project at my new job was to identify all cute girls in the vicinity, so I knew who she was right away. My boss introduced us after work one day at Brixx, our after hours watering hole of choice, and I asked her to go to the Wachovia Championship a few weeks later. It would be an understatement to say that she was quite smitten with me from that point on. I pretended not to be too interested in her as best I could, and have fought it pretty hard on several occasions over the last few years, but truth be told, it turns out she’s had me hooked from day 1.

from Kristen ~ Friday the 13th, 2009. Hunter told me he couldn’t get dinner reservations for Valentine’s Day because the restaurant was booked. Believable since Hunter procrastinates to do everything. So, Friday after work we came home and got ready for an evening out. Hunter was ready before me, naturally, so he went downstairs to wait until I was ready. I came downstairs and our golden retriever puppy came running to me with a beautiful ring tied around his neck. Hunter was soon to follow, took the ring off Jake and got down on one knee. The evening continued as we met friends at a local wine bar to celebrate, and then a private dinner at the restaurant we had planned to go to originally. And lastly he swept me away to Charleston SC the next morning for a weekend of us celebrating together!

… stayed tuned for the wedding!

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Post tags: Charlotte, Cigars, E*Shoot, Ice Cream, Kristin Vining Photography, North Carolina
Post categories: engagement session, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Photography

Rich, warm golden yellow candies as far as the eye can see! Mmmm! With deep yellows in your wedding colors, you can go in just about any direction with your color palette …

I’ll never tire of looking at gorgeous brides and amazing wedding dresses …

Take a look at the rest of Molly and Alec’s wedding colors in these photos sent to us by their fantastic LBB photographer, Jenn!

LOVE …

HIS PROPOSAL ~ Alec picked up the ring a couple days before the proposal. We had just moved into an apartment together. He (later) told me that he stayed up all night that night and watched me sleep … he thought about waking me up a few times and just asking me. He did have something fancy planned but turns out he was just too excited to wait! After a long day of unpacking we decided to get dressed up and go out to dinner. As we were walking out the door, Alec turned on one of our favorite songs. I turned around and saw him down on one knee holding the most beautiful ring! He spoke straight from his heart for a while, then finally popped the question and of course I said yes. The proposal was just like Alec…simple, genuine & so sweet.

Jennifer Lindberg Photography

GRADE SCHOOL FRIENDS ~ We met during junior high, in the 6th grade to be exact! Alec was born and raised in Clifton, Texas and I was the “new girl” in town. We started out as friends and became more than that through high school. We went to different colleges, but managed to pick up right where we left off after we graduated.

DESIGN INSPIRATION ~ Molly wanted bold strong colors for their outdoor ceremony and indoor reception, and the couple worked closely with their event planners deciding to use the colors of the sunset as the foundation of their design inspiration. Flowers, linens, lighting, and even the candy table all reflected yellows, reds and oranges to reflect the color palette. The four floral towers that surrounded the couple during the ceremony each represented the sunset concept, and the bride’s sisters wore dresses of bold yellow and red. Event Design/Coordination by LBB member~CLINK!  Floral Design ~ David Kurio.

From a lush and luxurious outdoor ceremony …

… to a posh indoor party at The Four Seasons!

In lieu of a traditional exit, Molly & Alec opted for an “after party” in the foyer just outside of the reception ballroom at the Four Seasons, that was transformed into a lounge complete with a DJ, orange suede couches and ottomans, late night snacks, and ceiling draping–as well as lounge style lighting to convey that “club feel”.

It goes without saying … (but I will anyway) ~ a GORGEOUS wedding from the ever-talented Jennifer Lindberg!

* * *

I know you think you’ll NEVER forget certain moments of your wedding day. Life is full of extraordinary moments, though, that thru the years, might lose their crispness.  Some will be worn away or even (God forbid) forgotten.  Jenn’s new blog has coined the phrase “Most of all I Remember…” and includes some really poignant moments that her brides recall from the wedding day. What a terrific thing to do.  Wish we had thought of that!

Most of all I Remember …

from Jacky ~ … the overwhelming joy and peace I felt the moment I woke up the morning of our wedding…

from Courtney … our beautiful personalized vows and how at the end of the ceremony, James kissed and hugged me and whispered into my ear how beautiful I looked and how happy I made him…

from Abigail … seeing the face of my nearly-husband-to-be standing on the alter, and thinking, I will never get sick of looking at this gorgeous man …

And of course, their most recent wedding published in the Dec/Jan issue of Modern Bride ~ Guilyn & Troy’s Exqisite Ranch Wedding in Wimberly (with a super-cool cake!).

Wedding Credits: Jennifer Lindberg Weddings (photography), CLINK (event design), Four Seasons Hotel~Austin TX, Michelle’s Patisserie,  Live Cigar Rollers, Townsley Designs, Strong Events, Lounge 22, Cort Event Furnishings, David Kurio, Rochelle Rae (Hair), Nisa Nicole (Makeup),  Amazing Ice Designs, Ilios Lighting, Inviting Pear, Penguin Entertainment,

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Post tags: Austin, Candy Bar, Candy Buffet, Cigars, CLINK, David Kurio Floral Designs, Jennifer Lindberg Photography, Texas Weddings, Yellow
Post categories: Centerpieces, Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Photography, Wedding Planners & Designers

Elle and Todd were married this spring at The Green Uptown in Charlotte, NC. Their gray, pink, fuschia, purple {and every shade in-between} color palette was their inspiration and boy did they run with it! What a perfect palette for oodles and oodles of rose petals, crystals and orchids …

… not to mention a clear tent, silver chivari chairs, stunning linens and … well, you get the picture!

From Courtenay at Weddings And The City …

Elle had envisioned her wedding day all of her life! She knew exactly what she wanted! The BIG day took place in uptown Charlotte, at The Green, with the ceremony on the top tier, cocktail hour on the middle tier and the reception on the bottom tier in a clear top tent. Although Mother Nature worked against us most of the day, it stopped just in time for the ceremony and held off during the reception. It was absolutely gorgeous and full of color!

Elle, today’s beautiful bride, was raised by her grandparents. She knew that someday, somehow, she would find that same true love that they had shared ~ a love filled with absolute care and respect. She vowed to settle for nothing less.  After her grandfather passed away, her devotion to her grandmother and her dream to find the same kind of love that her grandparents had shared, eventually led her to Todd.

from the lovely bride, Elle …

I know it sounds cliché, but I knew from the first moment we locked eyes that we had a connection. Todd is everything and more I could have ever hoped for. Todd is my fairytale ending and one of the most amazing people I have ever met.

We thank both of you, Elle & Todd for reminding us that old-fashioned love and devotion still rules! And thanks to Kristin, Courtenay (WATC) and all of the other fabulous vendors who helped this day become Elle & Todd’s fairy-tale day come true!

Special thanks to Tara Mauldin Photography and Savannah Strickland Photography.

Please visit Kristin Vining’s blog, as well as the Weddings And the City blog to see the full list of vendors for Elle and Todd’s wedding.

{to see the full gallery, click here!}

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 93 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Bouquets, Charlotte, Cigars, Dancing Shoes, Fuschia, Kristin Vining, North Carolina, Orchids, Pink, Purple, Ring Pillow, Rose Petals, Savannah Strickland Photography, Tara Mauldin Photography, Tented Reception, The Green Uptown, Weddings And The City
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Color Palettes, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Wedding Photography