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From the bride… From the moment Seth and I got engaged, we knew we didn’t want a stuffy, over the top wedding. We’ve never taken ourselves too seriously, so my main goal became to choose a venue and a wedding style that matched our personalities and showcased who we are as a couple. My ideas and inspirations came from constantly researching wedding blogs, surfing the net and flea markets to find vintage pieces, and scouring local flower marts to put together fun floral designs. In addition to the awesome coordination and florals by Artisan Events, a bunch of the wedding elements were DIY projects that I tackled at home in my studio. I purchased 80 yards of burlap at a local fabric store and hand-cut all the runners that we used for the dinner tables and sewed together the ring bearer pillow. I made a faux photo booth by placing a loaded Fuji Instax camera on top of a few vintage books and a milk crate, offered fun props found on Etsy, and left our guests to take wacky shots, which we now cherish! My favorite DIY project was our guest book, which we called a “tip jar.” I sourced some old mason jars and used shipping tags, which I letter-pressed with my own design, for the guests to fill out their “tips for a happy marriage.” We received some tips stating, “Don’t let the dogs slip between you in bed,” and “Tell each other you love one another every day.” We keep our full tip jar on our mantle and go through it from time to time for a laugh. It’s turned out to be the greatest conversation piece.

I work at Jenny Yoo Collection in Los Angeles, but when it came time to choose bridesmaids dresses, I was stuck. I wanted all the design elements to look consistent, but not too tailored, so I couldn’t imagine putting my three bridesmaids in the same dress, or even the same color. With some help from our production offices, I got to choose three custom colors in different shades of pale pink. Each little flower girl had a coordinating sash to one of the bridesmaids. I was thrilled! Lastly, my dress might have been one of the elements that made our wedding so memorable. Made by Claire Pettibone, I purchased it at a trunk show, and Claire herself was there to fit the dress on me. It was so special to have the designer present, who customized the neckline for me and truly made her “Orange Blossom” wedding gown, into “Jamie’s Orange Blossom” wedding gown.

Most importantly, the event was unbelievably fun, our guests had a blast, and the entire weekend truly reflected who we are as a couple. It was absolutely perfect!

Wedding Photography: Mi Belle Photography / Venue: Colony Palms Hotel / Florals, Lighting + Coordination: Artisan Events / Wedding Invitation Design: Julia Kostreva / Wedding Gown + Veil: Claire Pettibone “Orange Blossom” / Shoes: Milk and Honey / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo Collection / Dessert Bar: Sweet and Saucy Shop / Cake Topper: urastarhouse / Calligraphy: Paper Pastries / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

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Post tags: Artisan Events, Blush, California, Claire Pettibone, Classic Party Rentals, Colony Palms Hotel, Jenny Yoo Collection, Julia Kostreva, Mi Belle Photography, Milk and Honey, Palm Springs, Paper Pastries, Peach, Pink, Sweet and Saucy Shop, Turquoise, urastarhouse
Post categories: The Blog

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From the Bride…Having been born and raised on a tree farm in Ontario Canada, I have always had a passion for the outdoors, nature, and flowers.  Making the decision to have our wedding with all of the above came naturally.  It just didn’t seem or feel right to do anything else. The groom was born and raised in California- just like someone would picture……close to the beach, has the love of the outdoors, simple, laid back, and relaxed. This is what we based our wedding ideas and venue on.

It has always been my dream to have pictures done in a field of sunflowers- nothing is more peaceful or beautiful then for my dream to come true!  The sunflowers were hand planted with love and care, the weather throughout the summer was perfect for growing, and the timing was too good to be true for pictures.  The sunflowers were as dreamy as they sound, and photographer Bethany Scheidel captured every special moment.

The ceremony took place outside (where else?!) under large Norway maple trees on soft grass.  We were surrounded by lush green fields of soy beans, gorgeous sunflowers,  shade from the maple  trees surrounding us,  and a soft wind blowing the hair on our faces.  Walking into the ceremony the guests had to follow hand painted signs with directions and labels leading them to each site.  The wood from the signs was part of the family deck that weeks earlier had been replaced.   At the ceremony the guests had to the option to cool off with some lemon or cucumber water, and listen to the string quartet playing in the background.  A swirl of white rose petals filled the aisle, with mason jars hung with white hydrangea on the sides of each chair.  At the front of the ceremony was a hand built arbor tied with various strands of lace in different textures, blowing softly in the wind.

After the ceremony, everyone made their way over to the cocktail area.  Cocktail tables were spread out on the grass, with clusters of white hydrangea placed on each table.  The brides favorite thing at the cocktail hour and after dinner was the unique hand-made bar from Hazlitt Vintage Rentals.   The bar was made of barn wood, and had a custom sign decorated with lights that set the mood perfectly as the night light grew dim.  Hanging from the inside of the arbor were old antique windows filled with pictures of the bride and groom.  Mason jars with candles inside were strung from tree branches around the cocktail tables, creating a light during the night outside.  Pomander balls with mums, roses, and hydrangea also hung from the branches, giving the tree a whimsical feel.

The reception took place on the grass in a white tent outside in the backyard of my parents house. The tent and chairs were rented from Four Seasons Rentals located in Markham.   Being a florist, I (with the help of family and friends setting up!) made all the flower arrangements and designed the tables myself.   I choose to do an assortment of vases- from sea urchin vases from California, to old mason jars from my mom’s pantry.  Each vase was filled with a cluster of white flowers- hydrangea, dahlias, freesia, lisianthus, and even hand-picked queen anne’s lace from the tree farm.  To add a touch of color, I  included a small pop of yellow craspedia balls nestled in the white hydrangea.   Also on the tables, I incorporated white pahlanopsis orchid plants wrapped in burlap and tied with raffia. Guests were able to take the plants home after the evening was done. In between all the flowers were three sizes of cylinder vases with white floating candles.  After the evening was over, we realized that we didn’t even turn the tent lights on!  With all the candles and the lights from the bar, the setting was so relaxing no one even thought of turning the tent lights on.  Food and Appetizers were catered by Grand River Catering in Elora.  For dessert we had home-made ice cream sandwiches; oatmeal chocolate chip filled with ice cream rolled in chocolate dutch sprinkles.  There was no problem finishing them off! Throughout the farm paths were made for the enjoyment of guests to take a stroll or drive around; exploring the beauty around the tree farm.  Overall the “Uhl” wedding experience was one I will never forget.  It was the Canadian outdoors with a touch of California beach.

Wedding Photography: Images by Bethany Schiedel / Decor Rentals: Hazlitt Vintage Rental / Decor, Flowers + Gardens: The Bride + Family / Wedding Dress: Claire Pettibone / Bridesmaid Dresses: Ivy & Aster / Groom + Groomsmen: Forever21 / String Quartet: Daly Live Music / Tent + Chairs: Four Seasons Rentals / Food + Appetizers: Grand River Catering

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Post tags: Bethany Schidel, Canada Weddings, Claire Pettibone, Daly Live Music, Forever21, Four Seasons Rentals, Grand River Catering, Hazlitt Vintage Rental, Ivy & Aster, Ontario
Post categories: Canada Weddings, Casual Elegance, Ontario Weddings

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From Pezz Photo…When Elizabeth and DJ first set out to plan their wedding, they met with a wedding planner who declared that every wedding detail should shout, “that’s so them.”  Elizabeth wholeheartedly agreed and right then and there made the decision to hire the best person for the job: herself. To encapsulate all the adventures of their ten-year relationship, complete with two close families and a group of shared, childhood best friends who had the dream of growing old together living next door on a cul-de-sac, Elizabeth knew that no one but herself could pull off the ultimate “that’s so them” wedding. And “so them” it was – with Elizabeth running the show no detail was left untouched and no opportunity to incorporate an adventure or favorite thing of the couple was missed. The 85 person wedding was held in the bride’s family’s backyard in the couple’s hometown of Sarasota, Florida. The lush and intimate venue set the stage for what would become wedding’s unofficial theme of “relaxed backyard elegance.”  In the months leading up to the wedding, Elizabeth and DJ easily tackled the standard wedding details: caterer (www.mattisons.com), wine list, guest transportation (of course it had to be the Sarasota Trolley) and the DJ. But other matters took more careful planning.

A lover of all things paper and pretty, invitations were a top priority for the bride. She commissioned the artistic talent of Christine Elizabeth Van Duyn of cevd.com to create a custom letterpress invitation suite in a palate of pinks, tans, gold and creams.  Christine created a personalized monogram with subtle reference to the couple’s nicknames “Bear” and “Lizard” bestowed on them by their friends. Addresses were beautifully hand-penned by Elizabeth and topped off with vintage stamps found on The Paper Nickel to give guests a tease of what the wedding had in store. The wedding itself featured unique accents special to the couple to give the wedding a personalized and one-of-a-kind touch.

Ceremony music was provided by the bride’s “second mom” on guitar, the ceremony officiant was the groom’s aunt, the wedding cake was made by the bride’s uncle and a late night dessert spread was created by the couple’s friends. And to the entire wedding party’s delight, the groom’s mother baked hundreds of her famed chocolate chip cookies for the special occasion.  Bridesmaids wore dresses of their own choosing in colors complementary to the invite’s color scheme, a bridesmaid (accompanied by her mom and sister) sang the couple’s favorite Jack Johnson song during the ceremony, and guests dined family style at two long feasting tables underneath lighted trees.

The breathtaking table setup – complete with antique glass vases from store shopping trips with bridesmaids, succulent centerpieces handpicked from a local flower market, the bride’s grandmother’s china at the head tables, and rose wine bottles used as table markers (an idea lovingly “borrowed” from this Style Me Pretty post) – played host for an amazing dinner of shared fare, heartwarming toasts and even the presentation of a photo of the couple’s first date during their senior year of high school.

The only guest absent from the wedding was the couple’s beloved pup, a rambunctious chocolate lab who threatened to spend the entire wedding in the pool and on guest’s laps.  But to everyone’s delight, Anna was incorporated into the wedding in several dress-saving ways, including an illustration of her in the couple’s wedding monogram and as the “welcome chalkboard,” (www.chalkink.com) which served as the wedding’s first impression. The evening ended with guests filling in around the pool to dance under the twinkling lights to a playlist picked by them (the couple set up a music request on their wedding website!), which guaranteed a packed dance floor. After pulling guests off the dance floor and watching guests stash chocolate chip cookies into suit pockets, guests packed on to the Sarasota Trolley for a quick drive to the couple’s favorite bar. Complete in wedding attire, the celebration continued well into the night thanks to the bar’s signature drink “the village idiot.”

Ceremony + Reception Location: Private Residence / Wedding Dress: Claire Pettibone / Groom’s Suit: Z by Zegna / Make-up: Colours by Linny / Hair: Elena Joseph / Wedding Photography: Amy Pezzicara of Pezz Photo / Assistant Photographer: Michelle Fader / Stationery Design: cevd {custom invitation studio} / Vintage Stamps: The Paper Nickel / Catering: Mattison’s / Floral Design: Lynne Pitts Hamilton of The Finishing Touch / Wedding Cake: Bride’s Uncle / Desserts: Brides’s Uncle + Couple’s Friends / Day-of Coordination: Bride’s Friend / Lighting: Affairs in the Air / Transportation: Siesta Trolley / Officiant: Groom’s Aunt / Seating Chart Chalkboard: RevivedVintage / Dog Chalkboard: Chalk Ink / DJ: DJ Al Garcia

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Post tags: Affairs in the Air, CEVD, Chalk Ink, Claire Pettibone, Colours by Linny, DJ Al Garcia, Elena Joseph, Florida Wedding, Mattisons, Pezz Photo, RevivedVintage, Sarasota Wedding, Siesta Trolley, The Finishing Touch, The Paper Nickel, Z by Zegna
Post categories: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Florida Weddings

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From Melissa Prosser Photography…Katherine and John hosted an absolutely beautiful wedding at Dunaway Gardens.  The only way to describe their day is fairytale.  I have never walked into a venue and felt like I was in another world!  The ceremony was hosted under a beautiful gigantic tree.  It was a simple ceremony with a few readings and personalized vows from the couple.  Katherine chose a very natural whimsical decor to go with this amazing outdoor venue.  Lots of beautiful flowers donned the tables that seemed like mother nature had put them there, the buffet was filled with candle light and vegetables. Even her dress felt like from another world.  It definitely had a vintage nod with the color and style and fit her quiet sweet personality to a tee!  The reception had an awesome jazz band that kept the atmosphere going into the evening.  Friends and family enjoyed catching up with each other, dancing, or simply enjoying the outdoor fireplace.  It was an evening to remember

Wedding Photography: Melissa Prosser Photography / Wedding Dress: Claire Pettibone / Bride’s Shoes: Seychelles / Food: Avalon Catering / Band: Moonlight Jazz Trio / Groom’s Suit: H. Stockton / Floral Design: The Perfect Poppy / Venue: Dunaway Gardens

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Post tags: Avalon Catering, Claire Pettibone, Dunaway Gardens, Georgia Wedding, H. Stockton, Melissa Prosser Photography, Moonlight Jazz Trio, Newnan, Seychelles, The Perfect Poppy
Post categories: Georgia Weddings

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From Elizabeth Messina…Known for her ultra feminine style, this new collection of hand-crafted lingerie by Claire Pettibone incorporates exquisite details using the finest couture French laces, Italian embroideries and silks. The designer has taken her love of vintage style to the ultimate level, literally creating heirloom quality keepsakes for the wedding night, honeymoon, and “happily ever after” to follow.

The collection consists of panties, bralettes, baby-dolls and dressing robes designed for flirtation and romance. “These are entrance making pieces created with couture fabrics and luxurious details,” explains the designer. Officially entering the luxury arena, the collection hearkens back to days gone by when a bride collected special lace and silk pieces for her bridal trousseau. “We have such a loyal following for my couture bridal gowns, I felt it was time to present a collection of heirloom quality lingerie. We are speaking to an exclusive, luxury client who desires something truly precious for her wedding night or special occasion, to set the mood and create a timeless memory,” says Pettibone.

The “Claire Pettibone Heirloom” collection is produced in limited editions, and each piece is presented on a satin hanger. Surely, a must-have indulgence for the avid lingerie collector, Heirloom holds many treasures for the true romantic at heart.

The collection was shot on location at the antique treasure-trove that is Fernald Mansion. The designer shares, “One of my favorite moments was when our model, waiting in-between shots while we opened the curtains for perfect light, began to play a gorgeous piece of classical music on the vintage piano…pure magic!”

Lingerie: Claire Pettibone / Photography: Elizabeth Messina of Kiss the Groom / Venue: Santa Barbara Historical Museum, Fernald Mansion / Hairpieces: Paris by Debra Moreland and Enchanted Atelier for Claire Pettibone

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Post tags: Boudoir, Claire Pettibone, Elizabeth Messina, Fernald Mansion, Kiss the Groom
Post categories: The Blog

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From the Bride…Lyford Cay in the Bahamas is a very special place not only to my family, but also to Mac and me. It was there in the sea that Mac proposed on New Years Eve day 2009 as we waited to go snorkeling with my three brothers. I had my goggles and flippers in hand making my way toward Mac. As I drew closer, he knelt on one knee in the water until he was chest-deep, and then he pulled an opened ring box from the pocket of his board shorts. I cried and laughed at the same time. There was no doubt in either of our minds that The Lyford Cay Club would be the location for our July 2, 2011 nuptials. My grandparents had lived there since 1960, and it became a second home to my family; in fact, my brothers and I were all christened at the Church of St. Christopher’s. As a little girl, I remember sitting in church counting the number of pews and people that could fit into each pew. This would dictate the maximum number of guests who could attend my wedding – 98.

Since July in the Bahamas can be toasty and the ceremony took place in a unairconditioned church only “cooled” by paddle fans, we left straw fans with ribbon ties in the pews for the guests to use. Also, at the reception, rather than a guestbook, I found some really neat and unique “Well Wishes” tags with a starfish print on it which we asked our guests to write a “well wish” for the newly married couple. Alongside the tags, there was a Polaroid camera so the guests could take pictures of each other as they walked in. Ideally, Mac and I would then match up the pictures with the well wishes to create a sort of scrapbook (we have yet to get to that!). Naturally, our intention was to incorporate as much local influence as possible. Our color scheme reflected and included the natural landscape of our surroundings. We used green, white and silver accented by shells and flowers of the Bahamas. We encouraged everyone to enjoy the laid back Caribbean feel, while still offering them an elegant and traditional evening. We wanted to stray from the barefoot, beach wedding vibe and leave that for the after-party. We opted to use all local vendors: Ben Jamieson Photography, Wildflowers, Visage (band), and Anne Lever (cake). And, our menu boasted local catch of the day and conch prepared every which way. The real icing on the cake – pun intended – was a surprise appearance by a costumed Junkanoo band that Mac and I planned for all the guests. During Visage’s set break, we had a Junkanoo rush, which gave everyone a true feel for a Bahamian celebration. And then the band returned… There was not a single guest left dry from all the dancing!

Both our families were so instrumental in planning our wedding. We are incredibly appreciative of their constant love and support throughout the process. In addition to my mom, each of my brothers contributed by designing invitations, creating a “Save the Date” video and a wedding “highlight” video, planning a fishing trip, and shipping large packages to Nassau for me. A large contributor to the flawlessness of the evening, though, was The Lyford Cay Club. Not only is it a beautiful venue, but the food is also wonderful, and everyone involved was so helpful and accommodating. It was a perfect location for our wedding. Looking back on the evening, there is not one thing Mac and I would change. We are so grateful to all of our family and close friends who flew to Nassau to help us celebrate.

Wedding Photography: Ben Jamieson Photography / Flowers: Wildflowers / Band: Visage / Wedding Cake: Anne Lever / Hair + Make-up: Anna Berardelli-Knowles at The Albany / Ceremony Location: Church of St. Christopher’s / Reception Location: The Lyford Cay Club / Wedding Dress: Claire Pettibone / Bridesmaids Dresses: twobirds Bridesmaid via Gilt Groupe / Groom’s Suit: J.Crew / Groom + Groomsmen Ties: Collared Greens / Additional Photography Credits: Cam Brooks

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Post tags: Anne Lever, Bahamas, Ben Jamieson Photography, Cam Brooks, Church of St. Christopher's, Claire Pettibone, Collared Greens, Destination Wedding, Gilt Groupe, J. Crew, The Albany, The Lyford Cay Club, twobirds bridesmaid, Visage, wildflowers
Post categories: Bahamas Weddings, Destination Weddings, Traditional Elegance

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From Caroline Tran Photographer…Elizabeth is a clothes designer & Jamie is a writer.  Tricia did an AMAZING job personalizing the decor – pages from old books to wrap the candles, flowers growing out of vintage typewriter & sewing machines, old thread spools in the decor. Specific flowers were chosen to represent their background too – cotton from North Carolina, Thistle for his Scottish background, Acorn from her childhood. Elizabeth’s mom hand-picked raw cotton from North Carolina for Tricia to use in which she made a cotton wreath and incorporated them into the boutonnieres, to name a few.  Everything was styled so beautifully and naturally.

They are both Catholic, so they brought the church to their ceremony by putting old church pews & old barn doors under a 200-year-old sycamore tree.  Details galore.  The reception took place in a barn.  All the tableware was vintage China.  There was a “make your own pot of tea” station, which I don’t think has been done before – all with real vintage tea sets.

For even MORE California weddings, check out our local Cali blog!

Wedding Photography: Caroline Tran Photographer / Wedding Planning + Production: Kelly Oshiro Design / Florals, Event Design, Props, Draping + China: Tricia Fountaine / Venue: Rancho dos Pueblos / Wedding Dress: Claire Pettibone / Rentals: Town & Country Event Rentals / Lighting: Ambient Event Design / DJ: Johnny Hawkes / Catering: Bread + Wine Catering / Wedding Cake: Christine Dahl / Bathroom: Hollywood Honeywagon / Transportation: STA / Makeup: Kelly Shew/ Hair: Sunny Lee / Plantable Programs: Invitesite / Ceremony & Cocktail Hour Music: Javier Orman and Tom Farrel of Duo del Sol / Chocolate Mousse: Mother of the Bride

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Post tags: Ambient Event Design, Bread + Wine Catering, California Weddings, Caroline Tran, Christine Dahl, Claire Pettibone, Hollywood Honeywagon, Johnny Hawkes, Kelly Oshiro Design, Rancho Dos Pueblos, Santa Barbara, STA, Town & Country Event Rentals, Tricia Fountaine Design
Post categories: Casual Elegance, The Blog

From Pineapple Productions … Using a stylishly designed and letterpressed save the date as inspiration for this photo shoot, we went with neutral colors with a pop of beet purple to create an eclectic and whimsical setting.   Neutral linens, with a purple plate and glass helped to bring in that color that tied everything together.

Meridian International Center was the perfect backdrop with its Parisian look and feel, with elaborate gardens and quirky Linden trees which were bare in the late winter.  A lacy and vintage inspired Claire Pettibone dress fit in well with the gauzy fabrics and wrought iron gates throughout the property.

The dessert buffet was also French-inspired with passion fruit with milk chocolate and orange-ginger macarons and lime and pistachio with green tea madeleines.  It was filled in with some white chocolate maltballs, Jelly Bellys and sour grapefruit slices.

Photography: Red Shoes Photography / Flowers: Philippa Tarrant Floral Designs / Event Design: Arney Walker of Pineapple Productions / Desserts: The Sweet Lobby / Event Rentals: DC Rental / Reception Location: Meridian International Center / Invitations: Designed by Ellie Goedeker, letterpressed by Gilah Press / Calligraphy: Arney Walker Calligraphy / Dress: Claire Pettibone, Kleinfeld’s Bridal

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Post tags: Arney Walker Calligraphy, Claire Pettibone, Color Palette Purple Orange Yellow, DC Rental, Ellie Goedeker, Gilah Press, Kleinfelds, macarons, Meridian International Center, Paris, Parisian Trends, Philippa Tarrant Floral Designs, Photo Shoot, Pineapple Productions, Red Shoes Photography, The Sweet Lobby, Washington D.C., Washington DC, Wedding Inspiration, Wedding Planners & Designers
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Photo Shoot