Sitting down together at the beginning of our 13 month engagement, we thought that there would be plenty of time to leisurely plan the most unique, intimate, and perfectly personal wedding of all time. Now, here we are, a year later, and after  spending endless hours browsing Etsy and eBay, driving all over Northern California, and overcoming all of those personal differences that we didn’t think we had, we can sit back and share our story.

I am married to the most amazing guy, and the memories that we share of our wedding day are sublime. What made it so good? The planning involved in creating the perfect picture. When you think that you’re totally overdoing it with the details or feeling exhausted because you can’t remember the last weekend that you didn’t spend organizing, coordinating, and designing, don’t stop. Looking back, we’re so happy with the way things turned out, proud of the hard work, and especially thankful for all of our vendors and friends that helped make it happen.

The proposal came as a complete surprise to me while enjoying an August sunset at the edge of a spring-fed lake on an old Vermont farm. Andrew had spent summers there growing up, and we both felt so peacefully at home walking down the dirt road, past the big, red barn and through the gangly apple trees that probably hadn’t been picked in years. That week was a romantic utopia and ultimately inspired the theme for our wedding a year later.

First, we needed a venue. Many of our closest family and friends didn’t live in California, so planning the guest experience was important.  Because we had such a clear vision of what we wanted, finding the place was not easy. Driving all over the Bay Area, we became distraught over the prospect that we’d fail at our first wedding planning attempt. One venue was too eccentric, the next didn’t have a barn, another was too far away, “Oops! How much did you say?!” And so on. It came down to our final destination for the day at a little place with a barn in Kenwood, CA. When we got there, the entrance to Kenwood Farms and Gardens was unassuming (retrospectively, a plus), but the next five minutes would become a memory that neither of us will ever forget. Walking in, we saw cute sitting areas with vine laden trellis, a bridal cottage, slightly rusted early century farm equipment on display, a converted equestrian barn, cutesy pond with fountain, redwood pines, a beautiful garden…little apple orchard?! Neither of us said a word as I hugged Andrew with tears in my eyes, thinking “this is it.”

After the venue ordeal, my memory is a blur of a thousand details and ideas. My mother and I spent a whole day making strawberry jam for party favors, my sister and one of my bridesmaids letter pressed the invitations and programs, a close friend baked cake pops for the candy bar, my mother hand-stitched the ring pillow from a picture I found on the internet, and I spent hours with a very dear friend planning the day of coordination.

Over countless emails, a natural rapport was built between us and all of our vendors, but I’m especially elated with the relationship gained from our photographers; Emma suggested that we use a thumbprint tree instead of a traditional guest book, and it turned out beautiful. Our florist was such a pleasure to work with as she helped us craft insightful and passionate ideas about the “feel” that we wanted the flowers to portray.  It truly is a relief when a vendor expressively wants to figure out a way to fulfill your vision while staying within the original budget.

My advice to my “year ago” self would be the following: Create a detailed budget early, update it as often as possible, and then find vendors that work within your vision and boundaries. If you feel something isn’t right, it probably isn’t going to work on your special day and you will be disappointed.  Communicate as openly and passionately with your fiance, but remember you’re both in this as a team.  Adjust and be flexible as soon as your intuition gives you the uh-oh feeling that won’t go away. We chose the Sound Effect over another band mostly because of the price difference, but they were was absolutely perfect! Their professionalism carried us through a seamless ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception! Lastly, don’t forget to set some time aside that doesn’t involve planning to just be with your fiance. Go on dates and enjoy being engaged. You’re only going to be doing this once, so make the most of it!

Photography: Alfred & Emma Photography / Floral Design: Violetta Flowers / Cake: Petaluma Cake Company / Entertainment: The Sound Effect / Hair & Makeup: Danielle & Angelica, Mes Amis Salon / Venue: Kenwood Farms and Gardens / Dress: Doreen, Maggie Sottero, from Rin’s Bridal / Shoes: Randall, Badgley Mischka / Swarovski Crystal and Rhinestone Hair Comb: Etsy / Swarovski Crystal & Rhinestones Bracelet: Lisa Bracelet, Sara Gabriel / Earrings: Nordstrom Crystal Collection, Nordstrom Rack / Groomsmen Suits: Men’s Wearhouse / Groomsmen Shirts & Ties: Nordstrom / Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew / Ring Bearer: J.Crew / Ring Bearer’s Bow Tie: Nordstrom / Flower Girls: Charming Champagne, My Girl Dress / Flower Baskets & Mason Jars: World Market / Baby Ramona’s dress: Pink Princess / Table Numbers: Etsy / Address Stamp: Etsy / Sweet Love Sign: Etsy / Block letter names: Etsy / Wood Slices & 3 Tiered Cup Cake Tower: Etsy / Mr. and Mrs. sign: Etsy / Candy Bar Sign: Etsy / Thumbprint Tree: Etsy / Ring Pillow: DIY / Jam: DIY / Stationery: DIY / Pie Pops: DIY / Love Letters on Candy Bar: Cotton Bird Designs / Thumbprint Guest Book: Your Keepsake Co.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Alfred & Emma Photography, Badgley Mischka, Barn, Barn Weddings, California, Color Palette Green, Cotton Bird Designs, DIY Favors, DIY Invitations, DIY Projects, DIY Stationery, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Dogs, Etsy, Flower girls, Garden Wedding, J. Crew, jam, Kenwood Farms and Gardens, Maggie Sottero, Men's Wearhouse, Mes Amis Salon, My Girl Dress, Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Petaluma Cake Company, pies, Pink Princess, Rin's Bridal, Ring Bearers, Rustic Chic, Sonoma, Sunflowers, Swarovski, The Sound Effect, Violetta Flowers, World Market, Your Keepsake Co.
Post categories: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Little Black Book Blog

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the bride…I think in life some things are for certain…my love for Jeff is one of those things. On the day he proposed to me in Banff, I knew in that second that our vows should be spoken in a breathtaking mountain setting. Having spent several romantic weekends in Banff we knew that there were many beautiful venues that would make for an amazing wedding. We decided on a hotel that really spoke to us in terms of decor and of course, location. Overlooking the lakes where we were engaged seemed like a perfect fit. Jeff and I scoured antique shops and flea markets searching for tiny details that would represent us and our love. We chose a vintage, rustic feel inspired by our love of timeless treasures and elements in nature. Using mainly grey, teal and ivory with hints of pink, peach and yellow we created a setting that told our story in wood, lace and burlap in a beautiful, unique fashion.

The weather stayed dry for us most of the day, which came as a blessing, as the forecast had loomed with rain for the whole week. However, only moments before our outdoor ceremony was to begin, the rain began to fall and the mist in the mountains lay low like paper lanterns decorating the sky. It created a romance that only rain can and combined with the glow of love and support radiating from our friends and family, it could not have been more perfect. I felt like the only thing missing, the one person I would have given anything to have there, was my grandma Dorothy. This amazing Scottish woman shaped my life in so many ways, and in a funny way that rainy weather, so reminiscent of her homeland, felt like her giving us her blessing. As I walked down the aisle with my Dad, a string trio version of Coldplay’s Yellow playing, I was spilling with emotion and nerves. When I saw the bistro, filled with such warmth, intimacy and love, I realized that this setting, not our original plan, was absolutely us. As my Dad gave me away I saw his eyes welled with tears and of course it made me cry, but standing there with the two men I love more than anything, made me so grateful for that emotion filled moment. Our vows were filled with love and hope and promise, exactly what I had hoped they would be, nothing is more amazing than hearing the man you love give you his heart.

If I could offer advice, it would be to soak it all up. Through the dreamy eyed “yes!!”, the hours of searching and perfecting, your words to one another and finally to your first dance…enjoy everything! Our day was glorious, the memories will last forever and the experience was unforgettable. I knew it was right from the moment it began and when we drove away in the 1952 silver Bentley named Dorothy…I knew it for certain.

Location: The Juniper / Cake: Cake Creations / Photographer: Orange Girl Photographs / Wedding Car: Highland Executive Chauffeur / Bride’s Dress: Maggie Sottero / Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Suits: Tristan / Bride’s Sash: Enzoani / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo / Flowers: Willow Haven / Bridal Party Robes: Pretty Plum Sugar / Invitations, Seating Chart Tags, Custom Ring Bag: Marshmellow Fluff / Head Table Banner: Funkyshique / Flower Girl Dresses: Fairy Wonderful / Custom Ring Pillow: Giggle Room / Custom Cake Topper: Cotton Bird Designs / Mr. and Mrs. Banner: Joyful Joyful / Chalkboard Table Numbers: Frame it By Jill

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 9 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Alberta, Banff, Cake Creations, Canada, Cotton Bird Designs, Enzoani, Fairy Wonderful, Frame it by Jill, Funkyshique, Giggle Room, Highland Executive Chauffeur, Jenny Yoo, Joyful Joyful, Maggie Sottero, Marshmellow Fluff, Orange Girl Photographs, Pretty Plum Sugar, The Juniper, Tristan, Willow Haven
Post categories: Alberta Weddings, Canada Weddings, Vintage Chic

Anna told us, “I was able to think of a lot of words that described the weddings that I liked, but actually explaining what I meant by that would have been impossible without all the beautiful images I found on your site to show what that meant to me. Between those images, our great vendors, and talented friends and family, it all came together and we had a wonderful wedding full of happy people and beautiful things.”

Now that’s what makes our day!

As soon as we saw this wedding from Little Black Book member, Jamee Photography, we knew that Anna had achieved her dream day. Not only is the wedding just so darned picturesque, there is also an intangible free-and-easy spirit about the images that resonates true and absolute joy. Not to mention … all of the detail elements were spot on!

LOVE the natural beauty expressed every step of the way … tables (and some of the flowers) were done by family friends, master gardeners. Anna’s uncle built the huppah. Wedding flowers were by Little Black Book member, Bella Fiori.

Anna’s gown was by R0mona Keveza, the maids wore Vera.

Sam & Anna’s beautiful wedding took place at Beano’s Cabin on Beaver Creek Mountain, Colorado. Funny name for a resort! Their website says, “Not exactly roughing it.” A few more credits … Wedding Day Coordination by Little Black Book member Calluna Events; Cake by Mountain Flour; Photo booth from  A Custom Look; Reception paper pieces from The White Aisle.

Anna wrote to us after her wedding …

“I wanted to write and thank you for all the help I got planning my wedding from Style Me Pretty. From the very beginning, I downloaded a whole bunch of inspiration boards that I loved (like an embarrassing number), and took them with me to meet the florist, the cake person, our day of coordinator, everyone. I also purchased a lot of what we ended up using from your recommendations and vendors. You have featured such great vendors with creative and beautiful products. Our menus, place cards, and table numbers, our cake toppers (from Cotton Bird Designs), we registered at Bodanna, our guest books were from Yellow Owl Workshop. When we had a last minute printing need, Rebecca from The White Aisle came to the rescue and turned around some of our stationery in hours. Much of the event was inspired by things I found on your website, so I just wanted to thank you for helping to make planning so fun.”

Jamee, their photographer, is one of our Little Black Book, best of the best Colorado wedding photographers. A huge thanks for sending us Sam & Anna’s heart-warming wedding!

And to Anna, a huge thank-you for your kind words. At the end of some pretty long days, it’s just what we need to hear.

{to see the entire gallery, click here!}

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 10 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Beano Cabin, Beano's Cabin, Beaver Creek, Bella Fiori, Bodanna, Calluna Events, Colorado, Cotton Bird Designs, Denver, Jamee Photography, Mountain flour, Romona Keveza, The White Aisle, Vera Wang, Yellow Owl Workshop
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Wedding Photography

Okay, the handmade envelopes made out of vintage atlas maps and vintage garden books are just too great. Perfect for whimsical thank you notes. The cut-out hearts would make great escort cards by simply writing your guests names in a dark, bold ink. I love the journal. It’s so pretty and a great way to document your guests’ well wishes and words of wisdom.

More to come!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 6 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Bombus, Cotton Bird Designs, Etsy
Post categories: Wedding Details

The birds are handmade using the most beautiful vintage and recycled fabrics and accents, and are adorned with tiny wire feet that would sit perfectly atop your cake. How sweet are these? Don’t you love them? You can check out her complete line on Etsy or right here on her Angela’s website!

More Etsy finds coming throughout the day!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Cake Toppers, Cotton Bird Designs, Etsy
Post categories: Wedding Cakes, Wedding Details