The Epic Motion approach to the Inspiration to Reality shoot:

One of the first things we did when we showed up on set for the shoot was meet the models. We quickly found out that Caleb and Laura were good friends of Jess and Nate (the photogs) and that they’ve been married for six years… within the first few minutes we were laughing together and really connecting with them. We also learned that they didn’t love their wedding photos from years ago and they didn’t have a wedding film (shame-shame). They jokingly said they were going to replace what memories they did have from their wedding with the ones that would be made that day.

My thought: let’s really create something awesome for them that they’ll adore and that will be a reminder of their love for each other as well as something that shows off how stinkin’ good looking they are (the latter part was SUPER easy to do). Of course, in the process the hope was to capture all the amazing details from the A-list of vendors that were hand picked for this shoot.

We chose not to use any natural audio as well as decided to forego much of the “behind-the-scenes” stuff for the piece and create a fun little music driven film. Ultimately my thought was that this could become a small treasure for Caleb and Laura and their family.

Photography: Jessica Johnston Photography / Event Design and Styling: Lucia|Paul Design / Cinematography: Epic Motion / Venue - Lovett Hall at The Henry Ford / Stationery and Sweets Table: Dooby Design Group / Floral: Bellisario Florist / Linens: Gala Linen / Video: Epic Motion / Bridal Gowns, Hair Accessories, Jewelry: Katerina Bocci / Lighting: The Lighting Guy / Draping, Chandelier and Rentals: Colonial Party and Event Rental / Cake and Baked Goods: Sweet Heather Anne / Chairs and Chargers: Special Events Rental / Hair and Makeup: Figo Salon / Jewelry: Stones ‘n Sterling / Decorative shapes: Sugar Papers / Models - Laura and Caleb Collier / Shoes – BCBG

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Post tags: BCBG, Bellisario Florist, Colonial Party and Event Rental, Dooby Design Group, Epic Motion, Figo Salon, From Inspiration to Reality, Gala Linen, Jessica Johnston, Katerina Bocci, Laura and Caleb Collier, Lovett Hall, Lucia|Paul Design, Michigan, Special Events Rental, Stones n' Sterling, Sugar Papers, Sweet heather Anne, The Lighting Guy
Post categories: From Inspiration to Reality, Wedding Cinematography

{click here for more gorgeous inspiration}

Sweets Table and Paper Goods Inspiration from Dooby Design Group:

I was very inspired by the bold unique color palette in which we used for this inspiration shoot. I decided to use a baroque damask pattern as the main graphic element for the stationery and I carried this through to the sweets table design. We chose to use all different shades of turquoise sweets with slate gray as the accent. Sweet Heather Anne designed a cake as the focal point for the sweets table, inspired by the Katerina Bocci ballgown the bride wore and she hand painted the baroque pattern on a layer that was used throughout the rest of the table. All the stationery elements were die-cut into a gorgeous ornate shapes done by Sugar Paper, a great etsy find. Overall we were very pleased with the way the patterns, colors and textures translated on the sweets table as well as the stationery.

Cake Design Inspiration by Sweet Heather Anne:

When I saw the Katerina Bocci ballgown that was going to be used in the shoot, I completely fell in love with it. I used the silhouette and pleated detail of the dress as a starting point, and worked with the colors and general feel of the inspiration board to complete the design. Balancing the bold jewel tones in the color palate with large expanses of pure white was a lot of fun. I also worked very closely with Aisha Holly of Dooby Design Group, who designed the sweets table. I hand painted the pattern she created for the paper goods on the largest tier of the cake to tie everything together.

Photography: Jess + Nate Studios / Event Design and Styling: Lucia|Paul Design / Cinematography: Epic Motion / Venue - Lovett Hall at The Henry Ford / Stationery and Sweets Table: Dooby Design Group / Floral: Bellisario Florist / Linens: Gala Linen / Video: Epic Motion / Bridal Gowns, Hair Accessories, Jewelry: Katerina Bocci / Lighting: The Lighting Guy / Draping, Chandelier and Rentals: Colonial Party and Event Rental / Cake and Baked Goods: Sweet Heather Anne / Chairs and Chargers: Special Events Rental / Hair and Makeup: Figo Salon / Jewelry: Stones ‘n Sterling / Decorative shapes: Sugar Papers / Models - Laura and Caleb Collier / Shoes – BCBG

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 16 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: BCBG, Bellisario Florist, Colonial Party and Event Rentals, Dooby Design Group, Epic Motion, Figo Salon, From Inspiration to Reality, Gala Linen, Jessica Johnston Photography, Katerina Bocci, Laura and Caleb Collier, Lovett Hall, Lucia|Paul Design, Michigan, Special Events Rental, Stones n' Sterling, Sugar Papers, Sweet heather Anne, The Lighting Guy
Post categories: From Inspiration to Reality

{Can’t wait? Check out the gallery for the full shoot}

Inspiration take from Lucia|Paul Design:

The approach we took to our Inspiration to Reality photo shoot was a little different than most. Our Photographers, the amazing Jessica and Nate Johnston of Jessica Johnston Photography were in charge of finding our models, Caleb and Laura. The beautiful couple was a photographer’s and videographer’s dream; not only were the comfortable in front of the camera, they just so happened to be the most adorable husband and wife couple and exuded fantastic chemistry. As we had the opportunity to learn more about the couple and who they were, we discovered that they didn’t have photos (or at least ones that they loved) or a video from their actual wedding day. A light bulb went off…lets do a shoot to give them (our real couple) something that they would love and always remember. Needless to say, the shoot turned into more than just a way for all of our amazing team of vendors to show off their best work but to also give Caleb and Laura something that they would be excited about and could treasure forever

Our inspiration for the design was a modern take on the traditional. We wanted to get away from uber-styled photo shoots that have been popping up all over the web. While they are all so gorgeous and lovely (we really, really do love them), we wanted to create something that was a little more like a real wedding day, but that would still inspire engaged couples with creative design. We tried to stick to using items in the shoot that are accessible to everyone…. while still making it ultra glam and gorgeous.

From Jess + Nate Studios Photography:

Our approach to this inspiration shoot was the same as we would approach any wedding we are commissioned to photograph-which is to be able to blend our cinematic style of photography while still also showing off all the wonderful details that make a bride’s wedding unique and special. The beauty in a photoshoot like this was the lack of any real wedding day timeline and the ability to create something totally custom. Of course working with the best vendors in Detroit doesn’t hurt either! We adore the final result and think Laura + Caleb will be pretty pleased with their new “wedding photos”!

We will be back in a bit with more from this gorgeous shoot. Sit tight!

Photography: Jess + Nate Studios / Event Design and Styling: Lucia|Paul Design / Venue – Lovett Hall at The Henry Ford / Stationery and Sweets Table: Dooby Design Group / Cinematogrpahy: Epic Motion / Floral: Bellisario Florist / Linens: Gala Linen / Video: Epic Motion / Bridal Gowns, Hair Accessories, Jewelry: Katerina Bocci / Lighting: The Lighting Guy / Draping, Chandelier and Rentals: Colonial Party and Event Rental / Cake and Baked Goods: Sweet Heather Anne / Chairs and Chargers: Special Events Rental / Hair and Makeup: Figo Salon / Jewelry: Stones ‘n Sterling / Decorative shapes: Sugar Papers / Models – Laura and Caleb Collier / Shoes – BCBG

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Post tags: BCBG, Bellisario Florist, Colonial Party and Event Rental, Dooby Design Group, Epic Motion, Figo Salon, From Inspiration to Reality, Gala Linen, Jessica Johnston Photography, Katerina Bocci, Laura and Caleb Collier, Lovett Hall, Lucia|Paul Design, Michigan, Special Events Rental, Stones n' Sterling, Sugar Papers, Sweet heather Anne, The Lighting Guy
Post categories: From Inspiration to Reality

So if you’re wondering why we are so obsessed with our From Inspiration to Reality feature, I thought I’d shed a little light. For one, it gives the really talented vendors in our book an opportunity to shine. To design with total creative freedom. To get back to their roots and have a day of pure fun, of pure style. Second, it gives our brides such incredible ideas that they can translate into their own wedding. Real, solid, practical ideas from color palettes to style tips. From DIY projects to rental inspirations. We want you to view each shoot as a platform that is overflowing with steal worthy ideas.

And for those of you that are dying to see one of these adventures transformed into a real wedding…lots and lots of logistics to work out. But I am thrilled to say that we are indeed working it out!

image by Aruna B. Photography, you can see the rest of the gorgeous images right here in the gallery.

Here are the steal-worthy ideas…

-The Black and Gold color palette. INSANELY chic. Total glam. Such a great palette for a high fashion, modern wedding.

-Choose a space that is somewhat of a blank canvas. This loft in New York would be perfect. A modern restaurant, an art gallery, a simple but chic hotel would all make perfect canvases for this look.

-High gloss vessels. Yep, scour flea markets for centerpiece vessels (from candle holders to vases) and spray paint them with a super high gloss paint. For an even glossier finish, you can use an oil based paint for metal and wood. You’ll actually save a bundle by creating centerpieces that are more structural than flower-heavy.

-Create a photo frame wall. You can do this inside or out and have SUCH a great little spot for your guests. Mix and match ornate frames to achieve this look. This particular look was created with a few old frames and some gold spray paint. Total DIY.

-Accent with funky but chic details…a black birdcage, gold votives, black or gold branches, gold tassels stitched on the edges of black napkins. Think high glam, high drama detailing.

-If you are already renting china, think about renting a super glossy black style. Of course, this isn’t terribly budget friendly but it will totally change the look and style of the tables. If you are using provided china, just make sure that the other details, which can be DIY-ed are dramatic. A simple black linen (or overlay to save $$), black napkins with gold cord wraps, inexpensive gold chargers.

-Use black satin ribbon in abundance. Wrap your bouquets with it, hang your picture frames with it, wrap cylindrical vases with it.

That is a really good start to designing a wedding that is as chic and as totally doable as this one. Would love to hear your thoughts and ideas too, in the comments below.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 13 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Amsale, aruna b. photography, Dooby Design Group, Epic Motion, From Inspiration to Reality, La Sala Banquet, Michigan, Paisley Quill, Penned and Pretty, Photoshoot, Rochester, Salon U2, Special Events Rentals, The Royal Park Hotel
Post categories: From Inspiration to Reality, The Blog

Click here to see all the images from this shoot in the gallery

These people are ALL talent and I am so beyond thrilled that they decided to share their genius with us here at SMP. Coming up next, we have the design translated with super easy tips as to how to turn the look into a real wedding. A wedding that your friends will be REALLY jealous of.

Rentals: Special Events Rental / Flowers , Table Design and Dessert Buffet: Aisha Holly | Dooby Design Group / Stationery: Molly Myers • Paisley Quill / Calligraphy: Jessica Larbes • Penned & Pretty / Photography: Aruna Mall • Aruna B. Photography / Videography: Ryan Koral • Epic Motion / Venue: The Royal Park Hotel • Kristen Hickey / Hair & Make-up: Angela Valentine & Jennifer Jaroma • Salon U2 / Cake: Papa Joe’s Market/La Sala Banquet • Sue Helzer / Dress: Amsale • Donated by V2V / Model: Andrea Walker

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 8 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Amsale, aruna b. photography, Dooby Design Group, Epic Motion, From Inspiration to Reality, La Sala Banquet, Michigan, Paisley Quill, Penned and Pretty, Photoshoot, Rochester, Salon U2, Special Events Rentals, The Royal Park Hotel
Post categories: From Inspiration to Reality, Wedding Cinematography

When we were first picking out inspiration boards I think it was important to us to do something unique and bold. Then when we started to brainstorm I got really excited about all the different elements that were coming together. From the frame wall to the croquembouche (french wedding cake), I knew this was going to be amazing to photograph. The Royal Park hotel’s conservatory served as a great background to the modern loft look and allowed us to take advantage of the light coming through all the windows.

One thing that I kept thinking while I was shooting was that all these elements would be really economical to replicate. We spray painted some frames gold, mixed them with more ornate gold frames and added simple black ones to create a wall that added a great décor statement.

And from Molly of Paisley Quill, the genius behind those invitations and paper goods…

It is not often that you get to work with some of the most talented people in your industry all at once. When we were brainstorming on the overall concept of our design shoot, the frames really stuck with me. I knew I wanted to incorporate that image throughout. I wanted it to have the elegant, luxurious, sophisticated, European look, but modern all at the same time.

I chose to do an oversized, triple layered invitation to give it that heavy, luxurious feel. I did the same with the response card and held them together with a gold tassel. We chose bold, classic fonts and paired it with a light, modern font. My favorite part of the paper products were the hanging place cards. They had lots of pretty details. From the feather and gold ribbon, to the hand-done calligraphy. Special thanks to Jessica at Penned and Pretty for doing these totally last minute for us. I had to print and assemble the cards and then overnight them to  Ohio to her. She did them in a matter of hours and shipped them back. I carried the frame and pattern theme through out the table numbers and menus and incorporated a pale blue accent color. We glammed up the menu by using gold metallic paper, triple layers and black cord to hold it all together.

click here to see all the glorious gold and black in the gallery

Rentals: Special Events Rental / Flowers , Table Design and Dessert Buffet: Aisha Holly | Dooby Design Group / Stationery: Molly Myers • Paisley Quill / Calligraphy: Jessica Larbes • Penned & Pretty / Photography: Aruna Mall • Aruna B. Photography / Videography: Ryan Koral • Epic Motion / Venue: The Royal Park Hotel • Kristen Hickey / Hair & Make-up: Angela Valentine & Jennifer Jaroma • Salon U2 / Cake: Papa Joe’s Market/La Sala Banquet • Sue Helzer / Dress: Amsale • Donated by V2V / Model: Andrea Walker

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 14 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Amsale, aruna b. photography, Dooby Design Group, Epic Motion, From Inspiration to Reality, La Sala Banquet, Michigan, Paisley Quill, Penned and Pretty, Photoshoot, Rochester, Salon U2, Special Events Rentals, The Royal Park Hotel
Post categories: From Inspiration to Reality, Wedding Decor, Wedding Photography

Brought to you by Dooby Design Group, with stationery by Paisley Quill , photography by Aruna B. Photography and the design genius of a whole team of vendors (listed below), this photoshoot makes me really happy. Oh and did I mention that there are an insane amount of steal-worthy ideas tucked inside, perfect for any wedding on any budget? Yep, we’ll tackle all of that a little later. First, more eye candy.

Click here to see all the images in the gallery

From Aisha of Dooby Design Group…

Flowers: I was drawn to this inspiration board by its black and gold color palette as well as the modern sophisticated feel. When choosing the flowers, I wanted something that would be elegant yet understated. I decided to go with classic white roses and accent with black vases and different clusters of shapes in black and gold. I used decorative textured balls to add depth and used them as toppers on the black candle holders. When designing I like to incorporate visual elements that are unexpected that instantly bring guests into the mood of the location. When designing the bouquet I went with white roses and added black feathers with a custom black pleated wrap for a bold dramatic look.

Table Design: We wanted the the overall table design to have a modern feel. We accomplished this by selecting modern elements like black mirage chairs, a black lacquer table, matching black stemware as well as gold beaded chargers, white china with black and gold details and gold flatware. We added black napkins, created a custom fold that was held together by a black feather like embellishment.

Dessert Buffet: No event would be complete without a sweet treat. The gold and black treats were carefully selected and added a perfect touch of glamour. I created custom wraps for the milk chocolate candy bars and baked petit fours and brushed them with gold baking dust. I created my design around the french inspired wedding cake. We were lucky enough to have the pastry chef at Papa Joe’s/La Sala Banquet create the gorgeous croquembouche (french wedding cake) for our shoot. They did a stunning job and it was the perfect focal point for the desert buffet.

Rentals: Special Events Rental / Flowers , Table Design and Dessert Buffet: Aisha Holly | Dooby Design Group / Stationery: Molly Myers • Paisley Quill / Calligraphy: Jessica Larbes • Penned & Pretty / Photography: Aruna Mall • Aruna B. Photography / Videography: Ryan Koral • Epic Motion / Venue: The Royal Park Hotel • Kristen Hickey / Hair & Make-up: Angela Valentine & Jennifer Jaroma • Salon U2 / Cake: Papa Joe’s Market/La Sala Banquet • Sue Helzer / Dress: Amsale • Donated by V2V / Model: Andrea Walker

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Amsale, aruna b. photography, Dooby Design Group, Epic Motion, From Inspiration to Reality, La Sala Banquet, Michigan, Paisley Quill, Penned and Pretty, Photoshoot, Rochester, Salon U2, Special Events Rentals, The Royal Park Hotel
Post categories: From Inspiration to Reality, Wedding Decor, Wedding Photography

Click here to see all the images in the gallery

Ummm…wowza. Can you imagine how cool it would be to work on a shoot like this. Or to plan a wedding that looked like this. CRAZY cool. The super chic black china, the gold accents everywhere (with my personal favorite gold touch being the frames), the everything. Madly, madly in love. And to naysayers who can’t imagine why we would embark on this photo shoot adventure…the gazillion of steal worthy designs tucked inside every image. Sure to inspire brides from here to timbucktu.

As a little reminder, here is the winning board that Helena, on of our Style Circle brides, designed…

We have lots more coming up, but before we go, here is the team that made the magic happen.

Rentals: Special Events Rental / Flowers , Table Design and Dessert Buffet: Aisha Holly | Dooby Design Group / Stationery: Molly Myers • Paisley Quill / Calligraphy: Jessica Larbes • Penned & Pretty / Photography: Aruna Mall • Aruna B. Photography / Videography: Ryan Koral • Epic Motion / Venue: The Royal Park Hotel • Kristen Hickey / Hair & Make-up: Angela Valentine & Jennifer Jaroma • Salon U2 / Cake: Papa Joe’s Market/La Sala Banquet • Sue Helzer / Dress: Amsale • Donated by V2V / Model: Andrea Walker

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 23 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Amsale, aruna b. photography, Dooby Design Group, Epic Motion, From Inspiration to Reality, La Sala Banquet, Michigan, Paisley Quill, Penned and Pretty, Photoshoot, Rochester, Salon U2, Special Events Rentals, The Royal Park Hotel
Post categories: From Inspiration to Reality, Wedding Decor, Wedding Photography