From Bash… The client came to me with less than 3 months before their wedding. The couple wanted the evening to feel like a dinner party for their guests, and that’s exactly what we did!

Cocktails took place on the overlook next to the bridge. Guests circulated from here to the lumber shed, where the aerial artist hung from and performed.  The couple joined in cocktails. After, everyone moved to the foot of the bridge while the bride processed towards them from the opposite end.

After the ceremony, everyone moved below the bridge to two long rectangular tables. Here, a seven course tasting menu was served ending with a micro bride and groom’s cake for each guest. The menu was created by the couple’s good friend, Chef RJ Cooper, of DC’s Rogue 24.  The groom’s immediate family sang acapella during the meal and a champagne bar stayed open during this time.  After dinner, a DJ took over and spun late night.

The Yards Park is an outdoor venue next to Nationals Stadium in SE DC. We were their first wedding as the venue only recently opened. The decor and flowers were inspired by outdoor patio spaces in Restoration Hardware catalogs. Each table had its own mini succulent garden and overhead hung varied lanterns that we dimmed as the went on.

Wedding Planner: Bash / Wedding Photography: SOTA Dzine / Wedding Venue: Yards Park / Catering: Chef RJ Cooper for Susan Gage Caterers / Floral Design & Decor: Beehive Events / DJ: DJ Mr. Greene / Band: Bossa Nova, Elan Artists / Restroom Trailers: Gotugo / Aerial Trapeze Artist: Trapeze School of New York

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Post tags: Bash, Beehive Events, Contemporary Weddings, Elan Artists, Gotugo, Green, Modern, SOTA, Susan Gage Caterers, Trapeze School of New York, Washington D.C., White, Yards Park
Post categories: Contemporary, The Blog

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From Roey Yohai… Jenny and Mike met during the summer of 2003, shortly after Jenny graduated from college in North Carolina and moved to New York City. To supplement her meager income as Public Relations Coordinator at InStyle Magazine, Jenny returned to the York Grill, a neighborhood favorite restaurant on the Upper East Side, on weekends as a hostess and cocktail waitress, where she had worked during her previous summer internships. Since the previous summer, a new guy had joined the family-like staff as kitchen manager and bartender – Mike had left his career in banking to be able to spend time during the day with his 3 year-old daughter, Grace. Jenny and Mike became friends quickly and often went out in a group with co-workers but, by November and much to their surprise, had become a couple.

Jenny threw a surprise 30th birthday party for Mike in March, where she met his family for the first time and things moved quickly afterward. Mike and Jenny moved to Brooklyn in 2006, where Grace moved in with them full-time. Time flew quickly due to the Grace’s busy school schedule and their demanding careers, Jenny now Fashion Director at a top public relations firm, and Mike a leading pharmaceutical sales representative. In April 2010, Mike proposed on one knee during a vacation in Tulum, Mexico. The couple returned to Mexico to say their vows surrounded by close family and friends the following year.

Wedding Photography: Roey Yohai of Elan Artists / Bride’s Dress + Veil: Naeem Khan / Bride’s Earrings: Ranjana Khan / Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Groom’s Suit: J.Crew / Groom’s Tie: Thomas Pink / Bridesmaid Dresses: Express / Groomsmen Shirts + Pants: J.Crew / Flower Girl Dress: Monnalisa / Graphic Design: Paulina Perzynska / Printing: Kate’s Paperie / Wedding Venue + Flowers: Azul Beach Hotel

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Azul Beach Hotel, Cancun, Christian Louboutin, Destination Wedding, Elan Artists, Express, J. Crew, Kate's Paperie, Mexico, Monnalisa, Naeem Khan, Paulia Perzynska, Ranjana Khan, Roey Yohai, Thomas Pink
Post categories: Destination, Destination Weddings, Mexico Weddings

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From the Bride… Our wedding reflected our passion for food, love for travel, and our homage to our Chinese and American customs. We selected Chateau Mirambeau in Bordeaux as our wedding venue for its gastronomic experience, the renaissance architecture of the Chateau, and the scenic region of Mirambeau. We serendipitously stumbled across Chateau Mirambeau in one of our culinary vacations in Europe. The gastronomic culture, picturesque landscape of vineyards, and ancient cities from Saint-Emilion to Cognac immediately resonated with our wedding dream.

After selecting the Chateau, Henry, a social connoisseur of brandy, and I, an amateur chef, sought out the local delicacies of the region and embarked on a wonderful gourmet adventure, from collaborating with the chateau’s chef, where the chef tailored our wedding menu based on the regions famed ingredients and my discerning palate, to getting to know the local families that for several generations run the vineyards to assist us in selecting our wine parings.

The wedding details were led from my creative vision. I designed my wedding dress, jewelry, invitations, place cards, table signs, and etc. My inspiration for our wedding was based on our international upbringings and travels. The personalized details of our wedding were influenced by our Chinese and American traditions. From the auspicious Chinese tea ceremony, lucky gestures of the double happiness wedding cake topper on top of a macaron wedding cake and the Henry’s cufflinks to American traditions of bridesmaid, best man and groom’s speeches provided the unique international wedding experience within the majestic French environment. We have been together for most of our adult life together and truly believe that this destination wedding is an exceptional portrayal of our enduring love and international lives.

Wedding Photography: Roey Yohai Photodocumentary / Wedding Venue: Chateau de Mirambeau / Wedding Dress + Veil: The Bride (Design) + Selene / Engagement Ring + Wedding Bands: The Bride and Groom (Design) + Universal Jewelry / Hair: Votre Salon / Make-up: DIY / Invitation + Other Stationery: DIY, The Bride and Groom / Entertainment: Elan Artists

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Bordeaux, Chateau de Mirambeau, Destination Wedding, Elan Artists, France Wedding, Roey Yohai Photodocumentary, Universal Jewelry, Votre Salon
Post categories: Destination, Destination Weddings, France Weddings

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Michael and I love the outdoors and once we saw the Woodend we knew that’s where we wanted to get married. Like many outdoor brides I was crazy anxious about the weather. In the mid Atlantic, the summers are very hot and humid the days leading up to our wedding were stifling hot but thanks to Mother Nature the weather was absolutely perfect! Low humidity and in the mid 80′s. With the weather on our side and our top notch wedding planner, Ashley Summers our wedding day was the most calm and peaceful day I have experienced in a long time.When it came to our wedding I had a vision, but I had a terrible time trying to explain it. I think because it was more than just a vision it was a feeling. Therefore, we just went with everything that we loved! The day of our wedding, our 115 guests gathered in the tree grove for the ceremony enjoying cans of Sofia, raspberry lemonade and water. Our stationary designer, Rebecca Shriver designed program fans to help keep guest cool.  Michael has a love for music so having our friend Ira play meaningful songs was very important to us. Michael walked down the aisle to Simple Man by Shinedown and I walked down to the acoustics of Kenny Chesney’s Old Blue Chair. Also, as a teacher it was important to me to include my love for children’s literature into the ceremony so we have some of the children read exerts of the Velveteen Rabbit as a reading. After the ceremony, guests walked up the tree lined path to mansion portico where servers handed out ice cold towels, Mango Mojitos and yummy hor dourves. During cocktails, guests signed our guestbook which was an old rocking chair that I painted light blue.The reception was held inside the mansion spanning over three different rooms. The great hall featured our live band and the dance floor while guests dined outside under the tent covered patio, the bar, cocktail tables and large ottomans filled the side room. Our wedding was magical and we are so thankful to all of our family and friends who love and support us!

Photographer: Kate Headley Photography / Wedding Planner: Ashley Summers, Table 6 Productions / Paper Goods: Becky Shriver / Venue: The Woodend Sanctuary / Catering and Rentals: Windows Catering / Florist: Holly Heider Chapple Flowers LTD / Linens: Overlay’s: Nuage and Underlay’s: Chair Covers and Linens / Lighting: Perkins Productions / Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Musician: Ira Gonazlez / Reception Music: Nation, Elan Artists / Officiant: Eric Simmons / Transportation: Awards Limo Service / Hotel: Hyatt / Hair: Giselle, Elegant Hair by Giselle / Makeup: Leah McKay / Wedding Dress: Melissa Sweet / Bridesmaids Dresses: Vera Wang / Film Work: Richard Photo

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 27 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Awards Limo Service, Becky Shriver, Chair Covers and Linens, Elan Artists, Elegant Hair by Giselle, Eric Simmons, Holly Chapple Flowers, Hyatt, Ira Gonazlez, Kate Headley Photography, Leah McKay, Melissa Sweet, Nation, Nuage, Perkins Productions, Table 6 Productions, The Woodend Sanctuary, Traditional Elegance, Vera Wang, Windows Catering
Post categories: Traditional Elegance

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And just because we love a good wedding video (who doesn’t?), here is some more pretty from the talents at CinemaCake Filmmakers.

Sloane Trailer from CinemaCake Filmmakers on Vimeo.

From Beautiful Blooms Events… Jill and Jeffrey’s Wedding and Reception was at Jill’s family home on the Main Line in Pennsylvania.  The couple chose a Sunday afternoon in October to host their French Bohemian affair.  Guests arrived and were seated outside under a sailcloth tent to participate and celebrate along with the couple at their Jewish Ceremony. After the Ceremony, guests meandered onto the terrace and surrounding grounds to enjoy Champagne opened by Jill and Jeffrey with their own personal sabers.  Starr Events was on hand providing all of the amazing culinary treats.

The French Bohemian Reception continued under another sailcloth tent on the Family’s Grounds. Guests were welcomed with music from one of Elan Artists bands playing fun French inspired music. Tablescapes were designed from a mix of “study” items such as books, metal birds, bird cages and groupings of flowers.  The overall color palette was creams with hints of shades of purples and greens with accents.  Incorporated into the look was a vintage chicken coop which was placed in front of the band and filled with white pumpkins, plants, moss balls and books to continue the design.

After Dinner, guests were treated to a variety of French Crepes provided by Starr Events and a whole table filled with color coordinated candies.  Jill and Jeffrey made their escape later in the evening with guests waving paper flags.

Event Design: Beautiful Blooms Events / Event Planning & Styling: Styled Creative / Wedding Photography: Sarah DiCicco / Hair & Makeup: Béke Beau / Wedding Cinematography: CinemaCake Filmmakers / Music: Elan Artists / Catering: Starr Events / Wedding Venue: Private Residence

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 12 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Beautiful Blooms Events, Beke Beau, Bird Cages, Cinema Cake Filmmakers, Elan Artists, Fall Wedding, French Bohemian, Green, Ivory, Outdoor Wedding, Pennsylvania, Purple, Sarah Diciccio, Starr Events, Styled Creative, Tented Reception, Vintage Chic, White
Post categories: Whimsical

Downtown Washington, D.C.’s historic Meridian House served as the venue for Shaina and Nate’s September wedding. Shaina and Nate had fallen in love with this hidden architectural gem designed by John Russell Pope, the renowned architect also responsible for the Jefferson Memorial, National Archives and National Gallery of Art.

Being city-dwellers themselves, Shaina and Nate loved the idea of bringing their family and friends together in an urban setting, albeit one with beautiful historic gardens and greenspace. Shaina had selected a beautiful color palette of green and white with pops of rich raspberry. Nate’s parents are horticulturalists and were very involved in the floral design. They provided all of the plant material as well as many of the flowers. Marcy and Thom Green of Dragonfly provided the design work as well as some of the florals.

photography courtesy of Geoff Chesman with Michael Bennett Kress and Associates

The overall design concept was a modern take on European garden design, utilizing an eclectic mix of potted herbs, plants and orchids. All potted items were re-purposed and eventually planted, and each guest received an herb pot as a special favor at the end of night. Utilizing and sharing items to be planted was Shaina and Nate’s way of approaching wedding design in an environmentally responsible way. Dragonfly custom-designed a wrought iron chuppah, which was placed on a stone terrace next to a grove of linden trees. The chuppah featured a gorgeous mix of white and cream garden roses, hydrangea and dahlias in a cream, green and raspberry color palette. The posts of the chuppah and ceremony aisle were accented with garden planters, utilizing jasmine, ferns, begonias and impatiens in greens and whites. Hanging votives hung throughout the linden trees, and garden lanterns were staked throughout the existing Meridian House flower beds.

Shaina and Nate met in Spain during a college study abroad program in Salamanca. Occasions Caterers provided a Spanish inspired wedding menu, which included glass pitchers of white Riesling sangria as well as an array of Spanish tapas. All cocktail tables were simply adorned with potted herbs in an eclectic mix of rustic containers. Spanish guitarists provided the perfect musical backdrop in the garden. Dinner tables were covered with gorgeous garden green silk linens and set with simple creamware ceramics. High floral arrangements were masses of creamy callas in glass trumpet vases, surrounded at the base with potted glass cubes of flowers in raspberry, white, cream and green tones. Low arrangements were a mix of containers in glass, zinc and stone and included a variety of blooms and plants in the same color palette.

Shaina and Nate’s wedding was so distinctive in no small part due to Nate’s parents’ contribution and Dragonfly’s ability to partner with them on the project. The wedding design was incredibly personal not only in the sense it represented both the bride and groom’s style and consciousness of the environment, but also in the fact the groom’s parents were so actively involved in growing the floral and plant material.

Event Planning: Allison Jackson, Pineapple Productions/ Floral Design: Dragonfly/ Caterer: Occasions Caterers/ Photographer: Geoff Chesman, MBK Photo Studio/ Band: Nation through Elan Artists/ Ceremony Musicians: Spanish guitarist and violinist through MSE Productions/ Wedding Cake: Patisserie Poupon/ Transportation: International Limousine/ Wedding Gown: Melissa Sweet through Carine’s Bridal Atelier/ Bridesmaids Dresses: Priscilla of Boston (Vineyard Collection)

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 14 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Carine's Bridal Atelier, Dragonfly Events, Elan Artists, International Limousine, MBK Photo Studio, Melissa Sweet, MSE Productions, Nation, Occasions Caterers, Patisserie Poupon, Pineapple Productions, Priscilla of Boston
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Planners & Designers

Until then … here’s a link to a NY runway shoot that Erik shot in April {click} and another Vera Wang runway show that he shot back in the fall {click}! Enjoy!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 8 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Angel Orensanz Foundation, Bridal Fashion, Chuppah, Elan Artists, Jewish, Manhattan, New York City, New York Weddings, Runway, Vera Wang
Post categories: Cultural Beauty, Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Photography