Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog

Dessert Table by Amy Atlas

Abby Larson — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:25:05 +0000

And speaking of dessert tables, the most talented of them all, Amy Atlas, recently sent us a few pics of her latest design…made especially for Mindy Weiss’s Most Ridiculous Wedding Ever. Elizabeth Messina shot the drool inducing images and I have to say, I think that this might be one of Amy’s best!

I had the sheer pleasure of meeting Amy at the Martha Stewart Event last week and get to see one of her little creations in person…and it SERIOUSLY didn’t disappoint! Filled to the brim with probably the most perfect details I’ve ever seen, Amy’s tables are just about as good as it gets. Plus, she is a complete doll and you can just see the creativity stirring in her brain!

Take a peek at Amy’s blog and website if you are in the need for some major eye candy and wedding temptations. Both are basically a bride’s dream come true!

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Post tags: Amy Atlas, Dessert Table, Elizabeth Messina
Post categories: Wedding Cakes, Wedding Decor, Wedding Details

Wedding Headpieces by Twigs + Honey

Abby Larson — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:43:41 +0000

I am working on THE prettiest feature you’ve ever seen. Really, they photographs could be the prettiest photographs I’ve ever put on up SMP. Of course that isn’t terribly surprising considering the oh-so-lovely Elizabeth Messina shot them and the stars of the shoot are the perfect headpieces that Myra from Twigs + Honey crafted. Here is a little sneak peek…

Swoon.

The photoshoot is right out of a fairytale…the prettiest, most fashion forward, undeniably chic fairytale you’ve ever seen. It won’t be long!

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Post tags: Elizabeth Messina, Headpieces, Twigs & Honey
Post categories: Accessories, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Photography

A Lovely Workshop, IV

Abby Larson — Fri, 22 May 2009 19:00:01 +0000

I’ve have to admit, I’ve save the best of today’s images for last. The really delicious details from Elizabeth Messina’s A Lovely Workshop, the ones that make what I do everyday so much fun.

Viola of Chewing the Cud is written ALL over this affair. And together with Eden of End Design, they designed a day that was total perfection. Xandra of Xyz Ink helped bring a sense of charm and handmade elegance to the day, as well…with signage and calligraphy that will honestly make you swoon. Oh and the best part? Kristen of Bliss Video Productions filmed the entire event, and is putting the finishing touches on it as we speak. I am secretly hoping that she and Elizabeth will share it with us when all is said and done.

This has been a day of pure beauty on SMP. Thank you SO very much to Elizabeth Messina and her fabulous new adventure, A Lovely Workshop, for inspiring us to no end. Elizabeth’s next workshop will be held in France and space is really limited. Sign up begins this Summer if you are interested!

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Post tags: A Lovely Workshop, Bliss Video Production, Chewing The Cud, Elizabeth Messina, Kiss the Groom, XYZ Ink
Post categories: The Blog

A Lovely Workshop, III

Abby Larson — Fri, 22 May 2009 17:45:42 +0000

I just emailed Elizabeth because I swear, I’ve looked at these images for 4 hours straight and am STILL getting chills. If you’re just now checking in on SMP, we are featuring Elizabeth Messina’s most gorgeous new adventure, A Lovely Workshop. Filled with details that will make your heart skip a beat, Elizabeth is sharing her love and knowledge of photography with up and comers through this new photography workshop. It’s every wedding junkie’s dream come true.

Elizabeth partnered up with some of the most creative, the most talented artisans in the wedding industry to design an event that was all about the details. And of all of the weddings that I’ve seen (and I’ve seen a lot of weddings), the details for this affair just might be the most beautiful.

Rosemary of Rosemary Special Events was the glue that held the event together. From itemizing all of the decor plans to making impeccable timelines, both for the attendees & the collaborators, Rosemary ensured that every detail was given it’s moment in the sun.

Another incredible detail…Dennis at Coco Delice provided rustic dark chocolate truffles that were served at the event. He also gifted Elizabeth boxes of gourmet chocolate to include in everyone’s gift box (which included amazing treats…books, films, spa products from the Kenwood Inn, chocolate and more).

And although the details are enough to make me jump for pure and unabashed joy, the photography that came out of the event was the real highlight. I am totally and madly in love with the images above that Elizabeth captured…the vintage, romantic quality just screams perfection.

Oh and the ridiculous hair pieces…who else but Myra of Twigs and Honey could design such a show stopper. If I could get away with wearing one every single day, I totally would.

Even more gorgeousness on the way!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 9 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: A Lovely Workshop, Coco Delice, Elizabeth Messina, Kiss the Groom, Rosemary Special Events, The Kenwood Inn, twigs and honey
Post categories: Wedding Decor, Wedding Details, Wedding Photography

A Lovely Workshop, II

Abby Larson — Fri, 22 May 2009 15:49:50 +0000

We are featuring Elizabeth Messina’s most recent little piece of heaven…A Lovely Workshop, geared at bringing photographers together to shoot a staged, real wedding with some of the most innovative and talented vendors across the wedding industry. In a word, the event was perfection. From the incredible styling to a cake that will make you cry…

The Kenwood Inn, recently named the best hotel in the area by Conde Nast Magazine, hosted A Lovely Workshop and provided the most incredible array of food. Check out Elizabeth’s blog to see the ridiculously delicious pictures.

Gabrielle at Cake Coquette designed a beautiful red velvet cake with details inspired by some of the designs that Viola had incorporated into the printed materials and palette inspired by kiss the groom. The cake was topped was the crown that Elizabeth used at her own wedding. Ahh. Perfection.

So, so much more to come from this amazing event!

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Post tags: A Lovely Workshop, Cake Coquette, Chewing The Cud, Elizabeth Messina, Kiss the Groom, The Kenwood Inn
Post categories: Wedding Decor, Wedding Details, Wedding Photography

A Lovely Workshop

Abby Larson — Fri, 22 May 2009 14:45:30 +0000

Elizabeth Messina is kind of the IT girl of all things beautiful. Her photographs are loved by bloggers, by magazine editors, by celebrities, by brides. She has an innate sense of style and design and always manages to capture photographs that could grace the walls of any home, that could make any bride turn pink with pure joy.

But the best part about Elizabeth is that she spreads the love. From her perfect blog to her more recent adventure, A Lovely Workshop, she isn’t afraid to teach people what she knows, to encourage photographers to find the beauty in every detail. Thus, we are beyond thrilled to share the images from her first edition of A Lovely Workshop…

Held in Napa Valley, Elizabeth partnered with some beloved SMP vendors and unbelievably talented designers to create a wedding workshop for photographers…allowing up and comers to hone their craft and shmooze with some of the best in the biz.

The FABULOUS Viola at Chewing the Cud designed all of the paper products for the event. From the invitations to the menus, every little paper detail was dreamt up by Viola. She even had little canvas bags that had Elizabeth’s The Kissing Tree logo mounted on the front with note pads and pencils tucked inside. The colors for the designs were all inspired by Kiss the Groom. As Elizabeth recently said…Viola is amazing, in every way. We have lots more paper photographs coming up!

The event design, which was FLAWLESS by the way, was all designed by Eden of End Design. Everything from the perfect florals, to the vintage chic styling was crafted in such a way that would give any creative person the butterflies. From the delicate bird’s nest detailing to the handmade 16 foot farm table (you’ll see in a bit), each and every element was perfection!

We have SO much more to come from this amazing event!

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Post tags: A Lovely Workshop, Chewing The Cud, Elizabeth Messina, End Design, Kiss the Groom
Post categories: Wedding Decor, Wedding Details, Wedding Photography

Real Wedding: The Details, VI

Abby Larson — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 23:00:30 +0000

So today’s affair was all about the details. Those perfect little touches that take the wedding style to a whole new level. Of course, like one of our readers said in the comments, a wedding really is all about the bride and the groom and the love that they share. BUT, in terms of style…the weddings that people always remember are those where the details shine.

Remember, details shouldn’t push your budget. They should not cost more than you are really comfortable with. Look to your home, your friends, ebay and flea market for decor steals (fun pillows on the seating already provided is a great way to add style, mismatched tarnished silver bowls are perfect for centerpieces, vintage family photos tucked into a hodge podge of frames…things like this). Find places like the food, a signature cocktail and the favors to add personality. And, if you can DIY the details without stressing, you’ll definitely save a bundle!

Thank you so much to Elizabeth Messina for sharing the photographs from today’s affair. And of course, to Lisa Vorce of Oh How Charming! for designing it!! We love, love, love this wedding!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Elizabeth Messina, Lisa Vorce, Oh How Charming
Post categories: Casual Elegance

Real Wedding: The Details, V

Abby Larson — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 22:12:39 +0000

There is so much to love about today’s featured affair. From the simple, but absolutely lovely color palette filled with blues, white and other neutrals, to the unbelievable details…every element is simply flawless. Add in Elizabeth Messina’s incredible photography and you have a jump-for-joy worthy affair!

One last little bit from today’s wedding on the way!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Elizabeth Messina, Lisa Vorce, Oh How Charming
Post categories: The Blog

Real Wedding: The Details, III

Abby Larson — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:44:51 +0000

There is something so unbelievably cohesive and yet so wonderfully effortless about today’s featured affair. The decor blends seamlessly with the natural surrounding and doesn’t at all seem over styled or designed.

The white and teal palette, paired with the silver and natural hues is FLAWLESS. Placing huge hurricane vases with pillar candles in the sand is genius and added that touch of romance that every reception needs. I can’t say enough about this gorgeous affair that Lisa Vorce of Oh How Charming! designed and Elizabeth Messina photographed. It’s perfection.

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Post tags: Elizabeth Messina, Lisa Vorce
Post categories: Casual Elegance

Real Wedding: The Details, II

Abby Larson — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:30:59 +0000

When I talk about “the details” on SMP…what I really mean are the little things. Thoughtful touches that make a wedding truly memorable…perhaps it’s simply serving food that reflects your personalities or designing menu cards, place cards and programs that are charming and sweet, favors that are so “you.” The details are the little things that truly elevate a wedding.

Although not everyone can have a wedding in paradise, everyone can find inspiration in one! From the bamboo fans on the guests seats, to the Japanese umbrellas and place cards secured with tons of rafia…every detail is perfect. Lisa Vorce, the planner behind the affair, of course can do no wrong in my book. And Elizabeth Messina, the photographer behind the affair, is pretty genius as well.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Elizabeth Messina, Lisa Vorce
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Wedding Details

Real Wedding: The Details

Abby Larson — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:15:59 +0000

We featured this wedding in an Inspiration Board format a LONG time ago, but recently, the fabulous photographer, Elizabeth Messina, sent me even more photos from the event and I had to share.

I sometimes sound like a broken record when I say that a wedding really is all in the details. But it’s so true. And there is no one that does details better than Lisa Vorce, the designer behind this ridiculously gorgeous affair…

Have you ever seen anything quite so beautiful? The pretty blue flags blowing in the breeze, the silver mercury balls, the elegant flowers, the everything. Just wait until you see the rest of the day unfold. It’s kind of unbelievable.

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Post tags: Elizabeth Messina, Lisa Vorce
Post categories: Casual Elegance

Inspiration Board, XII

Abby Larson — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:56:49 +0000

Hope everyone had a great weekend! We are continuing on with our Shabby Chic Inspiration Board Contest today, so let’s get right to it. Our next five boards (!) were designed by Caroline. The first is called Rustic Raspberry…

Aisle Marker: photo by Union Photography on Project Wedding / Centerpiece: photo by Jennifer Kloss on Project Wedding / Figs: photo from Algarve Buzz / Cherry Basket: photo by Elizabeth Messina Photography on Project Wedding / Maggy LondonA Silk Halter Dress at Macy’s

Next is Peony Pretty…

Flowers: Waterlily Pond /Soaps: French Garden House / Invitation: Papel Vivo / Cork Escort Card Display: photo by Union Photography on The Knot / Dress: Watters

Next is Shabby Pink…

Flowers: Trinity Flowers / Cake: I Do Wedding Cakes / Escort Cards: photo by Union Photography on The Knot, Seating: Jose Villa Photography / Dresses: Meghan Park

Next is Flirty Frills…

Hatbox: French Garden House / Lanterns: Jamali Garden / Necklace: French Garden House / Sign: Funki Folk Art on etsy / Dress: Ann Louise Roswald

Lastly, we have Raspberry Zinger…

Vintage Auction Paddles: French Garden House / Bouquet: photo by Jennifer Kloss on Project Wedding / Invitation: ‘Wine Country’ invitation in ‘Cabernet’ by Wedding Paper Divas / Dress: Lee Klabin

If you’d like to vote for any of these boards, please refer to them by their name (ie…peony pretty, raspberry zinger, etc).

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 8 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Algarve Buzz, Ann Louis Roswald, Elizabeth Messina, Etsy, French Garden House, I Do Wedding Cakes, Jamali Garden, Jennifer Kloss, Jose Villa, Lee Klabin, Maggy London, Meghan Park, Papel Vivo, Project Wedding, The Knot, Trinity Flowers, Union Photography, Waterlily Pond, Watters, Wedding Paper Divas
Post categories: Contests, Inspiration Boards

Photography Tips by Karen Rusten, II

Abby Larson — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:00:46 +0000

Okay, now for the good stuff. For those of you that are just now joining us, Karen Rusten of Brown Mouse Photography in San Francisco, is partnering up with some of the world’s best photographers to find out exactly what couples can do to ensure that they take the most amazing pictures on their wedding day. Let’s get right to it…here’s Karen!

* * *

Photographers are a tight knit group –and what we love most is gabbing about getting hot, rockin’ images, and what makes or breaks a shoot. After having been through the ins and outs of countless wedding days, we photographers have so much to share with brides and grooms, not only to help them get amazing photographs, but also to fully enjoy their wedding celebration.

I asked eight of my favorite wedding photographers to spell out some of their best advice on getting the images you always dreamed of. Follow this advice, and your wedding day joy will shine in every shot:

1. PUT US ON TRIAL

photograph via Jose Villa

“Take some time at the first meeting with the photographer and do an engagement session so that you can all practice working together. Treat it like a trial run, and be sure to tell your photographer what you loved and didn’t love from that session. This will help to produce the best photos possible for your most important day…your wedding” -Jose Villa

2. KICK UP YOUR HEELS!

photo via Karen Wise

“The pictures always look better when the couple is truly having fun! The couple should be playful with each other -tickle, hug, kiss, talk… this always looks really nice in the shots instead of a face-forward grin.” -Karen Wise karenwise.com

3. TRUST ME

via Elizabeth Messina

A wedding photographer is intimately involved with most aspects of the day. It’s crucial that a couple feel at ease & trust in their photographer’s ability to capture the nuances of the day.” -Elizabeth Messina

4. SPICE IT UP!

via Tanja Lippert

“Throw out the traditions and have a celebration that is about YOU!!!! This will ensure that photos are unique, beautiful and individual.” -Tanja Lippert

The next four tips are on their way in just a bit!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Brown Mouse Photography, Elizabeth Messina, Jose Villa, Karen Rusten, Karen Wise, Tanja Lippert
Post categories: Wedding Photography

Photography Tips by Karen Rusten

Abby Larson — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:00:05 +0000

I was so excited when I received an email from Karen Rusten of Brown Mouse Photography in San Francisco about a fun project that she wanted to share with SMP readers. As a wedding photographer herself, Karen knows all too well just how important it is to find the right photographer to shoot your big day and how tricky it can be to get those magazine-worthy photos that we all crave.

Thus, she has enlisted the help of some pretty fabulous photographers (think Jose Villa, Elizabeth Messina, Tanja Lippert…) to share their secrets for getting stunning images of you and your soon-to-be on your wedding day.

Before we get to the tips though, I wanted to share a few pictures that Karen has taken. The first is a bridal shoot that she shot that I kind of fell in love with…

This next set is from a fun wedding in Napa Valley that Karen shot over the Summer…

Stay tuned to hear the photographer’s tips for looking your best and getting those spectacular images you’ve always dreamed of on your wedding day!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Brown Mouse Photography, Elizabeth Messina, Jose Villa, Karen Rusten, Tanja Lippert
Post categories: Wedding Photography

Little Black Dress Five Ways, IV

Abby Larson — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 19:10:22 +0000

Now we’re pairing the Little Black Dress with a more rustic, kind of vintage look…

Little Black Dress by Nicole Miller on Bluefly, Flowers by Rebecca Thuss, Gift by Elizabeth Messina and Thayer Allyson Gowdy, Wine by Katie Moos

At first, I wasn’t sure if this look would work. Rustic and vintage usually go with warmer colors like chocolate brown, worn raspberry, soft yellow. But, the more I played with it, the more I fell in love with this palette. It’s very approachable, very simple but elegant. The black adds a touch of sophistication to a more natural style.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Allyson Gowdy, Bluefly, Bridesmaids Dresses, Classic Little Black Dress, Elizabeth Messina, Katie Moos, Nicole Miller, Rebecca Thuss, Vintage Wedding
Post categories: Color Palettes