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From the Bride…Kenji and I really enjoyed the wedding planning process.  We worked together on everything and we both greatly appreciated everyone who helped us – our wonderful and loving family and friends and our very talented and extremely knowledgeable vendors.  We wanted to incorporate aspects of our different heritages into the wedding: Norwegian, Japanese, Irish, and Italian.  As well as personal touches, such as the motif we designed – two letter K’s, one reversed, together forming a butterfly.  Our florist, Crocus Hale, was just wonderful, and worked closely with us to transform our ideas into an elegant and timeless wedding design that represented us as a couple while enhancing the architecture and decor of the Wheatleigh.  Kenji and I spent numerous hours at Paper Trail, a chic little shop in the village of Rhinebeck, NY.  Serine and her staff helped us choose our invitations, the various paper goods and ribbons we used, and welcome gift bags.  With all of the detail in our wedding we decided to have two photographers.  We were very happy with this decision as it relaxed the photography schedule for the “getting ready” pictures and pre-ceremony portraits, provided different perspectives during the ceremony and other key moments, and provided enough coverage for lots of fun, candid shots of the guests, and special attention to all of the details.  Shawn Connell and Rob Northway from Christian Oth Studios were an absolute delight to work with, and we are in love with all of the precious memories they expertly captured.

The weather was just perfect to hold our ceremony outside on the terrace.  My dad walked me down the aisle while the string quartet played Pachelbel’s Canon in D.  Kenji was looking so handsome and the moment took my breath away.  Our guests looked just exquisite in black tie dress, the mountain view backdrop added to the drama, and the ceremony flowers of hydrangea and orchids complemented the scene perfectly.  Kenji and I wrote our own ceremony, so personal and meaningful to us, and had our very dear friend, Keith, officiate.  We included a handfasting ceremony to honor my Irish heritage, as well as a traditional Japanese saké ceremony, using a saké set given to Kenji by his family in Japan.  My godmother read “An Irish Blessing”, and another spiritual reading was done by Kenji’s godfather.  Our close friend, Alex Neyman, captured the priceless moments with his artist’s pencil.  We said our vows, exchanged rings, and with the power of the State of Massachusetts bestowed upon Keith for that day… We Were Married!

The Wheatleigh dining room was decorated beautifully.  Tables were draped with white floor-length linens and topped with taupe, silk dupioni overlays.  The floral centerpieces consisted of hydrangea, garden roses, dahlias, orchids, and hanging amaranthus in muted autumn colors.  Votive candles, some in mercury glass, illuminated the tables as the sun set behind the mountains.  We designed the menus with our butterfly motif to also serve as place cards by folding a calligraphed band around the menu.  We had fun with the menu for Kenji’s two year old nephew by replacing the text with cute pictures.  The string ensemble played beautifully, and emotional and entertaining speeches were given as we enjoyed a delicious five course meal with special wine pairings.  It was an amazing culinary experience created by Chef Jeffery Thompson and the Wheatleigh staff.

After dinner, everyone returned to the candle-lit Great Hall where we cut our wedding cake.  A scrumptious three-tiered cake decorated with Swiss dots and handmade sugar orchids – two tiers of almond chiffon cake layered with marscapone cream and raspberry preserves, and one tier of chocolate chiffon layered with chocolate mousse and raspberry preserves.  We shared our first bite of cake and it was now time for our first dance, a waltz to the song Kenji created for his wedding proposal.  Kenji’s voice teacher, Machan Taylor, had altered the timing to a waltz meter, and also sang the vocals. Kenji played the violin part, and Kathie, my matron of honor, played the flute part that gave the music an ethereal quality.  It was all professionally arranged and mixed by Pete Levin. It was so beautiful and something we will treasure forever.  In the months prior to the wedding, our dance teacher, Linda Rowland, taught us the waltz and worked with us to choreograph our first dance.  With our dance shoes on, the music started and I was so nervous.  Kenji was calm and confident as we floated across the dance floor underneath our origami cranes.  I tear up just thinking about it!

From the Groom…Kelly is beyond a dream come true, and our wedding was a metaphor for this.  Every detail, finely sculpted, was a result of Kelly’s wonderful touch, and her ability to work well with everyone, including me.  I cannot even say that the process was difficult – long, yes, effortful, yes.  But joyous, always.  Even folding 1000 paper cranes over the course of months was a task that we took up together, with each other in our hearts and the results in our hands.  Our wedding celebration was the culmination of months of planning and perseverance, and the fact that it reflected such joy in its loving details is a testament to the bond we were making, and continue to make strong.  For our guests, I hope we were able to transport them to another time, another place, one where things were beautiful and wonderful, one that provided a state of true enjoyment, if not blissfulness.  But I hope they then had the further realization that in fact this was not some alternate life, but actual reality, brought about by Kelly’s fantastic creativity and organizational abilities, crystallizing in the here and now.  I remember when I first saw Kelly on our day, preparing to walk down the aisle to join me.  She was radiant, and I myself had the realization that this was in fact happening!  Right there and then!  And to me!  This was the wonderful reality we had brought about, composed like a song, reviewed many times on how it might be, but the full emotional impact only being known on opening night.  The music, the flowers, the candles, the food, the cake, thousands of tiny and meticulously chosen elements, all worked harmoniously together to create our event in a beautiful venue.  And when the party was over, what remained were wonderful memories, for us and for our guests.  The farewell brunch had many smiles – it was as if we were all checking back in to make sure that it was not all a fleeting dream.  For me, it was all a dream come true, that remains to this day – every day I look at Kelly and remember the day I married her, and have the same realization that this beautiful life we share is continually made real by us, and made stronger and more joyful with each day that passes.  I am honored to add my strength to her grace, my tenacity to her creativity, my love to her light.  She is my butterfly, her flight is one of beauty and will.  And my life now, just as this paragraph, begins and ends with Kelly.

Venue: Wheatleigh / Wedding Photography: Shawn Connell + Rob Northway of Christian Oth Studio / Floral Design: Crocus Hale / String Ensemble: Art Strings / Band: The Stingers Band / Voice Teacher + Music Composer: Machan Taylor / Musical Arrangement: Pete Levin / Dance Teacher: Linda Rowland / Artist: Alex Neyman / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier via Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier / Bridesmaid Dress: Badgley Mischka / Undergarments: Bra Tenders / Groom’s Tuxedo: Armani / Pearl Earrings: Mikimoto / Engagement Ring: Custom / Wedding Band: Tiffany & Co. / Bride’s Shoes: Grace with Soul Mates / Bride + Groom’s Dance Shoes: World Tone Dance / Parasol: Lace Parasols / Hair: Glenda Connors / Make-up: Sarah of SEVEN salon.spa / Invitations: Elum via Paper Trail / Paper Goods: Paper Trail / Calligraphy: Rita / Custom Wine Corks: Jelinek Cork Group / Wedding Favors: L.A. Burdick Chocolate / Wedding Dress Preservation: J Scheer & Co.

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Post tags: Alex Neyman, Armani, Art Strings, Badgley Mischka, Bra Tenders, Christian Oth Studios, Crocus Hale, Elum, Glenda Connors, Grace, J Scheer & Co., Jelinek Cork Group, L.A. Burdick Chocolate, Lace-Parasols, Lenox, Linda Rowland, Machan Taylor, Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, Massachusetts Weddings, Mikimoto, Monique Lhuillier, Paper Trail, Pete Levin, Rita, SEVEN salon.spa, Soul Mates, The Stingers Band, Tiffany & Co., Wheatleigh, World Tone Dance
Post categories: Massachusetts Weddings, Traditional Elegance

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Sophisticated chic set the mood for the reception of San Francisco attorney’s Shannon & Joel at Quince Restaurant in San Francisco.  Situated in the Jackson Square neighborhood, Quince Restaurant is housed in a 1907 historically landmarked brick and timber building. NY Times and Food & Wine gave Quince the grandest nod of all – the top dining experience in San Francisco.

With Shannon & Joel’s love for quintessential San Francisco and fine food and wine, Plum Events transformed the brick and timber space in the historic Barbery Coast district to modern and chic design, balanced with femininity and warmth. Plum Events illuminated the beauty of the stellar space with silver, blush and white accents that infused the dramatic space with romance. Lush peonies, sweet peas and lisianthus overflowed in each setting designed by Sharla Flock Designs.  The room was illuminated by candlelight – pillar candles and votives created an intimate setting that reflected the romance of Shannon and Joel’s love story. Ever Music set the stage with jazz, and big band music.

Event Design & Coordination: Plum Events / Floral Design: SHARLA FLOCK DESIGNS / Wedding Photography: Suzy Clement Photographs / Wedding Cake: Torino Baking / Music: Ever Music Group / Reception Location: Quince Restaurant / Wedding Dress: Melissa Sweet via Priscilla of Boston / Groom’s Suit: Custom by Patrick James / Groom’s Shoes: Ferragamo / Groom’s Tie: Barneys New York / Bride’s Earrings: Vintage via Lang / Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Wedding Invitations: Elum

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Post tags: Barney's New York, CA, California, Elum, Ever Music Group, Ferragamo, Green, Jimmy Choo, Lang, Melissa Sweet, Patrick James, Pink, Plum Events, Priscilla of Boston, Quince Restaurant, San Francisco, Sharla Flock Designs, Suzy Clement Photography, Torino Baking
Post categories: California Weddings, Contemporary, San Francisco Weddings

click here to see the whole gorgeous affair!

Our wedding was a culmination of almost a year and half of planning, looking back now I see what was meaningful and what was crazy making. When we were first engaged (in a fabulous little place called Zihuatanejo) we were living in forever-hip Portland, Oregon while I was attending graduate school. However, we knew we wanted to get married closer to home, so we started the search for a site in Sonoma County, where we both are from. On a side note Kevin and I have gone to school together since Kindergarten at least, maybe earlier but neither of us can remember for sure. We didn’t start dating until after college however, when I was living in NYC and he was back in the Bay Area. Nothing like a year of long distance to start it off right!

Knowing the general area of where we wanted to get married was a good start but in all honestly the location search was not as fun as we thought it would be. I was pretty shocked at the site fees of various venues and what they may or may not include. It wasn’t until we went through Off the Beaten Path Weddings that we found a site we both fell in love with that we could really, for the first time, picture ourselves getting married at! Once we had a site we knew our other main priority was our photographer and I don’t think I really have to say too such about Tanja Lippert but I will anyways. I love her. I fell in love with one of her weddings featured on SMP when I first started peaking around the site (http://www.stylemepretty.com/2008/05/13/real-wedding-9/) and have loved everything else she has shot since. Aside from her talent she is just painfully fabulous to be around. She makes you feel incredibly comfortable and beautiful, all the time. She also opened my eyes to the amazingness that is Tia Reagan, her partner in crime, who did all the hair and makeup at our wedding. Just perfect.

The rest of the planning kind of fell into place. I had envisioned long farm tables and globe lights and picked up other style ideas along the way. I love champagne and pretty things so that is what I gravitated towards. Some things were incredibly meaningful so I made them priorities even if no one else noticed. I made the jam favors with local Portland raspberries and my Grandma’s much-loved recipe. We also went for music that we really listen to, which is how we ended up switching our first dance song to Atlantic City by The Band literally two minutes before we started dancing! In the end it was just a beautiful day that really was over so fast. I could get into all the nitty gritty details but think what stands out after the fact is the love and affection Kevin and I felt from every single person there. Our family, friends and wedding vendors made it what it was and we left with such an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. Well that and the giddiness that came with staying at The Farmhouse Inn, which is just so amazing I wanted to move in. Really.

Photography: Tanja Lippert / Wedding Hair & Makeup: Tia Reagan of Freebird Productions / Wedding Design and Execution: Mary Ellen Murphy of Off The Beaten Path Weddings / Officiant: Steve Thrush / Location: Winery in Healdsburg, CA / Catering: Peloton Catering / Wedding Dress and hair flower: Amsale, style Calista / Bridesmaid Dresses: Varied / Groomswear: J.Crew / Wedding Cupcakes: Kara’s Cupcakes / Invitations: Elum and Paperwhite of Petaluma, CA / Flowers: La Belle Fleur Design / Hotel: The Farmhouse Inn / Flower Girl Dress: Nastershum / Potted succulents, chalkboard and chicken wire windows, escort cards, seat numbers, guest book, and jam by the bride (and husband and family!)

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Post tags: Amsale, Elum, Freebird Productions, Healdsburg, J.Cravata, Kara's Cupcakes, La Belle Fleur Design, Off the Beaten path Weddings, Paperwhite, Tanja Lippert, The Farmhouse Inn
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Real Weddings, The Blog

Courtney Caplan definitely gave it her all when planning her brother’s wedding!

from Courtney …

Kevin and Lizzie met in the parking lot of a grocery store when she accidentally hit a bird with her car! All through their engagement, we joked about it, but when it came to their wedding, we used it as our inspiration. Originally, Lizzie wanted a “starry nights” theme. Rather than taking a literal approach, we compromised on a blue and white color scheme with huge white blooms and phalaenopsis orchids to represent the stars.

This was a traditional Jewish wedding. The chuppah was completely covered in moss – it looked like a giant topiary! Then Petal Pushers added tons of gorgeousness to it with bunches and bunches of white flowers.

We used blueberry jelly beans to hold our escort cards and kept a theme throughout with the Elum Aviary stationery used as menu cards, table number and escort cards.

We also incorporated a piece of specialty glassware to carry on the blue theme at the dinner tables.

Our congratulations to Elizabeth & Kevin and a huge thank you to Courtney for showcasing so many of our Little Black Book members at this very special occasion!

Event design and planning – Caplan Miller Events; Florals – Petal Pushers; Photography – Michelle Reed Photography; Lighting – FILO Productions; Linens: La Tavola; Rentals: Taylor Rentals; Venue and Catering: Ritz Carlton Naples; Videography – AMC Video Productions; Stationery – Elum

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: AMC Video Productions, Caplan Miller Events, Elum, FILO Productions, Florida, La Tavola, Michelle Reed Photography, Naples, Petal Pushers, Ritz Carlton, Taylor Rentals
Post categories: Florida Weddings, Little Black Book Blog, Naples, Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Photography, Wedding Planners & Designers

Perfect favors by Grapevine. See more goodness in Paperie for Inspired Living!

This week on Style Me Pretty:

“Vintage romanticism meets eclectic detailing” at the Smog Shoppe!

A family DIY affair in Virginia – complete with antique furniture and homemade peach jam…

A modern wedding in Texas, with a stunning color palette of ivory, graphite and black

Dream Team – Chewing the Cud and Elizabeth Messina’s latest venture

Reader Favorite: A backyard wedding; filled to the brim with cost cutting tips!

” I grew up on the farm where I was married.”  Sigh… Don’t miss this Oklahoma wedding

Inspiration to Reality – The Board —— > The Reality!

Fun posts from around the web:

Ode to letters! Via Green Wedding Shoes

Swimwear with vintage flair via Anthropologie (My favorite is… all of them.)

The sweetest pop up placemats! via What Junebug Loves

* * *

I know you’ve all been anxiously waiting to hear the winners for this weeks giveaways. So without further ado, here they are:

The winner of the Grapevine Invitation Discount is Kourtney.

The two lucky winners of the Elum Invitation Giveaway are Angie Galle and Casey.

And finally, the winner of the M. Flynn Giveaway is Amber Rae.

Congratulations to each of you and thank you SO much to all the extremely generous vendors and everyone who participated!

XOXO Libby

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 12 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Contest Winner, Elum, Grapevine Invitations, M. Flynn, Weekly Wrap-Up, Winner
Post categories: The Blog

Every Umi invitation suite is an inspired collection designed to evoke a visual, tactile and emotional connection.  Each unique piece has been designed to compliment the next, but it has its very own story to tell. So, we want to know, what will your story be? Leave a comment below and tell us what message you want your invitations to say about your own special day.

This is the real deal, each design ensemble includes the following: invitation with blank envelope, reply card with blank envelope, informal note with blank envelope, wild card and escort card. Both winners will receive a complete package of 100, two-color invitations. This is ridiculously good, each package is $1700 worth of good to be exact. We’ll announce the winners Friday, February 19th.

By entering the contest you may be eligible for other Umi Invitation giveaways.  You will not be added to any mailing lists.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 631 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Elum, Giveaway, Umi, Wedding Invitations & Stationery
Post categories: Contests, Wedding Invitations & Stationery

LOVE! For any of you paper snobs, like myself out there, elum is the cream of the crop! Spend some time checking out their gorgeous letterpress portfolio! You definitely won’t be disappointed.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Elum, Letterpress, Stationery
Post categories: Wedding Invitations & Stationery

Invitation by elum, Gown by Monique Lhuillier on Brides, Flowers by Matthew Robbins of Artfool, Cake by K. Rosecakes

Elum is one of my all time favorite invitation design houses. Their letterpress invitations are simply spectacular, with each impression done by hand in house so that every piece is perfection. I actually asked elum to do my business cards because their letterpress is so gorgeous (I’ll show those in a later post).  Here is an up close of their latest design…

More to come in just a bit!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Elum, Letterpress, Wedding Invitations & Stationery
Post categories: Wedding Invitations & Stationery