Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From Mike Colón Photographers…Growing up, the Fourth of July was one of my favorite holidays.  From sparklers, to picnics, to running barefoot in fields, to watermelon juice dripping off my chin and down my arms, my memories are deep and rich. To me July 4th is a celebration of fresh new beginnings.  And isn’t it the same thing with marriage?  This is the day that you begin a new life together; in so many ways and for so many reasons it’s a fresh start.

For Rachael and Henry it was about capturing their All-American style and making it come to life.  What better way to make this All-American couple come to life than to celebrate their love on the 4th.  We didn’t want anything to distract from Rachael and Henry so for wardrobe we kept with a neutral color palette, and decided to add our pops of color with the décor.  Red, white, blues, strawberries, blueberries, coca-cola, candied apples, and popcorn gave the finishing touches to a memorable day.

So here’s to staying up late to watch fireworks with the people you love the most, to getting your fingers dirty and your shirts stained with barbeque, to midday picnics, and most of all to love.  To new love, to old love, and to fresh new beginnings.

Photography: Mike Colón Photographers + Visual Exposure Photography + Richard Lam Photography / Stylist:  Kat Harris of Mike Colón Photographers / Hair + Makeup: Remba Productions / Floral Design & Stylist: Susanna and Mary French Buckets / Linens: Designer Specialty Linens / Pies + Desserts: Jays Catering / Models: Rachael and Henry / Bride’s Attire:  Cocoe Voci + Madewell / Jewelry:  J.Crew / Shoes: Calvin Klein / Groom’s Attire: Zara, J.Crew + Gap / Paper Goods and Signs: Typologie and Co.

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Post tags: California, Calvin Klein, Cocoe Voci, Designer Specialty Linens, Fourth Of July, French Buckets, Gap, Jay's Catering, JCrew, Mike Colon Photographers, Orange County, Photo Shoot, red white and blue, Remba Productions, Richard Lam Photography, Typologie and Co., Visual Exposure Photography, Zara
Post categories: California Weddings, Photo Shoot

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From La Belle Fleur Wedding Designs & Events…While wearing a navy blue dress with white polka dots and a red belt wrapped around my waist, I thought to myself how patriotic I looked.  I quickly thought about how fun it would be to create a photo shoot around a Fourth of July wedding in Southeast Texas.  I contacted a photographer, an invitation company, make-up artist, hair stylist, baker and salons for wedding attire for our models.  Within one week of contacting these vendors, we managed to create a casual, yet elegant backyard Fourth of July wedding.

Allen Ayres of Bellafotografica provided his talents in capturing the images of the shoot for us.  Glenda Little of Dressy Designs and I quickly decided that her backyard was the perfect location for our shoot. Once we made the decision where the photo shoot would take place, all the vendors worked their magic to bring the vision we had together.

The overall look that I was going for was an all-American casual Fourth of July look that was classy, elegant and not too gimmicky with a twist of vintage.  I asked the make-up artist (Erica Strazz) and hair stylist (Ashley Smart) to create a look that was reminiscence of old Hollywood glamour/50’s pin-up for our models.  We even carried the theme of celebrating America in the selection of our models.  These girls truly represent what America is all about; beautiful, full of life and full of cultural differences.

When I set out to do this shoot, I also had in mind of showing brides an alternative style to the same theme (from casual elegance to formal sophistication).  The main shoot was based on an outdoor wedding that was casual yet elegant.  By changing up certain things, we were able to transform the setting to a more upscale and sophisticated setting.

Floral & Event Design: La Belle Fleur Wedding Designs & Events / Invitations & Paper Goods: Dressy Designs / Photography: Bellafotografica / Cake & Cupcakes: Artistic Confections / Makeup Artist: Erica Strazz / Hair Stylist: Ashley Smart of Beautique Salon & Spa / Wedding Gown: Mori Lee Blue Collection via Marcy Messer of The Classy Peacock / Shoes & Veil: Marcy Messer of The Classy Peacock / Bridesmaid Dresses: Anna Tran of Mommy Dearest + Dillards / Bridesmaid Hair Accessories: Melynda Tran of Love, Chloe Boutique / Location: Private Residence

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Post tags: Artistic Confections, Ashley Smart, Beautique Salon & Spa, Bellafotografica, Chloe Boutique, Dillards, Dressy Designs, Erica Strazz, Fourth Of July, La Belle Fleur Wedding Designs & Events, Love, Mommy Dearest, Outdoor, Photo Shoot, red white and blue, Texas Weddings, The Classy Peacock
Post categories: Photo Shoot, Texas Weddings

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From Isari Flower Studio + Event Design…After working together on a wedding last May, La Vida Creations Photography, Taylored Occasions, and Isari Flower Studio were excited to collaborate on a stylized shoot featuring a gorgeous local venue in San Diego. With a vintage American feel, The Condor’s Nest offers the perfectly unique character to inspire the theme “Americana”. The property is home to a family of animals that mimic the characters of Charlotte’s Web… horses, exotic chickens, pigs, and even two goats. Vintage accents take guests back to a simpler time, creating a very relaxed vibe. The peaceful setting boasts sweeping views of rolling foothills, lush valleys and glimpses of the Pacific Ocean in the distance. From the sun-kissed red barn, to the vintage red farm vehicles parked around the perimeter of the ranch, we highlighted the bold beauty of these property features and carried that through our design and details. This was at the center of the inspiration for Americana, a modern twist where American Apple Pie meets Rock ‘n’ Roll with a whimsical modern flair that breathes new life into these American traditions.

In lieu of a traditional place card table, a stampede of paper horses greeted guests on one wall of the barn. Eight different breeds of horses were hand-painted and cut-out to correspond with eight tables. Guests would move on to the interior of the barn for refreshing cocktails served in mason jars, accented by fresh local strawberries and mint.

The main table was set with Russian linen tablecloths resembling bags of grain. The casual folding wooden chairs and the vintage farm trucks parked around the main lawn complemented the sun-kissed red barn. This barn served as the main character and unifying element throughout the three vignettes we created. Brightly colored hand-woven table runners provided a pop of color and added a West meets Mexico flair. The color palette for the floral accents echoed this flavor and drew inspiration from the area surrounding the barn, a blend of succulents with a casual floral mix. Hand-stenciled napkins and a casual menu reflect the relaxed style of the dinner that would presumably be ranch beef and fresh, local produce. The dinner menu was printed on the backside of grocery bags to give a natural texture and the paper was sewn to red cardstock for a hand-made touch. The menus were inspired by old west posters using a combination of wood type and script typefaces.

A retired farm wagon was put to work once again holding a collection of cupcakes and pies made from old family recipes. Handmade tags on vintage paper and popsticks help guests navigate their way to their favorite flavored treats. The models donned a variety of modern and classic clothing, floral headbands, and cowboy boots to represent the feel of Americana.

Event Design, Styling + Props: Taylored Occasions + Minted Condition / Floral Design: Isari Flower Studio + Event Design / Photography: La Vida Creations Photography / Linens: Wildflower Linens / Napkins: Emerson Made / Invitation, Menu, Paper Products: Minted Condition / Stylist: Stylish Silhouette / Dresses: Sky Couture / Desserts: La Concha Bakery / Venue: The Condor’s Nest / Hair + Makeup: Shlomit Arviv

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Post tags: California, Emerson Made, Fourth Of July, Isari Flower Studio, La Concha Bakery, La Vida Creations Photography, Minted Condition, Photo Shoot, red white and blue, Rustic Chic, Shlomit Arviv, Sky Couture, Stylish Silhouette, Taylored Occassions, The Condor's Nest, Wildflower Linens
Post categories: Photo Shoot, Traditional Elegance

Here’s what you need to get started…

MATERIALS
ribbons, multiple colors & patterns
cake sticks from the grocery store (or swizzle sticks…straws…etc.)
scissors

And here’s the SO easy Step-by-Step! Remember, change up the ribbon colors and prints for a totally different look!

1. choose one of the ribbons and form a loop
2. creating a “slip knot” around the white stick, secure the ribbon into a flag
3. pull ribbon tightly through to create a “knot”
4. choose a second ribbon and repeat steps 1 – 3
5. trim excess ribbon to form a stylized flag
6. use as many different patterned and colored ribbons to create darling flags for appetizers, drinks, desserts & more!

Easy as apple pie! Take a peak at how stinking cute these are placed inside your favorite dessert. LOVE.

A HUGE thank you to Elizabeth & Karrie of Posh Paperie for all of the cuteness and to Jackie Wonders, the always fabulous photographer who snapped the super cute pics. Hope y’all got to enjoy those yummy desserts when you were finished!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 29 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, flags,, Fourth Of July, Jackie Wonders, Posh Paperie
Post categories: DIY Favors and Gifts, DIY Projects, DIY Wedding Decor

all photographs by Misti Layne

From the girls at Hello! Lucky…For this affair, we did the Classic Cowboy design in Bluebell and Lucky Red which complemented the wedding’s rustic Americana style. We created a custom band with a repeating Western star pattern in red to hold all the pieces together.

Maggie is a furniture designer/maker so the couple decided it would be fun to incorporate that into the details in a creative yet subtle way. Stacy McCain, the planner, asked Maggie if she had any wood scraps from the shop (piece that would likely get thrown away and that she would not be able to use for anything) which she did. The table numbers were created using the wood scraps, this also played into wanting to recycle and reuse. She also had some leftover materials which she constructed her escort card board from.

all photographs by Misti Layne

What screams Summer more than BBQ?!? The menu was fun and a nice change of pace from typical “wedding” food. The guests really enjoyed the feeling of a home cooked meal (Salmon, beef, chicken, vegetables, potatoes and sweet corn slaw). The cake was a citrus flavor with fresh berries served on top. This was a nice way to end the hot day with a refreshing and light dessert.

Mary Lois of Loop Flowers did a wonderful job of collecting various cups and containers to use for the centerpieces, this really spoke to our vintage/rustic feel for the wedding. Also keeping with the recycle and reuse idea Maggie collected vintage napkins so that each guest had one at their place setting. She tied ribbon with each guests name, this worked as their place card.

all photographs by Misti Layne

Thank you so much to the girls at Hello! Lucky for sending this over. We are in love! Stay tuned to hear who the big winner is from our Bluefly Giveaway!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 9 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: BBQ, Fourth Of July, Hello! Lucky, red white and blue
Post categories: Casual Elegance

Up first, a fabulous nautical inspired wedding that the forever talented Candice Dowling of Jubilee Events sent me…

photography by Whittaker Photography

From the lovely Candice…

Matt and Kim were married on May 30th, 2009 at 2:30 in the afternoon at the Assumption Church in Westport, Connecticut. Immediately following, guests enjoyed a gorgeous preppy and nautical inspired fete at the Saugatuck Rowing Club in Westport. Kim and Matt were an amazing couple to work with! At our initial meeting I knew we’d be a good match — they wanted a preppy, tailored, and nautical wedding in blue and yellow with pops of red.

Matt and his Groomsmen wore gorgeous seersucker jackets from Brooks Brothers with a navy brooks brothers tie and khakis. The groom wore a head of ranunculus as his boutonniere and his groomsmen wore a single yellow rose.

Their delicious cake was made by Sweet Cakes out of Fairfield, Connecticut. Suzette did a fabulous job bringing Kim and Matt’s vision to life. The guests REALLY enjoyed the cake and complimented on how delectable it was!

So much more on the way!

to see the full gallery, click here!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Blue Hill At Stone Barns, Candice, Fourth Of July, Jubilee Events, Nautical, New York Weddings, Paul Rich Studio, Pocantico Hills
Post categories: Casual Elegance

Hawaiian inspiration … in Sandy, Oregon!

It never ceases to amaze me that once you know the ‘who, when, and where’ … the design, colors and style just seem to happen.

Love the leis for the guys…

Floral design was provided by Adria at Lavish.

from Adria … talk about having someone’s personality shine through in their event! This wedding was so fun to work on because Kristin was such a hoot – totally colorful personality. Her father is from Hawaii and she has spent a lot of time there, so they really wanted to bring some tropical elements into their day. We used lots of bright flowers and lush foliage, but we also wanted a modern feel so we went with clear square glass vases with submerged blooms and bamboo for the centerpieces.They also went with the traditional maile leis for the groom and his men as well as leis for the gals.

The story about the plane is great! The wedding was held at her parents home. A few months before the ceremony they had noticed a bright green crop duster circling the area, so on a whim they hopped in the car and spent about an hour following it around until it landed. Then they asked if the pilot would be willing to fly over the reception and drop petals! This is a gal who gets stuff done. I love it! Flowers we used: Flame callas, cymbidium, dendrobium and vanda orchids, Lotus pods, Tropical fern curls … Lots of fun foliage!

In Colin Cowie’s fabulous new book,  Wedding Chic, he says, “Today, we live in a world where the boundaries between cultures are blurred and it’s not unusual to find people of one group borrowing and blending the rituals and traditions of another. ..The very idea of borrowing resonates as an openness to exploring spiritual meaning.” The point being … whatever inspires you, whatever makes you smile … embrace it!

and from the bride, Kristin …

When Eric and I were thinking about what kind of wedding we wanted to have, we started by discussing all of our similar interests and what we thought would tell the story of our relationship. We both have a special connection and love for Hawaii. My father is from Hawaii and Eric spent a summer in Maui during college, learning how to surf and loving the island vibe. So, we decided to use elements from Hawaiian culture in our ceremony as well as in our music (ukulele player), flower choices, and decorations. It was really special to be able to have our wedding at my parents’ house because we wanted to create a close family feeling. Many of our friends and family were traveling from all over the country and we were able to have both the rehearsal dinner/southern bbq and our wedding at my family’s house. It truly brought people together in a comfortable beautiful atmosphere. The fireworks show my dad put on after the rehearsal dinner will never be forgotten! Our theme extended into wedding party attire as well. The groomsmen wore fidora hats, seaweed leis, Cuban wedding shirts, and flip flops and the bridesmaids carried tropical bouquets. I designed and made my jewlery and hairpiece as well as the jewelery for the bridesmaids. It was really fun having the fidora hats for the boys, the boys sort of took on new personalities with them on! Probably the most important thing to us was the music for the reception. After trips to Jazzfest, we fell in love with New Orleans culture and music, so we were honored to have The Devin Phillips Band play the wedding. Devin is a Portland transplant who moved here after Katrina. The band was awesome, mellow jazz for dinner and New Orleans funk for dancing afterwards. I didn’t know that some of my relatives could move like that! We chose Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” as our first dance and I felt like I was floating on air when Eric swung me around at the end of the dance!

Thanks so much to Adria, Kristin & Eric, and of course the very talented Holly & Paul for sharing these photos and stories!

Holly Andres and Paul Rich are yet another of Style Me Pretty’s fabulous Little Black Book husband & wife photography teams! Check out their website and blog for more of their fantastic work!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Colin Cowie, Color Palette Orange Green, Fourth Of July, Hawaiian Inspired, Oregon, Outdoor Wedding, Paul Rich Studio, Portland
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog

Today’s LBB Real Wedding: Ben and Hedda, Greenport, NY in July 2008: from the bride … Ben and I were married on the North Fork of Long Island.  We wanted a Fourth of July weekend-wedding where our friends and family would feel relaxed and happy. Our wedding was small, about 80 people, no bridesmaids or groomsmen.

We picked sunflowers … this was the first and easiest starting point. The sunflower is simple, but brilliant. Our friend, Sarah, did an amazing job with the flowers!

Our invitation invited our guests to join us “on the lawn”.

Coliseum Catering specializes in Fourth of July BBQs, and we served huge ice cream sandwiches for dessert. They’re Biggy Iggy and Chewie Louies! Ben and I discovered them in New Hampshire and have deemed them the most amazing ice cream cookies EVER. We also had a fabulous local “Newgrass” band, Astrograss.

Our wedding goal was to simplify….. I think we pulled it off!

Well, Hedda and Ben may have simplified, but I can’t imagine a more beautiful wedding.

Amanda, a Connecticut and Vermont based photographer, traveled to Long Island to photograph Ben & Hedda’s wedding.  Thanks Amanda for sharing their special memories with us.

{to see the full gallery, click here!}

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 20 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Astrograss, Biggy Iggy, Coliseum Catering, Connecticut, Fourth Of July, Greenport, Ice Cream Sandwiches, Long Island, New York Weddings, North Fork, Orchard Cove Photography, Sunflowers, Vermont
Post categories: Budget Beautiful, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Little Black Book Blog, The Blog, Whimsical