And now for the shameless self promotion…YOU TOO can make boards just like this by joining the Style Circle and using our favorite images from weddings past to design a totally customized look. Pretty awesome, I’d say!

A HUGE thank you to Martha Andrews for giving us such incredibly beautiful photos to work with and use to show off our killer new feature. For the rest of you, make sure to join the Style Circle and start getting your hands dirty making style boards that will keep you inspired and wedding happy!

FABULOUS! Make sure to check out Martha’s site for more inspiration!

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Post tags: Blooms by Martha Andrews, Georgia
Post categories: Casual Elegance, The Blog

photographs by Jennifer Longaway

This wedding reminds me a little bit of an Anthropologie display, a little bit of a backyard dinner, a little bit of a magazine shoot. There are elements that are so intimate, so approachable. And yet there is a style that is undeniably inspired, magazine worthy really.

photographs by Jennifer Longaway

Oh and the cake…PERFECTION. We have more coming up from Martha Andrews in just a bit!

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Post tags: Blooms by Martha Andrews, Georgia
Post categories: Casual Elegance, The Blog

Brian & Gry are highly sought after wedding photographers partly due to their magnetic personalities and partially because of their sterling reputations for capturing the stunning moments that define every couple’s most special of days!  They realize that wedding dreams come in all shapes and sizes and are able to document each wedding with style, flair and passion.

They recently posted Esther and Jason’s October wedding on their blog and have agreed to share it with all of us today!

from the Woodwards …

Bigger is not always better:)  We’ve photographed some huge, multi-day wedding celebrations over the years and yes, they were absolutely gorgeous. But some of the nicest, most meaningful weddings have been small, intimate gatherings. This wedding is a prime example.

Esther and Jason, who are from the same area in Florida that Brian used to live, were married last October at the Biltmore Estate in a small, cozy ceremony with about 35 friends and family. Shay Brown, owner of Shay Brown Events and Palettes of Perfection in Asheville planned the day for Esther and as always, did a fabulous job!

Stacey Brown, owner of The Bloom Room in Asheville, worked her magic with the flowers. . .check out the bride’s bouquet and attendant’s bouquet, just awesome! The ceremony was at the Vista at the Inn on Biltmore Estate and the reception in the Biltmore Wine Cellar.

It was just a gorgeous wedding, Esther + Jason were so much fun to work with and even though it rained a bit nothing was going to stop them from making their wedding a day to remember. So, it doesn’t have to be a mega affair to be beautiful! Thanks Esther + Jason for allowing us to share your wedding day!

Incredible, Brian & Gry … ~ Woodward + Rick Photographers ~ just incredible!

Congratulations Esther and Jason! Your wedding was pure magic!

. . .

Update ~ I wrote to Esther for a little more info on their “story”. We just received this from the lovely bride …

Jason and I met while working together at a Dr’s office in town. I worked as a medical assistant and Jason was a medical rep in the building. We started going out and were together 5yrs before Jason proposed to me at Cinderella’s Wishing Well beside the Castle at Walt Disney World one night! It was truly magical … as was our wedding. We are so excited you enjoyed our pictures. It truly was the best day of our lives!

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Post tags: Asheville, Biltmore, Fall Wedding, Georgia, North Carolina, October Wedding, Palettes of Perfection, Shay Brown Events, The Bloom Room, Woodward + Rick
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Photography, Wedding Style

from Jesse and Whit’s blog …

Sometimes i take a break from my day and write a little what-i-am-thankful-for list and this past month jacqui and lachlan were on the top of my list. they are the kind of people that shine the light and no matter what kind of day you are having, they will rub right off on you. so needless to say…the whole wedding went like this. completely filled with light and love ...

… we already felt like old friends when the wedding began. our first meeting with them was over tacos and beers. it was instant love. then we met for their engagement shoot about 11 days before the wedding and it seemed like we were all a little frazzled between rush hour traffic, wedding plans and the wedding season that was ahead of us.  it took about 5 minutes before we all found ourselves rolling in green grass, breaking through fences and laughing our tails off! jacqui is the social sales manager at king plow so how she found time to plan her own wedding amongst everyone else’s is beyond me.

Jesse and Whit are the fantastic photographers of Our Labor of Love. They are based in Atlanta, but split their time between there and California, with a few trips to Martha’s Vineyard along the way. In other words, they will be more than happy to join you at your destination of choice! Just looking at the images of Jacqui and Lachlan’s wedding … well, you can see that Jesse and Whit totally connect with their couples in an intimate and privileged way. And isn’t that what you want for your wedding day? A photography team who really ‘gets’ you!?

From the beautiful bride, Jacqui …

We had the most fantastic experience from start to finish with all of our vendors! From our planner, Christina Zubowicz from Magnolia Weddings, to Bold American Events and Catering for their unreal flowers and food, to Michelle Smith from Inviting Ideas for her invitations, programs, and menu cards, Frosted Pumpkin for his unreal hanging wedding cake, and lastly but most importantly Whit and Jesse from Our Labor of Love!!!!

Lachlan and I met in Aspen Co while both working a Ski season. He was the bartender at the famous Little Nell Relais and Chateau and I was a hostess he is Australian and I am South African, so it was really important to incorporate this into our wedding. One of the ways we did this was to serve red wines from Australia and white wines from South Africa. We had over 4 continents represented, making it a truly well traveled wedding crowd! I love black and white but wanted a fresh spring feel, so all of our flowers were yellow – my favorite color! I also love the contradiction of modern and vintage so having when I found my Rivini lace dress, I knew we had to have some fun old fashioned elements – hence the yellow umbrellas, soft personal flowers, and long vintage veil. We have been in Atlanta for 3 years and love it! Lachlan is starting his MBA at Emory in the fall and I have been a Sales Manager for Bold American for 3 years.

Again, from Our Labor of Love’s blog … this was “out-of-the-box” and “into-amazing” wedding for king plow. steve, michelle, susan blew minds with their interiors. Tulips hung upside down from a moss base that reflected into the mirrors of the table tops. hanging cakes. rooms filled with umbrellas. floor to ceiling tapestries. it was insane. and so was the smilebooth. {If you’re not familiar with the Smilebooth, you totally need to take a look {here}! SO much fun for your guests!}

Upside-down tulips??? Hanging cakes??? Whoa!!!!

Now that is truly awesome! The stunning cakes were provided by Little Black Book member The Frosted Pumpkin Gourmet, Inc.

The yellow, black and white color palette has made a big splash in the wedding world, but none so grand as this!

What a warm and enticing wedding celebration this was. Just the perfect mix of sophistication, bubbly charm and a big dose of whimsy !

THANK YOU~ to Jesse & Whit and the whole OLOL team for sharing this day! And a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Jacqui & Lachlan !!

Be sure to visit the Our Labor of Love website and their blog for so many more gorgeous examples of the work!

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Post tags: Atlanta, Bold American Events & Catering, Color Palette Yellow Black White, Daisies, Decor, Frosted Pumpkin Gourmet, Georgia, Inviting Ideas, King Plow, Magnolia Weddings, Our Labor of Love, Parasols, Smilebooth, Table Settings, tulips, Umbrellas
Post categories: Centerpieces, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Details, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Photography, Whimsical

I think my personal favorite is the orange one (top, left). But honestly, I love them all! Be sure and take a look at The Frosted Pumpkin Gourmet. {I hear they specialize in gingerbread creations … mmmm}

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Post tags: Atlanta, Georgia, Monogram, The Frosted Pumpkin Gourmet
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Cakes, Wedding Style

From the beautiful bride, Ashley…

When I was planning my wedding I knew I wanted 2 things- for it to be outside and to have peonies!  We ended up having the most beautiful weather- 78 and sunny- in Georgia in the summer!  We chose the location because my husband and I both graduated from UGA, and thought it would be really fun for everyone to come back up for the wedding.  The Founders Garden is just one of those gems on campus- perfect for a wedding!  We were really going for the garden party theme with a few vintage touches (mostly with the centerpieces).  We hung lanterns in the trees and had lights strung across the courtyard.   I would have to say my favorite detail of the day was the flowers- they were absolutely perfect!

Thanks so much for sharing your day with us, Ashley! We are announcing our giveaway winners next, so definitely check back in a bit!

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Post tags: Athens, Color Palette Pink Green, Founders Memorial Garden, Garden Party Theme, Georgia, Lanterns, Outdoor Wedding, Peonies
Post categories: Real Weddings

Bridesmaids dresses by Ann Taylor, Cake by Cecilia Villaveces Cakes, Insanely gorgeous photography by W. Scott Chester, Flowers by Gardenia Floral. And that beautiful wedding gown? It’s by Marisa.

Ashley, the stunning bride, has been sweet enough to share a few details of her day with us…stay tuned!

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Post tags: Ann Taylor, Athens, Bridesmaids Dresses, Cecilia Villaveces Cakes, Founders Memorial Garden, Gardenia Floral, Georgia, Marisa, Southern Wedding, W.Scott Chester
Post categories: Real Weddings

From Danielle...

I knew the most important things to me when looking at my budget were location, pictures and food. I spent the majority of my money there and then really budgeted the rest. I knew I could have the wedding of my dreams if I just really put my mind to it and chose the right elements. I also wanted a wedding that was not the regular cookie cutter wedding – a wedding that exuded our love and our story. Very personal and fun!

All photos by Ray and Erica Tisdale at 35 Atlanta

I found my Maggie Sottero dress here at a local store in Atlanta and used Ann Taylor for the bridesmaid dresses. Ialso bought a gold cocktail dress to change into during the reception since we love to dance and I knew I could not move around in my princess dress! One of my bridesmaids made my chocolate brown programs and I worked with a local stationary shop for my save the dates and invitations. I knew I wanted to add small elements and details because to me that is what makes the difference but I knew with my budget I would have to get creative. I chose not to do favors and instead did inexpensive things like…

-HandPainted Signs leading guests to the ceremony site

-GuestTowels in all the bathrooms printed with a great quote

-SilverLunch Pails filled with guest necessities (Advil, Breath Mints, Band Aids, Hair Spray, Gum, etc) in all the bathrooms

-Chocolate brown bar napkins with our monogram

-Candle Monogram “C” on the dock

-Sparklers as we were leaving

I also knew that I could save money on my flowers since FWF offered such a beautiful, natural setting. My dream was to have peonies in my bouquet but they were out of season and it would have been excessively expensive to ship them in. Instead, I asked my florist to take carnations (I know, I know) and wire 3 or 4 of them together to make it look like a full, lush peony. It worked! We added hydrangea, roses and magnolia leaves to complete the look. I found some discarded burlap that we wrapped them in and I added beaded trim (that you use for pillows) around the burlap. It was the perfect mix of Montana Rustic and Southern Chic!

For the ceremony, I chose to use the backdrop of the oak tree and lake instead of overloading the area with flowers. We did use two large urns filled with tons of baby’s breath – they were breathtaking! I had gotten the idea from Martha Stewart Weddings years ago and it was a huge cost saver! We decorated the reception tables with burlap tablecloths that had a white topper. We chose inexpensive table arrangements so that I could save money. I used simple flowers, assorted nuts, and tons of candles. Candles always make the space look elegant and romantic! I also hung mason jars throughout the trees and shepherd hooks along the reception area. They were magical!

We have a few more brilliant details coming, so check back in a bit!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 8 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Ann Taylor, Autumn Wedding, Fair Weather Farms, Georgia, Maggie Sottero, Southern Wedding
Post categories: All Real Weddings, Budget Beautiful, Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance

All photos by Ray and Erica Tisdale at 35 Atlanta

Danielle has been sweet enough to share with us her Real Wedding Story…

We spent the 2004 Labor Day weekend with family and friends in Montana, where our family has a vacation house. I brought my newfound best friend, Melinda, and my brother, Cass, brought a few of his friends. Little did we all know that within six weeks of the trip, Lee Copeland (one of Cass’s best friends) and I would be dating, as well as Cass and Melinda. If you fast-forward a few years, I was in the midst of planning the wedding of my dreams with Lee, and Cass has just proposed to Melinda! We were going to be a great big family of best friends!

I plan weddings on the side and have looked at every bridal magazine since I was 5 years old. I had so many choices to make – what season, color, theme- there were too many options! I finally decided on an early fall wedding and the color palette of sage green, chocolate brown, and cream. I always wanted to have an outdoor wedding and reception but it was hard to find just the right place. We wanted an element of Montana throughout the wedding but did not know where we could find that in Georgia. Finally, my florist told me of the perfect place! Fair Weather Farms did not advertise (all by word of mouth) and was gorgeous! It is a 2000-acre private family farm located in Social Circle, GA. You drive down a long, curvy dirt road for about a mile before you get to the Lodge and Pavilion. The Lodge is a three story hand-pegged rustic beauty – all of the wood beams and floors were salvaged from a cotton gin out of North Carolina. When you step through the doors, you are looking at a 3-story glass window that overlooks the lake and 200-year-old oak tree where we would exchange our vows. You were surrounded by trees and rolling pastures – it was as if we had planted a little bit of the Montana Big Sky Country right here in Georgia!

We planned the ceremony for outside underneath the gorgeous old oak tree in front of the lake. Our reception took place outside and inside the screened pavilion that is adjacent to the Lodge. I wanted a Southern Rustic Chic theme using as much of the natural surroundings that we could AND I was on a budget!

To see how Danielle designed this perfect, budget friendly wedding…stay tuned!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 11 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Autumn Wedding, Fair Weather Farms, Georgia, Southern Wedding
Post categories: All Real Weddings, Budget Beautiful, Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance

The pair were married underneath a 200 year Oak tree in front of a beautiful lake, in a stunning Rustic Chic style. Danielle was on a budget and STILL managed to pull off this lovely wedding. I have more pictures and brilliant details coming, so stay tuned!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 6 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Autumn Wedding, Fair Weather Farms, Georgia, Southern Wedding
Post categories: All Real Weddings, Budget Beautiful, Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance