see more of this garden shindig here!

The story of THE Dress… Katie had tried the dress on at a trunk show, but couldn’t decide for sure if it was the dress. So she went back to Monique Lhuillier with Laura and they booked back to back dress appointments. When Laura saw Katie try on the dress, she exclaimed, “You look amazing!” And then, “Can I try it on, too?” So she did and she loved it, too. That’s when they had the idea of sharing. Katie and Laura had shared dresses and swapped wardrobes over the years, but a wedding dress?! She asked the salesperson at Monique Lhuillier if it was crazy to think they could share, but she was very encouraging. The folks at Monique Lhuillier measured them both for the dress, and Katie and Laura’s measurements were within an inch all over, even though both women have very different bodies! So … the dress sharing began.

Katie and Karl had their wedding in Katie’s aunt’s garden in Woodside, California, in September, a month affords some of the finest weather of the year in Northern California. Her aunt worked for nine months in advance to prepare and perfect the garden in time for the wedding. What a good excuse for some time in the garden, right?! She had her gardening club over the day before the wedding to show it off and celebrate!

We loved the color palette of this wedding – so many different yellows — and such happy ones! The yellows were accented with soft grays and neutralized purples. Florals included yellow and white dahlias, pale purple echeveria, lavender, smoke bush leaves, Queen Anne’s Lace, et cetera. The linens for the meandering S-shape dining table were patterned with yellow and gray. The couple loved photographs from the Hipstamatic App on their iPhones and really kind of fantasized about having their guests take photographs of the wedding with their iPhones on the Hipstamatic App. I confess to taking one or two photos on my phone with the Hipstamatic … but really made a point of taking lots of toy camera photographs for them at their wedding, trading the digital trend for its analog answer.

Photography: Gia Canali Photography / Flowers: Susie Nadler for Flora Grubb / Hair: Caryn Cohen / Makeup: Karina Kasper / Event Planning & Design: Brook Holton Sheahan & Alexis Ring of Nonpareil Events / Ceremony and Reception Location: private backyard garden (at the home of the bride’s aunt!) / Linens: La Tavola / Rentals: Hartmann Studios / Catering: Bi-rite Catering / DJ: Nick Foster Entertainment / Dress: Monique Lhuillier / Film Work: Richard Studio

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 32 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: California Weddings, Flora Grubb, Garden Wedding, Gia Canali, La Tavola, Monique Lhuillier, Nonpareil Events
Post categories: California Weddings, Casual Elegance, Real Weddings, San Francisco Weddings, The Blog

{Check out all this crazy gorgeousness in one tidy little place.  No words.  Just pictures.}

A few words from Gia Canali:

Planning such a formal affair here in Los Angeles, where we are known for our laidback outdoor weddings, borders on the avant-garde.  This made Negar & Peter’s wedding a rare treat to take in: it was so very sensual–with an intimate fireside ceremony, the lacy softness of baby’s breath, and flickering candlelight to set the mood.  Plus, everyone was really dressed to the nines.  I loved that Peter nabbed a dahlia from one of the centerpieces for a more playful boutonniere at the reception.  It matched his polka-dot tie perfectly.

And some from the bride, Negar:

The Ceremony was an ancient Persian ritual of getting married while seated in front of  a spread of symbolic items, such as honey, pomegranates, spices and family heirlooms.  During the ceremony the bride’s girlfriends hold a silk lace fabric over the couples head and shower them in sugar flakes.  A traditional Persian tea and sweets table and a lavish fruit table were other Persian accents.  The Ceremony was meant to look like the club did in the 1930s with tall candelabras and champagne coupes.

Thank you Gia, Negar and Peter, for sharing what is without a doubt one of the most gorgeous weddings we’ve seen in quite some time!

xoxo, Alison of The Knotty Bride

Photography: Gia Canali / Venue: The California Club, downtown LA / Cake: Sweet Lady Jane / Invitations: Tiny Pine Press / Bride’s gown: Monique Lhullier / Bride’s jewels: Neil Lane / Bride’s shoes: Valentino

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Post tags: Ballroom, california wedding, Gia Canali, Invitations, Monique Lhullier, Neil Lane, regal, romantic, Sweet Lady Jane, The California Club, Tiny Pine Press, wedding
Post categories: All Real Weddings, California Weddings, Cultural Beauty, Los Angeles Weddings, Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance

{Click here to see SO much more goodness}

I’ll let Gia Canali take it away with the oh so delightful details…

We loved the unique design touches — the chandelier in the tree in the front yard, the antique car, and the inflatable swans that floated in the pool.  The design was really simple and elegant, but didn’t take itself too seriously (I mean: how can you take yourself too seriously when you’re willing to float giant inflatable swans in the pool at your elegant backyard wedding?).

This wedding had great lighting — they planned the events of the day around natural lighting, but also lit the dining and dancing areas with clusters of paper lanterns and string lights.  Paper lanterns are actually a really good source of bright, even light (that doesn’t kill the mood!).

The very subtle color palette was especially lovely. Not every wedding needs to scream “these are my wedding colors!!!” — Though Nada’s wedding design has lots of whites, neutrals, and little bits of gold in it, there were touches of green and pink echoed in the florals and in the attendants’ attire.  The little bit of pink in Nada’s bouquet is reflected in her sister’s gown; the greens in the florals, moss, and other decor were reflected also in Paul’s friends’ ties.

Thanks, Gia, for bringing this amazing wedding to our eyes! xoxo, Alison of The Knotty Bride

Photography: Gia Canali / Venue: Bride’s parents’ home in Modesto, CA / Dress & Necklace: Vera Wang / Bride’s shoes: Kate Spade / Groom’s suit: Hugo Boss / Groom’s shoes: Bally / Hair: Joseph from Joseph’s Salon / Makeup: Intimo Skincare Spa / Florals: Michael from Simple Flowers / Tables & Chairs: Classic Party Rentals / Linen Rentals: La Tavola Linens / Band: Hot Pocket / Chinese lanterns – Cultural Intrigue / Belly Dancers: Jodette’s Belly Dancing Acadamy, Sacramento, CA / Cake: Suzie Grover – 209-543-6777 / Overall Decor, Event Planning & Table Decor (Vases, chandelier, votives, mercury glass birds) – Lino Bella (Leila & Nada Bibi) / Day of Coordinator: Jennifer Pitts

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Post tags: Bally, California Weddings, Classic Party Rentals, Gia Canali, Hot Pocket, Hugo Boss, Intimo Skincare Spa, Joseph's Salon, Kate Spade, La Tavola Linens, modesto, Vera Wang
Post categories: Casual Elegance, The Blog, Traditional Elegance

* * *

Hello, everyone! My name is Alison, and I’m beyond excited – beyond – to start bringing you the pretty here on SMP.  Quick note about me: I’m a sucker for weddings in general.  Truly, I don’t discriminate – I’m an equal opportunity enjoyer.  Why, you ask? Because, while palettes, design, styling and setting can and do vary immensely, there seem to be a few things present at nearly all nuptials – there’s the chance to devote an entire day in our lives to celebrating true love, the excuse to bask in our deepest happiness, and the rare opportunity to revel in family togetherness.

{To see the entire wedding, click here}

However… if I was forced to cherry pick, I’d say my favorite kind of wedding marries the chic with the unique, is classic with a healthy dose of whimsy and, above all… is an expression of who you are as individuals and as a couple.   And I do believe I have one such celebration in store for you, today!  I’m seriously swooning over this wedding, sent to me by one of my absolute favorite photographers, Gia Canali.  By employing an extremely simple palette of neutrals and naturals – plus a few perfectly placed touches of gold, to really make things pop – Nada proves that you really don’t need a whole lot of color to make your celebration shine bright, not to mention photograph PHENOMENALLY.

Here are some words from our gorgeous bride, Nada:

My parent’s home in Modesto, CA, was the perfect backdrop for our intimate, mid-September wedding.  The house is on a hill and the backyard has a pool and an acre of lush green grass bordered by a winding creek and century-old pecan trees.  With that in mind, my mother and I set out to create a feeling of drama, whimsy, and magic.  We wanted some unique design touches.  So, we “upholstered” French chairs in moss.  Guests could be photographed on these chairs as they arrived.  The florals for the reception tables were predominately green in color with pops of white.  We had mist colored table linens and mercury glass decorations to add some sparkle.

Ok, I’ve got so much more to show you from this wedding, it’s not even funny.   Just wait until you see Part II!  Here’s a hint: huge, inflatable swans are involved…

xoxo, Alison of The Knotty Bride

Photography: Gia Canali / Venue: Bride’s parents’ home in Modesto, CA / Dress & Necklace: Vera Wang / Bride’s shoes: Kate Spade / Groom’s suit: Hugo Boss / Groom’s shoes: Bally / Hair: Joseph from Joseph’s Salon / Makeup: Intimo Skincare Spa / Florals: Michael from Simple Flowers / Tables & Chairs: Classic Party Rentals / Linen Rentals: La Tavola Linens / Band: Hot Pocket / Chinese lanterns – Cultural Intrigue / Belly Dancers: Jodette’s Belly Dancing Acadamy, Sacramento, CA / Cake: Suzie Grover – 209-543-6777 / Overall Decor, Event Planning & Table Decor (Vases, chandelier, votives, mercury glass birds) – Lino Bella (Leila & Nada Bibi) / Day of Coordinator: Jennifer Pitts

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 21 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Bally, California Weddings, Classic Party Rentals, Gia Canali, Hot Pocket, Hugo Boss, Intimo Skincare Spa, Joseph's Salon, Kate Spade, La Tavola Linens, modesto, Vera Wang
Post categories: Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance

The main thing to note when finding inspiration within this wedding is the natural elegance. They looked to the beach…the colors, the textures, the natural beauty…and translated that into each and every detail. Starting with the color palette. With a blend of whites, greens and natural hues the look just faded perfectly into the backdrop.

Next up, the details.

1. If you are getting married at a hotel on the beach, ask the hotel to borrow some of their lounge chairs. They always have extras on hand and although they might make you pay a rental fee, the look will be totally relaxed and chic.

2. Keep the details simple. Look to IKEA for accent pieces like these amazing floor cushions. A runner using plain muslin fabric. Branches instead of flowers to frame the aisle. Think organic, simple and refined. These adorable fans are a pretty affordable accent and your guests will love them.

3. Keep your flowers ultra simple and tidy. Wrap your bouquet in natural linen and twine or leather. With centerpieces, go for simple and low white flowers. Accent with big bowls of styrafome balls wrapped in twine (make your own based on these from Target). You can also fill in with artichokes and other pretty veggies without spending a ton of money.

4. Gift your boys a clean, casual white shirt that they can wear with khaki’s from their closet and a pair of brown flip-flops.

5. Finish off the look by creating wooden signs to mark each area of your wedding. The Ceremony…The Drinks…The Dinner…etc. You can even add in fun things like this couple did like a Jewelry Making station or Domino Dock. White paint on a sturdy wooden board will go a long way for making your affair seem a bit more homegrown, a bit more charming.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 28 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Destination Wedding, Gia Canali, North Caicos, Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands, Yifat Oren
Post categories: Destination, Destination Weddings, Traditional Elegance

The ridiculously stunning photographs that Gia Canali shot only make it that much sweeter.

A few details from Gia…

The couple held a simple, gorgeous, ceremony – the bride’s uncle co-officiated with a local officiant, who ended the ceremony by saying, “And now, not only by the laws of these islands, but also by the laws of your hearts, I declare you husband and wife.”   Then there was a blessing stone ceremony that everybody joined in!

Are you madly, madly in love yet? The dress on the beach, the lounge chairs, the effortlessness and total luxury placed side by side within every detail. We have more goodness coming up in just a bit!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 18 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Destination Wedding, Gia Canali, North Caicos, Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands, Yifat Oren
Post categories: Destination, Destination Weddings, Traditional Elegance

And I have to say…a ballroom gown on a beach has to be one of my favorite wedding luxuries. It’s impossibly gorgeous and will forever be a look that gives me butterflies. The gown in particular, by Monique of course, just might be as close to perfect as you can get, setting the tone for the ridiculously beautiful wedding to follow.

As for flowers, I love, love, love the concept that GD Designers put together for the affair. For a really expensive, absolutely luxurious affair, the flowers were a welcome, understated style.  They were muted, they were organic, they were simply stunning. And the invitations, designed by Jennifer at Tiny Pine Press. Ummm…hello gorgeous.

Here area a few deails from Gia Canali, the photographer behind these perfect images…

Jennifer Parsons of Tiny Pine Press designed gorgeous stationery across the board.  The save-the-dates were printed on wooden paper and a luscious handmade paper and wrapped in turquoise blue threads.  The invites were letterpressed on handmade paper and mounted on wooden paper (like the opposite of the save the dates) — with little turquoise waves stitched in at the top. The decor behind this wedding was perfect–simple, modern, earthy, and sweet.  Each event, from the beginning to end, was planned to be fun and meaningful — with good food and lots of time for friends.  There were surprises, too, like fireworks at midnight! Each groomsman’s boutonniere matched a bridesmaid’s bouquet, featuring a single (different) bloom.  My favorite boutonniere featured something that looked like asparagus.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 30 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Destination Wedding, GD Designers, Gia Canali, North Caicos, Parrot Cay, Tiny Pine Press, Turks and Caicos Islands, Yifat Oren
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Destination, Destination Weddings

The next affair for you to devour was a three day Destination wedding, planned and designed by celebrity wedding planner Yifat Oren and photographed by Gia Canali, who we love here on SMP. The bride and groom, who are from Grand Cayman and the UK, respectively, flew their closest friends and family to Parrot Cay for a wedding that would literally blow their socks off.  The result was a picture perfect weekend where very detail was perfectly designed and beautifully executed.

Here is a little peek at the beachside welcome party that the couple held…after all, one girl’s welcome party is another girl’s wedding!

From the photographer behind the day, Gia Canali…

The welcome party was a laid-back, beautiful event with great food and decor. We loved how it was all set up, dotted with fires for warmth and lanterns for mood. In addition to regular tables and poolside seating, Yifat’s crew made the beach an additional seating area.  They spread wicker seating cushions and bamboo mats and pillows from Ikea on the beach, along with the lanterns and fires for warmth.

It’s really essential that you make your guests comfortable at all the wedding events.  And destination weddings are no different than local ones, except that you might not be used to thinking about what those comfort issues are–heat, cold, sun, humidity, dehydration, mosquitoes the size of Rhode Island, etc.  (Another reason why wedding planners are worth their weight in gold).

The couple actually had a “bead bar” for the guests to make their own necklaces, bracelets, etc., if they wanted to.  The beads were divine and I saw some of the creations afterwards – great.  I think it’s always good to have something fun for the guests to do! There was also a domino hut set up if guests wanted to play dominoes — that’s a thing in the Caribbean.

The bride’s uncle made his special rum punch recipe (with the chefs from Parrot Cay) … I think it’s fantastic when couples incorporate beloved family recipes into the festivities.  Behind the scenes, I heard one of the chefs saying how fun it was to learn his recipe and “cook” with him.  But I’ve seen lots of variations of this (not all of which involve a caterer) — couples using favorite dessert recipes, for instance.

Wedding coming up next! And it’s so good…you’ll hardly believe it’s real.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 17 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Destination Wedding, Gia Canali, North Caicos, Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands, Welcome Party, Yifat Oren
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Destination, Destination Weddings