We wanted the day to be a celebration of family and friends. We were getting married for the first time in our 40’s and have both lost many dear people along the way. We wanted to remember and include them in the day in some way. We had the names of those who had passed that were important to us and our guests included in the wedding programs. Photographs were a priority for us, since they are truly a lasting record of the day. We took the recommendation of a good friend who used Ulysses Photography for their wedding. Jenni and Ulysses were nothing short of amazing with their artist eye for detail, and we are absolutely delighted with the results.

We wanted understated elegance with a vintage feel for the day and achieved this with various details. The tuxes from Men’s Warehouse, Sophia Tolli Phyllis gown from the Bridal Gallery in Salem, Oregon, the long hand-beaded veil, ceremony shoes by Grace, fun blue Caparros Ulysses reception shoes, and amazing hair and makeup done by Rosemarie Pomilla owner of N.Y. Prostyle and her team, helped provide the timeless feel of the day. We had the ceremony in the late afternoon at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception located on campus of my alma mater, The College of Mount Saint Vincent, because we love that when you enter the Chapel and the campus it feels like you are stepping back in time. We choose the Old Tappan Manor for our reception because it was like going to a ball in the ballroom of a private mansion in days gone by. They only have one event at a time, the renovated space is gorgeous, and the food was wonderful.

We wanted things we love as part of our day. The groom loves music and wanted the ceremony to be the most special part of the day. We had Pipe Major Jonathan Henken play bagpipes before and after the ceremony outside of the Chapel. For the ceremony we had singer Stephanie Budelman and The Devonshire Players string quartet. I love dragonflies, bubbles, fall leaves and various shades of blue. We worked these things into the programs, party favors, wedding party flowers, seating charts, napkins, table linens, invitations, wedding bands, and ribbons woven into baskets for the programs, directions and bubbles.

Photography: Ulysses Photography / Flowers: The Flower Shoppe, New City, NY / Ceremony Location: Mount St. Vincent College / Reception Location: Old Tappan Manor / Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas / Shoes: Grace / Dress: Sophia Tolli / Veil: Glamgal Designs / Hair & Makeup: NY Prostyle / Limo: Top Class Limosine / Cake: Homestyle Desserts Bakery

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Post tags: Bagpipes, Ballroom Wedding, Classic, Dragonflies, Glamgal Designs, Glamour, Glamourous, Grace, Homestyle Desserts Bakery, Mount St. Vincent College, New City, New York, NY Prostyle, Old Tappan Manor, Sophia Tolli, The Flower Shoppe, Top Class Limousine, Traditional Elegance, Ulysses Photography, Vintage Chic, Wedding Paper Divas, Wedding Photography, Wedding Stationery, Winter Wedding
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

Drew and I met on a blind date in December 2009. We met for sushi and closed the place down! It was no surprise then that we were both interested in seeing each other again. For our second date, we ended up visiting a Meals on Wheels client of mine in the hospital and then went to dinner afterwards. That’s when I knew that Drew was different from anyone I’ve ever dated.

We spent the next year getting to know each other better and it wasn’t long before we realized that what we had was very special. A little more than a year after we met, on December 18, 2010, Drew surprised me with an engagement proposal! We had made plans with my mom and brother to go to the Cleopatra exhibit in Philadelphia. On the way there, we coincidentally found out that Drew’s brother and wife were at the Philadelphia Art Museum. So, he decided that we should stop by and see them! Little did I know, he had a big surprise planned. As we climbed the steps of the Art Museum and we took turns taking pictures of each other doing the ‘Rocky’ pose, I found Drew and I at the top of the stairs, looking down at our own personal paparazzi. At this point, I still had no idea what was about to happen but thought it was funny how our family was standing in front of us and side by side taking our picture doing the ‘Rocky’ pose. Figuring that they were done taking our picture, I started to walk away until Drew called my name to get my attention. As I turned around, he went down on one knee and asked me to marry him! Of course, I said YES! While we were dating, Drew and I had many great times and memories in Philadelphia. I’m not an easy person to surprise, so by making plans for us in Phildelphia, Drew figured it was his best bet! There’s actually a video of the proposal on YouTube.

It was important for us to bring a little bit of my culture into our wedding. We added Middle Eastern hor’dourves and desserts to our menu. Our favors were a set of Middle Eastern tea cups and our guests will probably never forget our surprise bellydancer performance!

Thoughts about wedding planing to share with other brides would be that everyone has their opinions but at the end of the day, do what makes you and your husband-to-be happy! Remember that the two most important opinions are yours and his! You may not be able to stay within a budget so try to decide and prioritize what is most important to you. Some things that you’ll spend a fortune on, or that you’ll spend a lot of time debtaing about, will never even be noticed the day of your wedding. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to stop and take it all in. Don’t miss out on one of the happiest days of your life.

Photography: mk Photography / Brides Dress: Private Label By G / Brides Shoes: Enzo Angiolini / Bridesmaids Dresses: Bill Levkoff / Bridesmaids Jewelry: Charter Club / Flower Girls Dress: Jordan / Stationary: ESpecial Day / Venue: Hotel du Pont

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Post tags: Ballroom Weddings, Belly dancing, Bill Levkoff, Charter Club, Delaware, Enzo Angiolini, ESpecial Day, Glamour, Glamourous, Hotel du Pont, Jordan, Middle Eastern Wedding, MK Photography, Neutral Color Palette, Private Label by G, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Photography, Wilmington
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

Photography by Welsch Photography.

And without further ado, the highlight film from D’nM Wedding Films…

Simon and Marissa have shared an exciting international love affair from the moment they met four years ago at a music festival in Serbia, to when Simon popped the question in Hanoi, Vietnam, and  finally with their marriage in Sydney. Having met in Serbia, their first date in London and their second date in Dubai, it didn’t take long to realize there was more to this union than simply earning frequent flyer miles.

Once the decision of the two jet-setters to marry was made, the next big question was where? With Simon the Englishman living between London and Bangkok, and Marissa the Greek Australian living between Sydney, London and Bangkok, ideas of a beautiful English country-side wedding, or a tropical beach celebration in Thailand or even a stunning Greek island wedding came into play. The couple finally settled on having a harbour-side wedding in Sydney with the dramatic backdrop of the Harbour Bridge. The ceremony took place in the Greek Orthodox Church on Cleveland Street and a beautiful modern reception followed at the Wharf Restaurant in Walsh Bay.

The day was a perfect Sydney summers’ day. The guests were greeted at the reception with flowing champagne and Sydney rock oysters before sitting down to enjoy an impeccable feast of seafood and lamb with delicious deserts and cheeses to follow. The high-ceilinged Wharf venue oozed with style, elegance and a contemporary feel with white Singapore orchids filling the room and bevelled mirrored boxes eloquently placed on tables as wedding favors.

Cinematographer: D’nM Wedding Films / Photographer:  Welsch Photography / Floral Designer: Waratah Florist / Event Designer & Planner: The Wharf Restaurant / Invitation Designer: Elizabeth Rosa Fine Stationary / Cake: Sweet Fantasy Cakes / Wedding Gown Designer: Mark Holt Bridal Couture / Bridesmaid’s Dress Designer: Carla Zampatti / Groom’s Suit: Pinky Tailors

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Post tags: Australia, Carla Zampatti, DnM Wedding Films, Elizabeth Rosa Fine Stationary, glamorous, Glamour, Highlight Films, Mark Hold Bridal Couture, Mirrors, Pinky Tailors, Sweet Fantasy Cakes, Sydney, The Warf Restaurant, Waratah Florist, Wedding Cakes, Wedding Cinematography, Wedding Films, Welsch Photography
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Cinematography

From Couture Events … At Couture we hold a few key words in mind when styling weddings and our holiday tables: glamour, class, beauty, and whim. We can almost hear the photos singing a fabulous mashup of Fergie’s “Glamorous” and the Christmas classic, “Walking in a Winter Wonderland.” Set inside the Culy Warehouse we hung a backdrop of light bulbs against an unfinished wall. The contrast of soft and bright against the wall of rough and textured made for a perfect setting, creating a room that was all softly aglow. Our gorgeous brides are dressed in Bliss Bride’s winter wedding gowns and are accompanied by Couture Events very own snow-furred pup, Bruiser.

The table, benches, sofas, and chairs came from one of our favorite furniture rental companies, Lounge Appeal. The invitations made in icy hues, elegant cursive, and accented with silk ribbon and a crystal broach set the tone for an affair to be remembered. We also placed a name card at each setting to welcome the guests to their chair. The gorgeous centerpieces made of beautiful winter white flowers mixed with crystals and delicately glistening silver leaves. Crystal candelabras and shimmering candlesticks, timeless silver dinnerware and white glitter made for a truly winter chic table. To top it all off we add some snow (glitter) – our favorite and final touch. Be dazzled and enjoy, and don’t hold back an ounce of cheer this holiday season. FROST YOURSELVES, your holidays, and your wedding!

Photography: Scott Lawrence Photography / Venue: Culy Warehouse / Furniture: Lounge Appeal / Rentals: Raphaels / Florist: Trendee Flowers / Gowns: Bliss Bride / Paper Goods: Paper Scissors Print / Makeup & Hair: Foxi Lady Makeup and Hair by Kristen Brown / Coordination and Design: Couture Events

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Post tags: Bliss Bride, California, Candles, Christmas Weddings, Color Palette Silver, Color Palette White, Couture Events, Culy Warehouse, Dogs, Foxi Lady Makeup, glamorous, Glamour, Glitter, Hair by Kristen Brown, Inspiration Shoot, Lounge Appeal, Paper Scissors Print, Photo Shoot, Raphaels, San Diego, Scott Lawrence Photography, Sparkle, Trendee Flowers, Warehouse Wedding, Wedding Inspiration, Winter, Winter Weddings
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Photo Shoot

Click here to see the full image gallery!

From A Charleston Bride … This Florida couple chose Charleston for it’s laid back charm. The Groom is a professional wakeboarder (hence the sign in “board”) while the Bride is in corporate real estate.  She has a very glamorous appeal and loves the finer things in life.  He’s your sweet, fun-loving “surfer dude” who is madly in love with her.  Her love of chandeleirs marked most of the decor along with custom up lighting that completely transformed the ballroom.

Photography: A Bryan Photo / Cinematography: A Bryan Photo / Flowers: A Charleston Bride / Event Design: A Charleston Bride / Event Planning: Melissa Barton, A Charleston Bride / Lighting: Technical Event Company / Ceremony Location: French Huguenot Church / Reception Location: Hibernian Hall / Invitations: Studio R Design / Film Work: Richard Photo

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Post tags: A Bryan Photo, A Charleston Bride, Baby's Breath, Black and White Photography, Chandeliers, Charleston, French Huguenot Church, glamorous, Glamour, Hibernian Hall, South Carolina, Studio R Design, Technical Event Company, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Glamour
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

Alvina Valenta, Spring 2012, Photo credit: Fairchild Archive

And be sure to check out Glamour’s past dress editions like the Top 3 Fluffy, Feathery Dresses the Top 3 Allover Lace Dresses.

If you missed any, here are all of our pretty posts from the week:

a classic and modern Sonoma fete
a gorgeous DIY Utah wedding
an elegantly chic San Juan stunner
a modern Miami wedding
a fabulous Toronto affair
a beautiful blush ballroom fete in Atlanta
a romantic Connecticut affair
a beyond beautiful Orange County flower filled fete
a detail driven Kansas City Stunner
a day full of eight, gorgeous weddings
a beyond beautiful Santa Cruz inspiration shoot
a rustic, laid back Brooklyn affair
a stunning Livermore fete
an amazing Italian wedding

Some fabulous links from around the web:

A fun DIY to prettify your pumpkins via Oh Lovely Day
A collection of pretty hand painted walls via DesignSponge
A super yummy and cute DIY favor via One Lovely Day

We’d like to extend a warm welcome to our newest Little Black Book members…

Heather Barranco DREAMCAKES
Oh So Lovely Events
Pretty as a Picture
Forever Photography Studio
Elegant Cheese Cakes
LunaBella Make-up and Hair
Wedding Tresses, Inc
MintySlippers
dejarnette new orleans
Fulton’s on the River
Golden Gate Music

To apply to become a member of our LBB click here. We’d love to hear from you!

And lastly, we have a lucky winner from our NY blog to announce!

Congrats Mara! From A Printable Press: It was hard to choose just one, but Mara’s entry won my heart over. She talked not only about amazing love but also about commitment (that not as pretty thing) reminding me that marriage is not just about that swooping feeling of love. The combination of love and commitment is why we readers are here. Thank you, Mara, for reminding me of something so important.

Have a pretty, pretty weekend! See you back here Monday morning. xoxo

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Alvina Valenta, Glamour, Wrap it up Pretty
Post categories: The Blog

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride… David and I were introduced in May of ’09 on the dating site eHarmony. After a few months of emailing and phone chats, I finally decided to give David a shot and they planned to meet for a happy hour drink after work one evening. One glass of wine turned into great conversation about our southern roots and goals and hopes for life and we haven’t parted ways ever since.

On 10.10.10 David set up the day as a regular Saturday – drop by the dry cleaners, head out for some lunch, relax at the park. Lunch was perfect, the walk in the park though, was not the setting David had hoped for. There was a huge festival that day and not a corner of the park was quiet and romantic. We drove until we found a quiet place and landed at Springdale Park near Fernbank. Not a soul in sight – Perfect! A glass of wine and an exchange of cards to celebrate what I thought was our anniversary. When I opened the card there was a beautiful little gold heart on a chain. The card read “when you have love all you need is love now close your eyes and make a wish.” When I opened my eyes David had a gorgeous ring in hand and asked me to be his wife.

From Lovelee Affairs… From the moment I first met Jessica and David, I just loved them. They are the kind of people who know what they want but want to have a fun time doing it. I had the chance to work with them just a few weeks after their engagement so we planned every little detail together from A-Z.

Jessica and David wanted a rustic wedding that was casual, fun and a celebration of love. Jessica chose a palette of pinks and browns that we carried throughout the wedding; we used some of spring’s most gorgeous pink flowers: ranunculus, garden roses and peonies.  Wooden farm tables paired with gold chiavari chairs gave the room a casual feel with a touch of elegance. Each detail of the wedding was carefully planned to reflect the bride + groom. The menu was a southern fusion incorporating items from the groom’s home state of Texas and the bride’s home state of Louisiana. The venue doors were adorned with hand-made moss letters {J+D}. Guests really enjoyed our polaroid guest book station as they were able to capture pictures of themselves and the bride and groom throughout the evening. Jessica and David love Savannah, GA and it has much meaning to their relationship so when it came time to decide on the wedding favors, Savannah Bee Honey seemed perfect! Each guest departed with a jar of honey at the end of night. It was one sweet wedding.

Wedding Photography: Paperlily Photography / Floral Design, Event Design + Planning: Lovelee Affairs / Location: Summerour Studio / Wedding Cakes: McEntyre’s Bakery / Favors: Savannah Bee  Company / Catering: Soiree Catering / Bride’s Make-up: Destiny Flippo

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Post tags: Atlanta, Destiny Flippo, Georgia, Glamour, Honey, Lovelee Affairs, McEntyre's Bakery, Paperlily Photography, Rustic Chic, Savannah Bee Company, Soiree Catering, Summerour Studio
Post categories: Atlanta Weddings, Contemporary, Georgia Weddings

click here to see the full wedding gallery!

With the help of my mom and our wedding coordinator Beth Maxwell, we were able to create the perfect elegant country club wedding with an outdoor feel. After falling in love with Manolo Blanhik’s “Something Blue” shoes, I knew everything about the wedding would have a touch of elegance and “blue”.

The day began early in the morning with my mom, bridesmaids, in blueberry Juicy Couture tracksuits, and myself, in a white Juicy Couture tracksuit, getting our hair and makeup done. Marissa Schmitt at Studio 110 in Chicago, Illinois and Makeup by Sabrina made my wedding “look” flawless and stunning.

Staying traditional, Nick and I decided the big reveal would be walking down the aisle. It was a moment I know we will both remember forever. My dad walked me down the aisle to the River City Quartet at Sacred Heart Church. As we left the church, man and wife, eleven doves were released as we made our way to a white Rolls Royce getaway car—with blue interior of course!

Our reception turned out absolutely beautiful. From the specially made sushi inspired from our favorite roll from Ko Fusion in Champaign, Illinois to the large outdoor tent, draped in white with crystal chandeliers hanging down the center to our amazing band and vocalist, Peter Oprisko, who kept the party going for hours. The guests were able to dance the night away, overlooking the picturesque Illinois River.

The inside of the Country Club of Peoria was draped in elegant rose-colored dupioni silk, with ruffled silk hanging at the corners. These beautiful linens were inspired from my wedding gown. The ivory chiffon ruffles hung beneath my Monique Lhuillier blue sash, similar to the ruffles from the table. To continue the theme of blue, the groom wore a blue and navy striped bowtie with his black Calvin Klein tuxedo to match the groomsmen. The bridesmaids wore beautiful navy chiffon gowns by Amsale. Barbara Evans at the Cake Connection dyed the Ron Ben-Israel inspired cake, which was trimmed in ancient architectural elements, a deeper shade of the blue in my sash.

As a special surprise to Nick, Beth helped me create “Lavin’s Pub,” a dedication to Notre Dame football and his Irish heritage. Here, wedding guests could enjoy pub food, such as sliders and potato skins. Cyd’s Sendsationals created the Notre Dame mascot in the form of a standing rice crispy treat and a red velvet cake (Nick’s favorite) adorned with the Lavin family crest.

Before leaving the reception the guests were able to collect strawberry shortcake in a jar, which were created by That’s a Cake? and inspired by Martha Stewart. After almost a full year of planning, our wedding day was exactly what we wanted it to be and more. Jeffrey and Julia Woods captured our memories of this day perfectly.”

Photography: Jeffrey and Julia Woods / Cinematography: Jeffrey and Julia Woods / Flowers, Event Design + Planning: Save the Date / Ceremony Location: Sacred Heart Church / Reception Location: Country Club of Peoria / Dress: Oscar de la Renta with Monique Lhuillier Sash / Bridesmaid Dress: Amsale / Cake: That’s a Cake? / Make-Up: Studio 101, Chicago

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Post tags: Amsale, Ballroom, Chicago, Country Club of Peoria, Glamour, Illinois, Jeffrey and Julia Woods, Oscar De La Renta, Peoria, Pink, Princess, Save the Date, Studio 101, That's a Cake
Post categories: Traditional Elegance