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From Gloria Wong Design… When asked what they are known for as a couple, Leslie and Jeff said that they are known for being great hosts for overnight guests. Friends have actually told them that their guest facilities rival those of a nice hotel! They take great pride in making their guests feel as though they’re at home. As their wedding designer, I latched onto this comment. We decided to create a concept based on the idea that Beaulieu Garden was Leslie and Jeff’s summer home at which they’ve invited guests to spend an enchanting evening. Therefore, we infused elements that you would normally find in Leslie and Jeff’s apartment (i.e. modern lamps, gold dishes with keys, newspapers, Leslie’s favorite Antipodes water from New Zealand, framed art, interesting books, cashmere throws, comfy pillows, etc). Leslie and Jeff described their style as clean, classic modern. So we tried to present their personal belongings in a neat edited manner.

Leslie also mentioned that she wanted her guests to feel as if they had woken from a summer reverie. We felt that we could capture a dream-like quality with our use of tone on tone color. For a blended look, we decided on infusing gradations of pink and aqua, two of Leslie’s favorite colors, wherever we could. We neutralized the soft palette with whites, greys and beiges. For a touch of luxe, we threw in some gold as an accent!

Lisa Wong Jackson of Good On Paper created all the paper products around an upholstery pattern that Leslie had pulled. Upon first view, we all concurred that the abstract pattern reminded us of a print that you would see on a weekend tote bag. It was an easy choice that this pattern would serve as inspiration for all the graphics on the invitation as well as all the framed art that would be showcased throughout the wedding.

An interesting commonality that Leslie and Jeff share is the fact that they both call multiple places their home. They wanted to pay tribute to all of their homes by presenting their guests with a vignette filled with photos, books, food, and mementos from these special places.

We decided to display guests’ names and table assignments in three different ways. The first way was having names and table numbers calligraphed onto a notebook. The second way really reinforced the idea of home; we printed this group of escort cards in various shades of pink to look like paint chip swatches. The third way involved coffee beans! Leslie credits the aroma of coffee for waking her up in the morning every day. So, we inserted the third group of escort cards into trays of coffee beans!  A drink tray, keys, and a basket filled with the wedding graphics disguised as wrapping paper served as decorative accent pieces.

The cake was inspired by Leslie’s pleated Vera Wang wedding gown. Leslie’s beautiful wedding dress looked as though it was constructed with individual layers of silk ribbon. We wanted a similar pleated look for the cake. We decided to enhance the cake by playing with gradations of pink as we had done with other elements from the wedding. We went with an ombre effect and colored the strands of ribbon from dark pink on the bottom to light pink on top.

For the dessert buffet, we wanted to present something simple and clean with a homey spirit. Pastries were arranged neatly on clean white cake ceramic stands, mugs, and colanders. Cupcakes and cookies were embellished with frosting in different shades of pink to echo the different shades of pink from the “paint chip” escort cards, the framed artwork, and the cake. Leslie and Jeff wanted to include their parents’ sweet wedding photos in this display of treats! They also wanted to include their favorite Asian snacks. As kids, they both loved munching on pineapple cakes and Pocky Sticks. So, we packaged the cakes and sticks and encouraged guests to take some home.

Photographer: Lisa Lefkowitz / Wedding Planner: Jubilee Lau Events / Wedding Designer: Gloria Wong Design / Wedding Venue: Beaulieu Garden / Caterer: Paula LeDuc Fine Catering / Floral Design: Nancy Liu Chin Designs / Wedding Gown: Vera Wang / Bride’s Shoes: Manolo Blahnik / Bridesmaid Dresses: J Crew / Wedding Stationery: Good On Paper / Letterpress Printing: AccuColor / Calligraphy: Tracy Joe Calligraphy / Event Lighting: Got Light? / Event Rentals: Classic Party Rentals + La Tavola Linen / Wedding Cake: Cake Coquette / DJ: A. Long Music / Wedding Cinematography: Weddings On Film / Ceremony Music: Lawrence Strings Group / Photobooth: Magnolia Photo Booth Co. / Makeup: Christine Craven Makeup / Hair: Kien Hoang

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 53 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: A Long Music, Accucolor, Aqua, Beaulieu Garden, Beige, CA, Cake Coquette, California Weddings, Candles, Christine Craven Makeup, Classic Party Rentals, Garden Wedding, Gloria Wong Design, Gold, Good On Paper, Got Light, Grey, J. Crew, Jubilee Lau Events, Kien Hoang, La Tavola Linen, Lawrence Strings Group, Lemonade Stand, Lisa Lefkowitz, Magnolia Photo Booth Co., Manolo Blahnik, Nancy Liu Chin Designs, Napa Valley, Outdoor Wedding, Paula LeDuc Fine Catering, Pink, Rutherford, Tracy Joe Calligraphy, Vera Wang, Weddings On Film
Post categories: California Weddings, Napa Valley Weddings, Traditional Elegance

Here is a full list of all the contributing vendors….

Photography by Lisa Lefkowitz / Event Design by Gloria Wong Design / Hair + Makeup by Taylor Pham and Mimi Rickett using Thi Cosmetics / Location, Beltane Ranch / Floral Design by Nancy Liu Chin / Wardrobe Styling by Ameliana Kamstra / Paper Goods by Good On Paper Design / Calligraphy by Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls / Letterpress by Flybird Press / Fabric Crafts by Anne Millett of Mira Aster / Printed Fabrics by Peapod Fabrics / Wooden Signs by Darline Treitler of The Back Porch Shoppe / Stencils for Wooden Signs by Joanie Klein of Creative Stencil Designs / Salvage Parts on Sign-In Table by Ohmega Salvage / Cakes by Cake Coquette / Pies by Schubert’s Bakery / Candies by
Miette / Flower Girls’ Dresses by Ses Petites Mains / Floor-length Lace Wedding Gown by Amy Kuschel / Runner on Tables by La Tavola Linen

Models: Khrystyna Kazakova from Look Agency (Bride) / Justin Belcher from Look Agency (Groom) / Ryan Monroe from Stars Agency (Flower Girl) / Sofia Ruiz from Stars Agency (Flower Girl)

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 152 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Ameliana Kamstra, Amy Kuschel, Beltane Ranch, Cake Coquette, California Weddings, Creative Stencil Designs, Glen Ellen, Gloria Wong, Good On Paper, Lisa Lefkowitz, Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls, Miette, Mimi Rickett, Mira Aster, Nancy Liu Chin, Ohmega Salvage, Peapod Fabrics, Schubert's Bakery, Ses Petites Mains, Taylor Pham, The Back Porch Shoppe, Thi Cosmentics
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Vintage Chic, Whimsical

I have to admit, I always get a little excited when I see Lisa’s name in my inbox. But, to hear that she partnered up with the most incredible vendors…Gloria Wong, Good on Paper, and so many more…well, I literally couldn’t contain my joy. Seriously…jump for joy central.

Here is a little background on the shoot from the FABULOUS event designer, Gloria Wong…

Backyard Chic is a relaxed, crafty, DIY, recycled style. The look is eclectic with the use of old basement goodies, old furniture, salvage home parts, and leftover printed fabric. What may have once been considered family junk in the garage can now function as vintage décor for a personal intimate backyard wedding. The key is to augment the basement finds with sprinkles of the bride and groom’s favorite simple pleasures in life… For instance, our bride “Amelia” loves sweets, cherries, pies, especially Grandma’s famous cherry pie…

We have an entire day of fabulousness from Lisa Lefkowitz and Gloria Wong. And, we are doing a killer giveaway a little bit later. Lots of fun to be had!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 33 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Andrew Hsu, Beltane Ranch, Brides Northern California, California Weddings, Glen Ellen, Gloria Wong, Good On Paper, Lisa Lefkowitz
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Whimsical

From Kathryn…”It was so hard to pick just one favorite, but Lisa and Nick’s wedding is definitely at the top of my list. It is beautifully simple, and at the same time, every single detail was thoughtfully designed and executed. The bride, Lisa, is the talent behind Good On Paper Design, and Nancy Liu Chin did the flowers, and together they really thought of everything. Plus, how can you not love the Boston Terrier ring bearer!”

Lisa Lefkowitz is the ridiculously talented photographer behind all of these gorgeous images…

Thank you so much to Kathryn of Snippet and Ink and to Lisa Lefkowitz for sharing these stunning images with us! Brooklyn Bride is coming up next!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 10 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Good On Paper, Lisa Lefkowitz, Nancy Liu Chin, Snippet & Ink
Post categories: Real Weddings

If you haven’t read the latest issue, the entire mag is devoted to living a green inspired life…to improving our planet inch-by-inch, person-by-person. And what I found incredibly fascinating is that living green doesn’t mean living in a bland or colorless world anymore. Many of the great designers are catching up with the environmental concerns and are coming out with sophisticated, green inspired designs . ABC Carpet and Home (in my opinion one of the best home stores in the country) has a new line called Pure that is completely eco-friendly and completely eco-fabulous. Think chairs covered in vintage saris, sofas made without heavy chemicals or dies and stuffed with organic cotton then covered in hemp fabrics. And, they are GORGEOUS.

So I am now completely inspired. And why not put that inspiration into the one thing that I do best..weddings! I have scoured every magazine I own, searched through all of the most in-the-know sites for green design, pulled specification info on some of the more popular wedding designers, and much to my delight, have come up with a lovely, green inspired wedding…and all in just a couple of hours. So of course that makes me wonder, what could YOU do in a couple of months?

Fashion….

The gowns above are all designed by Olivia Luca who is extremely conscious of the fabrics that she uses and their effect on the environment. Many of her pieces are made using 100% raw silk, others using Certified Organic 100% Cotton Sateen. The best part though, (because let’s face it…as a bride, you want to look spectacular), is that each Olivia Luca gown is made from scratch, based on your own ideas and personal style. So, not only can you tell all of your friends that you are wearing an environmentally friendly gown, you can also tell them (with a bit more sass) that it’s couture.

Invitations…

Good On Paper (the top row) uses 100% Recycled Paper and Vegetable Based Inks, Abby Jean (bottom row…toot toot) uses papers that are up to 100% recycled.

Flowers…

California Organic Flowers specialize in seasonal, fresh cut flowers.They can be delivered anywhere in the country, bunched and ready for you to create your own arrangement. If you can find a local flower farm near you, however, it is best to buy those that you can easily transport. Also featured are really great paper vases, a summit vase and transSglass vases, perfect homes for your organic flowers.

Food…

Debra King designs the most gorgeous cakes, all made with organic ingredients and fresh flowers. That means no artificial colors and no preservatives, so your guests can enjoy a slice of cake completely guilt free. Well, sort of.

For catering, find inspiration in Olive Green Catering’s over-the-top, elegant organic menus….

Almonds with Piment d’Espelette
Cheeses, Black Mission Figs & Acme Breads

Two Toasts:
Fresh Shell Bean Puree with Garlic & Rosemary
Green Olive Tapenade with Chopped Egg & Savory

Piccolo Fritto
Fried Artichokes & Lemon

Rocket Salad with Corn & Cherry Tomatoes
Niman Ranch Rib-Eye Steak Grilled over Vine Cuttings with Salsa Verde
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Scallions & New Garlic
Green Beans with Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Fleur de Sel
Aïoli

Ginger & Mulberry Ice Cream Sandwiches

When it comes to the food you serve, try to find local caterers that offer fresh, locally grown organic ingredients.By choosing seasonal ingredients, you can avoid additional additives and preservatives that many caterers use. If you don’t have a caterer that offers organic products in your area, there are online sources (see below) that can ship directly to the kitchen of your choice.

Other great tips for pulling off a green inspired wedding:

Decor
-Use organic 100% cotton table linens and napkins and beeswax or soy based candles for decor. OR, for an outdoor wedding, place eco pine torches around the grounds for an all-over glow.
-Rent tents, china, linens and silverware…rentals fall under the recyclable category.
-Use organic, locally grown flowers from area farmer’s markets if possible. Potted plants transport well and can be planted in your garden after the reception. If you don’t have local markets, contact Organic Bouquet for fabulous, fresh flowers.

Food & Drinks
-The food you serve should be locally grown and organic. Again, talk to your caterer about the quality of their products and make sure that they are able to get the best season ingredients. According to Domino (and me, as I live in SF where some of these companies are based), Cow Girl Creamery has the best cheeses, Niman Ranch has the best beef, pork and lamb, Diamond Organics has wonderful produce and Horizon (available nationwide) gets the gold star for butter.
-If you can afford to do this, buy organic wine, coffee and tea to serve your guests
**Anything that you buy locally cuts down on fossil fuels used when shipping products. If you are getting married in a remote area and can’t buy locally there are online sources that will ship fresh, organic ingredients directly to you.

Hotel & Travel
-It is definitely more eco-friendly to have your wedding and your reception in the same location (or walkable). Check with the Green Hotel Association to see if your favorite spot is green.
-If you have to travel from point A to point B, see if your city has eco-limos for your bridal party and set up carpooling for your guests.
-While planning your honeymoon, check out Eco Resorts…the greatest source for environmentally friendly (and still completely decadent) vacations.

Favors
-Give a tree! What better way to give back to the world.
-Use centerpieces or place settings that double as favors…potted plants in vintage tins, votive soy candles.
-Wrap recycled boxes filled with Miette’s organic macaroons in this adorable and sustainable wrapping paper.
-Leave your guests on a sweet note with organic chocolate truffles

Resources
Portovert, a new, green weddings magazine filled with wonderful information for creating an eco-friendly wedding.
Eco Fabulous, a blog for the eco-minded style maven.
ZahZoom Weddings & Parties, a full service wedding planning company that caters to green-minded couples.
Domino Blogs, great resources for great green design.
Splendora, check out their new eco-style section with super shopping tips and go green links.
Sustainable Style, a blogger’s guide to living green…and living well.
Girlawhirl, a girl’s guide to making your way in a green world.
Tree Hugger, the blogging bible for living a green lifestyle
Fabulously Green, the best in environmentally sound design

**Email me your tips for other great, green resources!! There is a great article on Brides for designing a chic, stylish eco-friendly wedding. You should definitely check it out!

And finally, my friends, I must admit…I am somewhat “green” when it comes to living in an environmentally friendly world. I am working to educate myself and modify my lifestyle in simple ways and I just hope that you are too. There are so many small changes that we can make when it comes to weddings…use organic ingredients and recycled papers, give your guests favors that will create a better world or those that are made organically by local artisans. Recycle the cans and bottles that are used during your reception and use fresh, locally grown flowers.

As trite as it sounds, every little bit counts…every little bit is important.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2007. | Permalink | 6 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Abby Jean, ABC Carpet and Home, California Organic Flowers, Domino, Good On Paper, Olive Green Catering, Olivia Luca
Post categories: The Blog