And because I might just be the biggest fan of  Elysium Productions in the entire world (this is no exaggeration), I would be remiss to not share yet another one of their wedding cinematography masterpieces…hold onto your hats folks, this one is breathtaking…

Click here for the FULL Wedding!

From Angel of Events of Love and Splendor… Vipula and Dan envisioned a quintessential Indian wedding, embellished in vibrant hues and dripping with luxurious exotic details. With a large guest count and the blank slate of Saddlerock Ranch’s Oak Grove, we embarked on creating three unique settings for their day of celebration. Their wedding was held under a custom-created mandap by the floral and event designers of R. Jack Balthazar. The wooden structure was draped with floral garlands and hanging lanterns for a lavish look. Cocktail hour was held on a nearby lawn, featuring a bar staffed by professional mixologists offering signature cocktails with exotic ingredients such as earl grey-infused vodka, thyme, tamarind syrup and mango puree. Upholstered lounge furniture and embroidered pillows made for a luxe yet warm setting for imbibing. I especially enjoyed working on the escort card table design that played on Vipula’s love of elephants. Escort cards were cut using a custom-made elephant-shaped die, and then nestled in shallow bowls of fragrant and colorful spices. The entire table was covered with elephant figures and statues to further play on the theme.

Dinner and the reception were held in a grand “village” of tents. Instead of a single tent structure, we utilized “destination” tents for dining, a custom-built bar, and a dessert and chai lounge. Sumptuous fabrics, abundant florals and plush furniture made for a spectacular setting that was decidedly extravagant while also intimate and warm. Per usual, my dear friends at R. Jack Balthazar pulled out all the stops for this wedding and did not overlook a single detail in setting each opulent table. The overall setting was nothing short of spectacular. It was pure magic to watch Vipula and Dan’s guests, many adorned in splendid saris, mingling in the lavish scene. 

Wedding Photography: The Image is Found / Wedding Planning + Design: Events of Love and Splendor / Floral + Event Design: R. Jack Balthazar / Weddng Venue: Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu, California / Wedding Stationery + Printed Materials: Kristin of Events of Love and Splendor / Wedding Cinematography: Elysium Productions / Catering: Chakra Beverly Hills + Huntington Catering / Mixologists: The Cocktail Consultant / DJ: Anthony of Red Shoe LA / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Linens: La Tavola / Wedding Cake + Desserts: Sweet and Saucy Shop / Photobooth: Smilebooth / Entertainment: Bollywood Step Dance / Security: Sandman Security / Valet Parking: Premiere Valet

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Post tags: Bollywood Step Dance, California, Chakra Beverly Hills, Classic Party Rentals, Colorful, Elysium Productions, Events of Love and Splendor, Huntington Catering, Indian Wedding, La Tavola, Malibu, Premiere Valet, R. Jack Balthazar, Red Shoe LA, Saddleback Ranch, Sandman Security, Smilebooth, Sweet and Saucy Shop, The Image is Found
Post categories: Cultural Beauty, The Blog

With the timing of the wedding at the very beginning of fall, we took inspiration from the idea of an Indian Summer. We were also inspired by Marrakesh (cultural inspiration) which led us to use the lanterns and votive holders seen throughout the event. Last but not least, we wanted to celebrate the occasion and have FUN!

We wanted the night to be filled with color and achieved this by using jewel tones of some of our favorite colors – teal, orange, pink and gold. The gray bridesmaids dresses were selected for the sophisticated look that would also work well with our colors.

We wanted the rooms to feel warm to give the night a more intimate feel – which is why we went with low flower arrangements for the tables – so talking and laughing was easy for our esteemed guests.

We also wanted our guests to dance the night away – so the band was a difficult decision but we definitely chose well as the dance floor was packed all night!

For us, our wedding was absolutely perfect! We had the most incredible time – from the personal and emotional ceremony to the touching speeches from family and friends, to the stunning decor that encapsulated us and our guests, to the fun, high-energy band that kept us on our feet – we wish the night could go on forever.

Photography: Shira Weinberger / Wedding Planner: Amy Shey Jacobs, Chandelier Events / Flowers & Decor: StoneKelly / Music: Vali Entertainment / Photobooth: We Love Photobooths / Video: Anna Davis of Open Eye Media / Venue & Catering: Tarrytown House Estate / Dessert Bar: Baked / Cake: Oreos / Ketubah: Rachel Warschawski / Lights: Levy Lighting / Favors: Donation to the Wounded Warrior Project / Stationery: East Six

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Post tags: Baked, Chandelier Events, Cultural Beauty, East Six, Indian Wedding, Jewel Tones, Jewish Wedding, Lanterns, Levy Lighting, New York, Open Eye Media, Oreos, Rachel Warschawski, Shira Weinberger, StoneKelly, Tarrytown House Estate, Vali Entertainment, Vibrant Color Palette, We Love Photobooths, Wedding Planners & Designers, Wedding Stationery, Wounded Warrior Project
Post categories: Cultural Beauty, Little Black Book Blog

The week of weddings, all pretty in a row:

a beyond fantastic California fall wedding to start off the season with a bang
a classic modern (my new fave) affair in Pasadena
a California soiree filled to the brim with beautiful romance
a chic & classic Oregon black, white & navy wedding
a perfectly beachy keen affair on the coast of Martha’s Vineyard
a Colorado love fest with the most amazing floral design
a fabulous Arizona affair complete with peppers (yes, peppers!)
a bit of heirloom chic wedding inspiration from South Carolina
a little Arkansas number, sweet as can be, with the most beautiful bride

A few of our favorite things from around the WWW:

a beautiful and romantic wedding (with the most adorable bells) via Once Wed
a fabulous jewelry line for a even more fabulous cause at 31 bits
a stunning black & white wedding, for your daily dose of gorg from Project Wedding

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Post tags: Autumn Burke Photography, Colorado, Denver, Fusion Wedding, Indian Wedding, Wedding Inspiration, Weekly Wrap-Up, Wrap it up Pretty
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog

From LUCIA|PAUL Design … After their first meeting, Ankur was instantaneously taken with Mayssoun, owner of The Institute of Higher Learning. Even though Mayssoun was smitten with him as well, Ankur was a tutor on her staff, and she was not comfortable dating an employee.  So Ankur did the noble thing and quit… he knew deep down inside he didn’t want to allow this opportunity to pass him by. And thus the perfect love affair began.

Ankur, now a successful Attorney in New York City, and Mayssoun, who recently expanded her company from Ann Arbor to New York, are two of the busiest people you can imagine. Planning their wedding was quite the challenge, given that we only had three months to pull the entire three-day event together.  Even though Mayssoun is Middle Eastern, born in Lebanon, and Ankur is Indian, they didn’t want a traditional Indian or Arabic wedding. Instead, we, along with a crew of talented vendors, created their dream wedding that was inspired by their love for the French style.

The weekend was kicked off by two wedding ceremonies.  The first was a traditional Muslim ceremony held at Mayssoun’s family’s home.  While the ceremony itself was simple, it was rich in cultural and religious tradition for only immediate family members from both sides.  The first ceremony was followed by a cocktail hour at the Rattlesnake Club and a surprise civil ceremony, performed by the Honorable John Corbett O’Meara in front of 150 of their closest friends and family.  The civil ceremony was held in a garden overlooking the Detroit River.  Guests joined Mayssoun, clad in a gorgeous customized Chanel gown carrying a bouquet of lush white Calla Lilies, and Ankur as they were joined as husband and wife.  After the second ceremony, guests were invited inside the Rattlesnake Club for a delectable six-course menu, hand-selected by the bride and the groom.

The following day was the official wedding reception.  Preparations began first thing in the morning with a violinist and master pianist acting as an alarm clock to wake our bride from her slumber.  Throughout the day, Mayssoun and Ankur prepared for the main event, and midway through the day, they had to take a break from “getting ready” to join LUCIA|PAUL DESIGN and the entertainers in an hour-long rehearsal for the evenings festivities.

As guests arrived to The Henry, Dearborn, they entered through a hallway adorned with Boxwoods and custom frames which displayed the escort cards.  Once guests found their card, they proceeded into the cocktail hour where they nibbled on a selection of gourmet hors d’oeuvres and mingled between the custom linens and hundreds of Roses.

Guests were invited into the ballroom and were wowed as an opera singer performed while they found their tables and their seats.  The guests were awed by the experience of the custom Ice Sculptures, custom linens, a Live Event Artist, draping and production lighting, a stage wrapped with four foot tall Boxwood, over 15,000 cream colored roses and thousands of candles made the room completely breathtaking.

At the tables, which were custom built specifically for the wedding, guests were greeted by an eight page booklet, Le Programe Du Soir (The Program of the Evening) that included a poem written by Mayssoun for Ankur, The Men which is a beautiful poem by Khalil Gibran, and a thank you note for the guests from Mayssoun and Ankur

The Bride wore a custom, one of a kind Carolina Herrera Bridal Gown and veil, and a stunning Cartier Diamond necklace and earrings. Mayssoun carried a lush bouquet, which was inspired by a beautiful design that she had found in the pages of Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, filled with Phalaenopsis Orchids and a hand dyed braided ribbon that matched the boutonnière that was designed just for Ankur.

Once the guests were seated, the Bride and the Groom entered in the grandest of fashion, called An Operatic Zaffe.  Accompanied by four Prima Ballerinas and a male ballet dancer, they were escorted through the maze of strategically placed tables to the dance floor.  It was a true experience right out of a Degas painting.  Once the Grand Entrance concluded, the Ballerinas joined Mayssoun and Ankur on the dance floor for the first dance… all while accompanied by a 12-piece band, the Opera Singer and a Grand Pianist.  It was truly an event within the event.

Throughout the night and while guests dined on a six-course meal, they were reveled by an array of entertainers, which included Arabic Drummers and DJ, six ballroom dancers, the ballerinas, a 12-piece band, the Opera Singer and a Live Event Artist who painted the scene of the entire wedding.  Once guests completed their six-course meal, including the five-layer, all white meringue wedding cake, they were then invited to enter into the desert room, which donned over seven additional wedding cakes, a grooms cake adorned with chocolate shavings and curls and over 45 feet of table top with additional French inspired pastries and deserts.  Needless to say, no one left the wedding reception hungry.

After dinner and the extensive dessert, the entertainment ramped up rotating between the 12-piece band, the DJ and Arabic drummers.  For an entire two-hour time period, the dance floor was jammed packed with guests.  Mayssoun even took center stage and sang a solo with the band to her beloved Groom…the crowd went wild.

At the conclusion of the six-hour reception, guests were sure to not leave empty handed.  Mayssoun and Ankur presented each couple or guest with a special gift from Tiffany’s as a way to say thank you to all 250 of the guests who helped them celebrate their union.  However, just because the Reception was over didn’t mean the party was.  Guests who still had the energy, were invited to an after-party which included a full bar and afterglow while the DJ spun until 4 am.

The next morning, everyone was invited to a Brunch at Gulio & Son’s, where Mayssoun and Ankur took the time to personally talk with every singe guest and to thank them once again for making their wedding weekend such a memorable one.

The entire weekend and wedding celebration was truly one to remember.

Event Planner and Designer: LUCIA|PAUL DESIGN / Photographer: Widdis Photography / Reception Venue: The Henry, Autograph Collection / Stationery: Cartier / Brides Jewelry: Cartier / Ceremony Gown: Chanel / Reception Gown: Carolina Herrera / Wedding Ceremony: Rattlesnake Club / Videographer: AV7 Weddings / Hair: Figo Salon / Make-up: Jon Liekfelt of Priss Makeup / Opera Singer: Elena Repnikova / Ballerinas: Valentina / Lighting and Draping: The Lighting Guy / Band: Simone Vitale / Custom Linens: Nuage Designs and Gala Linens / DJ: DJ Rumzei / Ballroom Dancers: Fred Astaire / Live Event Artist: K.A. Von Hasenbalg / Rentals: Special Events Rental and Elite Rental / Florist: Bellasario Florist / Cake and Desert Tables: Sweet Dreams / Ice Sculptures: Ice Dreams Sculptures

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 16 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: 12-Piece Band, Arabic Wedding, AV7 Weddings, Ballerina, Bellasario Florist, Carolina Herrera, Cartier, Chanel, Dearborn, Dessert Room, Dessert Table, Dog, Elite Rental, Event Painter, Figo Salon, Fred Astaire, Gala Linens, Ice Dreams Sculptures, Ice Sculpture, Indian Wedding, K. A. Von Hasenbalg, Lucia|Paul Design, Michigan, Nuage Designs, Opera Singer, Pianist, Priss Makeup, Rattlesnake Club, Roses, Simone Vitale, Special Events Rental, Sweet Dreams, The Henry Autograph Collection, The Lighting Guy, Tiffany & Co., Wedding Photography, Widdis Photography, Yellow Diamond
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride…Vignesh and I met through a friend at a Fourth of July party in 2007.  The party was actually at Vignesh’s apartment, which had roof deck, and I thought he was very handsome the minute I saw him.  He didn’t ask me out until 2 weeks later and even that was just an invitation to another party.  Our first real date was at a bar in Union Square and we had an incredible conversation there that ranged from light topics to philosophy and religion.  Within 3 months, we knew we both wanted to spend the rest of our lives together.  Neither one of us was in a rush to get married so Vignesh didn’t propose until New Year’s Eve 2010.  We were on St. John in USVI and he proposed on the most beautiful, remote beach during the day.

We wanted the wedding to represent us and our two cultures so being transcendentalists of sorts, we got married outside by a beautiful lake with Indian musicians playing sitar, tabla and an Indian flute.  We created our ceremony from scratch and my father’s best friend, who we’re both close to, was our Officiant.  We incorporated the Indian tradition of the exchange of garlands (to symbolize our acceptance of each other and eternal bond) and readings that are meaningful to us (Joseph Campbell).  The ceremony flowers were a mixture of hot pink, purple, green and orange… mostly Indian colors. The reception – held in a beautiful Sperry Tent – was more American.  We had an incredible DJ, DJ Johnny Stuart, who made the night for us.  We were dancing until the very end, when a friend surprised us with fireworks he had set up by the lake.  It felt like a fairytale come true.

I can’t say there was one moment during the day that was my favorite; all of it was special.  Getting ready with my sister, cousin and bridesmaids (my four best friends) was so wonderful.  And the only word that comes to mind when I think about the ceremony and the reception is magical.  My advice to other couples would be to stay true to yourself and make sure every moment of your day should be about you, your family and friends.

Venue: Mashomack Preserve Club / Event Planning: Carrie Sartor of Lyndsey Hamilton Events / Wedding Gown: Reem Acra / Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale / Groom + Groomsmen Attire: J.Crew / Floral Design: Linda Baldwin / Wedding Cake: Alternative Baker / DJ: DJ Johnny Stuart / Tent: Sperry Tent / Wedding Photography: Kathi Littwin Photography

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 14 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Alternative Baker, Amsale, Cultural Beauty, DJ Johnny Stuart, Indian Wedding, JCrew, Linda Baldwin Flowers, Lyndsey Hamilton Events, Mashomack Preserve Club, New York Weddings, Reem Acra, Sperry Tent
Post categories: Cultural Beauty, New York Weddings

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It’s not often that a couple has two weddings and two receptions. Roxy and her family are of Indian descent and Mark is American. So naturally they had a full blown Indian wedding and reception with all of its traditions and ceremonies and the very next day continued with round two – an American wedding and reception.

Roxy and Mark have been together for over five years and are clearly best friends whose infectious laughter spreads to anyone around them. If you are anywhere near Roxy and Mark, you are guaranteed to have a blast.

Richa Johari and Hala Snyder of Events by Hala did an incredible job coordinating this momentous series of events. Suman Pai of Elegant Affairs designed a full range of amazing decor for both wedding days. She was able to capture the essence of the Indian culture with colorful flower arrangements complimented with extravagant gold details and a mandap (the four column marriage altar)  that was to die for. Not only did she do a beautiful job for the Indian wedding and reception but also for the American wedding and reception, which visually tied together in a subtle manner in keeping with the same color scheme while creating a completely different decorative presentation.

This wedding was as fun as it was gorgeous and visually impressive. Roxy’s Indian heritage was beautifully honored with all of the traditions, customs, attire, and decor. All of the guests loved dressing in traditional Indian outfits and enjoyed the many special events throughout the wedding. We were so honored to photograph this wedding!

Photography: Greg Blomberg Photography / Wedding Coordination: Events by Hala / Event Decor & Floral: Elegant Affairs / Venue: The Fairmont Hotel / DJ: DJ Happy Singh / Hair & Makeup: Mo Bowers of Fairy Godmothers Bridal / Entertainment: Mars Hill Band & Dallas Gigs

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 11 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Dallas, Dallas Gigs, Elegant Affairs, Events by Hala, Fairy Godmothers Bridal, Fusion Wedding, Greg Blomberg Photography, Indian Wedding, Mars Hill Band, Texas, The Fairmont Hotel
Post categories: Cultural Beauty, Little Black Book Blog

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From Alex Rodriguez Photography… Bejal + Amit were married at the historic Eden Roc hotel on South Beach in Miami. They are originally from Detroit and now live in Manhattan. They planned this destination wedding from Manhattan and enjoyed the day with guests from all over the world.

Wedding Photography: Alex Rodriguez Photography / Floral Design: Dalsimer Atlas / Wedding Ceremony & Reception Location: Eden Roc / Catering: Eden Roc / Saree: Ritika Mirchandani / Officiant: Dwejendra Doobay / Event Planning & Coordination: Tamara Cohen of TC Event Design / Entertainment & Lighting: Liquid DJs

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Alex Rodriquez Photography, Dalsimer Atlas, Dwejendra Doobay, Eden Roc, FL, Florida, Gold, Indian Wedding, Liquid DJs, Miami, Outdoor Ceremony, Purple, Red, Ritika Mirchandani, South Beach, Submerged Flowers, TC Event Design
Post categories: Cultural Beauty, Destination Weddings, Florida Weddings

Get your J. Cogliandro on in the gallery while you wait for more!

From the groom … I proposed on a mundane Wednesday when I knew no one would be expecting it. Aarti thought I was still at work but I had decorated her place with candles and pictures of us over the last eight years. When she walked in I was already down on one knee. Of course, she thought I was a robber! After I convinced her to come inside I asked her to marry me and she said yes. We sat down and had some champagne. She was completely shocked and confused. “Why today?  What’s going on?  I have to work tomorrow!” Little did she know, I had arranged the next few days off for her, as well as a dinner and night out on the town.

From the bride … Planning for an Indian Wedding is not easy!  Multiple events, large guest counts, lots of traditions, and as we found out – lots of opinions! After many, lets call them “spirited”, debates we finally made it happen. People would tell me not to stress about picking a wedding venue. They would say when you saw the right place you would just know.  That is exactly how I felt about Lakeway Resort and Villa del Lago. I knew the minute we saw both of these places that this is where I wanted to get married.

Purav and I wanted to keep our wedding simple and elegant while still incorporating our Indian heritage in a modern way. On Friday evening we had our Sangeet. This is a very festive, traditional event full with color and energy. To emphasize this we used a very vibrant swatch of colors and textures for the linens and bathed the ceiling in colorful saris and inverted parasols. This was the perfect casual night before the big day!

The wedding was perfect. I constantly stressed about the weather – it was supposed to rain. I had been so anxious for so long. But on the day, everything was different. I had pictured my wedding day and I always thought that I would be full of emotion and nerves as I walked down the aisle. But as we were driving to the ceremony site, I was the calmest I have ever been. I remember looking around just thinking that everything felt so right. I was trying to let the moment soak in – this was the day I was getting married!

Our photographer, Joe, captured the wedding perfectly. I felt like I was reliving the excitement when I saw our pictures. We had so much fun celebrating with all our friends and family.  I smile just thinking about it!  It was the perfect ending to the most amazing weekend of my life.

Photography: J. Cogliandro Photography / Cinematography: A n A Video Productions / Floral:  Amy Bodle of Merveille Events, LLC / Event Design & Planning: Gina Whittington of CLINK / Event Design, Sangeet: Saman Ansari – Saffron Affairs / Location: Lakeway Resort and Spa / Ceremony Location: Villa Del Lago / Catering: Claypit Restaurant and Catering / Stationery: Jayesh Shah / Hair and Makeup: Saman Ansari of Studio Sila / Sangeet and Reception Dress: Shehnaai Couture / Wedding Dress: Maharani Fashions, NJ / Cake: Austin Cake Balls / Live Cigar Roller: Bobalou Cigar Co.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 18 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: A n A Video Productions, Austin, Austin Cake Balls, Bobalou Cigar Co., Bold Color Palette, Claypit Restaurant and Catering, CLINK, Cultural Beauty, Indian Wedding, J. Cogliandro Photography, Lakeway Resort & Spa, Merveille Events, Saffron Affairs, Sangeet, Shehnaai Couture, Studio Sila, Texas, Villa Del Lago, Wedding Photography
Post categories: Cultural Beauty, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Photography