Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog

Inspiration to Invitation Challenge Winner!

Elaine — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:00:48 +0000

After much deliberation a winner has been chosen for our Inspiration to Invitation Challenge. We’ve teamed up with Sarah Drake to use an inspiration board from one of our talented Style Circle members as the muse for an invitation design. Members were asked to create boards based on a style that they would like to see transformed into a fabulous new stationery design. So without further ado, our winner is Tonia with this blissful equestrian themed composition.

I have to confess… I have a little bit of a horse obsession, so this board makes me deliriously happy. It might just be my perfect day all wrapped up in one. Thank you to everyone who created a design for this challenge. We recieved countless submissions… I know Sarah had a really hard time picking a winner. But alas, there can only be one… so congratulations Tonia. Also an enormous thank you to Sarah Drake and her team for taking on this awesome project… we can’t wait to see the result.

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Post tags: Contest, Inspiration Board, Invitation, Sarah Drake
Post categories: Contests

From Inspiration to Reality: The Design, Part III

Abby Larson — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:20:05 +0000

There were quite a few really amazing vendors that took the time to contribute in HUGE ways to our shoot. For one, the lovely and oh so talented Yumiko of Hana Floral Design did all of the flowers for us, focusing on simple, adorable blooms. She used carnations, which are a super cute and really affordable alternative, that she packed tightly into little, red latte bowls. She also used ranunculus, dahlias and spider mums tucked into little pink juice glasses. The funny thing is, for Yumiko…this was effortless. She has such an incredible eye for style and design that she simply pulled all of these together on site. It was incredible.

Another really important part of the equation was the hair and make-up that Jennie Fresa designed. Here’s what Jennie had to say…the makeup features smooth, matte skin with subtly contoured cheeks. Eyes were kept simple with champagne shimmer on the lids, a touch of black eye liner, and two coats of mascara for long, flirty lashes (and we added a few falsies!). Cherry red lips finish the look with a dab of clear gloss to make for a kissable pout. For hair, we paid homage to the beehive, with volume at the roots and a soft, simple twist in the back. We allowed the hair accessory make the statement.

Next up…the AMAZING team of photographers, Justin and Mary Marantz. I don’t really have to say much about this duo as the images speak for themselves. But, what I do want to tell you is just how graceful they were throughout the day. Pitching in when needed, quietly capturing little pieces of perfection for us to enjoy. I cannot say enough about just how talented they are, just how lovely.

And last but SO far from least, the lovely and ridiculously talented Karen Bartolomei, creative force behind Grapevine Invitations. Karen whipped together the adorable little “Life is Sweet” gift tags for our pies and the ridiculously clever name tag + menu combination that we tied to the back of each chair. Super, super cute. Karen is one of those people that can design perfect details in her sleep…and she actually has a pretty awesome book devoted wholly to this concept! She’s a genius and I’m thrilled to call her a friend.

It was beyond a pleasure to work with all of these talented vendors. And with the beautiful model Lindsey who brought our story to life. We will have lots of fun DIY projects from this photo shoot next week.

Stay tuned to hear all about our next inspiration board weekend challenge coming up in just a bit!

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Post tags: 50’s Inspired, Grapevine Invitations, Hana Floral Design, Inspiration Board, Jennie Fresa, Justin and Mary Marantz, Justin Marantz, Photoshoot, The White Dress By The Shore, True Events, Vintage
Post categories: Wedding Decor, Wedding Details, Wedding Photography, Wedding Planners & Designers

From Inspiration to Reality: The Design, Part II

Abby Larson — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:15:56 +0000

Love, love, love everything about today. I have been chomping at the bit to share our From Inspiration to Reality feature with all of you, inspired completely by one of our Style Circle gurus, Bran Coprata.

I am so totally and hopelessly smitten with this concept…literally bringing your ideas, your inspiration boards to life…that I am going to dive in head first and make it a regular feature on SMP. My hope is that it will give all of you the tools and confidence to bring your own inspiration boards to life. That it will inspire you to continually hone your inspiration board, using it as the platform to which you convey your style ideas to vendors, friends and family members. I could go on and on and on with pure glee, but instead, I’ll just share a few more gorgeous pics from our latest From Inspiration to Reality!

Sarah True, the event designer behind the day, has stopped by to share a bit of her vision…

Inspired by the bold colors and perfect combination of details, making the board come to life was so much fun. The design board created the perfect mood for an event, using color to create energy and ice cream, cherries, and the beach to illustrate a feeling of whimsy and nostalgia. Some of my happiest memories are at the beach , eating ice cream and soaking up the Summer. This is the emotion that this board taps into. So I thought all of those details were incredibly important at bringing the table to life to create the mood that was designed in the board. We used bright cherry red latte bowls for the bases of the flowers and a mix of vintage pink cut glasses. We found a polka dot linen from Party Rental to capture the playfulness of the board. Layering vintage linens from Yumiko’s personal collection over the polka dot linen helped us to blend the details of vintage and modern.

As for the fashions…let me just say that they were INSANE. Beth at The White Dress by the Shore is ridiculously talented and has an eye for super chic, undeniably fabulous pieces. Like that adorable Melissa Sweet dress and the oversized bobbles. Love, love, love. Beth has been sweet enough to share a few more details…

When reviewing the amazing inspiration board that was selected, It evoked a 1950’s feel. The overall look that we were striving for was sweet and playful with a vintage twist. We selected a whimsical gown by Reverie by Melissa Sweet and styled it with 1950’s inspired oversized pearls, dainty white gloves and fabulous red shoes. We finished off the look with a custom made cherry red cage veil and brooch.

So much more to come!!

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Post tags: 50’s Inspired, Grapevine Invitations, Hana Floral Design, Inspiration Board, Jennie Fresa, Justin and Mary Marantz, Justin Marantz, Photoshoot, The White Dress By The Shore, True Events, Vintage
Post categories: The Blog

From Inspiration to Reality: The Design

Abby Larson — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:00:17 +0000

If you’re at work, you might want to go ahead and take your coffee break. If you’re at home, grab a cup of joe and cuddle up with your laptop. Today’s feature requires total attention as you are going to find so much inspiration tucked inside each and every image.

It’s time to unveil our absolutely incredible photo shoot, all inspired by Bran Coprata’s ridiculously fun inspiration board. Before I get to the photos, I have to say that we had an insanely talented team of vendors working on this shoot with us. Photographers Justin and Mary Marantz, event designer Sarah True of True Events, florist Yumiko of Hana Floral, fashion guru Beth of The White Dress by the Shore, make-up and hair artist Jennie Fresa and invitation expert Karen of Grapevine Invitations helped us put together a shoot that is filled to the brim with gorgeousness, filled to the brim with so many steal-worthy ideas.

all of the images were shot by two of our very favorites…Justin and Mary Marantz

Our shoot was held at the Back Porch Restaurant in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. It’s this great little spot right on the water and served as the perfect backdrop. We wanted to throw a really girly, vintage inspired affair that was affordable and accessible on any budget. For the most part, everything was salvaged or DIY. We used vintage juice glasses for vases that we filled with an effortless collection of garden flowers (more on that later), little ice cream bowls packed tightly with carnations and a collection of mismatched found plates (you can also rent things like this). We used the restaurant’s flatware, homemade pies (baked by your truly), colanders filled with strawberries and old perfume and apothecary jars to accent the table.

all images by Justin and Mary Marantz (who I love, love, LOVE)

The centerpiece of the table was really those AWESOME poms. Aside from being a breeze to put together, they brought that huge pop that we needed. Love, love, love them and will definitely be using these a lot going forward. We accented the table with some ridiculously adorable details…old coke bottles (found at the grocery store), pies that we tied with yarn, and tucked a wooden spoon into, and the most adorable menus/seating cards that Karen at Grapevine did for us that we tied to the back of each chair.

We have lots more coming up from all of our vendors…including info on the ridiculously fabulous dress that our cute model, Lyndsey, was rocking. Stay tuned!

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Post tags: 50's Inspired, Grapevine Invitations, Hana Floral Design, Inspiration Board, Jennie Fresa, Justin and Mary Marantz, Justin Marantz, Photoshoot, The White Dress By The Shore, True Events, Vintage
Post categories: Inspiration Boards, Wedding Decor, Wedding Details, Wedding Photography

Inspiration Board Weekend Challenge Winner!

Abby Larson — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:12:45 +0000

After MUCH deliberations, we have chosen a winner from our inspiration board challenge. For those of you that missed it, we asked Style Circle Brides to design a board that they would like to see “come to life.” Together with Justin and Mary Marantz, Sarah True of True + Wesson, Yumiko of Hana Floral, Beth of The White Dress by the Shore and Karen of Grapevine Invitations…we are going to bring the winning board to life with a fun and completely inspiring photoshoot. Complete with lots of steal-worthy ideas.

So, although I could blab on and on about this…I’ll instead just announce the winner!

photos above by Martha Stewart Weddings (poms and wedding cake), My Vintage Vogue (bathing beauties), Alessandra Mortola (ice cream sundae and cherry cup) and Nicole Hill Gerulat (table setting, bar, cobbler and recipe box)

We are so thrilled to say that Brancoprata has taken the grand prize! We’re thinking a cherry inspired, picture perfect ode to all things vintage, all things girly. Brancoprata’s blog is filled to the brim with some of the best inspriation boards a girl could want, so make sure to check it out when you have some time!

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Post tags: Contest, Inspiration Board
Post categories: Contests, Inspiration Boards, Vintage Chic

Style Circle is OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

Abby Larson — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:57:38 +0000

After months of blood, sweat and tears (not really…mostly just sweat and tears)…our social network, The Style Circle, is finally open for business!!!

It’s been in beta for the last couple of weeks with some of our super style savvy brides testing it out, making sure everything works beautifully and that the inspirations come easily. The result has been an absolute explosion of ideas, inspiration boards and completely kick ass (yep, I said it) style.

These are all boards that our readers have designed…from shabby chic, to sleek and sophisticated and just about everything in between. Oh but the fun doesn’t stop there! You can choose your wedding colors, chat on our forums, build inspiration boards for your ceremony, your reception, your floral style, anything!

And while you guys are busy getting to know the Style Circle, we will be busy fine tuning each and every detail as well as adding new functionality that will make it an even better community. Until then, design to your heart’s content!

PS – I’ll be back in a bit with some tips on how to use the circle.

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Post tags: Inspiration Board, Style Circle
Post categories: Inspiration Boards, Style Circle

Inspiration Board 15

Abby Larson — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:00:53 +0000

This next board makes me want to stop everything that I am doing and jump right into the computer. That sounds really weird. But it’s so true…this board is TOTAL bliss!

Top Row: Dress: Monique Lhuillier on the Look Book / Stationery Mimosa by Delphine, Bridesmaids Dresses: The Perfect Palette / Middle Row: Boutonnieres: Erin Hearts Court via Once Wed / Bouquet: Martha Stewart Weddings, The Kiss: Union Photography via Project Wedding / Ringbearer Etsy seller butteredtoast / Bottom Row: Venue: Nancy Neil via Thoughtful Day / Shoes: Jose Villa via Project Wedding / Beads: Handmade by Hayley, Cake: Martha Stewart Weddings

I am going to announce the winner this afternoon!!! ALL boards are going to be posted to the Style Circle in one week so that you can devour every little bit of fabulousness that was sent my way!

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Post tags: Inspiration Board, Inspiration Board Contest
Post categories: Contests, Inspiration Boards

Inspiration Board 14

Abby Larson — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:30:43 +0000

Our next board is SO super cute. LOVE every little bit of it…it’s beyond delicious!

Credits from Top Left: Dress by Monique Lhuillier – Kelsey on the Look Book / Katee Grace via Grey Likes Weddings / Gabrielle Kai via Lolalina / Martha Stewart Weddings / Martha Stewart Weddings / Wiley Valentine Minted / Open Air Photography via The Bride’s Cafe / Amy Atlas via Design*Sponge / Emersonmade via Little White Book via

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Post tags: Inspiration Board, Inspiration Board Contest
Post categories: Contests, Inspiration Boards

Inspiration Board 13

Abby Larson — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:00:50 +0000

There is something so sophisticated about this next board. I love the vibrancy of the blues, the beauty of the different hues paired next to each other, the modern and totally chic invitation. It’s simply awesome!

Lela Rose wedding dress via the Look Book / Hello Lucky “London Skyline” invitation / reader’s own photo of her engagement ring, hanging on a (discontinued) frame from Urban Outfitters / Ties from Cyberoptix, aka ToyBreaker on Etsy / Photograph of bottles by Capow on Etsy / The Gazebo at Mill Race , Northville, Michigan / JCrew dress styles: “Serena”, “Silk Taffeta Ruffle Wrap”, “Robin”, “Sophia” and “Lorelei”

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Post tags: Inspiration Board, Inspiration Board Contest
Post categories: Contests, Inspiration Boards

Inspiration Board 12

Abby Larson — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:15:00 +0000

There is something so dreamy about this next board…the stunning color palette, the sweet details, the PERFECT Lela Rose gown. Love it all!

Dress – The Boathouse, Spring ’09 Wedding Collection by Lela Rose / Letterpress – Maja Invitation, Bella FiguraFabric – Detail from The Boathouse dress, by Lela Rose / Middle Row, from left: Hand-tied bouquet of orange and white dahlias by Mark’s Garden () via Brides.com / Stacked macaroons cake and dessert display by Rebecca Thuss / Bottom Row, front left: China Cabin reception room in Belvedere, CA, via Snippet & Ink / Fourteen-karat-gold Cameo Ring by Doyle & Doyle / via Brides.com / Apricot placecard by Rebecca Thuss / Bridesmaid’s dress, Style #83262 in Gold from David’s Bridal

Inspiration Board 11

Abby Larson — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:48:18 +0000

Since we didn’t get a chance to feature my last set of favorite inspiration boards from our Look Book contest on Friday, I thought that we could kick off the week by wrapping up this latest I-Board adventure! Then, a little later in the day, I have an invitation that you guys are going to LOVE.

Okay, here is one of my favorite boards from our latest contest…

1. Dress by Lela Rose / 2. Menswear by Tec Petaja / 3. Coral hairpins by Handle and Sprout / 4. Flowers from smallstump’s photostream on flickr / 5. Garland spotted on Beauty Everyday, after being featured on the martha stewart wedding blog / 6. Figs and berries, Lena Corwin / 7. Liberty prints from suchprettythings’ photostream / 8. Tourmaline ring by mastergoldcraft, on etsy / 9. Picnic table by Tec Petaja / 10. Early Harvest dress, by ArmoursansAnguish / 11. Mason Dixon cocktails, from Blue Moon Events / 12. Invitation by Erin Jang / 13. Simple, lovely cake by Sarah Magid Cakes

How cute? It’s like a whimsical little garden party with super chic touches. LOVE.

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Post tags: Inspiration Board, Inspiration Board Contest
Post categories: Contests, Inspiration Boards

Inspiration Board 10

Abby Larson — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:00:51 +0000

Our last featured inspiration board from our Look Book Contest is all yellow. Picture perfect yellow style.

#1 – The Knot / #2 – Get Married Blogger Brides / #3 Romantic Flowers.com / #4 – The Knot /
#5- Monique Lhuillier on Style Me Pretty / #6 – The Knot / #7 – Better Homes and Gardens /#8 – Katie and Ryan Wedding / #9 – Martha Stewart Weddings / #10 – Glamour / #11 – Martha Stewart / #12 – The Knot

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Post tags: Inspiration Board, Inspiration Board Contest
Post categories: Contests, Inspiration Boards

Inspiration Board 9

Abby Larson — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 22:30:08 +0000

I love this next board because it’s SO Audrey…with a bit of edge. Paris, Fashion, Fabulous…

First row: dress by Vera Wang on SMP’s Look Book / metro picture via Bloom Grow Love second row: Chanel bottle via Vogue / eiffel tower and bow pic photographed by Rodney Smith/ tux via GQ third row: lace glove via Wildfox / flowers via Artfool

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 17 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Inspiration Board, Inspiration Board Contest
Post categories: Inspiration Boards

Inspiration Board 8

Abby Larson — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 22:00:56 +0000

Based on that FABULOUS Vera Wang dress, this next oh-so-lovely board is as chic as it is timeless. It’s flirty and feminine while still being all about organic style.

Dress by Vera Wang from SMP’s Look Book / Table and Chandelier photograph by Hannas Form/ Hanging Ornaments by Dandelion Ranch/ Metallic Thread by Tinsel Trading/ White Bouquet by Saipua/ Cupcakes by One Girl Cookie/ Flatware photograph by Alison Rosa from Brides Magazine/ Modern Press Stencil photograph by Scott Clark Photo/ Vintage Shoes photograph by Hannas Form

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Post tags: Inspiration Board, Inspiration Board Contest
Post categories: Contests, Inspiration Boards

Inspiration Board 7

Abby Larson — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 21:30:47 +0000

The next board is all about sweet, effortless whimsy…and I adore it!

Dress by Christos Bridal, Ceremony set-up via The Knot, Invitation by Smock, Bridesmaids via Weddings by Zoe Lingard (photo by Aaron Delesie ), Headpiece via Sweet Pea & Fawn, flowers via I Love Lolliblog (photo by Jose Villa)

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Post tags: Contest, Inspiration Board
Post categories: Contests, Inspiration Boards