Meg & Dan | A Wedding at Elkhart Lake from I Do Films

Dan and I got married on the most perfect summer day in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin – the same location where we had met six years earlier before my freshman year at Cornell.

I had always dreamed of having a tent wedding, so it was easy to settle on the beautifully-trimmed lawn at Victorian Village as the location for our reception. Using the warm, friendly, and vintage aesthetics of this family-run and family-fun resort as the foundation for our inspiration, my mom and I infused a little “Father of the Bride” and a few homemade touches to create a romantic and unforgettable Midwestern bash.

We started the day at my family’s home on Elkhart Lake, where Dan and I had a “first look,” but a very different kind. We were surrounded by my whole family while I came down the stairs and my brothers, dad, and Dan saw me for the first time. It was so special to have my whole family with us for such an important moment. The ceremony took place at Holy Name of Jesus in Sheboygan, where Dan had grown up and gone to church as a child. Our priest, who flew in from my family’s home parish in Los Angeles, stole the show with an incredibly touching homily that made reference to our “path” around Elkhart Lake. After the ceremony Dan and I took photos at a friend’s barn while our guests sipped homemade vodka lemonades and munched on Wisconsin cheese and meatballs.

Our 242 guests found their seating assignments on frames hung from vintage glass door knobs that Dan helped me power-drill onto a salvaged barn door found at my favorite antique shop, The Red Rooster in Plymouth. Dinner proceeded in a 60’ x 100’ century tent that glowed with warm rosy uplighting, ivory rice paper lanterns, and string lights. The tables were adorned with fresh roses, hydrangeas, and plenty of candles found at a local craft store by our florist Silvana Cassia of Twig Flowers. An oversize slate found at an antique shop and framed chalkboards found on HerMajestysPug’s shop on Etsy served as the menus for dinner and cocktails. To finish the look, we invested in a black-and-white checkered dance floor that exuded a snappy, jazzy feel.

A Beatles cover band called The Cavern Beat played four sets and kept the dance floor packed with guests of all ages. My mom always told me, “Meg, all you need for a great party are the two B’s: booze and a band.” She was so right!

Dessert included chocolate ganache cake from the bakery at the local Piggly Wiggly adorned with hydrangeas, an ice cream bar, and my mom’s molasses, snickerdoodle, and chocolate-chip cookies served on a three-tier cookie tower created with the help of a local carpenter.

We absolutely loved working with Anna and Jonathan Wheeler of Anna Page Photography, as well as Matt Buckman and Élan Villamor of I Do Films. Their ability to go with the flow, their attention to detail, and their cat-like reflexes certainly did not go unnoticed! Dan and I are so grateful to both of them for documenting our memories in such a beautiful and unique way!

Photography:  Anna Page Photography / Cinematography: I Do Films / Tent: Canopies Events / Band: The Cavern Beat / Event Coordination: Laura Cooper, Cooper Consulting / Floral Design: Twig Flowers / Ceremony Location: Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church / Caterer & Reception Location: Victorian Village Resort / Invitations: Bella Figura / Bride’s Dress: Amsale via Belle Vie Bridal Couture / Bridesmaid Dresses: Vera Wang / Bride’s Heels: Vince Camuto / Bride’s Flats: Aldo / Bride’s & Bridesmaid’s Earrings: Anthropologie / Bride’s Bracelet: J.Crew / Engagement Ring and Groom’s Ring: Steve Quick Jeweler / Floral Hair Clip: Sara Gabriel / Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse / Groom’s Bowtie and Groomsmen’s Ties: Brooks Brothers / Hair & Makeup: Aspira Spa, The Osthoff Resort / Guest Transportation: Discovery Coach / Wedding Party Transportation: Stargazer Limousine / DJ: Matt’s DJ Service/ String Quartet: Jubilate String Quartet, kayesara@hotmail.com (Sarah Oftedahl ) / Guest Photo Station: Beyond the Booth Photography / Candle Holders & Flower Bases: Hobby Lobby & Pier 1 Imports / Framed Blackboard Cocktail Signs: HerMajestysPug / Ice Cream Sign: The Back Porch Shoppe / Cake: Natalie’s Pastries, natalieblattner@hotmail.com / Ice Cream: Scoops Ice Cream Parlor

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2012. | Permalink | 11 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Aldo, Amsale, Anna Page Photography, Anthropologie, Aspira Spa, Bella Figura, Beyond the Booth Photography, Black Tie, Bowties, Brooks Brothers, Canopies Events, Chinese Lanterns, Cooper Consulting, Discover Coach, Elkhart Lake, Etsy, Father of the Bride, Father of the Bride Inspired, HerMajestysPug, Hobby Lobby, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, I Do Films, Ice Cream, Invitations, J. Crew, Jubilate String Quartet, Matt's DJ Service, Men's Wearhouse, Natalie's Pastries, Neutral Color Palette, Outdoor Weddings, Pier 1 Imports, Piggly Wiggly, Rustic Chic, Sara Gabriel, Scoops Ice Cream Parlor, Sheboygen, Stargazer Limousine, Steve Quick Jeweler, Tented Reception, The Back Porch Shoppe, The Beatles, The Cavern Beat, The Osthoff Resort, Traditional Elegance, Twig Flowers, Vera Wang, Victorian Village Resort, Vince Camuto, Vintage, Wedding Cinematography, Wedding Stationery, White Color Palette, Wisconsin
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Cinematography

From Tangerine Paper Space… T A N G E R I N E  P A P E R  S P A C E is a boutique paper studio based in Houston, Texas specializing in freshly made custom products for local + international events.  We love paper, the smell of fresh ink, good old snail mail, handwritten notes, people in love, hazelnut chocolate and ever after. We believe in quality by using the finest papers and fabrics, offer excellent design and craftsmanship, and, most importantly, we prioritize you: the bride. 

We are pleased to offer 50 complimentary thank you notes with every new client’s invitation order.  Just “like” our Facebook page and mention SMP in your e-mail or call. Deal expires March 30, 2012.  

P.S. >> Paper dreams do come true. 

Photography: Amy Dunn Photograpy

Gorgeous, no?!?  Welcome to the family Tangerine Paper Space!  We’re so happy to have you!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2012. | Permalink | Comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Houston, Invitations, Paper Goods, Tangerine Paper Space, Texas, TX, Wedding Stationery
Post categories: Houston Weddings, Texas Weddings, Welcome Post

From Paperee…We love type! Modern, chic and urban, our designs are clean with an emphasis on beautiful typography. Copy is never “simply dropped in.” Each piece is individually customized; spacing, font sizes, line breaks and alignment are manually adjusted to ensure your wedding invitation will be beautiful. After all, the most important element is the message. All invitations are printed on ultra-thick 140lb or 130lb cardstock; the sheer weight is sure to impress. Have your wedding stationery created by people who are passionate and meticulous about design, typography and craftsmanship.

Welcome to the (oh so fun) SMP Texas family! We are THRILLED to have you! xoxo

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2012. | Permalink | Comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Invitation, Invitations, Wedding Invitations & Stationery
Post categories: Sponsored Posts, Texas Weddings

Jordan and I met in college after being introduced by mutual friends. After dating for five years Jordan proposed one week before Christmas. Loving all things romantic I have dreamed of my wedding day since I was a young girl. So it was only fitting that I dove right into planning. Early on in our planning I was introduced to Style Me Pretty by my friend Renee (Designs by Renee), who also designed our beautiful letter pressed wedding invitations and coordinating paper stationary. I was immediately hooked, visiting the website multiple times a day! It was such an inspiration in not only providing details for our wedding, but amazing advice and stories from other brides and grooms.

I could not imagine our wedding anywhere else other then the town I grew up in. Our ceremony was held in the church where I was baptized and had my first communion. Our reception was held at a private residence that happens to be my aunt and uncles home. Although our reception was held outdoors, we wanted a formal wedding with a romantic feel. I loved that Jordan and I could design our celebration from start to finish incorporating our personalities and interests into every last detail.

My mom was my partner in crime throughout the planning process. Whether it was traveling up and down the east coast to find the perfect antique birdcage for our cards or rummaging through old photos of our grandparents and great grandparents on their wedding day, we had such a fun time. Even my dad joined in on the fun taking dance lessons and surprising all our guests with a choreographed father-daughter dance, something completely out of his element.

After a year and a half of planning and waiting, torrential downpours and record flooding reminisce of Tropical Storm Lee threatened our day. Unable to get the tents and rentals in, we almost had to completely move our reception location to an indoor venue. Two days later on our wedding day September 10, 2011 the rain gave way to beautiful blue skies and our reception was able to go on as planned.

Absolutely everything turned out perfect and our day was amazing, sprinkled with beautiful blush, ivory and gold details! We were so fortunate to work with the most wonderful wedding professionals that took our vision and turned it into reality. It was the best day of our lives and we are so happy we could celebrate our marriage with all our amazing family and friends.

Photography: Tennison Photography / Cinematography: Neil Benjers, Blue Sky Films / Flowers: All Things Beautiful / Event Design: Shumaker PDT / Event Planning: Planned Perfection / Ceremony Location: Redeemer Lutheran Church / Reception Location: Private Residence / Invitations: Designs By Renée / Shoes: Valentino and Jimmy Choo / Dress: Melissa Sweet, Bee via Priscilla of Boston / Linens: La Tavola Linens / Catering: The Greenfield Restaurant & Bar / Bridesmaid Dresses: Lela Rose via Hitched Salon / Tuxes: JoS A. Bank / Rings: Kaplans Fine Jewelry

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: All Things Beautiful, Blue Sky Films, Bouquets, Centerpieces, Chiavari Chars, Designs by Renee, Hitched, Invitations, Jimmy Choo, Jos A Bank, Kaplans Fine Jewelry, La Tavola Linens, Lancaster, Lela Rose, Melissa Sweet, Neutral Color Palette, Outdoor Wedding, Pennsylvania, Planned Perfection, Priscilla of Boston, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Shumaker PDT, Tennison Photography, Tented Reception, The Greenfield Restaurant & Bar, Traditional Elegance, Valentino, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Photography, Wedding Planners & Designers, Wedding Stationery
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

1. Akimbo / 2. Prim Pixie / 3. Atelier Isabay / 4. Erica Keuter / 5. Ceci New York / 6. Albertine / 7. Two Yellow Shoes / 8. Momental Designs / 9. Akimbo / 10. A Printable Press / 11. Laura Hooper / 12. Bella Figura / 13. Regas NY / 14. Shine Wedding Invitations

Beeeeeeeyond, right? It’s the sense of casual, the sense of whimsy, the feminine pretty paired next to classic design that is captured in each of these pieces that make them oh-so-perfect for introducing your guess to your garden style affair. It’s about capturing the romance of what’s to come…

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Garden, Invitations
Post categories: Calligraphy, The Blog, Wedding Invitations & Stationery

Which is exactly why we are giddy as schoolgirls to debut our collection with William Arthur. And why we’re excited to start bringing more and more paper inspirations from different designers around the globe to the pages of SMP. Our first invitation spotlight feature will be this Friday and will shine a pretty light on our favorite garden inspired paper goodies…so mark your calendars!

Okay, I know. We’ve made you wait long enough. So without further ado. The winner of the SMP by William Arthur Giveaway, chosen completely at random using random.org, is…Jennifer who said:

“Destination! Our wedding will be in Hawaii at a Waikiki ocean front hotel I love how it is has a classic and elegant look, yet still evokes the ocean/beach feel with the Turquoise edge and without the typical seashell icon. We are hoping for a wedding that is exactly that – elegant with a hint of destination.”

A huge congratulations to Jennifer who has snagged herself 100 invitations from our collection along with a feature on Facebook AND right here on the pages of SMP!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 1 comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Giveaway, Invitations, style me pretty by william arthur, Wedding Invitations & Stationery, William Arthur
Post categories: The Blog, Wedding Invitations & Stationery

photos by Katie Ramey

The Prize…

A set of 100 Invitations + Reply Cards (envelopes included) PLUS a feature on Facebook introducing you as our first SMP + William Arthur Bride and a real weddings feature right here on Style Me Pretty!!

To Enter…

1. Choose the category that most suits your wedding style from the lovely invitations above.

2. Leave a comment below with that category + tell us a little more about how your invitation will be the launch pad for your wedding style (1-2 sentences at the most).

3. Sit tight until next Monday, the 24th of October where we’ll announce the big winner!

**Only ONE entry per person permitted. Click here for terms and conditions.

And if you’d rather skip all the hoopla and go straight to the goods, our online shop can be found right here. Remember that it’s mix and match central so you can really design an invitation that reflects your own unique wedding style.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 544 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Giveaway, Invitations, Wedding Invitation, William Arthur
Post categories: The Blog, Wedding Invitations & Stationery

From BG Design Studio… BG Design Studio creates stunning handmade paper goods that are individually tailored to your personality and style. We specialize in wedding invitations, stationery, signage, table numbers, programs, favors and more. Our elegant and chic designs are created not only for aesthetic pleasure, but to instill a sense of wonder and anticipation for your wedding celebration. Let us design custom invites for your special day, and we’ll take your breath away.

From Milk and Honey Shoes… When you’re tired of looking everywhere else, it’s time to take matters into your own hands and design your perfect shoes.  You’ve been able to have input on ever other detail for your wedding — the color of your flowers, the font on your invitations, the exact shade of bridesmaids’ dresses — why should your shoes be any different?  By designing your own shoes through milk & honey you can get the heel height you want, the style you want, the color, embellishments and have shoes that are uniquely yours!

We hope you love our newest Advertisers as much as we do and make sure to stop by their sites and show them some SMP support! Welcome aboard everyone, we’re happy to have you join our Style Me Pretty California family!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 1 comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: BG Designs, California, Chevron, Handmade, Invitations, Milk and Honey Shoes, Paper Goods, Stationery, Wedding Shoes
Post categories: California Weddings, Welcome Post