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From the bride… When we got engaged in January, we knew we wanted to get married as soon as practicable. We loved Maine as a location, because although we’re currently living in DC, my roots are in New England, and J has spent every summer in Maine as well as having gone to college there. Most venues were already booked for the summer, and, as I spent the summer studying for and taking the bar exam, we figured a fall wedding was probably our only choice if I was going to maintain some semblance of sanity. We fell in love with both of our venues, our caterer and photographer on a couple of whirlwind weekend planning trips and booked them right away. Many of our decisions had this flavor: yes, we wanted everything to be festive and nice, but we didn’t have a specific vision for any particular element going into the planning, and it made it easier to make choices when there wasn’t a predetermined “just so” that we had to find.

But that’s not to say we didn’t feel invested in pouring energy and effort into the wedding, in part because I love to craft and, in part because we knew it would, in some cases, save us good money. J’s mom and grandma are both seasoned scavengers of tag sales and church rummages and did an amazing job collecting all the mugs, vases, votives, doilies and water pitchers used at the wedding. My sister designed the save-the-dates, invitations, and programs, and J’s sister painted the watercolor design that was on our invitations. We used Vistaprint and Zazzle for printing (a pretty affordable option, I might add) and printed the programs on my inkjet a few nights before the wedding. I focused my crafty energy on designing a rubber stamp for our programs, welcome bags, and thank you notes, and on embroidering the table numbers, although number 16 was stitched two nights before the wedding by a dear friend who took one look at my frazzled state as I ran around making playlists and arranging flowers and took pity on me. (The numbers are on their way to becoming a small quilt for our wall — after we finish the thank-you notes, that is.) We had a pipe dream of baking all the desserts ourselves, but I am so very glad that plan was abandoned early.  I love to bake and am surrounded by bakers, but churning out 20 pies two days before the wedding would have been a disaster. Instead, we made one of the passed appetizers ourselves, a turkey curry puff pastry, we baked two kinds of cookies (espresso chocolate shortbread and Viennese jam thumbprints), and my mother-in-law baked two cakes for the non-pie-lovers. So our baking yens were satisfied and we had delicious pie that magically appeared the day of the wedding. We also did our own flowers and DJ’ed our wedding on a laptop, both of which I will admit caused some stress — J had to finish editing the playlist right after we wrote our vows, in bed, the night before the wedding, because I had passed out in exhaustion — but we loved every song on that playlist and the flowers were beautiful! Last on the list of wedding items imbued with blood, sweat, and tears: the dress. No, I didn’t sew it myself! But I purchased it “new without tags” on eBay, and it unfortunately arrived smelling quite strongly of body odor. After two months of worrying, I decided to wash it in my bathtub– no way was I spending as much money dry cleaning a dress as I had buying it in the first place.  I found instructions that another bride had posted on Weddingbee, scrubbed it with cold water, Tide and a toothbrush, and voila! body odor gone. Best $200 (or whatever insane price I would have been charged) I ever saved.

I can’t recommend all our vendors highly enough — particularly our photographer, caterer, bakery, and jeweler. I almost wish we could do it again just to have an excuse to work with them all some more!

Wedding Photography: Becca Wood Photography / Ceremony: First Universalist Church in Yarmouth, Maine / Reception: The Barn on Walnut Hill in North Yarmouth, Maine / Flowers: DIY by The Couple, Their Friends + Wedding Party via Whole Foods / Event Planning: Sarah Crossman / Food: 111Maine / Wedding Dress: A Used Allure Gown via eBay / Seamstress: Angie Cavallaro / Shoes: Nordstrom / Wedding Bands: Custom by Digby & Iona, Friends of the Couple / Earrings: Borrowed from the Groom’s Mother / Felt Hair Flower: Katie Created / Pies: Two Fat Cats / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Various / Bridesmaids’ Bags: Zazzle / Groom’s suit: J.Crew / Hair + Makeup: Fabu Salon (207-775-3228) / Rentals: One Stop Party Shop

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Post tags: 111Maine, Allure, Angie Cavallaro, Becca Wood Photography, Digby & Iona, Ebay, Fabu Salon, First Universalist Church, J. Crew, Katie Created, Maine, Nordstrom, North Yarmouth, One Stop Party Shop, Pink, Purple, Sarah Crossman, The Barn on Walnut Hill, Two Fat Cats, Whole Foods, Yarmouth, Yellow, Zazzle
Post categories: Destination Weddings, Vintage Chic

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From the bride… When we first got engaged, hitting the blogs and creating my “vision” was clearly my first task. I’m very detail oriented (or OCD, as my husband says) and soon created a Powerpoint presentation, a Pinterest page and started the “Wedding” bookmark tab on my Macbook. But since then, I’ve learned two things: (1) my vision must really be our vision, and (2) despite any planning you do, whatever happens on that momentous day will be an exact reflection of the two of you … and it will be perfect. 

Our goal was to create an experience that was distinctively Californian as 80% of our guests were flying in for the event. We’re both from the Midwest (Chicago and Detroit), but we met in LA and fell in love in there.  A stunning ocean view coupled with the backdrop of the Malibu hills and canyons served as a perfect Southern Californian setting. Our charming little venue captured our fondness for wine country with vineyards and an olive orchard in the backyard. The farmhouse cottage where the ceremony was held topped the Malibu hills and married our enchanted-garden-meets-vintage-ranch vision seamlessly.  Although it was a sweltering day that had us practically melting, by the time the ceremony started, a cool breeze wafted through the ceremony space and I knew everything would be perfect.

Since this was mainly was a DIY event, I relied heavily on my friend/planner/visionary to execute my plans. Another dear friend designed our save the dates and yet another, the flowers. My mom sewed our burlap runners and wrote the most amazing and funny speech. Our photographers were outstanding. Justin picked the caterer (a work friend whose food rivaled 5-star restaurants), created the all-important drink menu and stocked the bar with his favorites.  He also handpicked every song outside of the dance section, so the music we love and live our lives to filled the day. Our dear friends played acoustic guitar and cello and sang our favorite songs during the procession, which ended with Big Star’s “I’m in Love with a Girl.” We wrote our own vows and cried and beamed through every word. As I slipped his grandfather’s ring on his finger, I looked out to the crowd and saw four generations of our family, sitting together in the shade and knew I would never forget this moment. Overall, I think we achieved the rustic California garden feel with little effort and minimal day-of stress. Since we both have insanely busy work lives, many of the ideas we originally brought to the table were cut from the show — but it simply didn’t matter. We were so thankful to have both of our families together at our sun-filled venue and to share our love and happiness with them that we didn’t notice the little things that fell through the cracks. And to hear from our guests, that it was the most beautiful wedding they had been to, with the best food and music, still makes us smile. After six years together, we thought getting married wouldn’t really change our day-to-day life, but it absolutely has. Marriage is truly utter bliss.

Wedding Photography: Erin Hearts Court / Wedding Venue: Rancho del Cielo in Malibu, California / Wedding Design + Coordination: Billy Burgess, Friend of the Couple (billy_burgess@sbcglobal.net) / Catering: Bruce’s Catering, Friend of the Groom (818-376-1288) / Wedding Invitations: Bella Figura / Wedding Dress: Legends by Romona Keveza via MaryLinn’s Bridal / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew / Shoes: Fendi / Hair: Mia Shin, Friend of Bride, of Anastasia Beverly Hills and B2V / Makeup: Vanessa Ceballos at Anastasia Beverly Hills / Groom’s Suit: J.Crew / Cake + Desserts: Magnolia Bakery / DJ: Paul Layton / Ceremony Music: Wendy Wang (Vocals and Guitar) + Gabe Noel (Cello), Friends of the Couple / Cake Toppers + Save and Date Cards: Christina Pierson, Friend of the Bride / Bouquets: Danielle Renee Thompson of Flowers Underground, Sister of a Friend of a the Couple

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Post tags: Al Fresco, Anastasia Beverly Hills, B2V, Bella Figura, Billy Burgess, Bruce's Gourmet Catering, California, Christina Pierson, Danielle Renee Thompson, Erin Heart's Court, Fendi, Flowers Underground, Gabe Noel, J. Crew, Legends by Romona Keveza, Magnolia Bakery, Malibu, MaryLinn's Bridal, Mia Shin, Outdoor, Paul Layton, Pink, Rancho del Cielo, Tan, Vanessa Ceballos, Wendy Wang, White
Post categories: Casual Elegance, The Blog, Traditional Elegance

From Alanna Scully Photography … There is something about a red barn that just makes me feel at home.  When that red barn is in Vermont and you’ve got a beautiful fall day, it’s even better.  I asked my photographer friends (who became husband and wife this summer!) Debbie and Jared Burns to model for me as I set up a stylized shoot at the gorgeous West Monitor Barn in Richmond, VT.

It was Columbus Day weekend, which was by far the three best days of fall weather I have ever seen in Vermont.  It was perfect shooting weather and the late afternoon light was breathtaking, as was my couple.  I asked Nicole D’Agata of the Painted Tulip in Waterbury to help out with some beautiful florals for our table and for our bride and groom, and the amazing staff at the Vermont Tent Company provided the rest of our set.  When I edited these pictures, I was reminded of how great love is and how nice it was to spend an afternoon with Debbie and Jared, a couple who isn’t afraid to show their affection and share their joy with the world.  Love like this, much like a red barn, can make you feel right at home.

Photography: Alanna Scully Photography / Venue: West Monitor Barn / Florals: The Painted Tulip / Hair & Makeup: Lisa Borg, Tilton & Company Hair Salon / Table number & Pie signs: Green Apple Paperie / Wedding Dress & Groom’s Suit: J.Crew / Rentals: Vermont Tent Company

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Post tags: Alanna Scully Photography, Barn Weddings, Barns, Birch, Bouquets, Candelabra, Centerpieces, Chalkboards, Fall Weddings, Farm Weddings, Green Apple Paperie, Inspiration Shoot, J. Crew, Lisa Borg, Photo Shoot, pies, Red Barns, Richmond, Rustic Chic, The Painted Tulip, Tilton & Company Hair Salon, Vermont, Vermont Tent Company, Wedding Flowers, West Monitor Barn
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Photo Shoot

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From the bride… Our vision for the wedding was intimacy. It was most important to us to have a wedding about our marriage and not being overly flashy or over-the-top spending. We wanted everything to be quaint, sweet and the focused solely on our marriage in front of God and witnessed by family and closest friends. The officiant was the groom’s cousin, who is a pastor, and we chose the venue, L’Auberge de Sedona, because of its beautiful location by the creek. It was an absolute bonus that it snowed. We honestly thought that because of the long summer it would be sunny that weekend in December, but snow was a thousand times better!

My favorite part was how perfectly calming and intimate our ceremony was. It was amazing for us to feel so loved as we were placed in a beautiful snowy setting by a creek, surrounded by our guests. Benjamin said the first look was something he would never forget when he turned around and saw me. I won’t forget that when I saw him from the hotel room when he was shooting with Ryan first, it finally hit me — I’m getting married! I will never forget getting my makeup done and watching the snow fall all morning. What an incredible blessing to witness as I was getting ready. I also think the fact that our wedding was less about the wedding production but more about our marriage, so many of our guests told us after they had never been to a wedding like it!

What I enjoyed most about the planning was my venue team. Being a wedding photographer myself, it was a dream to work with my favorite people in the business, from my event designer, cookie designer, makeup artist, venue and, most importantly, the photographer that I had to have! I felt like I had the dream team and I couldn’t have asked for more. I’m so thankful that everyone was able to come together and work their amazing talents.I also loved that our ceremony was short, simple and sweet. I kept telling Benjamin I wanted to get married all over again. It was so much fun.

Wedding Photography: Ryan Ray Photography / Wedding Venue + Cake: L’Auberge de Sedona in Sedona, Arizona / Event Designer: la Ricki / Flowers: Bliss Extraordinary Floral / Hair + Makeup: Lizzy Marsh / Wedding Dress: Tadashi Shoji / Cream Belt: J.Crew / Black Belt: BHLDN / Earrings + Bracelets: Nadri / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Jewelry: J.Crew / Groom’s Suit: Zegna / Tie: Calibrate / Shirt: Thomas Pink

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Post tags: Arizona, Badgley Mischka, BHLDN, Black, Bliss Extraordinary Floral, Calibrate, J. Crew, L'Auberge de Sedona, la Ricki, Lizzy Marsh, Nadri, Ryan Ray Photography, Sedona, Tadashi Shoji, Thomas Pink, White, Zegna
Post categories: The Blog

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Alice and Ben met on Martha’s Vineyard in August 2001, on the eve of Ben’s 21st birthday, at a concert performed by Alice’s college singing group. Both were undergraduates at Yale (he a senior, she a sophomore), and they began dating the following school year. Martha’s Vineyard carries additional meaning for both of them, as their families have spent time on the island over the years. Alice’s mother’s home is perched on a hill in Chilmark with splendid English gardens throughout, as well a 180-degree view of the lush New England greenery below and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. When Ben proposed almost nine years later, there was no question where the wedding would be held.

With the indispensable help of wedding coordinator Julie Hatt, the couple set about organizing a ceremony and reception that combined simple elegance with the natural beauty and intimacy of the property. The bride chose a color palette of vivid purples, magentas, and blues, which went beautifully with the lush greenery and bright colors of the gardens. Stone walls are ubiquitous in Chilmark, and the stone wall that runs parallel to the ocean in the backyard of the house became a motif of the exquisitely designed and elegantly produced paper goods by Bryn Chernoff of Paperfinger. Alice and Ben recognized the risk they took in planning a summer wedding on an island in the Northeast, but as it turned out, the weather was absolutely perfect the entire weekend. The incredible team of photographers, led by Shawn Connell of Christian Oth Studio and supported by second photographer Glen Allsop, captured every detail and moment of the day to perfection.

As guests arrived for the ceremony, they were greeted with lemonade in mason jars and were provided shade under parasols that had been used previously at the weddings of two of Alice’s close friends. The simple ceremony celebrated the warmth and familiarity of the occasion. After the ceremony, guests milled about the grounds for an extended cocktail period before heading to the dinner tent where they were served a delicious meal of summer gazpacho (Alice’s mom’s recipe), local striped bass with island vegetables and corn pudding, and individual servings of mixed berry shortcake. The escort card table displayed wedding photographs of the couple’s parents and grandparents. Instead of a guest book, guests were invited to write personal message on simple cards, which the couple plans to incorporate into a scrapbook. As the sun went down, many guests sat perched along the stone wall chatting and enjoying the striking Vineyard sunset over the Atlantic. Ben and Alice departed through a path lined by sparklers waved by all of their friends and family who were given little boxes of chocolate for the journey home. 

Wedding Photography: Shawn Connell of Christian Oth Studio / Second Photographer: Glen Allsop / Wedding Venue: Home of Bride’s Mother in Chilmark, Massachusetts / Wedding Coordination: Julie Hatt / Wedding Flowers: Lynda Dandeneau / Wedding Officiant: Cantor Theodore Aronson / Wedding Calligraphy, Save-the-Dates, Menus, “Guest Book” Cards, Escort Cards + Programs: Bryn Chernoff of Paperfinger / Wedding Invitations: Dempsey & Carroll / Catering: V. Jaime Hamlin & Sons / Desserts: Val Cakes (508-274-0396) / Entertainment: The Sultans of Swing / Tents: Big Sky Tent & Party Rentals / Event Rentals: Big Sky Tent & Party Rentals + Be Our Guest / Wedding Dress: Carolina Herrera / Wedding Dress Steaming: Elinor Corfield / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bride’s Jewelry: Jamie Wolf / Bride’s Hair + Makeup: Maysoon Faraj / Bridesmaids’ Hair + Makeup: Mary and Gretchen of Boucle / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo / Men’s Suits: J.Crew / Men’s Ties: Paul Stuart / Transportation: Stagecoach Taxi / Wedding Favors: Chilmark Chocolates (508-645-3013)

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Post tags: Backyard Wedding, Badgley Mischka, Be Our Guest, Big Sky Tent & Party Rentals, Blue, Boucle, Bryn Chernoff, Cantor Theodore Aronson, Carolina Herrera, Chilmark, Chilmark Chocolates, Christian Oth Studio, Dempsey & Carroll, Elinor Corfield, Glen Allsop, J. Crew, Jamie Wolf, Jenny Yoo, Julie Hatt, Lynda Dandeneau, Magenta, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, Maysoon Faraj, Paperfinger, Paul Stuart, Purple, Shawn Connell, Stagecoach Taxi, The Sultans of Swing, V. Jaime Hamlin & Sons, Val Cakes
Post categories: The Blog, Traditional Elegance

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From the Bride… Spencer and I truly had a wonderful wedding in Chicago. It was amazing to be surrounded by our friends and family as we became husband and wife. Planning our wedding was an incredible amount of work, but so worth it! To see everything come together on our big day was simply amazing.

We started off the day getting ready with our wedding parties at Hotel Sax. It was such a great morning. My maid of honor, Erin, went above and beyond thinking of so many fun pre-wedding details. She made fun girly wedding CDs, had our champagne labeled with our picture and wedding date and even made sure I had a “Mrs. Brydon” hanger. After we were all ready, Spencer and I shared our first look. David and Nancy selected the ultra-modern fourth floor at Hotel Sax; it made for a perfect backdrop. I loved seeing our wedding party all ready — they looked fantastic! Our color palette was vintage blue and gray with yellow accents. The yellow was a beautiful pop of color for our July wedding. The flowers we selected were a nice blend of playful, whimsical, while still being truly classic. All the details looked gorgeous against the backdrop of The Chicago History Museum where we held our ceremony and reception. My absolute favorite part of our big day was our wedding ceremony and WOW, the emotions were flowing. Spencer and I wanted our ceremony to be about our commitment to each other. After much thought, we asked our great friend Derek to marry us. We went through the process (easy!) of getting him ordained. Spencer and I worked together, picking out what we liked from different ceremonies to create something that fit exactly what we were looking for. Derek has known us throughout our relationship and truly was able to speak about us as a couple and the commitment we were making. We chose to include a wine ceremony blending the bitter and the sweet in life. Spencer’s sister read, we wrote our own vows, and our pups, Biscuit and Bailey, stared as ring bearer and flower girl.

We enjoyed pulling together a few DIY projects with the help of our friends and family. Rocks with “A&S” and “07.16.11” stamped on them held down the programs. Erin made an amazing card box that had unbelievable detail and was so well done. We made our table numbers, incorporating our engagement pictures and parts of our invitations. We also surprised all of our Miami University friends with our band selection, The Paul Otten Band. This was the band we all sang along with until the wee hours of the morning at our favorite college bar. The Piano Man helped make the night exceptional! All the details came together to create the wedding we loved!
We are so thankful to all the vendors who put so much time and thought into our wedding day. We are incredibly fortunate to have such wonderful friends and family that helped make everything possible. Thank you all — we love you so much! Cheers to a great party kicking off a wonderful life together!

Wedding Photography: David Wittig Photography / Wedding Venue: Chicago History Museum / Wedding Flowers: The Flower Firm / Catering: Berghoff Catering / Bakery: Swirlz Cupcakes / Ceremony + Cocktail Music: Parkwest Strings / Reception Music: The Paul Otten Band / Wedding Dress: Wedding Belles / Hair: Kara Widhalm + Melissa Burgess of The Cutting Edge  / Makeup: Vanessa Morales of Nightingale Beauty / Groom’s Suit: Harleys for Men / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew / Groomsmen’s Suits: JoS. A. Bank / Rings: Tiffany & Co. / Bridesmaids’ Jewelry: Erin Gallagher Jewelry / Wedding Menus + Programs: Wedding Paper Divas / Transportation: Chicago Trolley Co. / Hotel: Hotel Sax Chicago / Ceremony Puppy Logistics: Urban Out Sitters / Stamped Rocks: DIY / Card Box: DIY by the Maid of Honor

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Post tags: Berghoff Catering, Blue, Chicago, Chicago Trolley Co., David Wittig Photography, Erin Gallagher Jewelry, Gray, Harleys for Men, Hotel Sax Chicago, Illinois, J. Crew, Jos A Bank, Kara Widham, Melissa Burgess, Nightingale Beauty, Parkwest Strings, Swirlz Cupcakes, The Chicago History Museum, The Cutting Edge, The Flower Firm, The Paul Otten Band, Tiffany & Co., Urban Out Sitters, Vanessa Morales, Wedding Belles, Wedding Paper Divas, Yellow
Post categories: Chicago Weddings, Illinois Weddings, Traditional Elegance

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From the bride… Brian and I wanted to feel like us on our wedding day — carefree and laid back. Having our loved ones take part in our big day was a personal experience for us — our good family friend officiated the wedding, our best friends and family members made up our wedding party, Brian’s childhood friends played the ceremony music and shot the day on 8 mm film, and our readers are close friends as well. We wanted our day to be easy — no stress for our guests or us. This feeling was the same for our décor. We wanted to have an understated sophistication and elegance. Basically, we didn’t want to go over-the-top. We kept everything very simple — planning, décor, flowers, using in-house pastries versus purchasing an additional wedding cake, and we added fun touches that tied into our mod desert venue (palm fans for programs, printed canvas gift bags, vintage family photos and Jonathan Adler “Mr. & Mrs. Muse” cake toppers). Finding The Parker as a venue was perfect for us because the décor is similar to our style: a fusion of classic, rustic, artistic and eclectic. When planning our big day, we focused on the decor and natural beauty of the gardens at the resort. Using what we had available allowed us to stay within a budget, but also helped to keep things simple like we wanted. With 90% of our guests flying in for the wedding, we wanted everyone to be taken care of. We wanted our guests to have an experience staying at a relaxing and beautiful hotel where the wedding would be steps away.

For the indoor reception, we wanted the ambiance to feel dark and warm, like at some of our favorite restaurants. We had a long table going down the middle of the room with our family and friends surrounding us, which made it feel intimate. The focus was on the experience and making sure our guests enjoyed themselves. The food was phenomenal; the music got everyone onto the dance floor; and our photographer, Shannen, captured countless candid moments. Finding the perfect venue and vendors truly made our day stress free.  We knew everything was taken care of and that our big day would go off without a hitch. 

I spent the day getting ready with my mom, soon-to-be mother-in-law and best friends in the world.  Although I was so happy to be with them, I couldn’t wait to see Brian. Once I was ready, I remember walking with Shannen to our first look location, having no idea where she was taking me. She held my dress as I babbled on about who knows what. As soon as I saw Brian, he took my breath away. After our first look it was time for the ceremony.  I’ll never forget the feeling I had walking down the aisle towards my husband to be … I couldn’t take my eyes off of him.  The joy in his face is a moment I’ll remember for the rest of the life. We will always remember having everyone we love most in the world in the same place at the same time.   

Wedding Photography: Shannen Norman Photography / Wedding Venue, Catering + Cupcakes: The Parker Palm Springs in Palm Springs, California / Event Design: The Bride + Groom / Event Planning: Kathy Recchia of Save the Date Events / Floral Design: Kate Holt of Flowerwild / Wedding Dress: Somsi Couture / Hairpieces: Nancy Shefts / Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale, J.Crew, Dessy + Nordstrom / Bridesmaids’ Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar / Hair + Makeup: Neeraja Lockart (Makeup), Michael Strause (Hair) + Jodi Sanger-Weaver (Hair + Makeup) / Groom Suit: Hugo Boss Red Label via Nordstrom / Groom Shoes: Cole Haan / Men’s Ties: Nordstrom / Wedding Cinematography: Jac Cheairs / Wedding Invitations: Brown Printing / Wedding Programs: Ink & Envelopes / Black & White Cookies: Izzy’s Deli / Ceremony Music: Steve Paikai / DJ: DJ Chris Paul / Cake Topper: Jonathan Adler

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Post tags: Amsale, Blush, Brown's Printing, California, Cole Haan, Dessy, DJ Chris Paul, Flowerwild, Hugo Boss Red Label, Ink & Envelopes, Izzy's Deli, J. Crew, Jac Cheairs, Jimmy Choo, Jodi Sanger-Weaver, Jonathan Adler, Kate Holt, Kathy Recchia, Lavender, Michael Strause, Nancy Shefts, Neeraja Lockart, Nordstrom, Palm Springs, Pink, Plum Pretty Sugar, Purple, Save the Date Events, Shannen Norman Photography, Somsi Couture, Steve Paikai, The Parker Palm Springs, White
Post categories: Casual Elegance, The Blog

On a beautiful August morning in the Old Church of Portland, Oregon, Lindsay Reichardt married her high school sweetheart, James Buckles. With a long-stemmed, gardenia studded, bouquet of pink roses in one hand, Lindsay’s other hand clung tightly to her new hubby for balance all day, as her Vera Wang ball gown of swirled tulle could barely squeeze down the isle.

A vintage Bentley drove Mr. & Mrs. Buckles away to a private photo shoot while guests made their way to the Heritage ballroom in the Governor Hotel for the reception. Guests were greeted by the passing of savory hors d’ouveres: Jake’s famous crab cakes, cucumber tea sandwiches, salmon lox bruschetta, quiche, brie en croute bites, and caviar deviled eggs as well as a Parisian-inspired Patisserie spread, which displayed sweet treats: a croquembouche of cream puffs, topiary trees of fresh strawberries, triple berry and lemon tarts, panna cotta parfaits, meringues, biscotti, madeline cakes, palmiers, macaroons, brioche, mini-muffins, cheesecake bites, éclairs and napoleons!

Perfectly pruned boxwoods, floating gardenias and lush arrangements of hydrangea, sugared apricots, raspberry vines and cascading jasmine transformed the reception into a French garden. Placecards and menus were lined to mimic the border of Laudree macaroon boxes, sugar cubes rested inside rose petals on china teacups and vintage botanical print reproductions by Pierre-Joseph Redoute (the official court painter of Marie Antoinette during the French Revolution) differentiated each tulle-layered table. The head table was overflowing with salal garlands, rustic candles, mercury glass votives, fresh fruit, cinched tulle and mossy, terrarium-encased arrangements.

When guests made their way to the bar, they had a number of specialty drink choices. There were five champagne cocktails options, all with fun names, for example, the “Blissful Bellini” featured peach puree, vanilla vodka, champagne and fresh mint, while the “Honeymooner” featured ginger syrup, lime juice, champagne and cucumber. Those still waking up also had 5 drink options at an Espresso station, for example, the “Crème Brulee Cappuccino” with cinnamon-infused espresso and raw cinnamon and sugar dusting, or an “Opposites Attract” caramel macchiato given sweet caramel drizzle and a dash of sea salt.

Crepes au citron, dulche de leche French toast and strawberry shortcake waffles were plated during brunch and Jake’s servers then circulated the ballroom offering hot sausage and bacon as well. Finally, as if guests weren’t already stuffed to the brim, Lindsay and James cut their cake: a five-tiered fresh strawberry and cream cheese masterpiece with diamond quilting, silver dragee detail, pink macaroons and a “B” cameo. After such an indulgent day, “favors” were simply notes letting the guests know that a donation had been made to the Portland Rescue Mission in their honor. 

Bridal Gown: Vera Wang / Bridal belt: Monique Lhullier / Bridal shoes: Valentino / Bridal headpiece & bracelet: Jenny Packham / Bridal earrings: J.Crew / Bridesmaids dresses: Monique Lhullier / Bridesmaids earrings: Anthropologie / Makeup & hair: Madeline Roosevelt / Stationery: French Lil Designs / Ceremony site: The Old Church / Reception site: The Governor Hotel, Heritage Ballroom / Reception catering: Jake’s Catering / Cake & Patisserie: Papa Haydn’s / Espresso Bar: Espresso Elegance / Specialty China: West Coast Events / Flowers: Geranium Lake / Transportation: Imperial Limousines / Photography: Altura Studio

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Post tags: Altura Studio, Anthropologie, Black and White, Bouquets, Breakfast, Brunch, Brunch Weddings, Centerpieces, Champagne, Champagne Bar, Chanel, Chiavari Chairs, Color Palette Black White Pink, Color Palette Pink, Croissants, Croquembouche, Dessert Bar, Espresso, Espresso Bar, French Lil Designs, Geranium Lake Imperial Limousines, Governor Hotel, J. Crew, Jake's Catering, Jenny Packham, Macrons, Madeline Roosevelt, Marie Antoinette, Monique Lhullier, Morning Weddings, Neutral Color Palette, Oregon, Papa Haydns' Espresso Elegance, Patisserie, Pink Champagne, Portland, Roses, Strawberries, Stripes, The Old Church, Traditional Elegance, Valentino, Vera Wang, Vintage Chic, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Photography, West Coast Events
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance