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From the Bride… We spent a year planning so that we could be as hands-on involved as possible and budget accordingly. Having live music during the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception and hiring an amazing photographer were of most importance to us. To save on costs, we chose not to rent fancy linens, lights or chairs, opted for digitally printed paper goods (except for the calligraphy table numbers and place cards), used reclaimed items for decoration and postponed our honeymoon until our first anniversary. I collected crystal vases from my mother and grandmother for the floral arrangements, gathered hand-embroidered family heirlooms, like the crocheted tablecloth on the cake table, and scoured thrift shops for vintage handkerchiefs, rhinestone brooches (placed on the bridesmaids’ bouquets) and other antique pieces.

It was really important for us to incorporate decor with sentimental value or that could be reused in our new house. For instance, my mother’s lace place mats were used on the dinner tables, our ring bearer carried my parents’ ring pillow, which had been recovered in my mother’s veil by Don’s mother, and our flower girl carried a 1950′s silver bridal basket that now sits on our sideboard. I also wore Don’s late grandmother’s cameo ring that matched the 1900′s brooch I attached to my bouquet (A gift from Don—I adore cameos!) and he wore his late grandfather’s black opal ring. We gave our parents and grandparents monogrammed handkerchiefs for their tears of joy. Supporting the local community was important, as well. Our favors were muth jars of Finger Lakes honey; an Auburn, NY artist hand painted our postcard-style Save the Dates—a view of the inn; our champagne glasses and cake servers were purchased at MacKenzie-Childs; and the “guest book” were two wooden oars purchased at a nearby gift shop that Don will hang in his office.

For our palette of blush pink, rose, ivory, charcoal, champagne and soft apricot, I took cues from the poise and femininity of Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer and other regency-novel book covers (my favorite genre) and the sweet floral patterns of the Laura Ashley fabric that decorated my childhood bedroom. These elements also inspired the ethereal look for the bridesmaid dresses and the traditional, timeless look for my wedding gown and veil. (I fell in love with the delicate beading, lace appliques and corset that hugged my curves just right the minute I slipped the dress on!) Our signature flower was the peony. We featured a single stem on our blush and charcoal invitations and custom stamps. Our florist used peonies, Juliet garden roses, ranunculus, antique hydrangea, spray roses and sweet peas to create lush arrangements. Geranium leaves added texture. And we let the flowers serve as our main means of decoration to avoid upstaging the natural beauty of the inn. Smaller arrangements were placed on cocktail tables and hung in jars down the ceremony aisle, single blooms and candles floated in water fountains, a fragrant ruscus garland hung across the bar and flower petals covered the spot where Don and I stood during the ceremony. No two arrangements were alike.

A few other personal touches we added: tying light pink, cream and champagne ribbons to the backs of our chairs, toasting with pink champagne, a display of family wedding portraits, a bar snack of sweet potato chips and fresh lemonade and selecting a ceremony message and passages that best represented us and the special day. Our traditional white wedding cake also had meaning. A monogrammed “K” represented our new married last name, four different-flavored tiers symbolized our years together and the intricate piping and candy pearls mimicked my dress details. It was a magical day that went off without a hitch, except for my wee bit of nerves before seeing Don! We will forever hold dear the moments when my grandparents signed our marriage certificate (they will celebrate 60 years together this December), my father’s touching speech where he dubbed Don my guardian angel and of course, standing hand in hand while we declared our love for each other in front of our family and friends and then danced the night away!

Wedding Photography: Clark+Walker Studio / Floral Design: Rachel Pasquarelli, In Bloom Wedding Floral Design / Coordinator + Planner: Heather Davidson, The Aurora Inn / Ceremony + Reception Location: The Aurora Inn / Invitations: Paperwhites / Bride’s Shoes: Nordstrom / Wedding Dress: Pnina Tornai via Kleinfeld Bridal / Veil: Erin Cole via Kleinfeld Bridal / Favors: Stephanie Williams, Bee Attitudes Honey / Table Number Picture Frames: Michaels with DIY paper doilies from Mother of the Bride / Favor Tags: Creative Visions / Table Numbers + Place Cards: colliding stars / Hair + Make-up: Kris Kellogg, Makeup On Demand / Wedding Cake + Catering: The Aurora Inn / Ceremony + Cocktail Hour Music: Clinton String Quartet / Reception Band: Little Joe & the Big Shots / Wedding Programs: Documents and Designs / Save the Dates: Dawn Jordan / Garter: Florrie Mitton / Bridal Party Robes: Blush Lingerie / Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale via Bella Bridesmaid / Bridesmaid Jewelry: The Left Bank Bridal Finery / Bride’s Reception Earrings: Thomas Knoell / Ring Pillow: Mother of the Bride / Flower Girl Basket: Etsy / Bride + Groom Champagne Flutes, Cake Knife + Card Box: MacKenzie-Childs / Guest Book: Lake House / Ribbon + Candles: Jamali Garden / Vintage Handkerchiefs, Placemats + Lace: Mother of the Bride + Thrift Shops / Flower Vases: Mother and Grandmother of the Bride / Groom + Groomsmen Suits: JoS. A. Bank / Groom’s Tie: Valentino via Gilt Groupe / Groomsmen Ties + Tie Clips: Calvin Klein via Macy’s / Officiant: Rev. Rich Rose, First Baptist Ithaca / Cards + Photo Props: BLHDN / Cake Tablecloth: Bride’s late Great Grandmother / Flower Girl Dress: Joan Calabrese

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Amsale, Aurora, Bee Attitudes Honey, Bella Bridesmaid, BLHDN, Blush Lingerie, Calvin Klein, Clark+Walker Studio, Clinton String Quartet, Colliding Stars, Creative Visions, Dawn Jordan, Documents and Designs, Erin Cole, Etsy, First Baptist Ithaca, Florrie Mitton, Gilt Groupe, In Bloom Wedding Floral Design, Jamali Garden, Joan Calabrese, Jos A Bank, Kleinfeld Bridal, Little Joe & the Big Shots, MacKenzie-Childs, Macy's, Makeup On Demand, Michaels, New York Weddings, Nordstrom, Paperwhites, Pnina Tornai, The Aurora Inn, The Left Bank Bridal Finery & Accessories, Valentino
Post categories: Casual Elegance, New York Weddings

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From the Bride…We thought we wanted a beach wedding until we found this venue.  Having a casual vibe and fun atmosphere was really important to us and UpStairs on the Square in Cambridge, MA has that and more. When we found out that the restaurant uses organic local ingredients we were even more excited.

I thought it would be hard to find a dress to compliment such an eclectic venue but the people at Madeleine’s Daughter in Portsmouth, NH made it easy.  Keeping with the casual, no fuss feel of our wedding, the bridesmaids wore their own shoes dressed up with some removable shoe clips.  The groomsmen wore their own black suits paired with some Converse All Stars.

From the very beginning of our engagement I knew that I wanted to add my own personal touch to the wedding.  Being a graphic designer, it was a given that I would design all the stationery but I never knew we would both turn out to be so great at making flowers too.  As daunting of a task as it was, we are thrilled we chose to go in this direction of using only paper and peacock feathers.

I didn’t stop there either, if I could find a way to DIY then I did it.  I also made the bridesmaid jewelry, place-card trees, table numbers, centerpieces/bouquets/boutonnieres, and the guestbook.  Some highlights of the day were the raspberry mimosas, green feather boas and glasses, and the big kiss!

Wedding Photography: Anna Briggs Photography / Wedding Dress: Pronovias via Madeleine’s Daughter / Bride’s Shoes: Nina / Bride’s Make-up: Meghan Cotton Makeup Artistry / Bride’s Hair: Noel at Special Event Beauty / Rings: A&E Diamond and Gold / Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal / Bridesmaid Jewelry: The Bride / Bridesmaid Headbands: Pier 1 / Men’s Ties: Dessy / Men’s Socks: Express / Men’s Shoes: DSW / Stationery: The Bride + Paper and More (paper) / Floral Design: The Bride / Planter Boxes: Jamali Garden / Favors: Fancy Fortune Cookies / Guestbook: Blurb / Wedding Cake: UpStairs on the Square / Props: eBay / Wedding Coordinator: Your Wedding Consultants / Music: DJ Greg Bedard / Officiant: J.P. Alan Ulrich / Ceremony + Reception Location: UpStairs on the Square / Wine Box, Ring Bag, Cake Topper, Mustaches, Bride’s Hair Accessory + Veil: Etsy

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 6 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: A&E Diamond and Gold, Anna Briggs Photography, Blurb, David's Bridal, Dessy, DJ Greg Bedard, DSW, Ebay, Etsy, Express, Fancy Fortune Cookies, J.P. Alan Ulrich, Jamali Garden, Madeleine's Daughter, Massachusetts Weddings, Meghan Cotton Makeup Artistry, Nina, Paper and More, Pier 1, Pronovias, Special Event Beauty, Upstairs on the Square, Your Wedding Consultants
Post categories: Massachusetts Weddings

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From Maggie Harkov… As lovers of both the fabulousness of New York City and the simplicity and warmth of the country, we set out to style a wedding inspired by the greatness of each.  We wanted the shoot to evoke the feeling of warmth and depth one can only experience in the country while being filled with chic and modern touches that only the city can bring.

Courtney of Seamless Paperie used bold black and white type to represent the city juxtaposed with orange tissue details and gingham pattern to bring in the country feel.  All the paper goods incorporated both city and country elements throughout all designs to create a modern yet warm feel.

Sarah of Blossom & Branch used bright, sorbet inspired colors to play off the organic, muted tones of the farm. The designs were kept modern and sleek and poppies, tulips, sweet peas, peonies, Star of Bethlehem, lamb’s ear, and bunny tail adorned the tables in silver “skyscraper” evocative containers to bring in subtle touches of New York City.

The bride wore a stunning feather cocktail dress that was the perfect balance of city in the country and finished off her look with black heels and fabulous modern accessories, all from Gabriella New York. The groom wore a modern bespoke suit from Duncan Quinn, and topped it off with a checkered grey bow-tie to bring the feel of the country back in.

Everything was aimed to have a certain warm sophistication, and the farm, horses, and modern touches all yielded what we found brought just a bit of the city into the country.

Photography: Maggie Harkov / Floral Design: Blossom & Branch / Paper Goods: Seamless Paperie / Venue: StonyCreek Farm / Cakes: One Girl Cakes by Francina / Dress & Accessories: Gabriella New York Bridal Salon / Groom’s Suit & Bow-tie: Duncan Quinn / Hair & Makeup: Jina of JAC Beauty / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Flowers: Purchased at Dutch Flower Line via the 28th Street Flower Market / Vases & Containers: Jamali Garden + The 28th Street Flower Market / Table Linen: Grayline Linen / Paper Supplies: Paper Presentation / Vintage Stamps: Champion Stamp / Memo Books: Field Notes

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 22 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: 28th Street Flower Market, Barn Wedding, Blossom & Branch, Champion Stamp, City Chic, Classic Party Rentals, Country Chic, Country Wedding, Duncan Quinn, Dutch Flower Line, Field Notes, Gabriella New York, Grayline Linen, Grey, Horse Farm, JAC Beauty, Jamali Garden, Maggie Harkov, New York, North Salem, NY, One Girl Cakes by Francina, Orange, Paper Presentation, Photo Shoot, Pink, Seamless Paperie, StonyCreek Farm, Yellow
Post categories: Photo Shoot

Aisle Marker: photo by Union Photography on Project Wedding / Centerpiece: photo by Jennifer Kloss on Project Wedding / Figs: photo from Algarve Buzz / Cherry Basket: photo by Elizabeth Messina Photography on Project Wedding / Maggy LondonA Silk Halter Dress at Macy’s

Next is Peony Pretty…

Flowers: Waterlily Pond /Soaps: French Garden House / Invitation: Papel Vivo / Cork Escort Card Display: photo by Union Photography on The Knot / Dress: Watters

Next is Shabby Pink…

Flowers: Trinity Flowers / Cake: I Do Wedding Cakes / Escort Cards: photo by Union Photography on The Knot, Seating: Jose Villa Photography / Dresses: Meghan Park

Next is Flirty Frills…

Hatbox: French Garden House / Lanterns: Jamali Garden / Necklace: French Garden House / Sign: Funki Folk Art on etsy / Dress: Ann Louise Roswald

Lastly, we have Raspberry Zinger…

Vintage Auction Paddles: French Garden House / Bouquet: photo by Jennifer Kloss on Project Wedding / Invitation: ‘Wine Country’ invitation in ‘Cabernet’ by Wedding Paper Divas / Dress: Lee Klabin

If you’d like to vote for any of these boards, please refer to them by their name (ie…peony pretty, raspberry zinger, etc).

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 9 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Algarve Buzz, Ann Louis Roswald, Elizabeth Messina, Etsy, French Garden House, I Do Wedding Cakes, Jamali Garden, Jennifer Kloss, Jose Villa, Lee Klabin, Maggy London, Meghan Park, Papel Vivo, Project Wedding, The Knot, Trinity Flowers, Union Photography, Waterlily Pond, Watters, Wedding Paper Divas
Post categories: Contests, Inspiration Boards

all photos by Angelica Glass

I thought that we could do a “look for less” feature on this wedding, as I really think that the gorgeous style could be pulled off on a variety of budgets!

First off, the beakers and other containers…

-I found these adorable chemistry inspired vases at CB2 that range in price from $2.50 to $7.50. They would look adorable lined up on a table, varying in heights and sizes, with single stemmed flowers.

-Glass beakers sell for $2.50 to $12 through teacher supply stores or through science websites, depending on their size. Buy a collection of different sizes to mix things up!

-Mix in glass vases so that you don’t overkill on the chemistry theme. Jamali Garden makes amazing, affordable glass vases in lots of sizes and shapes.

For the flowers…

-Look for flowers that are delicate and/or feminine. Pretty hydrangeas (which go a long way for little $$), lavendar, lilac, anemones, peonies, garden roses, things like that. The best way to get a look that is both pretty and cohesive is to head to your local wholesaler and pull individual stems of everything you love. Have someone there write down the names of everything, then ensure that they are in season for your wedding.

-Arranging flowers yourself is HUGE in terms of saving $$. If you are up for the feat but a little creatively challenged, remember this…simple is always better. Use the same flower in the same color in each container. If you stick to this mantra, you will create gorgeous arrangements that look as professional as they come!

-Order flowers in bulk to arrive 2-3 days before your wedding. Keep them somewhat cool if possible in buckets of water. If they need light, bring them out for 15-30 minutes until the day of your wedding.

The decor…

-Pretty feathers that can be used as accents (don’t go overboard with the feathers or it will look cheesy) can be found in lots of colors and styles at Fabulous Feathers. I love the ostrich feathers because they fall so beautifully. The Feather Place also has great ostrich plumes.

-Buy bolts of black and white printed fabric to use as table covers. You can use easy hem if you don’t feel like sewing a bunch of table linens. And, if you want the look, but don’t want to go overboard, craft table runners and place on every other table. Make sure to buy from a discount fabric store to save $$!

-Hang test tube inspired vases from branches to create intrigue and whimsy. These little gems can be found at eCrater for $1.50

-Accent with little round 6″ japanese lanterns for a touch of romance. Luna Bazaar has tons of colors to choose from!

Even though the weddings we feature on SMP are sometimes outside of some budgets, that doesn’t mean you can’t adapt the look to your own unique budget. With a little searching, some hands-on crafts and a touch of style editing, you can really go a long way in making a wedding on a budget seem both sophisticated and expensive.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 12 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Angelica Glass, CB2, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, eCrater, Fabulous Feathers, Feathers, Glass Beaker Vases, Jamali Garden, James Abel, Luna Bazaar, Ostrich Feathers, The Feather Place, the look for less
Post categories: Centerpieces, Look for Less, Real Weddings, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Photography, Wedding Planners & Designers, Wedding Resources, Wedding Style, Whimsical