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Be sure to tune in to The Ring Leader February 14 at 7pm ET/PT on Bravo!

Stephanie and Matt wanted to create a romantic, fresh and traditional wedding for their guests to enjoy. They chose to have the ceremony at Westwood Presbyterian Church, and the reception at the gorgeous Hotel Casa Del Mar. Guests arrived at the gorgeous gothic style church, and were escorted to their seats by ushers as an organist played from the alter. The aisle featured a custom champagne runner, embellished with fresh white rose petals, and the pews were embellished with fresh stems of white phalenopsis orchids hung from select pews along the aisle.  At the top of the aisle, the alter table was detailed with dramatic overflowing creamy florals placed on tall gold candlestick bases. Following the ceremony, guests were handed delicate cones containing white petals which they tossed over the couple as they exited the church.  Guests then departed for for the hotel, where the nights festivities were set to begin. 

Upon arrival, guests were guided to the lower lobby where they found their escort cards on a rich wooden entry table set amongst tall submerged floral arrangements with floating candles, and vintage photos of the bride and grooms parents and grandparents on their wedding days. They then walked through the foyer of the ballroom to the exterior patio and were greeted by servers offering tray passed beverages and a decadent selection of hors d’oeuvres.  A jazz quartet will played lively music as guests conversed amongst high and low cocktail tables as well as two open full bars all draped in luxe textured navy linens adorned with cream florals in gold orb vessels along with an array of votives and hurricanes.

After an hour of mingling and enjoying the ocean views, guests were treated to a dramatic reveal of the ballroom as they were invited into the warmly lit space. Amber lights created a welcoming environment for guests to enjoy and a central dancefloor bathed in an intricate scrolling design by The Lighter Side for an elegant but fresh touch. Guests found their seats as the James Gang Encore band played “Vida La Vida” by Coldplay from a caramel colored stage embellished with a luxe champagne upholstered stage front. The guest tables featured luxurious champagne textured linens accented with gold rimmed Carrington chargers and water glasses from Classic Party Rentals, rich navy pocket folded napkins with custom gold and navy menus, gold dipped leaf napkin treatments and artichoke votives, high and low glass hurricanes with floating candles and rich cream and champagne florals on gold stands, which included pops of caramel feathers. The tables were all set with deep mahogany wood Chiavari chairs with navy cushions.

Next to the stage, a table draped in navy taffeta featured 3 cakes on gold and crystal stand, almond, strawberry & champagne, and berry, from Fantasy Frostings. Upon their arrival to the ballroom, the bride and groom made their grand entrance to “L.O.V.E.” by Nat King Cole, and wowed their guests with an intricate and beautifully choreographed first dance. Guests then enjoyed dancing and toasts in between a decadent 3 course dinner. 

Following dinner guests had the option of dancing or relaxing in a custom bar lounge vignette in the front lobby featuring camel sofas and club chairs, gold and glass tables and luxe custom pillows in an array of various textured gold and champagne fabrics from R. Jack Balthazar. The lounge area also featured gold plates offering fresh cookies in a variety of flavours from M Street Kitchen. A navy bar was placed in the lobby for guests to visit featuring a sophisticated gold back bar self adorned with candles and florals behind it. In addition, candy bar draped in the same rich navy textured linen showcased a decadent selection of candies placed in glass apothecary jars of multiple shapes and sizes and offered bags with custom stickers so guests could take home a sweet memento. After several hours of dancing, well wishes, and laughter the bride and groom bid farewell to family and friends. Two days later, they were off on their romantic Italian honeymoon.

Photography: Laura Kleinhenz of Docuvitae / Event Design and Production: Kristin Banta Events / Flowers: Mille Fiore / Cinematography: Bluecat International / Invitations: Black Ink / Ceremony Location: Westwood Presbyterian Church / Reception Location: Hotel Casa Del Mar / Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Cake: Fantasy Frostings / Ceremony and Reception Music: West Coast Music / Lighting Design: The Lighter Side / Rentals: R. Jack Balthazar

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Post tags: Black Ink Invitations, BlueCat International, Docuvitae, Fantasy Frostings, Hotel Casa Del mar, Jimmy Choo, Kristin Banta Events, Mille Fiore, R. Jack Balthazar, Santa Monica, The Lighter Side, West Coast Music
Post categories: The Blog, Traditional Elegance

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What could make this day even better?  How about the highlight film by Mike Picard Videography!

From the bride… On July 16, 2011, Sarah and Zack were married at Belle Mer’s ocean-side lawn with one of the summer’s most beautiful sunsets as their backdrop. An event nearly two years in the making, Sarah and Zack’s vision of a romantically glamorous and chic evening affair came to life. With the help of an all-star team of vendors, Sarah’s love for all things pretty and Zack’s love of being near the ocean were blended together perfectly. Sarah and Zack did not need to look far for inspiration; from the start, they knew they wanted to welcome their guests to Newport with a fun-filled weekend they would never forget. Enter the pineapple, a traditional symbol of Newport hospitality that was delicately carried throughout the event, from the invitation suite to the refreshing signature pineapple mojitos. A beautiful blend of white flowers with fresh lavender and crystal accents filled the salon with a modern, elegant atmosphere, making for an evening that Sarah and Zack feel was nothing less than “pineapple perfection.”

Wedding Photography: SNAP! Photography / Wedding Venue: Belle Mer in Newport, Rhode Island / Wedding Invitations + Paper Goods: Paper Moss / Flowers: Village Arts & Flowers / Videography: Mike Picard Videography / Wedding Cake: Confectionery Designs / Bride’s + Bridesmaids Attire: Allegria Bridal / Entertainment: DJ Raffi Professional Music Production / Cigars: Boston Cigar Factory / Lounge Furniture + Linens: Rentals Unlimited / Hair + Makeup: Breanne, Kristen + Marie of All About You Salon and Day Spa / Ceremony Officiant: Honorable Frank Camera / Ceremony Musicians: Martha Niemiec with Upstairs Quartet (781-640-5980) / Wedding Gown: Judd Waddell / Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Bride’s Jewelry: Haute Bride / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jim Hjelm

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Post tags: All About You Salon and Day Spa, Allegria Bridal, Belle Mer, Boston Cigar Factory, Confectionery Designs, DJ Raffi Professional Music Production, Haute Bride, Honorable Frank Camera, Jim Hjelm, Jimmy Choo, Judd Waddell, Lavender, Martha Niemiec, Mike Picard Videography, Newport, Paper Moss, Rentals Unlimited, Rhode Island, Snap! Photography, Upstairs Quartet, Village Arts & Flowers, White
Post categories: Massachusetts Weddings

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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

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From the bride… Our wedding was so much fun! So wonderful! It was definitely a New York “moment” for me, and I think our guests felt that way as well.  I am originally from Oklahoma, so I had friends who had never been to the city, as well as family from Colorado, Texas, Wisconsin and California. We really wanted our guests to experience the city and also one of our favorite things to do — eating — so we decided to have the reception in a restaurant, The Harrison. We had the wedding on a Friday night so that guests could enjoy the remainder of the weekend in NYC. The wedding was held at Grace Church Cathedral. It is a very old church in New York with beautiful details. It was under construction at the time but we really wanted to host the wedding there as it was special to us. Kind of funny side note… After the honeymoon, we attended service there, and the renovations were complete and scaffolding was down. I shed a tear and Dan said, “I know why you are crying — it wasn’t perfect like this for the wedding?” He was right, but we decided scaffolding and all, it was a wonderful ceremony. We had the reception at one of our favorite restaurants, The Harrison. We filled the entire restaurant including their private room downstairs. 

Guests stayed in various hotels in the city. Two days before the wedding, we had a driver that drove my friends and I all around the city to drop off the “welcome” bags. I was set on making sure we had welcome bags although there were 12 different hotels to stop at. It ended up being a really fun day and I think everyone was surprised. The bags included small New York treasures and a note that had ideas for things to do “up and down New York.”  (We used the children’s book Up and Down New York as our guest book and guests signed the pages. It’s now a coffee table book for us!)

One of my favorite moments was when the girls were all ready and stepped out of the Greenwich Hotel where we stayed and people stopped and clapped. And then they wanted to see our shoes. At the ceremony, my dad stepped on my dress as he stepped back to sit down. Everyone laughed. During the planning process, I became nicknamed ‘High Octane’ because I was always doing something, never sitting down. And “Keep Calm and Carry On” became our regular tag line.  I included KCACO band-aids in the bridesmaids’ kits the day of.

Wedding Photography: Jenny Ebert Photography / Event Design: Jillian Clark Designs / Ceremony: Grace Church / Reception: The Harrison / Wedding Reception Flowers: Rountree Flowers / Calligraphy: Love, Jenna / Wedding Invitations: Bird & Banner / Wedding Cake: Duane Park Patisserie / Wedding Gown: Oscar de la Renta / Bride’s Sparkly Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Marc by Marc Jacobs / Junior Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew Wedding / Bridesmaids’ + Junior Bridesmaids’ Shoes: Nina / Bridesmaids’ Bracelets: Lee Angel “Henna Silk Ribbon Cuff” via Anthropologie / Hair + Makeup: Face Time / Frank Sinatra Music: Steve Maglio / Wedding After-Party: The Bubble Lounge / Rehearsal Dinner: Gradisca / Rehearsal Dinner Invitations: Patricia Voto / Rehearsal Dinner Place Card Paintings: The Bride’s Father /

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Post tags: Angel Lee, Anthropologie, Bird & Banner, Black, Duane Park Patisserie, Face Time, Grac Church, Gradisca, Gray, J. Crew, Jenny Ebert, Jillian Clark Designs, Jimmy Choo, Lee Angel, Light Green, Love Jenna, Marc by Marc Jacobs, New York, New York City, Nina, Oscar De La Renta, Patricia Voto, Rountree Flowers, Steve Maglio, The Bubble Lounge, The Harrison, White
Post categories: New York City Weddings, New York Weddings

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From Amy of Amy & Stuart Photography… On arrival, guests were greeted with lavender champagne cocktails and an old school blue grass band before being guided down a cobblestone path to the English garden at the back of this divine private Ojai residence. The ceremony was set with a backdrop of the mountains, and eclectic market chairs, ottomans and blankets were set on either side of a rustic aisle built from reclaimed barn wood. The simple birch chuppa held up an heirloom tablecloth embroidered with the couple’s names and their wedding date.

Cocktails and tray passed treats were served in a poolside lounge set with clusters of vintage furniture draped in a slate dupioni silk. Home-style accents decorated coffee tables and lamps, and assorted scented candles were scattered about the room to create an intimate glow. Dinner was served in an adjoining private dining tent filled with mismatched vintage chandeliers. Long wooden tables were lined with silver candelabras, and hand-picked garden flowers and succulents were overflowing from assorted silver vases collected from flea markets. A cheese course commenced the lavish, family-style Italian feast. Wedding cake and assorted homemade pies and tarts were served with cappuccino and espresso back in the cocktail lounge, where guests danced into the wee hours in celebration of the happy couple…

Wedding Photography: Amy & Stuart Photography / Wedding Design + Planning: Jo Gartin of Love Luck and Angels / Cinematography: Paper Tape Films / Flowers: Holly Flora/ Wedding Venue: Private Residence in Ojai, California / Wedding Gown: Carolina Herrera / Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Cake: Jamaica’s Cakes / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Vintage Furniture: Found Vintage Rentals / Ceremony Music: West Coast Music / Cocktail Hour Music: The Get Down Boys / DJ: Jon Brown of Unite Entertainment / Catering: Heirloom LA / Tenting Decor: Jo Gartin and Eden Rodriguez of Love Luck and Angels

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Post tags: Amy & Stuart Photography, Backyard Wedding, Blue, California, Carolina Herrera, Classic Party Rentals, Eden Rodriguez, End Design, Found Vintage Rentals, Heirloom LA, Holly Flora, Jamaica's Cakes, Jimmy Choo, Jo Gartin, Jon Brown, Love Luck and Angels, Ojai, Paper Tape Films, Slate Gray, The Get Down Boys, Unite Entertainment, West Coast Music
Post categories: The Blog

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From Rebekah of Kallima Photography… Laura and Jon’s classic and elegant wedding was held at the Country Club of Orlando, the most un-country club-like venue we have ever seen. The ballroom rivaled one at the Breakers Palm Beach, with extra high ceilings and gorgeous chandeliers, and we truly feel like this venue is a well-kept central Florida secret! Both living and thriving in New York City (bride works for Tori Burch, groom for 2(x)ist) Laura and Jon seated guests at tables named after their favorite areas of the city. The orchid, rose, and peony centerpieces were truly works of art, and Kilwin’s chocolates were given to each guest as favors. The ornate cream on cream-colored wedding cake was topped with gorgeous pink peonies. The live band literally kept EVERY guest on the floor ’till the bitter end, and the groom’s brother/best man serenaded the crowd on his ukulele as a special treat and tribute to Jon. The bridesmaids made a weekend out of the wedding, all staying in Laura’s huge family home right on the water in Orlando. Her one-of-a-kind Melissa Sweet gown was an absolute stunner and paired with gorgeous crystal embellished Jimmy Choos. Laura’s sister and maid of honor, Shelby, stayed close by her side most of the wedding day and had every guest crying during her toast. The sisters are very close. Truly a family-celebrated event, and an absolutely gorgeous one at that. Wedding Photography: Rebekah + Ben Hood of Kallima Photography / Wedding Venue: Country Club of Orlando / Wedding Planning: Susie Weiss of Wonderful Weddings / Flowers + Décor: Brian Joyce of Flourish Floral Productions / Wedding Cake: Priscilla Lucas of Party Flavors / Hair: Kenny Mak of Salon Elysee / Makeup: DIY / Wedding Gown: Melissa Sweet for Priscilla of Boston / Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Ceremony Music: Shannon Caine of Beautiful Music / Band: Wings of Sound

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Post tags: Beautiful Music, Ben Hood, Brian Joyce, Country Club of Orlando, Florida, Flourish Floral Productions, Gray, Jimmy Choo, Kallima Photography, Kenny Mak, Melissa Sweet, Orlando, Party Flavors, Pink, Priscilla Lucas, Rebekah Hood, Salon Elysee, Shannon Caine, Susie Weiss, White, Wings of Sound, Wonderful Weddings
Post categories: Florida Weddings, Orlando

Tammy + Erik from CinemaCake Productions

Within five minutes of our first date I knew Erik was “the one.” The evening went by too fast and left us both excited to see each other again. On our second date, we held hands and started to feel like there was something developing between us. By our third date Erik and I became inseparable. After that, the rest was history and within a few months he got down on his knee the night before we were moving in together and made me the happiest woman as I confidently said “Yes!”

We immediately started planning our wedding. I had the advantage of being immersed in everything bridal on a daily basis since I work in the industry and am a graphic designer. I already had a vision of what would be perfect for our special day. We wanted our wedding to be intimate, whimsical, elegant and traditional with a vintage feel with touches of gold, crystals, ivories and shades of pink.

Our venue needed to reflect our daily lives living in the city and we also wanted it to be convenient for all of our guests who would be coming from out of town and in some cases from around the world. After seeing a few venues, we absolutely fell in love with the Ritz Carlton. The architecture of the building is stunning and offered the elegant and intimate feel that we were seeking.

I designed two Save the Dates, each with a different engagement portrait. I had Two Paper Dolls print them for us. Two Paper Dolls took care of the rest our wedding materials. We wanted our invitations to look elegant, ornate and have a vintage feel. Our wedding invitation was letter pressed and engraved. It included a beautiful ornate design in two different shades of pink along with gold. We had custom stamps designed with our names along with gold metallic envelopes. Our programs and menu’s carried the same design. We used white calligraphy in all our wedding stationery. I had custom napkins made with our names.

Claudia Seyler was in charge of all my bridal party’s hair and makeup. She has a way of making anyone look absolutely natural and beautiful! She makes the experience fun and has a way of keeping me calm with her soothing personality.

I had always been a fan of Evantine Design’s work and knew that they were the only team I wanted to have create our wedding and make all our dreams come true. Evantine Design blew us away! They created the most beautiful wedding we have every seen, truly magical, a Fairy Tale come true. I felt like a princess that day!

I walked down the aisle wearing an incredible Kenneth Pool ivory silk taffeta strapless low waist wedding gown with a tiered skirt and gently curved neckline. Silver crystal beadwork adorned the empire, hipline, and skirt along with my Jimmy Choo champagne glitter shiny heels. Evantine Design created the most stunning hand-tied bouquet of ivory, cream and pale pink flowers composed of fragrant Stephanotis and Roses. Crystals were inserted into the Stephanotis. The bouquet was wrapped in embroidered crystal ribbon. My husband wore a Ralph Lauren black tuxedo with a small Rose and Stephanotis boutonniere. The stem was wrapped in black satin ribbon detailed with a crystal. My bridesmaids wore beautiful Lazaro Raspberry silky taffeta floor length A-line gowns. Their gowns had an asymmetrically pleated sweetheart bodice, self-band with flower accents with crystals at their natural waist. They carried gorgeous hand-tied bouquets with pale pink flowers with a touch of deeper pink such as Roses, Cockscomb and miniature Calla Lilies. The stems were wrapped in pink velvet ribbon detailed with pearl pins. Our groomsmen wore a deep pink-colored Rose to compliment the bridesmaid gowns.

Our guests were welcomed into a ballroom foyer lit up with warm ethereal lighting. They walked by long marble and iron tables that had a collection of candles and flowers, creating a beautiful, dreamy effect before entering the ceremony space. Our parents wedding frames were also displayed there. Once the entrance doors were opened our guests saw a beautiful aisle showered with rose petals along an ivory linen runner. Ivory organza fabric was swagged from our gold chairs with ivory shiny pillows to the aisle. Flanking the entrance to the aisle, two tall pedestals supported the large arrangements of flowers in classic low-profile stone urns with candles placed on the bottom. Further along the aisle, tall white-washed Spanish iron candle stands holding delicate designs of flowers were placed in progression along with low weathered iron candle stands holding beeswax candles and flowers and crystal droplets and crystal swags. Our chuppah had a unique design of six posts that were covered in soft ivory fabric. There was a stunning curtain of crystals behind the chuppah. All of the flowers on the chuppah were in shades of white, cream, ivory and very soft touches of blush. Roses, Hydrangea, Lilies, Peonies and French Stock were used as final touches along with crystals to make our ceremony into a magical place.

Our wedding reception design was simply breathtaking. Our guests were welcomed into a space with a spectacular view highlighting our beautiful tall cake based on a photograph I presented to the Ritz Carlton. Evantine Design put together a combination of traditional elements such as crystal candle stands and crystal floral/candle stands combined with white-washed Spanish iron stands, low ceramic bowls, silver trays, crystal pedestals and glass pedestals with crystal drops. Crystal swags were added to crystal stands and to Italian tall fluted glass vases holding flowers. Every table design was different. The mix of vessels and candleholders were beautiful and elegant in the room, the flowers commanded attention upon entering the grand ballroom. The flowers on the tables were a beautiful soft romantic blend of shades of white, cream, antique, silvery gray and soft blush. There was a combination of Roses, Peonies, Ranunculus, Tulips, Hydrangea, Sweet Pea, Lilies, Amaryllis and garden roses along with Lamb’s Ear and Hypericum Berries. Pillars, votives, floating candles, tea lights were displayed differently in each table with crystal, silver and glass candles as well. Our round guest tables were covered to the floor with ivory pleated shiny linens overlaid by ivory beaded tulle. Traditional glass charger plates with a gold trim were added to finish the look along with gold chairs with shiny ivory pillows. Our bridal family table was a long community table covered in the same linens as the guest tables. Various tall elements were added to the design to create two dramatic tall floral arrangements complimented with low designs and candles down the length of the table. Many candles were used as well. We had Mr. and Mrs. signs for the back of our chairs. Lighting played an important role both in our ceremony and reception.

Hiring Evantine Design is the best decision we made. They made our Fairy Tale wedding come true. It is such a blessing to be surrounded by such a creative and talented team that is truly passionate about their work.

We hired the fabulous Marie Labbancz to capture all of our special moments. She shot all of our engagement and wedding portraits. Since I am a graphic designer she was more than happy to let me design my entire wedding day guest book with our engagement photos. Working with her has been such an amazing experience. She is incredibly talented. Only Marie knows how to capture those spontaneous emotions in such a powerful and natural way. We will forever treasure all the beautiful memories Marie captured for us.

I had seen CinemaCake’s work in the past and was in awe with their films. I knew that the day I would get married that CinemaCake would be my ONLY option. The quality of their work is so consistent yet each wedding story is unique. CinemaCake has a way of telling a story like no one else does…. Their eye for detail is unlike no other. Every single video portrays the happiness, love and emotions of the day. It amazes me how they are able capture all the special moments in such beautiful ways, leaving me teary eyed all the time. The editing, music, story telling is always right on. We are thrilled with all of our wedding films and love watching ourselves as characters in our own love story.

Our guests danced the night away to EBE La Starz. They are such an incredible band. We loved how they interacted with all of our guests. We were grateful that they were willing to learn a few more songs that had sentimental meaning to us. They also did an outstanding version of “Marry Me,” by Train for our first dance. Our wedding favors were Godiva chocolate wedding cakes with raspberry pink ribbon that had our names written in gold.

There are no words to express how thankful we are to our incredible team. You gave us the best night of our lives. Our friends and family had an amazing time and are still raving about the beauty of all the flowers and how much fun they had dancing! Our wedding vendors made it possible for us to relax and enjoy our special day. The wedding was everything we could have dreamt of and more. Thank you for making our Fairy Tale wedding come true!

Cinematography: CinemaCake Filmmakers / Photography: Marie Labbancz Photography / Floral & Event Design: Evantine Design / Venue, Catering & Cake: The Ritz Carlton, Philadelphia / Entertainment: EBE LA Starz / Paper: Two Paperdolls / Bridal Gown: Kenneth Pool / Bridal Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Hair & Makeup: Claudia Seyler / Bridesmaid Dresses: Lazaro

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Post tags: Ballroom Weddings, Candles, CinemaCake Filmmakers, City Weddings, Claudia Seyler, Color Palette Pink, EBE LA Stars, Evantine Design, Glamourous, Highlight Film, Jimmy Choo, Kenneth Poot, Lazaro, Marie Labbancz Photography, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Romance, romantic, The Ritz Carlton Philadelphia, Traditional Elegance, Two Paperdolls, Wedding Cinematography
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Cinematography

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From the bride… Both Mark & I live in Sydney, Australia. However, Mark is from New Zealand, and I am from the States. We both have friends and family scattered around the world, which made it difficult to find one place where we could have everyone we knew come and celebrate with us. Shortly after we were engaged, we went on a holiday to Byron Bay, where we stumbled across a private house in the hills that we both just knew we had to have our wedding at. Mark and I were adamant that we wanted to have a wedding that was different and wanted to make is as special and unique as possible. Coorabella, the farmhouse where the wedding was held, is truly unique, different and breathtaking. The 100-year-old house is adored lovingly with antiques, old family relics, original pressed tin ceilings and even a mirror ball in the centre of the house to set the scene for a grand party. It ticked all the boxes, and we knew none of our friends or family had seen anything like it. The old wrap-around veranda overlooking the peaceful and serene hills of Byron Bay would set the perfect romantic scene for our wedding.

Everything that we planned, from the wedding invites to the table settings and to my dress … I tried to always go for something unique. I wanted us and our guests to enjoy the wedding, but feel like it was different from every other wedding they had been to (which is hard to do!). My beaded dress was designed by Johanna Johnson, which fit the perfect romantic and classic/worldly setting of the house while still providing that ‘wow’ factor I was hoping for. We gave guests traditional Japanese fans, a nod to my Japanese heritage, while also giving out Hershey Kisses at the end of the night, a nod to my American sweet tooth! Both my mother and grandmother wore traditional kimonos for the wedding, which everyone loved. It was the perfect way to bring an element of my Japanese culture into the day, while also making me tear up when I first saw how beautiful they looked.

One of our favourite design elements was asking both sets of parents to give us old family photos of past weddings and also favourite family shots to incorporate on the day. This also meant we had photos afterwards to keep and make an family album with. We placed a old window frame at the entry of the house where we strung the photos so guests could look at as they entered the venue. Later, we encouraged guests to take a Polaroid photo and write a message on the back of an old postcard and hang it from the frame. The postcards were of places Mark and I had travelled to during our relationship. For each place setting, guests were given a story about our travels. We thought this would be a good talking point, as each guest had a different story from whom they were sitting next to. The bar was decorated with grey & white pom poms, which looked amazing. We lit as many candles as possible throughout the house to set the romantic tone as dusk fell. In the end, our friends & family from Japan, New Zealand, Canada, China and U.K. flew in to make our day even more special. Looking at everyone during dinner and seeing how many people made the effort to come was a memorable moment for both Mark and me. It was truly the unique special day we both wanted & had hoped for. 

Wedding Photography: Kate Belle Photography / Venue: Coorabella in Byron Bay, New South Wales / Wedding Coordination: Jane Magnus of Byron Bay Weddings and Events / Wedding Stylist: Raechel Temily (raecheltemily@mail.com) / Flowers: The French Petal / Catering + Wedding Cake: Seaweed Cuisine / Dress + Veil: Johanna Johnson / Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Jewelry: Mezi + Tiffany’s / Groom’s Tuxedo: Ermenegildo Zegna / Hair + Makeup: Cassie Hanlon / String Trio: Byron Strings / Place Settings + Menus: DIY by the Bride

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Post tags: Australia, Brown, Byron Bay, Byron Bay Weddins and Events, Byron Strings, Cassie Hanlon, Coorabella, Ermenegildo Zegna, Jane Magnus, Jimmy Choo, Johanna Johnson, Kate-Belle Photography, Mezi, New South Wales, Purple, Raechel Temily, Red Green, The French Petal Seaweed Cuisine, Tiffany's
Post categories: Australia Weddings, New South Wales