And if you simply can’t wait to pick up your copy of MSW, you can check out the sneak peeks on Green Wedding Shoes, 100 Layer Cake, Jose’s blog, Joel’s blog and Elizabeth’s blog. Here is just one of the jaw droopingly beautiful images that made us go a little wedding crazy. A leather bound, hand calligraphed napkin wrap dreamed up by who else? Lisa Vorce. Wedding magician, Beauty Inventor and all around great girl.

Location: Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse / Event Design & Production: Lisa Vorce of Oh, How Charming! / Event Design and Flowers: Mindy Rice Floral Design / Catering: New West Catering / Stationery: Tiny Pine Press; and Papel Paper & Press / Calligraphy: Anne Jones / Cake: Sweet & Saucy Shop / Lighting: Bella Vista Design / Photography: Elizabeth Messina / Cinematography: Joe Simon Films / Ceremony & Cocktail Music: Bolero Soul / Reception Music: Michael Antonia of Flashdance / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Specialty Decor: Barker Decor Service

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Post tags: Anne Jones, Barker Decor Service, Bella Vista Design, Bolero Soul, Classic Party Rentals, Elizabeth Messina, Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse, Joe Simon Wedding Films, Joel Serrato, Jose Villa, Lisa Vorce, Mindy Rice Floral Design, New West Catering, Oh How Charming, Papel Paper and Press, Sweet & Saucy Shop, The FlashDance, Tiny Pine Press
Post categories: Casual Elegance, The Blog

The two day workshop will run from February 24th to February 26th in Serenbe, Georgia. Any of the lucky ladies and gents who attend will be pampered by Joy herself – and better come ready to learn, because Joy will be focusing on so many great topics in the wedding design world – including drawing out & enhancing your clients style, working with photographers, branding and SO much more! Make sure to march right over to her blog for all the details and registration.

Oh, and get this. Joy is also offering a separate One-on-One workshop, where you will learn the tricks of the trade by one of the biggest talents (and biggest sweethearts) out there. She’ll work with you in her Atlanta home to better your brand. Just you. Seriously, we’re all a bit jealous. Any of the opportunities Joy Thigpen is offering are phenomenal, and definitely something to do if you can swing it!

Event Styling & Design: Joy Thigpen / Photography: Jose Villa

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Post tags: Jose Villa, joy thigpen, Wedding Planners & Designers, Wedding Styling, Workshop
Post categories: The Blog

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

Carolina + Jaime’s Highlights // Destination Wedding Paris from Elysium Productions on Vimeo.

From the beautiful bride…Paris holds a special place in my heart. It’s where my husband proposed on my birthday in 2009. During that magical holiday, my father asked me to visit L’Eglise de Saint-François-Xavier to light a candle for St. Madeline Sophie, founder of the Society of the Sacred Heart. As soon as we entered this exquisite church,Jaime and I knew it was the place we wanted to be married.  The City of Lights, nothing could be more inspirational!

We were married on March 19, 2011. Our reception was at France-Amériques, a gorgeous Parisianmaison near the Champs-Élysées and now a private club for French and American opinion leaders.  You can feel the history and the mixing of cultures in the grand halls and limestone terraces. Because weather in Paris is unpredictable in March, France- Amériques provided beautiful indoor spaces, intimate gathering places and a dining room to accomodate dinner and dancing.  Parisian wedding venues tend to be small.  France- Amériques, was an ideal venue for our party of 200 — our guests traveling to join us from the US, Latin America and beyond.

We embraced the regal look to reflect the 19th century and the golden age of Napoleon III when this stunning home was built.  Large chandeliers graced the dining room and tables were decorated with twinkling crystal candelabras. Our flowers were simple yet elegant: deep red, purple and gold.  The room, so ornate with its gold engraved walls and fresco paintings made the most dramatic statement.

I was most delighted with the details, such an important part of the effect and what made the evening so spectacular.  The amber lighting emphasized the gold filligree in the moldings. around the tables were gold Louis XVI dining chairs, upholstered with red velvet button — the tufted cushions set a romantic mood and brought the elegance of the era to life.  My dress was custom made by Parisian haute couture designer, Zuhair Murad and it weighed over 20 lbs.  The handmade silver, antique white and gold embroidery truly channeled the uniqueness of Paris.

Event Planning: Michelle Rago Destinations / Photography: Jose Villa Photography / Videography: Elysium Productions / Dress: Azzedine Alaïa via Neiman Marcus / Shoes: Christian Louboutin via Neiman Marcus / Jaime morning frac: custom made from Damiani /Jaime shoes: Damiani / Caro Headpiece: special order from Maria Elena Headpieces / Caro Veil: Zuhair Murad Haute Couture / Dress Engagement Photos Shoot: Azzedine Alaïa Neiman Marcus / Shoes Engagement Shoot: Christian Louboutin Neiman Marcus / Caro’s Hair: Katia Quintero at OM Beauty / Caro’s Makeup: Eric Cuesta at Neiman Marcus  / Church: Saint Francois Xavier / Reception: France Amerique / Rehearsal Dinner: Maison Blanche / Flower Production : Hervé Chatelain / Paperie: Ceci New York / Rentals: Options / Macaroons: Laduree / Piece Monte: Fauchon / Lighting and Sound: Magnum / Film Work: Richard Photo

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 48 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Azzendine Alaia, Christian Louboutin, Elysium Productions, Engagement Sessions, France Wedding, Jose Villa, Jose Villa Photography, Michelle Rago Destinations, Neiman Marcus, Paris
Post categories: The Blog

Jill’s next workshop which is sure to top this little dose of gorgeous is scheduled for January 22nd thru the 24th in Maui, Hawaii and will feature such guests as Jose Villa, Pacific Weddings Magazine, Joel Serrato, Team Hair and Makeup and Richard Photo Lab. Oh and yours truly who will be popping in via skype for a little lesson in getting published. Spaces go CRAZY fast so if you’re an up and coming photog or a bonafide pro and want to join in on the action, click here!

Stylist: Jill La Fleur, La Fleur Weddings & Events / Photography: Jose Villa Photography / Film: Joel Serrato Films / Paper Goods: Ceci New York / Venue: Ojai Valley Inn & Spa / Florals: Camilla Svensson Burns / Linens: La Tavola Linens / Dress: Claire La Faye / Beauty: Team Hair & Makeup / Tabletop Items: Small Masterpiece / Rentals: Found Vintage Rentals / Headpiece: Lo Boheme / Necklace & Ring: Waxing Poetic

If you missed any, here are all of our pretty posts from the week:

a sweet Southern affair in Atlanta
a ballroom bash in Pasadena
a style-rific affair in Virginia
a California chic soiree in Ojai
a garden wedding in the UK
a day to night inspired shoot
a New England stunner in Connecticut
a full day of jaw droppers
a stunning organic wedding in Australia
a green inspired fete in the Pacific Northwest
a lovely wedding in Napa Valley
a blissful outdoor fete in Hudson Valley Phoenix
a summer inspired inspiration to reality and buying guide

Some fabulous links from around the web:

amazing travel inspired wedding invitations on Oh So Beautiful Paper.
fab modern photo backdrops by drop it modern on kiss the groom.
perfect Summer inspiration on Bash, Please.

We’d like to extend a warm welcome to our newest Little Black Book members…

BINARYFLIPS PHOTOGRAPHY
YAZY JO
Blush by Brandee Gaar
Something White
efeunodos photography
McKenzie Miller Films
Social Frog Designs
McNay Art Museum
Artifice Films
Lucky Productions Cinematography
Michael C. Fina
bliss bride
Sweet Fuss Hair & Makeup Artistry
Society Hill Studios
Wedding Smashers Limited
Carolina Wedding Design
Bon Appetit at the Art Institute of Chicago

To apply to become a member of our LBB click here. We’d love to hear from you!

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Post tags: Camilla Svensson Burns, Ceci NY, Claire La Faye, Found Vintage Rentals, Jill La Fleur, Jose Villa, La Tavola, Lo Boheme, Ojai, Ojai Valley Inn and Spa, Small Masterpiece, TEAM Hair & Makeup, Waxing Poetic, Wrap it up Pretty
Post categories: The Blog

Absolutely, positively delicious. Jose and Joel have been together for more than seven lucky years. Jose proposed to Joel in Mazatlan Mexico. Joel proposed to Jose a year later in their home. They are the definition of love and to see it captured so beautifully by Elizabeth is, well, beyond comparison.

And on a personal note…I have to say a quick little something about these two men. There are few people who have helped to change the face of Style Me Pretty. Who have helped to cultivate a blog that is truly beautiful, overflowing with weddings that can make your heart stop, that can make you gasp out loud, that can inspire you in ways you never knew possible. People that we are lucky to call our friends, who support us by gifting gorgeous weddings to our readers, who share their unbelievable talents so freely…so that we can all pause for just a moment to soak up the beauty of a simple photograph or a perfect piece of cinema. Jose Villa and Joel Serrato are two of those people. Boys…we love you dearly and if this little glimpse into your lives is any indication of what’s ahead, we’re thinking you just might have hit the lottery.

Thank you so very much to Joel and Jose for sharing this moment with Style Me Pretty. And to Elizabeth Messina who gave us the opportunity to devour such beautiful photographs.

And thus concludes the total Jose Villa + Joel Serrato + Elizabeth Messina love fest.

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Post tags: e-session, Elizabeth Messina, engagement session, Joel Serrato, Jose Villa, Kiss the Groom, Same Sex
Post categories: engagement session, The Blog, Wedding Photography

Please leave a comment below with a link to your board and remember to label and tag your board Inspire Me Pretty FL!  I’ll pick a winner soon and put together a fun Buying Guide to go along with the winning board!

If you missed any, here are all of our pretty posts from the week:

an adorable Islamorada wedding
a fun and unique celebration in Longwood
an sherbet-hued inspiration board and a contest
a super cute DIY wedding on Fort George Island
a classic affair with wild color in Palm Beach

Some fabulous links from around the web:

love this nautical picnic inspiration from coco + kelley
a great round-up of escort and place cards on oh so beautiful paper
trend alert: denim as decor from ritzy bee

Have a glorious weekend and we’ll see you back here on Monday! xoxo.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Beach, Contest, Coral, Florida, Inspiration Board, Jose Villa, Modern, Pink, Poppies, Sand, Sherbet, Yellow
Post categories: Florida Weddings

1. This wedding had us at the dress. Soft, elegant, ever so girly and enveloped in luscious layers. Try this J.Crew number for an equally gorgeous look.

2. Cafe Lights just might be our favorite outdoor accessory. String these beauties out in the open air, over a dance floor, across outdoor dinner tables – no matter where you put them they are sure to add a cozy ambiance to your reception.

3. We’re big, big fans of draping a party in loads of ribbon but our excitement went into overdrive when we came upon this extra special spool of Linen Ribbon. Oh be still our hearts. Imagine the possibilities.

4. Is there anything better than your groom dressed to the nines in a classic black tux? We think not and this Theory tuxedo is perfect for a walk down the aisle and dancing the night away.

5 -6, 12. This affair is all about tone on tone blooms. Structural tulips, fluffy peonies and hydrangeas, white, cream and more white with dashes of greenery mixed in. DIYing your centerpieces? Try buying bulk flowers in all shades of white and grouping in similar styles. You’ll have the makings of an instant glam fest on your hands.

7. With this All White Wonderment, only a classic and insanely gorgeous wedding invitation will do. One of our favorites, William Arthur, has a whole line of beauties that will give your stationery a totally chic and ever so elegant feel.

8. Soft and romantic Blush is the new black in terms of Bridesmaids and we are all on board with this trend. The Napa Valley maids rocked out in a Kirstie Kelly chiffon number and we found a whole host of Amsale frocks that would also fit the bill. Either way, Blushing Bridesmaids are the hot ticket in wedding town.

9. Is anyone else as smitten with these mini clothespins as we are? They can be used for just about anything from invitations to place cards and menu holders but we are LOVING how they take a simple escort card table to organic chic in a mere millisecond.

10. We have been long time fans of Untamed Petals‘ halos for the wee lasses in your wedding party (and the big lasses for that matter). It doesn’t get much more adorable than a crown of florals and we have a feeling your flower girls will be equally enamored. I mean who didn’t want to be a forest princess growing up. Just me? really?

11. White vases are the key to this monochromatic feast for the eyes. West Elm has a great assortment of beauties in all shapes and sizes and mixed with more cost effective options from Ikea, your centerpieces will be spot on gorgeous.

Image Credits: 1. Dress: J.Crew / 2. Cafe Lights:  Target via Polyvore / 3. Linen Ribbon: Flourishes / 4. Tuxedo: Bluefly / 5. Hydrangea: J R Roses / 6. Peony Bouquet: Artemis Dreaming / 7. Invitation: William Arthur / 8. Bridesmaid Dress: Amsale via Bloomingdales / 9. Clothespins: Paper Source / 10. Halo: Untamed Petals / 11. Vases: West Elm / 12. Tulips: Venus 360

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Post tags: Buying Guide, Jose Villa, Napa Valley, Rosemary Special Events
Post categories: Buying Guides, The Blog

Click here to see the entire image gallery!

From Rosemary Special Events… From my first meeting with Lauren & Joe when we met to scout out venues in the Napa Valley, I just knew working with them would be a pleasure… they are such a great couple… so much fun and sweet! They wanted a simple, elegant celebration that featured the beauty of Napa Valley… classic and natural with just a touch of modern style.

They decided on Holy Family Mission, a charming and historic Catholic church built in 1912 set in the midst of the vineyards in Rutherford. For the reception they selected the Calistoga Ranch, a beautiful 48-room resort tucked in a private canyon just outside the town of Calistoga.

The wedding took place over Memorial Day weekend. Lauren wanted the wedding day to feel bright, summery and natural so we chose a palette of white and taupe with subtle green accents to keep it light and airy. We had a little weather scare with rain leading up to the wedding but in the final days the weather miraculously turned and they enjoyed temperatures in the mid-80s all weekend.

The traditional ceremony was intimate, simple and gorgeous. Lauren’s parish priest flew up from San Diego to perform the ceremony. Lauren looked absolutely stunning in an ivory, strapless Vera Wang gown. She carried a white bouquet of peonies, hydrangeas and garden roses that was finished with a vintage silk ribbon that her mother had found on a trip to France. Her bridesmaids wore full-length Kirstie Kelly dresses in a blush tone and the men looked very handsome in classic black tuxedos. Bunches of simple white hydrangea behind the altar and on the pews were the perfect accent to the gorgeous wood beamed ceilings and hand painted walls of church. A vintage lace French altar cloth given to the couple by Lauren’s mom graced the altar.

After the ceremony, guests were transported by shuttle up to Calistoga Ranch where they mingled over cocktails, sampled delicious bites of Calistoga Ranch’s spectacular cuisine and took in the 180-degree view of the surrounding lake and canyon. Designer, Nicole Sillapere blew everyone away with her absolutely stunning florals and event décor. In order for guests to savor every moment of sunlight and the natural surroundings, dinner was served under a soft and beautiful white Raj Tent with open sides. Nicole kept it clean and modern with contemporary white chairs, a mix of square, round and long tables with crisp white linens. Fluffy white peonies, Star of Bethlehem, lily of the valley, white tulips and white hydrangea were grouped separately in mixed sizes of white and glass vessels. The programs, escort cards, menus and place cards were gorgeous… each finished with taupe custom stitching. Place settings were accented with a taupe woven ribbon and a single gardenia leaf.

Guests enjoyed a delicious 3-course meal and listened to jazz standards performed by Ever Music Group. Once the sun went down and it started to get chilly, we ushered everyone into an underground wine cave that had been transformed into a chic, candlelit lounge for dancing. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Joe, a really talented singer/songwriter surprised Lauren with an original song he had written for her…. it was very romantic! They had a blast dancing the rest of the night to the sounds of DJ Goyo and enjoyed the chocolate wedding cake created by the pastry chef at Calistoga Ranch. It was such a fun and romantic celebration for such a fabulous couple. Congratulations Lauren and Joe!

Wedding Photography: Jose Villa / Wedding Gown (silver belt): Ivy & Aster, Sweet Pea/ Wedding Invitations: Tiny Pine Press / Other Paper Goods: Mira Aster / Event Planning: Rosemary Hattenbach of Rosemary Special Events / Floral Design & Event Décor: Nicole Sillapere / Wedding Ceremony Location: Holy Family Mission, Rutherford, CA / Wedding Reception Location & Catering: Calistoga Ranch / Wedding Cake: Calistoga Ranch / Tent: Raj Tents / Hair & Makeup: Darcy Hunt & Elise Newman of Primped Napa Valley / Band: Ever Music Group / DJ: DJ Goyo of Uptempo Productions / Wedding Dress: Vera Wang / Bridesmaid Dresses: Kirstie Kelly / Film Work: Richard Photo

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Post tags: CA, Calistoga, Calistoga Ranch, Classic, DJ Goyo, Ever Music Group, Green, Holy Family Parish, Jose Villa, Kirstie Kelly, Lela Rose, Modern Style, Nicole Sillapere, Northern California, RAJ Tents, Rutherford, Taupe, Tented Reception, Uptempo Productions, Vera Wang, Vineyard Wedding, White
Post categories: Casual Elegance