Can we just talk about the candy buttons for a minute? I’m almost positive it was pure genius to bring those sweet little morsels into this carnival shoot. Aside from the beyond adorable couple (I mean seriously, is it even fair how cute these two are?) those little candy buttons are my favorite part of this shoot. Well, maybe the ferris wheel is. Actually, that giant stuffed dog. Nevermind, it’s got to be the super cute cowboy boots on the lady in pink. I can’t decide. But I definitely love this couple and their playful engagement shoot a la Kristin Vining Photography!

Photography: Kristin Vining Photography / Hair & Makeup: Lindsey Regan Thorne

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Post tags: Candy, Color Palette Pink, Cotton Candy, Cowboy Boots, engagement session, Fair, Ferris Wheel, Inspiration Shoot, Kristin Vining Photography, North Carolina, Popcorn
Post categories: engagement session, Little Black Book Blog

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From Kristin Vining Photography: Ayesha Alexander (actress/model) and Stephen Curry (NBA Star and son of Dell Curry) were married on July 30th in Charlotte.  On behalf of both Weddings and the City and Kristin Vining Photography…CONGRATS!

Photography: Kristin Vining Photography / Hair and Makeup and Styling: Lindsey Regan Thorne / Location: Winghaven Garden

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

a beyond beautiful outdoor California fete
a vintage style Vermont wedding
a gorgeous all white Dallas wedding
a perfect Maui nuptial
a sweet-as-can-be DIY affair
a ribbon filled photo shoot
a rustic glamourific fete
a beautifully pink Santa Barbara wedding
a day full of seven gorgeous weddings
a whimsical Philly fete
an elegant Nantucket wedding
a sunny Palm Springs affair

Some fabulous links from around the web:

Sweet and simple San Francisco city hall wedding via 100 Layer Cake.
Cigar box centerpieces via Grey Likes Weddings.
Frozen melon margarita pops via Martha Stewart.
DIY “just married” banner via The Sweetest Occasion.

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

Marweddings
wildflowers by design
Morgan Lynn Photography
Suite 206. luxury event rentals
Sweet Lauren Cakes
Marcy Blum Associates
Cupcakes Couture of Manhattan Beach
Paper Bloom
Ashley Bartoletti Photography
LuxeRedux Bridal
The Lodge and Spa at Brush Creek Ranch
Urban Light Films
Bustle
Classic Pixels Films
Stott Shots Photography and Videography
The Ebell of Los Angeles

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

Have a pretty, pretty weekend! See you back here Monday morning! xoxo

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Basketball, Celebrity Weddings, Kristin Vining Photography, Wrap it up Pretty
Post categories: The Blog

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I designed everything. From the reception space and what to include, to the types of flowers I wanted, I chose the cake, the cherry blossom theme, the colors, the drums above the dance floor, uplighting, all of it.  It was so much fun to put forth all the effort and see it all come together on our wedding day.

I’m very detail oriented so put a lot of effort into the details. I did have a day of planner that kept things in order and helped with the flow which was great. I bounced different ideas off of her the month leading up to the wedding, which helped a lot too. I think my colors were pretty unique. I used a nectar with browns, ivories, and golds.  I hadn’t seen it before, but thought it would go well together.  Plus my now husband looks great in brown and earth tones so I knew regardless that that color of tux would look fabulous on him.

Something else that was unique was that I had guests throw mini beach balls that said “I had a ball!” at Jeff and I as we walked out of the church.  It was so much fun!  I also had a treasure chest/time capsule that asked guests to leave “well wishes for the new Mr. and Mrs.”  We vowed not to open the chest until May 7, 2012, one year later.

I also did a lot of home made things to make our wedding unique. I designed my own table numbers using frames and paper from Hobby Lobby and cut out the numbers myself.  I also made home made sign that said “Dinner, Dancin’ and Drinks” which my dad made out of wood and myself and friends painted.  Also, I used Etsy a lot.

Ceremony location: Covenant Presbyterian Church / Reception location: Byrons South End / Cake:  Cheesecake, Etc. / Flowers: Flowers from the Cellar / Gown: Paloma Blanca from Classic Bride and Formals / Shoes: Glint from Nordstrom / Bridesmaids’ dresses: Priscilla of Boston / Tuxedos:  New York Bride and Groom / Headpiece:   New York Bride and Groom / Veil: Classic Bride / Engagement Ring: Simon G Jewelry / Wedding Rings: Herlzberg Diamonds / Hair & Makeup: Lindsey Regan Thorne / Stationery: Red Stone Press / Entertainment: Split Second Sound / Photography: Kristin Vining Photography / Videography: Ka Studios / Officiant: Mark Deihl / Caterers: Best Impressions Catering / Rentals:  Best Impressions Catering / Transportation: Trolley’s, Inc. / Day of Planner: Sarah Bradley with Blue Feather Media / Uplighting: Sterling Designs / Dance Lessons: Metropolitan Ball Room

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Post tags: Best Impressions Catering, Blue Feather Media, Byrons South End, Charlotte, Cheesecake Etc., Cherry Blossoms, Classic Bride and Formals, Color Palette Pink, Covenant Presbyterian Chirch, Flowers from the Cellar, Glint, Helzberg Diamonds, KA Studios, Kristin Vining Photography, Lindsey Regan Thorne, Metropolitan Ball Room, New York Bride and Groom, Nordstroms, North Carolina, Paloma Blanca, Pricella of Boston, Red Stone Press, Simon G Jewelry, Split Second Sound, Sterling Designs, Traditional Elegance, Trolley's Inc, Wedding Photography
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

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We attend Bonnaroo Music & Arts festival every year, even before we met, it was a priority for both of us!  So, while we were just waking up in our tent the first morning of the festival (June 11th), Robert presented me with a beautiful ring containing a stone passed down from his great-grandmother! Though the festival would have seemed an obvious place and time for Robert to pop the question, I had long dismissed it as being “too obvious.” As Robert presented the ring, I got so excited that I instinctively took the ring and placed it on my finger – on the wrong hand! Robert was sweet enough to take the ring back and put it on the correct hand, and then ask, “Will you marry me?”  It was perfect!

Photography: Kristin Vining Photography

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

a Puerta Vallarta wedding of two sweet as can be photographers
a glamourous camping photo shoot
a relaxed yet sophisticated New Zealand stunner
a super chic Los Angeles affair
another day filled with seven gorgeous weddings
a sweet backyard Virginia wedding
a rustic yet modern Springfield wedding
a vibrant Arkansas plantation wedding
an ultra romantic San Diego fete

Some fabulous links from around the web:

A vintage row-boat engagement session via The Loveliest Day.
Sweet little sandwiches and refreshing mint water from The Sweetest Occasion.
The cutest fabric DIY chandeliers via Luna and Chloe Weddings.
Need another royal wedding fix? Monaco’s newlyweds via TresSugar

We’d also like to extend a very warm welcome to our newest Little Black Book Members…

REB6studios
Papermade Design
Spin
Eventology Weddings
kat. |makeup art|
Champagne Taste
Eva Slade
Honey and Poppies
Vatne Designs
Giddy Ink
Lake Champlain Chocolates
Braedon Photography
Artworks Wedding Cinema
Ribbons and Rust
Edge Design Group
Scobey Photography
Polkadots
Austin Catering
Turtle Love Co.
David Josue
Weddings by Katherine’s

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

And lastly, we have a few winners to announce. Drum roll please…

The lucky, lucky winners of the Kwiat water drop bracelets are Kate and Kelly!

Congrats you two and we’ll be in touch!

Have the prettiest weekend ever! See yo back here Monday morning! xoxo.

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Post tags: Kristin Vining Photography, Wrap it up Pretty
Post categories: The Blog

Photography by Kristin Vining Photography.

Five days of wonderful wedding bliss:

a cute as a button Jakarta wedding
a rustic sweet bit of inspiration in Virginia
a pretty, pretty pink California fête
a natural chic Washington affair
an amazing film in North Carolina
a Los Angeles wedding planner’s wedding
a rockin Jamaican affair
a contemporary fête in Dallas
a rustic Colorado winter wedding
a royal inspiration shoot in Arkansas
a beachy Long Island wedding

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Color Palette Pink Yellow, Engagement Shoot, Kristin Vining Photography, Wedding Cakes, Weekly Wrap-Up, Wrap it up Pretty
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog

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Mallory’s Side of the Story: William warned me that he was going to have a busy weekend full of work so I was not expecting to see a lot of him. We did our normal Saturday morning cycling class at the YMCA. We got our normal Brugger’s coffee and went to my place to relax for an hour before William went to the office. After finishing our coffee, I asked William if he was ready for me to take him back to his condo. William said he would not be going into the office that day and instead we would be going to Charleston for the remainder of the weekend. He told me to pack my suitcase and be ready in an hour. I looked at him in total disbelief. After a few minutes of shock, William finally convinced me that we were actually going out of town. I packed, got ready as quickly as possible and we excitedly got on the road. William kept everything a surprise and would not tell me where we were staying or what we were doing. I sat the whole three hours in suspense. We finally got to Charleston and arrived at the Planters Inn. It is the most adorable and charming hotel in the middle of historic Charleston. I walked around marveling at the art and architecture. I stopped in front of a lit fireplace, candles and roses. When I turned around, William was down on one knee with my ring in hand. He muttered a speech, but all I heard him say was, “I love you. Will you marry me?” Of course, I said yes (I knew I wanted to marry William after our first date). We spent the next hour calling our family and friends. William then took me to Blossom Restaurant. We sat at the same table where he told me he loved me for the first time. A gentleman even sent us a bottle of champagne from across the room to congratulate us. He said he got engaged in Charleston several years ago and was now expecting his first child. What an amazing night!

William’s Side of the Story: I first told Mallory I loved her on the first of our many trips to Charleston, South Carolina, so I had no doubt that Charleston was the perfect place to propose to her one day. During the first few weeks of January 2010, I was very busy at work and not able to spend much time with Mallory. But I was also secretly arranging the purchase of a ring and a trip to Charleston. Once the ring finally arrived, I wanted to give it Mallory as quickly as possible. I told her that I was going to have to spend another weekend in the office, but on Saturday morning (January 16th), I surprised her and told her to pack her bags for Charleston. Initially, she reacted with total disbelief. But news quickly sank in and she was ecstatic.On the drive to Charleston, I never told her about my plans for the trip. Though she obviously knew what was ultimately going to happen, she let the plans unfold and everything went off without a hitch. As soon as we got to town, I took her straight to the fireplace at the Planters Inn, got on one knee and proposed to her on the spot. I had gone over my words to her in my head dozens of times, but I have no idea what I ended up saying. Fortunately, she said yes. We then enjoyed a bottle of champagne, called our families and had dinner at the same table at Blossom restaurant where I first told her I loved her almost two years earlier. It was the perfect day.

From the moment Will and I walked into the Duke Mansion, we knew it was perfect venue for our wedding. Tucked quietly within the gorgeous Dilworth neighborhood of Charlotte, it is less than five miles from where I lived.  I had never heard of it. With the surrounding neighbors’ blessing, the Duke Mansion had just started holding weddings. Lucky us! Besides the elegant wedding ballroom, our guests were able to roam throughout the estate with its black and white floors, beautiful courtyard, porches, glass walled solarium and lush gardens.  We reserved the Duke Mansion’s twenty elegant guest rooms for family members and the bridal party. Many of the rooms have walkout screened porches which were a huge hit especially with the dry warm spring weather.  My mom specially ordered pizzelles, a delicious Italian cookie my grandfather and I baked together over the years, and we placed a box of them wrapped in tulle in each room as welcome gifts. The Duke Mansion was my wedding venue dream come true. Words I used to describe the vision I had for William and my wedding included classic, couture, fun and most of all “intimate.” We wanted a small wedding of 100 guests so we would be able to converse with everyone and make them feel special.  Décor was also extremely important to me. After looking at numerous wedding magazines and blogs, I learned: I love glamour and glitz, I love draping, I love the colors of black, blush and ivory, I love big tree-like flower arrangements and I love ribbons and bows! We decided to drape the dining room at the Duke Mansion with ivory taffeta drapes and tie back the entrances with big black bows.  We lined the dance floor with eight foot banquet tables covered with custom ribbon taffeta linens.  The Bloom Room created huge arrangements of blush and pink flowers and positioned them along the tables.  We placed large crystal candelabras in the middle of the arrangements.  The room was up-lit with amber lighting to give a candle glow.  The stunning laced edged cake with silver brooches and bows was placed in the middle of the white dance floor. The end result was more than I could have ever dreamed of. It literally took my breath away.With all said above, the best moment of the whole wedding day was William and my first look.  The expression on his face the first time he set his eyes on me in my wedding dress will forever be etched in my mind.  I have never felt so beautiful or loved.  The day was more than perfect. Later, William and I danced our first dance in the grand foyer under a massive crystal chandelier with family and friends closely surrounding us. What made this wedding so unique can be decided in the comments our guests made.  They had never being to a wedding where they were constantly entertained with every tiny detail being important. Waiters holding glasses of champagne welcomed guests.  Crystal hung tiered escort cards complemented the rhinestone embellished name cards and menus. The band even surprised our guests wearing decorative costumes at the end of the night. We hired an artist who uniquely cut everyone’s silhouette out of black paper.  One silhouette was secured in a book where guests signed their names and another was given as a memento of the special occasion.  A late evening chef’s finale dessert which consisted of Southern Comfort Peach Foster and ice cream was served. The night ended with guests holding sparklers gracing the elegant steps of the mansion as William and I rode off to the Ritz in a Bentley. Our wedding was the result of months of creative thought and careful planning.  All the details blended together to create an unforgettable wedding celebration.

Ceremony location:  Covenant Presbyterian Church / Reception: Duke Mansion / Cake: Cake Lady Jill / Flowers:  The Bloom Room /  Gown: Vera Wang / Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Bridesmaids’ dresses: Jim Hjelm / Tuxedo: Trussini / Engagement ring: Mavilo / Hairstylist: Kymm Mclean, Who’s the Fairest / Make-up: Kymm Mclean, Who’s the Fairest / Invitations and Stationery: Smock / Music: Hot Sauce / Photography: Kristin ViningPhotography / Videography: Richard Israel, Timm Young / Clergy: Robert W. Henderson / Caterers: Duke Mansion / Rehearsal dinner: Bentley’s on 27 / Lighting: Eye Dialogue / Linens: Custom / Candelabras: Regal Candelabra / Rentals: Party Reflections / Drapes: Party Tables / Wedding night hotel: Ritz Carlton / Bridesmaid luncheon location: Duke Mansion / Bachelor Party: Las Vegas / Bachelorette Party: Napa Valley / Specialty gifts and favors: Silhouette Portraits by Edward / Transportation provider: Trolley’s Inc., / Wedding consultant: Tiffany Ratliff, Weddings and the City / Earrings: Dannijo / Broach: Enchanted Atelier

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Post tags: Bentley's on 27, Cake Lady Jill, Charlotte Wedding, Dannijo, Duke Mansion, Duke University, Enchanted Atelier, Eye Dialogue, Hot Sauce, Jim Hjelm, Jimmy Choo, Kristin Vining Photography, Las Vegas, Mavilo, Napa Valley, Party Reflections, Party Tables, Regal Candelabra, Silhouette Portraits by Edward, Smock, The Bloom Room, The Ritz Carlton, Traditional Elegance, Trolley's Inc, Trussini, Vera Wang, Weddings And The City, Who's The Fairest
Post categories: Traditional Elegance

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The morning that I met Scott, one of my colleagues had overbooked her schedule and she asked me if I minded taking her Zoom whitening patient since I had an opening in my schedule. I gladly accepted. As usual, I reviewed Scott’s chart and proceeded to the office lobby to bring the patient to the clinical area. After bringing Scott back to the clinical room, I began “small talk” and asked him about his job. Immediately we were laughing and joking. As I prepared Scott for the whitening procedure, he continued to talk and laugh.  It was then that I told him to stop talking so I could finish the procedure. Still, the laughing and mumbling (because his mouth was full of cotton) continued. My assistant took over the procedure and I continued on my day with a large smile on my face. After leaving I thought to myself: “He’s really cute and funny.”  The next week he had an appointment to receive his whitening trays, which were part of the service. I ran into him again as he was leaving the office and we talked very briefly. Two weeks later, I received a Thank You note from Scott.  He thanked me for the whitening services and asked me to email him if I was interested in getting together.  We agreed to meet for a drink and appetizers at Sullivan’s Steakhouse.  A drink, four hours later, and another stomach ache from laughing so hard, I had my eyes set on dating only one man. Scott. And the rest is history!

Our wedding was a reflection of how we are as a couple… simple and full of love for eachother. We both allowed our raw emotions to show and it made for a more special day between the two of us.  As for the wedding itself… we had a rockin’ band that definitely rocked the house!  We wanted people to enjoy the food, music, and have tons of fun… in that I think we were successful!

My favorite part of the day was spending all day getting ready at the Westin presidential suite with our family and wedding party. It was so much fun!  We drank champagne, had a catered lunch, and even danced!  We all had a blast!  Scott and I had the opportunity to celebrate all day together.

On our honeymoon we stayed at the Essex House where our hotel room overlooked Central Park.  We only had three days to spend in NYC since I had to go back to dental school the week after our wedding. It was amazing!  We ate wonderful food, enjoyed a couple of bottles of wine, saw a musical, took a carriage ride through Central Park, and enjoyed every second of being newlyweds.  On the Tuesday after our wedding, we woke up and looked at our wedding pictures that Kristin Vining had already finished editing.  We spent the morning re-living our wedding day… it was amazing to snuggle up with my new husband and look at all of our wedding pictures on our honeymoon.

Wedding Photography: Kristin Vining Photography / Wedding Planner: Rebecca Farlow / Bridal Registry: WeddingWindow.com / Wedding Cake: Haines Barksdale of For Goodness Cakes / Floral Design: The Place For Flowers / Wedding Dress: Tomasina via Saks Fifth Avenue / Reception Dress: Modern Trousseau via Hayden Olivia Bridal / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka via Endless / Bridesmaids Dresses: Jim Hjelm via New York Bride & Groom / Veil: Saks Fifth Avenue / Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: Diamonds Direct / Hair & Makeup: Lindsey Regan Thorne of Be Pretty / Wedding Invitations & Paper Goods: Papitre / Entertainment: The Band of Oz via East Coast Entertainment / Wedding Ceremony Location: First United Methodist Church / Clergy: Reverend Robert Boggan, Jr. of First United Methodist Church / Wedding Reception Location: The Mint Museum Uptown / Catering: Best Impressions / Rehearsal Dinner Location: Sullivan’s Steakhouse / Rentals: Creative Solutions / Accomodations: The Westin Charlotte / Favors: Etsy / Transportation: Rose Transportation / Bridal Portraits: Kristin Vining Photography / Clutch: Mia Von Mink / Necklace:  Stella & Dot / Bracelet: Nordstrom

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Post tags: Badgley Mischka, Best Impressions, Creative Solutions, Diamonds Direct, East Coast Entertainment, Endless, Etsy, First United Methodist Church, For Goodness Cakes, Haines Barksdale, Hayden Olivia Bridal, Jim Hjelm, Kristin Vining Photography, Lindsey Regan Thorne, Magenta, Modern Trousseau, Navy Blue, New York Bride & Groom, Papitre, Pink, Rebecca Farlow, Rose Transportation, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sullivan's Steakhouse, The Band of Oz, The Mint Museum Uptown, The Place For Flowers, The Westin Charlotte, Tomasina, Wedding Window, White
Post categories: Traditional Elegance

We have 4 pretty  P E R F E C T examples for you today!

First up … Erica & Brandon. They are planning their May 2011 wedding in Boone, North Carolina ~ along with the help of Lindsey & Tiffany at Weddings & The City and, of course, Kristin. They are really, just too cute for words! Take a look at their entire beautiful autumn engagement shoot on Kristin’s blog!

styling by lindsey regan thorne

See their whole e*shoot on Kristin’s blog!

Emily & Matt just got married in September. Their full engagement shoot is here ~ Part I, Part II. Between Kristin’s clever shots and Lindsey Regan Thorne’s expert styling ~ again, the personality of these guys just oozes fun!

You can see even more of the beautiful Emily in her bridal shoot on Kristin’s blog ~ here!

Lisa and Lance decided to get in on the foto-action and borrowed a few vintage cameras!  Shot at Blowing Rock, North Carolina, their E*Shoot is beyond delightful!

styling by Lindsey Regan Thorne

See THEIR full shoot here!

And last ~ but certainly not least … a huge SMP hug to Lauren & Rocky ~ just married on November 5!

A D O R A B L E !!

Kristin Vining’s art … always blows us away!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 13 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Fall, Kristin Vining, Kristin Vining Photography
Post categories: engagement session, Little Black Book Blog