From Sweet Monday…

Melissa & Chris were married at Café Pinot in Downtown Los Angeles, which was so perfect because they live in NYC. Melissa grew up in SoCal and most of her family lives here, so it worked out great for them to get married close to home but still have the urban vibe that really represents them as a couple. We just loved this wedding so much, not just because of the cool location, amazing light, awesome dress, etc. but these are just the nicest people you’ll ever meet and they are so much in love and I think it really shows in the photos.

I am beyond amazed by Café Pinot. Such a stunning location and the decor could not have been more perfect for a warm California evening. Seriously, so gorgeous. I also kind of have a love-affair with city weddings. Something about the modern backdrop and the timeless beauty of the couple is just so breath-taking. Look at these two, aww…

Credits: Coordinators: Cori Sponagle at Corinne Sponagle Wedding & Event Planning and Cynthia White at The Patina Group, Dress by Pronovias, Suit by Sean John, Flowers: Mr. B’s Flowers, Cake by Crumbs Cupcakes, Rentals (linens, chairs, stage, lighting, etc…) from Signature Party Rentals, Music by High Rize, DeBois Entertainment

If you’re dying to see even more of these unbelievable photos head on over to Sweet Monday’s blog to take it all in. Thank you very much to April and Lindsey from Sweet Monday Photography and a great big congratulations to Melissa & Chris on their marriage.

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Post tags: Cafe Pinot, City, City Wedding, Lanterns, Los Angeles, Orhcids, Sweet Monday
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog

From The Youngrens…

Stephanie and Sean’s wedding took place at a private estate in Montrose, just outside of Pasadena, CA. Under the direction of event coordinator Chris Clark of Extraordinary Events, the couple held their wedding reception throughout the multi-level, spacious garden of the bride’s family home. They infused the space with modern lighting, simple tabletop elegance, and personal Hispanic flavor (Stephanie’s grandmother made her famous homemade tamales). The real show stopper, however, was the dangling Chinese-style lanterns they strung throughout the space that lit the area with warm sophistication as the sun sank down and nighttime took over.

To see the entire affair, check out The Youngren’s blog.

Vendors: Photographers: Jeff and Erin Youngren of The Youngrens / Coordinator: Chris Clark of Extraordinary Events / Ceremony: First Baptist Church of Pasadena / Florist: Crescenta Valley Flower Mart

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Post tags: Hispanic, Lanterns, Pasadena, The Youngrens
Post categories: Traditional Elegance

Those are some really fun and beautiful photos, thank you Kim and Niki! We have another featured wedding on the way!

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Post tags: Color Palette Blue White Black, Cupcakes, Details, Elegant, Grooms Fashion, Kim and Niki Photography, Lanterns
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Photography

From the beautiful bride, Ashley…

When I was planning my wedding I knew I wanted 2 things- for it to be outside and to have peonies!  We ended up having the most beautiful weather- 78 and sunny- in Georgia in the summer!  We chose the location because my husband and I both graduated from UGA, and thought it would be really fun for everyone to come back up for the wedding.  The Founders Garden is just one of those gems on campus- perfect for a wedding!  We were really going for the garden party theme with a few vintage touches (mostly with the centerpieces).  We hung lanterns in the trees and had lights strung across the courtyard.   I would have to say my favorite detail of the day was the flowers- they were absolutely perfect!

Thanks so much for sharing your day with us, Ashley! We are announcing our giveaway winners next, so definitely check back in a bit!

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Post tags: Athens, Color Palette Pink Green, Founders Memorial Garden, Garden Party Theme, Georgia, Lanterns, Outdoor Wedding, Peonies
Post categories: Real Weddings

photographs were taken by the oh-so-talented Lindsay Brooke Emeigh

From the bride, Beth…

In terms of decor, we bought the paper lanterns from Target and hung them up ourselves using lightbulbs and wire. Turns out we didn’t need as much light as we originally thought (even though the farm gets incredibly dark at night).  We had a “red light” section, too, where the bar was, which we made by hanging up red lanterns and tiny lights on an old oak tree.

The flowers were from Corum’s, in Pleasant Garden, North Carolina (very close to my family’s farm).  I have an Aunt who works for a funeral home and recommended them highly.  They grow their own flowers there.  I had always envisioned a wildflower wedding, and they did an amazing jobs.  Wildflowers wouldn’t necessarily work in an enclosed in environment, but outside they really popped.

The cakes were from Maxie B’sin Greensboro.  I had initially planned to do cupcakes but as the country theme of the wedding began to really take shape, I decided that I really wanted to have a bunch of different cakes on unique cake stands, to give it a country fair feel.  I scoured the Internet to find deals on the cake stands.  I think it turned out really well.  We had very southern type cakes–hummingbird, 7-up cake, strawberry buttercream, lemon poundcake, and devil’s food cake.  It was a big hit.

Even more to come!!

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Post tags: Corum's, Country Wedding, Lanterns, Lindsay Brook Emeigh, Maxi B's, North Carolina, Southern Wedding, wildflowers
Post categories: Budget Beautiful, Do-It-Yourself Inspired

images by Widdis Photography

The Moroccan lanterns gracing the long tables are absolutely gorgeous. And, although this wedding is very elaborate, they would also make a beautiful touch to a more casual, budget-friendly wedding. I did a quick google search and found tons of white lanterns of all different shapes. Such a lovely idea!

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Post tags: Exceptional Events, Lanterns, Photography & Videography, Widdis Photography
Post categories: Wedding Details, Wedding Planners & Designers

all photos and instructions from Matthew Mead Style

These shabby chic touches are from Matthew’s Summer 2007 site. They are sweet and girly and would be perfect additions to a vintage, chic, backyard wedding. OR, use a different paper to cover or line the items and they can instantly be transformed into a more modern look.

1. To make the cute lunch boxes, featured in the top left corner, find a paper beverage box that you can cover and re-create. Using paper (either your own favorite wrapping paper, or a paper from Matthew’s downloads section), wrap the container so that all sides are covered, using double sided tape to attach the paper. Matthew’s version includes a soda, a sandwich, an apple, a flower, and
silverware. A cloth napkin adds an elegant touch to this literal
“lunch-to-go.” These lunch-to-go kits are PERFECT for a day-of treat for your bridesmaids.

*Alternatively, include two bottles of water, some locally inspired candy, a map of the area and some late night snack for your welcome baskets.

2. To make the beautiful Home Plates, featured in the top right corner, choose a small platter (5 1/2 X 7 ). Matthew offers papers that you can download from their
site. Add the number using a
stencil or rub off numbers from the craft store. Matthew used mod podge
(decoupage medium available at the craft store) to adhere the paper to
the plate. For outdoor use, weatherproof with urethane.

*Alternatively, use a hodge-podge of different plates as table numbers. You can set them up on each table using a frame stand.

3. Top make the perfect lanterns, featured in the bottom left corner, use two sheets of paper back-to-back against the outside of the glass.
Double-sided tape will hold things in place. Paper all four sides of
the lantern, including the door. Hang multiple lanterns over a dining
table, spread around a great room, or place strategically on a porch
for just the right amount of romantic light.

4. To make these oh-so-cute favor bags, fill wax paper bags with cookies, candy, salt-water taffy, and other yummy
summer treats. Use printed paper, cut with a deckled edge to secure the bags. Give to guests at showers, tea parties, weddings, etc.
Cut the edges with pinking shears for an heirloom feel or use other
shaped scissors for an innovative decorative edged look.

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Post tags: Lanterns, Matthew Mead Style
Post categories: DIY Projects

Cherries are the epitome of summertime. For a cute favor, you can buy a bunch of cherries at your local farmer’s market then fill little bakery bags with the fruit and a cute, clear monogrammed label on the front. Make the gift even more adorable by scalloping the top edge of the bag. OR, you could enlist friends or a local patisserie to bake mini cherry pies, packaging them in a white bakery box with a label, then tied together with bakery twine. I love these ideas!!

How gorgeous are these apricots…they are such a pretty color and completely perfect for summer decor. Using a barrel of apricots for centerpieces at an outdoor wedding is the perfect way to bring in a warm, charming ambiance (while saving money to boot!). I love the seating cards too…Martha’s tip is to write names on a strip of thin art paper and use a pencil to curl ends in opposite directions. You can then hang the paper from bamboo toothpicks inserted through the apricot to look like stems. How perfect!

Okay, I have been obsessed with paper luminaries for some time. To me, they so incredibly beautiful…kind of magical and utterly romantic. Not to mention, they are inexpensive and easy to make. Here are some of Martha’s tips on making these lanterns yourself..

You will need strings of full size Christmas lights with clear bulbs (remove every other bulb), light-colored paper bags about 7 inches wide (for each lantern, you’ll need two the same size), a utility knife, a ruler, 2-inch round self-stick labels and 2-inch-wide single-face satin ribbon (one 48 inch length of each lantern)

1. Trim the tops of each bag to make straight edges. For the top of each lantern, stick a label on the inside bottom center of one bag to reinforce. Reaching inside the bag with a utility knife, cut two 1 1/2″ slits, making an X on the label.

2. To attach bags to lights, first remove a bulb and slide the socket through the X, and then screw the bulb back in.

3. For the lantern bottom, slide a second bag up over the first one.

4. Lay the center of the ribbon on top of the wire at the socket; wrap ribbon snugly down sides of bags. Knot at bottom and let ends hang.

Voila! Okay, well maybe they aren’t EASY…but certainly doable!

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Post tags: Lanterns, Martha Stewart, Summer Wedding
Post categories: Wedding Details