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From Marina of Birch Design Studio… The design concept for Amanda and Colin’s wedding was a fresh twist on classic patterns in vibrant colours, inspired by a selection of photographs they loved featuring garden trellises, striped textiles, chinoiserie porcelains. These patterns inspired their paper goods, which juxtaposed a variety of crisp patterns in blue and green to create a fresh take on the coordinated invitation suite. We translated this into the décor for their wedding by mixing and matching tailored napkins in bold patterns at each table. On a larger scale, we used oversized stretched canvases featuring these same patterns to punctuate the white walls of the Art Institute. The tailored white dinner tables showcased vivid purples, greens and blues to tie this modern twist on a classic approach to mixing patterns. Even Amanda’s spectacularly timeless wedding gown was juxtaposed with vibrant blue peep-toe heels as a nod to her own chic style. It was such a pleasure to create a wedding for Amanda and Colin that spoke to their personal style, and I feel in the end, their wedding truly was a reflection of their unique personalities: clever, modern, fun, and bold, yet also elegant and sophisticated. 

Wedding Photography: David Wittig Photography / Wedding Ceremony: Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago, Illinois / Wedding Reception: The Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois / Event Design, Planning + Production: Marine Birch of Birch Design Studio / Flowers: Renee Price of Kehoe Designs / Wedding Cinematography: I Do Films / Wedding Invitations: Suitor / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier / Custom Linens: Private Label Linens / Hair: Robyn Tornabeni Productions / Makeup: Rosie Scianna / Lighting, Fabric Panels + Production: Frost / Entertainment: Entourage from Arlen Music

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Post tags: Art Institute of Chicago, Birch Design Studio, Blue, Chicago, David Wittig Photography, Fourth Presbyterian Church, Green, I Do Films, Illinois, Kehoe Designs, Monique Lhuillier, Private Label Linens, Suitor, The Modern Wing
Post categories: Chicago Weddings, Contemporary, Illinois Weddings

After eleven months of bliss Marc and I decided to go on vacation to my favorite vacation spot growing up – Hawaii. On the second day of our trip Marc told me he had booked a photographer to take professional photos to satisfy my mom who was always complaining that she didn’t have any (I hate taking pictures!). We went down to the beach to meet with the photographer and had a blast being silly and posing for forty five minutes. When we were done the photographer said goodbye and Marc escorted me to a private hut on the beach. There were yellow rose petals on the sand leading to the dinner table set for two. There were menus with our names on them with all of my favorite foods listed. As soon as we were fully in the hut Marc got down on one knee and tried to recite something he had written earlier but ended up getting out the words “will you marry me.” We both were crying with joy and embraced for what felt like a few hours but in reality was only a few minutes. The photographer returned to our watery faces for some shots after the monumental moment. We then enjoyed a delicious private feast on the beach in Kauai! At the end of the evening we returned to our hotel room covered in roses and on the bed roses in the shape of a huge heart.

Marc and I immediately bonded over our love of food. Marc graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and owns and runs his own catering company. Marc spends his time planning and executing other people’s parties. He was so excited to finally be able to plan his own!

We had a vision of getting married by the water – we find the water to have a very calming and romantic presence. I have lived on the upper west side of Manhattan for the last five years and loved sunny days eating and drinking at the boat basin on 79th Street. After ruling out a few places due to number constraints and overall feel I walked Marc over to the Boat Basin thinking it could be a great venue for us if his company would be allowed to cater there. As luck would have it they allowed him to cater and the date they had available was perfect for us!

In five months we were able to put it all together and our reality wedding was better than all of my dreams. It was an amazingly sunny, 62 degree day in the midst of fall in NYC. Marc and I didn’t do the big wedding party – as it was too much of a hassle and we didn’t want to tell our most loved ones what they could and couldn’t wear. His brother was his best man and my best friend was by my side all day and night. Our attire on the invitations read “Cocktail wear with a nautical flare” Our vision was since this was a boat basin it should have a nautical feel. My maid of honor wore red, while my mother wore navy. We had a life ring made with our names and the date for people to pose with as they entered the ceremony to give it a feel of a forced cruise entrance photo.

The food was really at the heart of the party. We were very focused on having fun delicious food that everyone could enjoy. Our cocktail hour included a raw bar as well as passed micro lobster rolls, kobe beef sliders, mini fish tacos, tuna ceviche, pecking duck crepes, Panko chicken frites, and Vietnamese summer rolls. We had two signature drinks passed which were the drinks we enjoyed on our first date – dark and stormy and mojitos. Our meal at dinner was served family style since we really wanted everyone to be able to try everything and experience an interactive dining experience. Each table was served two different salads as an appetizer. For the main course we chose braised beef short ribs with macaroni and cheese and glazed heirloom carrots as well as seared ahi tuna with Himalayan red rice over a roasted wild mushrooms and endamame.

Dessert was very important to me – as my sweet tooth is very well known by everyone who has ever met me! My favorite cookies were layered rainbow cookies. I asked Marc if we could make a cake out of these cookies and before I knew it we had ordered two sheet trays of the cake, then cut them into cookie bites, layered them to resemble a cake and vwhala! Our cake cutting was so fun! Marc took a cookie off the pile and we shared our first one. Immediately following was a free for all of everyone just taking a cookie off the pile that resembled a cake. They were so moist and delicious – the best rainbow cookies I have ever tasted! We had a dessert table filled with all of my other favorites: micro ice cream sandwiches, banana pudding, lemon glazed cake doughnuts, peanut butter mouse pretzel cups, pistachio, chocolate orange, and almond biscotti’s, and assorted fruit.

The ceremony took place under a Chuppah that has been in Marc’s family for over 100 years. It was from Marc’s Great, Great Grandmother who started her own temple in Montreal. Music was very important to us as well. The song we exited the ceremony to was hakuna matata from the lion king. Our first dance was to our favorite song “give into me” sung as a duet.

The wedding day as a whole was point blank the best day of our lives. A very vivid memory is Marc and I getting ready. We both got ready in our apartment with Dori, the maid of honor. Dori had the job of keeping us separated so that we would not see each other before the grand reveal for the cameras. While Dori was helping Marc with his bowtie in the other room I was standing nervously alone in the dining room. All of a sudden Marc screamed “Erica” to which I replied “Yes?” – then he said “I love you.” In that moment my anxiety and fear disappeared and I became overwhelmed with joy with the reminder of what this day was about; committing to spend the rest of our lives as best friends together forever.

Photographer: Jonathan Hanson, ReadyLuck / Videographer: Bruce Cullen / Floral Designer: Banchet Jaigla of Banchet Flowers / Event Design & Planning: On The Marc Events & The Spark Group / Makeup: Jackie Gomez / Caterer: On The Marc Events / Cake & Desserts: On The Marc Events / Wedding Gown Designer: Monique Lhuillier / Band: Marianne Bennett / Venue: The West 79th Street Boat Basin Café

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Post tags: Banchet Flowers, Bowties, Bruce Cullen, Calla Lilies, Chuppah, Fall Weddings, Food, Jackie Gomez, Jewish Weddings, Manhattan, Marianne Bennett, Monique Lhuillier, Nautical, New York, New York Weddings, On The Marc Events, Outdoor Ceremony, Readyluck, The Spark Group, The West 79th Street Boat Basin Cafe, Traditional Elegance, tulips, Water, Waterside, Wedding Photography
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

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From Christina of Christina Dely Photography… Marina and Dani’s Pasadena wedding was actually a destination wedding for this gorgeous pair, who reside in the state of Texas. We started off the day at the beautiful Bissell House Bed & Breakfast. This cultural landmark was built in the 1800s and provided a stunning backdrop for Marina’s getting ready photos and the couple’s first look. The ceremony and reception were held at the elegant Castle Green. Once a lavish resort and also built in the 1800s, Castle Green provided a lush garden for the couple’s traditional Catholic ceremony. A pianist and violinist played while the wedding party strode down the aisle, which was adorned with lovely white rose petals. Pastel pinks, greens & lavenders were incorporated through out the ceremony and reception.

Wedding Photography: Christina Dely Photography / Wedding Venue: Castle Green in Pasadena, California / Wedding Planning: Carol Roleder of Craig’s Crew / Florist: Flowers by Leah (lhorrigan1@earthlink.com) / Wedding Gown: Monique Lhuillier / Bride’s Shoes: Vince Camuto / Full-Length Bridesmaid Dress: Windsor / Other Bridesmaids’ Dresses: The Limited / Getting Ready Location: The Bissell House Bed & Breakfast / Catering: Martha Ramos of Sofrito Fusion Catering / Pianist: Jeremy Weinglass / Vocalists: Noreen Valdes + George Komsky (noreenav@yahoo.com) / Wedding Invitations: Especially For You Designs (818-345-2988)

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Post tags: California, Carol Roleder, Castle Green, Christina Dely Photography, Flowers by Leah, George Komsky, Jeremy Weinglass, Lavender, Martha Ramos, Monique Lhuillier, Noreen Valdes, Pale Green, Pasadena, Pink, Sofrito Fusion Catering, The Bissell House Bed & Breakfast, The Limited, Vince Camuto, Windsor
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Destination Weddings

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From Robert and Kathleen of Robert & Kathleen Photographers… A glamorous New York City wedding set in one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods: Gramercy Park. Neighborhood residents Becky and Dave selected the Gramercy Park Hotel for their wedding ceremony and reception not only because it was local but because it also happens to be a stunning location in its own right. Dave even managed to secure access to Gramercy Park itself (one of the few private parks in the city that can only be accessed with a key) for their first look and formal photos.

Wedding Photography: Robert & Kathleen Photographers / Wedding Venue: Gramercy Park Hotel in New York City, New York / Flowers: Celadon & Celery / Wedding Cake + Groom’s Cake: Sugar Couture / Wedding Gown: Monique Lhuillier / Bride’s Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti / Hair: Jeff Chastain / Make-up: Nam Vo / Bride’s Jewelry: Borrowed from the Bride’s Mother / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Dessy / Groom’s Suit: Hugo Boss / Groom’s Shoes: Calvin Klein / DJ: Scott Melker

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Post tags: Calvin Klein, Celadon & Celery, Dessy, Giuseppe Zanotti, Gramercy Park, gramercy park hotel, Hot Pink, Hugo Boss, Jeff Chastain, Monique Lhuillier, Nam Vo, New York, New York City, Orange, Red, Robert & Kathleen Photographers, Scott Melker, Sugar Couture
Post categories: New York City Weddings, New York Weddings, Traditional Elegance

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From the bride… Finding the one person who makes you smile and feel like a princess is every woman’s dream and I am no exception! Nikos and I had visited Venice two years ago for the Relais Chateaux convention. We only stayed there for 3 days and had limited time to visit everything Venice had to offer, but were totally blown away by its grandeur and both promised to come back for more. We were truly captivated by its beauty — mini pathways, little bridges that led you from one island to the next, cute trattorias filled with amazing pizza, fresh pasta and mouth-watering tiramisu, and of course, the extraordinary view from our suite to the canal grande!

We both knew that a big wedding was not our kind of style. Being a wedding planner gave me a good idea of what I really wanted as a bride.  In my opinion, a wedding has to be all about the couple wishes, hopes, dreams and character. So we decided that a secret wedding would make us both happy! When Nikos informed me that Venice hosts one of the oldest most beautiful Greek orthodox churches (the oldest and historically the most important church of the Orthodox Diaspora), tears of joy made their way! My decoration was inspired by Preston Bailey. His creations are all about going over-the-top, and he loves using orchids. So we decided to use orchids both for the church decorations and at the reception in shades of green and blue. My favorite piece is the decorated tree at the reception table with blue and green orchids, mini tea light candles and crystal pebbles. It was like a fairytale. As Nikos’ last name is Pagonis (in Greek, “peacock”) Astrid Mueller used the colors of the peacock in our wedding programs and announcement cards, plexiglass stirs, table card and cake topper. Astrid also introduced me to Marie at Emici Bridal, who created the most beautiful wedding bouquet out of silk flowers and green and blue brooches!

If I could give any advice? Find a planner who is a good listener and evokes trust, and don’t let anyone from the pastry chef to the wedding boutique stress you all about the “do’s and dont’s” of a wedding. Also, don’t let any last-minute mishaps (and believe me there will be some) make you lose your temper — try to enjoy every minute of your wedding and its preparations!

Wedding Photography + Videography: Andrea & Marcus / Wedding Planning: Andrea Naar Alba + Stella and Moscha (The Bride’s Company) / Wedding Flowers: Munaretto / Wedding Bouquet: Emici Bridal / Ceremony: San Giorgio dei Greci Church in Venice, Italy / Hotel + Reception: Ca Sagredo in Venice, Italy / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier “Amaranth” / Bride’s Bronze Pumps: Yves Saint Laurent / Bride’s Chandelier Earrings: Atlantis Jewels (atlantis@san.forthnet.gr) / Wedding Cake: Ramperti Roberto / Wedding Stationery + Plexiglass Details: Astrid Mueller / Hair + Makeup: Ina Ella Maurer, Maid of Honor / Wedding Bands: Tiffany / Engagement Ring: Nick the Greek in Santorini, Greece (nickthegreek@otenet.gr)

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Post tags: Andrea & Marcus, Andrea Naar Alba, Astrid Mueller, Atlantis Jewels, Blue, Ca Sagredo, Emici Bridal, Green, Ina Ella Maurer, Italy, Monique Lhuillier, Monique Lhuillier Amaranth, Munaretto, Nick the Greek, Peacock Theme, Ramperti Roberto, San Giorgio dei Greci Church, Stella and Moscha, Tiffany, Venice, Yves Saint Laurent
Post categories: Destination, Destination Weddings, Italy Weddings

Gorgeous, right? And it gets even better after a viewing of this lovely film by Le Reve Productions…

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the bride… Will and I decided to have an intimate Catholic ceremony for immediate family two days before our outdoor ceremony and reception. At first, I was a little anxious and overwhelmed at the idea of two weddings, but in the end the first ceremony was truly beautiful and took a lot of pressure off the big wedding day that I put so much time and energy into planning. Even though most of our guests didn’t know it, Will and I were already legally married at our big wedding, which made me feel a lot more relaxed!

As far as the planning process went, I knew I wanted our wedding to be soft, whimsical, light, and airy from the very beginning.  I had the idea of a beautiful, fantastical tea party set in the middle of a forest and with the help of our amazing planner, Ryan, and our friends and family, the idea grew and changed into something more perfect than I could have ever imagined. Our ceremony location had this breathtaking view of vineyards and mountains, so we really let the backdrop do the talking and kept the space natural and fairly clean for the ceremony and vows. We were able to have a lot of fun with our reception area, however, using the bell tower for our grand entrance and creating an intimate space for dinner, cocktails, and dancing with a long grand table, vintage furniture, floating fabric lanterns, and twinkling lights.

I was really into the little touches that made our day different. My sister Gina created our beautiful ribbon table runner for our head table. We had the idea of making vintage dance cards for our escort cards and included rustic mini pencils so our guests could fill them out throughout the evening. Our amazing graphic designer worked with us to craft some fun vintage Valentine-themed cards that sat at each place setting that either had “five things his family should know about her” or vice-versa. I really enjoyed collecting the mismatched vases, teapots, cups, and containers that we used for our floral arrangements, and one of my favorite touches was the collection of vintage thimbles I acquired over the year that we let our guests take home as kisses for the day (inspired by my favorite Peter Pan quote). As we got closer and closer to the wedding, people kept reminding me that things would go wrong and I should be prepared. And I was completely prepared. But to be totally honest, I was just so thrilled the entire day and could not have been happier. I married my best friend and had the time of my life. The speeches, the dress, the weather, the man … to me, it was all perfect. Right out of a fairytale.  

Wedding Photography: Erin Hearts Court / Videography: Le Reve Productions / Wedding Venue: South Coast Winery in Temecula, California / Wedding Coordination + Design: Savoir Flair Weddings / Flowers: Fiore Design / Cake + Desserts: Cakes to Celebrate / Vintage Furniture: Archive Vintage Rentals / Classic Furniture + Linen Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Ceremony Music: Jory Schulman / DJ: Red Shoe LA / Wedding Dress + Reception Sash: Monique Lhuillier / Gold Shoes: Jean-Michel Cazabat / Hair + Makeup: The Studio Agency / Wedding Paper Products: Kristen Gara / Wedding Invitations: SmallPrinter / Cookies: Magnolia Bakery / Officiant: Rev. Bruce Greene

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Post tags: Archive Vintage Rentals, Cakes to Celebrate, California, Classic Party Rentals, Erin Heart's Court, Fiore Design, Jean-Michel Cazabat, Jory Schulman, Kristen Gara, Lavender, Le Reve Productions, Magnolia Bakery, Monique Lhuillier, Pale Blue, Pink, Red Shoe LA, Rev. Bruce Greene, Savoir Flair Weddings, SmallPrinter, South Coast Winery, Temecula, The Studio Agency
Post categories: The Blog, Vintage Chic

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From the Bride… Everyone kept asking me what my “theme” was going to be for my wedding. Theme? I didn’t think about it that way. We wanted a beautiful and warm evening celebrating our decision to commit to one another for the rest of our lives. We wanted to eat, drink, dance, and toast with the people that we love. I wanted each detail of the ceremony and reception to be memorable, familiar, comforting, and a reflection of how each guest played a part in supporting our growth as a couple.

Our sign in book was a canvas painting of the limbs of a tree. Our guests “signed in” by leaving their thumbprints, which served as the leaves of the tree. It is now framed and hanging in our bedroom. We also had homemade lawn games. My dad constructed a cornhole game and painted it with our initials. Jack and I both love music, so our wedding favor was a CD for our guest to enjoy on their drive home. Instead of a traditional groom’s cake, Jack elected to have a creme brulee and scotch pairing … heavy on the scotch. 

The best moment of the day was seeing Jack before the ceremony. It was overwhelming, calming, exciting, warm, and beautiful, all in one breath. I also loved our sendoff … in true Texas fashion our guests fired toy cap guns as we ran to our getaway car. My biggest piece of advice is to try to take it all in because your wedding is over in the blink of an eye.

Wedding Photography: Caroline + Ben Photography / Wedding Venue: Austin Museum of Arts: Arthouse Laguna Gloria / Wedding Coordination: BZ Events / Wedding Flowers: Last Petal / Catering: Word of Mouth / Wedding Cake: Stardust Pastry / Rentals: Marquee Rents / DJ: DJ Kit K / Lighting: Ilios Lighting / Hair + Makeup: Kacy Franklin + Rhea McCarter / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier via Ultimate Bride / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Priscilla of Boston via Bella Bridesmaid / Jewelry: Jewel Mint / Music CD Wedding Favors: DIY by the Bride + Groom / Groom’s Attire:  Klein, Epstein and Parker / Wedding Paper Goods: The Creative Parasol

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Post tags: Arthouse Laguna Gloria, Austin, Austin Museum of Arts, Bella Bridesmaid, BZ Events, Caroline + Ben Photography, DJ Kit K, Green, Ilios LIghting, Jewel Mint, Kacy Franklin, Klein Epstein and Parker, Laguna Gloria, Last Petal, Marquee Rents, Monique Lhuillier, Priscilla of Boston, Purple, Rhea McCarter, Stardust Pastry, Texas, The Creative Parasol, Ultimate Bride, Word of Mouth
Post categories: Austin Weddings, Casual Elegance, Texas Weddings

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Emilie + Tyler Wedding Highlight Film from Jason Kim on Vimeo.

From Fresh Events Company… This wedding is filled with beautiful details, sweet and adorable ideas, and a unique and offbeat venue that will have you wanting to have your own cozy DIY wedding!  Emilie and Tyler are your modern, unique and awesome couple who are so stylish and just plain cool. The two met like many couples these days do: online. After a crowded and loud first date at Father’s Office, sharing a table with two businessmen out for drinks, sparks flew nonetheless, and two years later, Tyler popped the question. Tyler remembers his most memorable moment at the wedding to be his father’s toast while Emilie loved the recessional after being announced husband and wife for the first time and the grand entrance where the two emerged from the lofty second floor down to their friends and family.

Emilie was very involved in providing a lot of the vintage and adorable details that the wedding features. With help from her family, they custom made table runners, pillows, sofa covers, and pennant flags for their escort cards. She and Tyler also worked together to make ALL of the paper chains that you see hanging at their ceremony! 70 of their closest friends and family dined on comfort foods such as macaroni and cheese and steak filet, which were served up family style. An awesome dessert table kicked off dancing for the rest of the evening.

Wedding Planning: Fresh Events Company / Wedding Photography: Kari Kochar Photography / Second Photographer: Gloria Mesa for Kari Kochar Photography / Florist: Gilly Flowers / Wedding Venue: Huron Substation in Los Angeles, California / Rentals: Town & Country Event Rentals / DJ: Red Shoe LA / Groom’s Suit: J.Crew / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier / Table Runners, Pillows, Sofa Covers, Pennant Flags + Paper Chains: DIY

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Post tags: California, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Fresh Events Company, Gilly Flowers, Gloria Mesa, Gray, Green, Huron Substation, J. Crew, Kari Kochar Photography, Los Angeles, Monique Lhuillier, Red, Red Shoe LA, Town & Country Event Rentals
Post categories: California Weddings, Casual Elegance, Los Angeles Weddings