Are you ready for the most amazing wedding story we’ve seen in a long time?

My wedding day is every bride’s worst nightmare. What transpired on that picture perfect Friday afternoon was nothing short of a miracle. The beautiful pictures you see depict not what I imagined it would be, but what I wouldn’t trade for the world. After all, behind all the glitz and glamour of a modern day wedding, is it not really just about two people vowing to love, cherish and honor each other for the rest of their lives? Well that’s the lesson, unfortunately, I learned the hard way.

The dreaded call came in around 1:00PM on Friday, August 26th, the day before Hurricane Irene was predicated to hit the coastal towns of New Jersey, and just FOUR hours before my wedding ceremony was scheduled to begin. Due to the “red alert” and evacuation orders issued for Atlantic City, our five-star venue was forced to cancel our wedding ceremony and reception… I can still hear the words “Your event has been cancelled” ringing in my diamond-clad ear. For as most brides know, four hours before your ceremony begins, your hair has been coiffed, your makeup has been perfected and you are trying to relax while sipping on your mimosa.

So what do you do when your dream has been crushed? Well, most families may regretfully inform the guests of the unfortunate news. However, as you can see by the pictures, we’re not like most families. I remember the moment so vividly. My sister, and maid of honor, looked at me frankly and said, “What do you want to do? You know, we’ve always said someone should get married at Lynette’s house.” (Lynette is a close family friend with an AMAZING outdoor landscape.) And that was all took…

The ball was rolling. Our families frantically took to the phones, rerouting the minister, ordering chairs, trying to piece together some semblance of a ceremony. The most amazing moment was when we pulled up to the house, having no idea what our wedding would look like, and seeing the beautiful ceremony space arranged on the lawn and the smiles of our friends and family. You can see by the pictures, they did an amazing job!

When you’re in the throes of planning the big, glamorous wedding affair that you dreamt of, it is so easy to forget the real meaning and purpose behind the day. We were blessed with the wonderful reminder that it is not really about the venue, or the 5 course meal, but rather being surrounded and supported by the people that care for you as you embark on this journey called marriage with the one you love the most!

Photography: Kay English Photography / Cinematography: Lucky Productions Cinematography / Flowers: Gerads Florist & Decorator / Invitation Designer: Wedding Paper Divas / Cake: The Bake Works / Wedding Gown Designer: Marisa, from Bridal Garden / Bridesmaid’s Dress Designer: Jessica Simpson Designs / Hairpiece: portobella

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Post tags: Atlantic City, Beach Wedding, Bridal Garden, Chuppah, Color Palette Purple Blue, Dogs, Etsy, Gerads Florist & Decorator, Hurricane Irene, Hydrangeas, Jessica Simpson, Jessica Simpson Deisgns, Kay English Photography, Lucky Productions Cinematography, Marisa, New Jersey, portobella, Rainbow, Roses, Starfish, The Bake Works, Water, Water Wedding, Watercolor, Wedding Cinematography, Wedding Paper Divas, Wedding Photography
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Cinematography

Isn’t this amazing? We’ve got a three way tie of favorite things: the amazing colors of the water infusing themselves into every inch of this affair, that fanTASTic hearth at the altar, and the stunning, over-the-top in love couple center stage. I think I might be leaning toward that sweet couple!

Photography: Kay English Photography / Venue: Bonnet Island Estate / Bridesmaid Dresses: Modcloth / Entertainment: Silver Sound

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Post tags: Beach Wedding, Birdcages, Bonnet Island Estate, Fireplace, Flower girls, Kay English Photography, Long Beach Island, ModCloth, New Jersey, Silver Sound, Vintage Chic, Water Weddings, Wedding Photography
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Vintage Chic

Oooh, and the romance is ever more present in this highlight film from Orange Films…

I grew up in New Jersey and always wanted to get married in my home state. We instantly fell in love with the Pleasantdale Chateau the moment we walked in. It has an intimate home-style ambiance, yet grandeur at the same time. We envisioned our wedding to be elegant and timeless, with classic tones of ivory and gold. We wanted our guests to enjoy a royal evening with gourmet food, flowing drinks and good music to dance all night.

All brides pray for good weather on their wedding day. A hurricane blowing through the Northeast never even crossed my mind throughout the planning process. When we chose August, the biggest weather concern was the groom melting in his tuxedo during the ceremony outside. Hurricane or not, the party still went on! My friends and family reassured me that the most important thing was that I was marrying the love of my life and a little rain (and maybe some wind) was not going to get in the way. I knew it was going be a perfect day the second I saw Edmond’s face during our private first meeting and all my worries disappeared. As long as we had each other, this wedding was going to be better than we imagined. We sealed this sentiment with a high-five and said “let’s do this!”

My wonderful bridesmaids entertained with cute arts & crafts while we were getting ready to keep me laughing about the circumstance. They were my lifesaver in keeping spirits light and focused on the prize of marriage. All my vendors ROCKED and made us feel like nothing was going on outside. Everyone was determined to make this the wedding of our dreams and I am truly thankful to have had such an amazing team. Edward Zilberman captured the day in the best trailer that makes me smile everytime I watch it. We were lucky to have Susan Stripling there to work her magic and capture beautiful images all indoors. And Stacey Kallenberg, my wedding planner extraordinaire pulled it all together while preventing me from panicking.

Edmond often joked the groom is only a prop at weddings. So, it was important to let his personality shine through the details as well. Boston sports is what he loves the most (second to me, of course). Our signature drink was called “The Champions” with flags of the city’s sports teams. His birthday was four days before our wedding, so I surprised him with a three-tier cake: Patriots Helmut, Red Sox Cap, Celtics basketball. The band played ‘Sweet Caroline’ as the cake was rolled into the ballroom. His reaction was priceless and one I will remember for the rest of my life. It was amusing to incorporate these details among the biggest NY sports fans on their home turf. And it’s even funnier that a girl who knows nothing about sports planned these details.

Irene was a wedding crasher who was not welcome, but she also showed us how blessed we are to have so many people who love us. We are so thankful for the people who braved the weather to share in our special day and celebrate with us. You just roll with the punches when things don’t go as planned and enjoy every minute. We had a blast and everything turned out beautifully. All our guests are still saying it was an unforgettable wedding in more ways than one. We definitely have a funny story to tell our kids one day.

Photography: Susan Stripling Photography / Cinematography: Orange Films / Flowers & Event Design: Laura Clare Fine Floral Design / Event Planning: Stacey Kallenberg, As You Wish Wedding & Event Design / Ceremony & Reception Location: Pleasantdale Chateau / Band: Craig Scott Orchestra / Invitations: Ray Chang, Roi Elfassy, Stacy Wright / Shoes: Manolo Blahnik / Dress: Christos / 2nd Dress: Shanghai Tang / Bridesmaid Dress: Amsale / Veil: Homa Bridal / Favors: Sweet Jane Lynn / Grooms Cake: Wendy’s Cake Art / Make-up: Danielle Arminio / Hair: Ramonda Marku

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Post tags: Amsale, As You Wish Wedding & Event Design, Ballroom Wedding, Boston, Bouquets, Centerpieces, Chinese Wedding, Christos, Color Palette Gold Purple, Craig Scott Orchestra, Danielle Arminio, Grooms Cakes, Homa Bridal, Hunter Boots, Laura Clare Fine Floral Design, Manolo Blahnik, New Jersey, New Jersey Wedding, Orange Films, Pleasantdale Chateau, Rainy Day, Rainy Day Wedding, Ramonda Marku, Ray Chang, Red Sox, Roi Elfassy, Shanghai Tang, Stacy Wright, Susan Stripling Photography, Sweet Jane Lynn, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Planners & Designers, Wendy's Cake Art
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

Manny and Tara met while working at Bloomingdale’s in NYC. They had worked together for over a year but it was never more than a friendly hello. Then one day a mutual friend asked them to go to her wedding. Neither one of us had a date, so she said you don’t live far from each other just go together. So Manny and Tara went to the wedding and had an amazing time. That night they made plans for a date the following week.

Manny and Tara had gone through their share of ups and downs. Manny was promoted to a Senior position at Bloomingdale’s and moved to Orlando while Tara stayed in New Jersey. They spent every few weeks trying to see each other for nine months. Then one day when Tara was visiting Manny in Florida he was offered another promotion in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Manny came and told Tara and asked her if he should take it, and if she wanted to go? Tara always loved the area around Washington DC, and her roommate had just gotten engaged and was moving out. So she figured why not, I have to move anyway — so that’s what she did. Tara followed Manny down to Alexandria.

After five years together Manny popped the question on the Fourth of July while watching the fireworks at the Chart House in Alexandria, Virginia, since that was the first place they shared a home.

It took Manny and Tara five months to find a venue for the wedding. Tara’s worst fear was to have a typical wedding, she wanted it to feel different and special. Tara’s Mom and Dad took Manny and Tara there as an engagement celebration, and Tara knew this was it! The ceremony took place on the Grounds for Sculpture at the nine muses, cocktails and dinner followed at Rat’s restaurant. It could not have been more perfect.

Venue: Rat’s Restaurant at Grounds for Sculpture / Cake: Design Cakes / Flowers: Dee’s Flowers and Gifts / Hair & Makeup: Valina Salon and Spa / Photography: mk Photography

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Post tags: Aldo, Color Palette Blue, Design Cake's Dee's Flowers and Gifts, Flower girls, Garden Weddings, Grounds for Sculpture, MKPhotography, New Jersey, Outdoor Ceremony, Rats Restaurant, Ring Bearers, Traditional Elegance, Valina Salon and Spa
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

From Lauren Rutten Photography … Annie & Sebastian were married on a family farm in Oldwick, New Jersey.  Annie’s mother took on much of the responsibility for planning the event, since Annie & Sebastian live on the west coast and were in the last few months of medical school (Annie) & law school (Sebastian). Many of the details of the day reflect back to how Annie and Sebastian met over 10 years ago in Tunisia. They spent every moment together and they choose a star to remind them of their summer in Tunisia.  Sebastian’s sister took the Night in Tunisia theme and created all the invitations, programs and stationery.

Uncle Henry’s farm provided a very relaxed and natural backdrop for their wedding. Annie grew up visiting the farm, so when it came to deciding where to shoot the first portraits of the couple, we stepped into a quiet trail of luscious woods, near where she used to play as a child.

Annie and Sebastian had friends arriving for the weekend from all parts of the world. Naturally, they wanted to keep their friends partying late into the evening. Dinner and dancing was capped off by a late night bon fire in the middle of the field where earlier they had been married under a beautiful white chuppah.

Photography: Lauren Rutten Photography / Gown: Amy Michelson / Hair & Makeup: RBA Salon in Millburn / Bridesmaid Dresses: Maggie London / Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Suits: Sam’s Fine Men’s Clothing / Caterer: Ross and Owen / Florist: The Rose and Radish / Officiant: Officiant Cantor Stahl / Invitations & Stationery: Groom’s sister / Cake: Ross and Owen / Musicians: Funktion 11 / Venue: Private Residence

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Post tags: Amy Michelson, Chuppah, Color Palette Red White, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, farm wedding, Flower girls, Funktion 11, Honey, Jewish, Lauren Rutten Photography, Maggie London, New Jersey, RBA Salon, Ross and Owen, Sam's Fine Men's Clothing
Post categories: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Little Black Book Blog

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From Sarah Tew Photography… Michael and Kimberly wanted to have a wedding close enough to NYC that their friends here could easily come– they found the most charming little venue called The Woman’s Club in Englewood, NJ that was about 20 minutes out of the city, where they could have their ceremony outdoors and their reception in a room just the right size for their party.  I just love what they did with the decor– they did a lot of it themselves (DIY), gathering together a collection of unique vintage brass ornamental bells and animal pieces to decorate the tables with as well as arranging their own flowers, candles, tissue poms, bunting, and other unique crafted decor.  As favors they gave away pieces of organic dark chocolate from Sweetface– and I must tell you it was delicious!

Not only did this couple display an enormous commitment to making their wedding their own, their guests totally tore down the house.  The DJ spun  I mean that in a good way– the dancing at this party was over the top– it was joyful, let-loose, make-funny-faces-when-we-dance kind of crowd (my favorite kind!)– and towards the end of the night there was some serious showmanship out there on the floor.  Take a look at some of my favorite shots from this sweet wedding.

Wedding Photography: Sarah Tew Photography / Venue: Woman’s Club of Englewood / Wedding Dress: Saja / Rings: Bell and Bird / DJ: Mr. Finewine / Officiant: Maureen Jeffries / Carrot Cake: Blue Sky Bakery / Cake Topper: Vintage / Catering: Rustic Foods / Ceremony Musicians: Howard Fields + Friends / Favors: Sweetface Chocolates

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Post tags: Bell and Bird, Blue Sky Bakery, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Englewood, Howard Fields + Friends, Maureen Jefferies, Mr Finewine, New Jersey, New York Weddings, Rustic Foods, Saja Wedding, Sarah Tew Photography, Sweetface Chocolates, Vintage, Woman's Club of Englewood
Post categories: New York Weddings, Vintage Chic

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride…Bobby and I both share a love for the water, and when we arrived at One Atlantic, we knew that this was going to be our wedding venue. Far out on the end of Caesars Pier, we felt transported to a cruise ship in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. With the Atlantic City skyline in the background, waves crashing on the shoreline, and the boardwalk buzzing with excitement, we felt that this venue embodied us as a couple.

The modern venue with clean lines and minimalist design, was the perfect setting for our unique style and vision. With my art background, and Bobby’s carpentry skills, we took advantage of this blank canvas and really made the space our own. From my homemade wedding cake to custom welcome sign and frame collage, Bobby and I had a very hands-on approach to planning our special day. We also created hand-painted aqua vases, vintage birdcages and ruffled clam shells, adorned with glossy white driftwood, tulle and fuchsia flowers. The varying textures of the centerpieces were accented by the warm light emanating from mercury glass votives that popped against the black and white Waverly table linens. Our guests enjoyed boardwalk treats, like saltwater taffy and cotton candy at our candy buffet. The event was a marriage between the old and new, incorporating classic details that captured the nostalgia of Atlantic City, as well as the modern touch of a present- day couple.

The colors of my wedding were fuchsia, aqua, black and white. My dress was both modern in its details and textures, yet classic in it’s silhouette. The tiered skirt mimicked the waves of the ocean. My bridesmaids wore black cocktail dresses, reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn’s style in ” Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” They each wore a different brooch, with vintage stud earrings, and fuchsia satin peep toe pumps with bow accents. Our bouquets were primarily fuchsia peonies in clouds of aqua tulle. Bobby wore a black tuxedo with suspenders, pocket square, and black skinny tie. While the groomsmen wore matching tuxedos with aqua ties that were varying designs.

Our favorite moment of the night, was our first dance. It was the first time we were able to speak alone and reflect on the day, the ceremony, our hard work, and most importantly our love for one another. Holding each other in our arms, we felt as though we were the only ones in the room. At this moment we finally felt complete.

Wedding Photography: Kay English Photography / Wedding Ceremony & Reception Location: One Atlantic / Catering: One Atlantic / Floral Design & Decor: Gerad’s Florist & Decorators / DJ: Steve & Co. / Wedding Videography: Exterastep Video / Second Photographer: Vanessa Joy / Wedding Gown: Jim Hjelm via Exquisite Bride / Bride’s Shoes: Lauren Jones via Nordstrom / Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Sung

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 43 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Alfred Sung, Aqua, Atlantic City, Color Palette Pink, contemporary, DIY Cake, DIY Details, Exterastep Video, Fuchsia, Gerad's Florist & Decorators, Jim Hjelm, Kay English Photography, Lauren Jones, Modern Style, New Jersey, NJ, Nordstrom, One Atlantic, Pink, Steve & Co., Vanessa Joy
Post categories: Contemporary

So amazing, right? Check out the amazing Highlight Film from Couture Motion!

Jonathan | Francine from Couture Motion on Vimeo.

From Turn Loose The Art … Francine and Jon really just wanted an amazing party. They had a killer venue on the edge of the Jersey Shore with a patio available for guests, lots of great details that made their day unique, and a dance mentality. In addition to little touches like cigars for guests lounging near the fireplace and drink stirrers with messages, they also had a custom cake from The Cake Boss of Carlo’s Bakery.

Adrienne, their wedding planner extraordinaire, was on top of everything from helping to organize family to making sure the ceremony went off without a hitch. Our guests happily joined in the cocktail-style reception with tray passed mini entrees and signature drinks.

Venue: Avenue *Le Club / Wedding Planning: Adrienne Colosimo of Bespoke Affairs / Bridal Gown: Amsale for Christos / Groom’s Tux: Alabaster & Chess / Cupcakes: Carlo’s Bakery / Wedding Invitations: Hornbill Hill / Cinematography: Couture Motion / Floral Design: Flowerful Events / Entertainment: DJ Unique / Hotel: Bungalow / Photography: Turn Loose The Art

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 28 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Alabaster & Chess, Amsale, Avenue *Le Club, Beach Wedding, Bespoke Affairs, Bungalow, Butterfly, Cake Boss, Candy Bar, Carlos Bakery, Casual Elegance, Christos, Color Palette Purple, contemporary, Couture Motion, Cupcakes, DJ Unique, Flowerful Events, Hornbill Hill, Jersey Shore, Jewish, Long Branch, New Jersey, Turn Loose The Art, Wedding Photography
Post categories: Contemporary, Little Black Book Blog