Lots of people say that they are shocked when their boyfriend proposes.  I was really shocked though!  Sam and I had never talked about getting married, nor did I have any idea of what type of wedding I would want some day… On October 9, 2009, Sam surprised me on a quiet night at home with a beautiful new jacket – and a gorgeous ring inside.  From there the whirlwind began!

When we started looking at venues, I knew I wanted a different type of location (no reception hall or ballroom for us).  After looking at 13 venues, a caterer told us about Saltwater Farm Vineyard.  It was late at night on a Friday night, we didn’t have an appointment and there was still no permanent lighting installed inside.  The amazing owners came and met us with flashlights and we were instantly in love.  The other thing that made us book it was seeing the Inn at Stonington.  We were lucky enough to stay there for our whole wedding weekend with our immediate family and bridal party.  The management staff there is amazing and really made our wedding weekend extra magical for us.

Our photographer was easy – we knew we wanted Raw Photo Design and booked them a year and a half in advance.  My father was relentless that we must get a band, so we found the amazing ETA Music through a friend and were thrilled they had the date open!  Everything else really fell into place.  Sam and I are both very simple but love a vintage, rustic style so that was what we tried to stick with.  From lantern centerpieces, to acoustic classic rock cocktail music, to a warm fireplace, pretty much everything turned out how we wanted. The best part of our wedding was that we had an absolute blast!!  It will always be a day to remember for us!

Photography: Raw Photo Design / Flowers: It’s So Ranunculus / Caterer: Gourmet Galley / Ceremony and Reception Location: Saltwater Farm Vineyard / Band: ETA Music / Hotel: Inn at Stonington / Shoes: Bridal by Butter / Dress:  Siri / Bridesmaid Dresses: Lela Rose

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Post tags: Bridal by Butter, Connecticut, DIY Chalkboard, ETA Music, Gourmet Galley, Inn at Stonington, It's So Ranunculus, Lela Rose, Neutral Color Palette, Outdoor Ceremony, Outdoor Wedding, Rainy Day Wedding, Raw Photo Design, Saltwater Farm Vineyard, Siri, Stonington, Vineyard Wedding, Vintage Chic, Wedding Photography
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Vintage Chic

Unexpected intense summer thunderstorms didn’t stop photographer Carla and hubby Dave Ten Eyck from renewing their vows at Carla’s childhood home and their current studio and home in Hartford, CT.  The wedding was orchestrated by a team of vendors belonging to the members of the Little Black Book, including Carla Ten Eyck Photography, Studio Foto, Jubilee Events, Datura: A Modern Garden, Dana Bartone & Co, The White Dress by the Shore, and RAW Photo Design.

Details of this wedding were anchored in Carla and Dave’s strong sense of family, her mother Georgianne’s memory, her Mexican heritage and her passion of photography. Carla looked stunning in her tea length dress by Siri and head piece by The White Dress By the Shore. The bridal party, consisting of her children Jack and Georgie and studio members, wore her studio colors – pink and brown. The gowns were from The White Dress By the Shore.

Colorful star and globe shaped lanterns swayed in the breeze, lighting the wooden picnic table that was once Carla’s dinning room table growing up.  The wooden table set up was reminiscent of a dia de Los Muertos altar in Mexico, and was peppered with Carla’s mother’s china, pictures of Carla’s studio members and roses given to Carla’s mother for Mother’s Day.

Amongst family photos, various old cameras were displayed, owned by Carla and her father. Friends wrote well wishes on paper tags and hung them on a Blue Atlas Cedar wishing tree, the tree that Carla gave her husband Dave as his original wedding gift (almost 12 years ago). The words written all described words of wisdom for a strong and lasting marriage. Rodney, their cat and Mexican Food. Yes. Keys to a successful marriage for sure!

To escape the rain, the ceremony was held on the front porch, as guests held umbrellas and snapped pictures. Childhood friend, Susannah McGlamery who officiated the ceremony, reread the same words she spoke at their first wedding years before.

Bouquets by Datura, A Modern Garden, included pink peonies, queen anne’s lace (one of Carla’s mother’s favorite flower), ranunculus and garden roses.  Guests enjoyed pizza and gelato from The Pizza Truck while relaxing on furniture from Ryan Designs.  When the festivities were over, guests left with Carla’s aunt Donna’s homemade “Keep it spicy” hot pepper jelly.

Photography: Carla Ten Eyck Photography, Growing Tree Photography, DeCarlo Photo Studio, RAW Photo Design, Studio Foto / Wedding Dress: Siri at The White Dress by the Shore / Hair & Makeup: Dana Bartone & Co. / Officiant: Susannah McGlamery / Flowers: Datura: A Modern Garden / Cake: Hope from A Little Imagination Cakes / Video: Jim Altieri, Vintage Cinema / Brides Jewelry: Custom made by Aquina, The White Dress by the Shore / Maids Jewels: Perception Jewelry / Lanterns & Furniture: Ryan Designs / Brides Shoes: Bagdley Mischka / Day of Coordination: Jubilee Events

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Post tags: A Little Imagination Cakes, Bagdley Mischka, Carla Ten Eyck Photography, Chinese Lanterns, Color Palette Pink Brown, Connecticut, Cupcakes, Dana Bartone & Co., Datura: A Modern Garden, DeCarlo Photo Studio, Flower girls, Growing Tree Photography, Hartfort, jam, Jubilee Events, Lanterns, Perception Jewelry, Rain, Rainy Day Wedding, Raw Photo Design, Ring Bearers, Ryan Designs, Siri, Studio Foto, Swings, The White Dress By The Shore, Vintage Chic, Vintage Cinema, Vow Renewal, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Photography
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Vintage Chic

C10: Tik Tok from Jim Altieri on Vimeo.

If you are anything like me, that was just the first time of many that you will watch that video. I love it, I love the laid back, chill atmosphere, and I love the rockstar that is Carla Ten Eyck. I’m telling you now, the rest of the wedding is just as awesome. Think amazing florals, creekside romance, the cutest little flower girl ever, and lots and lots of pink. And the best news? We’ll be back here bright and early Monday morning to share it with you. I will see you then!

Photography: Carla Ten Eyck Photography, Growing Tree Photography, DeCarlo Photo Studio, RAW Photo Design, Studio Foto / Wedding Dress: Siri at The White Dress by the Shore / Hair & Makeup: Dana Bartone & Co. / Officiant: Susannah McGlamery / Flowers: Datura: A Modern Garden / Cake: Hope from A Little Imagination Cakes / Video: Jim Altieri, Vintage Cinema / Brides Jewelry: Custom made by Aquina, The White Dress by the Shore / Maids Jewels: Perception Jewelry / Lanterns & Furniture: Ryan Designs / Brides Shoes: Bagdley Mischka / Day of Coordination: Jubilee Events

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Post tags: A Little Imagination Cakes, Aquina, Bagdley Mischka, Carla Ten Eyck Photogrpahy, Dana Bartone & Co., Datura: A Modern Garden, DeCarlo Photo Studio, Growing Tree Photography, Jubilee Events, Ke$ha, Perception Jewelry, Raw Photo Design, Ryan Designs, Siri, Studio Foto, The White Dress By The Shore, Vintage Cinema, Wedding Cinematography, Wedding Video
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Cinematography

Click here to see the entire image gallery!

From Jubilee Events… A wedding with so many carefully thought out details: that was the story of Anna and Matt. They started their planning journey with a rocky start– troubled by hardships. Luckily, they entered a contest on Style Me Pretty and were chosen to receive a wedding with support by a lot of special vendors, including Jessica’s Country Flowers, who organized the give-a-way and designed all of their flowers.

They were destined to have an Alice in Wonderland styled wedding on the last weekend of summer, surrounded by 150 of their nearest and dearest. Mostly do-it-yourself, they took on a ton of projects to truly make their wedding their own. From fabric pennant flags that the bride sewed, to the wedding paper suite expertly designed by the groom (with a little help from an amazing illustrator Krista Wildermuth). Perhaps the most amazing piece of homemade décor was the antique door we suspended above their long, family style head table with dozens of antique medicine bottles hanging above like a chandelier. The sweetest part of their story is they were inspired by so many blogs and other couples!

In this kind of styled event, we were inspired by the original Alice in Wonderland and took some visual cues: pearls that the bride wore, “eat me” and “drink me” signs, a play on cards using them as favors and being inspired by them with their cake, the use of zinnias and dahlias in their flowers. But overall, Anna and Matt wanted a colorful, fun, and quirky look that represented them as a couple. We used fun and playful colors— aqua, blue, pink, red, and shades of silver to bring their vision to life.

Their ceremony took place just a stones throw from where the bride grew up at a little, teeny tiny church called Hope Valley Church. A hydrangea covered wreath greeted guests at the steeple and sweet music from a duo of violins prompted the ceremony, where Anna was escorted down the aisle by her dad. She wore an absolutely gorgeous gown with ruffles that cascaded down the back… And layers, and layers of vintage pearls collected from flea markets & antique shops. A cage veil and pretty fascinator, all from The White Dress by the Shore. Matt wore a Versace suit and tie with a pair of custom chuck taylors.

After the ceremony, guests blew bubbles and saw the newly weds off to their epic reception— complete with gorgeous tablescapes designed by us full of sweet little details, and a lot of fun. The bride and groom had their hand on every piece of décor for their wedding— we scouted vintage china used to serve guests dinner at flea markets (Brimfield, to be exact!) together and borrowed unique pieces from Anna’s father— a man who loves antiques! Each guest plucked their escort card from an antique barn door from Anna’s home that Matt hammered vintage nails into. A tag with their name on it, affixed to a skeleton key, guided them to their table. After dinner, they danced the night away with family and friends into the wee hours!

Wedding Photography: Raw Photo Design / Flowers: Jessica’s Country Flowers / Event Design & Planning: Jubilee Events / Ceremony Location: Hope Valley Church, Amston, CT / Reception Location: The Barns at Wesleyan Hills / Custom Lighting: Rob Alberti / Wedding Invitations: DIY by Bride & Groom / Monogram: Krista Wildermuth / Wedding Dress & Veil: Vineyard Collection by Priscilla of Boston via The White Dress by the Shore / Wedding Cake: Kelly’s Sweet Rewards / Makeup: Blush Couture Design / Ceremony Music: Millennium Music / DJ: DJ Derek / Shoes: Stuart Weitzmen / Hair: Andrea’s Hair Studio, Glastonbury, CT / Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo via The White Dress by the Shore / Calligraphy: Jondahl Meotti

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Post tags: Alice in Wonderland, Amston, Andrea's Hair Studio, Aqua, Barn Reception, Blue, Blush Couture Design, Chuck Taylors, Connecticut, DIY Details, DJ Derek, Hope Valley Church, Jenny Yoo, Jessica's Country Flowers, Jondahl Meotti, Jubilee Events, Kelly's Sweet Rewards, Krista Wildermuth, Millennium Music, Pink, Raw Photo Design, Red, Rob Alberti, Stuart Weitzmen, The Barns at Wesleyan Hills, The White Dress By The Shore, Vineyard Collection by Priscilla of Boston, Vintage Details
Post categories: Whimsical

So, without further ado, we are going to jump right into our first pretty number. Captured by Raw Photo Design, it is the complete epitome of a classic New England wedding right down to that candle clad fireplace. Total perfection if you ask us and so worth a visit to the gallery.

there is more where these lovely images came from in the gallery!

I love a theme. My mother and Aunt are clones of Martha Stewart and say that I too have the “theme gene.” I really wanted a wedding with a vintage elegance feel, that felt like a dinner party more than a wedding. We decided to keep the wedding small with only about 80 guests, half of that Johnny’s large family! I wanted a unique venue that really captured the elegance of a bygone era. As soon as I saw Eolia Mansion at Harkness Park I knew it was the perfect spot with its stunning English gardens. I did a ton of DIY projects on a fairly small budget and was inspired by so many beautiful weddings on Style Me Pretty. I searched high and low and found beautiful mercury glass vases for the niches which helped bring in the vintage charm. I created a moss covered M for my new monogram and used inexpensive silver frames to frame old photos of close family members. Ribbon draped moss wreaths on the glass double doors went to match the moss tray carrying the calligraphy escort cards.

I chose to use peaches to accent the beauty of the blush in the flowers. Johnny and I actually picked them at a nearby orchard the morning of our wedding! The peaches were so fresh and summery; they were even used in the chicken dish that was served with fresh basil and peaches. The gorgeous bouquets and the table centerpieces were done by Yumiko at Hana Floral Design while I created the extra garden rose pieces in silver mint julep cups for the ceremony and reception. All the décor really came together better than I could have hoped on the day!

Johnny and I met in a hostel in Cinque Terre, Italy the summer of 2006. I had been living in Spain and he was stationed with the US Army in Germany and we randomly booked the same hostel for weekend trips with our friends. We kept in touch and started dating a year later when he moved back to the East Coast. After 6 months of dating, Johnny decided to move to New Zealand and asked me to join him. When we moved home a year later, without jobs or a home, he surprised me with a proposal on the beach in Maine. It was perfect!

Photography: Raw Photo Design / Dress: Priscilla of Boston from White Dress by the Shore / Shoes: J.Crew / Florist: Hana Floral Design, Yumiko Fletcher / Ceremony and Reception Location: Eolia Mansion Harkness State Park Waterford, CT

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Post tags: Connecticut, Eolia Mansion, Hana Floral Design, J. Crew, Priscilla of Boston, Raw Photo Design, Waterford, White Dress By The Shore
Post categories: The Blog, Traditional Elegance

From Raw Photo Design…

Boudoir photography has officially been transformed from over-done makeup, foggy filters, and awkward poses to straight-up elegance and female empowerment. Some say it is a fleeting trend, while others just refer to them as ‘some sexy pictures.’

But we believe that boudoir photography transcends all of this, and is meant to make our clients feel like they have never felt before …beautiful….confident….empowered….gorgeous….assured….assertive…. stunning…. glamorous….elegant….sophisticated….or how we like to say: “like Rockstars”.

Like we said…much more than taking some sexy photos. This is why we do what we do…to help women achieve a level of confidence and empowerment they have never experienced before in an elegant and tasteful manner.

{Click here to see additional images in our galleries}

Alright, alright, I know these women are seriously gorgeous and their bodies are insane. But a beautiful boudoir sessions isn’t about your body, it’s about your attitude. A lot of women, regardless of their shape or size, want to do a boudoir session as a Valentine’s surprise for their fiancé, an anniversary gift for their hubby, or just as a way to celebrate their own bodies. A boudoir session is an intimate experience, so be sure to pick your photographer carefully and thoughtfully.

To give you an even better idea about how a boudoir session works and what to expect, definitely check out Raw Photo’s boudoir video by Vantage Point Films…

So fun right?!?!

We have a fabulous line up of LBB vendors that specialize in boudoir. They are a very talented crew and most importantly, they’re are all extremely professional photographers that will make you feel beautiful, confident, and yes, very sexy.

Vendors: Photography: Raw Photo Design / Cinematography: Vantage Point Films / Makeup & hair styling of all the ladies featured, Stacey Palancia of Blush Couture – Lindsey Gallagher of Like Flutter for Lashes – Sue Houde of Naomi’s Studio / Lingerie in the video provided by Beneath the Gown in Clinton, CT

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Post tags: Beneath the Gown, Blush Couture, Boudoir, Like Flutter for Lashes, Naomi's Studio, Raw Photo Design, Vantage Point Films
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Photo Shoot

A couple of months ago, we brought you the fabulous photo shoot that Candice Dowling took part in at an amazing old girls’ school in Connecticut. This time, she wasn’t there helping one of her brides, though, SHE WAS the bride!

Here’s one of her engagement shots from Robert & Kathleen Photographers …

Candice is the creative force behind Jubilee Events. Based in Connecticut, and working throughout New England, Jubilee Events is one of the premiere wedding planning and coordination firms in our Little Black Book. During these past few months, the height of the 2009 wedding season, Candice was also planning her own wedding!

She sent us a few of the photos from her wedding shower and we wanted to share!

from Candice …
My poor mother – she sure did have her work cut out for her planning this fabulous party! I had to keep a safe distance from the planning and I’m so glad I did. She did such a tremendous job.

My mother shares my affection for wine and wanted to do something that incorporated my love of Vino into my bridal shower. We booked an amazing honeymoon to Sonoma / Napa Valley, so she used that as her inspiration and created a wine country inspired shower.

The afternoon started at my grandmother’s house – which is this fabulous 100 year old Victorian in Connecticut, nestled in a little oasis near the middle of town. When guests arrived they were greeted by a beautifully decorated staircase that comes into the south side of the house. Rose petals, garland, purple ribbon – it was so beautiful!

We served lots of yummy food and wine on the north side of the house out on the veranda and sun porch, including Pavilion Crossing Cabernet, Haymen Hill Merlot, Bogle Chardonnay, and a delicious White Zin Sangria with lots of pitted fruits. Guests nibbled on lots of scrumptious fruits, breads and cheese, like brie, bel paese, jarlsberg and fontina.

I made individual wine guides for everyone which detailed the wines and the region. I even made a custom map of Napa and Sonoma Valley and we asked guests to suggest a vineyard for us to visit and try while we were honeymooning. They were such fun details!

For lunch, we all moved over to the south side where my mother had beautifully decorated all the tables with these amazing centerpieces, purple runners, and lots of wine corks. She served citrus grilled chicken with a mango salsa, salmon filet will dill cucumber and capers and carpaccio with horseradish and gorgonzola sauce. It was all accompanied by three varied salads which included a lot of fresh fruits and nuts. Too yummy! The event was caterer by a local restaurant and family friend, Jesse Camile’s Restaurant. They did a fabulous job! The carrot cake from Let’s Eat Cake was so gorgeous and almost too pretty to eat. The favors were these absolutely DELICIOUS red velvet cake lollies from Lovely Lollies. They melted in your mouth!!

I had such a fabulous and amazing shower. It was so special, mostly because it was at the home of my grandmother which is inherently special to me. My mom put so much thought and love into every detail – she really blew me away!

Thanks, Candice … and Robert and Kathleen Photographers for sharing the day!!

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Post tags: Connecticut, Jubilee Events, Let's Eat Cake, Lovely Lollies, Luncheon, Raw Photo Design, Robert & Kathleen Photographers, Wedding Shower, Wine
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Planners & Designers

Candice’s fabulous gown is by Modern Trousseau via fellow Little Black Book member, Beth Chapman of The White Dress By The Shore.

Her gorgeous bouquet was created by Elisabeth of Blush Floral Studio … another so-so-so- talented Little Black Book member!

Candice is the creative force behind Jubilee Events … and is getting married this August! We LOVE our Little Black Book BRIDES!!!

How totally chic is she?!?

These stunning photos were shot by Eric Langlois of raw photo design. Hair and make-up by Catie of Dana Bartone & Co.

We just featured one of Candice’s weddings on SMP last week ~ Dagney & Michael’s fantastic Connecticut wedding celebration. The reception took place in an airport hanger! If you missed it, you missed one of the best weddings we’ve featured on SMP! See it here {part i, part ii, part iii} or on Candice’s BLOG! Candice is truly determined to help you plan and choreograph the BEST and most MEMORABLE wedding you can possibly imagine. Definitely a terrific wedding planner. Can’t wait to see her own!!

Another quick note … Candice’s Modern Trousseau gown was from The White Dress By The Shore, one of the finest bridal salons in all of New England. And we’re NOT just saying that because they are LBB members … seriously … they are awesome!

We just saw that … right now, The White Dress By The Shore is having a Couture Sample Sale Event (until June 6th) … photos of some of the samples on their site {here} … and a  Modern Trousseau Trunk Show from June 11th thru the 14th (by appointment) for you and the moms. Beth Chapman at The WDBTS has a website and a blog just loaded with bridal fashion tips and gowns from all the exquisite designers that they feature. Candice has lots of the Modern Trousseau Spring 2010 gowns on her blog.

Sooooooo …. lots of really great links in today’s post! Lots of really great Little Black Book members involved in a fun, fresh and fabulous fashion shoot from one of Style Me Pretty’s “best of the best”!  Thank you, Candice for sharing your stunning day!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 15 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Blush Floral Studio, Dana Bartone & Co., Jubilee Events, Modern Trousseau, Raw Photo Design, The White Dress By The Shore, Trash The Dress, Wedding Fashion
Post categories: Bouquets, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Dresses, Wedding Fashion