Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From Red Ribbon Studio… Hillary and Jon were married on the lawn of the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. An amazing feast followed at the coolest wedding table I’ve ever seen, one long table for all 100 guests. It felt like dining with royalty! Every detail was perfect but not overdone. Just right. Simple elegance at its best. Paired with a lot of fun too, including one of the best wedding dance-offs I’ve ever seen, between Hillary and a very energetic dancing guest! Jon’s trusty canine best friend, Andy, was the flower girl. Hillary and Jon are the sweetest couple. I love their story, they dated in high school, went their separate ways for a while, but found their way back to each other. Thanks to Rebecca with Red Letter Day Events for awesome coordination and Annette Gomez for such pretty flowers to photograph.

From the Bride… My husband Jon and I are originally from Las Vegas, but we wanted to be married in a place that was both relatively close and still felt like a vacation. San Diego is one of our favorite cities and has some personal significance because my mother is a native and my parents were married there. We went for a weekend to check out possible wedding sites, and I drug Jon to about 10 venues, all of which Jon displayed mild interest in. When we stopped at our last venue, the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, my previously disinterested fiance got extremely excited and said “We HAVE to get married here”. We loved the Inn’s feel: casual yet really refined. We also loved that, because it was a historic building, it would always be a place for us to return to and relive the magic of our wedding day.

Once we had the venue, we knew we needed a great coordinator to help us do everything from afar. Rebecca from Red Letter Days totally got my vision, had amazing ideas and was patient enough to put up with my 30-page wedding power point deck (which I showed to anyone who would show even the mildest bit of interest). I really lucked out because my friend and fellow book club member Maribeth Romslo just happens to be a world class wedding photographer and was willing to travel from Minneapolis for the big day. How lucky am I! With the venue, coordinator and photographer in place, we could really narrow in on the look and tone of the day.

Because I am a brand manager by profession, it was really important to me that my wedding looked and felt really cohesive from every single touch point. From the website to the floral arrangements to the napkins, I wanted it to feel elegant and romantic but not be overdone or stuffy. We wanted the evening to be mostly outdoors and to have distinct areas for each part of wedding that would flow into each other perfectly but would also build up to the big party at the end. I wanted the property’s Spanish style architecture, gardens and natural beauty to be showcased, so we opted for almost no color. Everything was shades of white and ivory with a few gold accents.

One of our favorite places at the Inn is the huge Brazilian pepper tree on the croquet lawn and it was the perfect backdrop for our vows. We wanted the ceremony to be really simple and focus on us coming together as a family. Our siblings all participated, our dear friend performed the ceremony and our dog Andy acted as the flower girl. We chose to have Flamenco guitar for processional music and during the ceremony. Our guitarist, Anthony Garcia, was just amazing and gave the ceremony the perfect feel.

It was a dream of mine to have all 100 guests at one long table. I wanted the dinner to feel like a fun outdoor dinner party vs. a standard wedding so we had it on an enclosed lawn in a relatively small space. We timed the dinner to be after sunset so the area was lit only by candles and strung lighting.Walking into the dinner area with that huge table filled with white candles and white flowers and lights strung everywhere was one of my favorite parts of the evening. Rebecca had the brilliant idea to bring in a grand piano on the lawn and the music, lighting and ambiance made it a magical dinner. Kudos to Annette Gomez for the gorgeous design, my wedding coordinators Mia and Rebecca for making it happen and the Inn for perfect execution. Once the dinner commenced, we went to an adjacent ballroom for dancing. We wanted this area to have more of a lounge feel so we brought in all white furniture and just used candles with minimal flowers. I wanted to keep the party energy up, so we brought in an espresso bar right off the dance floor and it was a huge hit with guests. The only downside was that I was still wide awake at 4:00 am!

Wedding Photography: Red Ribbon Studio / Venue: Inn at Rancho Santa Fe / Wedding Dress: Monique L’huillier / Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Veil: Borrowed / Make-up + Hair: Claire Young / Bridesmaid Dresses: Custom Flutter Boutique / Groom’s Attire: Hugo Boss / Planning: Red Letter Day Events / Floral Design: Annette Gomez / Invitations: Bella Figura / Calligraphy: Sue Strumwasser / Wedding Cake + Dessert: Elizabethan Desserts / Sign-In Table Design: Amy Strodl at Varnish Design / Flamenco Guitar: Antony Garcia / Reception Music: The Money Band

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 11 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Annette Gomez, Antony Garcia, Bella Figura, Claire Young, Elizabethan Desserts, Flutter Boutique, Hugo Boss, Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, Jimmy Choo, Monique Lhuillier, Red Letter Day Events, Red Ribbon Studio, Sue Strumwasser, The Money Band, Varnish Design
Post categories: Casual Elegance, The Blog

Debra and Alex are getting married this December and wanted their Save The Date to reflect the season! Maribeth and fellow-photographer, Erica Loeks came up with the idea of a Stop-Motion Video. LOVE IT! Take a look ….

click here:  Debra and Alex’ Stop-Motion-Save-The-Date

Thanks for sharing!

Here’s the link to their engagement shoot … LOVE IT, TOO!!

more from maribeth …

a pretty, pretty, pretty Jewish wedding in Minneapolis

a gorgeous California wedding at Rancho Santa Fe

an uber-elegant wedding at The Semple Mansion

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 9 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Red Ribbon Studio, Save the Date, Snowflakes
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Photography

And if you just can’t bear to see the story end, click right here for TONS of additional pictures.

From the insanely charming paper goods to the cake that literally make me squeal, I am completely dying over every last bit of this shoot. Oh and the details, most of them were simple DIY crafts done with a great eye and a knack for all things pretty. To make the “How Sweet It Is Sign”the team simply found chipboard glittered letter cutouts at Michael’s which they glued onto decorative paper, folded over the string and then glued together. I mean, come on…how great is that?

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Red Ribbon Studio, Paperista and Just Bloomed and the other AMAZING vendors that made this happen. It is sure to inspire from now until forever.

Vendors: Photography: Red Ribbon Studio / Invitations+Paper: Paperista / Flowers: Just Bloomed / Bridal Fashion: Posh / Wedding gown: Lila Couture / Tux: Grey Legend by Calvin Klein / Bridesmaids Dress: Camilla, Simple Silhouettes / Bridesmaids Dress: Jocelyn, Jenny Yoo / Bridesmaids Dress: Grace A-line, Lynn Lugo / Cake, cupcakes, macaroons, other sweet treats: Cocoa + Fig / Calligraphy: Rosann Konieczny / Bridesmaid Fashion: Flutter Boutique / Jewelry: JWP Jewlery / Hair & Makeup: Nan Fletcher / Candy Shop Location: Sugar Sugar / Handbags & Fabric Flower Accessories (belt & headbands): Nelle Handbags / Linens: Apres Party

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 22 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Apres Party, Candy, Cocoa + Fig, Flutter Boutique, Just Bloomed, JWP Jewelry, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Nan Fletcher, Nelle Handbags, Paperista, Red Ribbon Studio, Rosann Konieczny, Sugar Sugar, Vintage
Post categories: From Inspiration to Reality, The Blog

Here are some of the ideas this talented team came up with based on the darling inspiration board…

- Coke in classic bottles as refreshment (“Have A Coke and a Smile)
– Ribbon waving wands for guests to “Wave for a Kiss” from the couple (DIY)
– Late night popcorn snack
– Bedtime milk & cookies treat
– Rock candy cake by Cocoa + Fig
– Candy bar
– Lollipop escort cards with table names like “rock candy” and “laffy taffy” (DIY)
– “Love is Sweet” signature drink (Jackie’s sons Barrel of Monkeys came in handy to add a little whimsy to the cocktails)
– “How Sweet It Is” sign for cake table and would be great as a prop in photos, made from decorative paper, chipboard letters…pasted paper around a string, very easy (DIY)
– LOVE letters. . .cardboard letters found at craft store with decorative paper collaged on to the letters, another great photo prop (DIY)
– The patterned flags are made from quilting fabric found on Etsy. (DIY)
– Macaroons, rock candy, cupcakes, and other sweet treats from Cocoa + Fig

More coming up in just a bit! Including details about the adorable fashion pieces!

Vendors on the Shoot: Photography: Red Ribbon Studio / Invitations+Paper: Paperista / Flowers: Just Bloomed / Bridal Fashion: Posh / Wedding gown: Lila Couture / Tux: Grey Legend by Calvin Klein / Cake, cupcakes, macaroons, other sweet treats: Cocoa + Fig / Calligraphy: Rosann Konieczny / Bridesmaid Fashion: Flutter Boutique / Jewelry: JWP Jewlery / Hair & Makeup: Nan Fletcher / Candy Shop Location: Sugar Sugar / Handbags & Fabric Flower Accessories (belt & headbands): Nelle Handbags / Linens: Apres Party

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 28 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Apres Party, Candy, Cocoa + Fig, Flutter Boutique, Just Bloomed, JWP Jewelry, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Nan Fletcher, Nelle Handbags, Paperista, Red Ribbon Studio, Rosann Konieczny, Sugar Sugar, Vintage
Post categories: From Inspiration to Reality

It was a cold January day in Minnesota when we saw this bright, colorful, fun and whimsical inspiration board by Annie Packman. We knew that bringing this inspiration board to life would bring a little sunshine into our snowy Minnesota winter. This board was so inspiring, we really ran with the whimsical and fun style. The setting for our shoot was the sweetest little candy shop in Minneapolis called Sugar Sugar. Thanks to owner Joni Wheeler for allowing us to take over her shop on her day off to bring this fun idea to life!

Vendors on the Shoot: Photography: Red Ribbon Studio / Invitations+Paper: Paperista / Flowers: Just Bloomed / Bridal Fashion: Posh / Wedding gown: Lila Couture / Tux: Grey Legend by Calvin Klein / Cake, cupcakes, macaroons, other sweet treats: Cocoa + Fig / Calligraphy: Rosann Konieczny / Bridesmaid Fashion: Flutter Boutique / Jewelry: JWP Jewlery / Hair & Makeup: Nan Fletcher / Candy Shop Location: Sugar Sugar / Handbags & Fabric Flower Accessories (belt & headbands): Nelle Handbags / Linens: Apres Party

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 22 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Apres Party, Candy, Cocoa + Fig, Flutter Boutique, Just Bloomed, JWP Jewelry, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Nan Fletcher, Nelle Handbags, Paperista, Red Ribbon Studio, Rosann Konieczny, Sugar Sugar, Vintage
Post categories: From Inspiration to Reality

There is pretty much no way on earth that I was not going to fall head over heels in love with Annie’s design and of course, was giddy as a school girl when I heard that our inspiration team including the fabulous Red Ribbon Studio, the forever chic Paperista and the perfectly lovely Just Bloomed (along with a full list of talented vendors below) felt the same way. And man oh man, did they take it and run with it…to the nearest perfect candy shop with the cutest, most lovely details in hand.

Coming up next, the most insanely charming From Inspiration to Reality Design you’ve ever laid eyes on. Oh and if you need a quick tutorial on our From Inspiration to Reality feature, click here.

Vendors on the Shoot: Photography: Red Ribbon Studio / Invitations+Paper: Paperista / Flowers: Just Bloomed / Bridal Fashion: Posh / Cake, cupcakes, macaroons, other sweet treats: Cocoa + Fig / Calligraphy: Rosann Konieczny / Bridesmaid Fashion: Flutter Boutique / Jewelry: JWP Jewlery / Hair & Makeup: Nan Fletcher / Candy Shop Location: Sugar Sugar / Handbags & Fabric Flower Accessories (belt & headbands): Nelle Handbags / Linens: Apres Party

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Apres Party, Candy, Cocoa + Fig, Flutter Boutique, Just Bloomed, JWP Jewelry, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Nan Fletcher, Nelle Handbags, Paperista, Red Ribbon Studio, Rosann Konieczny, Sugar Sugar, Vintage
Post categories: From Inspiration to Reality, Inspiration Boards

Jessie and Chris were married in her parents backyard ~ at the local polo fields in Cummings, Iowa. A little bit country (as in a big red barn) and beaucoups of charm!

Love, love, love the mixture of flowers in the bouquets and centerpieces!!

This table setting may be one of my all time favorites. I LOVE the gentle and warm color palette of the flowers mixed with the whimsy of the pickled okra!

From Maribeth’s blog …

There were many homespun elements. Tables named for seasonal vegetables, pickled beans & beets that Jessie and her mom canned, homemade strawberry and pepper jelly … all for guests who dined under a white tent on a perfect autumn night.

So, you see, elegance is defined in many ways ~ casual or classic, inside or out ~ it’s simply ALL in the details!

Wedding coordination and florals by Saley at DiVine Flowers. Congratulations, Jessie & Chris on a lovely, lovely wedding!

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For more of Maribeth’s fantastic photography, be sure to take some time over on her website and look thru her portfolio … not just weddings … but inspirations and travel too. You’ll see the spirit behind her talents come alive!  We absolutely LOVE the vibrancy of her style!  Thanks so much, Maribeth and Red Ribbon Studio for being a part of SMP’s Little Black Book of Very Important Vendors!!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Apples, Barn, DiVine Flowers, Escort Cards, Iowa, Red Ribbon Studio, Wedding Favors
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Wedding Photography

First up ~ Maribeth, from Red Ribbon Studio is sharing Jamie & Randy’s May wedding with us. It’s classic, it’s elegant and it’s simply timeless in it’s beauty …

Jamie and Randy were married at the historic Semple Mansion in Minneapolis. Between Jamie’s Peter Langner gown, the grandeur of the venue and the wedding artist they commissioned … well, their wedding kind of blew me away!

Mimi Wedding Planning worked with the couple to pull their modern classic wedding vision together. The floral decor is to die for … and the stunning cake is from Gateaux Inc.

Their wedding artist was Nicole Herzog. She sketched and painted throughout the entire evening and at the end of the day … a gorgeous painting to commemorate the celebration was complete!

What a great idea.  A HUGE thanks to Maribeth at Red Ribbon Studio … and to Jamie and Randy for sharing this joyful day!

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We’ll have another wedding from Maribeth at Red Ribbon Studio in just a bit, so do check back!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 11 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Gateaux Inc., Mimi Wedding Planning, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Nicole Herzog, Peter Langner, Red Ribbon Studio, Semple Mansion
Post categories: Centerpieces, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Photography