From Charmed Events Group, LLC … Milton and Annikke have the classic “love at first sight” story that we all dream about. It all started when Milton was craving a cup of milk tea on a hot summer day and walked into one of his favorite stores and when he went to place his order, he saw Annikke and was instantly attracted. From that day on, he went back everyday to buy a cup of milk tea until Annikke finally agreed to go on a date with him, and the rest is history!

Milton and Annikke really wanted to have a romantic and modern theme based on a Midsummer’s Night’s Dream. With their personal favorite colors of Navy Blue and lavender, we brought in light pink and metallic silvers and golds to accent their favorite colors to create a dreamy color palette that would shape their day. In addition to bringing in the romance of a Midsummer’s Night Dream, they really wanted to incorporate stars into the design so we began by bringing in some stars into their printed items and soon figured that stars would be a great physical accent to the actual details of their day. Wallpaper patterns were also a huge love of Annikke’s so we also brought in an immense amount of patterns into their printed and stationary items.

Milton and Annikke were married at the First Unitarian Church in downtown San Jose. Upon entry to the church, guests were greeted by custom wreaths adorned with butterflies that hung on the large church doors. Butterflies were a huge motif that Poppy’s Petalworks used to bring out the Midsummer’s Night Dream, and the butterflies sat perfectly on the wreaths and purple pomander balls that lined the aisle. Guests were invited to pick up programs as they entered and the programs that we created for them all had a cover of different patterned papers that would later be seen in the reception.

Their reception was held at the gorgeous San Jose Rotunda at City Hall. The entire venue sits inside a glass dome and certainly gave the guests a wow factor as they entered for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Guests were ushered up the romantic stairway, lined with silver star luminary bags, that led them to the Mezzanine floor overlooking the actual reception space. For the sign in, we wanted to do something different that has never been seen before so we decided to have their sign in become an art piece that they could take home after the wedding and display. We had stars cut in their color palette and invited guests to leave their name or a small note on the stars that were then placed on a metallic silver board to create an ombre design of a beautiful wave of stars. For the escort display, we also wanted to do something dreamy and whimsical and had created a custom “curtain of stars” in which each guest name was written on stars and gave a little more interaction for guests in finding their names. Each table was distinguished by different patterns of paper so the star curtain turned out to be a big hit with the different patterned stars.

When it came time for guests to formally enter into the reception area, a seating chart was created for guests to “spot their star” for easy directions in making way to their assigned tables. Each table had a silver star luminary bag with the assigned pattern paper at the base for guests to find their table. These luminary bags also added to the magic and “dreaminess” of the venue later on in the evening when the sun went down. Custom napkin wraps were created for each guest and romantic centerpieces of pomander balls and pink roses with crystals filled the tables to add to the dreamy atmosphere that we wanted to create for guests. The big statement of entering the reception space was the gorgeous dessert bar that we had sitting against a backdrop of hanging ribbons and crystals. Jens Cakes created a fabulous ombre display of miniature cupcakes in our color palette and we put together a candy bar that consisted of all chocolates in the color palette that we wanted for guests to have as favors. Custom treat bags were created with star ties to finish off the theme.

A wonderful evening was had by all as guests literally danced underneath the stars that were projected onto the dance floor. Congratulations to Milton and Annikke for having a star-studded, romantic and dreamy wedding inspired by a Midsummer’s Night’s Dream!

Planning: Charmed Events Group, LLC / Photography: Gladys Jem / Brides Dress: Lazaro / Bridesmaids dresses: ML Monique Lhuillier / Groom’s Suit: Ralph Lauren Black Label / Brides Shoes: Manolo Blahnik / Floral Design: Poppys Petalworks / Invitations & Paper Goods: Post Etiquette / Makeup & Hair: Vanity Pham / DJ: Brian Lu / Officiant: Jon Olsen / Lighting: Fantasy Sound Events / Caterer: Catered Too / Rentals: Catered Too & San Jose Rotunda / Ceremony Venue: First Unitarian Church / Ceremony Organist: Libby Codd / Reception Venue: San Jose City Hall Rotunda / Cupcakes: Jen’s Cakes / Videography: Shakewell Studios / Transportation: El Paseo Limousine

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Post tags: California, Candy Bar, Candy Buffet, Catered Too!, Charmed Events Group, Color Palette Navy Purple, Color Palette Navy Violet, contemporary, Cupcakes, DJ Brian Lu, El Paseo Limousine, Fantasy Sound Events, Gladys Jem, Jen's Cakes, Jon Olson, Lazaro, LLC, Manolo Blahnik, Midsummer Night's Dream, ML Monique Lhuillier, Modern, Poppy's Petalworks, Post Etiquette, Ralph Lauren Black Label, Roses, San Jose, San Jose City Hall Rotunda, San Jose Rotunda, Shakewell Studios, Stars, Vanity Pham, Wedding Planners & Designers
Post categories: Contemporary, Little Black Book Blog

When Matthew proposed, he worked hard to surprise me (not an easy task to surprise a nosey girl like me!). One night, Matthew told me that he had to work late in Maryland and would not be able to come visit for the weekend. I made dinner plans with my friends at the Blue Talon in Williamsburg. During dinner, Maddie told me that she just received a text message that there was a research group at the Williamsburg Lodge and she really wanted to go get their autographs. After dinner, Maddie, Kaci, and I drove to the Williamsburg Lodge until Maddie stopped her car and asked me if she knew of a garden near the Lodge because that was where the group was meeting. I, still oblivious to what was going on, said “Well there is the rose garden where Matt’s parents got engaged to your left.” Maddie swerved her car to the front of the rose garden and Kaci and Maddie both screamed “Get out of the car!” while speeding off with me still thinking they were playing a trick on me. I decided to walk down the stairs of the sunken rose garden only to find no one there. I kept walking until I saw Matthew come out from behind an archway with a huge smile on his face. Matthew walked toward me, knelt down on one knee with an open box in his hand, and asked me to marry him in the same spot that his father asked his mother to marry him. Matthew then told me that he planned a weekend for us in Ocracoke, North Carolina to celebrate our engagement!

While planning our wedding, I knew I wanted our personalities to shine through in every aspect. Both Matthew and I have traditional, classic taste with a modern twist. We decided to have our wedding ceremony in the Catholic Church where my parents were married and where I grew up. Matthew’s father is an Anglican pastor, so we wanted to incorporate both of our families’ religious traditions. He gave a memorable and personal sermon that made the ceremony seem intimate even with a room full of 400 people. The ceremony music was also very important to us. We had a trumpeter, organist, a string quartet, and a soloist who all beautifully performed songs we selected together. As I walked down the aisle, I wore my great grandmother’s diamond and sapphire ring as my something old, borrowed, and blue. My grandmother passed away one month before my wedding, so honored her by carrying her handkerchief in my bouquet.

Matthew and I chose the Chrysler Museum of Art for our reception venue not only because we loved the Renaissance style of the museum’s atrium, but also because I studied Art History in college. For the flowers and décor, I wanted a romantic atmosphere with blush tones, ivory, and metallics. My team at Isha Foss Events transformed my vision into a breathtaking display of draped arches, cascading crystals, and various tones of pink flowers.

While our wedding was a formal black tie affair, Matthew and I wanted our reception to be a party for our guests to enjoy good food and great music. For this reason, we decided to do heavy hors d’ ouvres instead of a sit down dinner. We had themed food stations around the museum with our favorite cuisine including fresh seafood on the rocks, a southern fare station, a beef carving station, and a chocolate bar. Instead of assigned seating, Isha Foss designed a lounge-like cocktail set up that outlined the dance floor and gave a contemporary spin on the traditional black tie affair.

My two favorite memories from our wedding day were our First Look and walking down the Chrysler’s marble staircase into the reception for the first time as husband and wife. Matthew and I met in the museum’s garden before the ceremony. I loved being able to share a quite and private moment with my soon to be husband before our night of craziness ahead. I will never forget the look on his face when he first saw me (luckily, my photographer Jeff Greenough captured this moment on film). My second favorite memory from our wedding day occurred when my father introduced us to our reception. I felt like royalty on my new husband’s arm as we walked down the staircase and moved straight into our first dance. The entire day was the perfect representation of Matthew and me as a couple, and it could not have been possible without the hard work of our family and all of our fabulous vendors.

Ceremony Venue: Sacred Heart Catholic Church / Reception Venue: Chrysler Museum of Art / Photography: Jeff Greenough | Photographer / Event Coordinator: Daylily Weddings / Floral Design: Isha Foss Events / Catering: Cuisine & Co. / Entertainment: Right On! Band / Lighting: Blue Steel Lighting Design / Cake: Glenna Cason, Sugar Art / Videography: Digital Dreammakers / Rentals: Distinctive Event Rentals, AFR Furniture Rental, & Isha Foss Events / Transportation: Royal Coach / Hair: Al Kelly from Changes Salon / Makeup: BridesMade by Kim Wadsworth

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Post tags: AFR Furniture Rental, Ballroom Weddings, Blue Steel Lighting Design, Bouquets, Bridesmade by Kim Wadsworth, Centerpieces, Changes Salon, Chrysler Museum of Art, Color Palette Pink, Cuisine & Co., Daylily Weddings, Digital Dreammakers, Distinctive Event Rentals, Glenna Cason, Hydrangeas, Isha Foss Events, Jeff Greenough, Museum Weddings, Norfolk, Right On! Band, Roses, Royal Coach, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Sugar Art, Traditional Elegance, Virginia, Wedding Flowers
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

On a beautiful August morning in the Old Church of Portland, Oregon, Lindsay Reichardt married her high school sweetheart, James Buckles. With a long-stemmed, gardenia studded, bouquet of pink roses in one hand, Lindsay’s other hand clung tightly to her new hubby for balance all day, as her Vera Wang ball gown of swirled tulle could barely squeeze down the isle.

A vintage Bentley drove Mr. & Mrs. Buckles away to a private photo shoot while guests made their way to the Heritage ballroom in the Governor Hotel for the reception. Guests were greeted by the passing of savory hors d’ouveres: Jake’s famous crab cakes, cucumber tea sandwiches, salmon lox bruschetta, quiche, brie en croute bites, and caviar deviled eggs as well as a Parisian-inspired Patisserie spread, which displayed sweet treats: a croquembouche of cream puffs, topiary trees of fresh strawberries, triple berry and lemon tarts, panna cotta parfaits, meringues, biscotti, madeline cakes, palmiers, macaroons, brioche, mini-muffins, cheesecake bites, éclairs and napoleons!

Perfectly pruned boxwoods, floating gardenias and lush arrangements of hydrangea, sugared apricots, raspberry vines and cascading jasmine transformed the reception into a French garden. Placecards and menus were lined to mimic the border of Laudree macaroon boxes, sugar cubes rested inside rose petals on china teacups and vintage botanical print reproductions by Pierre-Joseph Redoute (the official court painter of Marie Antoinette during the French Revolution) differentiated each tulle-layered table. The head table was overflowing with salal garlands, rustic candles, mercury glass votives, fresh fruit, cinched tulle and mossy, terrarium-encased arrangements.

When guests made their way to the bar, they had a number of specialty drink choices. There were five champagne cocktails options, all with fun names, for example, the “Blissful Bellini” featured peach puree, vanilla vodka, champagne and fresh mint, while the “Honeymooner” featured ginger syrup, lime juice, champagne and cucumber. Those still waking up also had 5 drink options at an Espresso station, for example, the “Crème Brulee Cappuccino” with cinnamon-infused espresso and raw cinnamon and sugar dusting, or an “Opposites Attract” caramel macchiato given sweet caramel drizzle and a dash of sea salt.

Crepes au citron, dulche de leche French toast and strawberry shortcake waffles were plated during brunch and Jake’s servers then circulated the ballroom offering hot sausage and bacon as well. Finally, as if guests weren’t already stuffed to the brim, Lindsay and James cut their cake: a five-tiered fresh strawberry and cream cheese masterpiece with diamond quilting, silver dragee detail, pink macaroons and a “B” cameo. After such an indulgent day, “favors” were simply notes letting the guests know that a donation had been made to the Portland Rescue Mission in their honor. 

Bridal Gown: Vera Wang / Bridal belt: Monique Lhullier / Bridal shoes: Valentino / Bridal headpiece & bracelet: Jenny Packham / Bridal earrings: J.Crew / Bridesmaids dresses: Monique Lhullier / Bridesmaids earrings: Anthropologie / Makeup & hair: Madeline Roosevelt / Stationery: French Lil Designs / Ceremony site: The Old Church / Reception site: The Governor Hotel, Heritage Ballroom / Reception catering: Jake’s Catering / Cake & Patisserie: Papa Haydn’s / Espresso Bar: Espresso Elegance / Specialty China: West Coast Events / Flowers: Geranium Lake / Transportation: Imperial Limousines / Photography: Altura Studio

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Post tags: Altura Studio, Anthropologie, Black and White, Bouquets, Breakfast, Brunch, Brunch Weddings, Centerpieces, Champagne, Champagne Bar, Chanel, Chiavari Chairs, Color Palette Black White Pink, Color Palette Pink, Croissants, Croquembouche, Dessert Bar, Espresso, Espresso Bar, French Lil Designs, Geranium Lake Imperial Limousines, Governor Hotel, J. Crew, Jake's Catering, Jenny Packham, Macrons, Madeline Roosevelt, Marie Antoinette, Monique Lhullier, Morning Weddings, Neutral Color Palette, Oregon, Papa Haydns' Espresso Elegance, Patisserie, Pink Champagne, Portland, Roses, Strawberries, Stripes, The Old Church, Traditional Elegance, Valentino, Vera Wang, Vintage Chic, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Photography, West Coast Events
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

I told Ken he would never be able to surprise me… with anything. I always figure things out! This declaration put his mind to work on a proposal that I will never forget.

As resident physicians at the Medical University of South Carolina, we do not get much time off. And on one average Friday afternoon, I was begrudgingly preparing OR 3 for an add-on emergency case – or so I thought. Ken popped into my room and I grumbled about the day. When I stopped to look at him, I noticed a worried but excited look on his face. His hands were shaking. Both are very unlike my usually calm and serious surgeon!

That’s when Ken grabbed my hands, said the sweetest words, and got down on one knee. As he pulled a blue velvet box from his scrub pocket, my eyes welled with tears. The next thing I knew, I had the most gorgeous ring on my finger. We exited the operating room to hear a hallway full of colleagues cheering and clapping for us. Surprise! There was no add-on case, and so we left the hospital to celebrate the beginning of our beautiful engagement.

Being originally from Alabama, I knew that I needed an expert to navigate the Charleston wedding scene. Katherine Miller Events was just that company. Immediately upon meeting with Katherine I knew that I had found someone super-reliable – with great taste – who I could completely count on to put together the romantic, stylish and Anthropologie-esque wedding celebration that I had in mind. Together, Katherine, Ken and I chose Bethel Methodist Church for the ceremony and the Historic Rice Mill building for our reception venue. Located waterfront on the Ashley River, we knew the spectacular sailboat and sunset views were the perfect backdrop for our Lowcountry wedding.

Having a fabulous photographer was high on my list of priorities, so Katherine introduced me to Charlotte Zacharkiw of Charlotte Elizabeth Photography almost immediately. Her personality jived with my own and her portfolio made me swoon. From our fun and intimate downtown Charleston engagement session to our colorful getaway photos in a classic Charleston Black Cab, Charlotte made every shot unique.

And while Ken and I wanted our unique personalities to show, I also wanted to incorporate one very important tradition: my grandmother’s wedding dress, worn again by my mother and aunt on their wedding days. The team at White on Daniel Island carefully applied the lace from this vintage dress onto my veil, sewing each stitch by hand. It complemented my all-lace gown perfectly! White was the first and only store that I visited as owner Jodi Moylan presented me with “the one” soon after I walked in. To complete my vintage ensemble, Ken purchased a gorgeous antique pearl and rhinestone bracelet from Out of Hand for my wedding gift.

We decided not to see each other before the ceremony, and I’m so glad we did. Instead, I had the pleasure of reading a hand-written note expressing his happiness for the day ahead. Then my bridesmaids surprised me! They coordinated a traditional horse-drawn carriage ride for our transportation to the church. It was such a great touch and special moment to ride through historic downtown Charleston with my favorite girls.

One of my favorite memories of our wedding was the moment I saw my bouquet. Whitney Randall of Branch Design Studio used soft pink and white ranunculus, dusty miller, copper beech leaves, café au lait dahlias, lisianthus, and scabiosa pods to create a masterpiece. Throughout the day, I was absolutely blown away by the beauty and complexity of the arrangements, bouquets, and especially the copper-charmed boutonnieres.

Our flowers were set on ivory, rose and gold colored linens at the Rice Mill. At my request, Katherine incorporated ivory lace in as many places as possible – including the cake table. Our red velvet and cream cheese wedding cake was designed and made by Ken’s close family friend, and needless to say it was devoured promptly after our champagne toast! Pastel-colored French macaroons were also a hit with our guests. I fell in love with The Macaroon Boutique during the engagement and couldn’t wait to set out a variety for my friends and family to try!

I must say that I was most excited to see the whimsical, hand-painted chandeliers Katherine and Whitney made and displayed on the tall oak trees outside the Rice Mill’s entrance. Our multicolored confetti send-off combined with the soft lighting of these chandeliers to create a beautiful final scene. Ken and I were in the clouds over our day, and we still can’t think of one single thing we would have changed! We wanted our guests to leave happy and full of great memories, and I think we achieved just that.

Event Design & Planning: Katherine Miller events / Photography: Charlotte Elizabeth Photographer / Flowers: Branch Design Studio / Boutonniere Tags: Etsy / Ceremony Location: Bethel Methodist Church / Reception Location: The Historic Rice Mill / Caterer: Good Food Catering / Dress: White / Veil: Family heirloom / Cake: Family friend / Macarons: Macaroon Boutique / Band: New South Players

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Post tags: Anthropologie, Bethel Methodist Church, Branch Design Studio, Charleston, Charlotte Elizabeth Photographer, Confetti, Copper, EastCoast Entertainment, Etsy, Flower Girs, Good Food Catering, Katherine Miller events, Lace Gown, Macaron Boutique, macarons, Neutral Color Palette, New South Players, Pastels, Roses, South Carolina, The Historic Rice Mill, Traditional Elegance, Vintage, Vintage Lace, Wedding Planners & Designers, White
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

A Water Color Wedding | Coming Soon: Missy & Lauren… from Diva Productions

Click here to see the full image gallery!

After dating for several months and realizing that I had absolutely met my best friend, it was clear that we meant to be together. Our plans were to be in WaterColor to celebrate the holidays with my father’s side of the family. Having such a special, amazing time in one of the most incomparably beautiful places, it seemed like this would be the perfect time to ask. Unfortunately, we still did not have a ring decided upon.

In WaterColor, there is a classic candy shop from your childhood with a bunch of stuffed animals and other small toys, amongst which is a big Hello Kitty section. Missy absolutely adores Hello Kitty. On the bottom shelf, thankfully tucked away from desperate eyes pointed at a huge stuffed Hello Kitty, was a rack of faux-antique rings with Hello Kitty jewels. While Missy sadly walked out without a big mushy feline friend, I rushed back and purchased one of the rings, thinking I had found perfection right there. I could barely contain my glee as I skipped outside, trying to look nonchalant while already trying to figure out the best place to ask Missy to be my wife.

Every evening in WaterColor, my family lines up beach chairs and watches the sun magically go down over the Gulf. This would clearly be the perfect place! However, being December, the coast was quite chilly and not everyone who grew up in Miami Beach wanted to stay out to watch, even when given the option of taking my fleece and gloves for warmth. Thus, “Plan A” was foiled. However, being Christmas the next morning there was another opportunity for a special and memorable moment. When we woke up, earlier than the family breakfast, I told Missy that I had gotten her a gift that week. “When? I was with you every minute!” Well, not every minute. I then reached into my coat pocket to get the pink princess Hello Kitty ring still waiting for a finger and got down on one knee in from of the bed. Looking up at the still just-waking Missy, I asked, “Will you marry me?” We then had the most smiling-est, jumping-est, teary-est morning ever.

After being engaged there, the decision to have the wedding at WaterColor was simple; we wanted a wedding where people who loved each other got to spend as much time as possible with one another. WaterColor is phenomenal for family get togethers, and we were excited to introduce so many people to the Emerald Coast.

The concept of a modern beach wedding was matched by the style of all of our fantastic vendors, who absolutely made the day. And we could not have had a better band than Rubik’s Groove. Missy and I both love 80s music, and these guys were the most amazing event band ever. No one sat for the entire night. Even when the delicious food was served, people wanted to be dancing, not eating! All we have seen in the pictures of the tent are empty chairs and a full dance floor!

Cinematography: Diva Productions / Photography: Paul Johnson Photography / Event Designer & Coordinator: Jennifer Warwick-Lewis + Jennifer Fisher for It’s a Shore Thing / Venue: WaterColor Inn & Resort / Venue Coordinator: Cheryl Walton for WaterColor / Cake: Confections on the Coast / Florals: Nouveau Flowers / Officiant: Rabbi Richard Baroff / Band: Rubik’s Groove / Makeup Artist: Yvette Nation / Hair Stylist: Ashley Carter / Ceremony Guitarist: Hunter Dawson

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Post tags: Ashley Carter, Beach, Beach Weddings, Cake Pops, Chinese Lanterns, Color Palette White, Confections on the Coast, Diva Productions, Florida, Hunter Dawson, It's a Shore Thing, Mirrors, Modern, Nouveau Flowers, Paul Johnson Photography, Rabbi Richard Baroff, Roses, Rubik's Groove, Santa Rosa Beach, Sunsets, Water, Water Weddings, WaterColor Inn & REsort, Wedding Cinematography, White Roses, Yvette Nation
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Cinematography

We met for the first time on a coffee date on my birthday at Pazzo. We hit it off immediately. I liked him so much I cancelled my own birthday party that night so that I could have dinner with him. When deciding on a venue for our wedding, we could only think of the having our wedding at the place we met. When Mark proposed, we drove through 8 hours of snow & traffic to Seattle, where he proposed to me on the morning of my birthday.

I found a picture in an old magazine I bought at a library sale that showed old rusted out cheese graters being used as luminaries, and I fell in love with the idea. I thought it would be a nice way to subtly incorporate my love for cheese and all things food without making our wedding look like a Star Trek wedding, but with food.

Since we were having the reception and dinner in a very intimate wine cellar, we wanted to have the ceremony in an opposite environment – an open air rooftop with the sounds and sights of the city. Nothing says festive like café lights, so we strung lights at both venues, and those tied the places together and were used as a motif in the invitations.

We are kinda bookish people, without being grossly annoying about it, but we did feel the need to pay homage to our first date at a bookstore. We collected some of our favorite books and my old Olivetti Typewriter to dress up our guest table. We kept it relaxed and earthy by using birch accents in the table décor and a birch limb as the anchor for the paper flower curtain altar piece which Kim designed, and my mother and I helped craft.

We didn’t include anything in this wedding that didn’t have personal meaning to us. We didn’t do anything because you are “supposed” to do it. I walked down the aisle to “Never Tear Us Apart” by INXS. My bouquet was wrapped in the very same ribbon that I used to wrap a birthday gift I gave to Mark on our first date. We had pictures of our two cats, Loki and Applejack, in their tuxedos, along with a piece of lace the bride bought in Belgium in 1997 to use in her wedding, on our guest table. We used a reading from the Velveteen Rabbit that had special meaning to the bride, and a poem the groom wrote as the bulk of our ceremony, both read by the bride’s sisters. I wore a pearl necklace with an opal stone that was an heirloom from my paternal grandmother, and a diamond ring that belonged to my late maternal grandmother. We had a tree stump engraved with M+M inside a heart, which is how the bride signs her napkin letters she puts in the groom’s lunch.

We tied our wedding rings to a small brass bell with the aforementioned ribbon. Mark and I purchased this bell months before our wedding on a trip to Astoria. Leading up to the wedding, Mark and I would ring that bell if something good happened…if he solved a problem at work, or if I made a ridiculous peach cobbler or if we wanted to tell the other one we loved them from a different room. The bell’s ringing became a sound we associated with good and happy things, so we would both know, that when my youngest niece was walking down the aisle and ringing the heck out of that bell, that all good things were about to happen. He could hear the bell from the altar, and I could hear it from the stairwell to the rooftop and we would both know that we were about to be the happiest we’ve ever been. 

Wedding Consultant: Kim Foren, Geranium Lake Flowers & Nadia Ly, Creations by Ly / Flowers: Geranium Lake Flowers / Reception Site: The Wine Cellar at Hotel Vintage Plaza | Pazzo Ristaurante / Ceremony: DeSoto Rooftop Terrace / Rings and Jewelry: Family heirlooms and Lucia Jewelers / Wedding Gown: David’s Bridal / Veil & Accessories: David’s Bridal / Shoes: David’s Bridal / Formal Wear: Men’s Wearhouse / Cake: Papa Haydn / Caterer: The Art of Catering & Pazzo Ristaurante / Photographer: Erica Ann Photography & Fine Art / Music & Entertainment: Baby Ketten Karaoke / Makeup: Janine Salzman / Officiant: Rev. Robert Griffin

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Post tags: Baby Ketten Karaoke, Birch, Bouquets, Centerpieces, Creations by Ly, David's Bridal, DeSoto Rooftop Terrace, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Erica Ann Photography & Fine Art, Erica Ann Photography & Fine Arts, Flower girls, Geranium Lake Flowers, Hotel Vintage Plaza, Janine Salzman, Lucia Jewelers, Men's Wearhouse, Oregon, Papa Hayden, Pazza Ristaurante, Portland, Quirky, Rev. Robert Griffin, Roses, The Art of Catering, unique, Wedding Flowers
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog

After we got engaged, I accumulated an extensive bridal magazine collection, constantly perused SMP for inspiration and became obsessed with Etsy. Having a love for fashion and style, I absolutely loved every moment of the planning and design process!

We set out to plan a gorgeous wedding full of LOVE, fun and vintage glamour. We wanted a celebration of our love for each other, and our love for our family and friends. A fun and elegant party where our guests would have a ball.

Both of us immediately fell in love with the seaside forum, the gorgeous lawn over-looking the Pacific for the ceremony, the amazing oceanfront patio for a cocktails and the open-air reception space for dinner and dancing. We instantly knew it was the perfect venue for our wedding celebration.

The theme for the styling of the wedding came from my love of all things vintage and the color silver. We wanted something special, with lots of attention to detail. We added all the glamour with shimmering crystal chandeliers and candelabras, sparkling mercury glass and gorgeous white ruffled florals.

I fell in LOVE with my dress the first time I saw it in a magazine. With the drama and all the ruffles, it was love at first sight and I immediately knew it was the dress before even trying it on. My veil, headpiece, pearl necklace and sash were all custom designs. I had a vision…I absolutely loved creating the look and how it all came together.

Our wedding party looked gorgeous. The gentlemen looked very sharp in grey tuxedos, my lovely bridesmaids were stunning in platinum and pewter dresses and Dallas (the adorable flower puppy) pranced down the aisle in a silver tutu, pearls and a crystal leash. We had the most fabulous and fun wedding party, we are so lucky to have such amazing friends.

The entire day was pretty magical, there were so many favorite moments…I will never forget my excitement walking toward Erik for our “first look” – seeing the smile on his face and enjoying that very special moment with my handsome husband to be, the photo shoot and limo bus ride with our wedding party, walking down the aisle as Mr. and Mrs. Moeller dancing to “Marry You” and kicking off the reception with a pre-dinner dance party (everyone was on the dance floor from the first dance until we were seated for dinner). We really set the tone for a truly fabulous celebration! We danced the night away, ending with “Keep On Loving You” surrounded by all of our family and friends singing and swaying to the music.

Our wedding could not have been more perfect. It was the happiest day of my life, we had an absolutely amazing time celebrating with all the ones we love! It was unforgettable and we loved every moment. It was so incredible to be surrounded by our family and closest friends—dancing, eating, drinking and celebrating. We were overwhelmed by all the love and joy…we couldn’t have been more excited to begin our happily ever after…

Florist: Isari Floral Studio + Event Design / Photography: Angie Silvy Photography / Wedding Consultant: Shelly Fortune, Bella Sera Event Design / Ceremony & Reception Site: Scripps Forum / Catering: Catering by Barry Layne / Music: Disco Friend, Daniel Peterson / Linens & Draping: Fusion Linens / Bakery: Babycakes / Videography: Taylor Films / Wedding Dress: Lazaro / Bride’s Shoes: Vera Wang / Bridesmaid Dresses: Karen Millen & White House Black Market / Tuxedos: Calvin Klein

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Post tags: Angie Silvy Photography, Babycakes, Beach, Bella Sera Event Design, Bouquets, California, Calvin Klein, Catering by Barry Layne, Centerpieces, Chandeliers, Chiavari Chairs, Color Palette White Silver, Daniel Peterson, Disco Friend, Fusion Linens, Glamourous, Isari Floral Studio + Event Design, Karen Millen, La Jolla, Lazaro, Outdoor Ceremony, Outdoor Wedding, Roses, Scripps Forum, Taylor Films, Vera Wang, Waterside, Waterside Weddings, Wedding Flowers, White House Black Market
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Flowers

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