Thanks to my orange shoes, a beautiful love story, the support family and friends, and a whole lot of luck, we were the 2011 grand prize winners of the Crate & Barrel Ultimate Wedding Contest. The contest enabled us to have our dream wedding in New Orleans, Louisiana. In mid-2011, we relocated to Beijing, China and our guest list spanned 41 states and seven countries. We wanted to give our guests a destination wedding in America that had a unique local flavor, worthy of at least a weekend visit. There is no better place to host a celebration than the French Quarter in the Big Easy, and our wedding mantra was “laissez bon temps rouler” (let the good times roll). Julie Gibson, founder of Studio Grace, designed our save the date and passport like-invitations that reflected both NOLA and our ever-traveling careers.

Romantic, old New Orleans was brought to life thanks to Yifat Oren & Associates, our wedding planner, courtesy of Crate & Barrel. Stefanie Cove, Managing Partner, was with us every step of the way to choose the best local vendors (neither Michael or I are from NOLA) that would bring the vision of Southern charm, cajun comfort, and French elegance to life. Laura Kleinhenz of Docuvitae, our photographers, captured each moment in their authentic photojournalist style. They produced images that were more than just photographs – they were art! Welliver productions shot our wedding video and stayed with us throughout the entire evening.

The day began at the Aveda Paris Parker Salon where the bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and groom, and me had our hair and makeup done. The stylists and artists treated us like old friends, did beautiful work, and gave us a relaxing morning. We returned to our hotel to change; the bridesmaids wore long, ivory Two Birds Convertible Dresses (purchased from Bella Bridesmaid DC), which gave them fifteen different ways to wear their dress. The thick, high-quality jersey fabric was comfortable to wear all day and photographed beautifully. I wore two dresses: for the ceremony, a Pronovias lace gown and for the dinner and at the reception a silk with tulle overlay gown by Vera Wang. I purchased the Vera Wang dress from the most lovely Bridal Boutique I had ever been to: Mimi NOLA. Gail and Mimi, two of NOLA’s finest ladies assisted me and theirs is the only VW bridal boutique in New Orleans. They gave us the most personal attention, service, and advice for hosting a spectacular local wedding. They are the place to go bridal shopping if in New Orleans, hands down. As a nod to how we met, I wore orange pumps and my bridesmaids and flower girl did too. The groomsmen changed into a Calvin Klein classic tuxedo from Men’s Wearhouse and my handsome groom wore his own tuxedo by J.Crew. To give the groom distinction, we had him be the only one in a white bow tie and the rest of his men in black.

We wanted to maximize time with our guests, so we decided to take pictures before the ceremony at one of the most iconic parks in New Orleans, Jackson Square. It sits before St. Louis Cathedral, which provided a stunning backdrop for the portraits. Next, we asked our guests to meet at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, which tucked in the 140 friends and family for an intimate and cozy view of our ceremony. Pastor Stephen Aguillard gave what my Grandfather called, “the best wedding ceremony I’ve ever seen” as he preached about men’s and women’s needs in marriage. We wrote our own vows; Michael read his from a neatly folded piece of paper, me from my iPhone, which caused a few chuckles. It added to the interesting quirk of our young Pastor reading from his iPad, too. Our florals for the ceremony were by Ambiance Flowers and added to our mostly white with a few pops of orange in our bouquets. Harry Hardin’s string trio played Air on the G String for the family procession, Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley for the bridal party procession, and then my father and I entered with Mascagni’s Intermezzo. After a tearful vow exchange, we recessed to the traditional Mendelssohn’s Wedding March.

Joyfully marching out of the church as husband and wife, we were greeted by the brass instruments of the Storyville Stompers, one of the most decorated second line bands in New Orleans. Orange handkerchiefs and white feather boas were handed out to the guests and to their surprise, we began marching down the French Quarter. Michael and I briefly followed the parade in a horse and carriage, but we soon joined the crowd, not ones to miss out on any fun. Locals took pictures from their balconies and some even threw beads! We marched and danced with the brass band about eight blocks to the reception site, Galvez Restaurant, located in the French Quarter on the bank of the Mississippi river.

As the sun was setting, the second line band played for our cocktail hour outdoors in the Dutch Alley next the French Market. White lights streamed the alley, and specialty New-Orleans-inspired drinks and delicious Spanish-Cajun hors d’oeuvres were passed around. When it was time, guests were invited to walk up the votive lined stair case, up to the dining hall where five long king’s tables were set. I remember hearing my mother gasp, “Wow!” Each of the tables had no fewer than 100 candles illuminating the room; some in candelabras, some in candlesticks, and small votives. The room needed no other lighting, and the hundreds of candles were my favorite signature touch. The tables also were decorated by Ambiance Flowers vases with white flowers and baby’s breath. Each place setting contained a hand-written note to each guest, from either Michael or me, thanking them for coming.

Dinner was led by Chef Laura, of Galvez. Even though our event was black tie, we served our five courses family style to make for a more personal meal. Our guests passed around their incredible spanish, american, and french inspired dishes: ensaladas, crab cakes, grilled rack of lamb, paella valenciana, and shrimp and grits. It was cooked to perfection, thank you Chef! Our toasts broke up the courses, and our best man and maid of honor gave memorable and touching speeches. My father went last, and after his invited the guests to the dance floor, in the neighboring room.

The dance floor at Galvez is surrounded by French windows and doors that lead to a wrap around balcony. It’s one of the most romantic views in New Orleans, and our guests could watch steamboats chugging along the river as they sipped cocktails on the Crate and Barrel designed lounges outdoors. Or, inside they could get footloose with us to the incredibly talented, seven piece band, Taboo. They were a show stopper and played everything we asked, plus the favorites that even kept my Grandparents dancing way past their usual bed time.

We served two cakes: our wedding cake was by a local favorite sweet shop: Sucré, and they did a buttercream, three tiered wedding cake and our Groom’s cake (we’re in the South, after all!) was by Courtney Schmidig, a family friend and pastry chef at the French Laundry. I insisted on taste before appearance, so there was no fondant, only delicious butter cream and natural ingredients, they both were outstanding, but Courtney’s took the cake to another level!

We danced until midnight with Taboo and their incredible band arrangement and ended the night with a stellar performance that had most guests ready to continue their evening onto Bourbon street. In the morning, we relived the night over beignets and chicory coffee at Cafe Du Monde and bid a final farewell to our guests. We’re still hearing stories about how amazing strolling down the French Quarter with a second line band was, and the awesome jazz ensemble during cocktail hour, and the candlelit views of the Mississippi at night. Thank you Crate & Barrel, and thank you New Orleans, you gave us all an event to remember.

Wedding Contest: Crate & Barrel / Wedding Planners: Yifat Oren & Associates / Church: St. Mark’s United Methodist / Pastor: Stephen Aguillard / Reception, Catering & Bar: Galvez Restaurant / Invitations: Studio Grace / Photographer: Docuvitae /  Videographer: Welliver Productions / Flowers: Ambiance Flower Shop / Second Line Band: Storyville Stompers / Reception Band: Taboo / Bridal Gown (Ceremony): Pronovias, from Designer Loft, New York / Bridal Gown (Reception): Mimi NOLA / Rings: Blue Nile / Tableware, Lounge, and Decor: Crate & Barrel / Rentals: Your Event Delivered / Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Two Birds, from Bella Bridesmaid / Hair & Makeup: Aveda Paris Parker Salon New Orleans / Groom’s Tuxedo: J.Crew / Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse / Wedding Cake: Sucre / Groom’s Cake: Chef Courtney Schmidig / Farewell Breakfast: Cafe Du Monde

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2012. | Permalink | 6 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Ambiance Flower Shop, Aveda Paris Parker Salon New Orleans, Baby's Breath, Bass Brand, Bella Bridesmaid, Big Bands, Blue Nile, Cafe du Monde, Candles, Chef Courtney Schmidig, Classic, Color Palette White Orange, Crate & Barrel, Designer Loft, Docuvitae, French Quarter, Galvez Restaurant, J. Crew, Louisiana, Men's Wearhouse, Mimi NOLA, Mississippi River, New Orleans, NOLA, NOLA Weddings, Pastor Stephen Aguillard, Pronovias, Silhouettes, St. Mark's United Methodist, Storyville Stompers, Studio Grace, Sucre, Taboo, Traditional, Traditional Elegance, Two Birds, Vera Wang, Wedding Photography, Welliver Productions, Yifat Oren & Associates, Your Event Delivered
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

Eugene and I were high school sweethearts. We got married during Labor Day Weekend because we had started officially dating on Labor Day fifteen years earlier.  Eugene proposed to me two years ago on Labor Day Weekend on an anniversary trip to Washington D.C. in front of the Reflective Pool between the Lincoln Memorial and the World War II Memorial.

Both Eugene and I really wanted to incorporate Filipino and family traditions in our wedding as well as make sure the day was still a reflection of us.  We got married at the same beautiful Catholic church – St. Brendan’s in Los Angeles – that my parents had gotten married in thirty years ago.  Both my brother and I were baptized there as well.  We exchanged the same “arras” or coins as my parents.  Our cord was used by other family members at their weddings as well.  It is about 28 years old.  Our Bible Bearer carried my grandfather’s bible from 1968.  My grandfather passed away in 2002.  Eugene and the groomsmen changed from their tuxes into the traditional Filipino formalwear – the barong – for the reception.

Although we wanted our reception to be beautiful, we also wanted to ensure that our guests had fun.  We had a photobooth, a silhouette artist, and a flip book station.  Our guests loved the flip book station.  As guests arrived, waiters served them with drinks and hors d’oeuvres.  We had a few Filipino appetizers served, which all of our guests really enjoyed. We also set-up a candy buffet and had an old school popcorn cart.  Our inspiration was “vintage chic.”

Purple is my favorite color.   Gold, yellows, and champagne were our accent colors because the Villa del Sol d’Oro means House of the Golden Sun. My husband is also a huge Laker fan.  We had our reception at the Villa because there was ample room for our guests to walk around and mingle.  I had one guest tell me he was in his seat for only 20 minutes to eat and that was it; which was exactly what we wanted.   It was the first venue I visited, we then visited ten others… I also fell in love with the idea of having cocktails and the bar in the old library.

Antique keys (also bottle openers) served as our escort cards and favors.  With the help of my bridesmaids, we turned picture frames into cork boards with lace.  We also added purple lace to candles and jars to give everything a romantic feeling and make them “pop”.  Our bridal car was a vintage 1968 Bentley.  I love the picture of my husband and groomsmen around the car.  Our flowers were beautiful!   Our guests went gaga over them.  Instead of using the traditional guestbook, we had a photo guestbook and a wish tree.

My favorite part of the day was the father-daughter dance.  My dad was singing along to Stevie Wonder’s “You Are My Sunshine of My Life” during the entire dance. Our wedding day is a day that I will always remember as amazing.

Wedding Photography: Phoebe Joy Photography / Wedding Videography: DP Weddings / Florals: Daily Petal / Ceremony: St. Brendan Church / Reception Location: Villa del Sol D’ Oro / Caterer: Santa Anita Gardens / Wedding Gown: Custom / Hair & Makeup: Valerie St. George of de Cielo Salon & Spa / Wedding Cake: Cakery Bakery / Photobooth: Instabooths / Flipbooks: Thumb Theater / Silhouette Artist: Sylhouettes by Sylvia / Vintage Bentley: Five Diamond Limo / Chairs & Linens: Elegant Chiavari Chairs 4 Rent / Wedding Coordination: Kristeen LaBrot Events

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 25 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Bentley, Cakery Bakerym, California, Color Palette Purple, Custom Gown, Custom Wedding Gown, Daily Petal, de Cielo Salon & Spa, DP Weddings, Elegant Chiavari Chairs 4 Rent, Filipino Wedding, Five Diamond Limo, Flip Books, Instabooths, Kristeen LaBrot Events, Lace, Los Angeles, Outdoor Reception, Outdoor Wedding, Phoebe Joy Photography, photobooth, Santa Anita Gardens, Silhouettes, St. Brendan Church, Sylhouettes by Sylvia, Thumb Theater, Villa del Sol d'Oro, Vintage Keys, Wedding Planners & Designers
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Planners & Designers

Ramin surprised Melissa with a proposal on her 30th birthday.  They had never shopped for rings, and Ramin had always been hesitant about even discussing that “grown-up topic.” With the stresses of serving as the trauma chief resident, Ramin had told Melissa he didn’t know if he’d even be home for a birthday dinner. Well, dinner happened and afterward they went for a walk on the pier at Chrissy Field with the glow of the golden gate bridge and San Francisco City skyline. Melissa was visibly shocked when Ramin lowered to his knee to propose.  First words out of her mouth:  “Seriously? For real? You want to marry me?”  After Ramin reminded her that she still did not answer his question, she replied with “YES!”

We both love the outdoors and while we love the mountains more than the city we felt San Francisco was special to us, the city where we met and started to build a life together.  We knew we were moving for Ramin’s job end of June 2010 and wanted to get married before we moved.   We also knew we wanted an outdoor wedding since that really reflects who we are.  The weather in San Francisco during June can be so unpredictable and cold so we had to look for venues outside of the Bay Area.

The Central Valley is where Ramin was raised and it is a side of California we both love but that most people don’t know or get to see.  At first viewing, Melissa knew it was the perfect venue: beautiful, natural, predictable weather, and convenient for all the out of town guests.  We wanted an intimate, relaxed, fun, festive feel to the wedding and loved the idea of a summer fair.

Instead of traditional place cards we decided to get creative and asked our guests to send us a photo with their response card.  We used the photos as their place cards at a hanging escort card display.  Table numbers at this display were accompanied by one picture each of Melissa and Ramin at those respective years (Table 1 = 1 year old, Table 2 = 2 years old, etc).  Melissa’s sister helped us put these together in the days before the wedding. On the day of the wedding guests were able to walk up to the display during cocktail hour and retrieve their place card as well as see all the fun photos that the other guests had submitted.  This was also a way for all guests to get to know each other.

Though both of us were raised in the states, Melissa is half Colombian and Ramin is Persian. We don’t care too much for convention, so we designed our own hybrid ceremony. In Persian tradition, we sat facing a symbolic “sofreh aghd.”  The Colombian/Christian elements included a small wedding party and inspirational readings by family (Bible and poetry of Hafez).  We held the ceremony in the lavender field facing our guests. Dr. Mehri Pirooz officiated in both English and Farsi. The “toor” that was held over us during the ceremony was loaned by very close family friends of 40 years. It was silken & crocheted, and  their 3 children were married under it as well.

We had a ferris wheel to go with the summer fair theme, we thought it would not only make a great backdrop for photos but would also be a fun treat for all of our guests.  A way to bring out the inner child in all of us!

Photography: Lauri Levenfeld, Zoom Photography, Second shooter Jessica Epstein / Location: Bear Flag Farm / Catering: Alex’s Catering / Floral Design: Sillapere Eco Events / Rentals: Hartmann Studios / Linens: La Tavola Fine Linens / Lighting & Power: Monkeyglue Lighting / Band: Wall Street Notable Talent Agency /Event Planning & Design:  Tina Reikes for Bear Flag Farm / Dress: Vera Wang, “Rita” from Glamour Closet

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 13 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Alex's Catering, Bear Flag Farm, Bikes, California, Casual Elegance, Color Palette Purple, Ferris Wheel, Glamour Closet, Hartmann Studios, JEssica Epstein, La Tavola Fine Linens, Lavender, Lavender Fields, Mason Jars, Monkeyglue Lighting, Outdoor Ceremony, Outdoor Weddings, Silhouettes, Sillapere Eco Events, Tented Reception, The Central Valley, Traditional Elegance, Vera Wang, Wall Street Notable Talent Agency, Zoom Photography
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog

We heart Elysium Productions big time over here and upon viewing this sweet film I’m sure you’ll fall for them too!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From Elysium Productions…Danielle & Seth wanted a very unique wedding so they booked a super unique designer and venue, Rancho Las Lomas, complete with parrots and tigers and an orange grove.  They are both huge music lovers so the designer incorporated music sheets into the backdrop, table cards, etc. She also included other unique items including hand-drawn silhouettes of the couple!  There are so many amazing details that you have to watch this video a few times to even see them all.  It was so beautiful!  It was a traditional Jewish wedding and it was an amazing party!

Wedding Cinematography: Elysium Productions / Wedding Photography:  Sargeant Photography / Wedding Coordinator:  Lisa Moon Events / Caterer: 24 Carrots / Event Design: Inviting Occasion / Linens: Wildflower Linens / Wedding Cake: Sweet & Saucy Shop / Bride’s Hair & Makeup: Flawless Faces / Wedding Venue: Rancho Las Lomas

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 20 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: 24 Carrots, Birdcages, California, California Weddings, Elysium Productions, Flawless Faces Inc., Flower Girl Dresses, Inviting Occasions, lisa moon events, Moss Florals, Music Inspirations, Orange County, orange grove, Outdoor Wedding, Rancho Las Lomas, Sargeant Photography, Seating Cards, Silhouettes, Sweet and Saucy, unique, Wildflower Linens
Post categories: California Weddings

And of course, a HUGE thank you to Lisa and Derren for letting us share in their beautiful day. Lisa, you are such an inspiration to all of us for designing an affair that is as beautiful as it was charming. Ashlyn and Heather from Carter & Cook Event Co helped plan and coordinate the day, as well. Fabulous job all around!

Oh and that is jasmine that the guests are throwing…love!

all photos by He & She Photography

We have another amazing, totally different wedding on the way so stay tuned!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 26 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: California Weddings, He & She Photography, Lisa and Derren, Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, Silhouettes, Vintage
Post categories: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Vintage Chic, Whimsical

Ahhhh, swoon.  Here are a few little bits from Erin and Randy at He & She Photography…

Besides the wedding style being SUPER creative, the couple couldn’t have been any nicer and any more in love! We had a great time shooting with them in such a beautiful atmosphere. Everything really came together wonderfully and it turned out to be an amazing day.

I love the birdcages that were used as centerpieces. What a clever, cost effective way to bring a little whimsy to your tables. And I LOVE the different, mismatched bridesmaids dresses. The more time I spend in the wedding industry, the more I love the eclectic bridesmaids look. There is something so effortless and yet elegant about it. More on the way!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 17 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: California Weddings, He & She Photography, Lisa and Derren, Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, Silhouettes
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Vintage Chic, Whimsical

Swoon. Completely and madly in love with this cake. Here is a close-up shot so that you can really see the pure gorgeousness of the detailing…

La, la, LOVE! So much more to come throughout the day! In the meantime, check out K. Rose’s website for ridiculous amounts of eye candy and inspiration or click here to see some of her other designs that we’ve featured on SMP!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 23 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: K. Rose Cakes, Silhouettes, Wedding Cakes
Post categories: Wedding Cakes

Chrissy Lambert, also a Little Black Book member, did a fantastic job capturing the Vintage Glam inspiration behind Jennifer and Vincent’s wedding!

All the little details they pulled into this wedding are so, so “glamorous”!

Well … almost everything is glamorous …

The silhouettes they used added just the perfect vintage touch.

We’ve seen quite a few Black & White with red accented weddings from 2008, but Jennifer & Vincent’s is so different. It’s light-hearted and full of zest and just forces a big happy smile!

We also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE antique brooches and feathers and crystals and … just all of the lovely glitz!

Jennifer and Vincent were married in November at the Lanikuhonua Estate on the island of Oahu.

How great is this picture!

A HUGE thank you to Michelle at Flowergirls and Chrissy Lambert Photography for sharing this sensational vintage glam wedding with us.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 38 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Brooch, Candy Buffet, Chandelier, Chrissy Lambert Photography, Color Palette Black White Red, Crystals, Feathers, Flowergirls, Flybird Press, Hawaii, Lanikuhonua Estate, Oahu, Ring Pillow, Silhouettes, Vintage Glam
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Vintage Chic, Wedding Details, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Photography, Wedding Style, Whimsical