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From Theresa of Theresa Scarbrough Photography… I wanted to share with you Beata and Charles’ Chicago urban chic wedding from the fall of 2011. They are such a fun and sweet couple and I hope you enjoy looking over their images! Beata had her dress embellished with jewels on one side of the waist and matched it with the same jewels in her earrings and necklace matching with the glitter heels from Kate Spade. Charles wore his Army uniform. They were married on October 29th, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois, at St. Hyacinth Basilica. Portraits were taken around downtown and the reception was at the quaint Fulton’s on the River.

Wedding Photography: Theresa Scarbrough Photography / Ceremony: St. Hyacinth Basilica in Chicago, Illinois / Reception: Fulton’s on the River / Flowers: New Six Corners Flowers in Chicago, Illinois / Officiant: Rev. Francis Róg CR / Wedding Cinematography: Jeff Manimbo / DJ: Corey Sanford of Music Masters Entertainment, Inc. / Cake Topper: Milk Tea / Wedding Cake + Mini Pastries: Rolf’s Patisserie (Now Closed) / Red Velvet Cake Balls: The Bleeding Heart Bakery / Wedding Programs: Shine Invitations / Menus + Seat Assignments: DIY by Bride / Photobooth: Smilebooth / Makeup: Kelly Letto of Bobbi Brown / Getting Ready Location: dana Hotel and Spa / Bridal Party Gifts: Anthropologie / Wedding Dress: Vera Wang / Dress Applique + Hair Piece: Belle Vie Bridal Couture / Shoes: Kate Spade / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Various Amsale Dresses in Eggplant / Sketch Pin Design + Save-the-Dates: Kelly Murray / Sketch Pins: Pure Buttons

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Post tags: Amsale, Anthropologie, Belle Vie Bridal Couture, Bobbi Brown, Chicago, Corey Sanford, dana Hotel and Spa, Fulton's on the River, Illinois, Inc., Jeff Manimbo, Kate Spade, Kelly Letto, Kelly Murray, Milk Tea, Music Masters Entertainment, New Six Corners Flowers, Pure Buttons, Purple, Rev. Francis Rog CR, Rolf's Patisserie, Shine Invitations, Smilebooth, St. Hyacinth Basilica, The Bleeding Heart Bakery, Theresa Scarbrough Photography, Vera Wang
Post categories: Chicago Weddings, Illinois Weddings, Traditional Elegance

And because I might just be the biggest fan of  Elysium Productions in the entire world (this is no exaggeration), I would be remiss to not share yet another one of their wedding cinematography masterpieces…hold onto your hats folks, this one is breathtaking…

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From Angel of Events of Love and Splendor… Vipula and Dan envisioned a quintessential Indian wedding, embellished in vibrant hues and dripping with luxurious exotic details. With a large guest count and the blank slate of Saddlerock Ranch’s Oak Grove, we embarked on creating three unique settings for their day of celebration. Their wedding was held under a custom-created mandap by the floral and event designers of R. Jack Balthazar. The wooden structure was draped with floral garlands and hanging lanterns for a lavish look. Cocktail hour was held on a nearby lawn, featuring a bar staffed by professional mixologists offering signature cocktails with exotic ingredients such as earl grey-infused vodka, thyme, tamarind syrup and mango puree. Upholstered lounge furniture and embroidered pillows made for a luxe yet warm setting for imbibing. I especially enjoyed working on the escort card table design that played on Vipula’s love of elephants. Escort cards were cut using a custom-made elephant-shaped die, and then nestled in shallow bowls of fragrant and colorful spices. The entire table was covered with elephant figures and statues to further play on the theme.

Dinner and the reception were held in a grand “village” of tents. Instead of a single tent structure, we utilized “destination” tents for dining, a custom-built bar, and a dessert and chai lounge. Sumptuous fabrics, abundant florals and plush furniture made for a spectacular setting that was decidedly extravagant while also intimate and warm. Per usual, my dear friends at R. Jack Balthazar pulled out all the stops for this wedding and did not overlook a single detail in setting each opulent table. The overall setting was nothing short of spectacular. It was pure magic to watch Vipula and Dan’s guests, many adorned in splendid saris, mingling in the lavish scene. 

Wedding Photography: The Image is Found / Wedding Planning + Design: Events of Love and Splendor / Floral + Event Design: R. Jack Balthazar / Weddng Venue: Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu, California / Wedding Stationery + Printed Materials: Kristin of Events of Love and Splendor / Wedding Cinematography: Elysium Productions / Catering: Chakra Beverly Hills + Huntington Catering / Mixologists: The Cocktail Consultant / DJ: Anthony of Red Shoe LA / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Linens: La Tavola / Wedding Cake + Desserts: Sweet and Saucy Shop / Photobooth: Smilebooth / Entertainment: Bollywood Step Dance / Security: Sandman Security / Valet Parking: Premiere Valet

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Post tags: Bollywood Step Dance, California, Chakra Beverly Hills, Classic Party Rentals, Colorful, Elysium Productions, Events of Love and Splendor, Huntington Catering, Indian Wedding, La Tavola, Malibu, Premiere Valet, R. Jack Balthazar, Red Shoe LA, Saddleback Ranch, Sandman Security, Smilebooth, Sweet and Saucy Shop, The Image is Found
Post categories: Cultural Beauty, The Blog

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Oh, and we’re not done just yet.  We have one VERY amazing film by Leap Weddings to add to this pretty, pretty day!  Enjoy!

From the Bride… The style for our wedding can be described as “sophisticated, elegant and charming with threads of subtle preppy whimsy woven throughout.” Our day was intimate and warm and most importantly, Dan and I both wanted to take care of our guests and make sure that they knew how grateful we were to have them be part of this important day. Our ceremony was held at my childhood parish, a traditional Catholic church where many of my family members and friends had been married previously.  Cocktail hour was held out on the terrace underneath a white pole tent featuring tailored fabric treatment and scalloped draping along the perimeter.  Once guests were inside the tent (after being escorted by country club staff with coordinating navy and white stripe umbrellas), the space included white lounge furniture, high gold chivari chairs, two bars, cabaret tables and high boys scattered throughout.  The cabaret tables were decorated with small floral arrangements designed in mirrored cases featuring varied tones of peach/apricot flowers: spray roses, garden roses, ranunculus and peonies and the high boy tables featured a simple vase with a stair-stepped pair of coral peonies.  Custom gold pillows adorned the couches and the center table featured a shallow bowl with floating gardenia and candles to set the atmosphere.  Our guests were fed small bites inspired by some of our favorite Chicago restaurants and sipped on classic mojitos and champagne cocktails.

After cocktails, guests were ushered indoors from the terrace into the dining room for dinner. The guest tables each had a tall silver candelabra with a trio of lush “satellite” arrangements at the base designed in worn gold vessels. The florals included white/cream/champagne colored roses, garden roses, peonies and ranunculus and a trio of 12×3 ivory pillar candles to fill out the tables. The head table was a long rectangular harvest table with two silver candelabras with a collection of coral and peach floral arrangements and chunky pillar candles in varying sizes lined down the center the table to lend the look of a rolling landscape. Following dinner, the dancing and reception was back under the tent where dessert, lots of dancing and drinks were held and pashminas were provided for the ladies to keep warm.  

It is hard to even describe the day and the feeling you get when looking around and seeing those that you love all gathered together to support and celebrate in your love and next step as a couple.  There were plenty of moments throughout the day that I simply grabbed my new husband’s hand, took a step back and really took it all in.  I wanted to make sure that I was present and could remember as many moments as possible and I can say with certainty that I do!

Wedding Photography: averyhouse / Wedding Ceremony Venue: Holy Trinity Catholic Church / Wedding Reception Venue: Bloomington Golf Club / Wedding Coordination: Kara Superfine from Bliss Weddings and Events / Florist: Heaven on Earth / Wedding Stationery: Fabulous Affairs + Clementine Ink + Paper / Wedding Gown: Vera Wang Ethel (Fall 2010 Collection) via Vera Wang Chicago / Ceremony Music: Paddy Homan / Band: Standing Room Only / Cake Artist: Michelene Hundman / Photo Booth: Smilebooth / Cinematography: Leap Weddings / Jewelry: Family + Borrowed / Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Tux + Shoes: Hugo Boss / Rentals: Formally Modern Tuxedo / Bowtie + Braces: Carrot and Ginger / Transportation: Elegant Limousine / Honeymoon: French Polynesia

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Post tags: averyhouse, Ben Mahoney Productions, Bliss Weddings and Events, Bloomington, Bloomington Golf Club, Carrot and Ginger, Clementine Ink + Paper, Elegant Limousine, Fabulous Affairs, Formally Modern Tuxedo, French Polynesia, Heaven on Earth Floral Design, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Hugo Boss, Illinois, Jimmy Choo, Michelene Hundman, Paddy Homan, Smilebooth, Standing Room Only, Vera Wang, Vera Wang Chicago
Post categories: The Blog, Traditional Elegance

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From the Bride…With Patrick and I both growing up and meeting in California, we knew that there was nowhere else we wanted to tie the knot. Deciding on the location was a no brainer…The Bacara truly embodies California culture: from the food and wine selections to the Spanish style architecture and its location on the Santa Barbara coast. It was stunning, and it was perfect! With the help of Beth Helmstetter Events, we were able to make all of our most indulgent dreams become a reality!

In terms of décor we wanted very neutral, earthy tones that would complement the colors of the Bacara. I also wanted a lot of textures in our wedding day – everything from my dress, to the linens, the flowers,  to the cake – these all had feminine textural elements in clean, neutral colors that all tied in together.

Initially, we had planned to have an outdoor ceremony, but on the morning of our wedding we woke up to heavy mist along the coast. Of course, I started to panic….but our amazing team had a backup plan that turned out even more gorgeous than what we had originally wanted. Everything turned out for the best….the photos took on an amazing, dreamy quality to them, and until today I look back and thank my lucky stars that it drizzled!

Looking back, I would not have changed a single thing. I am so grateful that we were able to have all our friends and family together from all over the world to celebrate with us! Let’s do it again!

Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Bride’s Evening Gown: Rachel Gilbert / Grooms Tux + Shoes: Prada / Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale / Groomsmen Tuxes: Elite Tuxedo / Wedding Cinematography: Aqua Vivus Productions / Wedding Photography: Max Wanger + Margaux Wanger of Max Wanger Photography / Photo Booth: Smilebooth / Event Design: Beth Helmstetter Events / Floral Design: Holly Flora / Hair + Make-up: TEAM Hair and Makeup / Bride’s Lashes: Tussanee of Integrity / Venue: The Bacara / Linens: La Tavola Linen / Calligraphy + Invitations: Laura Hooper Calligraphy / Bridesmaids Gifts: Papermade

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 42 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Amsale, Aqua Vivus Productions, Beth Helmstetter Events, California Weddings, Christian Louboutin, Elite Tuxedo, Holly Flora, Integrity, La Tavola, Laura Hooper Calligraphy, Max Wanger Photography, Papermade, Prada, Rachel Gilbert, Santa Barbara, Smilebooth, TEAM Hair and Makeup, The Bacara
Post categories: The Blog, Traditional Elegance

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From the Bride…We’re old fashioned.  Our seven-year courtship began unremarkably with a few casual lunches as co-workers but we eventually fell in love over the phone while my now-husband was away in the Army.  Over the better part of the last decade, we got to know each other intimately through conversation.  There were long stretches of time where limited opportunities for contact tested our relationship.  Sometimes months would pass before I would finally receive a call from somewhere in the desert or the jungle.  We learned that although we came from different backgrounds and have different interests, we share the same values, most notably a belief in the importance of heritage and an appreciation for the beauty of tradition.

Naturally, paying tribute to what was important to us took precedence over aesthetics during the wedding planning process.  There was no single guiding theme or design scheme that provided inspiration for the ceremony and the reception.  We married in the church that my husband attended as a child and our reception featured the traditional Korean pae-baek wedding ceremony.  My husband wore his dress uniform, with its various pins and badges revealing to the guests just what had been keeping us apart all these years.  Despite the eclectic collection of activities and décor, our talented photographers Stevi and Matt of Avery House managed to capture the joyous conclusion of our long journey.

Wedding Photography: averyhouse / Venue, Catering + Wedding Cake: Midori Banquet / Florist: Jae Sim / Entertainment: Scott Park of Sweet Soundz / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Jewelry: Palen / Photo Booth: Smilebooth

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Post tags: Avery House, Badgley Mischka, Cultural Beauty, Illinois Weddings, Jae Sim, Midori Banquets, Palen, Smilebooth, Sweet Soundz
Post categories: Illinois Weddings

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From Stevi of Avery House … Caily and Paul had a 2010 New Year’s Eve Wedding at the Blackstone Hotel in Chicago. Designed by Debi Lilly from A Perfect Event, it was gorgeous. The bride is from Chicago and Groom is from Ireland. Much of the groom’s family and friends from Ireland traveled to Chicago for the wedding and many of them stole center stage on the dance floor. Who knew the Irish were such good dancers? There was so much excitement and energy throughout the night that my husband and I ended up staying four hours longer than we were actually booked. We had so much fun!

Photography: Avery House / Photo Booth: Smilebooth / Flowers: A Perfect Event / Event Design: A Perfect Event / Event Planning: A Perfect Event / Ceremony Location: The Blackstone Hotel / Reception Location: The Blackstone Hotel / Invitations: A Perfect Event / Shoes: Lavender / Dress: Amsale, Bijou / Belt: Reem Acra / Cake Artist: Take The Cake / Veil: Toni Federici / Rings: Flaherty Jewelers / Earrings & Bracelets: Ann Taylor

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 14 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: A Perfect Event, Amsale, Ann Taylor, Avery House, Chicago, Flaherty Jewelers, Illinois, New Year's Eve, Reem Acra, Smilebooth, Take The Cake, The Blackstone Hotel, Toni Federici, Traditional Chic, Wedding Photography, Winter Wedding
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

From Michele Damon … I met Kristen and her mom two years prior to wedding and they already had a game day plan: she would marry outdoors, under a garden canopy of flowers and candles. Kristen who is a very mod girl with a closet full of unique shoes, said it had to be vintage and intimate even though we were inviting 200 people.

Over the course of the following two years, Kristen and her mom became the antique, thrift store, yard sales queens, scoring the best items you could ever hope to have. Within these great finds (10 boxes to be exact), were a mannequin, her grandmothers cocktail table and 19 feet of lace.

The perfect dress was found at Kleinfield and the first one she tried on. We used flowers in blush shades and complimented them with “king and queen decor” to fit their rock and roller personalities.

The Historic Mansion was the perfect backdrop for the outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour and the amazing glass atrium ballroom went from an elegant dinner to a fun party with many of the guest camped out at Smilebooth all night. At the end of the night, Kristen & Devin exited thru a blaze of sparklers and were whisked away in their vintage Rolls Royce.

Photography: Our Labor of Love / Cinematography: Blue Sky Films / Flowers: Wicked Willow / Event Design & Planning: Michele Damon Events / Ceremony Location: Newton White Mansion / Reception Location: Newton White Mansion / Invitations: Heartcarry Press / Dress: Kleinfield / Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Cake: SugarBakers / Linens: Select Event Rentals / Photo Booth: Smilebooth / Officiant: Parker Sutton / Entertainment: My DeeJay

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 25 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Blue Sky Films, Christian Louboutin, Heartcarry Press, Kleinfeld, Maryland, Michele Damon Events, My Deejay, Newton White Mansion, Our Labor of Love, Parker Sutton, Pink Black White, Select Event Rentals, Smilebooth, SugarBakers, Vintage, Wicked Willow
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Vintage Chic, Wedding Photography, Wedding Planners & Designers

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From cHill Weddings… Christine and Mike were wed in downtown Philadelphia in a new chic boutique hotel called Hotel Palomar. A venue that is best suited for a smaller wedding, their 70 count guest list was perfect. Christine and Mike knew what was important to them, and photography was on the top of their list.  And they did the right thing and hired Jesse and Whit of Our Labor of Love Photography!  The Smilebooth was set up for the reception and it ended up being a hit.

Their ceremony was exceptionally memorable because children were running around, giggling, and crying.  For the first time, I witnessed a couple who didn’t care! And let it roll off their shoulders because they loved kids too, and they were all very much part of the wedding. Skype was a great tool for the wedding, for Mike’s grandparents who couldn’t attend the wedding.  They watched the ceremony, heard all the toasts, and even got to dance with some guests as a cousin worked the dance floor with the laptop.

But what I loved the most were Christine and Mike’s detailed paper products.  I especially loved their placecards – which were hand calligraphied paper flowers that we placed on each champagne toast glass.  For escort cards, guests received a colored button that lead them to their seats, welcomed by a candy bar wrapped with the same colored paper. It was a fun, intimate affair with awesome music provided by the Remixologists.

Wedding Photography: Jesse and Whit of Our Labor of Love / Photo Booth: Smilebooth, Our Labor of Love / Floral Design: Sweet Pea / Day of Coordination: cHill Weddings, LLC / Wedding Ceremony & Reception Location: Hotel Palomar / Reception Music: The Remixologists / Wedding Invitations: Bella Figura / Program Stamp: Emilie Friday / Calligraphy: Patricia Mumau of Primele / Wedding Dress: Anne Barge / Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade

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Post tags: Anne Barge, Bella Figura, Black and White, cHill Weddings, Emilie Friday, Hotel Palomar, Kate Spade, LLC, Our Labor of Love, Patricia Mumau, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Primele, Smilebooth, Sweet Pea Flowers, The Remixologists, White and Pink
Post categories: Traditional Elegance