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From the lovely bride, Lauren…

John and I met at Providence College as freshmen in the winter of 2003; he from New Jersey, I from Massachusetts. After getting over our Boston-New York sports rivalry (luckily he’s a Mets fan), we became inseparable and fell in love.  We graduated, lived states apart, and couldn’t stand to be without each other, so in 2008 I moved to New York so we could be together.  We got engaged in March of 2009 and our wedding location was a no-brainer.  Working in NYC is great and we love our hectic city life, but we sometimes find ourselves wanting to climb to the top of the Chrysler building just for a view of the ocean.  Rather than risking our safety, we escape to Watch Hill, RI every chance we get for a much-needed dose of family, friends, and serene coastal living and that’s exactly where we would tie the knot.

It was important to us to be married in a church, so our ceremony was held at the Watch Hill Chapel: a quaint, white chapel built in the 1870s on a bluff overlooking the sea and now the reincarnated Ocean House (a “rebirth of the last iconic New England seaside resort”…their words, not ours!) where we had our rehearsal dinner. We wanted the focus of the reception to stay on why everyone was there in the first place: our marriage!  So we kept the chapel décor minimal with white flower arrangements on the first pews to designate family seats and two large cylindrical vases of white flowers on the altar.

We had a vision for our reception from the start that ultimately began with our classic black, white and gold save the dates and invitations that the unbelievably talented crew at Cheree Berry Paper created for us with calligraphy from Love Jenna. Cheree, Kristen and their team are paper geniuses, and made my stationery dreams come true by working black and white stripes and a monogram that Jenna created into everything down to our menu. I stuck to the same classic but neutral theme when it came to my bridesmaids. I didn’t want them to wear the same dresses, because really, when do you ever wear the same dress to an event as someone else? Luckily they agreed and together, we chose dress options in the same color family from J.Crew, Lela Rose, and Thread.

I wanted our tent to feel welcoming, but chic and sophisticated at the same time, so we chose a mix of white fabrics, string lighting and candles to complement and create warmth with our beige, natural weave tablecloths. We chose Tuscan and square tables as opposed to round for a cleaner look and incorporated Jenna’s calligraphy into the place setting with our menus and place cards. My vision of our flowers changed halfway through our wedding planning and luckily, I was in the best hands possible. Yumiko from Hana Floral design understood every single vision I had, suggested incredible (and better) options I didn’t know existed, and made us the most gorgeous white centerpieces and lavender bouquet I’ve ever seen.

Our dinner menu was comforting as well: beer and cheddar soup, gourmet burgers on brioche buns, buttermilk fried chicken, butternut squash and wild mushroom strudel, family-style sides, and homemade ice cream sandwiches for dessert. We had a small, red-velvet cake to cut with a custom topper made by Garden4Arts on Etsy and each guest received a bite-sized cupcake from one of our favorite NYC spots, Baked by Melissa.

The rest of the night consisted of a packed and crazy dance floor, thanks to an appearance by our college mascot and Boston-based band Magnus, who rocked out to the Killers, Journey, Katy Perry, and our favorite 80’s tunes. Dancing the night away with 150 of our closest family and friends nearly eight years after we met was a moment in time that we’ll never forget. It was the best day of our lives and we feel so lucky to share it with all of you!

Photography: Steve DePino / Flowers: Hana Floral Design / Tent: Newport Tent / Tent Decor: Exquisite Events / Chairs, Tables, Napkins: Rentals Unlimited / Tablecloths: Classic Party Rentals / Cocktail Hour Entertainment: P.D. Rogers / Band: Magnus, / Favors: Baked By Melissa Cupcakes / Ceremony Venue: Watch Hill Chapel / Reception Venue: Shelter Harbor Golf Club / Save the Dates, Invitations, Programs, Menus: Cheree Berry Paper / Calligraphy: Love Jenna Calligraphy / Cake: The Decorated Cake by Diane Marsh / Dress: Vera Wang / Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Hair and Makeup: Emir Pehilj

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 50 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Charlestown, Cheree Berry, Hana Floral Design, Love Jenna Calligraphy, Rhode Island, Shelter Harbor Golf Club, Steve DePino, Watch Hill Chapel
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Contemporary, Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance

These images haven’t officially won any awards (yet), but in our books, they should!  Steve took part in this terrific Holiday Photo Shoot that Abby featured a few days ago on SMP. He was there as the dashing groom! However, when he wasn’t in front of the camera, he couldn’t resist taking a few shots of his own!

That would be Steve (below) as the dashing groom ~ sorry Steve, but you’ve gotta’ admit, you did a great job! If anyone missed it, here are the links to Abby’s features:  Connecticut Holiday Wedding Photo Shoot. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 !

photo by Anna Sawin Photography

However, in addition to his talents in front of the camera, Steve is even more awesome behind the lens!

We asked our LBB photographers to send us either their favorite award-winning images … or a few photos that they believe ought-to-be (or will-be) contest winners! These first two photos (above) are two of Steve’s favorite new images.

The next two ARE already award winners!

from Steve …

This type of photograph asks the client to have a lot of confidence in their photographer. The couple picked their wedding venue primarily because of it’s beautiful river views so the idea of shooting some of their portraits against an on-site retaining wall might NOT have been their first choice of shooting locations! AWARD

Again from Steve …

This was a ‘right place at the right time’ type of photo. As the bride and groom were leaving the church (after a few quick formals), a lone light shaft came peaking though a window at the far end the church. I was so excited about the light that I rushed the bride over to do a few shots before the light disappeared. After rattling 10 or so frames off, the groom walked over and was amazed at the shots. In all the excitement about the light I had almost forgottem about the groom! Once I placed him into the scene, the image really became much more complete. I just love the way the light points to and rims both of their heads. I really couldn’t have placed the light in a better location myself. It was truly divine light.” Grand Prize

Gorgeous, Steve. Simply gorgeous.

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We absolutely encourage you to take a look at more of Steve’s work on his blog and website. Hands-down … one of the best!

Themed Engagement Shoot (from Steve’s blog)

Kathy and Adam’s Wedding, Hartford CT (from Steve’s blog)

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 11 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Connecticut, Hartford, Steve DePino
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Photography

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First, we have another dream team lined up ready to make one of your fabulous inspiration boards come to life. For this next challenge we have the fantastically talented crew of James Christianson Photography, Carissa Beauty, Sweet Letter Press, RSVP Shindig, Anna Be Bridal Boutique, Delilah’s Flowers of Denver, and cinematographer Kevin Von Qualen. Our vendors will be choosing the winning board on Monday, December 21st, so head on over to the Style Circle and design to your little heart’s content. Make sure to tag and name your board Inspiration Board Challenge #9 to be considered!

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And now… we have the pleasure of sharing with you the winner of Monday’s Inspiration to Reality Challenge…Congratulations Sticky! This completely amazing, completely chic board, appropriately named “ampearsand” caught the eye of our vendors and they just couldn’t resist its colorful, whimsical charm. This design will come life at the hands of style gurus Gina Barber from A Thyme to Cook, White Dress by the Shore, Steve DePino Photography, Stonington Paperie, Dana Bartone, Jessica’s Country Flowers, and Buzz Media.

Loving this color scheme… this one is about as irresistible as they come, but we’ll (try to) wait patiently for it’s unveiling after the New Year.

Credits include: Justin Marantz / vi.sualize.us / Paul Rich Studio / Surface Magazine / Painting by Carol Marine / Kate Spade / Fresh New England / Nick Sherman / Veer.com / On Paper / and Cunningham Photography.

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Last, but most certainly not least is the winner of the vintage car banner from A Bride’s Ride. Renee is giving one very special SMP reader one of her fabulous getaway kits just for stopping by and telling us about their favorite banner and garland. But that’s not all, she is also offering FREE shipping on orders until Jan. 31. So just head on over to her seriously cute site and simply mention Style Me Pretty when purchasing.

Enough talking… it’s time to announce our winner Laura, who said…

Yay! I’m in love with the “Love” banner with the pink flower garland. We’re getting married on my parents farm up in a field of wild flowers by the apple orchards. We’ll be having a yellow and pink lemonade stand and an old yellow antique car up at the ceremony site (complete with those giagantic balloons, of course!)…these banners would go perfectly with the vintage car and is the lovely little finishing detail for a fun-whimsical theamed wedding! Adorable

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Post tags: A Brides Ride, A Thyme to Cook, Anna Be, Buzz Media, Carissa Beauty, Dana Bartone & Co., Delilah's Flowers of Denver, Inspiration to Reality, James Christianson, Jessica's Country Flowers, Kevin Von Qualen, Pears, RSVP Shindig, Steve DePino, Stonington Paperie, Sweet Letter Press, The White Dress By The Shore
Post categories: Contests, From Inspiration to Reality

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Our next über-talented team to take on the Inspiration to Reality Challnege is Gina Barber from A Thyme to Cook for event design, fashions from White Dress by the Shore, photography by Steve DePino, Invitations by Stonington Paperie, Makeup by Dana Bartone, florals by Jessica’s Country Flowers, and cinematography by Buzz Media.

The winning board will be chosen on Friday, December 18th from the boards on the Style Circle. In order to enter your board in our challenge, make sure to label and tag it Inspiration Board Challenge #8 to be considered.

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Without further ado, we would like to share the newest inspiration board to make it to the ranks of real life photo shoot. Jessamyn Harris, photographer extraordinaire and Jess Flood, event design guru picked this blissfully-beautiful board from Emilia and we can completely see why… it’s icy-blue goodness and feminine charm all wrapped up in one. Thrilled to see the results!

Credits: Dress by Valentino via This is Glamorous / Decoupage Menu Tray by Paris Hotel Boutique / Lisa Lefkowitz / Scarlet & Violet / Elizabeth Messina / Accessories via a glamorous little side project / and Our Labor or Love.

If you love this board and you love this idea, we would LOVE for you to design a board too. Just head over to the Style Circle and start creating! Have fun and design anything that you would love to see come to life!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 13 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: A Thyme to Cook, Buzz Media, Contests, Dana Bartone & Co., Inspiration to Reality, Jess Flood, Jessamyn Harris, Jessica's Country Flowers, Steve DePino, Stonington Paperie, The White Dress By The Shore, Winner
Post categories: From Inspiration to Reality

photographs by Steve DePino and Jim Altieri

From the lovely bride…

We chose colors that complimented the colors of the water. Our florist, Elisabeth from Studio Blush, created a beautiful, classic look using mainly white flowers with hints of purple (my favorite color). The arrangements on the long rectangular tables were mainly single bloom arrangements in square vases and all the bridesmaids carried white bouquets also made of single blooms. My bouquet was all different types of purple flowers and wrapped in the lace from my Lela Rose gown-it was gorgeous! There were candles everywhere to keep the lighting very natural. My Mom filled the large fireplace with hurricane lanterns with sea shells and other freestanding candles which was very impressive.

We worked with Judy Paulen designs at Bloomingdales for all of our invitations and save the dates and then personally designed the menu and programs with help from family friends, Rex and Wendy Walden. We printed them locally and kept the theme of using the Sachem’s Head Yacht Club etching on the menu (as we did on the Save the Date). I designed the escort card display so it would cover up an ugly corkboard in the entryway to the ballroom using linen fabric and ribbons in different purple patterns. My friend, Amy, helped with all the calligraphy on the invitations, escort and seating cards. We created seating card holders out of wine corks.

LOVE!! Thank you so much to Steve DePino for sending this lovely wedding our way! Coming up, we’re announcing the winner of the latest Crate and Barrel giveaway.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 18 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Butter by Nadia, Christian Louboutin, Color Palette Purple Blue, Connecticut, Cupcakes, Guilford, J. Crew, Lela Rose, Purple, Sachem's Head Yacht Club, Steve DePino, Studio Blush
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Traditional Elegance

From the gorgeous bride…

Matt and I always wanted to have our wedding at a place that was really special to us and that represented who we are as a couple. I grew up in a small Connecticut shoreline town called Guilford that is absolutely beautiful in the springtime and so we decided to hold our wedding ceremony there at the First Congregational Church. We held the reception at the Sachem’s Head Yacht Club where I spent all my summers growing up. In recent years, Matt has also spent many summers at the Sachem’s Head Yacht Club and we have many memories there together. It definitely took a lot of effort and teamwork, but we pulled off the wedding of my dreams.

The bridemaids all wore dresses from Butter by Nadia in tones that matched the ocean-purple, navy and slate–and I gave them lucite earrings and bracelets in all different colors, shapes and sizes to fit their personalities. The dresses were amazing and you could tie them in all different styles which my girlfriends loved. Matt and his wedding party wore ties from J Crew Liquor Store in New York and charcoal pants from the same place.

More on the way!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 25 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Butter by Nadia, Christian Louboutin, Color Palette Purple Blue, Connecticut, Guilford, J. Crew, Purple, Sachem's Head Yacht Club, Steve DePino
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Traditional Elegance

Row One: Orchard Cove Photography; Row Two: Photography by Walters and Walters

Row Three: Michele DeVries (left), Elegant Engagements/Cape Wedding Planner (right)

Row Four: Jennifer Davis Photography - ABC Dragoo Designs (left), Cake Lava - Visionari (right)

Row Five: Kristin Vining for Weddings And The City

But then … we saw the next shots taken by Robin Dini  (row one) and Kristin Karzmit (rows two and three). Pictured is one of SMP’s Little Black Book members, Steve DePino … composing a couple of tricky shoe-shots … (found ‘em on Steve’s blog). Wow, we knew that being a photographer took true creativity, but this is a whole new perspective!

ooooooohhh….so that’s how they do it! Isn’t art grand? Seriously, Steve’s work is grand.

Here are a few more great shoe-shots.

Row One: Justin & Mary Marantz (left),  Walters & Walters (right); Row Two: Holland Photo Arts

Row Three: Karen Wise (left),  Walters & Walters (right)

Many thanks to the SMP-Little Black Book photographers and event coordinators who sent us their favorite shoe shots!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 36 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: ABC Dragoo Designs, Cake Lava, Cape Wedding Planner, Elegant Engagements, Holland Photo Arts, Jennifer Davis Photography, Justin Marantz Photography, Karen Wise Photography, Kristin Karzmit, Kristin Vining, Michele DeVries, Orchard Cove Photography, Photography By Walters and Walters, Robin dini, Steve DePino, Visionari, Wedding Shoes, Weddings And The City
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Shoes, Wedding Style