photography by Muse Photography

Here’s what Melissa had to say …

I presented Deborah’s calligraphy to my husband in a private moment after the wedding. He was touched. I was so pleased to be selected as the winner because that reading really did embody the sentiment of the day – simplicity. As complicated as love and marriage are, the commitment we make is simple: to love each other no matter what. Having the text of our reading hanging in our house will remind us of that every day. Thank you!

The original LBB feature was really interesting because of the variety of readings that were sent in. If you’re still looking for ideas for your own ceremony, here’s the link to the post:  Wedding Calligraphy by Deborah Nadel Designs.

More about Melissa and Christopher’s wedding …

Our wedding was held at Taliesin West in Scottsdale, AZ. The property sits on 500 acres of pristine desert, overlooking the Valley of the Sun. It was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright as an architecture school and it still grants degrees as well as being open to the public for tours. We feel like we were meant to have our wedding there because they just changed their policy to permit weddings as we were searching for our venue. The property was really the inspiration for the design of the wedding. I chose colors that would complement its desert color palette, and tried to keep all of our decorations simple because we could never hope to compete with the drama and beauty of the property and the setting.

We were able to include our family in the wedding in many special ways. I wore my grandmother’s pearls and my bouquet was decorated with a brooch given to me by my grandmother. My two grandmothers were able to attend, but Chris’s grandmother and grandfather weren’t able to travel. They were each present at the wedding in other ways. Chris wore his grandfather’s cowboy boots, and the scriptural reading (performed by Chris’s mother) was read from his grandmother’s bible. There was not a dry eye when that was announced! We also were lucky to have a number of wedding professionals in the family – Chris’s sister designed all the printed materials (a + joy), my uncle (Anthony Bez) performed classical guitar music for our processional and recessional, and my aunt did my hair.

We thought that the “It’s You I Like” sentiment applied not only to each other, but to our fondness for our guests, so we had tote bags made based on this thought. We wanted something that our guests could take home and reuse (especially important to me since I work in environmental policy).  We displayed them on a table with a flag that said “We Like You, Please Take One” and I think everyone actually did!

Our ceremony was a tribute to the very strong marriages that form the foundation of our family. Our parents have each been happily married for more than 30 years, and our living grandparents fondly remember the 40 to 60 plus years they had together. We had photos from each couple’s wedding day at our guest book table and our minister wrote a ceremony for us to celebrate this theme that was moving, sweet and perfect. My favorite moment of the day was the moment I got to the altar and had the chance to look right into Chris’s beautiful blue eyes. I felt like I was overflowing with happiness and love for him, but at the same time I knew that 125 sets of eyes were on us, wishing us well and also contemplating the love in their own lives. It was a powerful moment.

(photo of invitation courtesy of the designer, Ashley Harms of a+JOY; all other photos from Muse Photography)

I really wanted our guests, who were traveling from all over the country, to get a chance to know the real Arizona desert and see a real Arizona sunset and Taliesin provided that opportunity. Tour guides were stationed around the property and its many buildings to tell our family and friends about the history, architecture and philosophy of Mr. Wright and Taliesin West.

I truly believe that we had the best wedding ever! It is easy to identify the secret ingredient to our success: family and friends!

* * *

Our thanks to Andrew at Muse Photography for sharing the beautiful images from Melissa and Chris’ wedding day!  And a huge congratulations to Melissa and Chris!!

* * *

Credits ~ Venue: Taliesin West, Scottsdale, AZ; Photographer, Andy Andrews of Muse Photography, Phoenix, AZ; Event Design/Wedding Planner/Florist: Carlyn Millea, Risa Whitney Events, Scottsdale, AZ; Cake: Eleonora Levinson, Classic Cakes and Confections, Phoenix, AZ; Catering; Atlasta Catering, Phoenix, AZ;  Stationery/Graphic Design: Ashley Harms, a+JOY, Kansas City, MO; Printing (of stationery and favors): Bezt Impressions, Phoenix, AZ; Videography: Robert Goldstein, Phoenix, AZ, (480) 585-3141; Dress: Kelsey by Modern Trousseau via Hitched Bridal Couture and Creative Planning Salon, Washington, DC; Bridesmaid dresses: J. Crew, Shoes: Stuart Weitzman via Zappos; DJ: Miles Gilbert, SKM Entertainment, Scottsdale AZ, Hair: Kathy Ward, Marcus Hair Studio, Scottsdale, AZ, (480) 991-2044 Makeup: Melissa Glass, Scottsdale, AZ (602) 750-4121.

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Post tags: a+JOY, Atlasta Catering, Bezt Impressions, Centerpieces, Classic Cakes & Confections, Deborah Nadel Designs, Hitched Bridal Couture, J. Crew, Modern Trousseau, Muse Photography, Risa Whitney Events, Stuart Weitzman, Table Settings, Taliesin West
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Favors & Gifts

We always LOVE the unposed, laid-back style of The Marantz’ group shots. What a wonderful bunch of friends Jenna & Joe have!

And just as wonderful was the reception and the floral decor. Tracy Romano Events and KD&J Botanica did a tremendous job …

At the end of the night, the Black Rock Yacht Club served the guests these adorable mini-burgers & fries!

Congratulations Jenna & Joe … you guys look like you had a fantastic wedding day!

And a HUGE thanks to Mary and Justin for allowing us to repost your fabulous work!

For more Marantz Moments … keep a close eye on their website!!

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Post tags: Black Rock Yacht Club, Boutonniere, Centerpieces, Connecticut, JD&K Botanica, Justin & Mary Marantz, Mini-Burgers, Placecards, Purple, Ring Pillow, Table Settings, Traci Romano Events
Post categories: Centerpieces, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Decor, Wedding Photography

the photographs were all taken by the absolutely wonderful Impressions Photography

From Kelly…This table is just classic.  I always find that when I use Brown with Red the boldness that Red sometimes gives is much less abrasive.  The 2 arrangements are just 2 dozen open red roses in glass cylinders wrapped half way in satin brown ribbon.  To bring “elegant drama” to the table I added candlesticks in varying heights.  I have to admit, I really love really tall candlesticks.   The linen is a brown taffeta pintuck.

Don’t have the budget for roses? Skip them! The candlesticks look stunning on their own…and as Kelly told me, “Probably the most important thing to keep in mind if this is the direction you’re going in- make sure you have something to draw the eyes in. Texture and color usually work best.”

This is actually a combination of two gorgeous tables…the dining table and the cake table, perfectly complimenting each other with their simple, but modern style.

From Kelly…I used a potted Phalaenopsis orchid surrounded by 8 small floating candle cylinders filled with black river rock.   Crisp white napkins folded in squares placed center on the white plates continue the clean modern look.  Again, I used the apple green bengaline tablecloth.  The 4 tier modern cake is from another Little Black Book member, Kakes by Karen.

* * *

Hasn’t this been so great! But guess what…it isn’t over! The incredible Rob Epple over at AMC Video has put together a gorgeous vignette of the day, with the designs that Kelly put together taking center stage.

Thank you so very much to Kelly and to Rob for putting together such a beautiful feature for us. We are so lucky to work with such talented artists!

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Post tags: AMC Video, Centerpieces, Kelly McWilliams, Table Settings, Weddings by Socialites
Post categories: Wedding Details, Wedding Photography

the photographs were all taken by the absolutely wonderful Impressions Photography

LOVE this one. Actually, of the table settings that you are going to see from Kelly today, this one is my favorite. I just think that a simple pink rose set on each table setting, paired with the simple breezy color palette is just lovely!

From Kelly…Pink rose blooms are just so so pretty.  On this table I wanted to create something with a light, effortless effect.  I like this for an indoor reception after a beach wedding- a brunch maybe?  We placed a single rose bloom on each taupe plate and then added the sea mist blue napkins under the plate.  This ties the candles to the base linen (apple green bengaline).  I scattered the pillar candles down the striped runner (natural sea colors) to add some unstructured character.

This one is a little more whimsical than the first…definitely geared towards a smaller affair, perhaps even an intimate but semi-casual rehearsal dinner. Love the hint of whimsy in the patterned dishware! Like I mentioned earlier, the photography is all by Impressions Photography and they are absolutely gorgeous.

We have so much more to come from Kelly at Weddings by Socialites and guess what, we have a pretty awesome surprise to coordinate with this feature!

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Post tags: Centerpiece, Kelly McWilliams, Table Settings, Weddings by Socialites
Post categories: The Blog, Wedding Decor

from Jesse and Whit’s blog …

Sometimes i take a break from my day and write a little what-i-am-thankful-for list and this past month jacqui and lachlan were on the top of my list. they are the kind of people that shine the light and no matter what kind of day you are having, they will rub right off on you. so needless to say…the whole wedding went like this. completely filled with light and love ...

… we already felt like old friends when the wedding began. our first meeting with them was over tacos and beers. it was instant love. then we met for their engagement shoot about 11 days before the wedding and it seemed like we were all a little frazzled between rush hour traffic, wedding plans and the wedding season that was ahead of us.  it took about 5 minutes before we all found ourselves rolling in green grass, breaking through fences and laughing our tails off! jacqui is the social sales manager at king plow so how she found time to plan her own wedding amongst everyone else’s is beyond me.

Jesse and Whit are the fantastic photographers of Our Labor of Love. They are based in Atlanta, but split their time between there and California, with a few trips to Martha’s Vineyard along the way. In other words, they will be more than happy to join you at your destination of choice! Just looking at the images of Jacqui and Lachlan’s wedding … well, you can see that Jesse and Whit totally connect with their couples in an intimate and privileged way. And isn’t that what you want for your wedding day? A photography team who really ‘gets’ you!?

From the beautiful bride, Jacqui …

We had the most fantastic experience from start to finish with all of our vendors! From our planner, Christina Zubowicz from Magnolia Weddings, to Bold American Events and Catering for their unreal flowers and food, to Michelle Smith from Inviting Ideas for her invitations, programs, and menu cards, Frosted Pumpkin for his unreal hanging wedding cake, and lastly but most importantly Whit and Jesse from Our Labor of Love!!!!

Lachlan and I met in Aspen Co while both working a Ski season. He was the bartender at the famous Little Nell Relais and Chateau and I was a hostess he is Australian and I am South African, so it was really important to incorporate this into our wedding. One of the ways we did this was to serve red wines from Australia and white wines from South Africa. We had over 4 continents represented, making it a truly well traveled wedding crowd! I love black and white but wanted a fresh spring feel, so all of our flowers were yellow – my favorite color! I also love the contradiction of modern and vintage so having when I found my Rivini lace dress, I knew we had to have some fun old fashioned elements – hence the yellow umbrellas, soft personal flowers, and long vintage veil. We have been in Atlanta for 3 years and love it! Lachlan is starting his MBA at Emory in the fall and I have been a Sales Manager for Bold American for 3 years.

Again, from Our Labor of Love’s blog … this was “out-of-the-box” and “into-amazing” wedding for king plow. steve, michelle, susan blew minds with their interiors. Tulips hung upside down from a moss base that reflected into the mirrors of the table tops. hanging cakes. rooms filled with umbrellas. floor to ceiling tapestries. it was insane. and so was the smilebooth. {If you’re not familiar with the Smilebooth, you totally need to take a look {here}! SO much fun for your guests!}

Upside-down tulips??? Hanging cakes??? Whoa!!!!

Now that is truly awesome! The stunning cakes were provided by Little Black Book member The Frosted Pumpkin Gourmet, Inc.

The yellow, black and white color palette has made a big splash in the wedding world, but none so grand as this!

What a warm and enticing wedding celebration this was. Just the perfect mix of sophistication, bubbly charm and a big dose of whimsy !

THANK YOU~ to Jesse & Whit and the whole OLOL team for sharing this day! And a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Jacqui & Lachlan !!

Be sure to visit the Our Labor of Love website and their blog for so many more gorgeous examples of the work!

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Post tags: Atlanta, Bold American Events & Catering, Color Palette Yellow Black White, Daisies, Decor, Frosted Pumpkin Gourmet, Georgia, Inviting Ideas, King Plow, Magnolia Weddings, Our Labor of Love, Parasols, Smilebooth, Table Settings, tulips, Umbrellas
Post categories: Centerpieces, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Details, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Photography, Whimsical

more from Dora at Viva Bella Events …

The reception featured both round and square tables with alternating red velvet and black/white patterned linens and 3 types of floral arrangements. We rented black chiavari chairs for all tables to keep something consistent at each table. The lighting designer saturated the walls with a “red fabric” pattern and the ceiling with a red mosaic design. A black and white dance floor completed the look …

The flowers were black magic roses, black callas and fern curls complemented by black feathers for Lauren’s bouquet and white feathers for the bridesmaids bouquets.

When guests were seated for dinner, they found a chocolate dipped strawberry awaiting them at their place setting. The strawberry contained a message from the bride and groom , “Life is Unpredictable. Eat Dessert First.”

As we mentioned in the first post, Lauren (the beautiful bride) is a graphic designer and created terrific invitations and all of the paper pieces that go along with a wedding! Her website is Giddy Ink and shows just how creative she is! Really, you should take a look!

And again, from Dora …

Before the party got underway, Lauren and Jordan shared a memorable … choreographed … first dance!

The total look was fierce and intricate. Uncompromising and memorable. Just like Lauren and Jordan.

A huge thanks to Dora at Viva Bella Events and Neysa Ruhl Photography for sharing Lauren & Jordan’s amazing wedding! And to Lauren, your designs {Giddy Ink} are fantastic!!  Best of luck from all of us here at Style Me Pretty.

Other Wedding Vendors
Make up Brideface – Little Black Book Member
Video: Iconography Video Services http://www.iconographystudios.com
Hair design Sam Hills www.highfivesalon.com
Band: Soul Pocket http://www.soulpocket.com
Rentals: Camargo www.camargo-rental.com
Rentals: All Occasions www.aorents.com
Venue for both ceremony and reception: Phoenix www.thephx.com
Florist: Sprouts www.sproutsfloraldesign.com
Cake: Bonbonerie www.bonbonerie.com
Ceremony music: String Celebrations www.stringcelebrationsusa.com
Lighting: Goodwin www.goodwinlighting.com
Bridesmaid’s dresses were each different chiffon designs from Belsoie.
Jordan’s Tux: designer: Calvin Klein purchased at: Romualdo’s Formal Wear
Lauren’s Dress: designer: Tara Keely; purchased at Bridal and Formal
Feather Hair Pin: Custom Design from K Autumn.
Flower Girls: Custom Designs from Pegeen
Dance Instruction: Best of Ballroom

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Post tags: cincinnati, Feathers, Giddy Ink, Hairpiece, Hollywood Glam, K. Autumn, Mojito, Ohio, Roses, Strawberries, Table Settings, The Phoenix, Viva Bella Events
Post categories: Bouquets, Centerpieces, Contemporary, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Wedding Decor, Wedding Invitations & Stationery, Wedding Planners & Designers, Wedding Style, Whimsical

Isn’t that bouquet to-die-for! Beautiful Blooms is one of Philadelphia’s premiere floral design firms.  And now, they have a brand new retail location that is just fantastic! Janie has a great write-up about Beautiful Blooms’ new boutique over on The Bride’s Cafe.

To see more pics of the beautiful bouquet and the luscious florals (above), take a look at the complete  April Color Story.

Kendall and her team at Eclatante are responsible for some of THE most extraordinary events in and around Philadelphia. Their website is full of gorgeous photos (thanks to the awesome Marie Labbancz) as well as some truly great advice from Kendall on creating the wedding of your dreams. And just a heads up … Eclatante will be moving into their own new space (across the street from Beautiful Blooms) in the next few weeks. We can’t wait to tell you more about that!

We’ve just given you a quick peek at the photos from the April Color Story … but you really, really, really need to see the real deal {click here} for the whole story … the bridesmaids dress, the City Garden backdrop,  the fabulous linens from The Total Table, and so much more!

Remember those china plates that everyone fell in love with on the  Pennsylvania Appleford Estate wedding (Amanda Kraft) last month … the mismatched antique china? They were provided by Party Rental Ltd., and you’ll see them again in this month’s Color Story.

So definitely check it out! April Color Story from Eclatante

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 8 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Beautiful Blooms, Color Palette Pink Aqua, Eclatante, Marie Labbancz Photography, Party Rental Ltd., Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Table Settings, The Bride's Cafe, The Total Table
Post categories: Color Palettes, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Planners & Designers, Wedding Resources

Their wedding reception was at the classic Parker House in Boston. Abby is always urging you to do little things to make your wedding reflect your own personality. Let’s see what you think about her little touches at their reception …

Abby wanted a wedding cake that shimmered, but no adornment. She wanted the ballroom to be filled with candles, white feathers and lots of crystals, but all of the flowers needed to be tidy and simple. She wanted the deepest brown linens that we could find, and one show-stopping (white) floral arrangement.

I made one minor adjustment. The cake was beautiful, but it really needed something … so I pulled a flower from a nearby table centerpiece and placed it on top of the cake. I didn’t tell her. She loved it.

At the time she married Tait, she owned Abby Jean Press, a lovely engraved wedding invitation company. So she quite naturally, designed their invitation and all paper pieces that go along with a wedding. Rather than having a guest book, she made cards for their guests to write notes upon. We filled large (inexpensive) vases with feathers nearby for them to be dropped in. We engraved an “L”  on mint julep cups that contained little bunches of flowers throughout the reception space and on the tables. Family took these home as mementos of the day. We found mirrored frames that we used for numbering the tables. We only tried to buy decorative items that could be used as favors or used in our homes after the wedding.  Mostly we found accessories in antique shops, on e-bay and at our local Hobby Lobby! Sarah at Spruce Floral took all of our booty and pulled it together into a glittering reception space.

There’s so much more! With every wedding there always is …

I hope that this glimpse of Abby and Tait’s wedding made you smile, gave you ideas, or just made you feel good.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 32 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Boston, Color Palette, Massachusetts Weddings, Parker House, Table Settings, Wedding Cake, Wedding Colors
Post categories: Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance