Another really important part of the equation was the hair and make-up that Jennie Fresa designed. Here’s what Jennie had to say…the makeup features smooth, matte skin with subtly contoured cheeks. Eyes were kept simple with champagne shimmer on the lids, a touch of black eye liner, and two coats of mascara for long, flirty lashes (and we added a few falsies!). Cherry red lips finish the look with a dab of clear gloss to make for a kissable pout. For hair, we paid homage to the beehive, with volume at the roots and a soft, simple twist in the back. We allowed the hair accessory make the statement.

Next up…the AMAZING team of photographers, Justin and Mary Marantz. I don’t really have to say much about this duo as the images speak for themselves. But, what I do want to tell you is just how graceful they were throughout the day. Pitching in when needed, quietly capturing little pieces of perfection for us to enjoy. I cannot say enough about just how talented they are, just how lovely.

And last but SO far from least, the lovely and ridiculously talented Karen Bartolomei, creative force behind Grapevine Invitations. Karen whipped together the adorable little “Life is Sweet” gift tags for our pies and the ridiculously clever name tag + menu combination that we tied to the back of each chair. Super, super cute.  Karen is one of those people that can design perfect details in her sleep…and she actually has a pretty awesome book devoted wholly to this concept! She’s a genius and I’m thrilled to call her a friend.

It was beyond a pleasure to work with all of these talented vendors. And with the beautiful model Lindsey who brought our story to life. We will have lots of fun DIY projects from this photo shoot next week.

Stay tuned to hear all about our next inspiration board weekend challenge coming up in just a bit!

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Post tags: 50’s Inspired, Grapevine Invitations, Hana Floral Design, Inspiration Board, Jennie Fresa, Justin and Mary Marantz, Justin Marantz, Photoshoot, The White Dress By The Shore, True Events, Vintage
Post categories: Wedding Decor, Wedding Details, Wedding Photography, Wedding Planners & Designers

I am so totally and hopelessly smitten with this concept…literally bringing your ideas, your inspiration boards to life…that I am going to dive in head first and make it a regular feature on SMP. My hope is that it will give all of you the tools and confidence to bring your own inspiration boards to life. That it will inspire you to continually hone your inspiration board, using it as the platform to which you convey your style ideas to vendors, friends and family members. I could go on and on and on with pure glee, but instead, I’ll just share a few more gorgeous pics from our latest From Inspiration to Reality!

Sarah True, the event designer behind the day, has stopped by to share a bit of her vision…

Inspired by the bold colors and perfect combination of details, making the board come to life was so much fun.  The design board created the perfect mood for an event, using color to create energy and ice cream, cherries, and the beach to illustrate a feeling of whimsy and nostalgia. Some of my happiest memories are at the beach , eating ice cream and soaking up the Summer.  This is the emotion that this board taps into.  So I thought all of those details were incredibly important at bringing the table to life to create the mood that was designed in the board.  We used bright cherry red latte bowls for the bases of the flowers and a mix of vintage pink cut glasses. We found a polka dot linen from Party Rental to capture the playfulness of the board.  Layering vintage linens from Yumiko’s personal collection over the polka dot linen helped us to blend the details of vintage and modern.

As for the fashions…let me just say that they were INSANE. Beth at The White Dress by the Shore is ridiculously talented and has an eye for super chic, undeniably fabulous pieces. Like that adorable Melissa Sweet dress and the oversized bobbles. Love, love, love. Beth has been sweet enough to share a few more details…

When reviewing the amazing inspiration board that was selected, It evoked a 1950’s feel. The overall look that we were striving for was sweet and playful with a vintage twist. We selected a whimsical gown by Reverie by Melissa Sweet and styled it with 1950’s inspired oversized pearls, dainty white gloves and fabulous red shoes. We finished off the look with a custom made cherry red cage veil and brooch.

So much more to come!!

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Post tags: 50’s Inspired, Grapevine Invitations, Hana Floral Design, Inspiration Board, Jennie Fresa, Justin and Mary Marantz, Justin Marantz, Photoshoot, The White Dress By The Shore, True Events, Vintage
Post categories: The Blog

It’s time to unveil our absolutely incredible photo shoot, all inspired by Bran Coprata’s ridiculously fun inspiration board. Before I get to the photos, I have to say that we had an insanely talented team of vendors working on this shoot with us. Photographers Justin and Mary Marantz, event designer Sarah True of True Events, florist Yumiko of Hana Floral, fashion guru Beth of The White Dress by the Shore, make-up and hair artist Jennie Fresa and invitation expert Karen of Grapevine Invitations helped us put together a shoot that is filled to the brim with gorgeousness, filled to the brim with so many steal-worthy ideas.

all of the images were shot by two of our very favorites…Justin and Mary Marantz

Our shoot was held at the Back Porch Restaurant in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. It’s this great little spot right on the water and served as the perfect backdrop. We wanted to throw a really girly, vintage inspired affair that was affordable and accessible on any budget. For the most part, everything was salvaged or DIY. We used vintage juice glasses for vases that we filled with an effortless collection of garden flowers (more on that later), little ice cream bowls packed tightly with carnations and a collection of mismatched found plates (you can also rent things like this). We used the restaurant’s flatware, homemade pies (baked by your truly), colanders filled with strawberries and old perfume and apothecary jars to accent the table.

all images by Justin and Mary Marantz (who I love, love, LOVE)

The centerpiece of the table was really those AWESOME poms. Aside from being a breeze to put together, they brought that huge pop that we needed. Love, love, love them and will definitely be using these a lot going forward. We accented the table with some ridiculously adorable details…old coke bottles (found at the grocery store), pies that we tied with yarn, and tucked a wooden spoon into, and the most adorable menus/seating cards that Karen at Grapevine did for us that we tied to the back of each chair.

We have lots more coming up from all of our vendors…including info on the ridiculously fabulous dress that our cute model, Lyndsey, was rocking. Stay tuned!

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Post tags: 50's Inspired, Grapevine Invitations, Hana Floral Design, Inspiration Board, Jennie Fresa, Justin and Mary Marantz, Justin Marantz, Photoshoot, The White Dress By The Shore, True Events, Vintage
Post categories: Inspiration Boards, Wedding Decor, Wedding Details, Wedding Photography

The shoot was done at the Tyrone Farm in Connecticut with the always fabulous Candice Dowling of Jubilee Events doing the event styling. Beth Chapman of The White Dress by the Shore did all of the fashions (which are STUNNING by the way). The ridiculously lovely florals were crafted by Jane Rynaski of Just for You Weddings and the hair/make-up was done by Catie Bane of Dana Barton’s Salon.

From Candice..

We really wanted to use anthropologie’s signature vintage / modern look as the inspiration for our shoot. The shoot was also inspired by the rustic location and fall season. Tyrone Farm was an amazing location to use – it’s nestled on a hill in Pomfret, Connecticut and overlooks the tree tops of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. They have an amazing property, complete with a farm house, tented blue stone patio, organic gardens, cottage, and the barn.

From Beth of The White Dress by the Shore and Candace of Jubilee Events…

The flower girls held these amazing cute little yellow floral wands by Maihar Design. Jane designed these cute headbands with yellow and white flowers, berries and acorns. The ruffled tulle antique stained bolero that Kelley wore with her Manual Motta gown was made by BONZIE, a handmade clothing store with a lot of vintage style. –Candice

In styling the fashion for the shoot, the inspiration was eclectic elegance with a vintage flair.  Our concept was to take vintage pieces and show how they can be incorporated into modern wedding day attire.  We also pulled in accessories that were new, but had an antique vibe to them to evoke a 1940’s feel. The shoot had the perfect balance between rustic and elegant.  We choose gowns with texture to play off of the rustic surroundings, but added a touch of sparkle to bring in a bit of Hollywood glam. –Beth

SO much more to come!!

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Post tags: Bonzie, Carla Ten Eyck, Jubilee Events, Maihar Design, The White Dress By The Shore
Post categories: Wedding Decor, Wedding Details, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Photography, Wedding Planners & Designers

Sarah True (who I looooooove) helped to style the shoot, with flowers from the amazing Yumiko Fletcher of Hana Floral, an incredible Melissa Sweet gown that The White Dress By the Shore provided (also incredible) and make-up by the lovely Jennie Fresa. All Little Black Book members of course!

Oh and a little tidbit for those of you in the Connecticut area…The White Dress by the Shore is having a sample sale this weekend. Huge must!

I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anything quite as lovely. I would expect nothing less from the amazingly talented group of vendors, but really. This is above and beyond. We have so much more coming up in just a little bit!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 14 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Hana Floral, Jennie Fresa, Justin and Mary Marantz, Sarah True, The White Dress By The Shore
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Wedding Photography

Candice’s fabulous gown is by Modern Trousseau via fellow Little Black Book member, Beth Chapman of The White Dress By The Shore.

Her gorgeous bouquet was created by Elisabeth of Blush Floral Studio … another so-so-so- talented Little Black Book member!

Candice is the creative force behind Jubilee Events … and is getting married this August! We LOVE our Little Black Book BRIDES!!!

How totally chic is she?!?

These stunning photos were shot by Eric Langlois of raw photo design. Hair and make-up by Catie of Dana Bartone & Co.

We just featured one of Candice’s weddings on SMP last week ~ Dagney & Michael’s fantastic Connecticut wedding celebration. The reception took place in an airport hanger! If you missed it, you missed one of the best weddings we’ve featured on SMP! See it here {part i, part ii, part iii} or on Candice’s BLOG! Candice is truly determined to help you plan and choreograph the BEST and most MEMORABLE wedding you can possibly imagine. Definitely a terrific wedding planner. Can’t wait to see her own!!

Another quick note … Candice’s Modern Trousseau gown was from The White Dress By The Shore, one of the finest bridal salons in all of New England. And we’re NOT just saying that because they are LBB members … seriously … they are awesome!

We just saw that … right now, The White Dress By The Shore is having a Couture Sample Sale Event (until June 6th) … photos of some of the samples on their site {here} … and a  Modern Trousseau Trunk Show from June 11th thru the 14th (by appointment) for you and the moms. Beth Chapman at The WDBTS has a website and a blog just loaded with bridal fashion tips and gowns from all the exquisite designers that they feature. Candice has lots of the Modern Trousseau Spring 2010 gowns on her blog.

Sooooooo …. lots of really great links in today’s post! Lots of really great Little Black Book members involved in a fun, fresh and fabulous fashion shoot from one of Style Me Pretty’s “best of the best”!  Thank you, Candice for sharing your stunning day!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 14 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Blush Floral Studio, Dana Bartone & Co., Jubilee Events, Modern Trousseau, Raw Photo Design, The White Dress By The Shore, Trash The Dress, Wedding Fashion
Post categories: Bouquets, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Dresses, Wedding Fashion

From Anne…

We purchased green linen napkins to match the green on the invite at a discounted price. The centerpieces which were beautiful, were designed to reflect the hydrangea on the invite and the girls bouquets. The willow sticks definately added some great texture.

The cupcakes, from J-cakes.com, were a hit. Each guest was given the option of a vanilla cake with white chocolate filling or devils food cake with chocolate mousse filling. The carrot cake, made by a Thyme to Cook, was also delicious and gorgeous with the hydrangea between each.

Here is a list of venors we used…photography by Maggie Conley, catering by A Thyme to Cook, Flowers by Hana Floral, Bridemaid dresses by Bella Bridesmaid, Wedding Gown by The White Dress by the Shore and Stationery by me, The Giving Type Event Stationery.

Everyone did a wonderful job. As a wedding stationary designer (The Giving Type), I wanted my wedding to be cohesive and well planned. Weddings are a daunting task, but with each vendor, the whole process was both creative and manageable.

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Post tags: A Thyme to Cook, Anne and John, Bella Bridesmaid, Hana Floral, J-Cakes, Maggie Conley, The Giving Type, The White Dress By The Shore
Post categories: Traditional Elegance

Happy, Happy Valentine’s Day! What better way to start out the day than with a photo of a beautiful red rose bouquet!

We have so much more of this wedding from Justin and Mary Marantz coming up a little later today. In the meantime, if one of your “searches”  is for drop-dead gorgeous wedding dresses … head over to Justin & Mary’s blog to get a sneek peak at the 2009 gowns carried at The White Dress by the shore,  Beth Chapman’s elegant bridal salon. Many of the wedding gowns at The White Dress are exclusive in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

About a month ago, we showed you the Themed Engagement Shoots that Justin and Mary do … Josh & Beth’s Theme was “My Heart’s In San Francisco”.

And now, as promised … more from their wedding!

Their Asian-inspired red/black/white wedding was gorgeous against the brilliant green of the outdoors!

So many great details went into planning this day. Love, love, love the roses.

The story from Beth & Josh’s engagement shoot kind of sums it all up:

“It all started with a pony tail. A pony tail, and a summer camp over a decade ago. It was one of those quick fleeting, almost trivial moments that could have easily been lost in time. Trivial, except that it would change everything for the rest of their lives. She had just casually pulled her hair back into a pony tail as she walked out of her cabin, but that was the moment that Josh looked up and saw Beth for the first time. Sure he had seen her before, but this was the first time he really *saw* her and knew his heart would never be the same. “It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.” Over ten years later they were reunited in San Francisco… and he’s still saying the same thing.”

Thanks to Justin & Mary Marantz for always sending us such great love stories!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Color Palette Red Black White, Justin Marantz Photography, Maggie Sotterro, Oriental Inspired, Red Rose Bouquet, The White Dress By The Shore
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Wedding Photography

Row 1: Left: Justin Marantz Photography, Right: Submitted by First Class Weddings

Row 2: Justin Marantz of Justin Marantz Photography

Row 3: Michele Devries of IN Photography

Row 4: Left: Submitted by Events by Evonne-Photography by Tad Craig Photography, Right: Submitted by Anne and Bill Holland of Holland Photo Arts

Row One: Submitted by Our Labor of Love Photography

Row Two: Left: Michele DeVries of IN Photography, Right: Submitted by Events by Evonne

Row Three: Submitted by Elegant Engagments-Photographer Christopher Dumas Photography

Row Four: Submitted by Beth Chapman of The White Dress by the Shore-Photograper  Julie Harris

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Christopher Dumas Photography, Elegant Engagments, Events by Evonne, First Class Weddings, Holland Photo Arts, IN Photography, Julie Harris Photography, Justin Marantz Photography, Our Labor of Love Photography, Tad Craig Photography, The White Dress By The Shore
Post categories: Bridal Party, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Fashion

photography by Mary Marantz.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Justin Marantz Photography, Mary Marantz, The White Dress By The Shore, Wedding Dresses
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Dresses, Wedding Fashion

Love the colors!! The maids and mini-maids are wearing Jenny Yoo. The color is “charmed violet”. So perfect.

The little man is wearing a custom vest and tie by ‘My Big Guy’ for Annie Girl.  The mother of the bride [not shown] wore Modern Trousseau. All attire was, of course, through the lovely ladies at The White Dress By The Shore.

Thanks to Beth, Katherine & Adam, and Julie Harris Photography for sharing these photos with us!

And before we leave for the day, we want to share a few more gowns with you…

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Annie Girl, Bridal Salon, Bridesmaids Dresses, Color Palette Violet White, Colorado, Denver, Flower girls, Jenny Yoo, Julie Harris Photography, Phipps Mansion, The White Dress By The Shore
Post categories: Bridal Party, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Style

Beth Chapman from The White Dress By The Shore sent us these photos from her sister’s wedding.

Photography by Julie Harris Photography.

More photos coming…

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 1 comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Anne Barge, Bridal Salon, Connecticut, The White Dress By The Shore
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Style

Enter Beth Chapman and her wonderful staff at The White Dress By The Shore, a special bridal boutique located in Clinton, Connecticut. Their goal is to make the day that you select your gown, as good as it gets!

Isn’t this gown absolutely gorgeous? From Beth … this dress is an alencon lace fit and flare gown with a sweetheart neckline and cap sleeves by Anne Barge. LOVE IT. We have more photos from this wedding coming up.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Color Palette Violet White, Connecticut, Flower girls, The White Dress By The Shore, Wedding Dresses
Post categories: Bridal Party, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Dresses, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Style