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From Chrisman Studios… For their wedding day, Lena and Jeff chose one of the most spectacular properties in California wine country – Atwood Ranch in Glen Ellen.

Guests were treated to pre-ceremony jars of pink and yellow lemonade and were given colorful Chinese parasols to shield them from the warm California sun – which also added gorgeous splashes of vibrant color to the green pasture where the ceremony was held.

During the vows, tears were plentiful as Lena and Jeff described how finding one another changed their lives.

Everyone danced the night away inside the barn that had been superbly transformed into a shabby-chic ballroom of vintage quirks and rustic elegance.

The bride made sure to blend some of her own DIY touches into the decor, such as the fabric garland she made herself that wove around the railing of the barn.

Wedding Photography: Ben + Erin Chrisman of Chrisman Studios / Wedding Venue: Atwood Ranch / Consultation, Design + Coordination: Julie Atwood Events / Linens: La Tavola Linen / Wedding Gown: Amsale / Groom’s Suit: Michael Andrews Bespoke / Floral Design: Anne Appleman / Wedding Videography: Burkart Studios

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Post tags: Amsale, Anne Appleman Flowers & Plants, Atwood Ranch, Burkhart Studios, California Weddings, Chrisman Studios, Glen Ellen, Julie Atwood Events, Michael Andrews Bespoke, vineyard
Post categories: Casual Elegance, The Blog

And now for a little more of this fabulous affair from Love In Progress…

From Doug McGoldrick … This was, the wedding to end all weddings. Friday night, a welcome party at a gallery, in Green Point, Long Island, Saturday a beach cook out party, and then Sunday an amazing wedding at the Bedel vineyard. Tons of fantastic details, lots of great light, and wonderful people. Some amazing vendors put together an amazing event. Lisa and Sam (the bride and groom) where the big winners in my destination wedding photography contest, they have a wonderful back story.

Definitely, definitely read their back story. It’s completely unbelievable.

Day of Coordination: Cloud Nove Events / Hair & Makeup: Amanda, Heather’s Salon / Ladies’ Lunch Catering: The Market / Limo: Rose Limo / Photography: Doug McGoldrick & Ariane Hunter / Videography: Love In Progress / Floral and Event Designer: Zhana Marcelin / Caterer: Leslie Russell of Marcey Brownstein Catering & Event / Cake & Desserts: mali b sweets / Transportation: North Fork Trolley & Sunrise Minivan / Officiant: Rabbi Darcie Crystal / Ceremony & Cocktail Hour Musicians: Carte Blanche / Tent: American Tent Company / Reception Entertainment: Cafe Wha band leader Adam Mason / Security and Valet: Platinum Executive Security / Venue: Bedell

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Post tags: Adam Mason, American Tent Company, Ariane Hunter, Bedell, Cafe Wha, Carte Blanche, Casual Elegance, Cloud Nove Events, Doug McGoldrick, Grapes, Heather's Salon, Jewish Wedding, Long Island, Love In Progress, Marcey Brownstein Catering + Events, New York, North Fork Trolley, Outdoor Ceremony, Platinum Executive Security, Rabbi Darcie Crystal, Rose Limo, Sunrise Minivan, The Market, vineyard, Vineyard Weddings, Vintage Chic, Wedding Cinematography, Wedding Photographers, Zhana Marcelin
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog

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From the Bride…When Jay and I decided to get married, my first thoughts (after the initial excitement and slight overwhelming feeling) was…how am I going to get everything done and where should I start.  I was never the girl that had her ‘dream’ wedding all planned out with a scrapbook of dresses and cakes though I had always longed for a Vera Wang wedding dress.  I LOVE to entertain and wanted to ensure that our wedding was a fun and elegant party. We decided on the Inn on the Twenty in Jordan as it suited both our personalities and incorporated our love of food and wine.

Getting in touch with Cynthia Martyn was one of the best decisions I made.  My friend and fabulous photographer – Jodi Rene – referred Cynthia to assist with the planning process. Cynthia ensured that my vision for the wedding came together and added some unique ideas of her own to create exactly what we wanted for our day.

The beverage station with pink lemonade at the ceremony added a fun vintage feel. During cocktails, a fresh heirloom tomato bar was set up with wine and cheese tasting to compliment. Pops of color were everywhere with the linens, florals and décor put together by Cynthia.  The flowers by Mimosa Flower Studio were lush, colorful and made the venue come alive. Custom signage created by Laura K Design helped to tie everything together.  Jay and I had an amazing wedding day. All of our guests really enjoyed themselves. We had several compliments on how well everything turned out and how much fun was had by all!  Everyone worked together to create a the perfect day for us filled with amazing memories that will last a lifetime.

Wedding Planning: Cynthia Martyn Events Inc. / Floral Arrangements: Mimosa Flower Studio / Invitations + Signage: Laura K Design / Wedding Photography: Jodi Renee Photography / Photobooth: Fun Photo Booth / Wedding Dress: Vera Wang / Bride’s Shoes: Manolo Blahnik / Purse: BCBG Max Azria / Bride’s Sash: Carol Hannah / Bridesmaid Dresses: Priscilla of Boston / Hair + Make-up: Pretty in Pink Mobile Beauty / Linens: Susan Murray / Ceremony Location: Cave Spring Vineyard / Cocktail + Reception Location: Inn on the Twenty / Limo Service: Niagara Classic Cars / Band: Gruv Funktion / Ceremony Music: Niagara String Quartet

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Post tags: BCBG Max Azria, Canada Wedding, Carol Hannah, Cave Spring Vineyard, Cynthia Martyn, Fun Photo Booth, Gruv Funktion, Inn on the Twenty, Jodi Renee Photography, Laura K Designs, Manolo Blahnik, Mimosa Flower Studio, Niagara Classic Cars, Niagara String Quartet, Ontario, Pretty in Pink Mobile Beauty, Priscilla of Boston, Susan Murray, Vera Wang, vineyard
Post categories: Canada Weddings, Ontario Weddings

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From Carlea J Photography…The idea for this shoot came from several evenings spent drinking wine under the trees with our good friends Margaret and Allan Fetty who own Westcave Cellars Winery.  My husband Dustin helped plant the original vines in the vineyard when he was in high school and ever since I started coming around,  I always thought it would make an excellent wedding venue. What really drew me to it was the idea of creating an event without a defined space or the use of a lot of extra elements and structures. There doesn’t need to be a tent or a stage or one set area when there is so much natural beauty to incorporate instead. So many options for each bride to use the space differently! From there, the idea for a styled shoot with a ceremony in the actual vines was born. I went for a more formal look with the tux and high end jewelry to show that just because you are having an outdoor wedding, it doesn’t mean that it can’t be elegant and push the envelope of what people are expecting when they hear “outdoors.”

Margaret loaned us her antique table and the hutch for the dessert display. She hand wove all of the wooden vine elements, including the fixture above the table, the wreath in the ceremony setting, and the L and D letters. Margaret acted as a liaison for all of the vendors, facilitating visits and meetings to conceptualize for the shoot. Her husband Allan did lots of heavy lifting, including constructing a last minute apparatus to hoist the ceremony wreath overhead.

Stacey and the team from Petal Pushers completely and totally blew me away with what they created. I told her that I wanted something enchanted, romantic, and vineyard-feeling, with lots of deep wine colors and greenery. Something loose and unkempt and earthy, that would blend with the natural setting. I especially love the artichokes and lettuce she incorporated into the bouquets as well as the dark black fuzzy flowers. The flowers she hand wove into the overheard fixtures are to die for! The centerpieces were amazing. I loved the way they seemed to be growing out of the urns rather than stiff or arranged just right. Down to the smallest details, like the boutonniere, everything was just spot on. Stacey also loaned us the chairs and china for the shoot. Petal Pushers has recently expanded into event design and rents several items including chairs and decorative china.

Amazing Kakes created a three layer purple cake that fades to white at the top. She also supplied fruit tarts, cookies, and an original dessert that she calls Kake Krystals, which are layers of Westcave Cellars wine infused red velvet and vanilla cake and icing alternated in etched Westcave Cellars wine glasses.  (We got to taste them after the shoot and they were divine!). We wanted the hutch to look like it was being taken over by nature, thus the vines growing out of the drawers and shelves.
Merrick Bean, owner of Merrick Jewels, designed an array of bridal statement pieces for the bridal model to wear, as well as several colored pieces for the bridesmaid model. In addition to her ongoing line, Merrick has recently begun to work with brides create custom pieces for their big day.

Adrienne of Makeup by Adrienne created a bold yet romantic makeup look with purple eyeshadow for the bride and stained lips for the bridesmaid to compliment both the whimsical feel of the shoot and the modern jewelry. Drew and Jordan of Doopla Salon twisted and braided the girls’ hair into a loose, enchanted look. The bridal gown was loaned by Signature Bridal Salon in Austin Texas and the tux was loaned by Capra and Cavelli.

A big thanks to the models, Lauren, Dave, and Avery, for enduring the 100+ degree August heat with a smile on their faces!! I could not have done this shoot without my amazing second shooter, Ashley Font, who is the yin to my yang, and captured half of the wonderful photos from this day.

Concept + Styling: Carlea Wilson of Carlea J Photography / Wedding Photography: Carlea Wilson + Ashley Font of Carlea J Photography / Location: Westcave Cellars Winery / Floral Design, Set Design + China and Chair Rentals: Petal Pushers / Table + Hutch: Antique, borrowed from Westcave Cellars Winery / Bridal Gown: Signature Bridal Salon / Tuxedo: Capra and Cavelli / Make-up: Adrienne Pitkin of Makeup by Adrienne / Hair: Drew Beech + Jordan Reusche of Doopla Salon / Jewelry: Custom Merrick Jewels / Wedding Cake + Desserts: Amazing Kakes / Models: Lauren Burns, David Kanne + Avery Lewis

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Post tags: Amazing Kakes, Austin, Capra and Cavelli, Carlea J Photography, Doopla Salon, Makeup by Adrienne, Merrick Jewels, Petal Pushers, Photo Shoot, Signature Bridal Salon, Texas Weddings, vineyard, Westcave Cellars Winery
Post categories: Austin Weddings, Photo Shoot, Texas Weddings

See the rest of this cute as can be sesh here!

The pretty parade, in case you missed any of it:

a super sweet San Francisco highlight film filled with utter joy
a Maryland engagement party, so glamourous you WILL gasp aloud
a modern wedding in Connecticut filled with so much love you can feel it
an oh-my-goodness gorgeous all-white affair in Tennessee
a rustic, chic, outdoor South Carolina soiree we just can’t get enough of
a California fête so full of whimsy, I could die of the fabulousity
a vendor spotlight celebrating all things beautiful & sweet
a fantastically classic family affair from California
a quintessential Maine wedding on the water
an all-star team of LBB vendors in an ah-maze-ing California soiree
a San Francisco affair so classic, so chic, and so beautiful

Some pretty awesome links from around the web, if I do say so myself:

a tiny tassel DIY that would make adorable decor, especially if made in bulk via Oh Happy Day
a bit of thinking outside the white in the world of wedding dresses from Green Wedding Shoes
a Jamaican holiday contest you MUST enter on the Main Page

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Post tags: Adeline and Grace Photography, California, engagement session, Engagement Shoot, vineyard, Weekly Wrap-Up, Winery, Wrap it up Pretty
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog

Geoff proposed to me on our first anniversary. That night, we had dinner at C&O’s in Venice (where we had our first date) and had drinks at Hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica (which we did on our third date). We went for a walk on the beach in front of the hotel at their wedding ceremony site, and then he got down on one knee!

I didn’t really want an obvious theme for the wedding. I love so many different types of weddings and began to feel a little limited by the idea of choosing a theme. I began with my favorite colors and flowers and let it grow from there. The color of the bridesmaid’s dresses was the first decision. Next, I chose the contrasting colors that would be in the bridesmaid’s bouquets after falling in love with a bouquet I had seen.

I had already decided on the manzanita trees/gardenias at the altar. While looking at centerpieces, I immediately decided on the the manzanita branches/orchids once I saw Branch Out’s website.  The manzanita was the cohesive element and the predominant colors were white & green with accents of yellow & coral. During the reception we played a little French music, ate French food, had a French wedding cake (croquembouche), and included our favorite French pastries (macarons and canelés) to signify our favorite time together in Paris.

Photography: Adeline and Grace Photography / Venue and Catering: Auberge du Soleil / Flowers: Branch Out Floral and Event Design / Hair& Makeup: Deanna from It’s a Date at the Powder Room / Bride’s Dress: Amsale / Bride’s Shoes: Chanel / Bride’s Jewelry: Earrings, Nadri at Bloomingdales &  bracelet, Whiteflash / Groom’s Suit: Jos. A. Bank / Groom’s Shoes: Johnston & Murphy / Groom’s Tie: Turnbull and Asser / Engagement Ring and Wedding Bands: Tiffany & Co. & Whiteflash / Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale / Invitations & Stationery: Folios by M. Thomas, Jacques at Hyegraph Invitations and Calligraphy

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Post tags: Adeline and Grace Photography, Amsale, Auberge du Soleil, Bloomingdales, Branch Out Floral & Event Design, California, Chanel, Color Palette Green White Coral Yellow, Corks, Flower girls, Folios by M. Thomas, Hygraph Invitations and Calligraphy, It's a Date at the Powder Room, Johnston & Murphy, Jos A Bank, macarons, Napa Valley, Outdoor Ceremony, Tiffany & Co., Turnbull and Asser, vineyard, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Photography, Whiteflash
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog

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From the Bride…Most of the significant events involving Henson and me as a couple revolve around a lake! We met on Lake LBJ Memorial Day Weekend of 2008, and Henson proposed about three years later minutes before leaving to spend a weekend with friends at my family’s lake-house on Lake Travis. We knew instantly that we wanted to get married on or near the lake, so we chose Spicewood Vineyards, a gorgeous and laid back winery that my family has been visiting for years.

Many of our vendors are our friends, and we feel so blessed to know such creative and talented people! We wanted an intimate yet festive celebration that incorporated family heirlooms into the rustic central Texas setting. Bonni Taylor of Posey Events is one of my best friends and was a bridesmaid as well as our floral designer. Together she and I came up with the look and feel for the reception, but she left some elements to surprise. When I walked into the reception for the first time, I was blown away at how my Mom’s love bird painting was so perfectly displayed on the mantle behind a group of glimmering candles, and how well the burlap runners contrasted with the bright yellows and turquoises of the flowers and vases (thanks Madeleine!).

During the ceremony, we stood on top of a bright yellow quilt that belonged to my Great Great Grandmother on my Dad’s side. The chandelier belonged to Henson’s Mom’s parents, and after some scrubbing and re-wiring, it sparkled like new against the shade trees. Thanks to our wonderful family and friends, our wedding weekend was such a blast. The band kept us wanting more all night as most guests rarely left the dance floor, and the wine was flowing! It was quite the celebration, and I now get to spend the rest of my life with my wonderful husband, celebrating our love.

Floral Design: Posey Events / Wedding Photographer: La Dolce Vita Photography / Caterer: Pink Avocado / Cupcakes: Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Wedding Dress: Modern Trousseau at Unbridaled / Wedding Invitations: Katie Maennle / Venue: Spicewood Vineyards / Linens: Outback Party Rentals / Band: Alterego / Bridesmaid Dresses: Ciarla Bride / Chandelier: Groom’s Grandparents / Boots: A&C

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Post tags: A&C, Alterego, Austin, Badgley Mischka, Ciarla Bride, Color Palette Yellow, Katie Maennle, La Dolce Vita Photography, Modern Style, Modern Trousseau, Outback Party Rentals, Outdoor Wedding, Pink Avocado, Posey Events, Spicewood Vineyards, Sugar Mama Bakeshop, Texas Weddings, Unbridaled, vineyard
Post categories: Contemporary

So what can we take from this first fête? Obviously, the couple choose yellow for their big day. The color closely associated with sunshine, warmth, and happiness. But to avoid the yellow being overwhelming, which is a definite threat, they chose to incorporate the color in the florals alone. Almost all other colors of the affair are neutral, allowing the yellow to take center stage, along with the couple, of course. The black attire of the bridal party, the white bridal gown and linens, and the green foliage backdrop all allowed a minimal amount of the vibrant hue to make a big impact.

Venue: Madrona Manor / Florals: Fleurs de France / Photography: Deborah Laver Photography / Hair & Make Up: Tenia of JS Makeup / Cake:  Fleur de Lisa / Wedding Stationery: Paper Source / Officiant: Michael LeBlanc / Bridal Gown: Augusta Jones, Perla / Bridal Shoes: David’s Bridal / Bridesmaids Dresses: Alfred Angelo / Groom Tuxedo: Hickey Freeman / Entertainment: Jeanette Isenberg

Next in our lineup is a brilliantly purple hued wedding, captured by Marc Blondin Photography. Click here for the whole thing!

With associations like passion, sophistication, and wisdom, a purple wedding is bound to be good. This wedding differs from the first wedding from Fleurs de France, in the fact that purple is everywhere. It’s on the ‘maids dresses, on the tablescapes, in the florals. It could be overwhelming, if there were no accent colors. My absolute favorite thing about this Napa Wedding is the contrasting Mother’s dress. She picked a color that worked so well with the purple and pink palette, yet was completely different. The wedding was outdoors, which means there was a plethora of green, brown, wood, stone. Each of these colors and textures works with the purple in a different, great way – balancing the vibrancy from the other side of the color wheel.

Venue: The Harvest Inn / Florals: Fleurs de France / Photography: Marc Blondin Photography / Wedding Planner: Sarah Ghazzagh of A Dream Wedding / Catering: Wine Valley Caterer / Lighting: Twilight Designs / Stationery: Crane & Co / Hair & Make Up: It’s A Date at the Powder Room / Bridal Gown: Romona Keveza / Bridal Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Bridesmaids Dresses: Jessica McClintock / Linens: Napa Valley Linens / Equipment & Other Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Officiant: O.S. Hawkins

Last on our list we have another Sonoma wedding photographed by Deborah Laver Photography. You can see the whole beautiful affair in the gallery.

This one is very different. While the amazing florals from this wedding had a rosy tint, the rest of the wedding was very neutral. There are lots of whites, the color of purity, cleanliness, and peace. This is a great option to go with if your wedding will take place outdoors, where nature provides the most beautiful color palette. The white details of this wedding serve as a canvas featuring the stunning couple and the beautiful Sonoma Wine Country. Very minimal color was used, but the effect is breathtaking.

Venue: St. Francis Winery & Vineyards / Florals: Fleurs de France / Photography: Deborah Laver Photography / Caterer: Elaine Bell Catering / Cake: Michelle Marie’s Patisserie / Wedding Planner: Robbin Montero of A Dream Wedding / Hair & Makeup: It’s a Date at the Powder Room / Linens: Classic Party Rentals / Equipment & Lighting: ATL Events / Transportation: Pure Luxury Transportation / Ceremony Musicians: Notable Talent / Reception Entertainment: California Mobile DJ / Officiant: Rev Peadar Dalton / Wedding Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas / Bridal Gown: Brides by Demetrios / Veil & Accessories: Brides by Demetrios / Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bridesmaids Dresses: J. Crew / Grooms & Groomsman Tuxedo & Suits:  Men’s Warehouse

All three of these weddings could have had completely different feels if the palettes had changed. All had very similar backdrops – wine country, lots of greens, natural land – but each had a different feel because of the colors chosen. One thing I’ve picked up from studying gorgeous weddings on a daily basis, is that a little color goes a long way. You can see this in all three of these weddings. The yellow florals in the first wedding made the entire affair feel happy. The deep purples in the second wedding were juxtaposed perfectly with the natural world around for a moody, luxe feel. The neutral whites of the final wedding let the surroundings set the mood – clean and fresh.

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Post tags: A Dream Wedding, Alfred Angelo, ATL Events, Augusta Jones, Badgley Mischka, Brides by Demetrios, California, California Mobile DJ, Classic Party Rentals, Color Palette, Color Palette Purple Pink, Color Palette White, Color Palette Yellow, David's Bridal, Deborah Laver Photography, Elaine Bell Catering, Fleur de Lisa, Fleurs de France, Hickey Freeman, It's a Date at the Powder Room, J. Crew, Jeanette Isenberg, Jessica McClintock, Jimmy Choo, JS Makeup, Madrona Manor, Marc Blondin Photography, Men's Warehouse, Michelle Marie's Patisserie, Napa Valley, Napa Valley Linens, Notable Talent, Paper Source, Pure Luxury Transportation, Romona Keveza, Sonoma, Sonoma County, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, The Harvest Inn, Twilight Designs, vineyard, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Inspiration, Wedding Paper Divas, Wine Country, Wine Valley Caterer, Winery
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog