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From the Bride… Joel and I have a pretty sweet love story – we met in high school when we were about fifteen, dated for all of the eleventh grade, then stayed really great friends from then on. Ten years (Almost to the day!) of when we first started dating, we decided it was about time to try this dating thing again. I kind of always knew that Joel was the boy I was going to marry… I just had to convince him that I was the girl. It wasn’t that hard, and 14 years after our first date we were married!

Since I’ve been basically obsessed with weddings since I was little (making my younger sister Courtney be my pretend groom, dressing up dolls, piggy banks, and anything else we could find to pretend they were getting married), I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t be able to settle on anything when the time actually came. I had so many different ideas! When my family and I started going to Bodega Ridge years ago (the owner, Jesse and his girlfriend, Chris are like family), I knew immediately I wanted to get married there one day. It became my inspiration for a relaxed, FUN, outdoors, vintage-y wedding, which helped to narrow things down a bit.

For the next year and a bit, my family, best friend, Joel’s mom, and I crafted and collected our little hearts out! It was without a doubt the funnest year of my life – all thanks to my amazing, supportive, super positive, and always eager friends, family, and my (luckily) very patient groom.

Since we wanted to really spend time with our guests at the wedding, we kept it small (no more than could fit in the six cabins at Bodega) and invited everyone to join us there for the whole weekend. With everyone staying in the same place it really gave people a chance to just relax, have some drinks, play games, and visit. We went to Bodega a few days early to decorate and set everything up – thanks to the help of my tireless family. When most of the guests arrived on Friday, we were able to hang out, relax, and have a super fun welcome BBQ.

On the big day, after setting up the final details and decorations, we headed to our cabins to get ready for the big moment! I thought I would feel nervous, not be able to stop crying, or possibly faint…but all I felt was relaxed, happy, and so excited to finally marry my dream boy. The wedding itself was so fun and relaxed – just how we wanted it. During the ceremony, our niece and nephew did a reading from “I Like You” by Sandol Stoddard Warburg, and our dear friend Mark – who we had asked to do a reading or something – wrote and performed a wedding rap! It was surprising and amazingly hilarious – I think the JP was in shock! The rest of the day went as wonderfully as the ceremony – full of fun, surprising moments (like my bridesmaids turning our “Love story” into a Mad lib for part of their speech!), big laughs, and a whole lotta love!

We had a year (plus) to craft, craft away – and we took full advantage! The majority of the wedding was DIY including all the decor elements, favors, welcome baskets, hangover kits, signs, fans, table numbers, photo booth, wine, drink jars, guest book, pinatas, and much more! Various items were also found at vintage shops and garage sales. I would highly recommend having three crazy and talented sisters, one amazing best friend, the most supportive and loving parents, and an extremely patient groom when planning a DIY wedding – it will be the funnest time ever! Three words that sum up our big day: Best. Day. Ever.

Wedding Photography: Jarusha Brown Photography / Wedding Ceremony + Reception Location: Bodega Ridge / Rings: Tiffany & Co. / Wedding Dress: Christos via Blush Bridal / Groom’s Suit: Modernized Tailors / Pocket Square: Hanky via Grandfather of the Bride / Bride’s Shoes: Miz Mooz / Groom’s Shoes: Frye / Jewelry: Etsy / Flowers: Trincomali Farms / Pie Buffet: Mook Sutton / Catering: Mook Sutton of The Dirty Apron / Make-up: Jessica Anderson / Hair: DIY / Musician: iPod / Wedding Invitations: Jamie Anderson of Fort Design Co. / Décor: DIY / Wedding Favors: DIY (Homemade Jams)

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 6 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Blush Bridal, Bodega Ridge, British Columbia, Canada Weddings, Christos, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Etsy, Fort Design Co., Frye, Jarusha Brown Photography, Miz Mooz, Modernized Tailors, Mook Sutton, The Dirty Apron, Tiffany & Co., Trincomali Farms, Vintage Wedding
Post categories: British Columbia Weddings, Canada Weddings, Casual Elegance

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From the Bride… I had been dreaming about my wedding since I made my entrance as a flower girl at age 5! When Patrick popped the question after 3 years of dating I was so thrilled to put the planning wheels in motion and buy out the shelves of bridal magazines! I had been swooning over the gorgeous weddings on Style Me Pretty and loved so many different styles, color palettes and general themes it became very difficult to choose one for our wedding; eventually I decided on my original favorite from age 5, which was fairytale! I wanted the day to feel romantic, elegant and whimsical with rustic and vintage touches to accent the historic cottage we said our “I Do’s” in front of. With such an exquisite theme like “Fairytale” and a more modest budget (15,000) I knew I needed to get crafty! Almost every aspect of our wedding was either completely DIY or had some sort of DIY touches to add the extra touches of love; from the wedding invitations to the water bottles handed out before the ceremony.

Many of our creative DIY projects were inspired by blogs featuring DIY weddings and other ways to personalize your wedding. One of the lengthiest of DIY projects was the table centerpieces. No two tables were alike; for months we scoured thrift stores, antique stores and even family members houses for beautiful rustic and vintage vases, books, doilies and candle holders. The majority of the flowers adorning the tables, lounge area and reception site were straight from my mother’s backyard! One DIY project I am especially proud of is the lounge area I put together. Because we were married in such a small town and had a modest budget to work with we were limited in vendor choices and did not have the option of renting furniture; although the sensible solution would be to not have a lounge area, my then fiancé and family would tell you I was obsessed with bringing the indoors outside and creating this fairytale ambiance; so we rented a U-Haul and packed up any and all vintage/antique furniture mine and my mothers houses harbored; from our old kitchen table to the gorgeous antique loveseat.

Another project I loved doing was decorating candles for each table and cocktail area. I bought Virgin Mary candles from the dollar store and covered them in pages from an old book called “Heart Throbs” I found at a local thrift store then adorned the candles with ribbons and doilies, lets just say me and the hot glue gun are best friends! These projects were very time consuming but very rewarding and worth every second; they allowed my mother and I to bond and realize our passion for weddings and crafting and added so many personal touches that helped make our day so special. Now that the wedding is over and I am left with quite the collection of wonderful rustic and vintage pieces I am planning on renting them out to brides with similar themes!

Wedding Photography: Acres of Hope Photography / Flowers: Art In Bloom / Day of Coordinator: Ashley McGinnis Weddings and Events / Wedding Ceremony + Reception Location: Empire Mine State Park / Wedding Invitations: Mementos By Judy O’Rourke (Mother of Groom) / Bride’s Shoes: Jeffery Campbell / Bow: Etsy / Wedding Dress: Demetrios / Bride’s Make-up: Kendra Evans / Bridesmaid Dresses: Bari Jay / Groom’s Suit: Hugo Boss / Groomsmen Suits: JoS A Bank

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 45 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Acres of Hope Photography, Art In Bloom, Ashley McGinnis Weddings and Events, Bari Jay, California Weddings, Demetrios, Empire Mine State Park, Etsy, Grass Valley, Hugo Boss, Jeffery Campbell, Jos A Bank, Kendra Evans, Mementos By Judy O'Rourke, Vintage Wedding
Post categories: California Weddings, Vintage Chic

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From Lindye Galloway… With the royal wedding on the horizon, it seemed only appropriate to give our spin on an “English Garden Wedding.” Inspired by big hats, tea, bold colors and English interior design, this shoot was dripping in royalty. We wanted to infuse the best of English design, in its vintage and timeless nature, but give it a refined and modern touch.  We also wanted to create custom pieces inspired by the country that would stand as a unique statement in the shoot.

Without a doubt, we think of tea when we think of England, right?!  Pinky up!  Out of this came the custom chandelier that hung over the head table. I hand made this piece out of 700 tea bags to create a chandelier fitting for the English photo shoot. The plate wall was drawn about from English interior design.  I wanted to design a unique piece that would be the backdrop to the couple’s nuptials, so I hand made this wall out of textured fabric and 26 different plates.

Of course, working with incredible vendors made this possible. Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club set the stage in their gorgeous garden, while Found Vintage Rentals created the scenes in which our English wedding would take place.  Bringing in multiple colors, shapes, textures, and styles the featured pieces reflect that of English furniture, with a refined touch.

The floral arrangements were a true piece of art, created by Art with Nature.  Working with an array of flowers, colors, and urns, these arrangements were perfectly suited for an English garden wedding. The darling stationery pieces, created by Paper Cut Industries, carried the royal garden theme throughout, from the escort cards to place cards and menus.  And who wouldn’t want to dive into the impeccable cake?!  With a very unique design, this cake offered a stylish and tasty addition to our shoot, created by A Wish and a Whisk.

The bride was outfitted in a knee-length, delicately laced, Anthropologie dress, while the bridesmaids wore fabulous dresses by Bella Bridesmaid.  Each of these gorgeous models were adorned with incredible hats by Twigs and Honey and Kokin, which truly topped off their English look.  And the models were extra stunning by the talented hands of Design Visage with hair and make-up.

And, of course the absolutely incredible Jessica Claire captured each and every detail.  Each photo she took is a piece of art and perfectly highlights this English Garden photo shoot.

Wedding Photographer: Jessica Claire / Wedding Designer/Coordinator: Lindye Galloway Events / Wedding Venue: Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club / Florist: Art with Nature / Event Rentals: Found Vintage Rentals / Wedding Stationary: Paper Cut Industries / Wedding Cake: A Wish and a Whisk / Hair & Makeup: Design Visage / Jeweled Cap and Feather Mini Hats: Twigs & Honey / Bird Cage Hair Piece: Kokin / Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid (Orange County) / Bride’s Dress: Anthropologie / Bride’s Shrug: Kate Towers / Models: kearydee@gmail.com + kdoherty126@yahoo.com + ashley@ashley-photographer.com / Film Work: Richard Photo

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 31 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: A Wish and a Whisk, Anthropologie, Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, Art with Nature, Bella Bridesmaid, Bold Colors, Design Visage, English Garden Wedding, Found Vintage Rentals, Jessica Claire, Kate Towers, Kokin, Lindye Galloway, Outdoor Wedding, Paper Cut Industries, Twigs & Honey, Vintage Wedding
Post categories: Photo Shoot

When we first started planning, Tanasia had a vision of a wedding that was a little “off the beaten path”.  Something that was simple, but also elegant and refined.  Tansia’s style is impeccable, and reminded me right off the bat of SMP, so we both found constant inspiration in Abby’s posts!

Our goal was a casual and relaxed feel, in a stunning formal environment, based around the idea of a gourmet picnic.  Once I showed Tanasia the historic Haiku Mill, she knew right away that this was THE location.  We loved the vintage chic feel of the location, the beautiful imported Parisian antiques and the rustic environment accessorized with elegant crystal chandeliers, dramatic up lighting , and the open-air ceiling. We didn’t need to add much to the location, however we used items that would compliment the simple, rustic beauty of the inside of the mill with antique bird cages, lace wrapped hurricane vases, white porcelain pitchers, rich feaux silk linen with pale pink antique lace runners.

We filled pitchers and mason jars with lacy white ranunculus, orchids, and roses.  Tanasia’s bouquet brought in a bright contrast to the romantic pastels, using shades of pinks, as well as lavender rannunculus and roses. Adrian and Tanasia were both elegantly dressed, with her in a nostalgic Vera Wang dress with an empire waist and  silk flower, and Adrian sharply complimenting his bride in a classic black suit. You actually could hear the stunned silence of awe as Tanasia descended down the staircase into the mill, where Adrian greeted his bride with the smile of a man forever in love.

Guests played Bacci ball while nibbling on Mini Kobe Beef Sliders, Brie, Grape & Basil Croustade, and Curried Chicken Salad Finger Sandwiches.  The bartenders served refreshing Lychee vodka martinis garnished with a lychee fruit and sprig of lavender and a refreshing twist on the Mojito, the Montana Mule (ginger beer, whiskey, lime and crushed mint garnished with lime).

Dinner was a casual sharing of platters of amazing food served family-style including:
Herb Roasted Tenderloin over Eggplant Caponata
Macadamia Nut Crusted Fresh Catch from Hawaiian Waters, Lilikoi Beurre Blanc
Truffle White Cheddar Mac ‘n Cheese
Wasabi Potatoes Au Gratin
Assortment of Grilled Upcountry Vegetables
Salad of Local Field Greens, Heirloom Tomatoes, Shaved Maui Onions & Edamame, Ginger Chili Dressing
Assorted Rustic Breads with Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar

For dessert, guests indulged in Mini Gourmet Cupcakes infused with coconut, with butter cream frosting, toasted coconut garnish & Chocolate cupcakes with chocolate butter cream frosting and chocolate ganache drizzle.  To accompany the cupcakes, the bride and groom chose an ice cream sundae bar complete with all the fixins’ (Macadamia Nuts, Reese’s Pieces, Junior Mints, Oreo Cookies, Fresh Strawberries, Fresh Pineapple, Chocolate Sauce, Caramel Sauce, and Whipped Cream) and a gourmet coffee bar.

The event was such a pleasure to coordinate.  I felt that Tanasia and I were great collaborators of her vision, and the event went off without a hitch!  She and Adrian are such a young and vibrant couple with such a refined demeanor.  The best way to describe their love from an outside point of view is a love that is confident, passionate, and holds a mutual admiration that will last them their whole lives.  I was truly touched by their affection for each other, and the kindness and humor shared by their family and friends.

Warmest Aloha!

Jane Park and Beth Helmstetter

Credits: Coordination: Jane Park for Beth Helmstetter Events / Photography:Matt Alvarado of Beloved Weddings / Clergy: Pastor Pia Aluli / Music: Vance Koenig (Classical guitar) & Don Lax (Violin) / Hair & Make-up: the fabulous Mira Carmen / Flowers: Bella Bloom Floral Boutique / Linen: Pacific Event Group / Catering: Celebrations Catering

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 38 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Bella Bloom Florals, Beloved Weddings, Beth Helmstetter Events, Celebrations Catering, Haiku Mill, Hawaii Wedding, Jane Park, Maui Wedding, Pacific Event Group, Vintage Wedding
Post categories: Casual Elegance, The Blog

This one, sent to us by the AMAZING Carla Ten Eyck, is a little bit vintage, a little bit rustic. It’s all together completely lovely, filled with details that the bride and her family lovingly infused…

From Carla...Callie and Niels are an amazing couple with such beautiful energy and their entire day really reflected that – from the tiny little floral and photo details, the beautiful invitations and programs, to including their parents who had gotten married at the same location (The Webb Barn) 30 years ago. Absolutely beautiful.

And before we really dive head first into the beauty of  the day, I wanted to share the awesome invitations that Callie’s sister, Adrienne, designed just for this affair. Adrienne is going to be opening her very own print shop in the coming months and if these are any indication of her style, she is sure to be a HUGE success!

More to come from this incredible wedding!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 15 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Carla Ten Eyck, Connecticut, Rustic Wedding, Vintage Wedding, Webb Barn, Wethersfield
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Real Weddings, Vintage Chic, Wedding Photography

Little Black Dress by Nicole Miller on Bluefly, Flowers by Rebecca Thuss, Gift by Elizabeth Messina and Thayer Allyson Gowdy, Wine by Katie Moos

At first, I wasn’t sure if this look would work. Rustic and vintage usually go with warmer colors like chocolate brown, worn raspberry, soft yellow. But, the more I played with it, the more I fell in love with this palette. It’s very approachable, very simple but elegant. The black adds a touch of sophistication to a more natural style.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 5 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Allyson Gowdy, Bluefly, Bridesmaids Dresses, Classic Little Black Dress, Elizabeth Messina, Katie Moos, Nicole Miller, Rebecca Thuss, Vintage Wedding
Post categories: Color Palettes