I wasn’t quite done with this stunning couple, and I knew you wouldn’t be either, and lucky for us, 3rd Street Films has sent over a fantastic highlight film to extend our viewing pleasure!

If you can, imagine the feeling of a late summer afternoon, when a gusty breeze billows in with perfect timing, cooling and soothing your sun kissed skin. You feel rejuvenated, yet relaxed; the sensation is heavenly. That would be the best way for me to describe how our love feels. And that is exactly what I wanted our wedding to feel like, too.

One of the most helpful things that Eddie and I did to kickoff our wedding planning was to sit down and figure out, together, what exactly we envisioned for our big day. For Eddie, who is of Chaldean descent, it was important to incorporate Middle Eastern music and dancing into the reception entertainment. As for me, I’m very sentimental, so the color palette and the décor were the perfect opportunity for us to, in a way, tell our story. Collectively, we agreed that we wanted to allocate a significant portion of our budget to the cuisine and the cocktails, and if possible, to find a venue with the option for an indoor/outdoor reception, since Michigan is known for it’s comfortable and colorful autumn season.

We were married at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Catholic Church on historical Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak, Michigan. Eddie and I attended mass there on one of our very first dates, and it soon became our home parish. Also, we were blessed to have our wedding officiated by one of Eddie’s childhood friends, who grew up to become an ordained Catholic priest. To attempt to compete with the lavish interiors and the opulent finishes of the church would have been impossible, so we kept the décor to simple white arrangements (an assortment of hydrangeas, lilies of the valley, white roses, and calla lilies) that flanked the altar. Our ceremony was rich with tradition, yet completely personal, and I will cherish it always.

A considerable amount of our guests were from out of town, so we had our hearts set on finding a unique-to-Michigan venue. Meadow Brook Hall was the second spot that we visited, and I loved the look of excitement on Eddie’s face when we stepped out onto the terrace, where we would later host our cocktail reception; it reminded him of the University of Virginia’s campus, his undergraduate alma mater. The mansion, too, was warm and welcoming for our cocktail hour, during which docents provided guests with tours as they enjoyed Southern and Mediterranean influenced hors d’oeuvres. I like to think that dinner and dancing were held under the stars, but in reality, they were just a short chassé away from the mansion beneath a dreamy, white, canopy tent. The billowy draping was the perfect nod to our South Beach reception theme, along with our floral designer’s white-hot creations, some perfectly positioned lounge seating, and Mother Nature’s subtle breeze. Guests danced the night away to a mixture of live Chaldean songs, and the D.J.’s medley of chart toppers and quintessential, Miami house music.

As for the attire, we kept things tailored and traditional. I worked with Stacy Fork from Michigan’s newest wedding gem, The Gown Shop Ann Arbor, to customize my Modern Trousseau Mika gown. A simple, Thai silk bodice met with layers of gauzy silk chiffon, just below the hips, to create cascading tiers that sort of floated along with a romantic subtly. The groom and groomsmen donned Calvin Klein tuxedos with a modern fit, and a traditional bow tie, while the bridesmaids looked elegant in a ballet pink, fit and flare gown, accented with rose gold jewelry. Our flower girl was adorable in a custom, floor length tutu.

My advice for the soon-to-be-newlyweds would be to remain focused on the must-haves, get creative with the details, never underestimate the power of candles, and to truly not sweat the small stuff. In the end, it truly is about the love you share with your beloved, and that is the best décor, detail, and accessory of all.

Photography: Nicole Ladonne Photography / Cinematography: 3rd Street Films / Flowers: Bill Hamilton Designs / Event Design: Bill Hamilton Designs & Affordable Elegance / Event Planning: the Bride / Ceremony Location: National Shrine of the Little Flower Catholic Church / Reception Location: Meadow Brook Hall & Gardens / Invitations: DIY by the Bride / Shoes: Badgley Mischka, Humbie II / Dress: Modern Trousseau via The Gown Shop / Bride’s Earrings: Haute Bride via The Gown Shop / Veil: Haute Bride via The Gown Shop / Tuxedo: Calvin Klein / Bridesmaids Dresses: Impression / Wedding Cake: Le Cakery Bake Shop / Band: The Bells Band / Officiant: Fr. Tony Marques / Hair: Janice Preuett / Make-up: Jeff Marti

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Post tags: 3rd Street Films, Accessories, Affordable Elegance, Badgley Mischka, Bill Hamilton Designs, Calvin Klein, Chandeliers, Color Palette White, DIY Invitations, DIY Stationery, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Haute Bride, Highlight Films, Impression, Janice Preuett, Jeff Marti, Le Cakery Bake Shop, Meadow Brook Hall & Gardens, Michigan, Modern Trousseau, National Shrine of the Little Flower Catholic Church, Neutral Color Palette, Nicole Ladonne Photography, Rochester, Tented Reception, The Bells Band, The Gown Shop, Tony Marques, Traditional Elegance, Veils, Wedding Cinematography, Wedding Dresses, Wedding Fashion
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

We encourage you to spend a little time getting to know the other side of this adorable brand. Coren Moore’s latest dresses are right in line with the rest of her collections… classically chic, stylish, and full of personality. Now scoot on over to our Look Book for even more Moore! You can check out all the gorgeous gowns right here and the rest of the flower girl collection here.

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Post tags: Coren Moore, Flower girls, Look Book, Wedding Dresses
Post categories: The Blog, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Style

Besides being just plain gorgeous, we also love that BHLDN’s gowns come in a plethora of options. Your peepers couldn’t possibly get bored gazing at these beauties – floor length, tea length, silk, eyelet, taffeta, lace and even bold floral patterns. If its beautiful, it’s in this collection. Not to mention that each and every piece is an heirloom in the making and perfect for a bride looking to make a splash and turn some heads on her wedding day. Or really for any wedding-related event in which you are looking to ramp up the fashion and glam factor.

There is lots more to be seen in BHLDN’s Look Book, so make sure to peruse to your heart’s content. Wouldn’t you just look stunning in one of those fabulous frocks?

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Post tags: BHLDN, Wedding Dresses
Post categories: Wedding Dresses, Wedding Fashion

We have an entirely new collection of totally romantic gowns from Saja… you can see the rest of the beauties right here.

Maids, fear not. We have some flirty new frocks for you too. Coren Moore’s adorable collection of bridesmaids dresses has a few new additions you can see right here.

Enjoy these pretty posts and we look forward to seeing you tomorrow!!!!

Breathtaking Mammoth Mountain wedding
An adorable LA affair, even the bride’s shoes said celebration
A playful party in Charlottesville
Backyard elegance on Chesapeake Bay
Pretty pink DIY wedding in Ontario
Gorgeous So Cal wedding PLUS all the details you need to get the look
A feminine Central Park celebration
Sophisticated outdoor soiree in Virginia
Tons of breathtaking fall inspiration in Napa
A Wedding Wednesday full of beautiful events from Maine to Florida, Canada to California, and beyond
Stunning work from Christian Oth Studios in Wyoming, Blue Hill, and the Hamptons
A Romantic garden wedding in Seattle
One bridesmaids dress, so many possibilities
Fresh Coronado Island I-do’s
Rustic-glam-gorgeousness in Arizona

A few fun links from around the web…

Adorable thank you hankies via Grey Likes Weddings
Pumpkins have never been so pretty via Amy Atlas
Our very own Abby Larson is heading south to speak at Engage!10 at The Breakers
Did someone say outdoor wedding decor? DIY fall wreath from Carter & Cook

Have a great Friday and we’ll see you TOMORROW!! xoxo

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Bridesmaids Dresses, Coren Moore, Saja, Saja Wedding, Wedding Dresses, Wrap it up Pretty
Post categories: The Blog, Wedding Resources

Click here to browse the Augusta Jones collection in our Look Book

Augusta Jones truly understands the shape of your body. They create beautiful contemporary styles that are known for their clean lines and flawless fit. Now just add impeccable tailoring and perfect details and voilà, a gown that will make you feel and look like a million bucks. It just so happens that I’m totally smitten with the Nirvana… now I’m just wondering how soon is too soon for me and my hubby to renew our vows?

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Post tags: Augusta Jones, Wedding Dresses
Post categories: Wedding Dresses, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Style

And now for a sneak peek at some of the beyond-lovely wedding gowns…

True J.Crew, the entire collection is beautifully tailored, perfectly styled, and totally chic. And no matter your style, simple and elegant or sweet and playful, there is without question a killer dress that is calling your name. If you’re still not 100% sure, J.Crew even has wedding specialists on hand to help you with everything from your wedding gown to fun new outfits for your honeymoon (did someone say swimsuit??) as well as dresses for your maids and gear for the groomsmen.

Our love-affair with everything J.Crew continues and you can see even more of the fashion-fabulous looks right here.

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Post tags: Bridesmaids Dresses, J. Crew, Look Book, Wedding Dresses
Post categories: Bridal Party, Wedding Dresses, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Resources, Wedding Style

These amazing frocks are every bit as elegant as they are fashion forward… totally luxurious and utterly chic. Welcome to swoon central ladies. There are plenty of dream dresses to go around. So scoot on over to the Fashion Look Book to see even more exquisite Rivini’s gowns.

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Post tags: Rivini, Wedding Dresses, Wedding Gowns
Post categories: Wedding Dresses, Wedding Fashion

Jennifer Salzman’s dresses are showstoppers… actually they’re beyond that, they’re completely unforgettable. Each has it’s own dramatic flair… from Swarovski crystals to french lace and ruffled skirts to bubbled tiers… every single detail of these gowns is totally stunning. If you’re seriously craving these lavish looks, head on over to the look book to browse through more of her fabulous styles. And if you’re dying to get into one of these beauties asap, it just so happens that Jennifer Salzman is having a sample sale right here. And who said the perfect dress was hard to find?!?

Welcome to the Look Book Jennifer!

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Post tags: Jennifer Salzman, Look Book, Wedding Dresses
Post categories: Wedding Dresses, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Style