How did your passion for jewelry grow into dejarnette new orleans?

dejarnette new orleans is the name of my company (dejarnette is my middle name). I design and create handmade jewelry. I’ve been designing jewelry for myself and close friends for many years. I began selling my pieces at local boutiques in 2004. I then decided to launch a website and offer my jewelry to those outside of the New Orleans area in May 2006.

What kinds of pieces do you just love?

I love super girly pieces with a little bit of quirky. I get so excited when I find unusual vintage bits or things that I can transform into a necklace -everything from vintage mardi gras doubloons to antique hardware to delicate lace. I love being able to throw on some jeans and a t-shirt and add a statement piece of jewelry to make my outfit special.

What is your favorite part of a wedding?

For my wedding it was the ceremony. I walked up the aisle with my Mom and Dad and the aisle was lined with candlelit lanterns. To see all of my family and friends as I walked down the aisle and then see my handsome groom was a magical moment. When I’m a guest at a wedding, I appreciate all of the little details. I know first hand the time and effort that is involved in each and every aspect of the planning process.

Does the city of New Orleans every influence your work ?

Absolutely! Mardi Gras is just around the corner, which is my favorite time of the year in New Orleans. The costumes, floats, themes – it is unbelievable the intricate details involved in every aspect of this holiday.

What advice to you have for brides & grooms to be?

To relax, have fun, and enjoy your special day-it goes by so quickly!

How about any advice for our readers with Valentines day just around the corner?

I’ve never met a woman who doesn’t like jewelry!

Jewelry: dejarnette new orleans / Photography: Jennifer Zdon, Twirl Photography + Elizabeth Ray Photography + dejarnette new orleans

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Post tags: dejarnette new orleans, Louisiana, New Orleans, Vendor Spotlight, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Jewelry
Post categories: Jewelry, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Fashion

Click here to see the full image gallery!

From Courtney McDonald of Petals Planning Company … The inspiration behind the photo shoot was the season “winter.” In Michigan, we consider our wedding season to run from April through October due to cold and snowy winters.  Too often, winter weddings are overlooked, when in fact, a winter wedding can be just as beautiful and breath taking as any other.

Design/Coordination: Petals Planning Company / Photography: abby rose photo / Flowers: Sweet Pea Floral Design / Reception Location: Vinology / Stationery: Elevated Press / Shoes: Benjamin Adams via The Gown Shop / Dress and Sash: Ivy & Aster via The Gown Shop / Veiling: Sara Gabriel via The Gown Shop / Jewelry: Haute Bride via The Gown Shop / Tuxedo: Renaissance Ann Arbor / Wedding Cake: Sweet Heather Anne / Hair: Lindsay Clark of Tricho Salon + Spa / Make-Up: Amber Kaczmarek / Lighting: Rockout Entertainment & Light Up My Event

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Post tags: Abby Rose Photo, Amber Kaczmarek, Ann Arbor, Benjamin Adams, Bubbles, Cake Balls, Color Palette Purple, Elevated Press, Haute Bride, Ivy & Aster, Light Up My Event, Lindsay Clark, Michigan, Modern Weddings, Petals Planning Company, Photo Shoot, Renaissance Ann Arbor, Rockout Entertainment, Sara Gabriel, Sweet heather Anne, Sweet Pea Floral Design, The Gown Shop, Tricho Salon + Spa, Truffles, Vinology, Wedding Cakes, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Inspiration, Wedding Photography, Wedding Planners & Designers, Winter Weddings
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Photo Shoot

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

For adventurous people, our families were happily surprised when we decided to get married in Nisswa, Minnesota. When we originally started thinking about where to host a wedding for family and friends that would be flying in from across the world, the only thing I knew was that I just really wanted it to be somewhere green.  After telling Trent this, he instantly knew the perfect place. Grandview Lodge, in Nisswa Minnesota, is a place Trent and his family spent summers during his childhood. Seeing it, it’s hard to argue that there is any place greener.

The site, along with the weekend we planned to have our wedding, 4th of July weekend, were our true inspiration. We wanted the whole weekend to feel like our memories of 4th of July: sun, bright blue skies, green grass and trees, lakes, beaches, fireworks, s’mores, family and friends. We wanted to make this weekend a fun and relaxing vacation for all of our guests, where they could really enjoy the site to the fullest.

As for our wedding day itself, we chose subtle colors that reflected the nature  and beauty of the sight: burlap and blue. We decided to have a ceremony and dinner in a green open field, and then dancing and dessert (with a bonfire for s’mores) by the beach. While we came up with a loose vision, our family and friends’ talents made the wedding details come to life. Trent’s sister, Kelly, designed all of our stationary: the invitations, menu cards, programs, and thank you cards. Trent’s mom and twin sister assembled the stationary, and did so much for us in finding the perfect details and putting them together in a beautiful way. Trent’s dad helped with the assembly line of invites as well, and is the man responsible for making Grandview Lodge as green as it is, because his company works with Grandview on their landscaping.  My mom and her best friend designed and assembled all of our flower arrangements and bouquets along with the help of many aunts and cousins. My mom and I made the name cards together. My dad made our chocolate boxed gifts for the guests–he shipped the chocolate from Egypt and assembled more than 150 boxes. He also made our wedding arch, decorating it with flowers and vines. My cousins were in charge of site decorating on the day of the wedding. Trent’s uncle used logs from near his cabin to create our table numbers, Trent’s aunt donated her collection of vintage canning jars. My friend Paul and his dad, artists that specialize in book binding, made our guestbook. My brother created a piece of art that sat on our guestbook table, and also was the officiant of our ceremony. All of the moving pieces were brought together by Trent’s incredibly talented and organized cousin, Niki, who we could not have survived without.

Our wedding surpassed our every expectation. It was one of those perfect midwest summer days, sunny, but not humid, with a clear blue sky. We were surrounded by sunkissed family and friends who’s genuine happiness and energy radiated throughout the night of dancing and celebration. Our family and friends were embedded in every little detail of the wedding, and the day was a true reflection of who we are and the people we love.

Photography: Amy Majors Photography / Dessert: Grand View Lodge and Cocoa & Fig / Tent & Rentals: Partytime Rental / Site: Grandview Lodge / Bridesmaid dresses: Jenny Yoo Collection / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier / Tuxedo: The Foursome / Rings: Kristin Hanson / Hair: Courtney Martins, Aveda / Makeup: Grandview Lodge Glacial Waters Spa / Groomsmen Cufflinks: Sherry Truitt Studios / Bridesmaids Clutches: (23rd/1st) / Pianist: Mark Mraz

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Post tags: (23rd/1st), Amy Majors Photography, Aveda, Beach, Birdcage Veils, Burlap, Casual Elegance, Cocoa + Fig, Color Palette Tan Blue, Courtney Martins, Cupcakes, DIY Projects, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Etsy, Grand View Lodge, Grandview Lodge Glacial Waters Spa, Jenny Yoo, Kristin Hanson, macarons, Mark Mraz, Mason Jars, Minnesota, Monique Lhuillier, Outdoor Ceremony, Partytime Rental, Sherry Truitt Studios, Summer Wedding, The Foursome, Travel Themed, Wedding Cakes, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Photography
Post categories: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Little Black Book Blog

Nick and I met at work, a very unromantic spot, as we are both accountants. However, we made a good team and the team turned into a friendship, and the friendship turned into a marriage, eventually. Personally, I thought of our relationship as a honeymoon – I had never met anyone quite like Nick before nor been with anyone whom I cared so much for. When he finally proposed, it felt surreal, almost like a fairytale. It was, at that point, the happiest day of my life!

That led me down the path of planning my fairytale wedding. With purple being my favorite color, I set to work to incorporate deep aubergine wherever I could in order to still keep that stark contrast with lighter colors. I had simply fallen in love with the serene settings of the north Georgia mountains as well as some of the beautiful local wineries. Nick and I loved the idea of lots of wine, we loved the idea of a mini-destination wedding, and we loved the absolutely gorgeous grounds and scrumptious fare at Montaluce.

With our beautiful venue selected and the ceremony to be held amidst the gorgeous vineyards, I couldn’t imagine a more “fairytale” touch then a horse drawn carriage, which quite possibly was my favorite part of the day. Riding off into the sunset with my new husband after the ceremony left me feeling dreamy.

The most memorable moment of the day was during the actual ceremony after Nick’s wonderful father walked me down the aisle and paired me with his son. I remember clasping hands with Nick as we set into prayer and there was an intense feeling of connectedness – as if our hands were forming a bond never to be broken. There was so much emotion in this simple act of holding someone’s hand; it was absolutely amazing and my favorite memory!

Such incredible memories could not have been made without the fabulous wedding coordinator at Montaluce, Elizabeth Buck, who really became a key resource for us. I’d also say that Laura Stone of Artstar Photography so magically allowed me to capture all of these special memories for a lifetime of viewing. She has an incomprehensible talent.

Photographer: Artstar by Laura Stone / Wedding Gown Designer: Maggie Sottero / Bridesmaids Dress Designer: Coren Moore Inc. / Floral Designer: Donna Wright / Event Designer & Planner: Bride & Father of the Groom / Invitation Designer: Foglio Press / Cake & Desserts: Baker’s Man / Shoes: Kate Spade / Venue: Montaluce

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Post tags: Artstar by Laura Stone, Baker's Man, Bridesmaid Dresses, Casual Elegance, Coren Moore, Foglio Press, Georgia, Kate Spade, Maggie Sottero, Montaluce, Purple, Traditional Elegance, vineyard, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Photography, Winery
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog

Before we delve into the wedding too far, Jensen Wedding Films has sent over this tearjerker of a trailer. Grab some tissues and press play.

Dustin & Suzanne Wedding Trailer – Monte Verde Inn from Jensen Wedding Films on Vimeo

The wedding entertainment was all courtesy of SJ’s Disc Jockey.

I was the little girl who cut pages out of bridal magazines. When I met Dustin, there was no doubt in my mind he was the one I wanted to share all those images and dreams with. We were on vacation in the Bahamas when Dustin realized the perfect time and place to pop the question was while swimming in the ocean. I was so overjoyed with excitement that I screamed “YES!”

I immediately started researching venues to try to find the perfect one. I had come across the Monte Verde Inn while browsing the web for options and realized it was a venue I had already read about in one of my torn out pages. As soon as we turned onto the drive of the Monte Verde Inn, we fell in love. We both knew right away that it was the place we wanted to have our wedding. Everything about it was just perfect!

We knew we wanted to have a simple, chic wedding. We’re both pretty down to earth and really wanted our wedding to reflect us. Since there was so much color in flowers at the venue we decided to choose pink as the primary color but in small doses. We made the table numbers by using a wire that resembled tree bark and molding it into the numbers. The escort cards we created by placing little tree branches in a clay pot an hanging the cards from the limbs.

If there was any advice I could give to brides, it would be to not dwell on the little details. The day will be perfect no matter what happens. Also, really take a deep breath and admire all the details and hard work that were put into this special day. It goes by so quick!

Photography: Ford Family Photography / DJ & Photobooth: Joe Kalamaras of SJ’s Disc Jockey / Flowers: Monte Verde Inn / Event Planning & Design: Kelly Dalisa of Monte Verde Inn / Catering: Douglas Dalisa of Monte Verde Inn / Cake: Kelly Dalisa of Monte Verde Inn / Ceremony & Reception Location: Monte Verde Inn / Dress: Bella Donna Bridal / Video: Jensen Wedding Films / Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal / Groomsmen Suits: Men’s Wearhouse

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Post tags: Bella Donna Bridal, California, Casual Elegance, David's Bridal, Ford Family Photography, Jensen Wedding Films, Men's Wearhouse, Monte Verde Inn, Outdoor Ceremony, Outdoor Wedding, SJ's Disc Jockey, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Cakes, Wedding Cinematography, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Planners & Designers
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

For many of you, choosing your wedding gown was one of the first items you checked off the to-do list, but the search for the perfect dress for your girls remains a big and not-so-easily accomplished task. Different friends/family, different bodies, different styles… it’s no surprise bridesmaid dresses get a bad reputation. Thanks goodness those days are long behind us and your girls can stand by your side looking charming, graceful, and totally chic. LulaKate is completely dedicated to art of the bridesmaid dress and they are masters at what they do. So head on over to the Look Book to check even more of these fabulous frocks. They don’t disappoint.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 16 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Bridesmaids Dresses, LulaKate, Wedding Fashion
Post categories: Bridal Party, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Style

For more of Ulla Maija’s  spring bridal collection,  be sure to click on the gallery.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 5 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Matthew Grazier, Ulla Maija, Wedding Fashion
Post categories: Style Picks, The Blog, Wedding Dresses, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Style