From Charmed Events Group, LLC … Milton and Annikke have the classic “love at first sight” story that we all dream about. It all started when Milton was craving a cup of milk tea on a hot summer day and walked into one of his favorite stores and when he went to place his order, he saw Annikke and was instantly attracted. From that day on, he went back everyday to buy a cup of milk tea until Annikke finally agreed to go on a date with him, and the rest is history!

Milton and Annikke really wanted to have a romantic and modern theme based on a Midsummer’s Night’s Dream. With their personal favorite colors of Navy Blue and lavender, we brought in light pink and metallic silvers and golds to accent their favorite colors to create a dreamy color palette that would shape their day. In addition to bringing in the romance of a Midsummer’s Night Dream, they really wanted to incorporate stars into the design so we began by bringing in some stars into their printed items and soon figured that stars would be a great physical accent to the actual details of their day. Wallpaper patterns were also a huge love of Annikke’s so we also brought in an immense amount of patterns into their printed and stationary items.

Milton and Annikke were married at the First Unitarian Church in downtown San Jose. Upon entry to the church, guests were greeted by custom wreaths adorned with butterflies that hung on the large church doors. Butterflies were a huge motif that Poppy’s Petalworks used to bring out the Midsummer’s Night Dream, and the butterflies sat perfectly on the wreaths and purple pomander balls that lined the aisle. Guests were invited to pick up programs as they entered and the programs that we created for them all had a cover of different patterned papers that would later be seen in the reception.

Their reception was held at the gorgeous San Jose Rotunda at City Hall. The entire venue sits inside a glass dome and certainly gave the guests a wow factor as they entered for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Guests were ushered up the romantic stairway, lined with silver star luminary bags, that led them to the Mezzanine floor overlooking the actual reception space. For the sign in, we wanted to do something different that has never been seen before so we decided to have their sign in become an art piece that they could take home after the wedding and display. We had stars cut in their color palette and invited guests to leave their name or a small note on the stars that were then placed on a metallic silver board to create an ombre design of a beautiful wave of stars. For the escort display, we also wanted to do something dreamy and whimsical and had created a custom “curtain of stars” in which each guest name was written on stars and gave a little more interaction for guests in finding their names. Each table was distinguished by different patterns of paper so the star curtain turned out to be a big hit with the different patterned stars.

When it came time for guests to formally enter into the reception area, a seating chart was created for guests to “spot their star” for easy directions in making way to their assigned tables. Each table had a silver star luminary bag with the assigned pattern paper at the base for guests to find their table. These luminary bags also added to the magic and “dreaminess” of the venue later on in the evening when the sun went down. Custom napkin wraps were created for each guest and romantic centerpieces of pomander balls and pink roses with crystals filled the tables to add to the dreamy atmosphere that we wanted to create for guests. The big statement of entering the reception space was the gorgeous dessert bar that we had sitting against a backdrop of hanging ribbons and crystals. Jens Cakes created a fabulous ombre display of miniature cupcakes in our color palette and we put together a candy bar that consisted of all chocolates in the color palette that we wanted for guests to have as favors. Custom treat bags were created with star ties to finish off the theme.

A wonderful evening was had by all as guests literally danced underneath the stars that were projected onto the dance floor. Congratulations to Milton and Annikke for having a star-studded, romantic and dreamy wedding inspired by a Midsummer’s Night’s Dream!

Planning: Charmed Events Group, LLC / Photography: Gladys Jem / Brides Dress: Lazaro / Bridesmaids dresses: ML Monique Lhuillier / Groom’s Suit: Ralph Lauren Black Label / Brides Shoes: Manolo Blahnik / Floral Design: Poppys Petalworks / Invitations & Paper Goods: Post Etiquette / Makeup & Hair: Vanity Pham / DJ: Brian Lu / Officiant: Jon Olsen / Lighting: Fantasy Sound Events / Caterer: Catered Too / Rentals: Catered Too & San Jose Rotunda / Ceremony Venue: First Unitarian Church / Ceremony Organist: Libby Codd / Reception Venue: San Jose City Hall Rotunda / Cupcakes: Jen’s Cakes / Videography: Shakewell Studios / Transportation: El Paseo Limousine

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Post tags: California, Candy Bar, Candy Buffet, Catered Too!, Charmed Events Group, Color Palette Navy Purple, Color Palette Navy Violet, contemporary, Cupcakes, DJ Brian Lu, El Paseo Limousine, Fantasy Sound Events, Gladys Jem, Jen's Cakes, Jon Olson, Lazaro, LLC, Manolo Blahnik, Midsummer Night's Dream, ML Monique Lhuillier, Modern, Poppy's Petalworks, Post Etiquette, Ralph Lauren Black Label, Roses, San Jose, San Jose City Hall Rotunda, San Jose Rotunda, Shakewell Studios, Stars, Vanity Pham, Wedding Planners & Designers
Post categories: Contemporary, Little Black Book Blog

I told Ken he would never be able to surprise me… with anything. I always figure things out! This declaration put his mind to work on a proposal that I will never forget.

As resident physicians at the Medical University of South Carolina, we do not get much time off. And on one average Friday afternoon, I was begrudgingly preparing OR 3 for an add-on emergency case – or so I thought. Ken popped into my room and I grumbled about the day. When I stopped to look at him, I noticed a worried but excited look on his face. His hands were shaking. Both are very unlike my usually calm and serious surgeon!

That’s when Ken grabbed my hands, said the sweetest words, and got down on one knee. As he pulled a blue velvet box from his scrub pocket, my eyes welled with tears. The next thing I knew, I had the most gorgeous ring on my finger. We exited the operating room to hear a hallway full of colleagues cheering and clapping for us. Surprise! There was no add-on case, and so we left the hospital to celebrate the beginning of our beautiful engagement.

Being originally from Alabama, I knew that I needed an expert to navigate the Charleston wedding scene. Katherine Miller Events was just that company. Immediately upon meeting with Katherine I knew that I had found someone super-reliable – with great taste – who I could completely count on to put together the romantic, stylish and Anthropologie-esque wedding celebration that I had in mind. Together, Katherine, Ken and I chose Bethel Methodist Church for the ceremony and the Historic Rice Mill building for our reception venue. Located waterfront on the Ashley River, we knew the spectacular sailboat and sunset views were the perfect backdrop for our Lowcountry wedding.

Having a fabulous photographer was high on my list of priorities, so Katherine introduced me to Charlotte Zacharkiw of Charlotte Elizabeth Photography almost immediately. Her personality jived with my own and her portfolio made me swoon. From our fun and intimate downtown Charleston engagement session to our colorful getaway photos in a classic Charleston Black Cab, Charlotte made every shot unique.

And while Ken and I wanted our unique personalities to show, I also wanted to incorporate one very important tradition: my grandmother’s wedding dress, worn again by my mother and aunt on their wedding days. The team at White on Daniel Island carefully applied the lace from this vintage dress onto my veil, sewing each stitch by hand. It complemented my all-lace gown perfectly! White was the first and only store that I visited as owner Jodi Moylan presented me with “the one” soon after I walked in. To complete my vintage ensemble, Ken purchased a gorgeous antique pearl and rhinestone bracelet from Out of Hand for my wedding gift.

We decided not to see each other before the ceremony, and I’m so glad we did. Instead, I had the pleasure of reading a hand-written note expressing his happiness for the day ahead. Then my bridesmaids surprised me! They coordinated a traditional horse-drawn carriage ride for our transportation to the church. It was such a great touch and special moment to ride through historic downtown Charleston with my favorite girls.

One of my favorite memories of our wedding was the moment I saw my bouquet. Whitney Randall of Branch Design Studio used soft pink and white ranunculus, dusty miller, copper beech leaves, café au lait dahlias, lisianthus, and scabiosa pods to create a masterpiece. Throughout the day, I was absolutely blown away by the beauty and complexity of the arrangements, bouquets, and especially the copper-charmed boutonnieres.

Our flowers were set on ivory, rose and gold colored linens at the Rice Mill. At my request, Katherine incorporated ivory lace in as many places as possible – including the cake table. Our red velvet and cream cheese wedding cake was designed and made by Ken’s close family friend, and needless to say it was devoured promptly after our champagne toast! Pastel-colored French macaroons were also a hit with our guests. I fell in love with The Macaroon Boutique during the engagement and couldn’t wait to set out a variety for my friends and family to try!

I must say that I was most excited to see the whimsical, hand-painted chandeliers Katherine and Whitney made and displayed on the tall oak trees outside the Rice Mill’s entrance. Our multicolored confetti send-off combined with the soft lighting of these chandeliers to create a beautiful final scene. Ken and I were in the clouds over our day, and we still can’t think of one single thing we would have changed! We wanted our guests to leave happy and full of great memories, and I think we achieved just that.

Event Design & Planning: Katherine Miller events / Photography: Charlotte Elizabeth Photographer / Flowers: Branch Design Studio / Boutonniere Tags: Etsy / Ceremony Location: Bethel Methodist Church / Reception Location: The Historic Rice Mill / Caterer: Good Food Catering / Dress: White / Veil: Family heirloom / Cake: Family friend / Macarons: Macaroon Boutique / Band: New South Players

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Post tags: Anthropologie, Bethel Methodist Church, Branch Design Studio, Charleston, Charlotte Elizabeth Photographer, Confetti, Copper, EastCoast Entertainment, Etsy, Flower Girs, Good Food Catering, Katherine Miller events, Lace Gown, Macaron Boutique, macarons, Neutral Color Palette, New South Players, Pastels, Roses, South Carolina, The Historic Rice Mill, Traditional Elegance, Vintage, Vintage Lace, Wedding Planners & Designers, White
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

Will and I met at a concert. Going to shows and finding new music has been a key element of our relationship. We wanted our wedding to reflect this, so we made music a theme. We created a compilation of songs from our favorite bands whose shows we had attended together to give away as favors. The tables for dinner were named after different music venues in San Francisco that we’d been to, and the seating cards were made to look like a concert tickets.

The most important thing to us was that people have a really good time and feel welcome. We didn’t want it to be too formal; instead we wanted it to feel like a really fun party in someone’s backyard. We picked a bluegrass band to play for the ceremony and reception. We had a selection of pies rather than a wedding cake. Our flowers were placed in a variety of old bottles rather than vases. We used succulents as our centerpieces instead of cut flowers. We loved the idea that the plants at our wedding would continue to live and be enjoyed by our guests even after the wedding was over.

The best thing about the wedding was that all our friends and family really enjoyed themselves. We kept hearing from everyone how much they liked our other friends and family members that they were meeting. We felt completely loved and supported and lucky to have so many incredible people in our lives.

Photography: Jessamyn Harris Photographer / Floral & Event Design: Jess Flood Event Design / Event Planning: Jess Flood Event Design / Catering: Stark & Co. / Venue: Healdsburg Country Gardens / Pies: Mission Pie

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Post tags: California, California Vineyards, Casual Elegance, Color Palette Blue Orange, Healdsburg, Healdsburg Country Gardens, Jess Flood Event Design, Jessamyn Harris Photographer, Mission Pie, Outdoor Ceremonies, Outdoor Weddings, Ring Bearers, Stark & Co., Succulents, Vineyard Weddings, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Photography, Wedding Planners & Designers, Wine, Wineries, Winery
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog

From Marry Me Productions … From our first meeting with Lauren and Dave they were clear about two things: they wanted their wedding to be an fun and celebratory reflection of themselves and that their dog, Toby, absolutely must be a part of the day!

These two share an amazing passion for traveling especially since their trip to Egypt over Christmas 2010 where Dave proposed inside one of the great pyramids at Giza. There have been wild adventures where they swam with sea lions, sea turtles and sharks in the Galapagos islands and others where they have climbed a 15,000 foot volcano in Ecuador. They have also survived the amazon jungle and conquered the four day trek through the Inca trail to Machu Piccu!

It was with this love of travel that their wedding had to reflect the energy and passion they bring to every aspect of their lives. The venue was an easy choice, as the grandeur of the National Gallery with all its light and glass provided the prefect backdrop to set off their peacock themed reception. No shy colours here, the couple choose deep purples and teals with an accent of rich golds and pops of fushia to bring their vision to life. This palette was reflected throughout the day in their linen, dresses, flowers and the crowd favourite – the candy table.

During the cocktail hour guests dined on a Filipino infused selection of Warm Shrimp and pork spring roll Vegetarian Pancit and Oysters on the half shell. This was followed by a 4 course meal that included a composed salad of roasted pear, dates, and blueberries, a seafood tasting plate, beef tenderloin and Tibetan Halibut. Before the dancing started each guest was served a “happy ending” shooter, a favourite of the couple.

The party continued into the wee hours of the night and was a true reflection of this amazing couple.

Wedding Planner: Marry Me Productions / Photography: Photolux Studio / Flowers: Bel Fiore / Ceremony Location: Museum of Nature, The Salon / Reception Location: National Gallery of Canada / Stationary: Paper Studio / Cake: The Girl with the Most Cake / Catering: Tulips and Maple / Candy Bar: The Candy Store / Lounge: Mikasa Home / Shoes: Manolo Blahnik / Dress: Mori Lee

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Post tags: Bel Fiore, Canada, Canadian Weddings, Candy Bar, Candy Buffet, Color Palette Purple Green, contemporary, Dogs, Manolo Blahnik, Marry Me Productions, Mikasa, Mikasa Home, Mori Lee, Museum of Nature, National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, Paper Studio, Peacock, Peacock Feathers, Peacocks, Photolux Studio, The Candy Story, The Girl With the Most Cake, Tulips and Maple, Wedding Planners & Designers
Post categories: Contemporary, Little Black Book Blog

From the beginning stages of the planning process, Ken was involved in every part of the planning process. Our three most important aspects that we kept in mind throughout the process were family, friends and romance! The gorgeous St. James Chapel and Trump Tower Chicago locations allowed us to maximize the amount of time we spent with our guests but also take in the beautiful photo opportunities of downtown Chicago.

My dress choice was a total surprise to myself. I had pictured more of a traditional satin top lace bottom dress but immediately fell in love with the contemporary vintage style of Lazaro. When I tried the dress on everyone in the dressing room came immediately over to me to oo and aw and admire the dress. I knew that was the one! It was such an amazing dress that even during photos when it got all muddy, by the time we got to the church, it had dried and all the mud fell off!!

The dress helped set the theme of the wedding — contemporary vintage. Ken described the vision to the florist and they hit the nail on the head with the floral scheme. The flowers were probably my favorite detail of the wedding and I will always remember the unbelievable smell of gardenias in my bouquet!

Everyone says it is good luck if it rains on your wedding day. I always thought this was just something everyone said to make you feel better. Boy was I wrong! I could not have imaged a more perfect day, rain and all. The umbrellas were amazing props and captured some romantic photos being snuggled up under the umbrellas! Had it not been raining, we would not have taken photos under the Trump Riverwalk — where we captured some phenomenal photos reminiscent of the Kennedy’s (or so says Ken!). Some of my all time favorites!

Larry King Orchestra set the tone for the reception and everyone had such a great time. Besides the gorgeous venue, the top two compliments following the wedding were the band and the food. Larry King even timed the memorial day fireworks viewable from the reception to the Katy Perry song firework!

I loved the toasts too…the uniqueness and creativeness of my father’s which laid the foundation to the video, the history toast from the best man, the best wishes from Ken’s father to the most eloquent and heartfelt speech from the maid of honor!

Photography: Riverbend Studio / Event Planning & Design: Engaging Events by Ali / Cinematography: Xpress Video Productions / Flowers: The Flower Firm / Orchestra: Larry King Orchestra / Lighting: Frost Lighting / Ceremony Location: St. James Chapel / Reception Location: Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago / Invitations: William Arthur from Yellow Bird Stationery / Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Dress: Lazaro / Wedding Rings and Engagement Rings: Tacori / Linens: BBJ Linens / Bridesmaid Dresses: Coren Moore – Bella Bridesmaid, Chicago

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Post tags: BBJ Linens, Black and White Photography, Chicago, City Views, City Weddings, Classic, Color Palette Purple White, Engaging Events by Ali, Frost Lighting, Glamourous, Illinois, Jimmy Choo, Larry King Orchestra, Lazaro, Rain, Rainy Day, Riverbend Studio, St. James Chapel, Tacori, The Flower Firm, Traditional Elegance, Trump Chicago, Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, Trump Tower, Umbrellas, Wedding Planners & Designers, William Arthur, Xpress Video Productions, Yellow Bird Stationery
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

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

From Rendez-vous in Paris … Cristina & Philip are a young, dynamic and up-and-coming couple from New York. Part of Philip’s family is French, so what better place than the countryside of Paris, to celebrate their wedding?

They started the weekend in Paris with a casual dinner for 150 guests, overlooking the Seine River at sunset on Friday night. The tone was lively with a light roasting session and plenty of sweet speeches.

The following day, the couple had rented out a private car in a Parisian train, and all the guests travelled to a quaint town to be dazzled by a gorgeous French Chateau that has been in the family for years. The ambiance was lively on the train, as ‘gouter’ lunch boxes were distributed, containing individual-size wine bottles, baguette sandwiches and fun French desserts.

The guests were greeted by waiters with French Rosé Champagne produced by a private Champagne vineyard. As a clin d’oeil to the Royal Wedding, the couple welcomed the guests from the Chateau balcony and surprised them with a Royal kiss from the window! The unique ceremony with no officiant, was held on the Chateau steps and involved the families and friends of both the Bride and Groom. Once the couple had broken the glass, they immediately announced their marriage on Twitter!

Following the ceremony, the guests enjoyed a cocktail of all local foods, Normandy Pear & Apple wines & cocktails, Fresh lobster & oysters, foie gras made just down the street and served on little sweet toasts…

We then invited the guests to cross the Chateau into the brightly decorated tent, with exquisite florals by a friend of the bride. The table names written on slate and tied with a bow, were very meaningfully named after cities of Nicaragua, the country from which the Bride’s mother comes. With colorful decorations, and dancing between each course, the night was a party never to be forgotten!

As the guests left for home, in the wee hours of the night, they were served crepes and frites accompanied by a very old armaniac offered by the groom’s uncle.

The next day, guests were treated to a copious Brunch on the front lawn, and enjoyed their croissants in the sun before taking off to the airport.

In keeping with their French wedding, the couple honeymooned on the sumptuous French island of Corsica – dramatic cliffs and idyllic mediterranean beaches marked a romantic closing to a perfect wedding weekend.

Wedding Planner: Rendez-vous in Paris / Photography: TimCo. Photography & Julie Brewer Photography / Floral design: Ashley Greer, The Enchanted Florist / Catering: Auberge du Vieux Donjon / Chateau: Private residence, contact Rendez-vous in Paris for possible rental

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Post tags: Auberge du Vieux Donjon, Chinese Lanterns, Color Palette Green White, Destination Wedding, Eiffel Tower, France, French Chateau, Glamourous, Jewish Wedding, Julie Brewer Photography, Outdoor Ceremony, Rendez-vous in Paris, Tented Reception, The Enchanted Florist, TimCo. Photography, Wedding Planners & Designers
Post categories: Destination, Little Black Book Blog

Three adjectives that describe the day: rustic, romantic, music

The table settings were gorgeous! We loved the burlap and bling theme, it was the perfect mix of rustic country and romantic glamour. The table signs represented concert posters from the many shows Bill and I have seen together and fit in with our theme really well. The candlelit tables at sunset were really amazing and guests constantly remarked about how beautiful everything was.

The first reveal when we saw each other was incredible. I cried as I approached Bill in the front lawn but he did not get emotional until we moved to the Cedarwood porch. It was very touching and reminded me of how we support each other in our relationship. A close second was when we started rapping to the band’s performance of “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and Chris Weaver (band’s lead singer) said we were the best rapping bride and groom he’s ever heard!

Our best advice to brides and grooms to be would be to try to accomplish something every week so tasks do not pile up at the end. Be organized because there are so many moving parts you don’t want to forget anything. Don’t hesitate to take ideas from the favorite weddings you’ve attended – your friends will be honored that you incorporated part of their wedding into your own!

Photography: Ace Photography / Venue: Historic Cedarwood / Planner, Floral Design, Decor & Event Styling: Cedarwood Weddings / Invitations & Paper Goods: Designs in Paper / Bride’s dress: Maggie Sottero from The White Room / Bride’s Boots: Old Gringo Erin / Hair: Chrissi Krause and Missy May / Tuxedos: Arzelle’s / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Dessy from Bella Bridesmaid / Wedding party gifts (hand painted stemware): Fizzy Artist / Favors: Brownie Tins from RAE’s Gourmet / Wedding Music Trio: Wedding Musicians Company / Caterer: Copper Kettle / Cake: Patty Cakes / Reception Band: Chris Weaver Band / Photo booth: Ace Photo Booths / Trolly: FADDS Party Bus / Host Hotel: Opryland Resort / Rehearsal Dinner: Mad Platter

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Post tags: Ace Photo Booths, Ace Photography, Arzelle's, Bella Bridesmaid, Burlap, Candles, Cedarwood Weddings, Chalkboards, Chris Weaver Band, Chrissi Krause, Church Pews, Color Palette Purple, Copper Kettle, Cowboy Boots, Cupcakes, Designs in Paper, Dessy, Etsy, FADDS Party Bus, Fizzy Artist, Glamourous, Historic Cedarwood, Maggie Sottero, Missy May, Nashville, Old Gringo Erin, Opryland Resort, Outdoor Ceremony, Outdoor Wedding, Patty Cakes, Pearls, RAE's Gourmet, Rustic, Rustic Chic, shabby chic, Tennessee, The White Room, Vintage Chic, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Musicians Company, Wedding Planners & Designers
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Vintage Chic