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From the bride… Our theme started out being “French Vintage,” although in reality, our wedding really ended up being an amalgamation of a lot of beautiful things we love. We kept everything quite neutral, adding splashes of colour through the garlands, flowers and china. I enjoyed the process of planning our wedding so much that I am now doing something I have thought about for many years and starting up my own event planning business to service Western Australia brides. “flights of fancy by kristy” will be a boutique event planning business with a focus on intimate, personal and unique weddings and private events in Western Australia. We will provide a range of services, from assistance with theme and budget to vendor recommendations and liaison, to day-of coordination and everything in between, tailoring packages to suit clients’ needs and budgets.  There are so many amazing vendors in WA, and I can’t wait to share my knowledge of those vendors with others!  I really enjoyed making our wedding unique and a true reflection of both of our personalities and tastes and I hope that through my business I can encourage and assist other couples to do the same.

I had a really hard time deciding whether or not to wear my glasses. I wear glasses all the time and don’t cope very well with contact lenses, but I did consider wearing them just for the ceremony and photos. I have always hated wearing glasses and just felt that a bride shouldn’t wear glasses! Daniel wanted me to wear them – he said that they were part of me and that it would freak him out if I came down the aisle without them! I spent a lot of time googling images of brides wearing glasses and reading discussion forums on the topic, which only confused me more! In the end, I am glad that I chose to wear them. I was comfortable and looked like me! I did buy some new ones for the occasion from Karen Millen.

The morning of the wedding was beautiful but about an hour before the ceremony was due to start it started pouring with rain. Our ceremony was all set up out in the open and had to be moved at the last minute so wasn’t exactly how it was meant to be, but it was still beautiful. After the ceremony, our guests enjoyed pre-dinner drinks and canapés while the bridal party went for photos. The plan was for us to all go down to the river and have a picnic under this beautiful big tree that I had spotted in some of Samm’s previous photo shoots. Unfortunately the wet weather prevented that from happening so instead we set up our picnic under the front verandah of the hotel! Those things aside, we had an incredible day and I think what was even more special was the week leading up to the wedding when I had my hens weekend away, Daniel had his bucks day, and we had family and friends visiting from interstate and overseas.  It was undoubtedly the best week of our lives, matched only by the week after that when we spent our honeymoon at a beautiful resort in the Maldives!

Wedding Photography: Samm Blake / Photobooth: Push the Button Photobooths / Celebrant: Danicia Dutry / Flowers + Dessert Buffet Styling: Fox & Rabbit / Cakes: Sherbet Bake Shop /  Church Pews, Typewriter, Photobooth Props, Vintage China + Venue Set-Up: her handpicked harvest / Votives, Menu Holders, Tealight Candle Holders, Keys + Garlands: BHLDN / Hessian/Burlap Bunting: Her Beautiful Life / Heart Garland: Little Retreats / China Teacups, Saucers + Cake Plates: Antiquitea / Menus, Drink Lists, Table Numbers, Various Signs + Place Cards: DIY by the Bride / Place Card Template: Eat Drink Chic / Wedding Invitations: Shayna Norwood of Steel Petal Press / Wedding Dress: Samantha Wynne / Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade / Earrings: Vintage / Pearl Necklace: Borrowed from the Bride’s Aunt / Bride’s Hair + Makeup: Museo Salon & Spa / Bride’s + Bridesmaids’ Hairpieces: Tessa Kim / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Alannah Hill, Wheels & Dollbaby, Review + Nicolangela / Clutches: Custom by J. Carter Handmade / Groom’s + Groomsmen’s Suits: Politix / Groom’s Shirt: Jack London / Pocket Squares: Myer / Flower Girl Dress + Cardigan: Bardot Junior / Flower Girl Shoes: Angel and Ivory / Ring Bearer Attire: Industrie Kids / Engagement Ring: Tiffany & Co. / Wedding Bands: Ecali / Ring Dish: Paloma’s Nest / Ceremony + Cocktail Music: Trevor Jalla / Dinner Music: The Elle Deslandes Trio /  Vow Books: Lorgie & Me /  Ceremony Backdrop: Designs Kara Melwood

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Post tags: Alannah Hill, Angel and Ivory, Antiquitea, Australia, Bardot Junior, BHLDN, Black, Danicia Dutry, Eat Drink Chic, Ecali, Fox + Rabbit, Guilford, Her Beautiful Life, her handpicked harvest, Industrie Kids, J. Carter Handmade, Jack London, Kara Melwood, Kate Spade, Little Retreats, Lorgie + Me, Museo Salon & Spa, Myer, Nicolangela, Paloma's Nest, Perth, Pink, Politix, Push the Button Photobooths, Review, Samantha Wynne, Samm Blake, Shayna Norwood, Sherbet Bake Shop, Steel Petal Press, Tessa Kim, The Elle Deslandes Trio, Tiffany & Co., Trevor Jalla, Western Australia, Wheels & Dollbaby, White
Post categories: Australia Weddings, Vintage Chic, Western Australia

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From Alanna and Dawn of eph*ra event design… Elegant, fluffy winter snow in all its charm was the inspiration for this shoot. Our vision was of winter whites with layered textures, both old and new, with lots of charm and warmth. We used lots of unexpected and unique details such as little birds, pine cones under cloches, porcelain artichokes, tiny bud vases and vintage decanters. Guest gifts were handed out in small burlap pouches wrapped with satin ribbon and tied with a hemp string, each with a note of thanks. The rustic and funky Berkeley Church in downtown Toronto provided the perfect backdrop for this romantic theme. With its stained glass windows and hardwood floors, it gave a warm and special atmosphere for our shoot.

The stationery mixed vintage glam with a bit of rustic charm. The invitation had an apothecary-inspired label featuring a mix of textured monochromatic papers and was embellished with crystal and pearls. It was nestled in a cream silk box accented with a vintage-look brooch, feathers, twill tape and a tiny mother of pearl button. Coordinating items included a matching petal-style program fan, embellished seating cards and table numbers, as well as a one-of-a-kind sweet table sign. The seating cards were set out using hand-cut tags hung on tiny white clothespins in white wooden frames among candle-lit vintage mason jars. The guest tables were made all the more special with a white quilted overlay, bronze chargers topped with white china, taupe linen and a large organic pearl branch napkin ring. A small bottle of mints for after the meal accompanied each setting. The centerpieces circled by a grapevine wreath were a combination of silver tapered candle holders, white hydrangeas in tall white vases with adorable birds and owls all around. We created several other points of interest in the space: a luxurious cake table, a throw table and a signing area. The cake table was full of white cakes and cupcakes to tantalize the palate. A beautiful white rose cake with a gray satin ribbon and adorable miniature white cupcakes under cloches were surrounded with candles. The flowers were a romantic mix of honeymoon tulips, ranunculus, chrysanthemums, baby’s breath, Veronica caya, hydrangeas and feathers for added interest. The bride’s bouquet was neatly tied with burlap and satin. A fun throw table with hand-stamped bags of rice and a large birdcage was lit with handmade tear drop strings of white lights.

Photography: Blynda DaCosta Photography / Flowers: Ruffles & Twine / Event Design: eph*ra event design / Location: The Berkeley Church in Toronto, Ontario, Canada / Invitations + Graphics: Hip Ink / Cakes + Cupcakes: Cupcake Diner / Hair + Makeup: Megha Sawhney (meghasawhney@gmail.com) / Model: Cheryl Mickolwin

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Post tags: Blynda DaCosta Photography, Canada, Cheryl Mickolwin, Cupcake Diner, eph*ra event design, Hip Ink, Megha Sawhney, Ontario, Ruffles & Twine, The Berkeley Church, Toronto, White, Winter Wedding
Post categories: Canada Weddings, Ontario Weddings

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What could make this day even better?  How about the highlight film by Mike Picard Videography!

From the bride… On July 16, 2011, Sarah and Zack were married at Belle Mer’s ocean-side lawn with one of the summer’s most beautiful sunsets as their backdrop. An event nearly two years in the making, Sarah and Zack’s vision of a romantically glamorous and chic evening affair came to life. With the help of an all-star team of vendors, Sarah’s love for all things pretty and Zack’s love of being near the ocean were blended together perfectly. Sarah and Zack did not need to look far for inspiration; from the start, they knew they wanted to welcome their guests to Newport with a fun-filled weekend they would never forget. Enter the pineapple, a traditional symbol of Newport hospitality that was delicately carried throughout the event, from the invitation suite to the refreshing signature pineapple mojitos. A beautiful blend of white flowers with fresh lavender and crystal accents filled the salon with a modern, elegant atmosphere, making for an evening that Sarah and Zack feel was nothing less than “pineapple perfection.”

Wedding Photography: SNAP! Photography / Wedding Venue: Belle Mer in Newport, Rhode Island / Wedding Invitations + Paper Goods: Paper Moss / Flowers: Village Arts & Flowers / Videography: Mike Picard Videography / Wedding Cake: Confectionery Designs / Bride’s + Bridesmaids Attire: Allegria Bridal / Entertainment: DJ Raffi Professional Music Production / Cigars: Boston Cigar Factory / Lounge Furniture + Linens: Rentals Unlimited / Hair + Makeup: Breanne, Kristen + Marie of All About You Salon and Day Spa / Ceremony Officiant: Honorable Frank Camera / Ceremony Musicians: Martha Niemiec with Upstairs Quartet (781-640-5980) / Wedding Gown: Judd Waddell / Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Bride’s Jewelry: Haute Bride / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jim Hjelm

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Post tags: All About You Salon and Day Spa, Allegria Bridal, Belle Mer, Boston Cigar Factory, Confectionery Designs, DJ Raffi Professional Music Production, Haute Bride, Honorable Frank Camera, Jim Hjelm, Jimmy Choo, Judd Waddell, Lavender, Martha Niemiec, Mike Picard Videography, Newport, Paper Moss, Rentals Unlimited, Rhode Island, Snap! Photography, Upstairs Quartet, Village Arts & Flowers, White
Post categories: Massachusetts Weddings

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From Jen of Jen Huang Photography… Lauren and Brandon’s wedding was held in the beautiful ballroom at the historic Pierre hotel in New York City. The whole night glittered with glam, from Lauren’s beautiful Bergdorf Goodman dress to her Manolo Blahnik shoes. Lauren’s understated elegance matched her down-to-earth, smiley personality wonderfully, and Brandon looked handsome next to her in his Paul Smith suit. Portraits were taken nearby in New York’s Central Park, which was full of autumn foliage. Guests mingled during a cocktail hour outside the Pierre’s ballroom and were escorted inside the stunning room for dinner. Rose-colored lights shone on gorgeously appointed tables dripping with romantic flowers. The only word to describe the night would be magnificent!

Wedding Photography: Jen Huang Photography / Wedding Venue + Catering: The Pierre in New York City, New York / Flowers: Designs by Sam Davis / Wedding Dress: Elizabeth Fillmore via Bergdorf Goodman / Bride’s Shoes: Manolo Blahnik / Bridesmaids’s Dresses: twobirds / Groom’s Suit: Paul Smith / Band: Charles St. Paul Band / Invites: Judy Palen Designs via Bloomingdale’s

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Post tags: Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, Charles St. Paul Band, Designs by Sam Davis, Elizabeth Fillmore, Gold, Jen Huang Photography, Judy Palen Designs, Manolo Blahnik, New York, New York City, Paul Smith, Pink, The Pierre, twobirds, White
Post categories: New York City Weddings, New York Weddings

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From the bride… When we first got engaged, hitting the blogs and creating my “vision” was clearly my first task. I’m very detail oriented (or OCD, as my husband says) and soon created a Powerpoint presentation, a Pinterest page and started the “Wedding” bookmark tab on my Macbook. But since then, I’ve learned two things: (1) my vision must really be our vision, and (2) despite any planning you do, whatever happens on that momentous day will be an exact reflection of the two of you … and it will be perfect. 

Our goal was to create an experience that was distinctively Californian as 80% of our guests were flying in for the event. We’re both from the Midwest (Chicago and Detroit), but we met in LA and fell in love in there.  A stunning ocean view coupled with the backdrop of the Malibu hills and canyons served as a perfect Southern Californian setting. Our charming little venue captured our fondness for wine country with vineyards and an olive orchard in the backyard. The farmhouse cottage where the ceremony was held topped the Malibu hills and married our enchanted-garden-meets-vintage-ranch vision seamlessly.  Although it was a sweltering day that had us practically melting, by the time the ceremony started, a cool breeze wafted through the ceremony space and I knew everything would be perfect.

Since this was mainly was a DIY event, I relied heavily on my friend/planner/visionary to execute my plans. Another dear friend designed our save the dates and yet another, the flowers. My mom sewed our burlap runners and wrote the most amazing and funny speech. Our photographers were outstanding. Justin picked the caterer (a work friend whose food rivaled 5-star restaurants), created the all-important drink menu and stocked the bar with his favorites.  He also handpicked every song outside of the dance section, so the music we love and live our lives to filled the day. Our dear friends played acoustic guitar and cello and sang our favorite songs during the procession, which ended with Big Star’s “I’m in Love with a Girl.” We wrote our own vows and cried and beamed through every word. As I slipped his grandfather’s ring on his finger, I looked out to the crowd and saw four generations of our family, sitting together in the shade and knew I would never forget this moment. Overall, I think we achieved the rustic California garden feel with little effort and minimal day-of stress. Since we both have insanely busy work lives, many of the ideas we originally brought to the table were cut from the show — but it simply didn’t matter. We were so thankful to have both of our families together at our sun-filled venue and to share our love and happiness with them that we didn’t notice the little things that fell through the cracks. And to hear from our guests, that it was the most beautiful wedding they had been to, with the best food and music, still makes us smile. After six years together, we thought getting married wouldn’t really change our day-to-day life, but it absolutely has. Marriage is truly utter bliss.

Wedding Photography: Erin Hearts Court / Wedding Venue: Rancho del Cielo in Malibu, California / Wedding Design + Coordination: Billy Burgess, Friend of the Couple (billy_burgess@sbcglobal.net) / Catering: Bruce’s Catering, Friend of the Groom (818-376-1288) / Wedding Invitations: Bella Figura / Wedding Dress: Legends by Romona Keveza via MaryLinn’s Bridal / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew / Shoes: Fendi / Hair: Mia Shin, Friend of Bride, of Anastasia Beverly Hills and B2V / Makeup: Vanessa Ceballos at Anastasia Beverly Hills / Groom’s Suit: J.Crew / Cake + Desserts: Magnolia Bakery / DJ: Paul Layton / Ceremony Music: Wendy Wang (Vocals and Guitar) + Gabe Noel (Cello), Friends of the Couple / Cake Toppers + Save and Date Cards: Christina Pierson, Friend of the Bride / Bouquets: Danielle Renee Thompson of Flowers Underground, Sister of a Friend of a the Couple

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Post tags: Al Fresco, Anastasia Beverly Hills, B2V, Bella Figura, Billy Burgess, Bruce's Gourmet Catering, California, Christina Pierson, Danielle Renee Thompson, Erin Heart's Court, Fendi, Flowers Underground, Gabe Noel, J. Crew, Legends by Romona Keveza, Magnolia Bakery, Malibu, MaryLinn's Bridal, Mia Shin, Outdoor, Paul Layton, Pink, Rancho del Cielo, Tan, Vanessa Ceballos, Wendy Wang, White
Post categories: Casual Elegance, The Blog, Traditional Elegance

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From the bride… Our vision for the wedding was intimacy. It was most important to us to have a wedding about our marriage and not being overly flashy or over-the-top spending. We wanted everything to be quaint, sweet and the focused solely on our marriage in front of God and witnessed by family and closest friends. The officiant was the groom’s cousin, who is a pastor, and we chose the venue, L’Auberge de Sedona, because of its beautiful location by the creek. It was an absolute bonus that it snowed. We honestly thought that because of the long summer it would be sunny that weekend in December, but snow was a thousand times better!

My favorite part was how perfectly calming and intimate our ceremony was. It was amazing for us to feel so loved as we were placed in a beautiful snowy setting by a creek, surrounded by our guests. Benjamin said the first look was something he would never forget when he turned around and saw me. I won’t forget that when I saw him from the hotel room when he was shooting with Ryan first, it finally hit me — I’m getting married! I will never forget getting my makeup done and watching the snow fall all morning. What an incredible blessing to witness as I was getting ready. I also think the fact that our wedding was less about the wedding production but more about our marriage, so many of our guests told us after they had never been to a wedding like it!

What I enjoyed most about the planning was my venue team. Being a wedding photographer myself, it was a dream to work with my favorite people in the business, from my event designer, cookie designer, makeup artist, venue and, most importantly, the photographer that I had to have! I felt like I had the dream team and I couldn’t have asked for more. I’m so thankful that everyone was able to come together and work their amazing talents.I also loved that our ceremony was short, simple and sweet. I kept telling Benjamin I wanted to get married all over again. It was so much fun.

Wedding Photography: Ryan Ray Photography / Wedding Venue + Cake: L’Auberge de Sedona in Sedona, Arizona / Event Designer: la Ricki / Flowers: Bliss Extraordinary Floral / Hair + Makeup: Lizzy Marsh / Wedding Dress: Tadashi Shoji / Cream Belt: J.Crew / Black Belt: BHLDN / Earrings + Bracelets: Nadri / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Jewelry: J.Crew / Groom’s Suit: Zegna / Tie: Calibrate / Shirt: Thomas Pink

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Post tags: Arizona, Badgley Mischka, BHLDN, Black, Bliss Extraordinary Floral, Calibrate, J. Crew, L'Auberge de Sedona, la Ricki, Lizzy Marsh, Nadri, Ryan Ray Photography, Sedona, Tadashi Shoji, Thomas Pink, White, Zegna
Post categories: The Blog

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From Kate of Kate Webber Photography… Kareen and Oskar shared three days of celebrations with guests traveling from literally all corners of the globe. Kareen is French-American and was raised in southern California. She met Oskar, her Swedish groom, at a wedding in the south of France while she was living in Paris and he was living in Monaco. They celebrated their nuptials at Legends Resort on the island of Moorea, Tahiti’s “twin sister” island, also known as the pineapple island. The bride’s mother grew up on Raiatea, part of the French Polynesian Society Islands. Kareen and her brothers have fond memories of swimming in the turquoise waters on their many visits to the area. Kareen and Oskar hosted three days of events for their guests, many of who traveled from all across the globe from USA, Sweden, Australia, Mexico and France, to name a few places.

To welcome guests on the first day, traditional food was prepared in a huge “Tahitian BBQ” pit and included pork, chicken, fish, traditional poi and a demonstration of bread fruit cooked over an open fire, peeled and dipped in coconut milk. Guests were seated at separate tables from their respective partners so as to allow a greater opportunity for everyone to mix and get to know each other a little better. The evening wrapped up with a colorful Polynesian dance performance and fire dance. On the second day, guests walked to a boat that took them out for a beach day. Before reaching the small “motu” (islet), they stopped and swam with large, graceful rays. Guests fed small fish to the rays and then the group was off to the motu for relaxing. Fresh coconuts, local music and a traditional meal of poisson cru were served to guests. Whether relaxing on the beach, swimming or snorkeling, the afternoon provided a mellow experience and allowed guests to take in the surroundings from a new angle.

The wedding was held on the third day. Legends Resort is a small resort of villas nestled into a mountainside and overlooking the beautiful blue expanse of waters below. Kareen and Oskar got ready separately and met on their villas veranda to head off and take portraits together prior to the ceremony with their photographer, Kate Webber. Kareen wore a traditional floral crown of fuchsia flowers with white and green accents. Oskar was perfectly dressed in a crisp white shirt, light blue pants and navy shoes that mirrored the clean vibrancy of the waters surrounding them and played off the green of the mountainside perfectly. A Tahitian priest married the couple in an intimate ceremony on one of the verandas of the villas. The bride and her father were led down the aisle by musicians. Just as the newlywed couple completed their vows and embraced, a rainbow crested out over the water and mountainside behind them! It was truly magical. The rest of the evening had an elegant, easy vibe as guests enjoyed champagne and mingled. The party moved down the hill to enjoy a five-course dinner at La Villa Des Sens, where again guests were paired at tables with new friends. Kareen and Oskar continued onto another more remote island in French Polynesia for the first leg of their honeymoon, then onto Japan and eventually they made their way back to Monaco as husband and wife!

Wedding Photography: Kate Webber Photography / Wedding Venue: Legends Resort in Papetoi, Moorea, French Polynesia

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Post tags: French Polynesia, Green, Kate Webber Photography, Legends Resort, Moorea, Papetoi, Pink, White
Post categories: Destination, Destination Weddings

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From Nate of Nate Henderson Photography… Allison and Rob were married in Savannah’s first hotel, The Marshall House, which is located in the heart of the historic district. Their intimate ceremony took place in the early spring and was held in the open air atrium. They incorporated succulents along with simple white vases and flowers throughout giving a slight modern feeling among all of the history Savannah offers. We wandered the streets and squares of the city for portraits, and it paid off well! Savannah in springtime is absolutely beautiful, and this is exactly why Allison and Rob chose Savannah for their destination wedding.

From the bride… We were on an $8,000 budget, so our wedding cake was from Walmart. I shopped around all of the grocery stores/big box stores in the area in advance for prices. The morning of the wedding, my maid of honor, Abby, and I went to Walmart, bought a large cake, a small cake and cupcakes. We stacked the small cake on top of the large cake and our florist, A to Zinnias, decorated the top with flowers. My entire cake set up cost $40. We got several compliments on how good the red velvet was.

Wedding Photography: Nate Henderson Photography / Flowers: A to Zinnias / Wedding Venue: The Marshall House / Wedding Gown: Galina for David’s Bridal / Bride’s Shoes: Report (in Pewter) / Wedding Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas / Programs + Table Cards: Vicki Busby (Bride’s Step-Mother) of Studio 629 / Wedding Cake: Walmart / Maid of Honor’s Dress: Anthropologie / Men’s Custom Linen Suits: Studio Suits / Makeup: Glow Med Spa & Beauty Boutique / Hair: Salon Eden

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Post tags: A to Zinnias, Anthropologie, Blue, Galina for David's Bridal, Georgia, Glow Med Spa & Beauty Boutique, Green, Marshall House, Nate Henderson Photography, Report, Salon Eden, Savannah, Studio 629, Studio Suits, Vicki Busby, Walmart, Wedding Paper Divas, White, Yellow
Post categories: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Georgia Weddings, Savannah Weddings