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A Winter-to-Spring Bridal Inspiration Shoot from Jessica Maida Photography

By Lauren on May 14, 2013 in All Posts, Elegant, Modern, Spring, Styled Shoots, Winter

Held in Richmond, Virginia, at Byrd Park’s Carillon, a striking memorial tower built in 1926, this bridal inspiration shoot sought to capture the mood of that beautiful transition period between winter and spring. “Inspired by the cool, crisp winter air and the anticipation of the gorgeous spring colors coming around the corner, I wanted to bring this transition to life,” said photographer Jessica Maida. “Contrasted against the muted colors of the Carillon and the winter scenery, the bride’s fiery red hair, polka-dotted shoes, and bright bouquet really popped, while her tea-length dress and cashmere shrug embodied the differences between the two seasons.”

Vendors

Photography: Jessica Maida Photography / Location: The Carillon at Byrd Park / Dress: Bliss Bridal Consignment Boutique / Shoes: DSW / Ring: Vintage / Flowers: The Picked Petal / Model: Karla Dattilo / Hair: Lara Bridger / Makeup: BRIDEface Richmond

This shoot was submitted via Two Bright Lights.

Comments { 5 }

Meredith + James: An Urban-Meets-Country Wedding in South Carolina from Wedding 101 and Raycroft Art

By Lauren on May 13, 2013 in All Posts, Modern, Real Weddings, Southern, Spring, Urban

Captured by Raycroft Art and executed with the help of Wedding 101, a free wedding planning studio (think of it as a library of wedding resources or a personal bridal show) in Greenville, South Carolina, Meredith and James’ wedding reflected a delightful blend of urban whimsy and small-town charm. “Full of love and laughter, Meredith and James are one of those couples you never forget,” said Shannon Royal, one of Wedding 101′s project coordinators. “Both Southerners to the core, they share a childhood love of moon pies and a current love of the city. They wanted their wedding to capture the sleek industrial feel of an urban environment while also incorporating their love of the rural South.”

Knowing that they would settle down in Greenville, Meredith and James decided to hold both their ceremony and reception in this relatively small city with big-city amenities. The venue they chose, The Loft at Falls Park, overlooks one of Greenville’s most well-known attractions: Falls Park, a garden-filled oasis in the middle of downtown Greenville with a suspension bridge that spans a waterfall on the Reedy River. Meredith and James had their “first look” outside the historic building and then spent some time on the bridge. A light mist of rain made for romantic photographs.

For the reception, wooden farmhouse tables were decorated with subway tile table runners upon which sat red, white, and blue blooms arranged minimalistically in a variety of glass and silver vases. Metal lanterns adorned with wispy flowers and greenery were hung above each table. Created by Couture Cakes of Greenville, a trio of cakes and champagne ice pops were displayed on a stainless steel table draped with lace and accented with red and aqua confetti. One of the cakes was designed to mimic Meredith’s dress, which had a form-fitted bodice that exploded into a tiered, crystal-accented English net skirt. “Worthy of any Southern belle, it was also the perfect gown for a big-city bride,” Shannon said.

Vendors

Photography: Raycroft Art / Ceremony and reception venue: The Loft at Falls Park / Event planning resource: Wedding 101 Greenville / Flowers: Frilly Bloomers Florals / Cakes: Couture Cakes of Greenville / Bride’s dress: The Poinsett Bride / Bride’s clutch: Plumes and Pearls / Makeup artist: Katie Cotton of Cotton Rouge / Men’s attire: Bow Ties & Veils / Invitations: Sofia Invitations and Prints / Heirlooms and extras: A Darling Day

This shoot was submitted via Two Bright Lights.

Comments { 8 }

Grace and Ramon: A Travel-Themed Wedding in Puntarenas from Ale Sura

By Lauren on May 8, 2013 in All Posts, Destination Weddings, Real Weddings, Spring, Vintage

For Grace and Ramon, two Filipinos who share a Twainian sense of travel, crafting a wedding celebration inspired by wanderlust was the only way to go. They started with the locale: Zephyr Palace, a private mansion perched on a rainforested hilltop in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Inspired by tropical Victorian style and Latin American neoclassical architecture, the palatial retreat, which the couple first spotted in the pages of a travel glossy, boasts a seductive blend of mountainous seclusion and seaside splendor, with features like a private volcanic beach, frequented by colorful flocks of scarlet macaws, and an inviting infinity pool overlooking the Nicoya Gulf—a dream spot for a wedding ceremony.

In addition to travel-themed décor elements, including paper airplane escort cards, passport wedding programs, confetti cut from the pages of a tattered atlas, and vintage suitcases, the couple’s chosen colors—blue and yellow—also reflected their love of the globetrotting life. To Ramon, blue represents the sea and sky, and to Grace, yellow is symbolic of the sun. Ramon, usually spare of words, even penned a love letter to Grace on the back of a Delta ticket. Composing it took him nearly two hours.

Desiring someone with a fresh take on photography to document the event, the two sought out seasoned pro Ale Sura, whose photos skillfully reflect the happiness of the day and its tender moments. What’s more, Lovell Productions captured every last bit of beauty as it existed in motion, producing a tearjerker of a film that will leave even the steeliest viewer in awe.

Grace and Ramon // Wedding Film | Costa Rica from Lovell Productions on Vimeo.

Vendors

Photography: Ale Sura / Cinematography: Lovell Productions / Event planning: Costa Rica Paradise Wedding / Ceremony and reception venue: Zephyr Palace at Villa Caletas / Officiant: Marcello Galli

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Rachel + Kyle: A Garden-Themed Wedding in Virginia from Kristin Partin Photography

By Lauren on May 6, 2013 in Real Weddings, Spring, Traditional

A teenage Kyle was enchanted by Rachel’s voice as she sang lyrics from the French classic Beauty and the Beast for a school production. Years later, the couple recreated that same foreign magic on their wedding day, which was captured beautifully by Kristin Partin Photography.

“We really wanted to make it like a French garden party,” Rachel told Limn & Lovely. “Overall, we wanted it to be a dream.”

The bridesmaids were dressed in “steely blue gowns,” Rachel said, and the couple’s do-it-yourself blooms were arranged “so that they looked as if someone had gone into their garden and gathered a bundle together.”

The couple exchanged traditional vows on the spring-green grounds of Rachel’s home church. “We chose to do a foot washing ceremony to show our desire to have a marriage where both parties serve each other in humility,” Rachel said. “It was beautiful and so very meaningful to us.”

She added, “I know this sounds clichéd, but it really does fly by. When the pastor said, ‘I now pronounce you husband and wife,’ I looked at him strangely because I thought he had skipped something. Don’t fret about little things. Trust me, it won’t matter nearly as much when it’s all over. Skimp where you can on the wedding, and splurge on a rockin’ honeymoon with the man of your dreams.”

Vendors

Photography: Kristin Partin Photography / Ceremony and reception venue: House of Prayer / Flowers: Whole Blossoms and Roy Houff / Catering: Maggiano’s / Cake: Made by a friend of the family / Officiants: Pastor Mark Jordan and Pastor Steve Stells / Bride’s dress: Tara Keely / Bride’s shoes: TOMS / Veil: Bella Rosa / Bridesmaids’ dresses: Jasmine B2 / Groom’s and groomsmen’s attire: J. Crew / Hair and makeup: Friend of one of the bridesmaids / Invitations: DIY / Guest book: Michaels

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Christina + Nathan: A Simple Mountaintop Wedding from Sean Flanigan

By Lauren on May 3, 2013 in Budget-Friendly, Real Weddings, Rustic, Simple, Spring, Summer, Vintage

It was like any other date night for the two Coloradans: Christina, a graphic designer, and Nathan, a restaurant manager, dined at their favorite haunt, Nosh, a vibrant eatery in downtown Colorado Springs, then indulged their shared passion for art at a gallery nearby. Only Nathan knew that this particular winter night would be special. The pair’s longtime friendship had only recently blossomed into romance, but Nathan couldn’t shake the feeling that Christina was the one. A few hours before, he’d given her mother a dozen roses, a handwritten letter, and a jewelry box to secretly stash in Christina’s apartment while the two were out. When they returned that evening, Christina found the flowers, the note, and the box, which contained an antique locket with a photo of Nathan inside. Moments later, Nathan pulled out a ring and proposed.

After struggling to find a wedding venue that really spoke to them, a friend of Nathan’s suggested a secluded mountain overlook in Manitou Springs. “When she walked us out to the ceremony site, we were blown away by its beauty,” Christina said. “We knew instantly that it was the right place for our wedding.”

Stylistically, the two aimed for a vintage-rustic look, which suited the setting and reflected their personal aesthetics. They decided to invite only their immediate family members. “We really wanted the wedding to be simple and intimate,” Christina recalled.

Personal, handmade details contributed to the homespun charm of the event. “When I was growing up, my family and I often ate off of our own Make-A-Plate creations,” Christina said. “Nate and I decided to carry on the tradition by designing our own dinnerware using butterfly drawings. I also painted wooden cake toppers to look like me and Nate, and I made my own veil.” Scouring local thrift stores and antique shops turned up usable goods of all kinds. “Rummaging through other people’s discarded treasures is how we found our favors,” Christina said. “Each female guest received a vintage floral handkerchief and a vintage brooch. The men received individually unique gifts, such as comic books, pocketknives, geodes, old postcards, and a children’s accordion.” A battery-operated record player provided music throughout the day. And like the wedding itself, the dinner was simple yet satisfying. Guests were treated to classic comfort staples, including barbecued pulled pork, old-fashioned macaroni and cheese, and homemade corn muffins.

“It really was a dream day,” Christina said. “I wouldn’t go back and change anything. I’m so thankful for the generosity of our friends and family members, who made our wedding possible. And I am grateful for our photographers, Sean Flanigan and Sergio Mottola, who took such incredible photos for us to look back on. They both felt like part of the family that day.”

Vendors

Photography: Sean Flanigan / Second shooter: Sergio Mottola / Ceremony and reception venue: Crystal Park / Officiant: Donovan Kennedy / Catering: Front Range Barbeque / Hair and makeup: Gabrielle Lutze, the bride’s sister-in-law / Bride’s dress: Tadashi Shoji / Bride’s veil: Made by the bride / Bride’s shoes: Macy’s / Groom’s shirt: Gap / Groom’s pants: Kohl’s

Comments { 2 }

Mood Board #112: Lighthearted Lime

By Lauren on April 25, 2013 in Mood Boards, Spring, Summer

When life hands you limes, make margaritas . . . or, better yet, incorporate them into your wedding décor. Aside from having abundant culinary uses—including in baking, pickling, marinating, cocktail making, and experimenting with endless variations on humble key lime pie, from key lime pie marshmallows (they exist!) to key lime pie sorbet—these little green orbs can play a starring or supporting role in any wedding celebration. Added to bouquets and centerpieces, they provide dimension and eye-catching pops of vivid green color, while fanciful white calligraphy turns them into playful escort cards. Plus, sprightly, mood-lifting citrus shades are always in season and style. Here the brightness of lime green is balanced by a dusty peach hue.

CREDITS (from left to right, top to bottom): Bouquet > Photo by Jen Huang, floral design by Sarah Winward (via Sarah Winward) / Green bridesmaid dresses > Photo by Elizabeth Messina for Little Borrowed Dress / Paloma cocktail > Recipe and photo by Drizzle & Dip / Calligraphed lime escort card > Photo by Ashlee Raubach Photography / Rustic outdoor display > Photo by Jose Villa (viaDesign Sponge)

Comments { 3 }

Kara + Chris: An Enchanted Garden Wedding from Wild Whim Photography

By Lauren on April 16, 2013 in All Posts, Real Weddings, Spring, Vintage

Kara could hardly walk. Within an hour of her camping trip with her boyfriend, Chris, she had twisted her ankle and cut her shin. Yet she found herself still in the wilderness two days later, humoring Chris as he insisted they take a scenic portrait together at the edge of an overlook.

Kara hobbled to the overlook as Chris fiddled with his camera, propped it on a tripod, and set the self-timer. He stood beside Kara, his side to the camera. “I was facing to the front, counting down what had to be a 30-second delay, wondering why he wasn’t facing forward,” Kara said. “Then he goes into his pocket, and I’m thinking, ‘Seriously? You’re going to smoke right now? How long is the timer on this camera?’” But when Kara turned to Chris, she found him holding not a pack of cigarettes but a ring box.

“He doesn’t say anything, he doesn’t get on his knee,” Kara said. “He just looks at me with the most sincere love in his eyes, and I start bawling and laughing hysterically and hug him.” And the camera? “He points out to me that the whole proposal has been filmed,” Kara said. “He was not setting up the tripod for a photo—he was recording the proposal. And I am so glad he did. Being in that moment was such an out-of-body experience that if weren’t for the recording he made, I probably wouldn’t remember so much of it.”

Chris helped Kara plan their enchanted garden–themed wedding with the same care he took to plan his proposal. With coordinating tastes, the couple gathered antiques and décor in a palette that ranged from soft blush to burgundy and set about adorning California’s McCormick Home Ranch with “things manmade to juxtapose against all of the natural elements” in the ranch’s gardens. “Think cloches encasing vintage cameras, flashbulbs and light meters, a typewriter from the 1930s with a scroll used as a guest book, and a wishing tree dripping with moss and crystals to hang handwritten well wishes on,” Kara said.

The day was captured beautifully by Wild Whim Photography, whose photos evoke a feeling of a time long past—exactly the mood that Kara and Chris hoped to achieve.

“It was a sacred day,” Kara said, “a day we will both hold dear for the rest of our lives.”

Vendors

Photography: Wild Whim Photography / Ceremony and reception venue: McCormick Home Ranch / Event coordination: Lisa Buckley of Marzee Social Events / Flowers: Kate Baker Floral Design / Cake: Skiff’s Cakes / DJ: DJ Dirty Dave / Hair: Swanky Salon / Bride’s dress: Aire Barcelona from MaryLinn’s Bridal / Bride’s veil: Karoza Bridal / Bride’s shoes: Isola from Nordstrom / Groom’s suit: Nordstrom / Invitation, save-the-date, and other paper goods: Designed by the bride

Comments { 3 }

Mood Board #108: Farm-Fresh Eggs

By Lauren on March 31, 2013 in Mood Boards, Spring

Happy Easter, readers! Inspired by the smooth pastel shades of farm-fresh eggs, this board has “brunch wedding” written all over it. Aside from possessing a singular charm, morning weddings are often easier on budgets than their evening counterparts, and they offer a prime opportunity to take advantage of unconventional bridal dress options, such as this delightfully lacy Sarah Seven knee-grazer or, as shown here, Sareh Nouri’s delicate but playful “Sophie” gown, which has a barely-there blush hue that’s as soft as a spring rain.

CREDITS (from left to right, top to bottom): Cloche and apothecary bottles > Photo by Simply Bloom (via The Penny Candy Blog) / Model > Photo by Stephanie Williams / Eggs > Photo via Life-n-Reflection / Books and bouquet > Photo by Jose Villa, floral design by Brown Paper Design (via 100 Layer Cake) / “Sophie” gown > Sareh Nouri (photo by Emme Wynn Photography courtesy of Sareh Nouri, headpiece by Enchanted Atelier)

Comments { 1 }

Signature Cocktail #10: Basil Prosecco and Limoncello

By Lauren on March 29, 2013 in Season, Signature Cocktails, Spring

Spring has sprung, which means, among other delightful things, that lighter and brighter cocktails are in order. Here’s Carlene Thomas, our wedding wellness expert, with a simple recipe for an herbaceous and refreshing limoncello-based cocktail that suits the season to a tee.

With spring and wedding season finally upon us, I’m ready to break out the garden party attire. There’s nothing that makes me think of a warm-weather event more than a tall, icy lemonade. This sparkling citrus cocktail has the right balance of sweet, hand-zested limoncello, dry prosecco, and peppery fresh basil. If you’re looking for table décor, bring potted fresh basil to disperse around the party. It adds a delightful aroma, and guests will have fun picking their own herbs.

Ingredients:

1 ounce of limoncello
Prosecco to fill
1 palmful of fresh basil

Directions: Pour chilled limoncello into a champagne glass and muddle with fresh basil. Pour prosecco over the top and stir gently.

Note: For this beverage, my personal preferred brands are Zonin Prosecco and Bloomery Plantation Distillery Limoncello. Zonin sent this product as a gift, but we were not compensated for featuring it.

Photos and recipe by Carlene Thomas of Healthfully Ever After

Comments { 6 }

Mood Board #104: Persephone

By Lauren on March 4, 2013 in Mood Boards, Spring

I have to confess that I’ve never liked pink and purple together. The color combination has always reminded me of a My Little Pony or a saccharine Hallmark card, and I usually cringe at the sight of it. However, when I stumbled across this eye-poppingly beautiful bouquet that Kelly Oshiro designed using budded peonies, fronds of fragrant lilac, and freshly cut tulips, it took only a fraction of a second for me to change my mind. “I thought of this look as ‘Persephone,’ very spring-inspired,” Kelly said. And, indeed, I can’t imagine a more fitting look for the goddess of springtime—or for any romantically minded spring bride.

CREDITS (from left to right, top to bottom): Bouquet > Floral design by Kelly Oshiro, photo by Jose Villa, flowers from Florabundance (via Santa Barbara Chic) / Grecian bride / Styling by Kelly Oshiro, photo by Jose Villa (via Santa Barbara Chic) / Lilacs and sunhat on chair > Photo by Dreamy Whites / Pink peonies > Photo by Stephmodo / Lilacs in antique perfume bottles > Better Homes and Gardens / Cake > Design by Erica O’Brien Cakes, photo by Lane Dittoe (via Erica O’Brien)

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Melissa + David: An Intimate Coastal Mendocino Wedding by Sonya Yruel

By Lauren on February 15, 2013 in All Posts, Spring, Vintage

With its mistily romantic setting—a rustic hillside lodge overlooking the rugged Mendocino coastline on a dreamily overcast day—this intimate wedding appears as if it stepped out of the pages of some great old-time love story. “When people ask how we chose the location, we like to joke and say we threw a dart at a map and that was where it landed, which is pretty close to the truth,” said Melissa, the radiant bride, who was a vision in Claire Pettibone’s Victorian-inspired “Kristene” gown, a perfect complement to the day with its delicately playful layers of intricate English lace embroidery.

Melissa walked down the aisle to Brian Eno’s “The Big Ship,” a song that holds special meaning for her and David, with an old sixpence coin that once belonged to her great-grandmother tucked inside her left shoe. Following the ceremony, which was set among the inn’s fragrant herb beds and punctuated by “brilliant moments of laughter” and “tears of joy,” Melissa, David, and their photographer, Sonya Yruel, set off for the coastal woods, grassy dunes, and gold-spun fields nearby to take photos. “We discovered some amazing hidden gems just a few short miles from the inn, including secluded forests and abandoned barns, the things wedding photography dreams are made of,” Melissa said. “Sonya did a great job of capturing not only the beautiful surroundings but also the love and joy my husband and I felt that day.”

We could literally spend hours marveling over Sonya’s beguiling images, which draw you in like nothing else. We dare you not to fall under their spell.

Q + A with Melissa and David

What’s your love story? How did you meet, fall in love, and get engaged?

David:

A little more than five years ago, we met on an August evening in a café-bookstore in Sarasota, Florida. Melissa had just moved to Sarasota to begin her third year of medical school. She was studiously engaged in esoteric medical texts when she noticed me in the middle of reinventing myself over a feminist theory textbook. We had noticed each other a few times before this evening in the same setting, but we were about to have the excuse to finally talk. Some guy who I didn’t really like said hi to me as I walked into the café. Out of proper decorum, I allowed a brief chat and went on to grab a coffee and sugar and table. I wasn’t settled more than five minutes when Melissa stated, “Your friend left his keys.” Within a minute of that, the so-called “friend” returned and grabbed his keys, and Melissa and I were engaged in a conversation that has not ceased.

Can you tell us a little bit about the details of your wedding and your sources of inspiration?

Melissa:

David and I wanted an intimate and romantic wedding in nature surrounded by our closest friends and family. We wanted to have a relaxing weekend together in celebration of our love. Neither one of us wanted to have a big wedding; we wanted our wedding to be a fun affair without too much structure or formality. We wanted to concentrate on what was most important to us: our love for each other. Together with our families we had a weekend wedding celebration that turned out to be more perfect than we could have ever imagined. We did not really have a wedding theme, although I guess you could call it romantic/vintage.

Our wedding took place at the Stanford Inn, a lodge nestled on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Mendocino Bay. When people ask how we chose the location, we like to joke and say we threw a dart at a map and that was where it landed, which is pretty close to the truth. We had only our closest friends and family—11 in total—join us. Having the wedding be small and intimate and spread out over three days was what made it truly special and allowed us to spend time with, and give attention to, all of our guests.

The ceremony took place outside, atop a meadow that overlooked the rugged coastline of the Mendocino Bay. The day of the wedding was overcast, which caused a fog to set in, creating a romantic and whimsical—almost dreamy—feel to the day. In addition to the naturally picturesque backdrop, several of our friends and family contributed to the décor with little handmade items that they had brought with them. Anne, my best friend since elementary school, and my good friend Ashlee made little “just married” signs, which made perfect picture props, and my mom brought a black and white “Melissa and David” wedding sign that welcomed our family to the ceremony. My stepfather walked me halfway down the aisle to the wooden picket fence that surrounded the ceremony site. There my father was waiting to walk me the rest of the way down the aisle. The aisle was lined with vintage, wildflower-filled Mason jars.

Taped to the inside of my left shoe was a sixpence coin that had belonged to my great-grandmother and had been saved by my mom and given to me on the morning of the wedding along with some pictures of my great-grandmother and a sweet note.

To add to the pleasure of marriage, we were both thrilled with the Stanford Inn’s owner, who officiated our wedding with the perfect amount of humor and warmth. There were brilliant moments of laughter throughout the ceremony, as well as the occasional tear of joy. The whole time I couldn’t take my eyes off the handsome man standing in front of me who was grinning ear to ear.

Following the ceremony, our friends and family headed inside the inn for appetizers and drinks while Sonya, our wedding photographer, took us into the surrounding landscape for pictures. There are numerous stunning photo opportunities in Mendocino, and Sonya did a great job of capturing not only the beautiful surroundings but also the love and joy my husband and I felt that day.

Our reception took place at the Stanford Inn’s restaurant, which specializes in delicious vegetarian dishes using local, organic ingredients. No one else in our family is a vegetarian, so they were all a little wary of the vegan meal planned for our reception, but afterwards no one could believe how surprisingly delicious the meat-free food was. The decorations for the reception were created by our family and friends and included the vintage Mason-jar flower arrangements that had lined the aisles and the strands of flower buds that had hung in the background during our ceremony. Our chairs were decorated with paper garlands from BHLDN. Numerous candles completed the finishing touches and created a magical scene. It was so great to have such a small wedding party; everyone could sit together at one table and celebrate intimately.

Following dinner we had a variety of pies instead of cake for dessert. One of our favorite decorative pieces was the “cake” topper, which was made by Ready Go Paper Studio. It had been personalized to match everything from our hair and eye colors to my dress and David’s feather boutonniere.

What were your favorite moments of the day?

Melissa:

One of my favorite memories of our wedding day is of the music we chose for the ceremony. I walked down the aisle to “The Big Ship” by Brian Eno, a tremendously joyful yet very sublime song that is very dear to both of our hearts. Following our vows, for our recessional song we chose “This Magic Moment” by Lou Reed.

I also had a ton of fun taking pictures with our photographer. We discovered some amazing hidden gems just a few short miles from the inn, including secluded forests and abandoned barns, the things wedding photography dreams are made of.

David:

Other than the joy of marrying my truest love, I was excited to indulge in pre-wedding spirits with my brother-in-law at a friendly Irish pub in downtown Mendocino.

What kind of advice would you offer to future brides?

Melissa:

My word of advice would be to make sure that you take time throughout the planning process and on your wedding day itself to sit back and take it all in, because it flies by so quickly. We had a small wedding that was intentionally held over a long weekend because I wanted it to be about having those moments, not about a year spent planning something that would fly by in the blink of an eye.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help and assign certain tasks to members of the wedding party. On your wedding day, you do not want to have to be the one responsible for worrying about anything. It’s your wedding day, and you should not have to do anything other than sit back and enjoy it.

Vendors

Photography: Sonya Yruel / Venue: Stanford Inn / Flowers: Rosa of LR Farm / Catering: Ravens’ Restaurant at Stanford Inn / Cake and pies: Sharon of Mendo Cakes / Cake topper: Ready Go Paper Studio / Officiant: Reverend Jeff Stanford / Bride’s wedding dress: Claire Pettibone / Bride’s shoes: Vince Camuto / Bride’s necklace: Sundance / Bride’s hairpiece: Tradesy / Groom’s suit: Calvin Klein / Groom’s tie: Ted Baker / Groom’s shoes: Donald J. Pliner / Boutonniere: Pomp and Plumage / Hair: Jocelyn DeChenne of Mantras / Makeup: Amy Wall of Mendocino Beauty / Custom letterpress guestbook: Blush and Beau / Custom wooden wedding sign: Craft Mart Texas / Cake server and garland: BHLDN

Comments { 7 }

Springtime Dreaming: A Downton Abbey–Inspired Shoot by Nathan Peel

By Lauren on February 1, 2013 in Glamorous, Season, Spring, Summer, Vintage

Any shoot that channels the early-twentieth-century glamor of Downton Abbey is bound to be beautiful, but when it’s photographed by the infinitely talented Nathan Peel and styled by the event design visionaries behind Blue Dahlia Event s, chances are it’s going to be extraordinary. And extraordinary is just the word we’d use to describe this loveliest of lovely inspiration shoots, which took place at Cincinnati’s historic Peterloon Estate, whose gloriously green grounds and Georgian and Queen Anne elements set the stage for a refined, softly romantic setting redolent of an English garden. You’ll find yourself transfixed by the dreamy palette of muted blush tones, grayed blues, and lavender shades, as well as by the delicate details, including mismatched vintage china, the sweetest-looking berry-adorned tea cakes, and a splendorous array of floral arrangements. Dreamed up by Inspired Floral Design, they featured pink astilbe, pale garden roses, and wispy ferns.

Vendors

Photography: Nathan Peel Photography / Event Design: Blue Dahlia Events / Flowers: Inspired Floral Design / Venue: Peterloon Estate / Cakes: Tres Belle Cakes / Rentals: All Occasions Event Rental / Stationery: Paperreka / Makeup: BRIDEface / Hair: Bridal Hair by Liz / Bride’s Dress: Alice and Olivia / Bridesmaid Dresses: Mod Cloth

This shoot was submitted via Two Bright Lights.

Comments { 6 }

Mood Board #98: Pink Depression Glass

By Lauren on January 29, 2013 in Mood Boards, Spring, Summer

I have a confession to make: I’m a Depression glass hoarder. Although I have yet to conduct an official inventory, I probably own more than 200 pieces, and I have absolutely no idea what to do with them. The look on my husband’s face when he catches me sneaking a new set into the house (usually from an obscure and unreasonably distant pseudo-antique shop) makes me feel like a compulsive collector of creepy porcelain dolls, and I half expect to wake up one day and find that he’s unloaded the entire lot on eBay. I don’t know what it is about Depression glass. Maybe it’s the history behind it or the charming pattern names, such as Moondrops and Cherryberry, which, for the original owners, alluded to better days and the lost glamor of the flourishing ’20s.

Although I seek out Depression glass in every shade, the pale pink hues, which often gradate into a rosy amber glow at the base of each piece, are by far my favorite. And thus we have today’s board, which features pink Depression glass and poppies, among other soft and lovely blooms. The ombréesque corals and cheerful canary-yellow colors inject an inviting brightness and a playful sophistication into an otherwise pretty but plain pink palette.

CREDITS (from left to right, top to bottom): Girl with peony > Photo by Elizabeth Messina (via Destination Weddings & Honeymoons) / Meringue-filled cups > Photo by Our Labor of Love, styling by Amy Osaba for The Bride’s Guide / Champagne cocktail > Photo and recipe from the Winter 2011 issue of Sweet Paul / Glasses > Photo by Jessica Claire, styling by Amorology (via Green Wedding Shoes) / Cake > Photo by Our Labor of Love, styling by Amy Osaba for The Bride’s Guide / Poppy and jasmine vine bouquet > Photo by Jose Villa, floral design by Flowerwild (via Southern Weddings)

Comments { 4 }

Mood Board #90: Garden Whimsy

By Lauren on January 12, 2013 in Mood Boards, Spring

Green and white form a classic color combination that will never go out of mode. Timeless and seasonless, the clean, beautifully simple palette can exude many different moods depending on how it’s used and the shades selected. Dark, emerald greens and creamy whites lend themselves well to achieving a bold, dramatic, and luxurious feel, while pale greens and crisp whites tend to have a lighter, naturalistic vibe. Add pops of black for a chic touch or hints of weathered gold for a kiss of vintage glamour. We used this color combo today to create a board that has the whimsical air of a hidden garden and hints at the white-skied days of early spring.

CREDITS (from left to right, top to bottom): Bouquet > Photo by Louisa Bailey, floral design by Wunderplant (via 100 Layer Cake) / Cocktails: Photo by Katie Stoops (via Southern Weddings) / Bride > Photo by Tory Williams Photography (via 100 Layer Cake) / Ceremony setting > Photo by Mark Anthony Chen Photography (via Jet Fete) / Cake > Photo by Brumley & Wells (via Ruffled) / Infused water > Photo by Katie Stoops (via Southern Weddings) / Handkerchief Invitation > Design by Lucky Luxe Couture Correspondence (via Oh So Beautiful Paper)

Comments { 1 }

Sarah + John: An Intimate and Glamorous Texas Weddng by Q Weddings

By Lauren on January 11, 2013 in All Posts, Elegant, Real Weddings, Southern, Spring

In Texas, bigger isn’t always better, and this romantically intimate 15-guest wedding at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines is a case in point. Planned in only eight weeks with the help of the bride’s sister, interior design expert Lauren Haskett of Material Girls, the event channeled “soft Parisian glamour” and was infused with the bride’s favorite colors: seafoam green, blush, and coral. Every detail was a study in vibrant yet sophisticated beauty, from the lush floral designs, featuring ruffled garden roses and open peonies, to the bride’s Art Deco-inspired gown, a ravishing dress with an intricately beaded, crystal-accented bodice and a skirt of white feathers. It was all captured through the lens of Suzi Q. Varin, whose authentic, artful photos dazzle with their aura of timelessness.

Q + A with Sarah

What’s your love story? How did you meet, fall in love, and get engaged?

John and I met at a courthouse in a small town in South Texas. We were both working as landmen for different oil companies; I was there researching public records every day, and John was always coming in to check on his crew, which included his sister, Larin. After eight months of John and I saying “hello” and nothing more, Larin approached me one day to do some investigation for John, and the next day he asked me out in person. The following day, we went to dinner and had an amazing time, despite some news I shared that might have deterred him. I had recently accepted an internship position that meant I would be leaving soon for Europe. Despite my upcoming departure, we proceeded to fall fast for each other and to date for seven months of that year long distance. When I returned to the U.S., we went on another adventure together—this time to work on an oil and gas project in Ohio. During a trip back home to Texas to visit my family, John popped the question during some brief, rainy alone time at a park. We shared the good news with our families and let them know that we wanted to have a small wedding and a short engagement. With our families’ support, we amazingly managed to pull everything off in eight weeks!

Did you use a wedding planner or day-of coordinator? What was the planning process like for you?

I have my oldest sister, Lauren Haskett of Material Girls and Lauren Haskett Fine Design, to thank for her vision, ideas, and the huge role she played in making sure everything was elegant and memorable. She was the mastermind behind details both big and small, ranging from envisioning the wedding canopy, floral scheme, reception lighting, and table arrangements to place cards and invitations. Additionally, the resort where we got married, the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines, was extremely accommodating and coordinated many elements of our wedding, including handling the catering and recommending a great florist.

How did you choose your venue?

During a family discussion the weekend of our engagement, my sister mentioned that she had heard Lost Pines was a beautiful haunt in the Texas Hill Country. Miraculously, the venue was available on our desired weekend, Cinco de Mayo, and one phone call by John later, it was a done deal. We got to scope out the different locations available at the resort, and I immediately fell in love with the pond. Because it was such a small wedding, everyone arrived two days early, and we enjoyed some great family time, taking advantage of the pool, trails, and other amenities.

Can you tell us a little bit about the details of your wedding and your sources of inspiration?

Theme and palette

We started the wedding planning with a catchphrase: soft Parisian glamour. This spilled over into the use of some of my favorite colors: seafoam green, white, and blush. The site we chose for the ceremony was next to a pond, which looked beautiful next to the seafoam green canopy under which we were married. The flowers themselves were blush, peach, coral, and white, which made for a look that was both soft and vibrant and in keeping with the soft Parisian glamour motif. For the reception dinner, strands of overhead lights provided a dynamic backdrop for the simple yet bold contrast of the black and white stripes of the tablecloth paired with the soft colors of the flowers. A seafoam green BHLDN resin cake stand, handwritten chalkboard menu, and small, etched pewter vases provided additional pops of glamour.

Bouquets and boutonnieres

Large garden roses and peonies in white, blush, peach, and coral tones comprised my bouquet, as well as the flowers adorning the canopy at the ceremony and the table at the reception. John’s boutonniere was made up of solid white flowers.

Ceremony décor

The focal point of our outdoor ceremony was the beautiful flower-bedecked canopy, which was complemented by the pond setting. Simple white chairs were set out, and the beauty of nature took care of the rest.

Reception décor

Our reception dinner came together at one long table, with a stark black-and-white striped tablecloth for timeless drama and soft accents for more Parisian glamour. Our flowers were held in small pewter vases, and personalized black and white place cards coordinated with the tablecloth.

Can you describe your dress and your wedding day look for us?

The entire skirt of my wedding dress was completely covered in ostrich feathers, and that is what initially drew me to it. The beaded top and drop waist gave it a vintage feel that could hold its own next to the feathers. I actually decided on my wedding dress without ever seeing it in person. I originally became obsessed with a picture of it online, but since I was working out of state I couldn’t try it on myself. I enlisted my sister, Kathryn, to try it on for me, and she and our mother sent me tons of pictures, eyeballed what size I would need, and assured me it was just as beautiful in person as I had hoped. It fit perfectly with no alterations necessary at all! Instead of a veil, I wore two jeweled headbands that were connected to form a circle. My shoes were white with chunky, rhinestone-covered heels, the thickness of which made walking on the grass much easier. My other jewelry was simple—stud earrings and stacked bracelets.

Out of a desire to show off the back of my dress, I decided to walk down the aisle sans veil. I found a jeweled headband that I loved and bought two just in case. I arrived for my hair appointment armed with a picture of Charlize Theron with the goal of emulating her side bun and jeweled headband brilliance. The stylist suggested using the second headband, cutting the extra ribbon off of both of them, and connecting them into an asymmetrical halo woven into my hair.

For my makeup, I decided to go with something a little more dramatic than my usual look; the bold look was anchored by a smoky eye created with purple and gray shadows and defined brows.

What did your bridesmaids wear?

My sisters, Lauren and Kathryn, served as matron and maid of honor. Because it was such a small wedding, they didn’t stand during the ceremony, and in lieu of bouquets they wore bracelets matching the ones I wore. Our goal was to find beautiful dresses for them that looked special but didn’t scream “bridesmaid.” We found them both, as well as the mother of the bride’s dress, in one fell swoop at BHLDN. Kathryn wore a knee-length dress in purple, her favorite color, and jazzed it up with seafoam green heels. Lauren’s dress was a champagne hue with a detailed neckline, which she paired with nude heels. Everyone looked beautiful while staying true to their own sense of style.

What did your groom wear?

John wore a charcoal suit paired with a purple-toned shirt and tie. His black ostrich boots complemented the ostrich feathers of my dress, and his engraved cufflinks were his wedding present from me.

Did you include any religious, cultural, or family traditions in your ceremony?

My dad walking me down the aisle was a really special moment. Also, John’s dad was in charge of holding the rings during the ceremony, as his dad did for him.

What kind of ceremony music did you choose?

The music at our ceremony was actually a surprise from my family. They found a great classical guitarist who played instrumental music throughout our ceremony. At the end, he performed and sang “Edelweiss,” a song I love from The Sound of Music, with an additional verse of benediction at the end.

What were your favorite moments of the day?

John and I kept with tradition and didn’t see each other the day of our wedding until the actual ceremony, but he did write me a very sweet note that he had my mom deliver to me while I was getting dressed. Reading it was one of my favorite moments.

Did you experience any disasters or calamities leading up to the wedding or on the day of the wedding itself that you can laugh about now?

My mother had booked hair appointments for all the girls at a great salon. When the salon called me the week of our wedding to confirm our appointments, I wasn’t paying attention and thought I was on the phone with a different salon that we weren’t going to use. I let the salon know that we had made other arrangements and cancelled everyone’s appointments. The next day it hit me that I had the salon names mixed up and had to call the salon back to admit my lunacy. Fortunately, they were able to rework all of us into the schedule and did a great job on everyone’s hair.

What kind of advice would you offer to future brides?

Bringing along a picture to show your hairstylist takes very little effort, but it is definitely worth it. Doing a trial run of hair and makeup is extremely worthwhile, even if it only means that you find out which salon not to go to!

Vendors

Photography: Q Weddings / Ceremony and reception venue: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines / Event design: Lauren Haskett Fine Design / Day-of coordinator: Stacy Seaborn of the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines / Flowers: Brenda Abbott / Catering: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines / Desserts: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines / Officiant: Bill Goff / Ceremony music: Carl Koonce / Bride’s dress: Sue Wong, purchased at Nordstrom / Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka (style: Wynter) / Bridesmaid dresses: BHLDN / Groom’s attire: Hugo Boss / Hair: Steven Cantu of the Jackson Ruiz Aveda Salon / Makeup: Chanel at the Barton Creek Mall Nordstrom / Wedding rings: Torin Bales / Earrings: Nadri / Bracelet: Niquea.D / Headband: Nina / Menu design: Lauren Haskett Fine Design / Invitations: Papyrus

This wedding was submitted via Two Bright Lights.

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Alee + Ben: A Georgia Farm Wedding by Simply Bloom Photography

By Lauren on September 24, 2012 in All Posts, Country, Real Weddings, Rustic, Southern, Spring, Vintage

Gazing at one of Simply Bloom’s images is like stepping into an impossibly beautiful dream, and any wedding that the artful photography duo captures will surely set your heart aflutter, but this down-to-earth Georgia affair is notably special. The mood—breezy and natural—reflected the carefree spirit of the couple, Alee and Ben, who were wed beneath three swaying oak trees on Ben’s childhood farm. A true beauty, Alee went barefoot and did her own makeup, keeping things simple and real. Ben’s uncle served as the officiant, and the wedding was planned entirely by Alee’s mother. “She’s not a wedding planner, and she doesn’t have any desire to be one, but she was unbelievable,” Alee said. “Everything was pure bliss!”

Brimming with rustic-chic charm and nuanced Southern whimsy, from the freely roaming peacocks to the freshly picked lavender and fluffy cotton, this wedding has truly got it all. Add the soft splendor and magic quality of Simply Bloom’s timeless photography, and there’s only one word to describe the result: perfection.

From the Bride

Ben and I have known each other since high school, as we went to the same small school in Columbus, Georgia. Although we were not romantically involved back then, I had a crush on him and thought he was extremely good-looking. He was the local soccer star, and I adored soccer players! After high school, we both carried on with our lives; I was living in New York City, and he was in Atlanta. One night we were at a party with our mutual friends, and we sensed that there was something between us; however, we were still living in different places. Ben eventually moved to Australia, and we occasionally saw each other during the holidays. We knew something was there, but since we still lived extremely far away from one another, nothing came of it. Then one Christmas, things were just different. We were both happy with ourselves, and that translated into a real relationship. Ben was living in Los Angeles at the time, and I was in Georgia, but it only took a family trip to Las Vegas and a couple months for him to move back home. We then ventured to the U.S. Virgin Islands, where we truly depended on each other, which deepened our relationship immensely. One night, I was out on our balcony, completely mesmerized by the orange crescent moon that looked as if it was about to dip into the water. I called Ben to come see this beauty, and when he did, he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. After laughter (I thought he was joking at first) and tears (I finally realized this was really happening), I said yes, and we eventually moved back to Georgia, where we currently live—Ben as an urban farmer and me as a yoga instructor. We couldn’t be happier!!!

Our wedding took place in a pasture at Ben’s farm under three huge oak trees on the night of the supermoon. I always knew that it was essential to get married during a full moon because of the unbelievable energy it brings forth, but we truly lucked out on that special night, as our date—May 5, 2012—was the night of the supermoon (the largest full moon of the year). I think it was something like the largest in five years on that particular night.

We wanted our wedding to feel comfortable, relaxed, and real, and that is exactly what we got. I walked down the aisle barefoot, as did my sister (my maid of honor) and my flower girls (Ben’s nieces). My groom, his father (the best man), and my father wore flip-flops. We are all creatures of the outdoors, so separating our feet from the earth didn’t make sense on the most important day of our lives thus far. We kept it simple and intimate by having a small wedding party and Ben’s uncle as the officiant.

A fabulous gospel choir provided the music as guests were seated and as we all made our entrances. One of my favorite parts of the wedding was the recessional. After we were pronounced husband and wife, we walked back down the aisle to the choir singing “Oh Happy Day.”

The flowers used throughout the ceremony and reception were very natural; we wanted it to look as though we had handpicked them that morning, and one of my mother’s friends actually did pick some of the flowers off the side of the road the day before the wedding for our centerpieces. My mother and grandmother spent months taking labels off of empty wine bottles, which we used for vases and candles. (The bottle candles were created by placing a wick in each bottle and pouring oil in. A sprig of rosemary was tied onto each bottle with a piece of twine. You can find all the materials to make these at your local craft store.) We also had tons of cotton that our florist, Kimberly Nelson of Bloomwoods Flowers & Events, incorporated into arrangements, chandeliers, bouquets, and more. My bouquet was pure lavender.

Chef Morton Wulff catered our wedding. He did an amazing job!!! We wanted light summer veggies and deliciously healthy salads, and he provided exactly what we wanted. The food was absolutely divine. He also did our cake, which was the most heavenly carrot cake. The groom’s cake was a cheesecake bar (my hub’s favorite).

My wedding dress and veil were designed by Ulla-Maija. Ben’s suit was made by Sid Mashburn. And a dear friend of ours, Otis James of Otis James Nashville, did the fabulous ties. His work is outstandingly charming.

My advice to other brides is to just relax. Everything happens exactly the way it’s supposed to, no matter what, so just savor every moment of the engagement, the planning, and the actual day, because it all flies by so quickly. Also, as far as getting worked up over the small details, just breathe and let it go. No worries!

Vendors

Photography: Simply Bloom Photography / Ceremony and reception venue: Groom’s private farm / Wedding planner: Mother of the bride / Florist: Kimberly Nelson of Bloomwoods Flowers & Events / Caterer and cake design: Chef Morton Wulff / Party rental provider: Rental Service Company / Gospel choir: G.E.N.I.S.E.S. Gospel Choir / Reception band: The Voltage Brothers / Hair: Rudy Maddox / Makeup: The bride herself / Invitations: Grammarcy / Bride’s dress: Ulla-Maija / Bride’s veil: Ulla-Maija / Groom’s suit: Sid Mashburn / Ties: Otis James Nashville