Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog

Rustic, Vintage Wedding in Connecticut, III

2009-07-09T20:00:53Z

We are celebrating two completely fabulous weddings today. The first, sent to us by the incredible Duston Todd, is all about sophisticated, unabashed gorgeousness. The second, photographed by the unbelievably talented Carla Ten Eyck, is all sweetness…vintage, rustic sweetness with details that would make any girl swoon.

Love it all. The pretty, pretty flowers tucked in mason jars. The family style dinner, where guests can simple reach across the table and toast the beautiful day. The rustic elegance paired with the undeniably gorgeous style. Every little bit of this wedding is simply lovely!

I usually try to feature all of the really pretty, really steal-able details from a wedding. But this one had so many, I didn’t get to share them all. If you want to see even more wedding goodness (including some more fabulous shots from second-shooters Mike Romano and Katie Slater), head on over to Carla’s blog. Beware, it’s addicting!

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Post tags: Carla Teneyck, Connecticut, Katie Slater, Mike Romano, Rustic, Vintage Chic, Webb Barn
Post categories: Budget Beautiful, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Photography & Videography, Real Weddings, Vintage Chic

Rustic, Vintage Wedding in Connecticut, II

2009-07-09T19:43:28Z

Loving this sweet, family inspired wedding that Carla Ten Eyck sent us. Carla completely nailed it with the vintage style photography, capturing the intimate and yet totally elegant style of the day. You know, I am a firm believer that although a wedding should be a reflection of the couple…it is also one of the only times in our lives where our families come together to celebrate something so incredibly special. Celebrating the families behind the couple is so, so important in my book.

And this beautiful pair…did just that.

From the beautiful bride…My florist was my cousin, Moira Thompson. She lives in Cambridge, MA and is just starting her career in the floral industry. She’s a genius. She sent us a flower proposal (because I told her she could do whatever she wants and to just go nuts) and it was literally like she had reached into my mind and created a vision that I didn’t even know was there!

The name cards my mom and I hand-wrote. They were all stamped with clovers (Irish), olive branches (Italian), tropical flowers (South Africa), and daisies (Denmark) which are the main countries of Niels and my origin. Instead of favors, we made donations to three charities - The Jacob Riis Settlement House, which Niels’ father is chairman of the board of, The John J. Gale Scholarship, which is named after my grandfather and given to the senior at HPHS who has the highest GPA in U.S. History, and Art Start, which is a non-profit art program for troubled youth that I volunteer at. So, we wrote on all of the name cards “In lieu of a favor, a donation has been made in your name to __________”, alternating with each charity.

Ahhh, so beautiful. So much more on the way!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 9 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Carla Teneyck, Connecticut, favors, Lavendar, Moss Florals, Rustic, Vintage
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Vintage Chic

Rustic, Vintage Wedding in Connecticut

2009-07-09T19:36:31Z

You know what I love the most about writing a wedding blog? It completely satisfies my completely irrational love of so many different wedding styles, so many different wedding perspectives. A chic, modern affair makes me completely giddy…but so does a fabulous rustic style wedding, a sleek beach side affair, a gorgeous traditional soiree. I love them all and I love that I have a job where I can get lost in each style every day of the week.

This one, sent to us by the AMAZING Carla Ten Eyck, is a little bit vintage, a little bit rustic. It’s all together completely lovely, filled with details that the bride and her family lovingly infused…

From Carla...Callie and Niels are an amazing couple with such beautiful energy and their entire day really reflected that - from the tiny little floral and photo details, the beautiful invitations and programs, to including their parents who had gotten married at the same location (The Webb Barn) 30 years ago. Absolutely beautiful.

And before we really dive head first into the beauty of the day, I wanted to share the awesome invitations that Callie’s sister, Adrienne, designed just for this affair. Adrienne is going to be opening her very own print shop in the coming months and if these are any indication of her style, she is sure to be a HUGE success!

More to come from this incredible wedding!

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Post tags: Carla Ten Eyck, Connecticut, Rustic Wedding, Vintage Wedding, Webb Barn
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Photography & Videography, Real Weddings, Vintage Chic

Traditional Affair in Tulsa, III

2009-07-09T13:03:31Z

After the ceremony, the couple held a fun cocktail party followed by a pretty incredible reception. It was all about the celebration and you can see from the candids of the guests that everyone was having a blast. I love that…a beautiful, sweet ceremony followed by an all out party.

Duston Todd is the genius behind the photographs, shooting the wedding entirely in film. An approach that is incredibly (and sadly) rare these days but that yields results that nothing else can compare to. The images truly tell the story of the day, the joy behind every smile.

To see the rest of this amazing wedding, check out Duston’s blog. He has a million absolutely gorgeous images that will really give you a sense of just how lovely this affair was. Thanks so much Duston for sending it our way!

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Post tags: Duston Todd
Post categories: Traditional Elegance

Traditional Affair in Tulsa, II

2009-07-09T14:41:21Z

Let me tell you a little bit about this couple. They had actually been married a full year before they decided to exchange vows publicly at their home in Tulsa with their closest friends and family. I know, if I had that home, I’d host a pretty killer wedding too. But here’s the special part…they obviously have a huge wedding budget. So much so that they decided to forgo all the bells and whistles and instead use their wedding funds to build a water well in an African community. Yep, not only are they gorgeous, they are also really good people.

I love that they brought the indoors out…using beautiful rugs and antique furniture to create a warm and cozy outdoor environment. It’s so pretty, it actually makes me cry a little bit.

More in a bit from the FABULOUS Duston Todd!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 10 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Duston Todd
Post categories: Traditional Elegance

Traditional Affair in Tulsa

2009-07-09T12:48:55Z

I am not sure what I love most about today’s featured wedding that Duston Todd sent us. It could be that the couple is so ridiculously gorgeous that it’s hard NOT to fall in love with each and every picture. Oh and the dress, the shoes, the cute groom…it’s all kind of perfect.

But I think that what I love most, are the absolutely STUNNING, all film photographs. Photographs that are literally some of the most spectacular I’ve seen in a long time, that will give this gorgeous bride and groom the most incredible memories of their beautiful day.

Seriously? Obviously it isn’t realistic for all of us to look this perfect, but it’s totally realistic to have photographs that are this gorgeous, this emotional, this captivating. Duston is always surprising me with his work. Some of it is whimsical and full of personality, some of it is all about the style. And this wedding is by far one of his best. I can’t wait to show you the rest!!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 12 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Duston Todd, Tulsa
Post categories: Traditional Elegance

Flowergirls Floral Design ~ May Wedding at the Hawaii State Art Museum

2009-07-08T18:58:29Z

Kristina and Mark’s May wedding took place on the beautiful island of Oahu at the Hawaii State Art Museum. Little Black Book members, Flowergirls sent us these gorgeous shots of their contribution to the day!

Kristina and Mark’s wedding style was ‘modern ~ organic’ …

We LOVE the twist of the maids in white and the bride in her Vera …

The bouquets are simply awesome!

We love the simple elegance that the chosen blooms convey.

So soft, so pretty!

Our thanks to Christie Pham Photography for these great images of the day … Congratulations to Kristina and Mark!

And to Flowergirls … Mahalo â nui!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 15 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Christie Pham Photography, Flowergirls Floral Design, Hawaii, Hawaii State Art Museum, Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Oahu, Vera Wang
Post categories: Bouquets, Centerpieces, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Dresses, Wedding Flowers

Stationery by Smock

2009-07-08T21:24:51Z

I think that it’s pretty clear just how much I love Smock. They are next to none in terms of quality and fabulous design work and are always coming out with really innovating ways to approach invitation design. So, when they sent me pics from their new social stationery collection, I jumped at the chance to share it with you guys!

Here is a little bit of detail about the new line from the team at Smock…

Everything in the new album is offered as mix and match letterpress and offset printing with five choices of bamboo paper colors and the option to go with 1 or 2-ply paper. All of these options allow brides to create truly unique and personal stationery that is beautiful and special to them, but can also be customized to fit a wide range of budgets. All of the patterns, ink colors, motifs, monograms and fonts are fully customizable and interchangeable and can also be mixed and matched with the designs from our existing wedding album. We are so excited to see what our awesome clients create!

How much do you love this? It’s absolutely gorgeous. And in my book, a set of really chic, personalized stationery is a MUST for every new bride and groom! Please look at how adorable these envelopes are…

Check out the full line of offerings right here! And to Smock, thank you so very much for inspiring us time and time again!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 9 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Letterpress, Personalized Stationery, Smock, Stationery
Post categories: Wedding Invitations & Stationery

Short Wedding Dresses by Dolly Couture

2009-07-08T21:22:50Z

I am a sucker for a perfect, cocktail style short wedding dress. Probably because I am not sure I could ever take the plunge myself (though have such jealously for those who do!), but also because there is so much room for such fabulous style when you shorten the hemline.

So, when the wonderfully talented Alice Hu sent me photos from a recent shoot that she did for Dolly Couture, I swooned a little bit…

Adorable, aren’t they? And the leapard pumps…well, perfection. Here are a few details from Alice…

This shoot was shot at the amazing Pacific Edge Villa in Laguna Beach. Both of these dresses are brand new styles from Dolly Couture. Dolly Couture specializes in 50’s inspired vintage gowns that are fully customizable. The cute vintage inspired leopard print pumps are from Ellie Shoes. They match with the style and feel of the dress perfectly. The birdcage veil is made from vintage lace, flowers, and veil.

SO cute. Hair and make-up was done by Lisa Pilgrim + Kacee Geoffroy, the hair accessory is by Be Something New and the bouquet is by Fantasy Floral Design. Thank you to Alice Hu for providing us with such great inspiration!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 27 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: alice hu, Birdcage Veil, Dolly Couture, Ellie Shoes, Fantasy Floral, short wedding dresses, Vintage, Wedding Dresses
Post categories: Shoes, Wedding Dresses, Wedding Fashion

Save the Date Challenge by Minted

2009-07-08T15:23:08Z

If you haven’t been following Minted’s latest Design Challenge, you’ve been missing out! We’ve partnered up with the fab brand to do a Save the Date design challenge and have been blown away by the amazingness that the designers have come up with. And, it’s finally time to cast my vote and decide on the best Save the Date…but I need your help.

There are just SO many perfect designs, I simply can’t choose. Here are my top picks…

I am kind of in love with the stripes on the top right, and the swirls on the top left, but am being tempted by so many others! Some modern and some focused on charm, I am having SUCH a hard time choosing!

Which one do you like the best? Did I miss one that is even better than the gorgeous designs above?

I REALLY need some help with this! If you would just pick one from above or head on over to the challenge on Minted and let me know YOUR favorite, I will be forever grateful!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 57 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Design Challenge, Minted, Save the Date
Post categories: Wedding Invitations & Stationery

Charleston Wedding From Blue Moon Events

2009-07-09T23:04:58Z

Today’s delightful wedding is from Charleston’s Blue Moon Events. Alice and Jeff’s wedding celebration was planned around a few key elements … a cool French blue and crisp khaki color palette, natural and preserved boxwood fixtures and greenery, vintage crewelwork graphics and Charleston charm … of course!

SO many of our favorite weddings are in Charleston! Alice and Jeff’s spring wedding took place at the William Aiken House.

A “Mason Dixon Station” was set up … a signature drink consisting of local Firefly sweet tea vodka blended with lemonade and garnished with a lemon wheel and served in mason jars tied in whip-stitched French blue grosgrain ribbon. Mmmmmm … such a sweet touch! If you’re going to do a signature drink, this is the way to do it! FILL it with ice and you’re pretty much set for the day.

“Take A Wish ~ Make A Wish” stations were a huge hit!

Blue Moon Events incorporated so many special touches throughout the day …

photographs courtesy of Tracy Turpen Photography

Other wedding vendors contributing to the day include florals by Blossom Events, stationery by Dulles Designs, cake by Elaine’s Events, and catering by Fish Restaurant.

* * *

Congratulations Alice & Jeff on a beautiful wedding! And thanks SO much to the oh-so-talented team at Blue Moon Events for sending it our way!!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 17 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Blossom Events, Blue Moon Events, Dulles Designs, Elaine's Events, Fish Restaurant, Hanging Lanterns, Signature Drink, South Carolina, Tracy Turpen Photography, Wedding Cake, William Aiken House, Wreath
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Wedding Planners & Designers

Traditional, Elegant Wedding in California, III

2009-07-08T19:24:03Z

If you are just now stopping by, we are devouring THE most beautiful wedding that Lisa Lefkowitz sent us. Lisa is a dream come true, always sending us affairs that are sophisticated, elegant and utterly gorgeous, with details that make me swoon time and time again. This wedding, designed by the fabulous Alison Hotchkiss, is that…and so much more.

A few more details from Lisa Lefkowitz…

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on the lawn as the sun dipped behind the hills. Kings tables were draped with creamy beige linens and topped with glass chargers. Lauren Godshell of Branch Floral Design created a natural white and green palette and played off the natural surroundings by bringing in wood pedestals and platforms. Guests picked up their escort cards from wooden trays filled with dried green peas. The tables were labeled with aged wooden table numbers which were staked into the flower arrangements.

And here is a little peak at their menu (so that we can be even more jealous than we already are)…

First Course: Salad of organic greens, grilled garden peaches, candied walnuts, and prosciutto
Second Course: Pan roasted halibut, dungeness crab, sweet corn soubise
Third Course: Grilled tenderloin of beef, heirloom zucchini croquettes, and cabernet sauvignon jus

Guests danced the night away inside the Vintner Room under a cluster of Chinese lanterns and enjoyed chocolate cake with raspberry sauce from Perfect Endings. The event came to an end with the last dance to “Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong and guests were whisked away on shuttles to continue their celebration in downtown Yountville.

Thank you so much to Lisa Lefkowitz and Alison Hotchkiss for sending us today’s GORGEOUS affair. We are in love!

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Post tags: Alison Hotchkiss, Branch Floral Design, California, Lisa Lefkowitz
Post categories: The Blog, Traditional Elegance

Traditional, Elegant Wedding in California, II

2009-07-08T19:22:04Z

Sometimes we feature perfect weddings. You know, those weddings where every detail just seems to fall right off the pages of a magazine. This is one of those perfect weddings. The bride and groom are flawless, the detailing that Alison Hotchkiss dreamed up, the flowers by Branch and of course, the perfect photographs by Lisa Lefkowitz…are all right out of my dream wedding.

Here are a few notes from Lisa…

Amanda and Buck were married at the beautiful Meadowood resort on Labor Day weekend of 2008. 100 friends and family joined them in the celebration. The ceremony and dinner took place outdoors surrounded by lush vegetation. The bride walked down the aisle to “First Day of My Life” by Bright Eyes, which was played on guitar. Wooden pedestals at different heights were topped with white arrangements, creating an altar for the ceremony.

So much more from this ridiculoulsy lovely wedding on the way!

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Post tags: Alison Hotchkiss, branch, California, Lisa Lefkowitz, Traditional
Post categories: Traditional Elegance

Traditional, Elegant Affair in California

2009-07-08T19:21:07Z

When Lisa Lefkowitz sends me one of her weddings, my heart does a little pitter-patter. She is so good at what she does, so thoughtful in her photography, she just allows you fall head over heels for every single affair. So when she emailed me today’s first featured wedding, I did a little happy dance. Then I saw that one of my all time favorite planners and now dear friends, Alison Hotchkiss, designed the affair and that happy dance got MUCH bigger.

The wedding was held at Meadowood in St. Helena, California on labor day weekend, with 100 friends and family who joined the beautiful bride and groom in the celebration. The surroundings were PERFECT for the sophisticated, forever elegant style that the couple was going for and yet the modern touches that Alison added to the look…well, it was perfection!

We have so much more from this gorgeous wedding on the way!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 14 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Alison Hotchkiss, California, Lisa Lefkowitz, Meadowood
Post categories: Traditional Elegance

Deborah Nadel Design ~ Wedding Calligraphy Giveaway

2009-07-08T13:59:41Z

We have a pretty sweet giveaway for one of you, today! Deborah Nadel is the calligrapher who worked with Ethan and Janet, featured a few days ago on the LBB Blog {here}. Deborah contacted us and told us this story …

Hand calligraphy is a big part of my business and I recently had the pleasure of working with a couple (Janet and Ethan) on the calligraphy for their wedding. After the invitations went out, Ethan asked me to create a design that he could frame and present to Janet on their wedding day. Pictured below is the artwork that I created for them. It is hand calligraphy in multiple colors of gouache on archival cotton paper. The text is a reading from their wedding and features their names and wedding date at the bottom. It was gratifying to work on such a project and inspired me to offer a giveaway to a Style Me Pretty couple to remember their special day. I’m offering a hand calligraphed design using archival inks and paper of a poem or reading from their wedding (maximum of 12 lines of text, maximum overall size 15″ x15″) featuring their names and wedding date.

That’s such a great thing to do … either for your own home or as a gift to one of your loved ones!

Deborah has lots of examples of her work on her website along with examples of the monograms and logos that she creates.

To enter this contest, please leave a comment below giving us an idea of what reading or poem you will be using in your wedding ceremony. Please remember there are text and size limitations. If you’re not sure what you’ll be using just yet … that’s OK. Just let us know you’re interested!! We will announce the winner on Monday (July 13th) on this same post entry. Good luck!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 72 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Calligraphy, Deborah Nadel Designs, Gifts, Give Away, Giveaway, Poem
Post categories: Contests, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Favors & Gifts