Project Wedding Blog

This week’s real wedding is just so special.  The photos emanate such a divine love… and all of the planning revolved around the connection that Tessa and John share with their loved ones.  The bride said, ‘Once we found that center it was easy to let some traditional elements go and not feel pressured by trends. This allowed us the freedom to create a totally unique and intimate event for our guests.’  The day overflowed with organic beauty and rustic sophistication, and was captured in both digital and film photographs by Michelle Warren.

There is so much more of this gorgeous earthen palette to enjoy!… See the full story {here}.

Photos by Michelle Warren

Venue: A private estate

Bridal Gown: ‘Thank You’ by Reem Acra

Bridesmaid’s Dresses by Calvin Klein via 6pm.com

Event Coordination by Jackie Blackwell

Cake by Montecito Confections

Tags: brown, film photography, gold, green, Michelle Warren Photography, neutral, outdoor, rustic, santa barbara, white.

As we move into the 2012 bridal season, we couldn’t help but be swept back in time by style accents reminiscent of bygone eras.  So, for the second in a ‘Fashion Friday’ series inspired by the new season of gowns- here goes… some time travel back into the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s in both subtle and not-so-subtle ways!

1.  60’s Flouncy Brigette Bardot-inspired Trapeze Dress by Ramona Keveza.  2. 60’s/70’s  Style Blue Embroidered Bohemian Chic Gown by Claire Pettibone 3. 70’s Fringe by Hayley Paige 4. 80’s King of Pop Pantsuit by Yumi Katsura 5. Neon Paint Splatters by Angel Sanchez 6. 90’s Refined Rosettes by Marchesa.

So.. would you partake in a little era flashback on your big day or is that something you save for costume parties?

Happy Halloween Weekend!

Tags: 70's, 80's, 90's, Angel Sanchez, bridal fashion 60's, Claire Pettibone, Hayley Paige, Marchesa, Ramona Keveza, Yumi Katsura.

Angelica and Ben’s wedding is one of those that is so uniquely and genuinely a reflection of the bride and groom… When you get right down to it, that’s what every couple wants in their wedding day. Although, this kind of of imbued personalization comes from a lot of time, attention, and energy on behalf of the couple.  Angelica and Ben did just that… countless hours were spent on the decorations, the dress.. it was a day of love-filled planning and Something Pretty.
The invitations were made from custom watercolor portraits by etsy vendor, Caitlin Shearer.  Below, Angelica’s feminine, basque-waisted dress… made by the bride!!!

Pink and metallic fringe adorned the entryway… all the paper décor was DIY.The bridal party looked ethereal and so feminine in chiffon Bari Jay frocks and floral wreaths.  The ceremony took place outdoors, on a lush, wide open piece of land in Virginia.  Angelica and Ben wed in front of a tipi, handmade by the bride’s sisters!Angelica had her colorful ukelele on hand to play a song during the ceremony;  dozens of glass vases held single flowers showing their faces to the sun. 

♥ So much handmade love ♥

Congratulations Angelica & Ben!

You can read Angelica’s blog {here}

Photos by Something Pretty

Watercolor portraits by Caitlin Shearer

Bridesmaid Dresses by Bari Jay

Tags: balloons, DIY, fringe, pink, whimsical.

By: Victoria Hudgins

The simplest way to warm up a chilly fall wedding is with candles. Their warmth and glow instantly make a room more inviting. You can purchase plain candles at many big box stores, and easily transform them into statement pieces with paint and glitter. A grouping of five to ten candles makes a lovely centerpiece for a table.

For a custom look, use a few coordinating colors and designs. Thrift silver plated and glass candlestands (you can easily find them for under $1 a piece) and create a gorgeous display by layering paint texture and candle height. Here are tips for three different techniques that look perfect together!
Preparation: Prior to using any of these painting techniques, be sure to rub a thick coat of rubbing alcohol all over your candle tapers. This will take the top layer of wax off and allow for the paint to stick to the candle well. Style no. 1: Glitter Band Candles. To make these pretty candle bands, paint a line (or a pair of lines) around the candle 1/3 length from one end. Before the paint dries tap out a line of glitter covering the paint line. Let dry. They look a bit like wedding rings around the candles and are super pretty under the flickering candle light.
Style no. 2:  Polka-dot Tapers. Using a small circular felt brush (available at most craft stores), dab a circle of paint first onto paper and then onto the candle in a random configuration. These are sure to give off a bright and festive feeling.Style no. 3: Water Painted Candles. The finished product has a subtle texture and color through the use of paint and water. Apply paint strips liberally along your candle and wet with water. Using your fingertips (plastic gloves will keep them paint-free), blend the paints together until the texture and color is to your liking. These candles will add a bit of neutrality to the display while also adding texture and interest.
Use one of these techniques or all three. I love how they look all mixed in together, but a large display with just one paint design would be beautiful as well!

Photos and Project Styling by Victoria Hudgins

Tags: DIY candles, glitter, tapers.

Kristen and Grant in Lakewood Ranch, Florida

We’ve got something stunning in white, royal blue, and yellow for you today!  Kristen and Grant’s modern, ballroom wedding overlooked a scenic golf course.  We just love their fresh approach to contemporary styling and how they softened these primary colors with natural greenery and earthy décor elements.  Take a peek at their album and read more just below.

Photos by Brooke Images

Event Design by Uniquely Yours

Flowers by Fudgie

Venue: Lakewood Ranch

Invitations by Wedding Paper Divas

Photobooth by Shutterbooth

From the Bride: The day of our wedding was absolutely perfect, the weather could not have been better.  Clear skies, sunny and 75 degrees. While planning our wedding, we both agreed to create a day where our friends and family could celebrate our love and have one of the best times they’ve ever had. We invited a good handful of out of town guests and we wanted to make it truly an event to remember.  While looking at dozens of wedding magazines, I fell in love with our color palette: white, royal blue, and yellow.  I loved the purity of white and royal blue, and the pop of yellow just stood out to me as playful and happy. In some ways, it brought together the elegance that I love and playful fun side that my husband brings to every party.

The moment I tried on my dress, I just knew it was ‘the one.’ My dress was modern but elegant, and showed the fun side, once again, when the train came off to convert into a short dress- a definite plus for a night of dancing.

Our cocktail hour overlooked a lush, green golf course, perfectly timed so that everyone enjoyed a breathtaking view of the sunset.

Blue uplighting lined the reception ballroom to create a modern, yet romantic club style feel.  We had an all white dance floor lit up by our monogram. The monogram was also used on our invitations and “fortune teller” place cards.  For entertainment, we had a caricature artist and a photo booth with fun props.

My husband is a firefighter, so our getaway car was a vintage fire truck.  Everyone blew bubbles as we headed off into the night.

Tags: blue, modern, yellow.

A love story for you:

Ana Luísa is from Portugal, Paolo from Italy…

An international romance, you see… and we hear that they are positively made for each other.
The couple wed in Portugal, and hired the photography and event design duo, Branco Prata, to capture their day.  The couple incorporated some traditions from each heritage, but the simplicity of it all was truly heavenly. Branco Prata created a modern look; the day was accented by shades of pink and blue.  Ana Luísa wore an ethereal chiffon gown by Paula Rola.   This blue and white floral graphic made its way onto several of the design elements. The ceremony site was majestic and awe-inspiring.  Below, the bride and groom snuggle up for portraits. Branco Prata created cute little plant favors for local guests, and adorable seed boxes for those who travelled from afar.

Catch the full story and more from their day in our Real Wedding Gallery.

Photos + Event Design by Branco Prata

Church Florals by Céu Florista

Paper Goods by Branco Prata

Bridal Gown by Paula Rola

Bride’s Shoes by Estribo

Bride’s Hair and Makeup by Whiteland

Groom’s Suite by Sartoria Chairman

Ring Pillow by design com texto

Bridal Bouquet by Horto da Ju

Reception Venue & Catering by Sameiro Eventos

Cake by Casa das Natas

Tags: blue, Branco Prata, contemporary, modern, pink, Portugal.

The last ‘top ten’ of bridal market has arrived… and let us just say, the final day was just as exciting as the first!  We’ve got tons more fashion coverage coming your way.. but here’s a re-cap of fabulosity before you get to weekending!

no. 1

As we’ve come to expect, the St. Pucchi show was positively regal and majestic.  Our favorite look from the runway was this simple satin mermaid dress with a wow coque feather jacket!

no. 2

Jim Hjelm’s bridesmaid dresses were some of the most lovely from the weekend.  Asymmetrical peplums, scrunched hemlines, and ruffled fabrics fit our fancy.

no. 3

While we’re on the topic of Jim Hjelm, this sequenced party dress is at the top of our wish list!

no. 4

The Angel Sanchez collection brought us back to a time of structured garments and wide ruffles.  We found the backs to be just as noteworthy as the fronts!

no. 5

Yumi Katsura was larger than life!  After you get over the runway shock of the statuesque headpiece, don’t forget to check out the amazing detail of this slim fit gown.

no. 6

Over at Anaïs, we luxuriated in the textured fabric and styling of these sweetheart-necklined gowns.

no. 7

The always exciting Pnina Tornai show had us thinking about streamlined silhouettes, modified A-lines, and va-va-voom ballgowns.  There were dresses for every coveted silhouette in this sexy and inspiring presentation.

no. 8

As much as we love sexy and exciting, the timeless, understated elegance of Alvina Valenta bridesmaids certainly caught our eye.  From a stunning two-piece in white and black, to a metallic lace cocktail dress and an accentuated folded bodice in deep chocolate.. these are dresses maids will love!

no. 9

The addition of designer Hayley Paige to the JLM family was a big announcement this season!  Hayley’s debut collection is one not to be missed.  In previewing, we took note of her super unique stying; the textured peplum and fringe looks totally won us over!

no. 10

…And to send you off into your weekend with grace and elegance, here’s a peek at the high fashion, yet utterly wearable Marchesa gowns.  For us, one of the top collections of the season.

{All Photos by Dan Lecca}

Happy Weekend!

x’s + o’s

Tags: Alvina Valenta, Anais, Angel Sanchez, Fall 2012, Hayley Paige, Jim Hjelm, Marchesa, pnina tornai, St. Pucchi, Yumi Katsura.

Are you ready for another top ten?  Hope so! There was a little rock n’ roll, avant garde luxury, English sophistication and tons more on the runways this past Sunday…  These were the highlights of our day:

no. 1

The Badgley Mischka Bridal presentation was super fun- featuring dresses that reminded us of the music scene of bygone eras. It was sexy V-necks, bold embellishments, and head-to-toe patterned fabrics that stole our hearts.

no. 2

A stop to see Carolina Herrera’s newest collection had us totally smitten with her couture details, details, details. From a sweet two-toned ballerina ballgown to these sophisticated sleeved beauties, straight up, the gowns are gorg.

no. 3

We were bewitched but never bewildered, when we enjoyed Vera’s avante garde presentation of her latest season of pristinely designed bridals. There was no white to be found on this runway, only sexy shades of nude and black.  You can catch the full collection right {here}.  (All dresses do come in ivory).

no. 4

This three-tiered stunner stole the show at Ulla Maija Couture.

no. 5

The Rivini presentation was utterly impressive.  We were particularly taken with these shades of blush and lilac.

no. 6

Sunday wasn’t complete without a stop at Amy Kuschel’s showroom, where we took in shapely silhouettes, heirloom laces, and her collection of sweet 40’s inspired bridal fashion.

no. 7

It was love at first sight when we saw Lela Rose’s lovely necklines.  Pure bridal perfection.

no. 8

At Ines di Santo, we took in high octane glamour.. We adore those chic, wavy, asymmetrical hairstyles…!

no. 9

When we think of perfect-fit gowns and simple, elegant silhouettes, Nicole Miller always comes to mind. We got the full preview of dresses just right for an ‘understated elegance’ type of bride or for cutting the cake!

no. 10

One of our last stops of the day was a visit with Sassi Holford.  She is such a dazzling English woman, and her designs parallel this with a style of English sophistication.

{All photos by Dan Lecca with the exception of Nicole Miller, Amy Kuschel, and Sassi Holford dress images}

♥

Tags: Amy kuschel, Badgley Mischka, carolina herrera, Fall 2012, Ines di Santo, lela rose, New York Bridal Market, Nicole Miller, rivini, sassi holford, Spring 2012, Ulla-Maija Couture, vera wang.

Get ready for some pretties, because day two in New York was jam packed with gorgeous dresses, headpieces, and hairstyles from the best in bridal.  We’re sooo excited to share, so without further ado, here are the highlights (in no particular order) from NYC bridal market on Saturday, October 15th~

no. 1

This season, Amsale showed a super-contemporary collection of clean lines and precise construction.  Each piece, a work of modern art.

no. 2

The Monique Lhuillier collection is always one of the most highly anticipated.. and for good reason.  We saw bustier bodices, imprint fabrics, and high slits all with the classically feminine Monique touch.  It was light, ethereal, airy and alltogether gorgeous.

no. 3

Reem Acra accentuated a stunning bridal collection with feather-like petal and sparkle hair adornments.  Always inspiring, our imagination ran wild when we saw these designs.  See the full gown collection here.

no. 4

Claire Pettibone has this gift of creating a wonderland of Bohemian bliss wherever she goes… and most of all in her utterly unique and artistic bridal gowns.  It wouldn’t be enough to call her creations ‘dresses,’ the term ‘masterpiece’ seems more fitting.  This season’s collection was inspired by the French countryside, and we were enamored by the color, pattern and lace.

no. 5

There was color to be found at Romona Keveza’s Fall 2012 presentation, with dresses in the colors ’something blue,’ metallic gold, and blooming lilac.  Paired with Romona’s couture construction, it was an absolute highlight of the day.

no. 6

Think classic fabrics and silhouettes with subtle twists of contemporary design.  We enjoyed seeing the aisle-ready styles from Christos in traditional lace, chiffon, organza, and tulle.

no. 7

The new Jenny Packham collection is a healthy dose of sultry sophistication… each gown truly exquisite and extraordinary in its fabric, shape, and embellishment. Dare I say, to die for?  Exposed shoulders, deep V-necks and slim A-line silhouettes made us swoon!

no. 8

Besides a collection of beautiful bridals, there was lots to see at Maggie Sottero’s early morning runway presentation.  We took note of the loosely upswept hairstyles and stand-out back-of-dress styling.

no. 9

We hit up the Kenneth Pool runway show in the afternoon and came across these two beauties, designed by Amsale Aberra.  We loved the starburst sparkles (L) and dynamism of gathered fabric (R).

no. 10

And last, but certainly not least, we had to show you Jenny Packham’s collection of vintage-inspired headpieces.  With the look of an expensive antique heirloom, the pieces whisper glamour and luxury.  Bravo~

Stay tuned for more from NY International Bridal Week!

xo

{Photos by Dan Lecca}

{Jenny Packham collection images courtesy Jenny Packham}

Tags: Amsale, christos, Claire Pettibone, Fall 2012, jenny packham, kenneth pool, Monique Lhuillier, Reem Acra, Romona Keveza.

We’re in bustling NYC for the biggest bridal fashion event of the year: International Bridal Market!   Each day we’ll be rounding up the top ten sights and sounds from the marketplace.  Complete coverage of all of the collections are coming to you {here}. Here are the big hits for Friday, October 14th.. ~Enjoy!

no. 1

The first presentation of the morning was Theia: Fall 2012.  This season there was more structure and even more luxury than in the past.  Here- a cap-sleeved ball gown, a classic mini with a sheen, and a modern gown with wild silver brushstrokes.

no. 2

Douglas Hannant is always a favorite.  This one-sleeved stunner captured our attention and our hearts.

no. 3

An absolute highlight from the Noir by Lazaro runway was lace-embellished bridesmaid’s dresses!   The perfect juxtaposition of contemporary styling with classic fabrics gave us the warm and fuzzies.

no. 4

Our Friday morning was chock full of goodies… including a showing of the Monique Lhuillier Fall 2012 bridesmaid collection. Chiffon fabric alluded to the light and airy side of things.. and this moss pleated cocktail dress was a fave for us!  Monique also added two new colors for Fall- buttercup and french blue.

no. 5

Is the crimp looked back?   Douglas Hannant featured two crimped do’s.  A little retro, a little avant garde.. Either way, there were two Chantilly lace lovelies in the collection that made us swoon.

no. 6

We thought this Alencon lace mini/tulle overskirt combo from Tara Keely was an absolute knockout.  (And who wouldn’t love two looks for one?!)

no. 7

We made a stop at the Alfred Angelo runway show where we found beautiful new Royal Maidens from the Disney Fairy Tale Wedding collection and this ethereal empire waisted number from the classic Alfred collection…

no. 8

…But of course, the ‘Royal Blossoms’ really stole the show.

no. 9

Watching the Lazaro show was like falling in love over and over again.  Always dynamic and glamour-filled… here’s a peek at one intricately embellished beauty.

{All Photos Above by Dan Lecca}

no. 10

After that fashion extravaganza, a little R & R with a few very sweet and stylish bloggers was in order!  It was over to Dashing Diva for a mani and pedi party, hosted by Lover.ly.  We caught up with Kellee, Leila, Cathy, Amanda, Emily & Joy (and Linus.. the sweetest baby ever), Anne-Marie, & Jackie.

whew.. and then we fell fast asleep..

more tomorrow!

Tags: Douglas Hannant Fall 2012, Lazaro Spring 2012, lover.ly, Monique Lhuillier Fall 2012 bridesmaids, New York Bridal Market, Tara Keely Spring 2012, Theia Fall 2012.