Project Wedding Blog

Don’t get us wrong—we love, love, love the classic look of a floor-length wedding gown. But after rings have been exchanged and vows have been said, what bride doesn’t want a dress that’s a little easier to move in? We’re big time advocates of a second (and shorter!) reception dress here at Project Wedding, and this sweet little Kirribilla number from Weddington Way is one of our faves right now. Add a few bits of (elegant) bling and finish off with a shiny cobalt pump for a city chic ballroom celebration.

Where to Buy: Kirribilla Celeste Little White Dress ($420) • Ban.do Crystal Swirl Brooch Bobbi ($130) • New Look Pleated Satin Box Clutch ($22.02) • Lydell NYC Blue Crystal Stud Earrings ($25) • Kate Spade Emison Satin Peep-Toe Pump ($328)

Tags: bling, blue, bow, Elegant, kate spade, Kirribilla, lace, reception dress, short wedding dresses, sparkle, uptown, Wedding Dress, Weddington Way.

Nothing makes a wedding more like a fairy tale than a truly mesmerizing venue—something Marisa and Harris clearly knew when they selected New Jersey’s breathtaking Natirar Estate as the site for their August nuptials. With sweeping views, a grand ballroom, and plenty of gorgeous countryside to take in behind their outdoor ceremony—there’s simply nothing that’s not magical about this day! We also love that bride Marisa embodied the fairy tale feel of her wedding in her dress selection. Posed in front of Natirar’s paneled wood walls by ace photographer Joshua Zuckerman, she looks every bit the princess in her corset-style ballgown.

Though Marisa and Harris attended the same high school and college, the duo didn’t start dating until well after graduation. Both living at home in New Jersey and working in New York City, they reconnected while commuting into Manhattan and have been together ever since. Their chic, classic wedding is truly one for the story books—we love the subtle hints of sparkle, the classic black and white color palette, and, of course, the stunning ceremony site. Marisa’s parents walked her down a lantern-lined aisle that read “And they lived happily ever after.”  They said ‘I do’ underneath a chandelier-lit chuppah that was partially draped in a veil Marisa’s late aunt had worn at her her own wedding.  Cinderella herself could not have asked for a more romantic place to recite her vows.

After post-ceremony cocktails and appetizers (including mini burgers and mac and cheese shots—yum!), guests were escorted into the mansion’s grand ballroom for the formal reception. Free-standing candles and vases filled with ivory blooms set a magical scene for a night of dinner, dancing, and plenty of sweet surprises. Case in point: the couple’s elegant three-tiered wedding cake had a hidden rainbow filling!

In one final fairy tale detail, attendees were sent home with glass slipper-adorned favor boxes filled with Hershey’s kisses that read “A kiss goodnight from Marisa and Harris.” We love how the couple (with a little help from wedding planner Tina Wayne) stayed true to the magical nature of love down to the very end, and we especially love that Joshua was sweet enough to share these gorgeous photographs with us! You can see more details from the day in our full real wedding gallery.

Photos by Joshua Zuckerman Photography • Event Coordination by Tina Wayne • Gown by Pnina Tornai •  Bride’s Makeup by Ana Marie at The Wall Group • Bride’s Hair by Mike Viggue and Dustin Fischer • Bridesmaid Dresses by Amsale from Bella Bridesmaids • Groomsmen Attire by Vera Wang • Flowers by Party Artistry • Cake by Palermo’s Custom Cakes & Bakery • Catering by Ome Caterers • Ceremony & Reception Musicians: Vali Entertainment • Venue: Natirar Estate

Tags: black and white palette, fairy tale, Formal, mansion.

With a ceremony as gorgeous as that, it’s only reasonable that a dream-come-true ‘reception’ followed.  Never have the classic pair of roses and candlelight looked so fresh and contemporary while fully emanating romance at its absolute best.  

{The luxe, love-filled invitation: Designed by Paper Bloom and Adorned with a rich accent of Midori ribbon.} 

When Erich and Amy McVey happened upon the beautiful grounds and incredible, light-filled solarium at the Historic Deepwood Estate in their hometown of Salem, Oregon, they instantly knew it was the perfect setting for the romantic vision.  (That checkered floor?  So. amazing).  Our stylist and floral designer extraordinaire, Stephanie Major of Petalos, knew just what to do.  She paired a vintage farm table with sophisticated gold chiavari chairs from West Coast Event Production, and created a table design that perfectly captured a ‘luxe romance meets contemporary beauty’ feel.

‘It was important to me that the floral

didn’t over power the design of the table settings–napkins, antique

champagne flutes, rustic farm table, etc.  I elevated the primary

centerpiece element in order to do this.  To continue with the organic

textural quality from the bouquet, I incorporates deflexus to bring in

a draped feel to the arrangement.  I used a variety of roses,

reflexing a few, to bring in another textural quality.  I used

white roses petals to create a runner and nestled a collection of

brass candlesticks and gold votives to illuminate the table. ’ ~Petalos

Laying eyes on the floating centerpiece was like falling in love.  The rest of the tabletop was equally exquisite, including crimson-scripted escort cards and calligraphy-printed napkins by Neither Snow.

Nicole, looking ravishing in a Lazaro gown and crimson lip was the picture of utter bridal beauty against a backdrop of romantic bliss.

{Makeup and Hair Styling by Christine Shields}

Naturally, the story wasn’t complete without paying homage to one of the greatest loves of all: puppy love!  Callie, a Newfoundland pup, sat so pretty for pictures in her custom floral collar.  

Out amongst the lush landscape of the Deepwood Estate, this little forest nook begged to be photographed. A perfect place for cake!  Erin Fale of Sugarhouse Cake embellished the poetry theme with subtle ivory script and garden rose accents on a stunning three tiered cake.  This regal marble table from Peter Corvallis fit beautifully with the luxe feel of the afternoon.

With no detail overlooked, nothing other than a timeless favor would do for an intimate setting like this.  We sourced leather bound journals from Hinged Strung Stitched to complete the vision.

{See the Full Gallery Here}

I can’t thank this amazing team enough.

xoxo

Photos by Erich McVey Photography

Design and Florals by Petalos

Bridal Gown by Lazaro

Models: Nicole and Kamyar from Option Models & Media

Creative Direction by Katelin Gallagher

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: candlelight, crimson, Elegant, gold, love poetry, reception, romance, sophisticated.

Savannah, Georgia, with its historic charm and picturesque setting has always been one of Supernita and Vivek’s favorite weekend getaways. After they got engaged there, they couldn’t wait to share the experience with loved ones – making it an obvious choice for their wedding destination. Recognizing that this meant that some of their guests would have to travel long distances to celebrate, the couple wanted to show their appreciation by making the experience as intimate and personable as possible.   I’m just glued to these dramatic images by Nadia D. Photography.

Supernita and Vivek’s wedding spanned an entire weekend, and incorporated traditional Indian ceremonies, alongside newer traditions of their own interpretation.  The celebratory weekend culminated in an absolutely ravishing reception in The Grand Ballroom at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort.   A palette of deep blue, gold and ivory sparkled in the candlelight and there were elegant details everywhere!  Each guest was greeted at the dinner table with a crystal-embellished ivory rose and a personalized thank you note.  I so admire their careful and heartfelt planning…

The final evening concluded with not one, but two special treats.  First, that cake by Minette Rushing?!  Divine.  And of course, a radiant display of fireworks was shot into the night sky to cap of the party!

A special thanks to Shasha Vasilyuk at I Do PR for sending this over!

Photography by Nadia D. Photo

Day of Event Coordination by Fusion Event Planning

Bridal Gown and Bridesmaids Dresses by Nova Krisnan

Bridal Shoes by Badgley Mischka

Florals & Rentals by Weddings in Style

Hair and Make Up by Beyond Beautiful by Heather

Venue: Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort

Catering by Delhi Palace

DJ by DJ Daz

Cake by Minette Rushing

Transportation by Nottingham Carriage

Tags: blue, candlelight, dramatic, gold, Indian, reception.