Project Wedding Blog

Colleen and Zachary envisioned a summertime wedding reminiscent of a classy dinner party, but combined with the relaxed charm of a picnic.  The outcome?  Hands down one of the most sophisticated, unique, and lovely weddings I’ve seen!  We’re overjoyed to feature their love story and beautiful wedding day photos by Anne Robert Photography as this week’s Real Wedding of the Week…Colleen has always loved the small details that make a wedding special.  Together with event designer, Vicki Grafton of My Simple Details, she went to work implementing the dozens of unique elements that imbued the day with classy, summer style.  When Colleen first started planning, she found a photo of a bride and groom dancing on a checkered floor.  She was captivated; the vision and color palette unfolded from there.  Black and white gingham accents appeared throughout the day, and contrasted with a palette of champagne bridesmaid’s dresses and dramatic crimson florals.  Colleen’s look was feminine and romantic, and she carried a dreamy, lush bouquet by Petals & Hedges.  After a traditional ceremony at the same church that Colleen’s grandparents wed,  the happy couple and their guests traversed from D.C. to Arlington’s Hendry House for a dashing reception filled to the brim with darling details.  From the relaxed charm of the red bicycle and gingham napkins, to the refined sophistication of calligraphed place cards and casual-elegance centerpieces, the party was overwhelmingly stylish.  

Swoon.. (And the bride’s first dance dream came true)!  There’s much more to see, enjoy the full feature here…

♥

Photos by Anne Robert Photography

Event Design and Coordination by My Simple Details

Bridal & Bridesmaids Gowns by J. Crew

Hair & Makeup by Amie Decker Beauty

Floral Design by Petals & Hedges

Invitations by minted.; Calligraphy by Rachel Carl

Ceremony at Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle; Reception at The Hendry House

Rentals by Potomac Party Rentals and Capital Party Rentals

Cake and Catering by Eat&Smile Catering

Tags: calligraphy, crimson, dinner party, Elegant, picnic, red, sophisticated, summer.

If you’re tried-and-true traditional, you’ll love what’s next!  Remie and Paolo’s Brisbane wedding encompassed their classic style with all things simple and romantic: from the mansion setting, rich red roses and every detail in between.  Their aim was to minimize ‘fuss,’ and instead focus on elements of pure elegance. The red, black and white palette made for a dramatic look, captured in timeless photos by Deep Grey Photography.

This photo is dashingly beautiful, no? It was a windy day in Brisbane, but otherwise blue skies…  Remie selected a strapless ball gown by Winnie Bridal and was lucky enough to snag it off the rack – it’s so perfect on her! Her bridesmaids wore one-shoulder frocks by Barijay, bringing just a hint of modern to the classic day.

Paolo and Remie finally met after seeing each other ‘across the room’ at several events over the years.  (Sigh, the kind of story I love…) An introduction by a mutual friend eventually led to their breathtaking, sunlit ceremony in front of a staircase and cathedral windows at the Old Government House.

They planned an intimate reception for eighty, featuring dapper black and white details and warm candlelight.  Family and friends contributed their talents and creativity to the evening:  Remie’s sister made the cake and some friends performed a surprise skit, re-enacting key moments in their relationship.  (Remie and Paolo said it was unforgettable and hilarious)!

Wishing the newlyweds decades of romance…  

xoxo

Photography by Deep Grey Photography

Bridal Gown by Winnie Bridal; Bridal Shoes by Novo Shoes

Hair and Make-Up by Amy and Kate from Purple Daze Hair Salon

Bridesmaids Dresses by Barijay from Hills in Hollywood

Florals by The Lush Lily

Ceremony Venue: Old Government House — Brisbane

 Reception Venue: Marriott Brisbane Hotel

Reception Entertainment: G & M DJs

Tags: black and white, classic, Elegant, red, romantic, roses, traditional.

Project & Story by Victoria Hudgins; Photos by Erin Holland

Here’s a vibrant and affordable way to add that popular festive flair to your wedding day. Use craft styrofoam balls, paint, a needle, and thread to design a garland- large or small- fitting for a statement piece or to adorn your reception chairs.   These would also look fabulous lining the ceremony aisle!  There are dozens of ways to incorporate this modern motif.

To make this bright statement garland….

Step One. Gather your materials: styrofoam balls in various sizes, 4-6 colors of coordinating paints, a foam board or cardboard box, toothpicks or sewing needles, and a needle and thread.

Step Two. Mix the paints with a tiny bit of water to make them more of a stain than a paint. Dredge each ball into the paint selection, varying colors and sizes as you work.

Step Three. Setting up a drying rack is the most important part!  Poke small sewing needles through a cardboard box or thick foam board. Dry the balls by placing them atop a pin for about 24 hours.

Step Four. Once dry, pull out a needle and thread and connect the balls together to form a long strand.

Step Five. Hang or tie as needed to make a vibrant wedding day statement!

Project Styling by Victoria Hudgins, Photography by Erin Holland

Tags: colorful, garland, orange, pink, red, statement piece.

What a treat it is to feature the wedding of a couple of very talented creative types…  Clara and Dave went all out designing and creating a funky, artistic wedding in Brooklyn that was totally, perfectly them.  After looking at venues that were not quite their style, Clara and Dave found the Galapagos Art Space and fell in love.  Armed with two pantone colors, Clara began the search for the perfect papers, inks, stamps, flowers, and accessories that would become the expression of both her and Dave’s vision. The DIY element of this wedding is so impressive; we’re delighted to share this unique set of photos by Katie Osgood Photography!

Clara, a graphic designer by trade, dreamed up an entire suite of modern paper goods;  she also made the boutonnieres and bow-ties, and with a little help from a good friend, executed the rest of the florals. We just love the awesome candy apple red that gave this modern, urban wedding a distinctive look.

Dave and his pals did the full reception setup the morning of, before fancying up in suits and Clara’s handmade bow-ties!  Dave also designed and set up a DIY photo booth- they used their iMac to capture, frame and print photo booth favors for guests to take home.

The ceremony took place in front of the scenic Brooklyn Bridge (and their addition of colorful balloons and paper flowers), in Brooklyn Bridge Park.  Perfectly worded and officiated by their dear friend/roommate/florist extraordinaire, the ceremony was extra special- filled with laughter and tears.

After enjoying the breeze on an oddly warm October day in New York, everyone headed over to the Galapagos Art Space for the party!  Even the guestbook was brilliantly thought up-  they created a large puzzle out of one of their engagement photos.  Friends and family wrote well wishes on the backs of the pieces, and the kids had a blast piecing it together at the reception.

The gem that is the Galapagos Art Space is a rockin’ party spot.  Guests danced under colorful lanterns, and came back to Earth for an incredible piece of Lady M Confections cake and a scoop of organic ice cream from the Blue Marble Ice Cream cart.  All this creativity has us sooo inspired!  Make sure to see the full spread of photos here.

Photos by Katie Osgood Photography

Bridal Gown by Blue by Enzoani via The White Gown

Ceremony Venue: Brooklyn Bridge Park

Reception Venue: Galapagos Art Space

Catering by Tip of the Tongue

Cake by Lady M Confections

Ice Cream Cart by Blue Marble

DJ: 74 Events

Tags: brooklyn, green, modern, red, trendy, Urban.