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.

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.

I have a love affair with poetry… the kind that is timeless, enduring, and speaks to the heart like nothing else.  In the early planning stages of this exclusive PW styled shoot, it occurred to me that there is nothing more romantic (and for me, more meaningful) than love poetry.  I wanted to share something utterly dream-filled with a contemporary approach on classic style.  I sought out the wildly talented Erich McVey and Stephanie Major of Petalos- who poured over every detail to help me bring the vision to life.  And thus, this exquisite spread of photos came forth.   Enjoy reveling in all of this romance, romance, romance… 

We chose The Historic Deepwood Estate for its classic ambiance, light-filled rooms, and breathtaking landscape.  A warm, rich palette of crimson, pink, amber, peach, and gold hues set an inviting tone with stunning contrast.  Above, our bride model Nicole poses in a soft peach Jim Hjelm gown.

The first vignette was set in the courtyard, amongst lush forest and arching topiaries.  Nicole was the epitome of fairytale romance in a soft sherbet Lazaro ballgown and loose, wavy locks styled by Christine Shields.  Kamyar, our groom model, looked incredibly dapper in black tie finery from Este’s Mens in Portland.

On the bouquet: ‘I went with a crescent design which allows for an organic shape.  It is composed of an assortment of roses, stock, pepper berries, and chocolate cosmos.  To bring a modern textural quality I also included mink protea and cockcomb.’ ~Petalos

Braided velvet ribbon by Midori was used on the handle.

After falling completely in love with Neither Snow’s calligraphies, I asked Mara to infuse our collaboration with the written word…. and she did so, so beautifully.  Her one-of-a-kind calligraphy danced across the fabric ceremony backdrop, the vows, and more… 

On a day when the wind is perfect,

the sail just needs to open

and the love starts.

Today is such

a day.

~Rumi, translated by Daniel Ladinsky in Love Poems from God

There is more loveliness to bask in; be sure to head over to the photo gallery to see the full photoshoot. Tomorrow I’ll be sharing all of the delicious details from the reception right here…. xoxo

Photos by Erich McVey Photography

Design and Florals by Petalos

Calligraphy and Ceremony Backdrop by Neither Snow

Hair and Make-Up Styling by Christine Shields

Venue: Historic Deepwood Estate

Lace Mermaid Gown by Jim Hjelm; Sherbet Ball Gown by Lazaro

Groom’s Attire by Este’s Mens

Tiara by Twigs and Honey via The English Department

Ribbon by Midori

Models: Nicole and Kamyar from Option Models & Media

Gold Chiavari Chair Rental by West Coast Event Production

Marble Table Rental by Peter Corvallis

Creative Direction by Katelin Gallagher

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: calligraphy, Ceremony, ceremony backdrop, crimson, Elegant, Jim Hjelm, Lazaro, love poetry, photoshoot, romantic, rumi, sophisticated.

As if Rana and Jay’s ceremony wasn’t gorgeous enough… we have a big spread of photos to share from their exquisite reception at RF 80 in San Francisco’s Dogpatch neighborhood.   The rustic island glamour theme continued with a variety of unique décor elements in shades of ivory, grey and sage.  Enjoy Part Two by  This Love of Yours…Photography.

The reception was a wonderland… a sight to behold.  Tables were dressed in shiny, crushed charcoal linens and topped with a dynamic blend of exotic and rustic florals.  It’s almost hard to find words to describe their unique and sophisticated style.  We’re simply in awe; these photos speak volumes for themselves. 

The evening was topped off with a shimmering, monochromatic candy bar and a heavenly cake with white chocolate mousse filling.  How utterly divine.   What a sweet, sweet and incredibly beautiful day it was.  We’re over the moon for Rana and Jay… be sure to peek at their video trailer by Lovespun Films.

xoxo

Photos by This Love of Yours…Photography

Reception Venue: RF 80

Florals by Chestnut & Vine

Bridal Gown by Enzoani

Hair by Carrie L’Esperance; Makeup by Allen Conkle

Paper Goods by anna.michelle Cards

Reception Music by Spencer Sutherland 

Catering & Vendor Coordination by Carrie Dove Catering

Cake by Butterfly Cakes

Video by Lovespun Films

Tags: glamorous, grey, island, monochromatic, reception, rustic, sophisticated, unique, vintage.