Romantic Blush, White, & Green Italian Villa Wedding Ideas

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Jun 27th

by: Lauren

Inspired by the history, food, and the romance of Italy, Erika of Erika Parker Photography knew that she had to bring that inspiration to life during her recent trip to Florence, Italy. We absolutely love the natural beauty of the space at Villa Michaela and the romance of the gown from Il Barone Rosso.

Our favorite detail from this wedding style is the unique design of the reception florals. Jardin Divers created an understated table with pillar candles and a small arrangement, but it was accented by a mix of tassels and lamp shades hanging from the arbor, filled with greenery and white blooms suspended over the table. We love hanging floral features, but this really took it to a fun and creative level- it was such a beautiful element that provided a unique twist on a classic tablescape!

Chiara Sernesi of Weddings in Tuscany did a wonderful job in bringing together the details for this shoot. The understated design and the air of Italian romance are captured so beautifully. We hope you enjoy… now pardon us as we start planning our next trip to Italy!

We love how this inspiration focused on a major design feature and balanced it with other beautiful and understated details to really allow the overall style shine. By creating a major feature such as the hanging florals, the classic and romantic details that accented it were a perfect mix.

What do you think? Do you think you’d mix unexpected pieces like their lampshade details as a focal point in your reception design?

VENDORS WHO MADE IT ALL HAPPEN…

Planning and Design: Chiara Sernesi, Weddings in Tuscany // Venue: Villa Michaela // Photography: Erika Parker Photography // Flowers: Jardin Divers // Cake: Chef In Tuscany // Hair and Make Up: Lara Navarrini // Bride’s Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes // Bride Dress: Il Barone Rosso // Groom Attire: LL romagnoli // Invitation: The Wedding Letters Di Laura Mazzetti // Female Model: Giulia Bilotto // Male Model: Pietro Finelli

A Preppy Pink, Navy, & Teal Pacific Northwest Wedding

Category: REAL WEDDINGS 0 Comments

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Jun 26th

by: Lauren

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Whitney and Brad’s Pacific Northwest wedding took place at the beautiful Roche Harbor Resort, located on the beautiful San Juan Island. As the morning of their wedding arrived, so did the rain, but luckily the bad weather broke for their first look and pre-ceremony photos. They had high hopes that the skies would hold for their ceremony, but unfortunately Mother Nature decided otherwise, and the rain came down. Rain on your wedding day has often been said to be a sign of good luck, and being caught in the rain during your outdoor ceremony must mean good luck for the rest of time!

We love the insight that their wedding planner, Elegant Affairs , shared from that moment.

“When I asked the bride if she wanted to move to the resort’s chapel, she waved it off and had the best response ever that I will never forget. ‘This is the Pacific Northwest, of course we are going to get married in the rain, this is awesome,’ she said with a glowing smile and a laugh.”

What a perfect response, and we love the carefree attitude this bride carried despite the rain. Whitney and Brad exchanged their vows under the cover of umbrellas with the biggest grins on their faces as the rain continued to fall. As the ceremony wrapped, so did the rain.

We love the preppy style with a pink, navy, and teal color palette that made for a colorful and cheerful reception. The long feasting tables in a deep navy were brightened with pops of pink blooms, teal pillar candles, silver accents, and bright white details. The personal details of San Juan Sea Salts in the perfect teal wrappers and fun customizations throughout their wedding weekend add so much personality to their celebration.

We hope you enjoy the colorful details and incredible joy that was captured by The Popes throughout this fun wedding weekend!

We love the incredible spirits of these two as they battled rain during their vows, and how it obviously did not put a damper on their day. We love that they continued to celebrate as they made their (delayed) getaway as husband and wife in a small private plane, and of course, with a string of cans trailing behind them.

VENDORS WHO MADE IT ALL HAPPEN…

Photographer: The Popes // Wedding Planner: Elegant Affairs // Venue: Roche Harbor Resort // DJ: Brandon Ghorley // Florist: Robin’s Nest // Hair + Make-up: Salon Maison // Cakes: Cakes by Feliciations // Officiant: Rahaul Madhavan // Lighting: Slava Caireac // Wedding Dress: Essence of Australia Bellevue Bridal // Bridal Shoes: Shoes of Prey Nordstrom // Bridal Jewelry: Nadri from Nordstrom // Bridesmaid Dresses: Monique Lhuillier from Nordstrom // Bridesmaid Handbags: Rebecca Minkoff from Nordstrom // Groom’s + Groomsmen Attire: Nordstrom // Rings: T. Anthony Jewelers // Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas // Chalkboards: Rachel of Elegant Affairs // Place Cards and Table Numbers: Marrygrams // Favors: Seattle’s Chocolates

An Elegant Rustic White & Blue New York Summer Wedding

Category: REAL WEDDINGS 0 Comments

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Jun 23rd

by: Lauren

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It was more than just fate, it was a hurricane. When Super storm Sandy knocked the power out of Matt’s downtown Manhattan apartment, he moved onto an air mattress uptown on the floor of one of Emily’s closest friends’ apartments. She is a kindergarten teacher and a New Yorker; he’s from Boston. Somehow the Eli Manning Giants jersey she wore that night failed to deter Matt because they hit it off immediately, and the rest is history.

Despite starting their New York wedding day with looming storm clouds, Emily and Matt married on a beautiful summer day at the Apawamis Club in Rye, NY. We adore Emily’s gown, with its delicate details and unique silhouette. Matt’s sharp black tux was the perfect compliment to Emily’s dress and the elegant wedding ay style.

With a palette of whites and blues, we love that the design of their day opted for summer friendly colors, while maintaining an elegant rustic style. We love the look of the farm tables throughout the reception space adorned with pops of white and blue arrangements, designed by Frank Soriano from House of Flowers , which brought the perfect spot of color to the neutral space.

Jessica Haley captured all of the beauty and joy of the day, and are so thrilled to share this celebration with you!

These two laughed and danced the night away, and we love how evident their love and joy was throughout their beautiful day of celebration.

VENDORS WHO MADE IT ALL HAPPEN…

Photographer: Jessica Haley // Ceremony Venue: Church of the Resurrection // Venue: The Apawamis Club  // Bridal Gown: Monique Lhuillier //   Bridal Shoes: Kate Spade // Bridesmaids Dresses: Paper Crown // Bridesmaids Shoes: J.Crew // Menswear: Saks Fifth Avenue // Floral Design: Frank Soriano from House of Flowers // Band: Luxe by Hank Lane Music  // Farm Tables and Linens: Please B Seated //  Invitations & Stationery: The Rye Stationer  //   Videographer: Matt Fuinik by DMO Films   // Hair: Salon 52 Hair & Makeup Studio  // Bridal Makeup: Elizabeth Bellom from Chanel at Saks Fifth Avenue in Greenwich

3 Things Wedding Vendors Won’t Tell You

Category: WEDDING PLANNING 35 Comments

Jun 22nd

by: Lauren

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If you didn’t know already, I’m ALL about providing insight into the “wedding world” and educating brides- in addition to sharing pretty wedding inspiration of course. And even though some of the information I share might not always be what you want to hear, it’s still SO important to know… because no matter what, the more you know about weddings, the BETTER your wedding will be, and in turn, the happier you will be!

So with that said, today we’re talking about a few things your wedding vendors won’t tell you…

Now, I’m not saying they won’t ever tell you these things, but they won’t tell you right off the bat. The thing is, knowing these few tidbits will make your experience of working with wedding vendors way better! I for one had no clue about any of these things when I was planning my wedding, but I certainly wish I had known!

1. Weekends don’t exist.

Okay, well weekends exist for you, but unfortunately, not for wedding vendors. Weddings happen Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as you all know. If you are requesting a meeting during the weekend, chances are good that you probably won’t be able to get one. And if you’re emailing/calling during the weekend, just know that you might not get an immediate response.

Ask yourself this: Do you want your vendors answering emails and phone calls and taking meetings on your wedding day? I know I wouldn’t!

[Read more on this: 5 Things To Know About Wedding Vendors]

2. Since weekends don’t exist, days off (for vendors) happen during the week.

Vendors don’t have 2 free days during the weekend, because they’re most likely working those days. Because of this, “days off” usually occur during the week… even then, often times it’s only one day off. So when a wedding vendor doesn’t reply to your email in the normal speedy fashion on a Monday or Tuesday, it’s probably because it’s a “day off” for them- you know, trying to do laundry, buy food, clean- things that are necessary for a person to live. ;) Nowadays, most wedding pros will have an auto-responder turned on in their email, telling you this, but just in case, it’s helpful to be aware of this tidbit!

Ask yourself this: On your day off (or any other day really), do you like your boss calling and/or emailing when you don’t respond in less than 2 hours?

[Read more on this: Things To Keep In Mind When Communicating With Vendors]

3. A vendor’s product/service is their livelihood.

Sometimes vendors act like what they do is fabulous and fun (which it is of course), but they also make it seem like less work than it actually is. For some reason, a wedding vendor’s profession is immediately classified into a different “category” than say, an accountant or a realtor. Just because they’re providing you with a service or product related to your wedding, doesn’t mean that they’re any different than that accountant or realtor. I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again- vendors charge what they charge, and they charge it for a reason. If you have to, ask, but don’t barter or try to talk them down. It’s truly how they’re putting food on the table, not just fun and games!

Ask yourself this: Do you want people who don’t do your job telling you what they think you should be paid?

[Read more on this: Working With Your Wedding Vendors]

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So now that you know these wondrous tidbits of knowledge, what can you do with them? Ask.

Ask your wedding vendors what their weeks are like, what days they take off when they have weddings all weekend, or if they prefer meetings on certain days of the week. Most vendors will usually ask you similar questions, because it helps them work with you smoothly and effectively. By asking them as well, you will be able to further establish an awesome relationship with your vendors. And when you have both have an awesome relationship, that will lead to an equally awesome wedding, and less stress for you! :)

Editor’s note: These are my own opinions based on my experiences as a wedding professional and a bride. Vendors, please feel free to add in your own “tidbits” in the comments below!