Vintage Eclectic Jewel Toned Chicago Wedding

Sep 7th

by: Lauren

pinterest twitter fb stumble gplus

Today’s Chicago wedding is every bit as meaningful as it is gorgeous. Samantha and Michael set out to plan an intimate wedding that was unique to them and their relationship. Celebrating without Samantha’s parents, it was especially important to incorporate aspects of their families into the wedding as much as possible. Samantha wore her mother’s wedding gown and Michael’s great-grandmother’s veil. Their venue, Bridgeport Art Center, provided a perfectly eclectic setting, complete with exposed brick and a lofty warmth. With the help of Clementine Custom Events and A Stem Above, Samantha and Michael’s vintage eclectic look was beautifully achieved, complete with simple wooden touches, pops of color in flowers and greenery, and even glowing lanterns hanging over the dance floor. We can’t wait for you to see all that Two Birds Photography captured, and to hear more from Samantha about her wedding planning experience!

What (or who) helped you most in your planning process and/or on your wedding day?

Our wedding planner, Melissa Samek of Clementine Custom Events, took all the stress out of the wedding planning process. She understood exactly what our vision was for the wedding and recommended specific vendors that could make that vision a reality. Our families were also incredibly supportive, in particular my aunt! I incorporated some DIY into the wedding decorations and she was always willing to lend a hand or a paintbrush!

What was the most important thing to you when deciding who to work with for your wedding?

We needed to surround ourselves with people who were easygoing. The planning process and the wedding itself were so laid back and stress-free because we had the best vendors to back us up. If there were any hiccups on the day of the wedding, we were completely unaware because our wedding planner, Melissa Samek (Clementine Custom Events), took care of everything! And we have to give a huge shout out to our photographers, Two Birds Photography, who put us at ease in front of the camera and captured the most genuine, beautiful pictures.

What was your inspiration for your wedding details and/or design?

We wanted the wedding to have a rustic and vintage feel to it. After all, I was wearing my mom’s lace wedding dress from the 70’s, so that vintage touch was at the center of it all. It was fun working with the florist, A Stem Above, to incorporate the pieces we had collected as a couple (like antique oil lamps, lanterns, and thrift store picture frames) into the wedding design. They understood our vision right from the start and just ran with it! I also made my own chalkboard signs that were found throughout the reception space, so it gave the night a personal touch.

What was your favorite thing about your wedding?

Wearing my mom’s wedding dress. Hands down. My parents have both passed away, so it was very emotional and special to be able to wear that dress and feel their presence even more. I also loved that we had family wedding photos on display to honor our family members, those who were celebrating with us that day and those who were there in spirit.

What is your best piece of advice for other brides?

On the day of the wedding, don’t worry if something doesn’t go exactly as you envisioned. Remember to reflect on what that day is all about. In the end, it won’t matter if your flower arrangements aren’t perfect. You have a new partner in life! Just enjoy your celebration!

Vendors who made it all happen…

Photographer: Two Birds Photography // Event Planner: Clementine Custom Events // Floral & Event Designer: A Stem Above // Musicians: Belle Musique // Reception Venue: Bridgeport Art Center // Caterer: Catered by Design // Cinema and Video: Cinaesthetic Films // Dress Store: Dame Couture // Beauty: Faces By Ricki // Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Formally Modern Tuxedo // Makeup Artist: Magnificent Brides // Invitation Designer: Minted.com // Cake Designer: Oak Mill Bakery // Officiant: Rev it Up! // DJ: Toast & Jam

Citrus Inspired Wedding Ideas: 1 Theme, 3 Ways

Category: MEMBER FEATURES 1 Comments

Sep 6th

by: Lauren

pinterest twitter fb stumble gplus

Earlier this summer, I traveled to Italy with my husband for our friends’ wedding, and I of course couldn’t help but be inspired by all of the natural beauty that surrounded us on the Amalfi Coast. So upon my return, I decided that creating a shoot featuring citrus inspired wedding ideas would be the perfect way to reminisce! Drawing inspiration from lemons and grapefruits, I decided on a color palette of yellow and coral- and the grapefruit trees in my backyard became the perfect setting. Because I love that there can be different ways to showcase a look, I wanted to create 3 different variations of a citrus-inspired design, all using the same colors and same elements, but just done in 3 ways and styles!

I turned to our V List Members in Tampa Bay to help me bring these looks to life, incorporating florals by Andrea Layne Floral Design, the perfect linen and chairs from Kate Ryan Linens, stationery pieces from A&P Designs, and driftwood chargers from Set Event Rentals. My friend Brittany Bishop Photography captured everything (while we were trying to dodge raindrops- Florida Summer weather doesn’t make for the easiest shoot days), and I cannot wait for you to be inspired by all of the citrus beauty we created!

Look 1: Boho Eclectic

Look 2: Colorful Elegance

Look 3: Modern Simplicity

I think my favorite detail from all of this was the salt and pepper shakers I incorporated! As luck would have it, I found 2 citrus themed sets of shakers at Target, and I love the uniqueness that they add to the tables. Speciality salt shakers are just one small example of how you can truly infuse your theme into your wedding design- and fun touches too!

Vendors who made it all happen…

Photography: Brittany Bishop Photography // Florals: Andrea Layne Floral Design // Linen & Chair Rentals: Kate Ryan Linens // Stationery: A&P Designs // Chargers: Set Event Rentals // Design: Every Last Detail // Mercury Glass Table Number: BHLDN

Exclusive ELD Vendors

Like the post above? Here are the Every Last Detail vendors that participated making this post beautiful! Featured vendors are hand picked and approved by Lauren. Get more information by clicking on them below:

Citrus Inspired Wedding Ideas: 1 Theme, 3 Ways
View Portolio
Citrus Inspired Wedding Ideas: 1 Theme, 3 Ways
View Portolio
Citrus Inspired Wedding Ideas: 1 Theme, 3 Ways
View Portolio

An Elegant Kate Spade Inspired Wedding

Category: MEMBER FEATURES 0 Comments

Sep 5th

by: Carly

pinterest twitter fb stumble gplus

Friends, I just love love, and I could not stop smiling when I started viewing Mimi and Don’s Kate Spade Inspired wedding. The two envisioned an intimate soiree at the Loews Don Cesar Hotel, in which family stayed at the core. It’s safe to say these two are so very sweet! Whether they were capturing photos together or cutting their cake with their granddaughters, they emanated pure joy throughout their entire wedding day.

Mimi wore a beautifully beaded gown that was gorgeously chic, and Don looked like a dapper gent in his tux – the perfect combination for a Kate Spade inspired soiree! Mimi and Don became Mr. and Mrs. in an indoor ceremony, and then they danced the night away in a nearby ballroom. However, their ballroom was transformed by Stonehouse Events who planned the entire fete. Y’all, it’s BEAUTIFUL!

Bow napkins greeted guests at their seats with black and white placecards. Tables were adorned with gold sequin linens or black and white stripes, and the bright pink centerpieces by FH Weddings & Events are simply magnificent. From the cake to the lounge seating (and every detail in between), Mimi and Don’s wedding captured by Marc Edwards Photographs is one of my favorites…ever; I can’t wait for you to see more!

From Cindy of Stonehouse Events:

Since this was a second wedding, Mimi and Don wanted to plan a weekend to remember for all of their family and closest friends. Mimi was inspired by Kate Spade and her black and white with hot pink and orange colors. For the wedding, they wanted to create a sophisticated and intimate environment for everyone. The bride and groom also wanted to create a lovely dinner experience for their family and friends.

In the North Terrace of the Don Cesar, my goal was to transform the space from a beach ballroom to an intimate wedding reception. Draping a wall across the room, immediately transformed the ballroom. This allowed us to create an intimate dinner party and then a fun space for dancing and socializing after dinner. The reception was full of shades of pink, gold and black and white. For the bride and groom table along with their children, we incorporated a gold sequin linen filled with various shades of pink flowers down the entire center of the table along with stem candles and votives. We added gold beaded chargers that held a circular menu card printed in black and pink, with a pink bow tie napkin with gold glitter detail in the center. The guest tables consisted of black and white striped linens with various shades of pink flowers and votive candles scattered around. The guest tables also had the gold beaded chargers, circular menu card and signature Kate Spade bow tie napkin as well. With live entertainment for the night, the guests enjoyed the sounds of Colt Clark and his band. We had a Kate Spade inspired wedding cake along with a surprise dessert served to each person. Everyone really enjoyed the atmosphere! J

Unfortunately, their beach ceremony was called inside because of the weather. We still had a beautiful draped arch adorned with florals on pedestals as well as flowers at the back of the aisle to create an entrance for the bride. We also added some uplights to soften the space. The ceremony was very personal as the bride’s brother officiated it. The bride and groom also wrote their own personal vows that highlighted the life they created together. Their vows inspired everyone because their family and friends witnessed the amazing love and relationship that brought these two together. They were definitely a match made in heaven!

The wedding day was magical for all of their family and friends. So much love and happiness filled the day! Everyone is looking forward to the First Anniversary celebration!

Vendors who made it all happen…

Photographer: Marc Edwards Photographs // Event Planner: Stonehouse Events // Invitation Designer: A&P Designs // Musicians: Colt Clark // Floral Designer: FH Weddings & Events // Hair Stylist: Haute Headz // Reception Venue: Loews Don CeSar Hotel // Equipment Rentals: Nuage Designs // Linens and Coverings: Over the Top Linens // Equipment Rentals: PKS RENTALS // Bakery: The Artistic Whisk

Exclusive ELD Vendors

An Elegant Kate Spade Inspired Wedding
View Portolio
An Elegant Kate Spade Inspired Wedding
View Portolio

Gorgeous Pink & Red St. Louis Wedding

Category: MEMBER FEATURES 0 Comments

Sep 2nd

by: Lauren

pinterest twitter fb stumble gplus

Megan did exactly what we always advise brides to do – she chose one central element and designed her entire St. Louis wedding around that piece. For Megan, it was her bridesmaids’ dresses! The dresses were a gorgeous shade of rose gold, plus they were sequined. Yes, please!

Once the dresses were in place, Megan incorporated more rose gold as well as shades of red, blush, and navy. The result is a lovely garden wedding set inside the Forest Park Visitor’s Center to avoid any potential rain in St. Louis in June. Y’all are going to flip when you see the flowers by The Special Event Florist (I’m definitely with the bride – the floral chandelier hanging over the dance floor is my favorite too!), and the stationery is also beautifully on point.

Megan and Edwin, your wedding day was a stunner. I’m so grateful Dana Tate sent their wedding our way! Happy Friday, friends.

What (or who) helped you most in your planning process and/or on your wedding day?

I planned our wedding myself! I thought about hiring a wedding planner, but it wasn’t in the budget. I scoured Pinterest for ideas. It was hard to decide on just one color scheme, theme, etc! My husband was a huge help and was there every for step of the planning process. Alaynne, our coordinator at Catering St. Louis, was a huge help leading up to and the day of the wedding.

What was the most important thing to you when deciding who to work with for your wedding?

We read reviews for everyone we considered on the Knot, and looked at pictures on the Knot and their personal websites. We wanted to work with vendors that had a great reputation and fit our budget. I loved all of our vendors. They all did an amazing job and were so easy to work with.

What was your inspiration for your wedding details and/or design?

I really wanted a June garden wedding, but living in St. Louis, you never know what the weather is going to be like. We decided on the Butterfly House because they had a space with a tent that was between their lake and outside garden. It was so nice to not have to worry about rain, and the space is so pretty! Our reception was at the Forest Park Visitor Center, which we found on the Knot. We loved the design and that it was in the park. I picked a color palette consisting of blushes, dark and bright reds, navy, and rose gold. I found the bridesmaids’ rose gold sequin dresses and planned everything else around them. We both decided we didn’t want anything too over the top, and I was still able to achieve a romantic wedding with a little bit of glam.

What was your favorite thing about your wedding?

Besides marrying my best friend, my favorite things from the wedding were including my grandma as our flower girl and my grandpa as our ring bearer. It was really special for me to be able to include them in our day. I also loved the floral chandelier our florist created that hung over the dance floor. That was one detail that I knew I wanted to splurge on.

What is your best piece of advice for other brides?

My advice to other brides is to start planning early, go with your instincts when making decisions, and meet with potential vendors in person. You can read great reviews and look at pretty pictures, but if you meet in person and their personality doesn’t mesh well with yours you probably should keep looking.