Romantic & Organic Wedding Ideas

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May 17th

by: Lauren

Inspired by the romance of Santa Cruz’s Rancho don Bosco, these gorgeously organic wedding ideas are absolutely stunning! Shades of soft pastels in blush and white, soft, flowing fabric, and lush greenery make for the most romantic of designs, and adding in a bit of rustic sophistication is just icing on the cake. Speaking of cake… the simple, olive branch adorned cake is absolute beauty and perfection too. We can’t wait for you to see it all, captured by Laura Hernandez Photography and designed by A Sparkling Event!

From Laura Hernandez Photography:

The fog hugged the Santa Cruz coast line as we ventured up the mountainside. We had nearly approached the peak, as the clouds slowly diminished, beams of sunlight began to emerge, piercing through the redwood trees. The sound of joyous laughter sailed through the air, and carried with it the fresh scent of the newly blossomed citrus trees. It was heavenly. To think this one day, had taken months of planning, days to prepare, and it was finally here. Rancho don Bosco is a hidden gem, tucked away in the Santa Cruz hills. It has an overflowing combination of European flare with a pinch of California glam. This session was flooded with soft pastel colors, delicate fabrics, and flowing greenery. This bridal session from mother-daughter photographers Laura & Rachel Hernandez, captures the elegant Justin Alexander bridal gown from Epiphany Boutique, stunning hair and makeup by Aime Gruber, and stylish floral creations of Connie J Moore Floral Designs. This upscale and sophisticated shoot was brought to life by the amazing Mandi Nack of A Sparking Event. When coming up with the idea for this shoot, I knew I wanted to combine organic beauty and simplicity, elegance, and romance. The day was pure perfection. The warm sun, rustic barn wood tables, peachy pastel flowers, and a gorgeous tiered olive branch cake mirrored what my mind had imagined.

Vendors who made it all happen…

Photographer: Laura Hernandez Photography // Event Planner: A SPARKLING EVENT // Event Venue: Rancho Don Bosco Event Center // Equipment Rentals: Alexis Party Rental // Calligrapher: Ashley Bush // Floral Designer: Connie J Moore Floral Design // Dress Store: Epiphany Boutique // Hair Stylist: hAirgem // Signage: Jess Velarde // Cake Designer: Room for Dessert

Cheery Yellow and Navy Chicago Wedding

Category: REAL WEDDINGS 1 Comments

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May 16th

by: Carly

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As I peeked through each and every photo from Kayleen and Andrew’s Chicago wedding day, I couldn’t help but think that it’s one of the happiest I’ve ever seen. These two radiated joy from the moment they began getting ready – just wait until you see Kayleen reading a note from Andrew. But I also couldn’t help but smile when I saw Kayleen’s bright yellow bouquet designed by Ashland and Addison– each detail is so cheery, y’all!

Kayleen and Andrew adore Chicago (we do, too!), and they had their first look at the Adler Planetarium where Andrew proposed. Next, they hopped on a trolley to capture photos with their wedding party at the Wrigley Building just before they reached their destination – Salvage One. This industrial space served as the locale for both the ceremony and reception. The pair were married in a greenery filled courtyard before retreating inside with their guests for a Chicago themed fete. Escort cards by Rivoire Designs honored the city’s flag, tables were named after nearby streets, and a book about the history of Chicago served as the guestbook. Kayleen is joining us today to share her best wedding planning advice below, and we’re so thrilled for you to dive headfirst into all of the sweet photos captured by Natalie Probst Photography!

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

I was blessed that one of my bridesmaids, Claire Weller, is in the wedding planning business in Chicago. She was a essential part of the planning process and a total lifesaver.

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

Meeting all of our vendors and being comfortable with each one was the most important factor when deciding our vendors. All of our vendors worked seamlessly together. They all made the planning process enjoyable and day of go off without any problems.

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

My husband and I both wanted to avoid the typical pomp and circumstance that goes along with the big day. We wanted to throw a huge party that reflected the city where we fell in love and also had a loft/outdoor element.

What was your favorite thing about your wedding?

Besides saying I do to the love of my life, it would have to be our venue, Salvage One.

What is your best piece of advice for other brides?

Soak it all in on your big day because it goes by so fast.

Vendors who made it all happen…

Photographer: Natalie Probst Photography // Floral Designer: Ashland and Addison // Caterer: Limelight Catering // DJ: Monastero Entertainment // Makeup Artist: Nika Vaughn Bridal Artists // Invitation Designer: Rivoire Designs // Reception Venue: Salvage One // Dress Designer: Tara Keely

A Blush and Red Colorado Wedding

Category: REAL WEDDINGS 1 Comments

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May 13th

by: Carly

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Becca and Owen grew up only 15 minutes away from each other in Colorado, but they both needed to attend the same college in Wisconsin in order to meet. Their September Colorado wedding day told the story of their six-year relationship. Although they met in Wisconsin, they both knew they would return home to Colorado after college. Naturally, only a gorgeous venue, Spruce Mountain Ranch, filled with rustic elegance overlooking their home state’s beautiful mountains could become the site of their ceremony and reception.

From Becca’s lovely lace Lee-Ann Belter wedding dress to the red, blush, and ivory palette, the bouquets and centerpieces designed by Bella Lu Floral to the chalkboard guest book, each and every detail is stunning and meaningful. We owe huge thanks to Rachel Austin Events for planning such a wonderful day and Sara Lynn Photographic for capturing each moment so beautifully!

Becca and Owen both have a heart for wedding stationery, which is why this detail held great importance for them while planning. They both loved thinking about their guests receiving their invitations designed by Elli, and the idea that guests would be traveling from near and far to celebrate them made them overwhelmingly grateful. Becca also notes Spruce Mountain Ranch allowed the wedding professionals she and Owen so carefully chose to “paint the picture” of their wedding day, and it was a beautiful one!

Vendors who made it all happen…

Photographer: Sara Lynn Photographic // Event Planner: Rachel Austin Events // Reception Venue: Spruce Mountain Ranch // Caterer: Tony Rosacci’s Fine Catering // Cake Designer: azucar bakery // Floral Designer: Bella Lu Floral // Photo Booth Equipment: Elite DJ // Invitation Designer: Elli // Equipment Rentals: Event Rents // Dress Store: Felice Bridal // Hair Stylist: Hayley Styles // Dress Store: Lea-Ann Belter Bridal // Makeup Artist: Makeup by heather b // Other: Peak Beverage // Other: The Inverness Hotel // Veils and headpieces: Veil Trends Couture

Wedding Truths

Category: WEDDING PLANNING 21 Comments

May 12th

by: Lauren

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Okay, it’s time for some wedding planning truths y’all! Some of you may know that I used to be a wedding planner and designer in a past life. And before that, I was totally and completely clueless about weddings, while at the same time, planning my own wedding. Needless to say, when I started out in the wedding world, I wanted to learn everything there was to know about weddings because I knew that there were things I didn’t know. How did I know that? Because things went wrong throughout my wedding planning experience and on my wedding day, and it all could be chalked up to me just not knowing.

With that said… truth be told, sometimes I see or hear things that couples planning weddings say and/or do, and I just want to grab them by their shoulders and SHAKE them, saying, “Don’t make that mistake! Don’t do what I did!”. That might be a little overboard, but lately it’s how I feel, and I wanted to share it with you all. Hence the title of today’s post, “Wedding Truths”…

(Warning: I’m FIRED up for some reason, but nonetheless, these are things that need to be said. For further information beyond the “truths”, I also included links to other posts for you. Now, I digress to these truths…)

Why on EARTH would you want your mom/sister/aunt have to handle things on your wedding day? I don’t care if she plans the wedding- at least INSIST that she ENJOY the wedding day. You don’t want her running around like a chicken with it’s head cut off, and then rushing to get her hair and makeup done and get dressed, and messing with things all during the reception. Do you?! No? Okay then… at least have a month-of coordinator. You can thank me later. :)

Do you really want to trust that “coordinator” your venue provides you? You DO know that chances are highly likely he or she is just the sales person, right? And that they’re going to leave after you cut your cake. Sometimes even before that. And then who’s going to handle all of your gifts? And handle your bustle when it breaks and all of your bridesmaids are too drunk to fix it? And get all your guests rounded up for that sparkler exit you want? Not the venue coordinator. Nope. Don’t fall into the trap. Cover your butt and make sure you have your OWN coordinator on the day of the wedding.

Planning a wedding is hard work. Emails, finding inspiration, inquiries, confirmations, scheduling appointments… it’s equivalent to a full time job, which is why there are wedding planners and professional vendors out there to help you. Why would you want to add another full time workload for yourself when you already have a job?! Plus, don’t you want to ENJOY your wedding planning? It’s stressful enough- don’t add even more unnecessary stress to it.

With that said, yes, weddings ARE people’s full time jobs. Specifically wedding vendors. Or how I like to put it, wedding professionals. While it might seem like it’s all peonies, lace and burlap, it’s not. These people are running businesses. They work odd hours. Usually WAY more hours than others work at a normal 9-5 job, making way less. And they hardly ever see their families or friends. Why? Because their livelihood depends on it. They need to put food on the table for their family. Oh and let’s not forget about the fact that you’re trusting them to make your wedding amazing! So just because it seems like working in weddings is super easy, the best thing ever, and it doesn’t seem like work to you, please, no matter what, treat your vendors how you would want to be treated at your job!

Photo by Rae Leytham Photography

How would you like it if someone told you that they thought you should be paid less money than what you currently make? That’s what it’s like when you ask wedding vendors for discounts. I’m not talking about vendors OFFERING you a discount, I’m talking about straight up saying, “You’re too much money for me, can you work for $____ instead?” Would you do that at a Dr’s office? Or at a restaurant? No? Okay then. Just don’t do it.

Wouldn’t you rather have invitations and paper products that are CUSTOM DESIGNED for you and your wedding? Not picked out from a book and having to stick within certain parameters? Or bought from a box and printed off. It’s YOUR wedding, do what you need to do to MAKE it yours- there are tons of options out there! Oh, and PS- it’s really not more money than either of the previously mentioned options.

So you don’t have a huge budget for a “wedding” and you want to get married ASAP? Go get married at the courthouse and then throw an awesome party! That’s essentially what a wedding is- a party. The difference is that with a wedding, you just happen to invite a lot more people than you normally would, have tons more food and alcohol, and have a schedule to it. You can still have wedding elements to your celebration. Or, do the courthouse thing, and just save up so you can have your wedding later! There’s nothing wrong with that at all. In the end, the important thing is the fact that you’re getting MARRIED, not that you’re having a wedding. :)

Okay, and that’s about all of my ranting, for today anyways. I’m just SUPER fired up and passionate about stuff this week, can you tell? I apologize if this upsets anyone, but to me, it’s the honest truth. Some of you may feel differently or have experienced something different- and if you have, I encourage you to share your own experiences in the comments!

And a little disclosure… In case you haven’t noticed, I 100% support working with professional wedding vendors. Being that I used to be one, I have a strong passion for encouraging all couples to use professionals. It’s my mission (I know, that sounds so corny, but it’s true) to educate all of you about weddings- because I had NO CLUE when I was planning my own. I couldn’t for the life of me find information that really and truly educated me about planning my wedding. So with that said, please know that just about everything that I post is based off of what I didn’t know when I was planning my own wedding, and I share it all with you in hope that it helps someone in some way, some day!

Oh, and if you have ANY questions about ANYTHING wedding, please do ask! I even have a whole page devoted to you all asking me questions– you have no excuse! :)

Editor’s note: A version of this post was originally published in March 2012. It has since been updated for accuracy and content.