Elegant Purple and Green Texas Wedding

Oct 29th

by: Joelle

This wedding has to be one of my favorites, mainly for the gorgeous colors…and the shoes! Seriously, this bride’s shoes are the most adorable shoes I’ve seen at a wedding yet, and that’s saying something.

From Cory Ryan Photography…

Wow, this wedding was such a stunner! Ruffles, ombre, delicious food & tons of enthusiastic friends and family were just a few components of the awesome formula that made for Lily & Adam’s wedding day. And I love the fact that Lily had not one, but TWO pairs, of awesome colorful shoes (heels and flats, of course!). They opted to forgo the traditional wedding party, and instead had both of their brothers be their official wedding party. But their closest friends were always close-by and their happiness was contagious. Petal Pushers literally floored me with their creative and jaw dropping assortment of purple flowers – from the bouquets to the table centerpieces, everything was totally unique and complimentary! The couple’s first look was pretty emotional, and I’m so glad they had to opportunity to have a few moments alone together before the big day officially got started. Lily ascended the spiral staircase and the look on their faces when seeing each other for the first time is absolutely priceless. Not long after a delicious dinner courtesy of Word of Mouth, and the cutting of the ombre ruffled cake picked out by the groom, the dance party got started with full force. This is one group of dance partiers! At the end of the night, the couple left in style after running through handfuls of aromatic lavender.

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

It was a real “takes a village” experience for us. We didn’t have a wedding planner, so we listened to family and friends, remembered all the great weddings we attended as guests and had fun looking at various websites, blogs and other resources to find great ideas and vendors. In the end, I wouldn’t change a single thing about the rehearsal dinner or wedding!

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

Reputation and personality. We were planning our Austin wedding from Washington, DC, so we relied on recommendations from family and friends in the area and sought out vendors with excellent reputations. We wanted to work with people who really like what they do! And, everyone – from the caterer, to the florist, to the DJ, to the photographer, to the day-of wedding coordinator – was just stellar!

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

We didn’t have a theme so much as a desire to throw a really fun party! So, we focused on the things that we thought made for the best party – food, music & cake! From there, we just looked for things we really loved…

What was your favorite thing about your wedding?

There are too many special moments to pick a favorite – and so many are things we didn’t plan! Seeing my husband for the first time the day-of was a really special moment. Our photographer, Cory Ryan, picked this spot at the venue where I walked down a spiral staircase and tapped my (now) husband on the shoulder. It was an amazing, wonderful moment we were able to share before the ceremony, and the pictures are beautiful and reflect the feeling of that moment perfectly. There were also so many funny things – the audience bursting into applause when my husband started walking down the aisle, my brother straightening my dress and holding the bouquet as the “man of honor,” my new husband, brother-in-law and father-in-law having a dance-off to “Ice, Ice Baby,” it just goes on and one. In the end, it really comes down to being surrounded by and full of love in the most amazing way! I can’t think of another time when so many people who are so special to you from all phases of your life will be in the same place at the same time. It was truly overwhelming.

What is your best piece of advice for other brides?

Have fun! It’s really easy to get caught up in the details and start worrying but, in the end, it’s about the people there and, of course, this amazing thing you’re doing!!

See what I mean about the adorable shoes? And that whole part about having fun…it’s so true! I love that you can tell how much fun they have through their pictures, especially that last one. What a great way to leave such an awesome party!

xoxo, Joelle

Vendors who made it all happen…

Photographer: Cory Ryan Photography / Flowers & Decor: Petal Pushers / Reception Venue: One World Theater / Catering: Word of Mouth Catering / DJ: Altared Wedding Productions

Eclectic Yellow & Gray Lakeside Wedding

Category: REAL WEDDINGS 7 Comments

Oct 29th

by: Elisa

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[Editors Note: Happy Monday y’all!! I just had to pop in to tell you that this wedding has a special place in my heart- the adorable couple is from my hometown, and they have known each other since preschool! Love it! :) Enjoy friends!]

The details in this Florida wedding from Emily Grace Design (and photographed by Mike & Ann Visual Storytellers) is so completely full of fun details and adorable touches… it’s not only visually stunning, but the couple has an adorable story!

Emily of Emily Grace Design tells us: “Katy and Cooper have known each other since they were in preschool. They showed the sweetest slideshow at their rehearsal dinner that really captured their love and adventures over so many years. While getting ready, Katy even wore a button on her robe that was a childhood soccer picture of Cooper (adorable!). Everything about this day was perfection–the love of these two, the complete joy that radiated throughout the day, the incredible details they committed themselves to to make this day so completely them!”

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

After obsessing over a few wedding blogs, I found my inspiration bouquet which stemmed the entire image for the big day. By creating a binder and pulling all of my ideas together, I tried to see what was cohesive and would actually fit the image and feel that my husband and I were going for. My maid of honor was my voice of approval for the entire day – standing right by my side for countless hours on the internet, in antique stores, Anthropologie, thrift shops, and Hobby Lobby. My husband was also a huge help in planning and had a lot of input about what was important to him. He even helped with a ton of DIY projects that were created for the wedding, as well. We tried our best to stick to a timeline that I found online, but in the end, this perfectionist control-freak had to learn how to delegate responsibilities and ask for help so that we would be able to pull everything together in time. Our vendors were incredible in making this day happen.

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

We only had 6 months to pull everything together, and therefore needed people who were ready to work quickly and efficiently. It was also imperative that our vendors understood the feel that we were going for – we wanted more of a party/celebration than a traditional wedding. We threw out a few of the normla “wedding rules” and made sure that our vendors were okay with doing something a bit off-key. Everyone that we worked with was extremely helpful, and I would highly recommend them!

What was your favorite thing about your wedding?

I love that I became a wife and received a wonderful, loving husband – and that we now have a huge family to call our own. As for aesthetics, I loved the market lighting and retro feel of the whole day. And clothes… Argyle vests, ring bearers in bow ties, corduroy Sperry’s topsiders, yellow Seychelles pumps, and a ton of Etsy and Anthropologie jewelry – that makes me happy. The food was spectacular, as was the cake. But the band and our moonlight dance floor topped it all – with fire pits and s’mores not far away. The entire wedding was perfection… it was just my favorite day.

I’ve heard of some long-lasting couples, but I have to say that this one probably takes the cake! I think it’s totally adorable that they’ve known each other since preschool! I also love their adorable wedding style. I think it’s a great eclectic mix, and love that it was inspired by Katie’s desired bouquet! What inspired your wedding style? xoxo, Elisa

Vendors who made it all happen…

Planning, Coordination & Styling: Emily Grace Design / Photographer: Mike & Ann Visual Storytellers / Reception Venue: The Nest at Lake Weir / Catering: Mojo Grill / Flowers & Decor: Lilli's Flowers & Gifts / Cake Baker: Betty Cakes / Rentals: KWI Party Plus / Band: Rondo & the Mojo Downs Band / Invitations & Stationery: Oh My Deer Handmades / Calligraphy: Brown Linen Paper & Co.

Detail To Love: Dancing Coasters

Category: DETAILS 2 Comments

Oct 27th

by: Lauren

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Yeah, I know, the title sounds a little *off*, but once I explain, you’ll know what I mean! :) Coasters are a fabulous addition to any table or bar, right? Well, you know when you’re at a wedding, and you leave your drink on your tabel to go dance? But then you come back to find that it’s been cleared away already? Well these coasters have a little message of “Don’t take my drink… I’m dancing” to prevent this from happening…

Image via WED

I know this has most definitely happened to me before, and I would love to be able to leave a little message so my drink doesn’t get taken! :) It’s a little detail, but it’s a fun one- and one that your guests will love to use too!

What do you think? Would you have these dancing coasters at your wedding? Or would you maybe add a different message to your coasters?

Classic Navy and Hot Pink Florida Wedding

Category: REAL WEDDINGS 3 Comments

Oct 26th

by: Kristine

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There is something about that combination of navy and hot pink. It’s classic, it’s preppy, and it just *pops*. Well my friends, these photos by Aaron Lockwood Photography definitely do the colors of pink and navy- and this wedding- justice! What’s more, the bride, Talah, has shared some great advice and wisdom with us, so you’ll definitely want to pay attention! :)

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

I enjoyed taking on most of the wedding planning myself. I loved immersing myself in bridal magazines, reading the blogs, talking with recently married friends, and collecting great ideas on Pinterest which I then used to create my wedding “lookbook”. That said, I also had a great support system with very involved parents and a super supportive husband-to-be. My parents were my eyes and ears in St. Pete as I was planning my wedding from several states away; I sometimes joke that The Vinoy and our amazing coordinator there, Stephanie Petitta, became their home away from home throughout this process. My husband has the patience of a saint and somehow just knew when to offer up an honest opinion versus when to smile and nod, and tell me what I wanted to hear! He kept me sane! Additionally, we had an outside wedding coordinator who helped pull everything together, and made sure that the events of our wedding day were seamless.

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

First and foremost, I think you definitely need to meet with your potential vendors in person before making a decision. Recommendations are extremely important, but also, it’s essential to make sure that you connect with your vendors and that they understand your vision for your wedding day. For example, I had been talking with a recommended florist only to have them ultimately tell me that they weren’t going to be able to create the arrangements I had envisioned at my price point and that I should consider looking elsewhere. After the initial onset of panic, I was just so grateful that they were honest with me, and that we didn’t just settle. I set up a meeting with La Vie en Rose who had just recently been recommended by two friends, and within minutes of meeting Nga and Nicholas, I immediately felt comfortable with them, and trusted them to bring my vision to life. They just “got me”, and it was the most comforting feeling. This is the feeling you should have when talking with all of your vendors!

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

McClain and I chose to have our reception at an historic landmark hotel, The Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club, near my hometown in Saint Petersburg, Florida. We wanted to respect the character and old world charm of the classic grand ballroom while making our wedding uniquely our own. We chose a color scheme of hot pink and navy blue with accents of gold to create a “preppy chic” look which was reflective of both of our styles. The floral arrangements, huge balls of hydrangeas and roses, created a clean and classic look with just the perfect pop of color. As I love everything-monogrammed, I asked a graphic designer friend to create a special wedding monogram for us made with our first initials. Our monogram became the design element which tied everything together- from all of our printed materials to the cake, drink stirs, candy bags and more, our monogram was present throughout.

What was your favorite thing about your wedding?

Oh my goodness, this is too hard! So I’ll have to give ya’ll my top five instead, okay? J

1) Walking down the aisle of the church to meet my best friend, my now-HUSBAND, is a moment I will never forget.

2) Sharing the best day of our lives with our family and friends, knowing how far so many of them traveled in order to be there with us, was just surreal and incredibly moving.

3) When my dad lifted me off of my feet and spun me around in the air during our father daughter dance

4) The moment we walked into the ballroom (while our guests were still having cocktail hour) and I saw for the first time that everything had come together just as I’d imagined it

5) ALL OF THE LITTLE DETAILS that made our wedding special to us- including the colorful paper pom poms decorating the trolley, my sweet hubby’s outfit change into his debonair dinner jacket, the framed wedding photos of our parents and grandparents scattered throughout the lounge area, and the McDonald’s cheeseburgers which served as the perfect nightcap

What is your best piece of advice for other brides?

On your wedding day, try to take some time with your husband to just step back, soak everything in and ENJOY IT! It will go by oh-so-quickly, almost as if you’re floating through the night, so you just want to relish every second of it! Oh and, make a cognizant effort to eat the amazing food you spent so long picking out! (I still have regrets about missing out on the latter!) Happy planning!

A huge thanks to Aaron Lockwood for capturing the amazing details, colors, and that very handsome bride and groom. And an equally big thank you to the lovely bride herself for sharing doing such a great job answering our questions!

Happy Friday, ELDers!

xo-Kristine