Ashley + Justin’s Elegant Winter Soiree in Philly

We’re kicking off this Monday with a super gorgeous Philadelphia soiree from BG Productions Photography and Videography. This late Fall/early Winter wedding just oozes sophistication and elegance, with help from the presence of the historical venue, The German Society of Pennsylvania. Using main colors black, white, and gold for the palette and lots of lace, Ashley + Justin pulled off one awe-inspiring wedding with gorgeous details!

 

Ashley + Justin incorporated DIY touches where they can. For example, Ashley ordered bulk flowers from
Falls Flowers to put flower arrangements together herself. Ashley’s mom and aunt made amazingly beautiful handmade snowflake ornaments as favors for guests. And I’m in complete awe of how neat and clean their chalkboard signs were.

I love Ashley + Justin’s use of lace as table runners, which show up especially well against the black table cloths. I also love Ashley’s bold choice of using black lace dresses to dress her bridal party, which they all look amazing and romantic. I also just can’t stop adoring over their First Looks with BG Productions Photography and Videography, featuring scenes from all over their favorite spots in Philly (e.g. Race Street Pier, where they got engaged; Painted Bride, which is down the street from their house; and of course their super adorable dog and the Philly skyscrapers as background).

Much congratulations to Ashley + Justin for their beautiful wedding and pulling off this super classy wedding!

 

Photographer: BG Productions Photography and Videography//Wedding Date:11.23.2013//Photo Booth Equipment:BG Productions Photography & Videography//Cake Designer:Classic Cake//Location:Loews Hotel//DJ: No Macarena DJ//Caterer:Blue Monkey Catering//Floral Designer: Falls Flowers//Reception Venue: The German Society of PA//Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Natalie + Dane’s Blue & Green Nostalgic Wedding

This sweet wedding photograph by Katie Lewis Photography was nostalgic of all sorts. There are classic blue mason jars, pretty tiffany blue bottles, baseballs, paper pinwheels, and the Chevelle. But what really struck me when I saw Natalie + Dane was how much they reminded me of what the quintessential high school Prom King + Queen should look like. When I found out that their venue was held at an old high-school-turned-lodge, all the bells and whistles went off for me. This wedding is sweet and dainty, and just reminds you of all the good ole days.


There were quite a few sweet details I love from this wedding. Natalie looked incredibly gorgeous and sweet in her simple tea-length wedding dress, her jeweled bouquet, and what girl doesn’t want a getaway car in the classic Chevelle? I also love the idea of having guests signed baseballs instead of a traditional guest book, and how cute were all the chalkboard signs?!

Congratulations to Natalie + Dane!

 

Photographer:Katie Lewis Photography, Inc.//Wedding Date: 06/15/2013//Floral Designer: Java Rose//DJ: Night Scene Entertainment//Reception Venue: Riverdale High Lodge//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Corinne + Alex’s Red + Black Rockabilly Wedding

When you combine bundt cakes, brooch bouquets and polka dots with a classic red and black color palette, with the superb photography of Logan Walker Photography and a seriously breath taking backdrop you are bound to have an adorable quirky yet classy fete on your hands. Now throw in a serenading bride, some cool kicks, and so many amazing little details and special stories, and you’ll easily see why this Corinne and Alex make this is one fabulously fun retro wedding!

Corinne + Alex’s day goes beyond a wonderfully whimsy wedding; it’s loaded with special meaning too! The pint sized bridal party was headed up by Corinne’s beautiful daughter who sported polka dots and Converse like a pro! Corinne’s sister crafted the fab brooch bouquet that contained her something old, new, borrowed and blue from friends and family. (Bonus. It now serves as a decor staple in Corinne and Alex’s home). Corinne altered her strapless hi-low Oleg Cassini gown to be halter style, tea length perfection that’s hard to believe it’s not a perfect vintage find. And sweetest of all touches are the engagement ring and groom’s ring that are passed down through the family to add that extra special touch of meaning.

From Coke bottle favors to polka dot pearls, there is not one thing I don’t adore about this wedding! Thank you Logan Walker Photography for capturing and sharing this beautiful day! Congratulations Corinne and Alex!

Vendor Information:

Date: August 2, 2012

Location: Herber City, UT

Photographer: Logan Walker Photography

Event Location: Louland Falls

Caterer: Savoury Kitchen Park City

Favors, Gifts, and Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes

Brides Dress: Oleg Cassini

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Iva + Nick’s Art Deco Foodie Wedding

Foodies, take a sip of water, clean your palettes, whet you whistles, and then squeal with joy! Today’s wedding from Wendy K. Yalom Photography is delightfully filled with twenties inspired details, dazzling brooch bouquets, and deeeeeliscious menus. Would you expect anything less when Wolfgang Puck is a family friend who catered and attended Iva and Nick’s wedding. But it doesn’t stop there. Iva’s sister also happens to be a master baker at Cake Coquette in San Francisco and was the master mind behind their gorg-a-liscious cake.

 

Although there is no question the food at Iva and Nicks stylish soiree is a stand-out, you cannot overlook the Gatsby-esque glamour of the entire day. The beautiful Beaux Arts style of Julia Morgan Ballroom at the Merchant Exchange Building is just stunning. Perfectly complimented with Iva and Nick’s rich and chic color palette, all of the opulent and glitzy details, like the sensational brooch bouquets Iva crafted, just have me drooling all over again.

Just like any good dish, there are so many subtle little details in the layers of flavor to this wedding! I would highly advise a second helping of the beautiful gallery by Wendy K Yalom Photography to soak in all of the style, color and scrumptious plate inspiration. Thanks Wendy Yalom for sharing this beautiful day! Congratulations Iva and Nick!

 

Vendor Information:

Date: August 4, 2012

Location: San Francisco, CA

Photographer: Wendy K Yalom Photography

Caterer: Wolfgang Puck

Floral Designer: An Added Touch

Reception Venue: Julia Morgan Ballroom at the Merchants Exchange

Cinema and Video: Thomas Hughes Films

Cake Designer: Cake Coquette
Photo Booth Equipment: Perfect Pixel Photo Booth

Liz + Matt’s Music Inspired Wedding

Abracadabra! Voila! I think Liz and Matt are wedding magicians. Somewhere in a giant wedding top hat, they have waved a magic wand and turned a little vintage elegance, some wildflower boho chicness, some rustic barn style, cool music inspired personality, a unicorn, and the brilliant work of Lindsey Thorne Photography into one of the raddest barn weddings I’ve come across in some time!

This is one of those weddings with so much to talk about that I struggle to find a starting point. I mean the maids in black tights and leather belts- an outfit you can actually wear again! WHAT!? Love it! The black pops the fall colors brilliantly and adds so much personality! I’m talking walk through a graveyard romance kind of personality. Too freakin’ awesome! I am completely obsessed with the invitation suite from Triple Stamp Press and the graphics that rolled over into the “free records” cd favors.

 

As music was such a big part of their relationship the sheet music buntings and rockin’ bands that played during the wedding were perfect additions. With inspiration pulled from everything they loved, this love day is full of just the right amounts of feminine details in the doily place cards and mismatched china and the rustic goodness wooden deets and of gourds. I love the photobooth backdrops and birch and wildflower centerpieces. The backyard bake shop? Well, let’s just say I think I’m advising my daughter to screw the lemonade stand, we’re starting a rustic roadside bake shop. Oh! And I almost forgot the unicorn! Tell me this wedding isn’t magical!

 

Liz and Matt had a little help from their friends, and this great team of vendors can’t be overlooked. Thank you Lindsey Thorne Photography for capturing and sharing this magical day! Congratulations Liz and Matt!

 

Vendor Information:

Photographer: Lindsey Thorne Photography

Event Venue and Catering: Amber Grove

Event Planner: Wood Grain & Lace Events

Invitation Designer: Triple Stamp Press

Dress Store: Rizik’s

Other: Anthropologie

Tuxedo and Mens Attire: H&M,Thick As Thieves

Carrie + Mike’s Red Casino Royale Wedding

When one of our favorites Carrie Wildes Photography sent us this next wedding, I knew it would be good!  When she called it a combination of “retro flare and casino royale,” I knew I was going to be great!  She called my bluff, because when I saw the fabulosity of what Carrie and Mike created for their wedding day and what she captured, I lost my shirt.  I’ll give you an advantage, hedge your bets and put it all on red that the King of Pop shows up at this shindig.

Carrie and Mike’s soiree was full of smooth criminal style.  With a statement necklace and gown that I’m still drooling over and a classic red and black color palette, the whole day had a very sweet yet sultry vibe which Carrie captured at the Post Card Inn first look.  You might remember I’m big sucker for a raw, brick, industrial space, so you can imagine my glee when I saw they combined this rustic elegance angle with a reception space at Nova 535.  Mike built the amazing red and white backdrop for their outdoor ceremony and a handmade marquis for over the sweetheart table.  Poker tables and caricaturist (is that a word?) completed the funky vibe.  You know an invite to this wedding was big winnings!

The only thing that could possibly make it better was a special celebrity guest like your favorite artist.  Perhaps…say, Michael Jackson?Owwww!!!! JACKPOT!!!!!

Make sure you take a good looksie through the whole gallery and “don’t stop til you get enough,” because Carrie and Mike’s wedding looks like that good of a time!  It’s the perfect combination of all things fun, sexy, romantic, beautiful, and personal that a wedding should be.  It’s sure to help you get past the Monday blues.  A big thanks to Carrie Wildes Photography for capturing every entertaining moment of this special day!  Congratulations Carrie and Mike!

Vendor Information:

Photographer: Carrie Wildes Photography

Event & Reception Venue:  NOVA 535

Pre-Wedding Venue: Post Card Inn

Caterer:  StoneChef Caterers

Floral Designer:  Mylez Edward’s X Floral Salon

Makeup Artist:  Colours by Linny

Officiant:  Rev Tom Greene

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Lauren + Brandon’s Vintage Picnic Wedding

Happy Monday, DIY-ers!  Was there some kind of football game yesterday?  I was too busy swooning over this pretty DIY wedding.  I do love my job ….

Lauren and Brandon held their summer afternoon wedding at the church in Florida where they met.  After their wedding they hosted a short casual reception at the church hall where they served desserts prepared by family and friends.  The bride wanted a “vintage picnic” feel, so for decor the bride’s aunt made bunting from old pieces of fabric that had belonged to the bride’s “Mamaw” and they were displayed across a vintage desk which doubled as their welcome table.

Lauren’s grandfather made the ladder that served as the alter, and Lauren’s dad performed the ceremony.

For their guest “book,” the couple asked guests to sign river rocks they had collected over time.

Lauren even decorated her own TOMS shoes!  Impressive!

After their reception, the couple and their photographer Ashley Daniell Photography headed to Three Rivers State Park for some AMAZING portraits of the bride and groom.

Did I mention puppies were involved?  Oh yes – there were puppies.

Congrats Lauren and Brandon!

 

DETAILS:

Photographer: Ashley Daniell Photography
Floral Designer: Around the Corner
Reception Venue: First Baptist Church, Sneads, Florida
Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Adrienne + Paul’s Winter Wonderland Wedding

Adrienne and Paul didn’t necessarily plan on having a snowy winter wedding, but Mother Nature had other ideas.  The night before their wedding a surprise blizzard swooped in, moving their previously outdoor ceremony indoors at the Willow Ridge Manor near Denver, Colorado.  But this couple handled everything in stride, including doing their first look and taking pictures in 30 degree temperatures (it was so cold, Adrienne couldn’t even bring her bouquet outside).  Their last minute indoor ceremony location was accented by gorgeous string icicle lights, which remind me of the holidays, and their black and red palette made the room feel warm and romantic in spite of the chilly weather.

The bride was a DIY machine, making everything from the votive favors, to the centerpieces, to the candy buffet.  She created their cake design based on the detailing on their invitation suite.  She even had a faux fur wrap custom made for her at the last minute when the forecast turned snowy.   The bride has detailed some of her projects below.  Thanks, Adrienne!

Personalized vellum-wrapped votive holder place cards/favors: The place cards and favors were one in the same.  I ordered glass votive holders in bulk from eBay. I printed each guest’s name and table number on vellum, cut it out, and wrapped and adhered it to the candle holder using double sided tape.  I trimmed it in red ribbon and hid the vellum seam in the back with a line of stick-on rhinestones.  

Bonus: This doubled as extra lighting for the room.  They were a TON of work but I don’t regret it. We loved how they turned out.

Tissues for the ceremony: I bought small envelopes in bulk and put about 5 folded up tissues in each one. I sealed it with a label that had our logo/monogram on it and read “For your tears of joy.”  These were placed on every chair at the ceremony.

Table numbers and menus: Each table had a black decorative frame (picked them up at a discount store for $2 each) and each table was assigned a number, and for each number was a quote from a child about love/marriage with the corresponding age (Table 2 had a quote from a 2 year old, etc).  Menus were also printed using the same frames and placed at each table.

Candelabra centerpieces: We wanted to go for a lavish Victorian look without the big budget.  Floral centerpieces are expensive and get thrown away.  Our venue had giant silver candelabras that we were able to use free of charge.  I spent hours at the venue brainstorming and then thought of using crystal (acrylic) swag to go on the candelabras.  I ordered several hundred feet of the acrylic garland from www.shopwildthings.com and bought jump rings and heavy gauge crafting wire and created the swags for the candelabras.  The day before the wedding we attached these to every single candelabra.

Card Box: I created my card box using  circular cardboard hat boxes from Joann Fabric.  I painted the boxes and then stacked them on each other, carved a slit in the top, and added silver glitter ribbon, rhinestone letters, and black ostrich feathers.

Lanterns/unity ceremony: We had originally planned for our ceremony to be outside but a blizzard forced us to move inside.  In planning for the wind outside, we used two small lanterns and one large lantern, found at Hobby Lobby, for our unity ceremony.  We still have these and now they sit in front our our fireplace.

Parasols: I desperately wanted to make parasols to use in pictures, so I bought a dozen from Oriental Trading Company.  I made a template in Adobe Publisher and hand painted the names on the parasols using acrylic paints.  It took forever at first but I got better as I went along.  This was also part of the bridesmaids gifts. I made teeny ones for the flower girls and also one for Paul and I.

Guest book quilt: My mom designed a quilt for us and cut out the pieces and had everyone sign a message to us on the fabric pieces.  After the wedding, she pieced them all together and quilted them for us with our invitation in the center of the quilt.

“WE DO” letters: Wooden letters that were painted red to decorate the cake table.

CANDY BUFFET:   I collected glass candy containers from various thrift stores.  I also purchased some ornate pedestals from HomeGoods and spray painted them silver.  They had the same crystal garland from the centerpieces hanging from the pedestals, also.  I created labels and tied them on the candy containers with ribbons.

Congrats Paul and Adrienne!

 

DETAILS

Photographer: Traci & Nic Turchin of Real Photography

Venue: Willow Ridge Manor , near Denver, Colorado

Florist: Dawn Ackerman at Hillside Consultants

Videographer: Denver Wedding Films

DJ: Maestro Mobile Music

Hair & Make Up: Rachel Pfeffer at Girls and Curls

Dress & Veil: David’s Bridal

Seamstress: Christine Hoyt  (also made the bride’s custom wrap)

Invitations: The American Wedding

Groom’s Tux: The Men’s Wearhouse

Caterer & Event Company: Lifestyles Catering

Alcohol: Primo Vino 

Cake: Das Meyer Pastry Chalet

Officiant: Father Marty Hunckler

Bride’s engagement ring: Tacori, purchased at Robbins Bros

Bride’s wedding band: Custom made by 5th Avenue Designs

Groom’s wedding band: King Crown Jewelry on eBay!

Stephanie + Cory’s Elegant Autumn Wedding

Stephanie and Cory had a fall wedding in the woods featuring lots of black and orange DIY details, right down to the groom’s “In Case You Get Cold Feet” socks.  This couple loves outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, so picking the Pine Rose Cabins in Twin Peaks, CA was an easy decision;  as was choosing orange – the bride’s favorite color – for their wedding color palette.  DIY details include chopped wood stumps in the centerpieces, activity kits for the kids, and lots of pumpkins.  The couple turned a collage photo frame into a seating chart, and the bride changed into a personalized pair of TOMS for the reception!

The ceremony included a very special ring bearer, dressed up for the occasion.

For their wedding favors, each guest received a mason jar with a DIY name tag.

The couple even had a custom cake topper made to honor the groom’s background as a body builder!

Congrats to Stephanie and Cory!

 

DETAILS:

Photography: Jeremy Chou Photography

Hair Stylist: Victorian Hair Salon

Caterer: Graystone Catering

Floral Designer: La Jarden Florals

Reception Venue: Pine Rose Cabins

Cake Designer: Niki’s Custom Cakes

DJ: Paid 2 Party

Makeup Artist: MakeUP by Karen Lee

Officiant: Weddings Wakefield

Second Shooter: Angel Henriquez

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Amanda + Daniel’s Old Hollywood DIY Wedding

Amanda and Daniel brought Old Hollywood style to Decatur, Georgia with their classy spring wedding.  Even a few showers couldn’t dampen their dapper spirits.  Their palette of black and red fit their theme perfectly, as did the Frank Sinatra cover band that kept guests jumping and jiving all night.

This wedding also is abundant with handmade details – the couple created the photo booth and props, and the bride arranged all the bouquets and centerpieces, as well as made the hairpieces for herself and the bridesmaids, AND added the lace applique to her shoes (*whew*)!  Last but certainly not least, the bride’s sister owns Savoreaux Cupcakery and made the mini-cake and cupcakes.  What a lucky couple!

From the photographer: Amanda and Daniel met their sophomore year at Young Harris College. After several classes together, they discovered how much they had in common and became close friends. They bonded over their mutual love of stage shows, classic cinema, and their own quirky senses of humor.  After they were cast together in their college production of The Music Man, Daniel started asking Amanda out, but she didn’t take him seriously, but he was persistent and six years later, they’re even more inseparable, goofy, and head over heels in love with each other.

 

Any couple that brings NERF guns to their wedding is okay with me!  Congrats on your beautiful wedding, Amanda and Daniel!

 

 

DETAILS:

Photography: Christi Falls Photography

Venue: Old Courthouse on the Square, Decatur, Georgia

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

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