Stylish Events

This first set of pictures are all pre-ceremony pictures.

This first picture is my beautiful wedding dress. If you haven’t been following my blog for the past few months, you’re probably not aware that I got my dress at The Bridal Garden which is a nonprofit in New York City that sells new and gently used dresses at a fraction of the cost.

Here is my handsome groom arriving at the ceremony site {The War Memorial Chapel at Virginia Tech} followed by a picture with two of his groomsmen prior to the ceremony.

These are our DIY ceremony programs which I had to make two days before our wedding {my gracious bridesmaids were putting them together the day of the wedding}. I was hospitalized for five days the week of our wedding, and the programs were something I had planned to do during that time.

For some reason I had it in my head that I wanted to wear red heels. But I didn’t want just any pair of red heels – I wanted the perfect pair of red heels. My mom and I spent about eight hours hunting for these pumps in August, but we had so much fun together shopping all day!

Another DIY project – the bouquets and boutonnieres. I absolutely loved how they turned out.

We got our wedding rings when we were on our honeymoon {I know it’s a little backwards – we took our honeymoon before our wedding} at a HUGE sale.

In the next few pictures I’m getting ready and anticipating walking down the aisle. It took three hair trials to pick the style that I ended up choosing. One of my bridesmaids gave me the floral hair piece. She got it on a trip for less than 10 dollars!

Again, I have to thank our extremely talented photographer, David Franusich. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Make sure you stop back by tomorrow for the ceremony and reception pictures…..

Related Posts:

My Casual Rehearsal Dinner

My Halloween Wedding, Part II

My Halloween Wedding, Part III

5 Comments | In: Real Weddings | tags: bouquet and boutonniere, halloween wedding, wedding dress, wedding pictures, wedding rings. | #

Image from Oh So Beautiful Paper

Here are the wedding blog awards for the week of 10/4/09-10/10/09:

The Most Inspiring Blog of the Week: Oh So Beautiful Paper

I check this blog on a daily basis, because I’m always incredibly inspired by the lovely stationery, wedding invitations, and crafty ideas. This week I loved Alisa and Matt’s Real Invitations and the screen printed wrapping paper.

The Most Creative DIY Project of the Week: Once Wed – Once Upon a Hill Centerpiece

This adorable centerpiece is two of my favorite things – creative and budget-friendly.

The Most Useful Post/Article of the Week: The Inspired Bride – Sources for the Crafty (or Budget) Bride

If you’re a DIY bride, you’ll love this list of resources. Make sure you save them under your favorites, so you can revisit the post over and over!

The Most Stunning Real Wedding of the Week: 100 Layer Cake – Carly and Dan

This is a must see wedding – I’m loving the unique wedding invitation, the simply gorgeous wedding ceremony décor, and the beautiful pictures.

1 Comment | In: Wedding Blog Awards | tags: centerpiece, DIY projects, real wedding, Wedding Blog Awards, wedding pictures. | #

I’m really excited, because I have a gorgeous real wedding to share with you today. Everything about this wedding made me fall in love with it. I adore the bride’s dress, the romantic centerpieces, the flattering bridesmaids’ dresses, and the beautiful photography from Hugh Forte Photography.

Hugh answered a few of my questions, so we could get to know him better (thanks!):

When did you shoot your first wedding? I shot my first wedding in March 2008. I  had sort of stumbled my way into assisting for a few photographers during the previous summer, and found myself thinking, “Hey, I think I can do this…” All went well on that first wedding, but it was a bit of a shocker for me, none the less. It was just a little different than the usual cruising as an assistant that I was used to

How many weddings do you shoot a year? Well, I really only have 1 year under my belt, so my average might not be all that telling… but I shot 18 last year. My goal is to shoot about 30 next year. I’m aiming to keep the volume at a manageable level, while pushing the envelope on quality and creativity for the clients that I do take on.

What does a typical package include and cost? I don’t really rock set “packages” as they never seem to hit the mark with any given client. Full commissions start at $3,500 and include up to 8 hours of coverage along with all the color-corrected image files. Custom offering are, of course, available to each unique client from there.

Can you tell me about one of your favorite wedding locations to shoot? That’s a tough question. I might have to say that I haven’t shot at my favorite location yet. I’ve shot at some really cool places, but I’m most excited for a wedding when the location is new to me. That said, I had a really good time shooting at the Darlington House in La Jolla a few weeks ago, and I think there’s a lot more to take advantage of photographically next time I find myself there.

I want to give a huge thanks to Lacey and Brando for sharing their fabulous wedding and to Hugh Forte Photography for the stunning photography. Check out his website and blog for more wedding photography inspiration.

3 Comments | In: Real Weddings | tags: hugh forte photography, real wedding, romantic wedding, wedding pictures. | #

I have a treat for you today – a beautiful real wedding that took place in downtown Baltimore. The color palette was kiwi green, black, white, and red. My favorite parts of this wedding: the bling on the bride’s dress, the cigar roller, the photography (especially the photograph where everything is black and white except for the red bouquets), and the dance floor. It looks like this couple went all out and had the help of experienced and dedicated wedding vendors.

Thank you to the lovely couple for sharing their special day and to the photographer for the beautiful pictures.

The Vendors:       

Planning & Design: Opulent Creations Events, LLC

Entertainment: Baltimore Photo booth, Casino Party Kings, About Faces Entertainers (Henna & Caricatures), CF Dominicana (Cigar Rollers)

Lounge Furniture: Room Service Furniture & Event Rentals

Stationary: CR Design Studio

Venue/Catering: Pier 5 Hotel

Photography: O2 Weddings

Bridal Party Flowers: Ann’s Garden

Lighting/Draping: Perkins Productions

Cakes: Sugar Bakers

2 Comments | In: Real Weddings | tags: baltimore, cigar roller, dance floor, real wedding, wedding photography, wedding pictures, wedding vendors. | #

I was extremely excited to open my e-mail to find this gorgeous wedding that took place this spring in Corona del Mar, California submitted by the beautiful bride. The photography is stunning and made me immediately go to the photographer’s website to see more. This wedding will be inspiring for any bride who is having a rustic, romantic wedding in an organic setting. I absolutely love the bride’s dress, the door hangers, and simple yet elegant wedding cake.

The bride said, “My husband and I were married in a small white steeple church and held our reception in a picturesque red barn. We served signature drinks of lemonade in sugar rimmed mason jars, and filled the barn with amber lighting and fresh white wild flowers. To keep things fun, we had a photo booth, a dessert bar, and a live band to keep our guests dancing!

What made our wedding so special was the fact that many of our guests told us it was the most fun wedding they had ever been to – and that is exactly what we had hoped for! To us, it was the most perfect day. Even now, as I think back on our wedding day, I smile. I hope these pictures make you smile as well.”

Photography by Jack Randall Photography

I want to give a huge thank you to Jamie and Brad for sharing their beautiful wedding with us and to Jack Randall Photography for the amazing photography.

1 Comment | In: Real Weddings | tags: real wedding, rustic wedding, wedding cake, wedding dress, wedding pictures, wedding reception in barn. | #

Today’s real wedding was inspiring to me, because the bride took time to add DIY touches to her wedding. I absolutely love the DIY wedding invitation. The photography captured my eye as soon as I clicked on to Kim’s blog, and I knew that I had to share her work with you. I hope you enjoy this week’s real wedding!

Generously, Kim answered a few questions, so we could get to know her a little better. I love her positive attitude….

When did you shoot your first wedding?  I became very interested in wedding photography in 2006 when many of my friends were getting married.  At the same time, I was becoming increasingly dissatisfied with my career path, so it was the perfect opportunity to change careers.  I was fortunate enough to tag along and shoot with a very generous and fabulous photographer starting in December 2006, and I shot my first full wedding in March 2008.

How many weddings do you shoot a year?  I just relocated my business from Texas to Florida so we are in a little transition phase.  I have 7 weddings scheduled so far for 2009.

What does a typical package include and cost?  My middle package is $1800 and includes 8 hours of wedding day coverage, two photographers, online viewing for family and friends, an engagement or bridal session, 4×6 prints of every image, and a print credit.

Can you tell me about one of your favorite wedding locations to shoot?  I don’t really have a favorite yet because I have enjoyed all of the locations my couples have chosen.  As long as everyone is having a good time, then I’m happy.

I want to give a huge thanks to Adrianne and Shaler for sharing their special day with us and to Kim Chau Photography for the stunning photographs. Please share more weddings with us in the future! If you’re having your wedding in Central Florida, you should consider contacting Kim about wedding photography. See more of Kim’s great work at her blog and website.

1 Comment | In: Real Weddings | tags: DIY invitations, real wedding, real wedding pictures, stylish wedding, wedding photography, wedding pictures. | #

I’m really excited to share this Charlotte wedding with you. The very talented Kristin Vining took these beautiful pictures.

Kristin took a few minutes to answer some questions, so we could get to know her a little better:

When did you shoot your first wedding?  I photographed my first wedding Summer 2004.

How many weddings do you shoot a year?  While we would love to photograph weddings every weekend, we limit the number to no more than 25-30 per year to maintain our creative mojo!

What does a typical package include and cost?  All of our packages come standard with two photographers, online proofing and a proof book.  Our commissions start at $4500.

Can you tell me about one of your favorite wedding locations to shoot? Anything or place that has an abundant amount of natural light!! 

I want to give a big thanks to Ashley and Marcus for allowing us to share in their special day and to Kristin Vining Photography for the gorgeous photographs. Check out her website and blog to see more of her inspiring photography.

No Comments | In: Real Weddings | tags: charlotte wedding, kristin vining photography, real wedding, wedding pictures. | #

Amber and Kyle had their ceremony and reception at the Historic Donnelly House and Gardens located in Birmingham, Alabama and the beautiful photography is from Lisette Price Photography.

 Lisette was a kind enough to take a few minutes to answer these questions, so we could get to know her a little better:

When did you shoot your first wedding? 

I have been shooting professionally since October 2007. I second shot weddings for about 5 months prior to shooting one solo. I felt it was extremely important to learn all I could before jumping in head first on my own!

How many weddings do you shoot a year?

I am into my second official year in business and I have 15 weddings on the calendar thus far. I have been blessed with amazing clients! I also love to second shoot with friends any time I get the chance.

What does a typical package include and cost?

Wedding collections start at $2500 and include 6 hours of coverage, a high-resolution disk of the images, online proofing, and a slideshow. Wedding collections with an album start at $4000.

Can you tell me about one of your favorite wedding locations to shoot?

I do not have one location that I prefer over another. However I absolutely adore outdoor evening ceremonies. When it is just a few hours prior to sunset, the light is gorgeous!

Thanks to Amber and Kyle for sharing your special day with us and to the extremely talented Lisette for sending us the pictures of this fantastic celebration! Check out her website and blog for more inspiring pictures.

3 Comments | In: Local Vendors, Real Weddings | tags: birmingham alabama, historic donnelly house and gardens, lisette price photography, real alabama wedding, wedding pictures. | #

Images from the knot

Learn from Jessie and Michael: Have your bridesmaids wear bright colored dresses with sashes that accentuate their curves. Pick tall centerpieces that give the room a romantic feel and surround them with candles. Display the index cards on green topiary. Decorate your wedding cake with orchids.

No Comments | In: Real Weddings | tags: bridesmaids dresses, brown and pink wedding, centerpieces, stylish events, stylish wedding, wedding blog, wedding cake, wedding cake pictures, wedding centerpieces, wedding flower pictures, wedding pictures, wedding reception pictures. | #

Give bunches of flowers as wedding favors. Use them to decorate the reception site and place a card in front of them at the end of the night inviting guests to take a bunch home.

Image from Martha Stewart Weddings

3 Comments | In: Tip of the Day | tags: spring wedding, spring wedding decorations, spring wedding favors, spring wedding flowers, stylish events, stylish wedding, wedding blog, wedding flower pictures, wedding flowers, wedding pictures. | #

Tuck fresh cut spring flowers into the guests’ napkins.

Image from Martha Stewart Weddings

2 Comments | In: Tip of the Day | tags: spring wedding, spring wedding flowers, spring wedding table setting, stylish events, stylish wedding, wedding blog, wedding pictures. | #

Skip the veil. Instead, wear beautiful flowers in your hair for your big day.

Image from The Knot

2 Comments | In: Fashion and Beauty, Tip of the Day | tags: sping wedding hairstyle, spring wedding, stylish events, stylish wedding, wedding blog, wedding haristyle, wedding pictures. | #

After falling in love with this cake on Martha Stewart Weddings, I decided to put together some chocolate brown and yellow pictures. Can you tell that I’m ready for spring?

Image from Martha Stewart Weddings

Image from The Knot

Images from left to right (and top to bottom): Bouquet from The Knot, Necklace from Target, Programs from The Knot, Ring from Target, Shoe from Steve Madden, Centerpieces from The Knot, Bridesmaid’s Dress from Nordstrom, Bridesmaid’s Dresses from Martha Stewart Weddings, Dress from Victoria’s Secret

Image from Martha Stewart Weddings

Image from The Knot

Image from Martha Stewart Weddings

2 Comments | In: Wedding Planning | tags: bridesmaids dresses, brown and yellow wedding cake, brown and yellow wedding pictures, brown bridesmaids dress, brown jewelry, brown wedding, gold wedding, stylish events, stylish wedding, wedding blog, wedding cake pictures, wedding centerpieces, wedding flower pictures, wedding pictures, yellow and brown wedding, yellow and brown wedding centerpieces, yellow bouquet, yellow bridesmaid's dresses, yellow flower girl dresses, yellow jewelry, yellow wedding. | #