Dustin and Amanda are two kind-hearted people who have been in love for awhile and waited until the right time to get married. Their wedding was all vintage themed and couldn’t have been more perfect for fall. The balance between rustic and polished details speak so much of the couple– raw and real yet polished and ready at the same time. “This is definitely one of my favorite weddings”, their photographer shares. With a beautiful reveal and a wonderful relaxed ceremony, you’ll surely love Dustin and Amanda’s wedding too!

The Happily Ever After

Extra Special Wedding Details

From the photographer:

The DIY projects. Amanda crafted a lot for her own wedding, as well as having a spectacular studio. I loved this wedding because for awhile I was stalking Amanda’s photographs (she photographs as a hobby), so when she asked me to photograph, I was blown away.

Heed This Advice

♥ Keep in touch with your vendors, mostly those ones who will be with you all day. The photographer, your dj, make sure they understand what you want and what you are expecting. If you hire a good photographer they should be willing to work with you on schedule up until your very wedding day. — Ashley Paige

Money Matters

Wedding Budget: $10,000 – $20,000

VENDORS

Photographer:  Apaige Photography
Caterer: Classic Catering
Dress Store: Davids Bridal
Culinary: Hello Donuts
Reception Venue: Sundance Studios

The post A Perfect Fall Wedding appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

We’re so used to “trash the dress” features done by bodies of water that having a different variety like this is a nice change. Looking at this album made me think of the word “ethereal“. Maybe it’s the orange and yellow of the leaves, the bride’s outfit matched by the pretty headpiece, or maybe it’s just the way this couple lovingly looks at each other. Whatever the reason is, it made the photos look more alive and (as I’ve said earlier) ethereal. Such a beautiful couple. Late congratulations Kaitlyn and Justin!

Photographer:

Kaitlyn and Justin are childhood sweethearts who married on the 4th anniversary of their first date, in the same town they had their date! Neighbors at first, they went through all of their high school and college years with other significant others, but when they finally got together, it was an unmistakable connection. Kaitlyn kept the menu from the diner they went to on their first date and she kept it in a scrap book along with other mementos she collected throughout their four-year relationship. Kaitlyn and Justin are by far the most gorgeous people I’ve ever met, both inside and out. They are gracious, kind, and humble. As their photographer, I let out a shriek of excitement each time I released the shutter.

Vendor

Photographer:  CW Photography by Marie

The post Trash the Dress – Autumn Leaves appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Not every bride and groom can say that they got married in castle like a fairy tale prince and princess so when a couple decides to do just that, we’re all eyes and ears as to how they delivered this amazing moment. And lucky for us, our feature today was set in a venue that will make us say “And they lived happily ever after” for it was held in a castle that is just majestic in all it’s glory.The ceremony and the reception was held inside a conservatory room that was formal and welcoming in the day and was then transformed to be fun and elegant as the day progressed. Truly a wonderful day for our couple. Congratulations Alana & Fraser!

Here’s what their photographer shared with us about the bride, groom, and their wedding day…

What would you say, the overall story for this album?

The wedding story is one fairytale’s are made from, start to finish.
Having been together for almost a decade prior to tying the knot this September, Casa Loma, the majestic castle fit for a prince and his princess, was the perfect backdrop for Alana and Fraser’s nuptials.

A&F met after noticing each other across the lecture hall while at university. Fraser finally worked up the nerve to approach Alana at a $2/beer pub night later in the school year and they have been together ever since.After 7 years together Fraser finally popped the question on a secluded beach path in the British Virgin Islands on New Years’ Eve and wedding plans started almost immediately. After a few months of DIY, the mother of the groom, sourced wedding & event planner – Bryn Allison, of An Artistic Affair – to help them with all the details. It was important to the couple and their immediate family that nothing was missed, and each important aspect of the day was going to be addressed.

What inspired the wedding day outfits?

As the vision of the day was fairytale, the outfits reflected the theme perfectly. Alana’s gown was simply stunning. Glamorous and form fitting it hugged Alana’s curves and was very reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour. Alana chose to forego the traditional veil, and wore a stunning broach. The bridesmaids reflected Alana’s sunny disposition. each bridesmaid wore a different colour.. purple, magenta, royal blue and teal.

What was your favorite part of the day?

Alana and Fraser wanted to spend every last minute with their guests, so they took time prior to their nuptials and guest arrival, for photos in the gardens. A&F’s ‘first look’ by the fountain, as family and the wedding party peeked over the verandah with happy tears, was very special and a silent testament to any observer, of the love that they share day-to-day.

Was there any Do it Yourself (DIY) projects? If so, can you describe them in detail?

Alana and Fraser provided guests with an “anniversary card” guest book. Each guest was asked to share marriage advice, and choose which anniversary they should open their card on. (i.e.,1st 10th, 25th) The couple now have a book filled with words of wisdom that they can open on each of their anniversaries, for many years to come

What were the highlights from the ceremony & reception?

They had ‘luck’ on their side, as Indian Summer swooped in that weekend (thank you “weather network”), allowing for cocktails out in the lovely gardens and verandah area with sweeping views of the CN tower and the Toronto skyline – who could ask for more, after the summer we were dealt? Alana and her bridal party were pampered in the lavish bridal suite, before the ceremony with champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. while guests were treated to live piano music. Alana was given away by both her Mother and Father, which was a special moment for everyone to witness. The couple were asked to face their guests as they were given the promise of everyone in attendance to provide them love and support throughout their married years. The celebration began and ended in the stunning conservatory, with large glass ceiling, which transformed from ceremony to dance club as guests dined. After collective congratulatory irish cream shooters, the bride and groom moved into their first dance which flowed into an outrageously fun dance party. The photo booth kept the young-kid-at-heart happy, and the anniversary card guest book will allow Alana and Fraser to take a trip down memory lane as they celebrate their union for years to come.

Was there a theme for the ceremony and reception?

In keeping with the desire to have a feel of “contemporary elegance” for the evening, the room was set for dinner in clean/crisp white linens, with breathtaking fluted centrepieces, made from white hydrangeas and pink roses,and romantic candlelight. The reveal of the room just before dinner, allowed the guests to swoon at the site of yet another beautiful mural of details.

What part of the ceremonies do you think was the most memorable for the bride and groom? Guests?

The dinner and heartfelt speeches were surely a highlight for the wedding couple and guests. The stunning library, which has recently been restored, was the perfect setting for a delicious meal. Guests dined on salad with fresh raspberries, asparagus soup, melt in your mouth beef tenderloin, and fresh, homemade tarts with lavender ice cream. The speeches were warm and heartfelt. Fraser’s speech to his bride was a wonderful testament to his love for her. It was apparent to everyone in the room that both the bride and groom’s families share a deep and loving bond, and desire to support them in the years to come.

Vendors

Photographer:  Sandra Stephenson Photography
Event Planner: Bryn Allison of An Artistic Affair
Cinema and Video:  Barefoot photographer
Event Venue:  Casa Loma
Officiant:  Ceremony Matters
Musicians:  Duo d’amore
Hair Stylist:  Evoke
Equipment Rentals:  Exclusive part rentals
Dress Designer:  Garber’s – justin alexander
Photo Booth Equipment:  Get the booth
Makeup Artist:  Jennifer Evoy
Favors and Gifts:  Le dolci
Caterer:  Liberty group
DJ:  Nth degree
Floral Designer:  Peter Paul’s
Invitation Designer:  Precious Invitations

The post Fairytale Castle Wedding appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

The classic and medieval style of one of the buildings in the University of Chicago served as a perfect setting for our couple’s personality. They have always preferred classic styles and it’s not surprising that they achieved this effortlessly through their outfits and venue choices.  This album also serves as some sort of preview of their wedding because they want their special day to be filled with classic and elegant details as well. But aside from this all, they did not forget to pay homage to one of the things they love to do together as a couple – sailing – when they had the rest of their engagement session by Lake Michigan. Enjoy this lovely feature and to our couple, advanced congratulations!

Here is what our bride-to-be shared with us…

What is your story as a couple, how did you meet & fall in love?

Nathan and I met by chance in Turkey. He was a student at the United States Naval Academy; I had just finished my graduate degree at the University of Pittsburgh. We both received scholarships to participate in an intensive Turkish language program abroad, and found ourselves sitting together in a Beginner Turkish class of four. During that summer together in Turkey, we became best friends. Upon our return to the States, I moved to California, and Nathan volunteered to join me on the five-day roadtrip to get there. That cross-country drive marked a turning point for us; somewhere between Kansas and Colorado, we decided to give dating a try. The
rest was history!

What makes the two of you a perfect match?

Nathan and I are both romantics at heart. Nathan is sweet, chivalrous, and has more character and integrity than any man I’ve ever known. We share traditional values and a vision for our lives together. We treasure the time we spend together – we love outdoor activities, cooking, learning languages, reading, and avidly following politics together!

How did he (or you) propose?

Nathan dropped off a package at my office that afternoon, which contained going-out clothes for that evening and a sweet handwritten love note. After work, he picked me up in a cab and took me out for a cocktail at the Signature Room in Chicago, with beautiful skyline views of the city. Much to my surprise, our next stop was home, where Nathan had prepared a fresh DIY sushi and sashimi spread. Sometime after dinner, he got down on one knee and proposed. I was so overwhelmed with happiness and love – the rest is a blur!

How long was the planning process? Did you think it was enough time?

The planning process has been surprisingly smooth, given that I’m planning a Raleigh, NC wedding from Chicago. One year for planning has provided a comfortable timeline.

What was the best advice you received when you were planning your wedding?

If you are prone to stress and anxiety, make it a priority to plan your wedding with low-stress logistics in mind! Don’t let people pressure you otherwise. Sure, outdoor ceremonies are beautiful – but for me, the possibility of April showers pouring down on my big day was too anxiety-inducing! I decided to opt for an indoor wedding instead.

What were some challenges you faced planning your wedding & what would you have done differently to avoid them?

If you have out-of-town guests coming, block hotel rooms early! I didn’t realize how quickly they fill up.

What inspired your wedding decor? Why did you choose the things that you did?

Our style is very classical, and we wanted our engagement and wedding details to reflect that. We wanted the day to hold all the joy and closeness of a big family holiday, so we opted for a more intimate size and location for the wedding, with dinner served family-style. Nathan had my ring custom engraved with a laurel detail (a subtle nod to the meaning of my name).

How many guests were invited in your wedding and what was the final guest count?

75 invited; final count not yet totaled

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

We’re planning a trip to the Azores Islands – a small cluster of Portugese islands in the middle of the Atlantic. Just a short four-hour plane ride from Boston, the islands have been described as a blend between Hawaii and Ireland, with stunning scenery, cozy fishing villages, and the freshest seafood.

What are you most excited about for the future?

I’m most looking forward to building our lives together, settling into a warm and cozy home, and filling it with beautiful memories with family and friends.

Do you have advice for couples still in the planning process?

As a former baker, my advice is to indulge in as many cake tastings as necessary until you find the perfect bite!

What would you say, the overall story for this album?

The overall story of this album is one of charm, romance, and affection. Nathan and I loved the University of Chicago (where he attends school) as a backdrop to reflect our classical styles. The ivy-draped buildings and gothic detail suited our session perfectly. We also decided to feature Lake Michigan in the photos, where we spent many summer days sailing together, exploring the shoreline, and lazing on the beach together.

What inspired the outfits?

We let our personal styles guide our outfit choices. We shirked some of the typical engagement session advice and chose not to shy away from patterns. We wanted a range of looks and colors, and tried to style our outfits in a way that would still look cohesive.

What was your favorite part of the day?

My favorite part of the day was ditching the technologies and distractions of day-to-day life for the engagement session. What a blessing to spend a few hours focusing only on my husband-to-be!

Vendors

Photographer:  Dana Ann Photography
Event Venue:Bond Chapel University of Chicago

The post Classic Engagement Shoot in the University of Chicago appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Here’s what their photographer shared regarding this shoot.

What would you say, the overall story for this album?

I wanted to show off the clients style and love for one another. Fall is beginning, so I wanted to feature that as well – using the floral details.

What inspired the wedding day outfits?

Autumn. I wanted them to dress using red, and neutrals.

What was your favorite part of the day?

Ryan & Mariam’s attitudes was the best part. You could tell they were genuinely in love with one another.

Was there any Do it Yourself (DIY) projects? If so, can you describe them in detail?

I planned and set up all the details. Bought everything at Hobby Lobby right before the shoot :)

Vendors

Photographer:  Tony Gambino Photography

The post Autumn Styled Engagement Shoot appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Congratulations Kecia & David

To love someone deeply gives you strength.
Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage.
–Lao Tzu

Vendors

Photographer:  MichaelKaalPhotography
Event Planner:  Caroline LaRocca Event Design
Reception Venue:  The Patrick Henry Ballroom

The post Kecia & David – Love is a Walk in the Park appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Congratulations Staci & Brett!

What inspired the wedding day outfits?

We first met while working at Walt Disney World so that played a part in the choosing of the wedding gown. We didn’t want a Disney wedding but I wanted to pay homage to the start of our story together. I knew of the Alfred Angelo Disney Wedding Collection and started there. I fell in love with one of their Sleeping Beauty style dresses and thought it was the perfect hint of Disney to add to the wedding. For Brett we wanted something classic and clean and the Vera Wang tuxedo was the perfect mix of comfortable and good-looking.

What was your favorite part of the day?

The first look was probably the most exciting part of the day for both of us. Also while a lot of time was devoted to our pictures it was an amazing opportunity for us to get time together before the ceremony and the reception started.

Was there any Do it Yourself (DIY) projects? If so, can you describe them in detail?

We decided to incorporate hand fasting into our ceremony so we took the time to find the right color and texture of the 4 different colored cords we wanted to use. We also had to take the time to practice how we would wrap the cords around our hands before the ceremony

What were the highlights from the ceremony & reception?

Highlights from the ceremony were the small nontraditional elements we added such as the hand fasting, passing of coins and the breaking of the glass. Highlights from the reception included all the fun dancing and the serenading of the bride by her husband and his fraternity brothers

Was there a theme for the ceremony and reception?

There was not a specific theme but we wanted the overall feel to convey a sense of family while being relaxed with elegant touches.

Wedding Videos

Staci + Brett’s at Bella Collina Florida from Alucinarte Films Weddings on Vimeo.

Vendors

Photographer:  Regina Hyman Photography|
Linens and Coverings: BBJ Linen
Musicians: Beautiful Music & Paint It Black Quartet
Event Planner: Down The Aisle Weddings & Events
Lighting:Get Lit Lighting
Cake Designer: It’s Tasty Too!
Floral Designer:Lee Forest Designs

The post Staci & Brett – Fantastically Charming appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Vendors

Photographer:  Blueflash Photography
Event Venue:The Ocean House at Watch Hill

The post Jessica & John – A Dance to Forever appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Truly, it was a wedding to remember and a couple not easy to forget. Congratulations again to the beautiful couple!

Vendors

Photographer:  PhotoArt by Lu Reception Venue: The Willard InterContinental Hotel

The post Scott & Burcin – A New Year’s Eve Wedding appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Vendors

Photographer:  Carolina MediaStar
Event Designer: Fresh Affairs
Reception Venue: Prestonwood Country Club

The post Danielle & Daniel – Class & Elegance appeared first on Elegant Wedding.