We’re All About the Details!

Take this Advice

When you begin to plan out your wedding it can be hard to narrow down all of your ideas into one cohesive plan. Choosing a color palette, and an overall feel to your day is tough when you only get to pick one style. I always recommend that couples take a step back from the wedding itself and think about what their personal interests are and let that help guide the color palette and mood of the day. Look around your home and take note of how it’s decorated. Take a look at the color palette and style of the clothes you most often wear. Are you someone who prefers a more structured and sleek design as in Restoration Hardware? Or do you prefer the organic, colorful feel of Anthropologie? Let these preferred design aesthetics help guide your wedding style. Thinking outside-the-box and looking to other inspiration besides just wedding magazines will help you and your design team craft a fresh, new vibe for your wedding that is sure to wow your guests while feeling authentic to who you are as a couple at the same time. ~Stephanie Wood

About the Photographer
Stephanie Wood is a wedding and portrait photographer based in central Illinois, but available for travel to any destination in the US or abroad. She has a unique approach to wedding photography in the way that she gets to know and truly understand her couples beyond the surface level details. With her background in Psychology and Neuroscience, she has a way of naturally getting to the core of who a person is and deepening relationships very quickly. She believes that wedding photos often fall into trend-traps; doing things just because everyone else is doing them. She strives to create unique and beautiful images while still capturing all the important, emotional moments of the day. Stephanie is inspired by couples who are not afraid to be themselves in front of the camera and think outside the box to create true art pieces they can proudly display in their home.

Vendors

Ring Designer: Jack Lewis Jewelers
Dress Store: Adore Bridal and Specialty
Location: Churchill’s Formal Wear
Invitation Designer: The Copy Shop
Design and Decor: Two Sisters Event Design
Floral Designer: Vera Buck Floral
Photographer: Stephanie Wood Photography
Hair Stylist: Fox and Hounds Hair Studio
Reception Venue: Reality on Monroe

The post Modern Urban Styled Wedding appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

We’re All About the Details!

Picture this, Guests walking in the charming Garden District with its grand historic mansions and the lavish gardens of St. Charles Avenue, located on the Mardi Gras parade route. Guests arrive stilling holding the gold letterpressed invitations, with hand laid foil detail in the envelope liner and are greeted with cocktails and other delicious flavors served in a romantic vine-covered courtyard before being seated at the beautiful Livingston hand-carved dining tables, surrounded by the comfortable Mackenzie side chairs and the richly dressed Claudia host chairs. Places are held with matching place cards and elegantly printed menu cards with the evenings delectable offerings. The resplendent table-scape of Ethan Allen accents are paired with the elegantly simple Modern Grace dinnerware and Grand Royal Platinum Crystal stemware from Villeroy and Boch. Pirouette and Bloom provided the Gold, green and teal glass marquee vases that are filled with Purple roses, hydrangea, Veronica, cilia, and delphiniums. All surrounded by Italian Ruscus and Tropical leaves. A nod to Mardi Gras of course.Our model is dressed in the stunning “Iris” gown by Riki Dalal, which is a fitting reminder of the french quarter. The gown plays with delicate and embellished lace over nude illusion. The mermaid silhouette highlights every curve while its plunging neckline and cutouts balance out its beautiful flared train for an elegantly daring look.Each piece of exquisite crystal jewelry from “Viola” captures the seductive elements of the contemporary woman, personifying class and fierce designs. Such a stunning gown and jewellry, need no competition, so alistbeauty.ca kept the makeup fresh and feminine and put the bride’s hair in a glamorous woven low bun enhanced with champagne colored orchids. Reminiscent of the great Billie Holiday. The sweet table is set up by cake creations by Michelle. A marbled design, two-tiered caked is enhanced with gold leaf and beautiful white sugar garden roses. Inside red velvet sponge cake is paired with cream cheese buttercream. Two delicate marbled mini cakes are pink and white to complement the decor, the flavors are decadent chocolate sponge paired with a mouthwatering chocolate buttercream in the middle to satisfy the rich taste of our groom.

Take this Advice

Make sure you read testimonials and look at the portfolios of your potential vendors. Don’t be afraid of using many colours in your colour scheme. Think outside the box to make your wedding unique. ~Audrey Mills/Photographer

Vendors

Cinema and Video: Amaros Media
Equipment Rentals: Villeroy & Boch
Jewelry: viola fine jewellry
Invitation Designer: A Good Day, Inc.
Floral Designer: Pirouette & Bloom
Cake Designer: Cake Creations by Michelle
Shoes: David’s Footwear
Event Venue: Ethan Allan
Dress Designer: Riki Dalal
Dress Designer: Valenciennes
Beauty: alistbeauty
Photographer: Audrey Mills Photography

The post Romance in the French Quarter appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

We’re All About the Details!

We love the dash of gold and silver details scattered throughout this shoot, it’s the perfect elegant touch! The pinks, cream, peach coral, and silver accents in the desserts add extra romantic detail!We love the bride’s stunning and sweet makeup look – a staple of the French that allows her natural beauty to shine through!

Saving the best for last, this gown is an absolute showstopper!

That’s the right word for this dreamy cloud of a ballgown! It’s made with 70 yards of light-as-air ivory tulle interspersed with 3 yards of blush tulle that give the skirt an incandescent glow. The bodice is made of ivory stretch silk charmeuse with an ivory French Chantilly lace overlay. For a bedazzled effect, several strands of Swarovski crystal beads and real freshwater pearls drape from the bottom of the bodice onto the top of the skirt. The dress has a lace-up corset back, but can be made with a center back zipper if you prefer. Extravagant looks good on you!

Take this Advice

If your still planning your wedding, please be bold as what you like to include in your wedding. Romance has a place for you weather it is in the ceremony or are or at the reception, add a touch of you in it. ~Johanna Bonilla/Floral Designer

About the Floral Designer
As a Floral Designer, I like to be involved in every aspect of your wedding. Details are very important to me on your big day, as they should be for you. Flowers speak without words and they can tell a story through the lense of a camera for eternity. I am based in the DMV (DC, MD and VA) are, but also, I travel anywhere you want my business. My prices are not to keep you in debt, but to help you accomplish your wedding goals and to create happiness. The best way to contact me is via any of my social media outlets or just as simple as shooting me an email. I respond normally within 24hrs the max. I hope that I can help you create and achieve your wedding wishes and desires.

Vendors

Bakery: Custom Cake Design
Dress Designer: Sheri Autry Couture
Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Mens Wearhouse
Calligrapher: Pia Chella
Ceremony Location: Milton Ridge
Event Venue: Milton Ridge
Beauty: Ella Beauty Team
Floral Designer: Jireh’s Flowers & Events
Photographer: Weddings By Hana

The post Romantic French Styled Shoot appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

We’re All About the Details!

Take this Advice

Ask your vendors for advice. ~Jasmine White/Photography

Money Matters

$5,000 – $10,000

Vendors

Photographer: Jasmine White Photography
Model: Bethany Justus
Model: Domonique Sherell Mabe
Personal Stylist: The Polished Pinkie Nail Salon
Bakery: Tonya Sutphin
Floral Designer: Flower Paradise Florist
Hair Stylist: Klassy Kuts
Hair Stylist: Carlie Semonco
Heirlooms and extras: Vintage Moss
Paper Props: Invitations by Laura
Model: Ashton White
Model: Ashley Bowyer
Dress Store: Bridal Central
Groomsman Attire: Bridal Central
Event Planner: Travis Collis
Floral Designer: Roller Floral by Ray and Lillies Flowers
Officiant: Todd A Gray, Wedding Officiant
Event Venue: The White House Farm
Makeup Artist: Beauty by Kearston

The post Whimsical Wedding at the White House Farm appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

We’re All About the Details!

The Little Acre Farm is a new wedding venue located in Athens, West Virginia (just outside of Princeton). Couples who get married at this venue have a ceremony in front of a beautiful, duck-filled pond, with a big red barn in the background that is something right out of a country fairytale. The barn built on this lot was constructed specifically for wedding receptions and is gorgeous for a rustic bride.

The neighboring farm has horses that stood and watched the wedding as if they were guests and in the middle of the wedding they started to gallop through the field, and it was truly magical. And not only did the neighboring farm having beautiful horses, but Amber arrived to her ceremony in a horse drawn carriage and the night ended with fireworks – seriously something right out of a romance novel.

Take this Advice

The neighboring farm has horses that stood and watched the wedding as if they were guests and in the middle of the wedding they started to gallop through the field, and it was truly magical. And not only did the neighboring farm having beautiful horses, but Amber arrived to her ceremony in a horse drawn carriage and the night ended with fireworks – seriously something right out of a romance novel. ~Jasmine White/Photographer

About the Photographer
My name is Jasmine, and I am a full time wedding and portrait photographer (and softball enthusiast). I am lucky enough to get to work along side my husband Jason, we have been shooting weddings for over 8 years now here is just a sample of our work! We love to travel for weddings!

Money Matters

$10,000 – $20,000

Vendors

Photographer: Jasmine White Photography
Makeup Artist: Beauty by Kearston
DJ: Take Me There Entertainment
Cake Designer: A Piece of Cake
Dress Store: David’s Bridal
Floral Designer: Brown Sack Florist
Cinema and Video: Unscripted Memories
Design and Decor: The Barn on Unity Farm Wedding & Event Venue
Event Venue: Little Acre Farm Wedding Venue

The post Rustic Bride on Little Acre Farm appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

We’re All About the Details!

Hair and Makeup

Erica’s beautiful hair and makeup were done by Flawless Faces. She wore her hair down with a simple, subtle curl and natural looking makeup with bold eyeliner. She chose silver and diamond jewelry, and white satin heels with diamond details.

Wardrobe

The lovely bride wore a vintage-style sweetheart-neckline lace gown from Blush Bridal Couture that was fit for the first lady. Garrett wore a slick, classic black suit from Friar Tux, paired with groomsmen styled in all black suits and accessories.

The Color Palette

With a mix of subtle-hued pinks, light green, and white, the bride’s bouquet added just a touch of color to the classic black and white color palette, tying in the pinks with the bridesmaid’s dresses. The bridesmaids all wore blush colored, mismatched dresses. The white, black, pink, and green color palette of the day set the tone for a classy, romantic and vintage wedding.

The Rose Garden Wedding

The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, California is filled with rich history and stunning architectural details. The backdrop of the ceremony was the museum’s beautiful and serene reflecting pool- a model of Washington DC’s very own. The bride and groom stood in front of a beautifully decorated altar- a standalone structure covered in an abundance of pastel florals and greenery, created by the wonderful and talented Flower Allie. Guests sat in all white wooden chairs, watched the couple say their “I do”s surrounded by tall palm trees, and enjoyed the view of the First lady’s meticulously landscaped rose garden.

The Reception

After the stunning outdoor ceremony, guests flooded into a reception space like no other. The reception hall is the only existing replica of the White House East Room. With three enchanting crystal chandeliers, golden silk drapes, and marble fireplaces, there’s no doubt the guests all felt like they were truly dining and dancing in the presidential home.

DiJital Engagement created an amazing playlist to ensure that the dancing went on long into the night. The reception tables included additional gorgeous bouquets, gold charger plates, napkins perfectly folded to look like suit and ties, and golden chairs surrounding the tables which were set with pink silk tablecloths. Their three-tiered, detailed wedding cake was crafted by White House Catering. All the details of the day came together beautifully and were captured by Three16 Photography.

Take this Advice

Try to get a head start on planning. Book the important vendors as soon as possible and be sure to read reviews about the vendors you’re interested in. If that vendor has no reviews that should be a red flag and if they are a new business be prepared for the reality that they may be somewhat inexperienced. Trusting your vendor team is vital and it can have an impact on your photos. If you don’t trust your vendors to do their job, you’re going to be more stress than needed and it will show in your photographs no matter how good the photographer is. The reality is their is a huge benefit in investing in quality vendors as well as a wedding planner. The brides that seem to be the most stressed on the wedding day are usually the ones so focused on setting up their wedding and checking in on their vendors rather than just enjoying the day. ~Jerrick O’Connor/Photographer

About the Photographer
Three16 Photography is your premier wedding photography team in Orange County, Los Angeles and all of Southern California. With a focus on natural light, lifestyle and a photo journalistic approach to your wedding day. We strive to not only meet your expectations but to far exceed them as we capture the genuine, fun, emotional and romantic moments of your special day. Let’s be honest this is not about a few photographs but it’s about having an amazing experience on your wedding day. Whether you’re getting married at the finest wedding venue Orange County has to offer or a rooftop in downtown Los Angeles or in the vineyards of Italy we strive to offer you incredible photographs you can truly cherish for a lifetime. We are available for travel throughout the world. Our average client spends $5,000 with us. Let us capture your love story, contact us through our website!

Money Matters

$20,000 – $45,000

Vendors

Photographer: Three16 Photography
Museum: Richard Nixon Library
Invitation Designer: Invitation Design Studio
Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Friar Tux
Hair Stylist: Flawless Faces
Makeup Artist: Flawless Faces
Dress Store: Blush Bridal Couture
Caterer: Anaheim White House Catering
DJ: DiJital Engagement
Floral Designer: Flower Allie

The post Magical Rose Garden Wedding appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

1. Black and White Square Cake

This unbelievable square cake is unusual, with a white base and stunning black flowers and lines, but it is absolutely elegant. The design is clean, feminine, and quite striking. We love the way the tiers are separated with false tiers that are smaller, creating a modern, unique look

2. Fall Wedding Cake

This fall wedding cake is nothing like the usual fall wedding cakes. This beautiful cake has two white tiers and a gold and orange tier between them, with wheat embellishments that are just gorgeous. The overall look of this cake is modern and beautiful while retaining the fall feeling and the significance of the season. We just love it.

3. The Everything Cake

Can you believe this cake? It looks like the bride and groom just couldn’t decide what kind of cake to order so they asked the baker to make all the cakes into one. If you look closely, you can spy a cherry filling, a strawberry short cake, what looks like a bundt angelfood cake and even a cupcake. In reality, these are all parts of the wedding cake that have been manipulated with fondant to look like numerous cakes. It all comes together in an elegant, beautiful way!

4. Chocolate Tiered Cake

This beautiful chocolate cake is a three-tier cake featuring white piped designs is unbelievable. For reasons unknown, it’s difficult to find a chocolate wedding cake that looks truly elegant, and this cake decorator has absolutely done it. The detailed piped and brushed designs are simply stunning and the topper features white flowers and berries to create a completed look.

5. Pink and Gold Cake

This four-tier, round cake is definitely different from the traditional white wedding cake. Pink tiers that are so muted they appear to be painted with watercolor paints and gleaming gold embellishments (including one full tier) are so pretty and subtle that this cake is 100% elegant. We absolutely love the way this one comes together to create a gorgeous and elegant cake.

We think these cakes prove that you certainly don’t have to fit the “norm” in order to be elegant! Which of these unusual but elegant cakes is your favorite? Tell us about it in the comments below.

The post 5 Unusual but Elegant Wedding Cakes appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Bouquet

We’ve got a variety of lovely bouquets in store for you. From striking colors to very subtle ones, take your pick.

Cakes

This month, our featured cakes are either topped with cute little Mr. & Mrs. or adorned with beautiful flowers. Take that for contrast!

Details & Decors

Sign says: Please fill in one of the cards provided. Tell us what anniversary we should open it on the front of the envelope, and then seal with a sticker so that we’re not tempted to sneak a peek early!

Outfits

Even if it’s the groom who does not have the striking red vest, he still stands out from the lot!

Mismatched jewel toned bridesmaid dresses anyone?

Shoes

It’s a month filled with neutral colored elegant high heels but look out for our last one, very feisty and fiery!

The post November Favorites – Flowers, Shoes, Outfits, and Decor appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Vintage and sentimental items are not automatically similar but it is undeniable that if they’re both present, they do work together pretty well. Especially when it comes to something very personal to the bride, like her wedding gown. At first it may seem that our bride’s wedding gown was intentionally designed to look a little bit old-fashioned but in fact it’s more of a sentimental choice, for a part of it actually came from the bride’s mom’s gown way back. The idea to have a part of your parent’s wedding in your own is something not every couple are given the opportunity to have, so it’s heartwarming when a bride and groom decides to incorporate their parent’s history into the start of their future.

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

A winter wonderland as I have called it. A smooth, relaxed day that brought two people together. A formal event done for all the right reasons with all the right touches. The ceremony was held at an elaborate cathedral in downtown Birmingham. The bride had a first look with her father who is a Reverend before he escorted her to the front steps of the church for the first look with her husband to be.
The couple chose to have all of their portraits taken beforehand expect for the family formals. The guests continued on to the reception held at an elegant venue in Homewood called Park Lane in the English Village. A smooth jazz band played to add just the right feel to the evening. Guests indulged in food, drinks, and good cheers and they celebrated the couple’s union.
At the completion of the night, the bride and groom departed through a rain of snow and drove into the night in a Bentley.

What inspired the wedding day outfits?

The wedding party colors just came from bride’s choice on what she was drawn towards when she was in the bridal shop. She admired the gold colors. As for her wedding dress, it holds more meaning. Thirty three years ago in January, her parents were married. Natalie wanted to wear or incorporate her mother’s dress in some way or fashion. They tried to recycle the fabric but was only successful in salvaging the sleeves which were french lace. Her sleeves were cut and created the lace bolero. She also wore her grandmother’s pearls as she was unable to attend the wedding.

What was your favorite part of the day?

Rev. Andrew Pearson led one of the most beautiful ceremonies I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing. Not going to lie, a tear came to my eye during his talk about love and what having a Christian marriage means. One of the things he mentioned that stands out more than any is “marriage is loving someone in their unlovelyness and brokenness”. I loved how he described what it means to actually love someone — loving someone for who they really are. Loving someone for worse, for poorer, and in sickness. I don’t think he could have described it better. Even when he mentioned “you love them, warts and all.“

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

The wedding favors were the only DIY items at the wedding. Her mother owns a jelly business where she specializes in datil pepper jelly. She made custom labeled mini jars as a thank you to the guest.

What were the highlights from the ceremony & reception?

The ceremony was held in a gorgeous cathedral church. The sanctuary simply took your breath away. The ceremony presented by the Reverend was a highlight in itself. As for the reception, again the decor and vibe blew you away. It was an elegant, formal reception. The lighting and vintage decor added just the right touch. It was catered by the owners of the venue Kathy G. and Company, and it was delicious. Dancing was a hit with the live jazz band who entertained the guest. It brought a very classy feel that fit the night just right.

Was there a theme for the ceremony and reception?

No theme. Just a formal, sophisticated ceremony and reception.

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

I would say it all could be memorable. From the stunning cathedral the guest sat in listening to the special words as the Reverend joined these two as one to the wonderful tunes played by the jazz band. Since it took place in January and was cold, it was fitting for the guest to throw fake snow as they departed which I have never seen at a wedding I photographed. It wasn’t your standard wedding or over the top wedding either. The perfect fit and feel that joined two people together who you can tell really love each other. To them, this day wasn’t a show. It was a day to join their lives together with family and friends in a nice, classy way.

Vendors

Photographer:  Jewels Photography
Band:  Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame
Transportation:  Bentley Rental
Ceremony Location:  Cathedral Church of the Advent
Caterer:  Kathy G. & Company
Event Venue:  Park Lane

The post Vintage and Sentimental appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Bouquet

Cakes

Details

Nothing screams more elegant than a ballroom floor flashing your initials.

This kind of table setting will make you want to Instagram your dinner even if the food isn’t served yet.

If you have a destination wedding and your guests would be coming from all over the country, have them show their state pride by making them stick flags on this map. This will make you more grateful and loved that your friends and family took the time to travel all the way from where they live to celebrate your special day with you.

Aside from well wishes, why not ask for helpful ideas too? You may never know what treasure you can dig up from your guests. Bottles read: Date ideas, advices, and prediction for our future.

Wedding Dress

Shoes

The post October Favorites appeared first on Elegant Wedding.