With your special event fast approaching, we have a special surprise for you.  Shop now and receive 25% off  your entire order until this Sunday, May 27, 2012. Enter LOVEWC at checkout to save.  Ready. Set. Sale.

This offer does not apply to any previously placed orders and cannot be combined with any other offers. If you love the above tote you can pick one up by clicking here.

We can all say that in high school we imagined where our life would be in ten years. Will you be married to your high school sweet heart? Will you have kids? Will you be a fabulous wedding photographer and run a Totally Rad business? In the Boutwell’s case the answer is yes, yes and yes. After ten-years of marriage, two precious babies and a whole lot of love, we are happy to share with Chenin and Doug Boutwell’s ten year anniversary wedding.

Artistically captured by Hugh Forte Photography and stylishly designed by Amanda, In The Now Weddings and Events. To see more you simply must peruse the entire gallery by clicking here.

From Amanda, In The Now Weddings and Events

I was blown away and totally honored when Chenin approached me about designing her event for her and Doug’s 10 year vow renewal. She told me up front how similar she thought our styles were- and she was right! We both tend to lean towards clean, timeless looks with a little twist of modern, but never losing the romantic vibe that should always mingle at events. We started with a semi-masculine color palette [which is always my fave- and Chenin is the same way] of poppy orange, peach, gray, and natural greens.

We also created a “focal point” from the mantle area, creating a custom cover that hung over the existing stone structure; making the site look just-built for the event [my favorite!!]. Every detail was picked by Chenin and Doug by hand- and I truly could not love more how everything came together! This was a group effort, a labor of love, and one of the funnest events I’ve ever been a part of designing. And on the day of the event- magic was in the air! Truly a beautiful, flawless, tear-filled event!

Since 85% of the guest count [maybe more, even] were in the wedding industry, we kept pushing ourselves to find details that would be enjoyable, gorgeous and fun for this crowd to be a part of! Oversized pillows in gold sequin and colored textures, along with custom monogrammed ones, filled our ceremony area [turned-dance-floor, turned-lounge-area] with color and personality.

A bourbon tasting bar was enjoyed by nearly ALL the male guests at the party, a true Doug touch! We custom printed “thank you” notes from Chenin and Doug onto their cocktail napkins so that each guest would remember how thankful the couple is for them.

Since she isn’t into big, formal, fancy arrangements, we knew that the nature-inspired venue would lend itself well to using greens abundantly in her centerpieces. That’s where Megan from Honey and Poppies came in- her textural genius with foliage is something that I feel has no competition in our area. So, she was an easy match for this event! Chenin knew this party would be an intimate event, so we planned for one long seated dining table with strung patio lights above for ambiance. We finished the neutral textured linen with a flashy gold runner for pop!

Assigning the place settings made the party feel even that much more personal- so we took the opportunity to use vinyl stickers of their names that were adhered right to the guests’ plate rim. A gray paper menu wrapped the plate and sat on top of a warm orange napkin to add just enough color to this muted palette. My favorite part was likely the play on ivory and white- something we don’t see nearly enough of [and I looove it when people combine the two at events!!]. Chenin’s event was also one of the FIRST to use these farm chairs [brand new to Signature Rentals for the 2012 season]; a great hint of rustic without giving off a “tired” vibe.

Photographer: Hugh Forte
Cake: Sweet and Saucy Shop
Caterer: Iva Lee’s
DJ: Peter Papadopolous, Vive Inc.
Dress Designer: BHLDN
Flowers: Honey and Poppies
Lighting: Jim Izzo, Honored Occasions
Shoe Designer: Vivienne Westwood
Graphics and Vinyl Details: Creative Media Print
Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen
Bartending: Sunseri’s
Rentals- Signature Party Rentals
Flatware: Classic Party Rentals
Old Fashioned Photobooth: Photoworks Interactive
Venue: Maison Des Oliviers | Officiant: Chenin’s Uncle

In a beautiful row of purple and pink blossoming trees in a nearby park, photographer Nina Mullins perfectly captured this pretty bride in the luminescent evening light. Within this romantic spring bridal session, the bride’s natural beauty is reflected in the nature of the trees, flowers and fruit. You can see more of these beautiful bridal portraits in the full gallery here.

Photographer & Event Designer: Nina Mullins Photography
Venue: Masterson Station Park
Makeup: & Hair Ana Crane-Simpson of Applied Cosmetic Services
Dress Designer: Jim Hjelm
Flowers: Meijer
Veil or Hair Accessories: Floral Hair Accessories from LC Bridal
Prop or Furniture Rentals: Garden Ridge

Dress: Twirl Boutique | Lavender Sari: Personal Item, India | Jewelry: Belongs to model | Model: Ali Garey | Veil: La Sposa | White Bowls & Pitcher: Target

Nicole Miller’s Spring 2013 bridal collection is sure to make you fall in love even more on your wedding day. Known for her form-flattering dresses, Nicole’s designs are romantic, effortlessly chic, and classic. Take a look at the rest of the collection in the full gallery here.

As you can see the collection has some eye-catching backs. Making a memorable lasting impression as you walk down the aisle. How in love are you with Nicole’s new collection?

As we have mentioned before, we feel it’s very important to have your wedding documented, something that you will remember forever. You can look back on your special day and can see all the love, all the details and play them over and over again.

If you decided that yes indeed you need to have your wedding documented then, be sure to check out the work of Michigan wedding film makers Deep End Films. Their goal is to provide couples with a creative wedding film that looks better on screen than it does in person. Check out a sample of their work below.

Here is a behind the scenes from the creator of Deep End Films on their process, style and overall approach to making a memorable wedding film. You can see more of their weddings by clicking here

The team at Amber Karson Events wowed us by taking a space and created a soft, intimate romantic feeling in the heart of bustling Washington DC. They brought the outdoors in with plenty of ferns, terrariums and mixed various elements (wood, glass, metal, and greenery) into an otherwise traditional space and made it their own. Without a doubt, you know we love anything soft, pretty and full of romance.  We have to say the entire shoot is quite charming, but we are especially smitten with all the florals designed by Petals and Hedges. The hanging terrariums add such a great element. Don’t you think?

All captured by the incredibly talented Adam Barnes Fine Art Photography for the Venn Workshops. You can see more in the full gallery by clicking here and be sure to visit Green Wedding Shoes to see more of this inspirational shoot by clicking here.

From Adam Barnes:

These images were photographed while I was teaching at Venn Workshops this past April.. Styling and Coordinating by the incredibly talented ladies at Amber Karson Events.

We titled the workshop, Urban Romance. We wanted to create a soft, intimate romantic feeling in the heart of bustling Washington DC. Amber Karson events says, “Our interpretation of Urban Romance played off the idea of bringing the outdoors in with plenty of ferns, terrariums and mixing various elements (wood, glass, metal, and greenery) into an otherwise traditional space. We worked with an amazing vendor team to pull our look together.”

What is Venn?
Venn Workshops is a collaboration between Adam Barnes Fine Art Photography and Jodi Miller Photography who look to share their expertise with other photographers, in an intimate, boutique style workshop. Like the Venn diagram, we believe that a collaboration is the best way to teach, because it allows each hosting photographer to share on the strongest aspect of their business and their craft.

Be sure to watch the film from Shaking Hands Productions

Photographer: Adam Barnes
Event Designer: Amber Karson Events
Venue: Parks House
Makeup & Hair: Emily Garbee: Body Works Day Spa & Salon
Cake: Charm City Cakes
Coordinator: Amber Karson Events
Flowers: Petals and Hedges
Shoe Designer: JCrew
Stationery: Arney Walker Calligraphy
Veil or Hair Accessories: Lo Boheme
Prop or Furniture Rentals: Party Rental Ltd
Ribbon: Midori Inc.
Attendee Lunch Plates: Preppy Plates
Floor Terrarium: Ginko Gardens

Dress Designers: Rivini | Dress Designers: Liancarlo  | Bridal Gowns & Accessories: Carine’s Bridal Atelier  | Groom’s Attire: Thanh Custom Tailors | Gown Stylist: Gabrielle Lehimdijian of GL Styling  | Models: Bre Chang and Sara &Todd Ernst

The surrealistic cloud of being engaged left Diana with the very real task of planning a wedding, the first step was to prioritize. They knew they wanted an event that was comfortable and open in nature, a true celebration of their commitment.

She also was certain that they wanted to make this event “theirs” and decided the best way to do so would be through creating the entire thing from scratch. Crafting many of the projects on her own and leaving the tasks she knew were impossible to the professionals, making the perfect crafty DIY Texas wedding. To see more of this wedding captured by Elissa R Photography be sure to click here.

From Diana:

There were a few things I knew I wanted from the beginning. I wanted my wedding at Mercury Hall, a beautiful venue in central Austin, and I wanted Sam Doores and the Tumbleweeds to play – everything else I built around these two things. I tried to save money in all the areas that were feasible, but also knew where to spend it. For things I could not tackle myself, I found wonderful vendors, my caterer was amazing, my florist created the most beautiful arrangements of succulents and yellow billy balls that tied the wedding together, and of course my photographer was out of this world. 

We are lucky enough to be blessed with a large group of very talented friends, and it was through their help that we were not only able to have the wedding we envisioned, but to stay in budget too. We have a friend who is a great cook make our cake and all the pies, and a mixologist designed our signature cocktails. Not to mention the fact that my husband, being an owner of Austin Beerworks (a local brewery), took care of the beer. In addition, we had an entire team of worker bees get to the venue two hours ahead of time to set up. The day of the event I had decided that I would be happy with however they decorated, since I would have no control over it, but I didn’t need that encouragement; it was absolutely perfect. 

The wedding party wore clothing perfect for spring, sun dresses from Urban Outfitters for the girls and linen suits for the boys. I decided that since I was getting married I might as well have two dresses, so half way through I swapped out my beautiful lace wedding dress for a fun and swirly short dancing dress. Between the outdoor dance party on the lawn and the photobooth inside, our guests had a wonderful time through the night.

I also took on an insane amount of DIY craft projects to make the event personal. I made a pinwheel backdrop for the photobooth by creating pinwheels out of scrapbook paper and adhering them to twine dangling from dowel rods. The table centerpieces were decorated with wine bottles that had been collected over our entire engagement, felt flower garlands on twine, and paper pinwheels. I had my florist make beautiful succulent and billy ball boutonnieres for the wedding party, and I created fabric ones for family. All our signs and table numbers were picture frames and plates painted with chalkboard paint. For our favors, I wanted something that our guests could actually use, so, in their interest, I created an aphrodisiac love tea. An herbalist friend advised me on which herbs would best and I ordered them in bulk online. I then combined them into reusable tea bags and had a rubber stamp made to label each tag. 

Photographer: Elissa R Photography
Venue: Mercury Hall
Makeup: Rhea McCarter
Caterer: Pink Avocado
Coordinator: Kristi Treadwell with Joyful Details
Dress Designer: Unbridaled
Flowers: Pollen Floral Art
Groom’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Jewelry: Etsy
Shoe Designer: Seychelles
Veil or Hair Accessories: Unbridaled
Reception dress by Aidan Mattox | Hair: Jenna Harrington | Cake: Alberto Nuche (friend of the bride) | Officiant: Tim Hamilton

In this Douglas Hannant Spring 2013 Bridal Collection, you will find anything and everything except boring. These elegant gowns are over-the-top gorgeous down to every last detail.

If you are wanting something unique and glamorous, with details such as antique lace, florals and interesting shapes one of these dresses could very well be the wedding dress of your dreams. To see more of this beautiful collection, you can see the full gallery here.

There are so many noteworthy weddings to swoon over, but we have to say our next wedding is quite magical. James & Georgina set out to create a wedding that was bright, colorful and super fun. They wanted it to have a handmade feel that was overflowing with personal touches. They didn’t want their wedding just to say Georgina and James, they wanted it to shout it from rooftops. As you can clearly see, they did exactly that.

Captured by one of our favorite Australian wedding photographers Feather + Stone. You simply must see more of this handmade vintage carnival wedding in the full gallery by clicking here.

From Georgina:

When James and I started dreaming up our “Vintage Carnival” wedding, we had no idea just how rewarding all of our efforts would be on the day. Seeing our loved ones, both young and old, having a bash at croquet, my 92 and 99 year old grandparents eating fairy floss off a stick and watching everybody dancing the night away under strings of exposed bulbs and a night sky full of stars was truly the most magical experience of my life.

We set out to create a wedding that was bright and colourful and fun. We wanted it to have a very handmade feel and we made a lot of the little touches ourselves. We didn’t want our wedding just to say George and James, we wanted it to shout it from rooftops!! We had all these crazy ideas and Trudy and Nadia, the legends and creators of dreams, from Lovebird Weddings, brought them to life for us. It was so much more amazing than I ever could have imagined! And lucky for the us, the ridiculously talented Seth and Tenielle from Feather + Stone have captured our day so beautifully that for the rest of our lives we will be able to look at our photos and be transported back to the magical Big Top and the Spectacular that was our wedding!

How much fun is the ceremony site? Haystacks with mismatched blankets and a lace alter cabana. A rustic table was set up next to the cabana with a book and simple can of flowers for signing the wedding documents. There are a ton more photos in the full gallery to check out of the ceremony site by clicking here.

From Feather + Stone:

Working with James & George was an absolute joy. I’ve never seen two people celebrate with as much gusto as these two did. Documenting James’ expression as Georgina walked down the aisle has been one of the most memorable things we’ve ever witnessed. This was a celebration in every sense of the word, from the spontaneous dancing mid ceremony through to the dancing under the stars that continued into the wee hours of the morning. James & Georgina’s wedding really “them” and anyone who witnessed it, from their guests through to the vendors, saw it clearly. There’s something so amazing when two people put every bit of themselves, their personalities, their story into their planning, when it comes to the day it’s one of the most beautiful celebrations you’ll ever witness.

One of our favorite elements was the punch bar. Georgina and James set up a long table filled with mismatched vintage tea cups for the fruity punch. Such a clever and unique idea … don’t you think? The dining area was equally as fabulous. Still keeping with the mismatched theme, they lined the tables with mixed china and loosely arranged florals in a variety of vases. Each table had an old window frame propped up against it with that table’s guests.

The couple seemed to hit the nail on the head with each and every one of their selections, including their wedding stationery. Royal Steamline created their vintage carnival wedding invites. Royal Steamline also happens to be one of our Hand-Picked wedding vendors, you can see more of their work by clicking here.

Photographer: Feather + Stone
Event Designer: Trudy & Nadia of Lovebird Weddings
Venue: Ewingsdale Hall
Makeup: Marcelle
Hair: Julie Carrington
Caterer: Seaweed Cuisine
Cinematography: Panga Productions
Coordinator: Trudy Croad
DJ: Rush Band
Dress Designer: Erin Clare Couture
Flowers: Passion@Flowers
Groom’s Attire: Oscar Hunt
Lighting: Trudy Croad
Officiant: Dave Chapman
Shoe Designer: Shoes of Prey
Veil or Hair Accessories: Julie Carrington
Prop or Furniture Rentals: love bird weddings
Tent/Marquee: Nomadic Tents

It is no secret that we are huge Claire Pettibone Fans. Her romantic silhouettes are overflowing with French-infused antique lace, flirtatious bodices and gold trimmed ruffles. Each gown so intricately designed  that you could easily base your entire wedding theme around one of her dresses.

Before we show you a few elements to get you started on your Claire Pettibone themed wedding, you must see more of the Claire Pettibone Spring 2013 Bridal Collection by clicking here. Do share which gown is your favorite. To see more pretty pictures captured by Elizabeth Messina of Claire’s gown visit here and to learn more about Claire click here.

1. Gowns shot by Elizabeth Messina. See more here
2. Sunstone Winery ( actual location where the Claire collection was captured by Elizabeth)
3. Alaia T-Bar Pumps
4. Twigs & Honey Organza Flower
5.  Gray-Moonstone and Topaz Drop Earring
6. Bella Figura Letterpress Amor Collection
7. Oak and The Owl bouquet (see how to make the bouquet here | captured by Lane Dittoe)