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

The Parker is arguably one of our favorite wedding venues in Palm Springs. They have held a few weddings there and  know how to make your wedding a true phenomenon.

Connie and Ben’s classically beautiful wedding was filled with vintage details, drift wood centerpieces and gorgeous succulent arrangements. Captured by one of our Hand-Picked wedding vendors Chenin Boutwell. You must see more of this classic wedding in the full gallery by clicking here.

We love it when a couple tailors their guest book table to their wedding style. Connie and Ben’s vintage style table matched their decor and design to a tee as it was filled with antique books as props and tiny succulents.  The guest book table also doubled as a place for guests to grab a sparkler, for the sparkler send off. Using one space for two stations … great idea.

We love Chenin and it is clearly evident why she is one of our Hand-Picked Photographers.  These vendors are at the top of their game and provide excellent services! Chosen because of their commitment to excellence, stylish and fresh ideas, and their overall fresh approach to weddings.To learn more about how our Hand-Picked Vendors are chosen please click here. To see more work from Chenin Boutwell be sure to click here.

Venue: The Parker Palm Springs
Makeup & Hair: Kelly Zhang
Cake: Sweet and Saucy Shop
Coordinator: Kathy Recchia
DJ: Patrick Belton
Dress Designer: Vera Wang
Flowers: Century City Flower Market
Lighting: Lighten Up, Inc
Shoe Designer: Fendi
Stationery: Paper Wonders
Linens : TE Linens
Officiant: Rabbi Arnie Rachlis

When it comes to bridesmaid dresses, you know we are all about the cuteness factor. Take the striped bridesmaid dresses in our next feature for example. With a slim waist-defining belt and  statement making stripes, these girls have it going on. Not to mention their personalized gold spoon necklaces. Of course, there is so much more loveliness to Jake and Heather’s fun filled wedding that you must read on to find out more. You can see all the photos captured by D’Avello Photography by clicking here.

Heather and Jake and been engaged for years, but the task of pinning down a cohesive feeling for the day was a daunting task. They finally said enough was enough, set the date and planned a wedding in just two and a half months. They decided to only use things that said something about them. The bridesmaids wore striped body suits that were reminiscent of Heather’s self-proclaimed Hamburglar look. She made them spoon necklaces with their nicknames stamped into them, and hair jewelry with cameras (that actually flashed) as a nod to her job as a videographer and editor. The guys had boutonnieres with guitars and guitar picks for Jake’s musical prowess. The floral arrangements were made from dried flowers. Heather spent weeks combing through thrift stores and ebay listings to find vintage jars, plates, vases, pitchers, cameras, typewriters and 1 sewing machine. Jake is from Yosemite and they captured a rustic feeling with log rounds and the florals. They opted for a less traditional ceremony their guests stood around them as his father married them. They skipped the DJ and instead asked their many talented friends (and guests) to perform for them. Everywhere you looked you saw pictures of their life or items that exemplified their love. It was warm and connected and perfectly Heather and Jake.

In the bride’s words:
”I just planned, partied, and survived a wedding, and we did it all in just 2 months and exactly 2 weeks!!! And honestly, it was the GREATEST WEDDING I’VE EVER BEEN TOO.  My Husband and I had THE BEST FREAKING TIME AT OUR WEDDING!!!! It’s still being hailed as the party of the year!!!   Now granted, the year is young, and I’m sure we’ll have some competition.  But for us, our Wedding Day was personal; we served food we liked, we decorated with odd knick knacks that embodied our charm, and we brought love out of even some of hippest and coolest of our friends.
We skipped on many of the traditional things people do with weddings; like table numbers and seating charts. We did what worked for us. We cut out customary activities that didn’t interest us, like a cake cutting, and a garter toss. For my Dude and I, enjoying ourselves was the most important aspect of this whole process.  We wanted to chat, to dance, and to take silly photos with friends.

The groomsmen had tiny guitars and picks in their boutonnieres and the bridesmaids had tiny cameras that actually flashed. Heather made them necklaces from tiny spoons (an obsession of hers) with their nicknames stamped on them. Super cute!

People come to a wedding to celebrate YOU, and I think that gets lost in the whole wedding process.  Brides and Grooms too often fall prey to becoming Hosts at their own wedding. A Wedding is YOUR party to decorate how you want, serve the food you like to eat, and entertain in ways YOU LIKE TO BE ENTERTAiNED.

I should begin my story by saying, I’ve been with my dude for almost 10 years now; and engaged for 4 of those years.  It was me who was stalling, not because I wasn’t sure, or that I doubted my choice. Rather, I was never a girl who had envisioned her wedding day.  I wasn’t one of those Gals who’d kept a notebook of magazine clippings hidden under her bed; inspiration for her future Wedding Day.   I was starting from scratch.  And, anytime I started planning, or investigating I should say, I was overwhelmed by costs, by friends and family insistence on certain traditions, on color scheme, and themes, etc.  I had too many ideas, too many plans; too many projects.  I got sidetracked, doubted my instincts, got frustrated then gave up.
There is this slew of information out there of possibilities for your wedding.  Magazines, Pinterest, Etsy; they offer so many choices, so many charming suggestions for atmosphere, for decorations, for desserts even. I’m a Film Director, Photographer, and Writer.  The way my brain computes is in visuals, and in stories, and this story was extremely personal. But when it’s your wedding, it’s about you and your mate, and the people you are vowing to be. People are seeing the most intimate side of you. I learned A LOT of valuable lessons over the last 4 years.  Weddings are one of the most stressful, exhausting, expensive, and yet one of the greatest times of your life.  You should enjoy yourself and your wedding.  It should be the best party you’ve even been too!”

The reception was full of vintage cameras, typewriters and even a sewing machine. The bouquets, centerpieces and decor were crafted from mesh screens and dried flowers. The beer, cupcakes and food were gluten free. And the entertainment? The entertainment was provided by their closest friends who took turns playing songs on stage.

Venue: Center for the Arts Eagle Rock
Cake: My Sweet Cupcake
Caterer: Island Style Tacos
Dress Designer: Ouma
Flowers: Glue Guns & Daggers
Groom’s Attire: All Saints
Shoe Designer: Poetic License
Bridesmaids Attire: Anjou Clothing
Bridesmaid Accessories: Glue Guns & Daggers
Dessert Plates & Stands: Glue Guns & Daggers

Fresh florals, an outdoor wedding, open toed shoes, a strapless gown and tons of beautiful sunshine. All the makings of a a perfect spring wedding. Fanny and Dennis married at the Calamigos Equestrian in Burbank. With a variety of beautiful outdoor gardens and intimate indoor ceremony sites to choose from, this Southern California wedding venue is a must see. All beautifully photographed by Ellen Ho. See more of this vintage chic spring time wedding in the full gallery by clicking here.

Using vintage keys is a fantastic way to add a little vintage chic to wedding decor. You can buy vintage keys similar to the ones used at Fanny and Dennis’s wedding by clicking here. Loving how they hung them from an old filing card box to fancy things up. Such an easy idea that we love.

Another steal worthy idea is the bird cages lined with moss hanging from the alter site. Another easy decor item that you could easily use later on. We found these great vintage style bird cages here.

Photographer: Ellen Ho
Florist: Three Beans & Co.
Venue: Calamigos Equestrian in Burbank
Makeup & Hair: Stacy Wu from MFMH
Cake: Frosted Cupcakery in Hollywood
Caterer: Calamigos Equestrian
DJ: John
Dress Designer: Wilshire Bridal & Tuxedo
Flowers: Three Beans & Co.
Groom’s Attire: Maggie Sottero from Wilshire Bridal & Tuxedo
Jewelry: Wilshire Bridal & Tuxedo
Shoe Designer: Dolce Vita “Bess” pump
Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas
Veil or Hair Accessories: Wilshire Bridal & Tuxedo
Photobooth – We Heart Photobooth | DJ – Special Event Entertainment
Dress : Wilshire Bridal
Tux:  Maggie Sottero
Shoes:  Dolce Vita “Bess” bump

It’s officially that time of year! The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer and it’s the perfect time for a beach wedding. To get everyone a little excited and inspired for the up coming shift in seasons, we have some super cute shabby chic beach ideas from This & That Vintage Rentals.

After a super long engagement, Chris and Shanda had an intimate wedding on the cliffs of California’s Laguna Beach. Of course everything had a shabby chic romantic vibe and the event was filled with vintage rentals. All of this beachy goodness was photographed by Katie Neal Photo. To see more head on over to the full gallery.

From The Bride:

Sweet Emilia Jane was fantastic! She called me out as a burlap and lace girl right away! Vintage/Romantic with Bohemian touches was the perfect vibe for us! I love how all of the details turned out! I loved how personal and thoughtful our decor and ambiance was! One of my favorite things included in the decor was my parents, and Chris’s parent’s wedding photos, along with photos of my grandparents and great grandparents who are no longer with us. It was a nice reminder of family, tradition and marriage.

Many pieces displayed at our wedding for the entrance tables, drink and dessert station and lounge are from my family’s company, This & That Vintage Rentals. My dad did an incredible job picking out unique pieces that made our wedding so special! I loved the special little touches and collaborations of friends and family. It meant so much to us that Chris’s sister made our cake and one of my best friend’s made the ring pillow. And I am a huge Dave Matthews fan, so it was so fitting to have a bottle of Dave’s own wine on every table, which was perfect timing, as it was released just a month before.

It was truly a perfect evening of laughing, dancing and enjoying the ambiance with our close friends and family! The best part is that the Newland Barn is right up the street from where we live, so every time we drive by it, my son Nathan says, “Momma, remember when Dadda, Momma and Nae got married?” I love it every time he says it!

Event Designer & Coordinator : Sweet Emilia Jane
Venue: Newland Barn
Cinematography: Tommy Walden/MarieSam Sanchez
DJ: Pete Goslow
Dress Designer: Oleg Cassini
Flowers: The Floral Lab
Groom’s Attire: Friar Tux Shop
Stationery: Where’s the Party
Veil or Hair Accessories: etsy
Prop or Furniture Rentals: This & That Vintage Rentals
Ceremony Site: Laguna Beach
Assorted Desserts: Sweet & Saucy Shop
Other Rentals (non vintage) Baker Party Rentals
Officiant: Abel Galvan | Cake: Jamie Isaacs (Groom’s Sister) | Caterer: JR’s Deli in Costa Mesa

For You WC readers scouting out shabby chic wedding ideas, we just may have  a little inspiration for you today. Mckenzie and Jake’s shabby chic wedding is overflowing with creative details that are enough to make any vintage-inspired bride squeal with delight.

Most of the wedding decor and details were planned around vintage musical note paper. Perfectly fitting, because as you will see, this couple is way into music. Not only did Mckenzie sang from the balcony during the processional, but they gave the cutest tambourines out for wedding favors. There are so many more details from this Dallas shabby chic wedding to see in the full gallery. All beautifully photographed by Texas wedding photographer Jennefer Wilson Photography.

There are so many sweet touches throughout Mckenzie and Jake’s wedding, one of our favorites has to be the sweet hankie from Mckenzie to her Dad. Hand-stitched with,” Today a bride, tomorrow a wife, always your little girl. I love you Daddy.” Although they are not hand-stitched, you can buy something similar for your dad or mom in our shop. Click here to see our vintage hankies.

The personal touches were intentional and reminiscent of the couples personalities while portraying another time period. Antiqued glass and books anchored each table setting and were topped with hand picked arrangements of garden roses and posies. How much do you love the vintage framed chalkboard menu above? That is kinda amazing … right?

Coordinator: Foster Blue
Stationery: Cari Sury
Venue: Aristide Event Center
Caterer: Blue Mesa Grill
Dress Designer: Alvina Valenta
Groom’s Attire: International Suit Warehouse
Shoe Designer: Badgley Mischka
Prop or Furniture Rentals: Old hHomes Supply House
Exit Gown :BHLDN
Other Desserts: Eclair Bistro | Musicians: Adam Pusateri, Levi Bradford | Bridesmaid Dresses Made By: Dreams Come True | DIY Decor: thrift,antique, heirloom | Makeup: Elizabeth Brito |
Hair: McKenzie’s Salon Studios | Flowers: Dreams Come True | Cake: Danna Trowbridge

Nadia and Jeff’ had a dreamy shabby chic garden wedding. Nadia hand-crafted many of the details in the wedding, including the white ceremony carpet filled with over 2000 petals which were hand-glued by the bride.

The bridesmaids all wore different colored blush dresses and the dessert table was filled with scrumptious treats, including a personalized iPad groom cake, all photographed by Phoebe Joy Photography and coordinated by Majell del Castillo Events. To see more of this shabby chic garden wedding click here.

Photographer: Phoebe Joy Photography
Venue: Rancho de Las Palmas
Makeup: Grace Lin Professional Makeup Team
Cake: Pastries by Edie
Caterer: DJ’s California Catering
Cinematography: Video Keepsakes Inc
Coordinator: Majell del Castillo Events
DJ: The Wedding Music DJ’s
Dress Designer: (Ceremony Gown) Martina Liana
Flowers: Exotic Green Garden
Groom’s Attire: Friar Tux
Jewelry: Tiffany & Co
Shoe Designer: Luichiny
Stationery: Espera Satya (Indonesia)
Prop or Furniture Rentals: 2 create designs
Reception Gown: Christos
Caricature Artist: James Malia
Silhouette Artist: Silhouettes by Sylvia
Photobooth: So Cal Photo Lounge
Groom’s Cake: Jana’s Creative Cake
Bridesmaids Dresses: Nordstrom
Bridal Prep and First Look Venue: Westlake Village Inn

Citing inspiration from the season’s latest color trend, our next wedding is surely to inspire all you spring brides. This elegant pastel wedding was held in South Africa, just outside Nelspruit in the low veld, near the Kruger National Park Gate.

We are head over heels for the soft and flowy bridesmaid dresses, the flower sash on the bride and all the pastel wedding florals. What do you love most?  All beautifully captured by South African wedding photographer Rensche Marie Photography. There really are so many more beautiful photographs in the full wedding gallery. Click here to see them all.

From The Bride:

My inspiration – Initially when my fiancé and I discussed our wedding “theme” we decided that we did not want to be boxed in by a specific theme, color style or rhythm. We wanted the wedding to shine timeless charm with a slight edge to it. Our wedding stationery was inspired by the Magnolia venue (floral wallpaper) and the colours we decided to work with were dove grey and turquoise with a touch of pink.

Since we got married in early October it made sense to focus on a spring floral table set-up complimented by a lot of candle light. The venue allowed for an open plan lay-out  with some of our guests seated on the patio overlooking the beautiful view of the Lowveld.  My mother, sister and aunt stumbled on the bridesmaids dresses shopping one morning and after sending me a picture we knew that nothing else would have looked better than these fabulous airy floral dresses from Forever New.  We had the absolute best florist and after meeting with her and advising on the look of the bridesmaids dresses she immediately understood what we were trying to create on our day,  she sourced the absolute best and most beautiful flowers available during season.

To fit into the timeless charm  I wanted my wedding dress to be classic, comfortable but still show people who I am, we had a traditional church wedding and I knew that my back would be towards our guests the  moment I reached the altar and wanted to make use of the opportunity to display the floral detail on the back of my dress. We used the same floral brooches from the dress in my hair, which complimented the “floral” theme beautifully…

Our wedding day was out of this world with the best weather we could ever have wished for, the food and wine was delicious the band kept guests on their feet until the early hours of the morning and my brand new  hubby and I partied until the very last guest left. It was a dream come true. Of course it helped to have such reliable suppliers and close family and friends helping us with all arrangements, allowing for such a stress free wedding day.

Photographer: Rensche Marie Photography
Getting ready venue: Caster Bridge Hollow
Catering & Venue: Magnolia Restuarante
Band: Havanna
Cake of Cheeses: Magnolia
Flowers: Jorika van Huyssteen | Dress: Belinda Viljoen | Hair:  Cecile De Jong | Make-up: Mireille Pieters | Bridesmaid dresses: Forever New | Grooms attire: Woolworths | Cake: Family favour

To ensure you have your fill of Real Weddings, today we have Matt and Amanda’s farm wedding in Lexington, VA. The wedding and reception took place at Matt’s family farm which dates back to the 1700′s.

It really was a family affair because ever vendor was a friend or a friend of a friend, making everything incredibly personal. We are sure you are going to enjoy this farm wedding captured by the incredibly talented Katie Stoops Photography. Yep… there is more to see in the full wedding gallery. Also, we must mention how cute the bridesmaid dresses look. Incredibly flattering on every single one of Amanda’s bridesmaids.

One of our favorite details in the wedding were the custom etched mason jars used as wedding favors. So incredibly cute and unique. Putting a modern twist on the incredibly popular Mason Jar. Mason jars etched by Big Secret.

Photographer: Katie Stoops Photography
Venue: Private family farm in Lexington, VA
Hair: Claibourne Reppert
Cake: Barb’s Bakery, Lexington, VA
Caterer: Patrick Critzer
DJ: Adam Smith from the band Invisible Hand
Dress Designer: Amsale
Flowers: DIY
Groom’s Attire: Personal suit
Jewelry: The Yellow Button
Shoe Designer: J Crew
Stationery: Patrick Costello
Custom cake topper: Allyson Mellberg Taylor
Custom Mason Jars: Big Secret
Makeup: Becca Cook

With all this winter talk, we thought we would throw a little sunny seaside San Diego wedding your way. Kari and Matt’s La Jolla Scripss wedding was filled to the brim with some incredibly vibrant wedding details that we know you are going to love. Including some of the cutest wedding place mats we have ever seen.

This stylish seaside wedding did not happen on its own, it took a whole lot of talented vendors to make it super fabulous. Luxe Events coordinated and styled, Joielala Photographie snapped all these pretty pictures and 10.11 Makeup made everyone look pretty. Be sure to see this entire Seaside San Diego Wedding in the full wedding gallery.

From Luxe Events

Kari has an extremely fresh sense of style.   She is drawn to vibrant colors and modern patterns.  So I set out to design a wedding layered in colorful bold patterns.  We let go of traditional ideas of what “matches” and became playful with the design choices.     I’d call the wedding design “Layered Chic”. Once we embraced this concept the plan fell into place.  We picked three fabulous patterns that would complement each other.  We brought the patterns to center stage through unique wedding elements. When we could not find a charger that was just the right color or pattern I came up with the idea to create a stylish placemat.   Enlisting Brightly Designed to take our pattern decor to the next level, she designed super-cool placemats including quotes from favorite songs.  Each table had one of the three patterned placemats.  In addition we made paper vase wraps for the centerpieces.   While we loved the blue and green colors I felt something whimsical was missing, and we added the slightest touch of hot pink.   The pattern and color story carried through from guest book poster, signature drink flags, hanging tissue balls, dangling ceremony flowers, signage above the head table, vase wraps, placemats, lighting, linens and that wow-factor cake.   The end result was a wedding so very Kari and Matt- bold and beautiful.

10.11 Makeup is one of our exclusive The Hand-Picked Vendors. Hand-Picked Vendors are at the top of their game and provide excellent services! These vendors are chosen because of their commitment to excellence, stylish and fresh ideas, and their overall fresh approach to weddings. To learn more about how our Hand-Picked Vendors are chosen please click here.

Photographer: Joielala Photographie
Event Designer & Coordinator: Luxe Events
Makeup & Hair: 10.11 Makeup

Venue: scripps seaside forum
Cake: twiggs
Caterer: coast catering
Cinematography: nr3 productions
DJ: daniel peterson
Flowers: thistledew
Groom’s Attire: gentlemen’s tux shop
Dress Designer: Christos
Jewelry: justine m couture
Lighting: daniel peterson
Shoe Designer: vera wang
Stationery: brightly designed
Veil or Hair Accessories: justine m couture

Our next feature was actually a 30th birthday celebration for event designer Lindsey Hartsough for Magnolia Event Design. The ideas were so spectacular and could easily be carried over for a wedding. Lindsey goes on to share how her day was put together and of course give you some fabulous Circus Wedding Ideas. That are glitzy, glamorous and of whole lot of fun.

The ever so fabulous Linda Chaja captured this fun day. You can see so many more photos in the full gallery by clicking here. Let us know what you think about this circus extravaganza.

From Lindsey:

Circus to me evokes fun, childhood, fantasy, beauty and all things wonderful. Being an event designer I find that food is the easiest way to convey a theme to your guests and luckily for me the thought of “Circus/Carnival Food” makes me giddy!  I am a girl who loves to go to carnivals, cicus’ and fairs to experience all the tasty treats that aren’t easy to come by.  I taste a lot of “fancy” food for my clients, but there is nothing like a corn dog, churro, popcorn, cotton candy or a caramel apple.  Because my guests are used to fancy food I thought it would be fun for them to go back to childhood and enjoy lots of tasty treats.  I worked with the chef to “fabulize” the  foods a bit, but really didn’t want to take away from the traditional mindset that these foods convey.

So, what is a birthday without a cake?  To me funfetti cake is childhood all baked up!  There is something unexpected and fun about cutting into a formal cake and finding every cover of the rainbow inside. Jessica created her Salted Caramel Apples and Beet Sugar dyed Truffles. Okay, you may think you have tried a Caramel Apple before, but you haven’t! These little puppies make my mouth water just writing about them. As the birthday girl I would have hoped my friends would have left me one, but NO! Those babies were devoured before I had a chance to grab one for myself… how rude!

A “Lindsey” event isn’t an event without an Open Air Photo Booth… we created a custom backdrop for the booth and was sparkly and super fun. Nick designed the perfect custom layout to match the event perfectly! Who knew that in Nick’s bag of tricks was a professional grade cotton candy maker machine thing? Nick has that little sugar goddess available for rent and let me tell you first hand how much fun it is to have cotton candy at your party… real FUN!

As you see there are a ton of custom cocktails at the party. Lindsey greeted guest with a custom cocktail.

I really love floral tasting drinks and feel in love with Parfait Amour, which is a violet liqueur on one of my trips to Vancouver.   I worked with Josh at Blush to create the perfect signature cocktail for my event.  I wanted something with a violet hue and that had a floral taste.   

Lindsey’s Luscious Lavender Sparkler
1 part Pinky vodka (This  vodka is hand blended with violets, rose petals and ten other botanicals),
1 part rose champagne
and a dash of Parfait Amour.
We garnished with fresh mini edible flowers

The idea of carnival food at a wedding at first makes you think ummmm no…but, we love the idea of jazzing it up a bit and making carnival food fancy. Sounds like an episode of Top Chef. What do you think? Would you opt for carnival food at a wedding?

Mossin the super duper fabulous chef at Blush created a custom menu for me and the guests raved about the flavors and treats. We had carnival treats- churros, corndogs, French fries, mac and cheese, burgers,

Desert Table Deserts: Jessica Foster Confections

Photographer: Linda Chaja
Event Designer: Lindsey Hartsough for Magnolia Event Design
Venue: Blush Restaurant and Lounge
Makeup: Luna Bella- Hair and Makeup
Cake: Siblings Bakery- Birthday Cake
Flowers: NLC Productions
Lighting: Bella Vista Designs- Lighting and fabric
Stationery: Lazaro Press
Photo Booth: Open Air Photo Booth
Linens: La Tavola Linens

We have super fun, modern playful wedding for you. Even better they used a few of our free printables to make their special day even more fantastic. The theme was,”Up In The Clouds.” Of course you need to have your wedding as high up as possible if that is your theme. So, The Pasadena Museum of California Art seems like such a natural choice.

As you can see, everything is simple and modern keeping with the up in the clouds theme. Bridesmaid in bright sky blue dresses, floral arrangements popping with color and a very clever way to portray the sun and clouds and the reception. This Modern Rooftop Wedding was captured by Adrienne Gunde. You can see all the photos in the full wedding gallery by clicking here.

From The Bride:

While planning the wedding, I adored all the wedding creativity I saw on wedding blogs, in particular, Wedding Chicks. We pored over the DIY & Downloads section and were tickled when we came upon the perfect Save the Dates for our wedding: the Airplane Save the Dates. We loved the retro vibe of the customized the Airplane Save the Dates to our wedding colors. To save money, we e-mailed the Save the Dates to our guests.

We wanted our wedding to pop with happy, bold colors. We love color, and our color palette began with a subdued blue and green (more specifically, Mint and Deep Ocean, according to Wedding Chicks color palette for our electronic Save the Dates) and ballooned to include sunshine yellow, hot pink, and bright orange. We also could not resist using varying shades of blue and green throughout the wedding.

The escort cards (printed on cloud address labels) and cheery yellow billy balls sprouted from beds of cotton “clouds” which filled a wooden box that adorned our escort card table.

We found a woodblock print of a cloud, which inspired our invitations. The fun customized invitations featured woodblock print clouds designed by our stationer Papercake Designs and our interpretation of the PMCA rooftop. The RSVP cards gave guests two options: “OH YES. can’t wait.” or “OH DEAR! can’t make it.” The invitation sets were mailed in sunshine yellow envelopes, and we used a typewriter font to print out each guest’s name/address to give our invitations more of a fun, retro feel.
Our amazing wedding coordinator Uyen Nguyen of Sassy Girl Weddings & Events worked with us and with our other vendors to design and incorporate cloud details into the wedding. We had loads of fun with our theme.

Eric crafted the hanging clouds floating over the guests at the rooftop reception. There were individual clouds as well as clusters. To create the hanging clouds, Eric magnified varying cloud designs from our invites, pasted the images on foam board, cut the edges to resemble clouds, and attached each ensemble to fish wire. We interspersed the hanging clouds with yellow lanterns that were an interpretation of the sun.

The PhotoBooth Sign! We printed out the freebie from the Wedding Chicks website, pasted the sign on foam board, and propped it up on a striped green tray.

Photographer: Adrienne Gunde

Event Designer: Sassy Girl Weddings
Venue: Pasadena Museum of California Art
Makeup: Theresa Huang
Hair: Theresa Huang
Caterer: Lawrys Catering
Cinematography: Studio West Video
Coordinator: Sassy Girl Weddings
DJ: Premiere Events Group
Flowers: Commerce Flowers
Lighting: Ambiance Party Lighting
Shoe Designer: Ivanka Trump
Stationery: Papercake Designs
Photobooth: Rockstar Photobooth

Our next couple had been together eight years before their wedding. They didn’t want their wedding to feel like their parents party, but they also did not want the wedding to feel like a beginning… like they were starting their lives together. Instead, they wanted their guests to feel as though the entire weekend was a celebration of a bond that they had grown and nurtured over the past eight years and would continue to grow and nurture. Read on to hear some pretty fabulous tips from the bride.

Enjoy more Preppy Pink And Navy Wedding from one of our absoulte favorite Midwest Weddding Photographer Emily Emily Steffen Photography.

Read this is is pretty awesome:

On August 20, 2010, one year before our wedding, I was looking at one of the blogs I follow and I saw a wedding where the bride and groom wrote their vows together. At their ceremony the bride said one line of their vows and the groom said the next and they went back and forth until the vows were over. And when the vows were over they asked each other if they vowed to be the others husband and wife. I had never met these people but I was crying in my office at work after hearing their vows. It was so moving. I went home, showed Scott and he instantly agreed. We wrote our vows that same night . . . a year before our wedding. Our entire wedding weekend was every thing we could have hoped for–the Twin Cities had absolutely perfect weather, everyone was smiling and laughing, and we felt so incredibly loved.

From The Bride on her inspiration and diy projects.

With wedding blogs for inspiration, I set out to make our one of a kind wedding. I have always been the type of person that refuses to pay someone to do something I can do myself, so a few months before the wedding I made the cornhole boards, thank you place cards, moss letters, lavender hand soaps, and welcome bags. When my Maid of Honor arrived from LA the week of the wedding, we made the bouquets, centerpieces, and table card windows. However, none of the details would have been pulled off without our week of coordinator, Lora from At Your Service Weddings. I loved being a do-it-yourself Bride, but I loved even more that on the day of my wedding I could just enjoy every moment and not worry about a thing.

 When the time came to plan our wedding, we knew we wanted it to be timeless and classic, but not traditional, with a dash of good old Southern Hospitality all the way up in Minnesota. Eighty percent of our guest list was flying in for the wedding and we did not want them to worry about a thing. We rented a charter bus to take them to and from the wedding, and when they arrived at the boat club they were immediately handed either a Mint Julep or a John Daly and an Hors d’oeuvre as they waited for the ceremony.

We love the idea of keeping the Mason jar as a wedding favor. Not only do they get to use it at the wedding, but every time guests use it they will remember your special day.

Emily Steffen is one of our exclusive Hand-Picked Vendors. Hand-Picked Vendors are at the top of their game and provide excellent services! These vendors were chosen because of their commitment to excellence, stylish and fresh ideas, and their overall fresh approach to weddings. To learn more about how our Hand-Picked Vendors are chosen please click here.

Photographer: Emily Steffen Photography
Venue: MN Boat Club
Makeup: Sara Feldman
Hair: Sara Feldman
Cake: Wouletts Bakery
Coordinator: At your Service Weddings
Dress Designer: Melissa Sweet
Flowers: The Bride and Maid of honor
Groom’s Attire: Brooks Brothers

Since they majority of their budget was spent on their photographer, Danielle Capito and the venue Dana Powers House. Our next couple decided to embark on the great journey of the good ol’ DIY plan. Little did they realize how fun and meaningful it would make the process. You can read all about the handmade projects from the bride by clicking here.

To see all of the diy projects from this Glamorous barn wedding click here.

A do-it-yourself wedding project we particullary like from the bride:

Wine Bottle GuestBook – Used 5 wine bottles from important dates in our relationship (our engagement, first bottle of wine together, birthdays, etc.). Cleaned them out and made personalized labels to match the wedding decor. Each label represented a future anniversary year (1 year, 5year, 10year, 25 years, 35 years) and had a wine quote on it. Each guest wrote a note or wish and dropped it in the year of their choice. We will open each bottle on that labeled year to read notes from our guests at the wedding to celebrate our anniversaries.

Photographer: Danielle Capito Photography
Venue: Dana Powers House
Makeup: Candi of All Dolled Up
Caterer: Bruce’s Prime Cuts
Dress Designer: Sottero & Midgely
Floral Design: Barbara of Camino Flowers
Stationery: Vibrant Imagery
Veil or Hair Accessories: Etsy.com

How dreamy would it be to have a destination wedding in Italy? Especially in a romantic castle hidden among the breathtaking hills of Fiesole, overlooking Florence. Sounds like a dream come true to us, luckily it was the real deal for Ireny & Andrew.

You may think personalizing a destination wedding would be a difficult feat. It probably is, but these guys pulled it off. And then some. Another thing may be convincing your guests to come all that way. Though I don’t think these guests needed much convincing … All of this from London Wedding Photographer Ed Peers. To see more of this destination wedding click here.

Ireny spent many months crafting and stuffing personalized fabric hearts that were used to decorate the venue and then were given away as favors to the guests. The color scheme focused on different shades of pink with peonies being the main blossom. Watermelon Martini was offered at the aperitif and then jars of the same cocktail were placed on tables for guests to sip before and during dinner. Hearts of different shapes and materials hanged from trees, the castle gates, lamp-posts, creating a very romantic and fairytale ambiance.

Event Designer: Chic Weddings

Photographer: Ed Peers
Venue: Castello di Vincigliata
Cake: Galateo Ricevimenti Catering
Caterer: Galateo Ricevimenti Catering
DJ: Tre Lowe
Dress Designer: Ritva Westenius
Flowers: Mario Selicato
Officiant: Greek Orthodox Church of Scandicci
Shoe Designer: Cesare Paciotti
Stationery: Designed by the bride
Veil or Hair Accessories: Louis Mariette

As you know, we love a Disney Pixars Up Wedding. It is truly a romantic love story that reminds us all how fun and whimsical love can really be.

Like all of us, our next couple Kelley and Edmund also love the movie Up and ran with this bright and cherry theme of balloons, bow ties and a whole lot of whimsy. All of this Up goodness was designed by White Lilac Inc. and photographed by Adrienne Gunde. Be sure to see more pictures in the entire wedding gallery and check out Kelley and Edmund’s video below from 618studios.

This video is no longer available to view. Please visit 618Studios on their website.

Vanilla Bake Shop is one of our exclusive The Hand-Picked Vendors. Hand-Picked Vendors are at the top of their game and provide excellent services! These vendors were chosen because of their commitment to excellence, stylish and fresh ideas, and their overall fresh approach to weddings.


Photographer: Adrienne Gunde
Cinematography: 618studios
Floral Design: Flower Allie

Event Design: White Lilac Inc.
Venue: SmogShoppe
Makeup | Hair: Kelly Zhang
Cake | Desserts: Vanilla Bake Shop
Caterer: Huntington Catering Company
Shoe Designer: J. Crew
Bridesmaid’s dresses: J. Crew

Take a look a this Rustic Santa Barbara Wedding, it excudes classic elegance with a rustic twist. Bre & Jeff were married at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum and had some really lovely details put together by Brown Paper Design.

The wedding alter is definitely a must see. Loosly scattered succulents and peonies lined the wedding pathway. Super gorgeous. Be sure to check out the wedding film by Joel Serrato. You can see more of this wedding in the full gallery captured by Josh Elliott.

Joel Serrato is one of our exclusive The Hand-Picked Vendors. Hand-Picked Vendors are at the top of their game and provide excellent services! Vendors are chosen because of their commitment to excellence, stylish and fresh ideas, and their overall fresh approach to weddings. To learn more about how our Hand-Picked Vendors are chosen please click here.

This video is no longer available to view. Please visit Joel Serrato Films on their website or blog.

Photographer: Josh Elliott
Event Designer: Brown Paper Design
Venue: Santa Barbara Historical Museum
Makeup: Cheek Couture
Hair: Cheek Couture
Caterer: SBB Gourmet Catering
Cinematography: Joel Serrato
Event Rentals: Ventura Rental Center

English rose rain boots and mismatched rose bridesmaid dresses are such an unexpected wedding treat. Held at the Raspberry Acres Winery in Blairsville, PA under a tent decorated with pastel puffs .. there are a few other steal worthy ideas that you will not want to miss from this Vintage Inspired Wedding.  Be sure to check out the wedding video by ShoFilms and see the entire wedding gallery by clicking here.

We just have to mention how cute Andria looks our Rainbow Bride Tank Top. Such a perfect little number to wear while you are getting beautified. All of this Pennsylvania prettiness was captured by  Caitlin Thomas Photography.

While we obviously love ourselves some mason jar flower arrangements, it is super fun to see how each couple puts their spin on it. Andria and Stephen chose the blue mason jars with loosely arranged spring florals. We loved how they placed the colorful arrangements on vintage dollies surrounded by vintage knickknacks.  To see these pretty table arrangements up close and personal click here.

Photographer: Caitlin Thomas Photography
Venue: Raspberry Acres Winery
Makeup: All Dolled Up
Caterer: Jaden’s Catering
Cinematography: ShoFilms
DJ: DJ Digital Dave (Modern Era Weddings)
Groom’s Attire: American Commodore Tuxedo
Cake: Little Lisa’s Pastry Shoppe
Flowers: Bouquets: Indiana Flower Gallery Reception

Stella Event Design created a vibrant color palette of pinks and teals for our next Southwest Michigan wedding. Although both of the colors are quite dynamic, they seem to play off of each other perfectly.

You are going to adore the teal flower girl dress. Seriously, how cute does she look in all that tulle? See more of this Pink And Teal Wedding captured by Bradley James Photography by clicking here.

The mix and match glass turquoise bottles filled with springs of hot pink florals is not only doable, but adds such a punch of color to the white tables and chairs. It might even be fun to find different primary colored bright bottles and keep the flowers one color for a festive look.

Photographer: Bradley James Photography

Event Designer: Stella Event Design
Venue: Millcreek Barns
Makeup: Hanna Wagner Design
Cake: The Shy Cookie
Cinematography: All Star Productions
Coordinator: Stella Event Design
DJ: GR Affordable DJ
Flowers: Crystal Springs Florists