Real Wedding: Terra and Kevin

First off, this week we are counting down to our big launch on Friday! I can’t wait for you to see the new digs–I know you’re going to love the new look!

Today, I wanted to start off with Terra and Kevin’s wedding, shot by Jennifer of Ever Whim Photography. There are so many creative ideas, which you’ll get a feel for when you read Terra’s description below. My favorite idea that Terra shares: DIY Milk Glass! Check it out below!

I work full time as the Store Merchandise Manager at Urban Outfitters in Santa Cruz, CA and my husband Kevin is a self employed contractor. We have been together for 5 years, but our engagement was on the short side of seven months, and we had a tight budget of well under $10,000. We got married on Sunday April 25, 2010 at the same church my parents were married 40 years ago here in Santa Cruz, CA (Villa Maria del Mar-sits close to the beach cliffs). Our dogs are a huge focus in our lives and were with us the whole day, our French Bulldog Stanley was our Best Man, and our Pug Stella was our Maid of Honor. Since we had a tight budget we did a lot of DIY decorating elements. Our friends helped us put together the succulent arrangements for the tables at the reception and my bouquet. I believe we ended up spending a total of $60 for any flowers/succulents that were used–the rest friends and family donated.

I have always loved the idea of milk glass and found black milk glass that inspired me, however I didn’t love the cost. I ended up purchasing a variety of glass bowls and vases at local thrift stores and painted them black in order to get the similar effect I wanted. Our seating chart was compiled of all of our friends dogs and each table was named accordingly, the dogs pictures were in frames recycled from my aunts old fence. For our cigar smoking section, my husband hand carved ashtrays out of large river rocks from our front yard. I inherited a large collection of vintage brooches and other vintage jewelry with which I had a co-worker create for me my bridal necklace, other salvaged jewelry was added in as well.

Our friends mean everything to us and we were so thankful that they were so involved with us from the very beggining. The one thing that I learned from the whole experience is–never hesitate to ask for help. Everyone you love comes together to help you with any and all aspects to create everything you’ve imagined. We couldn’t be happier with how our day turned out, we are soo lucky to have such great friends and family who all came together to help us with the “inspiration” for our wedding day.

Vendors include:

Photography: Jennifer Hogan of Ever Whim Photography; Cake: Heathers Patisserie; Makeup: Anna Wu; Hair: Aurezu Kuhzarani; Ceremony: Villa Maria del Mar-Santa Cruz, CA; Reception held at Michaels On Main; Officiant: Gregory Ross (the Grooms best friends); Flowers: DIY; Ceremony Music: Steven Griswold (good friend of the bride & groom); Reception Music: Aaron Kushner (co-worker of the bride); Bride’s Necklace: inherited vintage jewelry & brooches-created by Theresa Vu (co-worker of the bride)

Real Wedding: Meredith and David

This lovely wedding in the Catskills features lovely colors, wildflower centerpieces, farm animals and beautiful images by photographer Jami Saunders.

Real Wedding: Chelsea and Adam

All the planning, DIY projects, coordinating, cake tastings, and swatch matching that goes into planning a wedding really can’t compare to what is taking place on that day. So, while I can’t EVER get enough of over-the-top details, centerpieces and decor, there is much to be said for the wedding intangibles–the emotions and moments that we rely on our photographers to capture.

So when Blue Window Creative sent this wedding over to me, my jaw dropped. While putting the post together, I felt so emotional looking at these images, I was almost brought to tears. This wedding is exactly what I imagine for myself one day, because each picture is a moment. Blue Window captured beautifully the emotion and celebration of the day and you can literally see the bonds–not just between Chelsea and Adam–but also between all of their family and friends. There is love here in every single one of these pictures: from the pre-wedding festivities, to the ceremony, to the family style meal, to the vineyard party after. I had a hard time choosing my favorite images!

Moral of the story: Consider choosing a photographer that is great at capturing moments. It’s harder than you think, and more important than you can imagine!

Venue – Willamette Valley Vineyards Salem, Oregon. Hair – Jamie Ellis, Makeup – Bethany Spohn, Cake – Myriad Cake Designs, Event Designer – SHE Designs & Events, Catering – Willaby’s Catering, Paper goods and favors – Clover and Feather, Flowers – Madison Avenue Flowers, Dress – Nicole Miller at Bleubelle Bridal (Savannah, GA), Shoes – Nina, Hair Piece – Untamed Petals, Groom’s Suit – H&M, Groom’s Shoes – Taka Hayashi for Vans.

Rustic Barn Wedding

Kendel and Ben’s wedding, shot by Jenn Stark Photographers has really got me in the mood for fall! Their rustic diy wedding was completely handmade, from top to bottom, and you can really the see the love they poured into their special day. I really can’t get over those bouquets though…STUNNING!

Vendor Details: Photographers: Jenn & Dave Stark of JENN STARK PHOTOGRAPHERS | Flowers: Bella’s Floral Boutique | Reception Venue: Ball’s Falls Conservation Area, near Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada | Kendel’s Dress: Maggie Sottero, Camden Style Kendel’s accessories: Handmade by the bride | Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Handmade by a friend | Cake: Made by a friend | All paper goods (invitations, save the dates, escort cards, etc.): Designed and handmade by the bride

Real Wedding: Scott and Ingrid

This wedding shot by Kelly Boitano is simple and absolutely lovely. I love the pale colors, and especially the bridesmaid dresses. Groomsmen always look dashing in grey, don’t they? Check out below for more of their vendors!

Location: Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont, Ca. Coordinator: Becky Miller. Flowers: Victoria Briggs of Inspiring Details. Cupcakes: Emily Gillette. Musicians: Ivory Owl and Jaymes Reunion.

Real Wedding: Nikki and Dave

Photographer Karen Wise sent over images of this simple Hawaiian wedding and I was smitten. People often think a destination wedding means ridiculous amounts of planning and the inconvenience of a 2000 mile barrier between you and coordinator. However, destination weddings are quite the opposite. They seems to be more relaxed, and supremely focused on friends, family and the celebration of love. Vacation AND a wedding? I love it!

Karen Wise (who just got engaged herself!) has offices on both the West and East Coasts. I LOVE her style, so now, of course, I’ve added her to my list of photographers for my wedding.

Real Wedding: Melissa and Walter

Photographer Abigail Seymour is about to rock your world. Melissa and Walter’s mountain wedding at Lake Eden was so absolutely gorgeous, I feel a bit like I’ve won the lottery because I get to share it here first! Everything from the eclectic wildflowers, to the eucalyptus wreath around the dainty cake, to the insanely beautiful light infused portrait session is absolutely perfect. This wedding infuses wild rustic elements with soft feminine touches and I just can’t get enough. Special thanks to Abigail Seymour for sharing these with us. Her work is always so incredibly lovely. Like I said, today, I won the lottery.

Abigail tells us a few details about Melissa and Walter’s wedding:

The huppah under which they said their vows was made from a vintage lace tablecloth that belonged to Melissa’s grandmother, and was carried by their bridal party via tree branches found that morning in the woods. She and Walter chose to see each other beforehand, and then immediately after the ceremony they took a private, ten-minute walk through the woods. They wisely understood how easy it is to spend the whole wedding together without really getting a chance to stop and appreciate what has happened.

So many lovely, thoughtful details: the escort cards were clipped to a yellow Schwinn bicycle, the theme of which was echoed in the boxed chocolate wedding favors. There was old-fashioned cornhole to play, frisbees to be thrown, beachballs and bubbles for the kids, and a { kick-a** band } that has played the { LEAF festival }, on whose hallowed ground the whole shindig took place.

I hope you enjoy the images! Check below for additional vendor information!

Additional detail images shot by { Traci }.

Brides Gown: { Vera Wang }

Coordination: { Exquisite Events & Consulting }

Cake: { Filo }

Flowers: { The Bloom Room }

Band: { Sol Driven Train }

Caterer: { Colorful Palate }

Cinematographer: { K2 Productions }

Real Wedding: Inga and Scott

Photographer Tyler Branch sent over this lovely wedding and I’m delighted to share it with you. Two of my favorite things about Inga and Scott’s wedding: Wayfarer’s Chapel. It really is just so breathtaking. And Inga’s bouquet. I’m just a sucker for beautiful flowers. Special thanks to Tyler for sharing some of the stunning simplicity of their day!

Atlas & Campbell Weds

Aubrey Atlas of the uber fabulous stationery team Atlas & Campbell recently wed her dapper beau, Nick, in a wedding that is just absolutely stunning. Of course, you can’t expect any less from a vendor in the industry…especially when it’s someone as crazy talented as Aubrey! Her wedding (along with a really great description and ALL the vendor details) was featured on Style Me Pretty, but I couldn’t resist sharing a few extra photos that weren’t featured. To see more, be sure to check out the SMP feature…it’s totally worth the click!!!

Abby Ross took these GORGEOUS images…so get ready to eat your heart out!

Real Wedding: Nate and Alex

Nate and Alex were married at Bee Tree Park in St. Louis, Missouri and hosted a reception at Cliff Cave Park. Their wedding featured a number of simple handmade details that I know you’ll love. I particularly adore the embroidery. Oh how I love embroidery. Special thanks to Erica Turner for sending over such beautiful images!