One Stop Shop: Anthropologie Elegant

When I go to Anthropologie, I know that I am in for a treat- I get that same giddy feeling as when I go to an amazing antique shop... only better because I know that I won't have to hunt to find lovelies- as they are all around me in plain sight. Thus, this little grouping of Anthro-delight aims to show how your wedding can be both indicative of your style AND still remain personal.... it's all about merging who you are with where you've come from, in a celebration of where you are headed!

Sometimes it can be tricky to "try to be sophisticated"... ultimately, we tend to think black ties and formal gowns... but really- a grown-up palette and an dusk ceremony can be enough.... I love using this palette of teals and mushrooms.... it's so very mature yet fresh!

And when you are being so liberal in your bridal party attire, know that there does need to be some cohesiveness to it all- I've opted to really glam up the jewelry and perhaps the shoe selection as well so that long and short dresses give off the same message of formality. I would go with antiqued hydrangeas or queen annes lace handtied in a loose-structure for the bouquets.

For a sophisticated affair, I always urge that the event take place in three stages: the cocktail hour, the dinner, and the dancing. If at all possible, it is nice to have each of these in a different area of your location- as the constant change of senery adds to the drama of the evening and the overall flow of the event.

I like to think of the cocktail hour as an introduction of sorts... it will set the stage for the rest of the evening. Provide lots of conversation starters. Signature drinks, wedding photos of guests, and little pieces of information about the couple are wonderful conversation starters. For the cocktail hour, skip the flowers... focus more on good lighting (remember that guests will be less self-concious in dimmer, more flattering light)... a well-stocked bar... cleverly-packaged appetizers.... and a couple of impactual design elements. Recently, I have renovated an old card catalog cabinet found on ebay. By sprucing up the hardare and adding a runner and a few candles and framed photos, it can be a beautiful focal piece... additionally, I love the idea of using the drawers (some can have as many as a hundred) to house the escort cards.


Elegance is simple. It is unpretentious. It can be relaxed and not stuffy. Such is the case with this table. I envision simple linens, topped with a runner of interesting vases used as pillars for platters to sit atop- what is more grandeure than a family-style feast down a long table? When I watch movies such as Marie Antoinette, I am constantly reminded how much I would LOVE for a bride to skip the whole plated production and flowers ...and have the food right there... for the dinner to extend over an hour with good conversation and amazing food. If you are looking for an inexpensive way to go elegant, I love the idea of having family contribute to a "pot luck" of sorts earlier in the day... then having a waitstaff hired on to keep the drinks filled and the clean-up in order.... by spending your money on beautiful serving pieces rather than flowers and decor, you'll have heirloom pieces for years to come!


And on to dancing (another reason to keep the food seperate from the dancing is that a waitstaff bussing tables is a bit of a mood killer... keep the energy up by leaving the mess behind to really unwind!). I have found that if there are a TON of chairs around for the wallflowers to retreat to, then they will NEVER make it onto the dance floor... but if they've been wined and dined and there is limited seating (more lounge-like) then your older guests will converse and your younger guests will mingle and dance the night away. If dancing is taking place outdoors, I think that the most elegant way to carry on this overall feel, is to bring a piece of elegant furniture outside. Perhaps add a beautiful chandelier draped over the branch of a tree... a rug... a few mis-matched chairs, and a firepit... and you've got yourself a party that's inviting yet refined. Hang a few more of the chandeliers over the dance floor, add a little lighting effects (perhaps drape fabric here and there with par-cans shooting colorful lighting upwards)... and you've set the stagefor an unforgettable affair..

One Stop Shop: Anthropologie Casual

I LOVE the bright hues all over Anthropologie and think that it would be a great source of inspiration for a casual daytime wedding... subdued hues can get washed out by the sunshine of a brunch or mid-day celebration... but these bold gem tones can hold their own against the bright rays.

Now these are dresses that you really CAN wear again! The level of saturation, length, and overall formality are enough to uniform the bridal party without being too matchy-matchy.... and I am LOVING these necklaces, available in a myriad of hues.

Greet guests with a vintage door that has Anthropologie's signature knobs screwed in all over it- each with a small notecard hanging to escort guests to their tables.... (How lovely will these knobs look all around your home after the wedding is over?!)

The idea of infusing your style is not to over-design the space. You probably have already fallen in love with your location for its natural beauty. It's simply a way to bring small touches of personalization to the area... and it is always nice to keep the event cohesive by having a definative thread/message/tone. You can create make-shift seating areas by simply exchanging a few of the rental cushions on chivaris for these.... toss a few pillows onto any rented or pre-existing lounge furniture or benches... hang a few brightly colored chandeliers from the trees or indoor rafters.... Take photos from your engagement session and have them enlarged and then matted atop GORGEOUS sheets of wallpaper, placed in an ornate frame.


You don't need to go overboard on the tables with mounds of flowers to bring in color. I love the idea of crisp white linens and a runner made of varying heights of candleabras, votives, and candle sticks. Frame the table number in a pretty frame and hang a few lamp-shades overhead (with lantern light kits) for simple but oh-so-chic style!

Even if you are opting for a buffet or plated dinner.... I always suggest a station or two later in the night. Sometimes guests just need a break from dancing and thus it is nice to have some sort of interactive entertainment for them. If your guests are not much for coffee... try an exotic tea station... if your event is going into the wee hours, opt for a breakfast food station.... And here is where you can actually splurge a little and get those oh-so-amazing bowls or tea sets that go PERFECT with the event. Typically, only about half of the guests will utilize the station- and when it is all over, a set of these make PERFECT bridal party gifts!

The idea is that you can start with what you already know about your design aesthetic... and go from there- what I love most about a wedding being reflective of your design is that when it is all over- you don't have yards of tulle or hundreds of tiny boxes in the shape of wedding cakes- you have pieces that can easily be reworked and recycled into your home and lifestyle...

One Stop Shop...

Sometimes I feel that the biggest hurdle to overcome when helping brides plan a wedding is getting them to understand that their wedding style is NOT mutually exclusive from their personal style. For some reason, when the words design and wedding enter into the same context, there seems to be these weird undertones that arise, where who we are and who we think we should be somehow seem to be worlds apart. When I think of my own brides and their designs, I try to encourage them to style their wedding the same way that they would style their home or their wardrobe... it is all about taking elements that are already in place and then turning them into a celebration. Typically, one of my first questions that I ask when we start discussing the design is not what colors they like or what flowers they adore... it's "If you could have a shopping spree at any store... which would it be?"

And so brings us to the first in a series of posts on "One Stop Shopping"... the concept is simple enough... I am going to attempt to show how an entire event could be pulled from ONE STORE... I'll post a casual/sophisticated/offbeat version from each... and hopefully this little exercise will encourage each of you to stop seeking inspiration in tired wedding shops... and start searching your own style!

Snapshot: Susan Stripling

Gorgeous + Ethereal... those are the two words that come to mind when I browse through Susan's portfolio. Her images are timeless and soft and feminine and flowing with drama and underlying stories. Simply put, they are pretty and make you feel something- what more can you ask? She's based in Florida but available for travel- so hurry on over and give her site a looksie.

As my taste in photography continues to be ever-evolving, I am beginning to realize how much I am not really a fan of "photo-journalism" as much as I am a fan of "unobtrusive editorial-style photography" (I am sure that there is a much better term for this but this is the best I could come up with for now). As I meet more photographers and get a feel for what their styles are... I am beginning to see that I favor photographers who do instruct their subjects vaguely and then capture the magazine-worthy moments in an unexpected way. I love photographers, like Susan, who seem to have a vision for the photograph before it ever happens. I can appreciate this artistic approach. Now- I will be the first to rant about photographers that spend too much time "trying to force emotions that never happened at the wedding" or even creating whole scenes for show... but I will also say that sometimes we just aren't all that glamorous on our own. All too often I see brides spend oodles on their wedding photography with a reputable photographer but ask that their photos are ALL photo-journalistic... only to be disappointed with how mediocre and standard the reality of their day truely was. Sure, they're good photos- and awesome angles and editing... but they lack that punch, that drama, that EMOTION....If a bride is wanting to be photographed EXACTLY as it happened then strictly photo-journalistic styles are the way to go... but if they are wanting to be photographed exactly as they WANT to see it happen and unfold, then perhaps finding a photographer that is unobtrusive, creative, and a bit of a visionary is a better route. My favorite photographers know when to direct and when to coast on auto-pilot, and in the opinion of this blogger- THAT is the balance that one should seek in their wedding photography.

Home-grown: Etiquette of Chocolate

One of my goals this year is to put a little more effort into developing a local resource for North Florida Brides within the blog. While those plans are underway but not nearly close to completion (more on that later)... I want to introduce you to my most recent find.... Etiquette of Chocolate- located on Kingsley Avenue in Orange Park, Florida. Jaycel and Judy are bringing such a refined (and delicious) treat to the first coast. They studied at the French Culinary Institute in NYC and interned under Ron Ben-Israel, thus one can expect nothing short of mouth-watering delight within each of their carefully crafted bonbons. I was introduced to this duo through a current bride of mine. We have been working closely with Jaycel and Judy to develop both a gorgeous cake design and a favor concept centered around their signature line of bonbons. Each bonbon is named after relationships that people form (love, compassion, etc)- all elements that my bride felt were essential within her marriage... thus we are naming her tables after each of these, offering a sampling of the delicious squares to her guests, and attaching a little love letter from the couple- explaining how each element is important to them. I am excited for to carry out the execution and will be sure to share pictures from this one in July. In the mean time, be sure to stop into either Matthew's Market (San Marco) or Bottega di Bella Sera (Park and King near 5 points)or Etiquette of Chocolate Studio (Kinglsey Ave in Orange Park) to pick up your box to share or indulge solo...

Designer Showcase: Amor*Ology

Love Love LOVING this mother-daughter duo! They are located in Sunny California- yet it is so uncanny... many of their designs reflect so many of my own brides' weddings... finding their portfolio was like finding my long lost wedding design soulmate. I ESPECIALLY love their school-themed wedding, which has many elements that I am planning for my own wedding. I encourage you to stop by and check out their extensive featured gallery. It is so full of fun wit and oozes with inspiration!

SIDE NOTE: (And for all you vendors out there... take note... this is how to do a website! I love its simplicity and carefully edited portfolio. It is well-rounded and cohesive and reflective of their design aesthetic... as a potential bride, I feel that I get a good impression of what to expect.) If you are looking to spruce up your own website, use the Blu Domain team- very affordable and their templates are priceless!

I heart... Valentines! {and chocolate}

I know that it is a really really cheesy holiday. I know that florists and Hallmark are making a killing... but I can't help it. I think that it is WONDERFUL that we've decided to take an entire day to be kind. to reflect and perhaps obsess over "love". Whether you say it with flowers or with chocolate... or a fumbled message within a $5.45 card.... just say it! I love taking today to pamper myself... to remind myself of why I fell in love with Mr. Oh Happy in the first place... and to step back from "reality" and delight in that feeling of giddy, hopeless courtship- cheesy roses and teddy and all! If you don't have a Valentine today, then draw a warm bath, light a few candles, and toast to your own accomplishments!

I stand corrected...

So last year you were able to hear me rant and rave about how videography needed to step up to the plate if it wanted to be considered as important as photography.... well- now that I am planning my own wedding... I am singing a wee different tune. I have been exposed to some AMAZING videographers over the last couple of months! Their prices are comparable with wedding photography... but then again, so is their product! They have taken their craft to the next level and so I am thrilled to introduce you to them:

1. Simply Cinematic
They are located out of Orlando and do great work. They describe themselves as photo-journalistic, unobtrusive... but with a slightly editorial twist. There are no giant lights in the guests' faces... no staged false memories... just a cleverly edited product that is reflective of the day as it unfolded. I love that they focus so much on all of the little moments that go into the overall celebration. The way the flower girl pouted in the corner, the expression of mom when she is frazzled... a bride that is a little nerveous- I love that each wedding is different and it seems that there is not a set structure of "shots" that they aim to get, rather they let it unfold as it may... BRAVO! (And their trailer sites... shown above are equally cool! photo by Agnes Lopez)

2. Four Seasons Films
This team of videographers is so amazing... they start with arial views of the entire area- they bring all of those elements that went into planning the theme (location, season, climate) and tie them into the wedding itself through an intricately woven video. I love how amazing their shots are, how fluid and grandose their overall execution is. This is a GREAT videographer if you are having a wedding at a resort or a weekend of festivities... their transition and ability to include so many elements in a seamless manor makes them one of my top three.

3. Cinematic Bride
Joshua has taken videography to the next level- I warn you that should you choose to visit his site, you will be there for hours... as each and every trailer and bridal video draws you in closer and closer. These videos do not only tell the day, they connect with their audience and provoke emotion- they aren't a wedding video... they are a cinematic masterpiece! Don't be too overly frightened by the HUGE price tag on the largest package, if you are willing to make way in your budget, there are more modest but equally substancial packages offered- and he'll travel... anywhere!

I'm Back! (For anyone that may still stop in...)

So the holidays turned into the new year and one trip has lead to another... and alas- I am back in the daily blogging spirit!

The bags are unpacked and my washer is in overload... but I am home and it feels WONDERFUL! Looking back, last year was really great for me. I was able to find my place in this great big world, embark upon a few new ventures, and ultimately decide the path I would like to travel.... so what lies ahead in 2008?

I predict that this year will be the best one yet- as I am working really hard on starting my on business (launching Fall 09)... I'll be traveling quite a bit throughout the year... I have some amazing weddings that I am working on... among them- I have my OWN wedding- as well as my sister and very close cousin..... It is going to be a great year in my neck of the woods! And what better way to start the year off then to give you a little list of things I am inspired by right now?

1. Foo Dogs


2. Carnies and Caravans


3. Vintage Children's Book Illustrations


4. Glamour of a lost age...


5. Kate Sutton

So this is Christmas...

And what haven't I done...

So very very sorry for the long break... it has been bananas over here!

Both my sister and very close cousin have announced their engagements (perhaps a little guest blogging in the works for 2008- we are all so very close and yet so very different in terms of our personalities and styles....)

My sister is going to be giving birth any moment... we are all on pins and needles as this will be the first baby of any of my siblings....

My own wedding plans are moving forward and I am so very anxious to share all of the fun details we are finalizing...

And I will be taking the next year to chronical my own journey into launching my own design studio... (anxious just typing it)

I've received numerous emails from all of you and promise responses and posts after the new year...

But for now- a little time off to celebrate the holidays and and family.... see you all in 2008!