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Real Weddings:

Jessica and Luke’s Wedding in Santa Fe

San Fransisco couple, Jessica and Luke, celebrated their destination in Santa Fe at La Mesita Ranch Estate. While the venue has the traditional adobe style structures and southwest decor, the couple—with the help of planners Banks and Leaf  brought their own style to the property. Black and white elegance with pops of bright coral and raspberry gave a unique twist to the vibe at the ranch. Florals were by Renegade Floral with paper design by Funky Olive Design and gorgeous images captured byTara Bielecki Photography .

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What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

We loved watching that surprise moment when she told her parents as she walked up. The bride works for a premiere wine and spirits distributor so the wedding from start to finish was stocked with some of the best wine selections and cocktails we’ve ever seen. Guests were also treated to a premium whisky and tequila tasting later in the evening and Frito pie, a popular dish served in Santa Fe. Each guest table was named after something significant to the bride and groom with a story for guests to read at each table explaining the significance.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

The wedding had some nods to Santa Fe with a surprise Mariachi band that started playing at the ceremony when the bride and groom kissed. They then proceeded to parade the guests, shaking maracas, to cocktail hour straight to the tequila donkey, Rosita, waiting for them. That and their choreographed first dance that was full of fun moments and flair – perfect mix of sophistication and humor.

 

Planning & Design: Banks and Leaf // Photography: Tara Bielecki Photography // Florist: Renegade Floral // Paper: Funky Olive Design // Venue: La Mesita Ranch Estate // Tent: Sperry Tents Colorado // Lighting & Drape: Little Made Events // Catering: Walter Burke Catering // Band: Mannequin The Band // Rentals: C Party Rentals & A Beautiful Theme

 

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Real Weddings:

Derek and Meredith’s wedding at Middleton Plantation

photography by Stephen Atohi

Meredith always dreamt of a small intimate wedding—one close to the water with homemade flowers and food. However, coming from a very large family, the couple quickly realized that would be impossible. With the help of Ooh! Events, they were able to create an intimate feel, but included all the important people they love. The celebration in dusty burgundy with abundant greenery took place at Middleton Plantation with florals by Ooh! Events and Out of the Garden and Stephen Atohi was on hand to capture it all.

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What did you envision your wedding being prior to planning?

I always wanted a small intimate wedding. A wedding close to the water with homemade flowers and food. However, coming from a very large family, I quickly realized that would be impossible. With the help of Erin Altman we were able to create an intimate feel, but included all the people that were important Derek and me.

What was your color palette and your style vision?

Our color palette consisted burgundy and navy with hints of mauve and light gray.

Derek and I wanted to get married at Middleton Plantation because that is where he proposed. We envisioned utilizing the farmhouse/industrial look of Middleton Plantation while incorporating elegant details.

What was your favorite moment? Favorite crafted detail?

Meredith: My favorite moment of the night was dancing! Our first dance, the father daughter dance, dancing with my grandparents, and dancing with my new in-laws was so incredibly special to me. I will never forget those moments. I had so many favorite details it is hard to choose. My top three were my mothers DIY lanterns that adorned the entrance to the pavilion. My mother- in- law’s beautifully decorated cake for the bride and groom. And Holly Stiles’ simple but elegant industrial chandelier and string lights.

Derek: My favorite moment was when I took a step back during the reception and saw how much fun all of our guests were having. It was such an enjoyable moment for my bride and I, but made even better to see the joy being shared with those closest to us!

Tell us about your flowers, your gown, your favors, your cake, etc.

Flowers: The three things I wanted in my bouquet were burgundy Calla Lillies, mauve Roses, and Succulents. Hints of greenery included Bay Laurel and Eucalyptus. Holly did a great job of composing cohesive flower arrangements throughout the venue.

The bird bath was special because it was a memorial for passed loved ones who we wished were able to be present with us. It consisted of Italian Rustus, mauve and ivory garden Roses, Dahlias, and Vermeer Calla Lillies, Bay Laurel and Eucalyptus.

My gown: My gown ended up being completely opposite of what I had originally envisioned. I strongly encourage brides to go try on a variety of stiles and fabrics, you may be pleasantly surprised with what you like! When trying on dresses, I had a hard time choosing between modern/edgy and classic styles. At Southern Protocol, I found the perfect mixture of the two. A classic style and fabric with modern neckline and waistline detailing.

Favors: Alison Bland of Boldfish Cookie Company made the cutest (and delicious!) bulldog cookies that resembled our two Bulldogs (Poe and Tater).

Cake: The cake was made by Carmella’s. Our cake was decorated, in part, by Derek’s mother Judi Morningstar (she is an amazing baker and cake decorator in Pennsylvania, but was unable to bake our cake due to traveling logistics).

What is one piece of advice that you could give brides-to-be?

My first piece of advice would be to remember why you are there. Do not worry about small details that are not going as planned; no one is going to notice that a table is in the wrong place, or that flowers are missing on a table. It is a rare moment to have all of your loved ones (especially parents and grandparents) in one place, and it may be the last time. Cherish this special opportunity, enjoy your day with your new husband, and make memories that will last you a lifetime.

Secondly, do not let fear preclude your dream wedding. I originally wanted a small wedding because I am intimidated by being in front of crowds and being the center of attention. However, it is a truly special moment when you get to commit yourself to the person you love, and have the support and attention of everyone who is important to you.

A little about the couple:

Derek and I met at Sullivans Island beach playing volleyball. Luckily we were both on the same team, because we are both fierce competitors and may not have gotten along if playing against each other. Ever since, our love has grown. I now love him more than Uber Eats and Ice cream, and he loves me more than Fantasy Football. I’d say we are doing pretty well!

Photography: Stephen Atohi // Planner: Ooh! Events // Flowers: Ooh! Events / Out of the Garden // Venue: Middleton Plantation // Dress & Bracelet: Southern Protocol/Maddison Row South
// Makeup: WeddinghairbyCharlotte // Bride’s Makeup and Hair: Stefanie Simpson // Entertainment: Other Brothers Entertainment // Ceremony Strings: Carolina Trio // Officiant: Pastor Mike Gaskins// Transportation: Uber // Rentals: Ooh! Events // Rings: Diamond Direct (wedding rings) / Blue Nile (engagement ring) // Bride’s Earrings: Etsy // Bride’s Necklace: Modern Bride // Shoes: Brides: Badgley Mischka // Groom: Johnston and Murphy // Suits: Joseph A Banks // Tent: Skyline Tents // Bar Service & Catering: Middleton Place // Ring Box: The Mrs. Box

 

Inspiration Shoots and Boards:

Sophisticated Grace Editorial

featuring Katta Tubio Photography

The embodiment of grace, flowers were the guiding element in this rose-inspired shoot from planner Barcelona Wedding and designer Cañigueral Mesas Con Esencia. Set in the luxurious grounds of Mallorca’s Castell de Son Claret, the elegant ambiance is created with a soft color palette and abundant floral details and installations by Tinons Floral Designer. Katta Tubio Photography was behind the lens capturing the sophisticated romance in these stunning images.

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Photographer: Katta Tubio Photography // Planner: Barcelona Wedding // Design: Cañigueral Mesas Con Esencia // Florist: Tinons Floral Designer // Venue: Castell de Son Claret Mallorca // Dress: Santos Costura // Makeup: Make up by Lauren // Jewellery: Nicolas Joyeros // Rentals: Jaiak // Shoes: Serena Whitehaven

 

Real Weddings:

Megan and Lewis’s North Carolina Wedding

photography by Kasey Smith Creative

Megan and Lewis’s North Carolina nuptials were a customized celebration of love, family and fun at the beautiful the Barn of Chapel Hill. The day, planned by Kast Events, fell on the Kentucky Derby with a timeline that hinged on the race happening half way through the cocktail hour. Mint juleps were served, festive attire encouraged and Wild Flora Farm graced every turn with stunning pink florals. Photographer Kasey Smith Creative was on hand to capture all the joy and details of the day in these lovely images.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

From the groom: The goal is was to make the wedding special/memorable for us and our guests. From the ceremony to the cocktail hour to the reception. We thought “How do we make each part special?”

Ceremony – We both bring kids to this marriage and had them be part of the wedding. I came down the aisle first with the thought of as everyone else came down the aisle I would greet them at the front with a hug. Everyone had their own music to walk into. From the mom’s walking into Dancing Queen….Best Man and Matron of Honor coming into Lean on Me….the kids coming into ABC by the Jackson 5. We chose our own vows and had a pastor and good friend that brought a lot of energy to the ceremony.

Cocktail hour – We got married on May 4th. It was Kentucky Derby day and the whole timeline hinged on the race happening halfway through the Cocktail Hour. We had TVs brought in for everyone to watch. We encouraged people to wear hats and derbylike attire. I pre-made mint juleps for the bartenders to serve during the cocktail hour. A friend of mine grows mint in his back yard, so I used that for the juleps. The bride and groom were the first to arrive at the cocktail hour. Pictures happened before so we could enjoy the party.

Reception – instead of the traditional father/daughter and mother/son, we did a family dance with all the grandparents/parents/kids on the dance floor dancing to “We are Family” by Sister Sledge. My best man was a friend I served in Iraq with. When we got back from Iraq we got together and he brought a bottle of Hennessy Paradis that sells for $1,000. It had only been opened for his college graduation, and birth of his two kids. We toasted upon our return. I told Megan this story and she surprised me with my own bottle of Paradis. So, for the best man speech we opened my bottle and toasted.

Tell us about the gown and where/how she found it!

Simply Blush was the boutique store where the dress was found. Megan’s friend recommended it. Megan asked me what I wanted the gown to look like. I told she needed to love it first. Megan is fit and I told her to make sure and show it off, but not be risque. Ha!

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

The mint, the Hennessy, the walk up songs for the people in the wedding, the vows we chose. Megan and I kicked off the reception with a dual speech. We gave a two minute speech that touched on all the people in the room and how much they meant to us.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

The whole day was great but it might have been the 10 seconds after we walked back down the aisle to the cocktail hour where we were alone and then seeing all our friends and family join us.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

We met at the Crossfit gym we go to. She was new to the gym and we were in the same class for a couple weeks. Chatted a little after a class which turned into a “coffee date” that ended up being 4 hours long. The engagement happened at Forest Theatre on the campus of the University of North Carolina. The Forest Theatre is an outdoor theater surrounded by trees. After dark I had luminaries line the steps down to the stage with a circle in the middle of the stage. She walked down the steps to find me waiting with a ring.

Photography: Kasey Smith Creative // Event Planning: Kast Events // Floral Design: Wild Flora Farm // Invitations: Minted // Wedding Venue: the Barn of Chapel Hill // Wedding Gown: Simply Blush // Hair Stylist: Lillian Self // Makeup Artist: Ashley Bromirski // Film Processing: Indie Film Lab // Tent Rental: Capital Events // Catering: Old Sadie Smoke Shack

 

 

Inspiration Shoots and Boards:

Playful in Paris

photography by Whitney Heard

The cobblestone walkways, lush greenery, and shuttered windows of the Montmartre neighborhood in Paris perfectly capture the artistic romanticism we associate with City of Love. Bisous Events‘ playful yet ethereal vision, played off the architecture of the city at the Moulin de Galette and Floraison‘s delicate bouquet of yellow, white and peach flowers formed a perfect union with warmly coloured desserts by White Lotus Cakery. Lucky for us, all the gorgeous details are beautifully captured by Whitney Heard in the accompanying film images.

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Planner: Jessica Auvray Bisous Events // Photographer: Whitney Heard // Florist: Floraison // Stationery: Little North Company  (invite suite, menu) // Location: Montmatre, Paris, France – private estate / table photos at Moulin de galette restaurant // Hair & Make-up: Ludivine Francois // Dress & Veil: The Lace Atelier // Model: Mika // Cake: White Lotus Cakery // Napkins and cutlery: Plate Occasions (plates from planner / glasses from restaurant) // Shoes: Jimmy Choo // Ring Box: The Mrs. Box