I want to become a society lady Rockin' a new rock?!

Justyna and Jason, both avid travelers, settled on the quaint Tuscan town of Cortona for their wedding. The event celebrates their love and the best of the location including vineyard views at Villa Baroncino, a ceremony in a stunning  900-year-old church and foraged greenery and olive branch installations by Passion Flower at the reception. The personalized details are what you’d expect of a wedding planner’s own nuptials (yep—Justyna’s a planner with Ines and Marie ) and her friend Amanda Dumouchelle  was on hand to captured it all!

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What made the wedding special and unique? 

There are few places in the world more special and unique to be married than Italy! Justyna and Jason chose the quaint Tuscan town of Cortona, near Lake Trasimeno and nestled between Tuscany and Umbria. Though Italy may sound like an unusual destination, it makes sense when you look at how they’ve lived their lives. Jason born in the United States, Justyna born in Poland, both living in countries such as Ecuador and England, both avid travelers, and with friends and family coming from as far away as China and Australia. Italy just seemed like the most romantic venue for these two lovebirds. Justyna and Jason’s wedding was made even more special considering that they, along with their closest friends and family, spent an entire week together at the same winery and estate; laughing, drinking, singing, eating amazing food, and traveling the Italian countryside together. This made their wedding feel like a week-long celebration of love and family!

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

The dress is the Garbo by Amy Kuschel. Justyna found it at The Gown Shop in Ann Arbor!

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal? 

Literally every single detail of their wedding had a personal touch to it. Being a professional wedding planner, Justyna had a hand in almost every aspect of the wedding aesthetic, with the guest experience being a primary focus. To add to the personal touches, Justyna and Jason chose to bring their photographer and friend (Amanda Dumouchelle) and their florist (Susan McCleary) all the way from the US, knowing that they each would be able capture the vision they had for their special day. Susan from Passion Flower sourced the flowers for the wedding locally in Italy, and even foraged most of the incredible greenery from the grounds of estate where the reception took place. To add to the personal touch, Justyna herself even handcrafted all of the paper goods that adorned the reception space. To help tie his roots back to Michigan, Jason had his custom tuxedo made by a Detroit-based bespoke clothier, with his and Justyna’s initials stitched under the breast pocket, and cuff links bearing his Alma Mater that were presents from his soon-to-be brother and sister-in-law. These touches all helped their wedding feel more like a personal expression of their love for one another!

What was the most memorable part of the day? 

Jason and Justyna had a difficult time deciding on one part of their day that was most memorable, as for them it was one long, continuous happy memory. From their first look, which reduced them both to tears of happiness, to the ride up the mountainside to the small 900 year old church in Cortona, their ever so slightly intoxicated but funny and wonderful Roman-Catholic priest from India, to the tearful and heartfelt speeches by their bridal party, the day was amazing from start to finish. That being said, they both agree that perhaps the most memorable part of the day was after the reception, as they sat around the pool with their friends and loved ones, drinking wine and singing songs and laughing until the wee hours of the morning…and just soaking in the splendor that was their wedding day! That moment will live on in their hearts for a lifetime.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

Jason and Justyna were born 4,500 miles apart, and spent most of their lives traversing the globe and living in other countries. And yet, their unique paths led them back to Michigan, where they spent much of their childhoods. When their paths finally crossed, it was as if they had known each other their entire lives. They were introduced by one of Justyna’s friends, whom she spent time in England with and also moved back to Michigan around the same time. Justyna’s friend Jacki began working at a company where Jason worked, and immediately thought that Jason would be perfect for Justyna. So, using her cunning matchmaking skills, Jacki secretly arranged for Jason and Justyna to meet, and the rest is history!

Jason had originally planned on proposing to Justyna during a trip to Costa Rica, but Mother Nature had other plans and spoiled his helicopter ride to a hidden lake atop an extinct volcano. Having already informed Justyna’s family prior to the trip of his intentions, they all waited anxiously and not so subtly for the good news, which had to wait for the next perfect moment. A couple weeks later, back home in Michigan, Jason took Justyna to a very special conservatory on Detroit’s Belle Isle (a place his beloved grandmother would take him as a child) and amidst a sea of wild flowers and trees from around the globe he asked her to marry him, on their one year dating anniversary!

Knowing how much Justyna cherished the time she lived in England, as well as her being a hopeless romantic, an “old soul”, and lover of British culture, Jason saw it only fitting that her engagement ring come from a jeweler in London which specializes in antique jewelry. Her antique ring was made in the 1930’s, and belonged to a man who had it made for love of his life yet for circumstances unknown was never able to give it to. His dream now lives on in the love that Justyna and Jason have for each other.

Photo: Amanda Dumouchelle // Designers/Planners: Ines and Marie // Floral Designer: Susan Mcleary, Passion Flower // Paper: Paper and Honey // Venue: Villa Baroncino // Wedding Dress: The Gown Shop // Dress Designer: Amy Kuschel // Flower Farm: Puscina Flowers // Hair: Meraki Room Chicago // Groom Attire: 1701 Bespoke // Linens: La Tavola Linen

 

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There is something so magical about The Stone House at Temecula Creek Inn. The subdue drustic grounds are beyond-lovely and the subtle beauty of the natural surroundings offers such gorgeous backdrop for this inspiring shoot styled by Kelsey Rae Designs. We’re having trouble peeling our eyes away for the spectacular florals by Carla Kayes Floral Design. We LOVE the combo of the meaningful olive branches combined with punchy fuchsia blooms and that bouquet is everything! Film photographer, Bryan Miller, took over the shoot and captured all the magic with his signature fine-art film style. with camera in hand.

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Styling + Design: Kelsey Rae Designs // Photography: Bryan Miller Photography // Florals: Carla Kayes Floral Design // Venue: Temecula Creek Inn  // Calligraphy: Senimen Calligraphy // Hair & MUA: Bridal Artist Agency // Table Rental + Chairs: Rustic Events // Cake: Sugar Divaz // Suit: Friar Tux // Dress: Dress Theory

 

 

 

 

A beach engagement session by Aubree Lynn Photography was a no-brainer for Alyssa and Cove who, early in their relationship, bonded over their mutual affection for Kauai. Cove (yes, how perfect is that?!) even proposed at sunset on their favorite beach. And, even more fitting will be when the couple travels back to Kauai this fall to marry at their beloved Polihale Beach in front of their family and friends. This shoot has us excited for the couple (and maybe a little for our own Spring Break vacas) and we’re loving the styling by To La Lune Events and that amazing tropical bouquet by Bloom Babes.

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Cove and I had been together for a little over five years when he proposed last May at Polihale Beach, Kauai. We met when I was 24 and he was 30, after opening day of the horse races in Del Mar at a party at the L’Auberge Hotel. Ironically L’Auberge is just a few short steps from my grandparents’ house, whom I’m extremely close to, and also Sea Grove Park where his parents got married. Little did we know this was a first sign we were meant to be. We first made eye contact as we walked past each other on a flight of stairs. I couldn’t help but tell my best friend that I thought he was cute, and from there she proceeded to stop him. He told me his name was “Cove” and I thought he was messing with me, so I asked to see his driver’s license – this made for a good joke! We danced and had a fun night, but eventually parted ways.

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Cove and I quickly became best friends and our love for each other grew stronger with every adventure we embarked on. I love to snowboard and he loves to surf so year round we were always having fun. Cove and I both love Kauai, and had both been there as children with our families growing up. Our first venture there together was a amazing trip with his family. We continued to frequent Kauai & both fell in love with Polihale beach. My favorite and most exciting memory there was when Cove proposed on 5/9/15.

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The day he proposed he had planned for us to go watch the sunset at Polihale. I had the feeling he was up to something as I’ve never seen him restless! He made dinner at our condo ahead of time and packed it up for us to have a picnic. Let me tell you, heading to this beach is not your normal drive. You have to off-road for about a solid 20 minutes on a bumpy road. I’ll never forget him driving so fast and I bet it was all because his heart was beating beyond control! Little did I know mine was soon to be the same. He set up camp upon arrival & even made me a little fort with his surfboard and towel so I could hide underneath during a typical Polihale wind storm. He went for a super quick swim & next thing I knew he was on one knee with the most beautiful ring he had designed himself. Smitten I said “yes!” and I could never have been happier.

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I feel very lucky to have met Cove that day in Del Mar, and am so glad my best friend stopped him on that stair well. We are so thankful to be traveling back to Kauai to get married this September. Our journey has been nothing less than amazing and we are so excited to start this new chapter in our lives.

Styling: To La Lune Events // Photography: Aubree Lynn Photography // Florals: Bloom Babes // Bracelets: The Stacked Collection // Earrings: Jet Silver Beads Etsy

 

Looking for some last-minute holiday decorating inspiration? We’ve got your covered. Grey Collective member, and master calligrapher, Julia Mattox of Luminous Lines Creative sent us over these images from the Holiday Wreath and Brush Lettering Workshop she hosted along with Christa Rose. Lucky for us Heather Shane Photography captured tons of details. So fun!

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Wreath Instruction: Christa of Christa Rose // Brush lettering instruction: Julia Mattox of Luminous Lines Creative // Photography: Heather Shane Photography // Location: Oh Hello Friend, Fullerton CA // Swag: Candles, Nordic Fox // Misc. gifts and stationery: Oh Hello Friend // Lip balms and beauty goods: LB Love Organics

Happy Friday! Today we’re bringing you some major, environmental floral design—think arbors, chuppas, wreaths, and floating, floral explosions (yes!). We absolutely love the way floral structures can take an event to the next level; like turning a basic warehouse into a magical garden or establishing an intimate ceremony setting within a vast, mountainous landscape. We’ve rounded up ten of our all-time favorites so get ready to be inspired. TGIFlowers!!

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1. A giant wreath dripping with florals and greens is always a perfect intro to an elegant, outdoor celebration.

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2) This full-blown floral wall is what GLW dreams are made of and makes for a striking  ceremony backdrop. 

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3) Floral arbors are all the rage right now, and for good reason—they are GORGEOUS! We’ve featured some serious beauties (like this one) and it’s hard to narrow down to one favorite so we’ve included five of them in our round-up:

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Asymmetry rules in this coral beauty.

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We love the pastel floral explosion on this spectacular arch.

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Giant, graphic palms are SO cool for a tropical wedding.

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Small flowering blooms add give this full arch an amazing textural look. We love how perfect the unexpected color combo is for an incredible Tuscan wedding.

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5) Make a statement in your tent with a suspended floral and candle chandelier. Wow!

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6) This hanging box installation is basically A Midsummer Night’s Dream brought to life in a warehouse.

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7) Why not create a foliage ceiling?!

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8 ) Super-bright + Super-bold is always a show stopper as seen here.  

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9) How about this fabulously fruity chupppa! It’s so graphic and so cool. 

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10) Last but not least, we’re still crazy about this paper, floral arch from Mai and Aaron’s punchy graphic wedding.  Why not paper?!

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1.Wreath: Photography: CASSIE LOREE PHOTOGRAPHY // Florals and Styling: BLOOMING HOUSE COLLECTIVE  2.Floral Wall: Photography: MILOU + OLIN // Coordinator: Yelena Johnson of THE STYLISH SOIREE // Florist: Linnea of ASIEL DESIGN 3.Arbors: a) Wedding Planning and Design: CCL WEDDINGS & EVENTS // Photography: BRANDON KIDD PHOTO b) photographer: ALP & ISLE // Styling, Florals, Rentals: SUPPOSEY CO. c) Photographer: KATE HOLSTEIN // Planner: CALLUNA EVENTS // Florist: LALE FLORALS d)Photography: JILLIAN MITCHELL // Floral Design: FRANCISCO SALAZAR  e) Wedding Planner: SPOSIAMOVI  // Photography: STEFANO SANTUCCI STUDIO // Flower Design: LA ROSA CANINA 4) 5)Photographer: ELI TURNER // Event Planner: Kaitlin Przezdziecki, CHERRY BLOSSOM EVENTS //Florist: AMARYLLIS FLORAL & EVENT DESIGN6)Photography: PHIL SANDERS // Planner & Designer:  CHANCEY CHARM // Florals: Lindsay Coletta  7) Florist: BLOSSOM AND BRANCH  // Photography: TRENT BAILEY PHOTOGRAPHY 8)Photography: KATELYN JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY // Floral Designer: ANTHOMANIC 9)Photography: MICHAEL RADFORD // Event Design/Florals: ARTISAN EVENTS /10)Photography: KIMBERLY CHAU PHOTOGRAPHY // Event Planner: POMP & CIRCUMSTANCE // Paper Floral Artistry by BALUSHKA