At the beginning of the year we put together a series, This Year’s Biggest Weddings Part I and Part II, on the celeb engagements that would likely turn into mammoth weddings this year.  Of the 16 couples profiled, four have danced down the aisle.  Can you guess which couples?

Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge

With the exchange of vows taking place at Westminster Abbey, Prince William of Wales became the Duke of Cambridge and his bride Catherine Middleton became the Duchess of Cambridge.  The fairy tale wedding was witnessed round the world and was so monumental it constituted a public holiday for Britain.  Alexander McQueen designer Sarah Burton fashioned the gown.

Wedding Date: April 29, 2011

Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth

The Oscar-winning actress wore a blush pink Monique Lhuillier gown to walk the aisle then later revealed another Lhuillier creation as she strolled into the reception wearing a white silk minidress with a party skirt.  The affair dazzled with a laid-back mix of Southern charm meets the 1920s of Reese’s own ranch estate.

Wedding Date: March 26, 2011

Michael Buble and Luisana Lopilato

Canadian crooner Michael Buble found wedded bliss three times with Argentine model, actress and singer Luisana Lopilato.  The couple first married in a civil ceremony on March 31, 2011.  Nuptial number two showcased Lopilato in a Sylvie Burstin dress in Buenos Aires, Argentina on April 2, 2011.  The last ceremony saw Lopilato donning a Jorge Ibanez gown on May 20, 2011 in Vancouver, Canada.

Wedding Date: March – May 2011

Leann Rimes and Eddie Cibrian

Decked out in a handmade Reem Acra gown accessorized with sparkling jewelry, Leann Rimes and Eddie Cibrian started off their big day by getting ready together and dancing around to Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “Baby Got Back.”  Of course the bride slipped away to get in to her gown privately.

Wedding date: April 22, 2011

This article was originally posted onBridezilla.

Following their wedding ceremony at the LDS Temple in Dallas, Shelly and Steven were joined by 200 guests at a ring ceremony and informal reception at the bride’s family’s ranch. Lots of bright and quirky DIY details to start your week!

Love the “bouquets” of vintage arrows!

Says Shelly of the DIY details: “Our cake was made by a dear family friend and most of the other desserts were baked by family members. My mother sewed all of the napkins for the tables, my father made the wooden benches and hauled in hay bales, vintage quilts were loaned to us from a friend with a fantastic quilt collection, I made the bunting and burlap table runners with our initials monogrammed in yarn, and an artist friend drew a gorgeous tree for our guests to adorn with their fingerprints as a guest book.”

Shelly kindly answered some questions for us about the day.

Why did you choose this for your wedding? We wanted the day to feel intimate in a handmade sort of way, kind of like a big comfortable family gathering kicked up a notch. Steven took me to a little burger shack on our first date, so we knew pretty early on in the planning process that we’d serve burgers at our wedding, which also meant that we would have an informal reception. After looking at a few more traditional reception sites, we decided a big tent and a clearing in a lovely wooded area on my parents’ ranch was more “our style.” Everything kind of grew from there.

What was your favorite moment or part of the day? It was the somewhat imperfect moments of the day that ended up being my favorites. A dear family friend, who happens to be a fabulous baker, made our cake for us as a gift. She came by to deliver it as I was getting ready and the bottom had shifted a little in transit.  The fix required her to run back to her house to grab supplies and while she was gone it nearly toppled over, so I had my brother just completely remove the top.  As soon as the cake beneath was exposed, family members and my bridesmaids started hovering over it, sneaking a few little tastes. I figured at that point that layer was unsalvageable, so I gave a nod of approval, a fistful of forks appeared via my sister, and everyone went to town on it!  It totally broke up the nervous tension that we had from buzzing around trying to make everything perfect.

What was the best advice you received as a bride? What advice do you have for other brides? If you are a DIYer, seriously consider hiring a day-of coordinator. I didn’t realize such a thing existed until after our wedding! We managed just fine without one, but if I had it to do over again that is the one thing I would do differently.

Vendors

Photography: Jenna Cole Photography with Lynn in Love Photo / Venue: private home in McKinney, Texas / Bride’s dress: Amy Kuschel / Bride’s shoes: Kate Spade / Bridesmaid dresses: J.Crew / Groom’s suit: Hugo Boss / Stationery: Dapper Paper / Flowers: Edwards Floral Design / Cake topper: Melabo / Rentals: Big D Party Rentals

This article was originally posted onSnippet & Ink.

If I were a dress, I would so be this Vera Wang number. Not only is it a ruffled dream but it gets to witness some of the most drop-dead gorgeous weddings. We are talking all out GLAMOUR like this Nebraska beauty captured by Geoff Johnson Photographer. And this is but the tip of the whole pretty iceberg. Get your gallery on for more from the day.

Click here to see the entire image gallery!

From the Bride… Kendall and I met in 6th grade.  We were on the same “team” in middle school and that is where my lifelong crush started.  After going through all of middle school and high school together, all the while me having a huge crush on him, we started dating our senior year at Lincoln East High School.

On the weekend of our 4 year anniversary, Kendall and I went out to San Diego, CA with my family.  On the night of our anniversary, having no idea what we were going to be doing or where we would be going, a driver and car pulled up in front of my parent’s house.  The driver drove us to Torrey Pines State Reserve where Kendall had a spot picked out, high overlooking the ocean.  With the sweetest words and most romantic spot, that is where he proposed.  Then we ate at the Sky Room and La Valencia Hotel.  After dinner, we walked down to meet our driver and to my surprise, Kendall’s parents had flown in to surprise me.  The rest of the night was spent drinking champagne and looking forward to marrying my best friend.

My wedding inspiration was a simple, classic, but contemporary, chic look.  Clean lines, white orchids, rich pewter, and a splash of coral.  I wanted every piece of the ceremony and reception to be cohesive. I achieved that look by carrying through different aspects such as: letterpress invitations to letterpress menus, our monogram, silk organza dress and the head table runner that matched my dress.

One of my favorite special touches was our monogram.  We had a Lincoln calligrapher design it for us and it was on everything from napkins and invitations to the cake.  Another special piece was on the head table we had a runner that my mother-in-law made to mimic my dress.  It spilled over the top of the table so you saw it as soon as guests entered the ballroom.

As the wedding day is such a blur, as I assume it is to many other brides, many of the memories I have come from the beautiful pictures we got. From my mom helping me put on my dress, to walking down the aisle and seeing Kendall, to our first dance.  Though a specific special memory during our ceremony was the duet.  A couple sang “The Prayer” and I just remember looking and Kendall and I could feel the power of the song. Our first kiss was also a favorite memory because we had spent the days prior to the wedding “deciding on a kiss” (haha) and then when it came down to it, I got so excited I jumped into his arms and remember the best feeling.

Wedding Photography & Cinematography: Geoff Johnson Photographer / Floral & Event Design: Hillis & Company / Event Planning: Marilyn Cintani & Laura Frantz / Wedding Ceremony Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church / Wedding Reception Location: Country Club of Lincoln / Wedding Invitations: Porridge Papers / Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Wedding Dress: Vera Wang

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Post tags: Black, Country Club of Lincoln, Geoff Johnson Photographer, Grey, Hillis & Company, Jimmy Choo, Lincoln, Nebraska, Porridge Papers, Vera Wang, Westminster Presbyterian Church, White
Post categories: Traditional Elegance

This article was originally posted onStyle Me Pretty.

Susan Dean sent over this lovely and intimate wedding at San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara that I thought you would enjoy for your Thursday…

Photography: Susan Dean

Venue: San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, California

Bride’s dress: Carolina Herrera

Groom’s suit: Hugo Boss

Flowers: SR Hogue

Spanish guitar: Anthony Ybarra

This article was originally posted onSnippet & Ink.

We are wrapping up another wonderful wedding Wednesday with a wedding that mixes both vintage and industrial elements like a champ. I’m talking warm, rich tones juxtaposed with girly lace and two of the cutest little attendants you ever did see. Alec Vanderboom certainly worked his camera magic on this one. Check out the rest of the goods here.

See entire image gallery here!

Meggie and Doug met her freshman year of college, Doug was a senior. The second Meggie laid eyes on Doug, who was sporting shaggy hair and a vintage Led Zeppelin t shirt, she knew that she was going to marry him one day. Doug was blown away by Meggie’s big personality and much like himself, her love for life and music.
8 years and many vinyl albums later, they got engaged. As always, music played a huge part of their engagement and would later play an even bigger part in their wedding. Meggie and Doug knew they wanted a unique wedding centered around what bonded them from the beginning of their journey: music (Zeppelin specifically) art, and fun. With Meggie’s mom quickly taking on the roll of wedding planner, the journey to the big day began to quickly come together. They chose a warm vintage building, with gorgeous hard wood floors and rich red brick walls. The groom painted the back drop, incorporating the wedding colors. They were married by a long time friend, who joined the best man in a surprise acoustic version of Bob Marley’s Is This Love, which the crowd quickly joined. A wishing tree was decorated with well wishes for the bride and groom. Guests enjoyed a photobooth with mustaches, signature drinks, dancing and great food, including a late night buffet with sliders and homemade chips. With amazing music and even more amazing friends and family, this night could not have been better.

Photography: Alec Vanderboom / Cinematography: I Do Films / Flowers: Blue Bouquet / Ceremony  and Reception Location: The Hobbs / Invitations: Maggie Goldsbury, Salutations / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Dress: Allure / Beaded brown belt: custom made

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Post tags: Alec Vanderboom Photography, Allure, Badgley Mischka, Blue Bouquet, I Do Films, Kansas City, Kansas City Wedding, Salutations, The Hobbs
Post categories: Casual Elegance

This article was originally posted onStyle Me Pretty.

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I lived in London for a semester in college, but that wasn’t where my love (OK, OK, obsession) with the royal family started. I actually have no idea when it started as it seems I’ve always been fascinated by this family and their history.

Image by Bauer Griffin via Zimbio

So when William and Kate announced their engagement, I knew I would be watching it live. Even when it turned out that watching it live meant I’d be up for hours in the middle of the night.

Image via the Daily Mirror

I thought Kate’s dress was absolutely gorgeous. Classic, elegant and perfectly her. I loved that Will glanced over his shoulder as she walked down the aisle of Westminster Abbey, even though tradition dictated that he wait to look at her until she was standing at his side. But that he just couldn’t help himself after Harry whispered “Wait til you see her.” That he told her she looked beautiful. And that he joked with her father, saying that they were supposed to have a small, family affair.

Image via The Inquisitor

They both looked nervous, but they both looked so happy. Exactly as two people should look when they get married, even if their wedding did happen to take place in front of approximately two billion people. They spent many years both together and apart before reaching this moment—walking into it with both eyes open and having each other to lean on for support. I hope they have a life of happiness together, starting with their wedding today (and their party with friends tonight! Man, I hope details leak about what happened there), and lasting far into the future.

As the Bishop of London said when beginning his sermon, “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.”

This article was originally posted onWeddingbee.

Becca grew up near the lakes of Michigan, and Tim hails from the coast of North Carolina, so they both have a love of the water, which is part of why they decided to have their wedding in Tiburon, just across the bay from San Francisco. Says Rebecca:

Prior to our engagement, one of our favorite weekend activities was to take the ferry across the bay to enjoy Tiburon’s restaurants and spectacular views of our beloved city. We both realized fairly quickly that Tiburon would be the perfect location to celebrate our wedding – its downtown area is storybook-adorable and being right near the water invokes both of our upbringings. We were certain it would be the perfect vacation destination for our out-of-town family and friends as well.

While our ceremony and reception were held in Tiburon, our honeymoon suite was located at the Cavallo Point Resort located just under the Golden Gate Bridge. This is also where we took a majority of our bridal party photos and where Tim and I saw each other for the first time that day. Our photographer captured every moment beautifully. I have such a love for those towering pine and eucalyptus trees that surrounded us.

One of my favorite memories leading up to our day was the assembly line of our girlfriends in our apartment (many close friendships made through my husband) helping us with all the DIY details. Each of them shared in our excitement and anticipation while helping create the ceremony programs, table tents, and gift bags for our guests. On the day of, they also assembled our chocolate chip cookie favors.

For the ceremony, Becca wore her mother’s blusher.

The event director at the Corinthian Yacht Club, Leila Heyman, made the rest of our planning effortless. She was extremely helpful in coordinating every detail for our reception. The large, yet cozy room opened up to a sun room that overlooked the bay with views of San Francisco. During cocktail hour, our guests poured onto the patio outside while the chef prepared fresh crab cakes as one of our appetizers.

The main room at the Corinthian has two large ship wheels that serve as chandeliers, which Susan from Fantasy Florals surrounded with flowers that completely tied the room together. I remember glancing up at them throughout the night and just grinning.

Tim and I are still playing back our favorite moments that lead up to and took place during that day; one of his favorite moments was the universal rush to the dance floor from our guests, thanks to our DJ who took the time to get to know us personally and help decide on our play list. Our guests danced tirelessly throughout the evening.

Photography: Myrtle & Marjoram

Bridal party portrait venue: Cavallo Point in Sausalito, California

Ceremony venue: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Tiburon, California

Reception venue: Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon, California

Bride’s dress / blue sash: Haute Bride / Britex Fabrics

Hair: Mark Schulte for Salon Mark Carlos (Says Becca, “I’ve been going to Salon Mark Carlos for years. I have a ton of hair, so when Mark literately sewed my hair up for the day, I was so grateful.”

Makeup: Veronica Sjoen for Artist Untied

Bridesmaid dresses: Jenny Yoo

Flowers: Fantasy Florals

Cake: Branching Out Cakes

Chiavari chair rentals: Miranda St. John Wedding & Event Rentals

DJ: Christopher Monroe for Cutting Edge Mobile Music

Congratulations Becca and Tim! Thank you for sharing all of these thoughtful details with us, and thank you to Ingrid from Myrtle & Marjoram for sending along these lovely photos.

This article was originally posted onSnippet & Ink.

I have two faux weddings for you today, one for those autumn brides out there, and then one a little later for spring nuptials. This first shoot comes to us from Gavin Wade Photographers and stylist Gianna Sanfilippo from Chic Celebrations, who found inspiration in one of Snippet & Ink’s inspiration boards for a day-after shoot with bride and groom, Briana and Brandon. Fall leaves and cinderella pumpkins pair with barely pink roses for a look that’s both rustic and romantic…

I love the groom’s rich velvet bow tie and the bride’s heavy knit wrap – perfect for the season!

Photography: Gavin Wade Photographers

Styling: Chic Celebrations

Flowers: Heavenly Blooms

Venue: Strawberry Farms Golf Course

This shoot was submitted via Two Bright Lights.

This article was originally posted onSnippet & Ink.

With all the beautiful barn weddings coming from Arkansas lately, it might just be time for this farm nuptials-loving girl to take a trip to The Natural State. This wedding designed by J.Bailey Occasions makes us think it’s definitely the place to be! The Pratt Place Barn celebration has an abundance of personal touches the bride and groom created themselves, and I’m just as smitten as smitten can be, especially with that adorable 120 pound ring bearer. Spend some time taking this one in, and then get ready for a treat… PenWeddings was there to capture the entire event and has shared a stunning highlight film with us! After that, head to the gallery for more!

images courtesy of andrew bowser photography

Pretty beautiful, don’t you think? Now here’s the cake-topper – a stunning highlight film from the ever talented PenWeddings.

Allison + Chris | Fayetteville, Arkansas Wedding Film by PenWeddings on Vimeo

Chris and I met and fell in love in Fayetteville while attending the University of Arkansas. Despite the fact that neither of us were originally from Fayetteville, we chose to get married there because it was so special to our relationship. We were immediately taken with the beautiful Pratt Place Barn, which is tucked away in woods, just minutes from campus.

We knew we wanted to have a simple affair, and our main goal was to create a fun, laid-back atmosphere for our guests. I really wanted our wedding to be memorable and to reflect our personalities. We were working on a pretty tight budget, so we tried to achieve a simple, rustic (yet modern), personalized wedding with do-it-yourself projects and Etsy.

We made a lot of non-typical choices, such as fun and modern wedding invitations and programs, homemade jelly and salsa for favors, a live marching band recessional, non-flower centerpieces, down-home Southern cuisine, and all of our DIY touches. And we included our beautiful 120 pound dog as our ring bearer! He was a big hit.

Amid all of the details that I loved, my favorite part of our wedding was the wording that made up our ceremony. We stayed true to ourselves with our ceremony, which we wrote start to finish (with the exception of our officiant’s opener). We integrated traditional and non-traditional elements, and we tried to communicate to our witnesses the way in which we were approaching our marriage. So overall, it was all of these personal touches that resulted in our perfect day!

Cinematography: PenWeddings / Photography: Andrew Bowser Photography / Flowers: Jules Design Events / Event Planning: J. Bailey Occasions / Ceremony & Reception Location: Pratt Place Barn / Cake: Rick’s Bakery / Catering: Mama Dean’s / Entertainment: Groove Productions

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Post tags: Andrew Bowser Photography, Arkansas, Barn, DIY Wedding, Groove Productions, J.Bailey Occasions, Jules Design Events, Mama Dean’s, PenWeddings, Pratt Place Barn, Rick’s Bakery
Post categories: Budget Beautiful, Casual Elegance, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Cinematography, Wedding Planners & Designers

This article was originally posted onStyle Me Pretty.

Our last wedding is just the perfect little number to bid adieu to this day of gorgeous. Held at the Mill City Museum which is fast becoming my new favorite spot. With its old, rustic stone walls and lovely, gnarled wood beams… we are talking total venue perfection. Photogen Inc captured all the fabulousness so head over to the gallery for a whole lot of pretty in one little place.

Click here to see the entire image gallery!

From Photogen Inc… Kristi and Ande are amazing. I mean these two are SO great as individuals, but then you bring them together as a couple and it’s like WHOA! They truly compliment each other in such a great way, you can not help but fall in love with them. Love is a funny thing. Kristi and Ande knew of each other in high school, hung out around some of the same people and were in some of the same activities, but never dated. Years later, they re-connected and the sparks flew! I think that is the great thing about love. The way that people find each other is so unpredictable, yet precisely planned at the same time! Love is truly a very cool thing.

Wedding Photography: Photogen Inc / Wedding Ceremony & Reception Location: Mill City Museum / Wedding Gown: l’atelier couture bridal boutique / Floral Design: Skinner Jones / Catering: D’Amico & Sons / Musician/DJ: Soul Tight Committee / Wedding Cake: D’Amico & Sons / Wedding Dress: Rosa Clara / Bridesmaid Dresses: twobirds Bridesmaid / Bride’s Shoes: RSVP / Jewelry: Macy’s + Mother of the Bride / Wedding Invitations: Lion In the Sun

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Post tags: Black, Contemporary Wedding, D’Amico & Sons, L’Atelier Couture Bridal, Mill City Museum, Minneapolis, Minnesota, photobooth, Purple, Skinner Jones, Soul Tight Committee, White
Post categories: Contemporary

This article was originally posted onStyle Me Pretty.