Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Christina & Jonathan: Backyard Bliss

Fashion met country-chic at this tented backyard soiree, creating an elegant yet welcoming evening for family and friends. Of course, it helps to have a groom that's a master landscaper with an amazing backyard complete with pond, fountain, and swans! Check out the awesome photos by Lauren Vitiello of Dw Johnson Studio:

Boot Scootin' Bride

Handmade signs directing the way to the fun.

Guests found their way to tables named after animals.

An alternative guestbook

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC
Each place setting had a menu card and a box for filling up at the candy buffet later.

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC 
 The Head Table

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC


 The Cake

The Grand Entrance of the Bridal Party by Tractor!

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

The View from Afar

Congratulations Christina & Jonathan!

Vendors:
Catering - Maison Cuisine
Florist - Cha-Lor Flowers
Photographer - Dw Johnson Studio
Videograher - Modern Image Studios
Wedding Coordinator - Camille Victoria Weddings LLC


Thursday, February 7, 2013

Caroline & Zach: Stylish Grandeur

I love working with a bride from the very beginning of the planning process to help ideas blossom and then bring them to life. When my bride Caroline told me that she loved interior design, I knew that the style and decor of the wedding would be super important. Caroline had the extra challenge of planning from out-of-town! Thank goodness for modern technology, allowing us to exchange photos and ideas on Pinterest. The end result was a flawless evening of grandeur and fun. Check out the gorgeous photos by Laura Witherow Photography that captured the day: 

One of my insider tips is to always put the dress on a decorative hanger in preparation for this classic photo.
It wouldn't be quite the same with a regular plastic hanger, right?
Your photographer will thank you.

The Beautiful Bride

"The Bride is Coming...The Bride is Coming"

The Ceremony

Husband & Wife

The Getaway

The Bridal Party
I scoped out potential photo locations in advance and found this fabulous park, complete with bridges, ponds, sculptures, and weeping willows.
Want to know where it is?
Leave me a comment below and I'll reveal the secret!

 Chalkboards have usually been used in decor for shabby-chic style weddings. 
But when we discovered that Caroline liked the chalkboard look, we decided to do our own spin, making chalkboards elegant and regal for her wedding.
So we integrated beautiful framed chalkboards throughout the reception decor.

Entrez-Vous

Guests entered the cocktail hour to the sight of a personalized ice sculpture, emblazoned with the couple's monogram.

Both the bride and the groom each had their own signature drink available at the bar.

The idea of a theme is usually thought of as specific to an interest, like travel or movies. But when designing a wedding, a theme can be related to a decor element in the design scheme. 
Here, the chalkboards were our decor theme that we integrated throughout.
They were used in so many different ways!

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC
Escort Card Display

Yep, more chalkboards...
Instead of just a birdcage for cards, 
the couple asked guests to write down advice, wishes, and date night ideas!

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC
The bride chose a unique color scheme of dusty gray with shades of purples and gold accents. 
The tablescapes showcase two different centerpiece looks..

 At each place setting, we placed a menu and rose,
along with an extra large gold box wrapped as a gift for filling at the candy buffet!

The gorgeous cake

Instead of waiting until after the meal, doing the first dance immediately upon entering makes the bride & groom's entrance even more grand.

The Head Table
Notice the special gold chargers for the VIP bridal party.






When the groom told me he planned a surprise rap for his bride, I wasn't sure what to expect.
It was amazingly fantastic!
The bride's reaction says it all!

 The charm of Oak Park

Guests eagerly awaited the opening of the Candy Buffet!
Candy Buffets make for a fun wedding favor for guests to take home,
but the elaborate displays also add to the decor.


Congratulations Caroline & Zach!

Vendors:
Reception Location: The Carleton Hotel