Real Weddings - 5/64 - 100 Layer Cake

4 Jan

Eclectic Napa Valley wedding: Chandler + John

categories Real Weddings

The quintessential modern couple gets married in Durham Ranch, has W. Scott Chester photographing and Enjoy Events Co. planning + designing it, you know it’s going to be a dreamy wedding. From the hanging Edison bulbs, gorgeous ceremony backdrop, the colorful lounge blankets on the lawn, succulent place cards, and a dance party to boot – Chandler + John’s wedding was a spectacular celebration full of eclectic charm and elegance. Lots of pretty details to inspire any newly engaged Cakelets out there wondering how to rock a reception + killer dance party in a barn!

eclectic napa valley wedding

A few words from Megan + Emily of Enjoy Events Co.:

Durham Ranch is a beautiful property in St. Helena and its clean white fences and structures are situated between the most beautiful Oak trees you will ever see. We began the design process by getting to know the ins and outs of the design in Chandler and John’s home. Chandler said she had multiple blue walls, that they love color and texture mixed with clean lines and that she loves the combination of soft and textural elements. As we got to know John, we learned of his inherent acting skills and his participation in the film community (how could we not play off of that?!). The outcome was an intimate celebration with sophistication and eclectic charm.

eclectic napa valley wedding

We really wanted the barn to feel like a swanky restaurant and for all of their guests to feel like the party was for them, too. The white interior of the barn allowed for diversified design choices, but with taller-than-tall ceilings the challenge of how to make the environment feel more intimate, especially with 85 guests arose. What to do? Hang lights at eye level down above the tables, project a larger than life film on the wall, bring in warmth with the flowers and place settings and provide a blanket for each couple to cozy up with.

eclectic napa valley wedding

Let’s turn to Austin Hendrix Productions for the moving picture!

Congratulations Chandler + John!

Photography: W. Scott Chester / Videography: Austin Hendrix Productions / Planning + design: Enjoy Events Co. / Venue: Durham Ranch / Catering: Paula Le Duc Fine Catering / Flowers: Florali / Lighting and projection: Got Light? / Trio: Le Jazz Hot / DJ: DJ Dukes / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals & La Tavola Linens / Vintage rentals: Milk Glass Vintage Rentals / Specialty pillows: Mignonne Decor & La Tavola Linens / Guest gift blankets: All Organic Textiles / Calligraphy: Kathy Lee / Hair + makeup: Audrey and Stella / Bride’s dress: Very Wang / Shoes: Badgley Mischka

14 comments

4 Jan

Snowy Maryland wedding: Jillian + Brian

categories Real Weddings

Somewhere, not here in LA, it’s snowy and still feels like winter. To keep with the romantic winter feel, which we know we all want to hold onto for as long as we can, there’s Jillian + Brian’s snowy Maryland wedding. Even with perfect photos, shot by Sarah Culver, a wedding doesn’t always go as planned. They say it’s good luck when it rains unexpectedly on your wedding, so waking up to a flurry of white snow? Well, things can only go up from there!

snowy maryland wedding

Brian’s mother had cut down a tree in her backyard so they recycled the logs into vases to hold baby’s breath for the aisle. Jillian’s bouquet, that looks perfect resting there in the snow, was made with white ranunculus, tuberose, peach hypericum berries, queen annes lace, seeded eucalyptus, white stock, peach spray roses and white spray roses.

snowy maryland wedding

100 mason jars with babies breath, mixed colored hypericum berries, orange limonium, seeded eucalyptus, white daisies and red gerbera daisies were laid out as centerpieces, giving the camp’s newly built hacienda a very woodsy, cozy, inviting and warm feeling.

snowy maryland wedding

From Jillian:

My biggest advice to other brides would be to not sweat the small stuff because it can be a blessing in disguise. The morning of my wedding when I woke up to a forecast of SNOW it nearly broke my heart at first because I had my heart set on an outdoor ceremony among a backdrop of fall leaves. But the snow ended up being my favorite part of the wedding. The photography was absolutely gorgeous in the snow and it gave an ultra cozy vibe to our “cabin in the woods” wedding. More than anything it made it memorable. It might not have been ideal but it made our day special. I was told by a few people that it made weather history in MD. As far as budget tips are concerned I think I was able to stay on course by doing most things myself which allowed me to splurge on items that I just had to have. However, all of my DIY projects took ALOT of time to produce which to some brides time is less flexible than money. So if you are looking for a DIY look but don’t have the time I highly recommend Etsy.com.

Photography: Sarah Culver Photography / Venue: Camp Puhtok / Flowers: Corner Florist / Cupcakes: Midnite Confections / Bride + Bridesmaid dresses: David’s Bridal / Groom + Groomsmen suits: Men’s Warehouse / Cake toppers: Better Off Wed / Veil: Feathered Designs / Decor: Save On Crafts, Michael’s, Joann’s / Rentals: ABC Party & Tent Rental / Makeup: Nicole Palermo / Dress alterations: Isabel Donnelly /

17 comments

23 Dec

Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse wedding: Jose + Joel

categories Real Weddings

Guess what’s on the stands on Monday, y’all? It’s the winter MS Weddings, and for an extra awesome treat it features the beautiful, heartfelt wedding of Jose Villa and partner Joel Serrato. They are truly two of the nicest guys (as anyone who knows them can attest!) and we’re so super happy to be part of the crew that’s sharing a few shots, by the beautiful Elizabeth Messina, from their wedding this morning.

figueroa mountain farmhouse california wedding

“It was such an honor to capture Jose & Joel’s wedding….they are both such talented & kind men…i felt an incredible responsibility to document one of undoubtably the most special days in their lives with care…i wish them many happy years together.” - Elizabeth Messina

figueroa mountain farmhouse california wedding

You can see the rest of this gorgeous wedding on Martha Stewart and more photos on Style Me Pretty and Green Wedding Shoes today.

photography by: Elizabeth Messina / event production: Lisa Vorce, Oh, how charming / floral design: Mindy Rice / cake by: Sweet Saucy Shop / invites by : Papel Press / venue: Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse

Photo credits courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings / Story credit: Photographs by Elizabeth Messina/Martha Stewart Weddings, Winter 2012. Copyright © 2012 / Cover credit: Photograph by Sang An/Martha Stewart Weddings, Winter 2012. Copyright © 2012

15 comments

20 Dec

NYC 1930′s speakeasy theme wedding: Shannon + Chris

categories Real Weddings

In case the thought has crossed your mind, the answer is yes. You can plan a stunning wedding in NYC while living in London. You’d need a fab planner & stylist like Jillian Event Design as your go-to-execute-the-wedding-of-my-dreams gal, along with the best talents in NYC, but it can be done. While this wedding didn’t have a sit down dinner, the Getaway Car and the Rat Pack cocktails + mouth-watering raw bar is warning enough that this party was a success. It was romantic, loungey and has just the right amount of reds and warm indoor feeling perfect to share before the holiday weekend. All this without mentioning the signage. Fans of calligraphy and type, this wedding is to lust over!