Charming Weddings

Wedding Invitation Wednesday: Graphite Plumes Pocketfolds

2011-08-17T11:57:00.000-07:00

Wedding invitation Wednesday!

Graphite Plumes Pocketfolds!

would go perfectly with these:

and this

and this!

Wish Upon a Wedding's Gala Ball

2010-11-10T09:28:00.000-08:00

Tonight is the first annual Wish Upon a Wedding Gala Ball in San Francisco, CA. This new organization has been hosting these fund raising events all over the US, and they look amazing!! If you haven't heard of it, Wish Upon a Wedding (WUW) hosts weddings for couples all over the US facing terminal illness. They cover all aspects of the wedding, from planning to vendor procurement. It's all funded by donations and volunteer hours-amazing! It's a very special organization and I'm honored to be part of it. You can take a look at their website to see some of the wedding wishes they've granted.

If you would like to donate to this fabulous cause AND take care of some of your wedding details, please take a look at their online auction. There are some fabulous regional and national items available for purchase, and the money goes to an incredible cause. Wedding Cakes, Invitations, Bridesmaids Gowns... all available here!

Rustic Weddings.. I LOVE!

2010-10-27T15:16:00.000-07:00

Loving the rustic wedding trends. All these warm earth tones, beautiful flowers, incredible elements... it's enough to make a girl swoon. Some of my favorites!

Tablescape from Oncewed, invitations and escort cards from Crescent Moon Paper Co., flowers from the knot and Elegant touch events, shoes from weddingbee.

Eco Savvy wedding favors!

2009-06-05T08:31:00.000-07:00

Here are some adorable eco-friendly wedding favors I've found online. Eco friendly favors are a great idea on so many levels. Your guests will love getting a gift that doesn't need to be thrown away eventually. Also, these favors can double as placecards- how great is that! All will require some extra planning, but definitely worth it for the day of!

how cute are these?! Potted succulent placecards/favors from yes, please

ooh, and here's a tutorial to make them yourself!!

Adorable potted herb placecards. photo via intimate weddings.

Handmade soap photo via hundred layer cake

Deep, elegant purple

2009-03-13T11:28:00.000-07:00

I'm seeing so much purple from my brides this year. Deep eggplant purple, bright vivid purple.. even, as one bride put it.. barney purple! Purple is so elegant and can be dressed up or down, depending on your mood. I love pairing purple with champagne or gold for some added sparkle.

Image 1 the knot

Image 2 Karen Tran Floral

Image 3 April Reed Cake Design NY

Image 4 Vera Wang

wiyomu necklace

Crescent Moon Paper Co Invitations in Aubergine and magenta swirl

Invitations for the day

2009-03-12T09:20:00.001-07:00

Rustic square pocketfold invitations in champagne and muted golds. Perfect for the rustic or out-of-doors wedding. Find them here!

Couture Shoes! and on sale!

2009-03-04T11:55:00.001-08:00

I love the thoughtful little details of weddings. Gorgeous shoes are a perfect example of this. How many people will actually see your feet on your wedding day? Not many, right? But, for those that happen to glance at your feet (and for you!) fabulous shoes are a lovely accessory.

Right now Zappos is having an awesome sale on their couture collection. Save on Giuseppe Zanotti, Kate Spade, Cesare Paciotti, Ellie Tahari... the list goes on. Go see!

Lovely photo by Sedona Bride.

Lovely Leaves

2009-03-03T14:07:00.000-08:00

Sabine Bracelet by Lixix26
Wiomu Simplicity Earrings

Luxe Deluxe Sultry Leaves

Brass Leaf and Crystal necklace

Leaves are a lovely metaphor to use in your wedding. Growth, change, life.. leaves and vines are perfect. Check out these gorgeous handmade pieces from etsy sellers.

Braving the bridal shows

2009-01-21T14:11:00.000-08:00

Well, dear brides, it's that time of year. Time for the bridal shows! Here in my little corner of the Bay Area we have several in the next few months. Attending bridal shows can be overwhelming- the sights, sounds, all the people- it's enough to exhaust even the most patient bride.

Here are some suggestions for bridal shows that should help you have an enjoyable time.

-Come prepared. That's right ladies, you're there on a mission, and you need your gear. Comfortable shoes and clothes for an afternoon of wandering are critical. A light sweater is perfect in case it's cold- and easy to remove if it's stuffy.

- Other supplies include a totebag of some sort, to carry your brochures, business cards, and other give-aways. Address labels are a great time saver. Many vendors will ask for your contact information, and labels are a great time saver.

-A tablet. It's not easy to remember everything, which is where a notebook comes in. Bring a tablet to take notes on, to mark the vendors you were interested in learning more about, to write notes about things you'd like to look up on the internet, etc. You'll never remember it all, so take notes!

-A friend. Bring along a friend to help you with decision making. If your guy is so inclined, bring him- if he'll be bored, it's better to bring mom or a girlfriend to help you stay focused. She can also give her opinion on food samples and other things that may require a second opinion.

Have fun!

A timeless gown makes a comeback

2008-12-17T08:55:00.000-08:00

I'm smitten with the 50's A-line gown right now. Completely versatile, it goes from sophisticated to adorable without missing a beat. Think Audrey Hepburn. Perfect for the late morning, early afternoon springtime wedding. I envision great photos on the steps of city hall, a vintage car.... I'm in love.

Stephanie Allin

Johannah Hehir

Alfred Angelo

Navy and Chartreuse color palette

2008-12-12T08:01:00.000-08:00

Navy blue is such a great base color for a bright, modern touch like chartreuse. Accent it with white, chartreuse or bold floral colors and you have an elegantly bold palette.

Bridesmaid Dresses Jenny Yoo Chicago IL Boutinniere Custom Design Floral Denver, CO

Cake Cheryl Kleinman Invitations Crescent Moon Paper Co, CA Candles Pottery Barn

Table Arrangement Wedding Flowers by Lisa, TX Gown Vera Wang

Happy Shots

2008-12-03T09:25:00.001-08:00

Photo by Danielle Gilett

Photography by Kelly McCord

Photography by Terry Way

Here are some happy shots I've found recently. Don't you love the joy captured in each photo? Enjoy!

Trunk Sales Galore

2008-11-30T20:49:00.000-08:00

Another incredible trunk sale.. mark your calendars for this one. January 30-February 1, again at Gabrielle's Bridal Boutique on University Ave in Los Gatos... 10% off Junko Yoshioka gowns. I love her work, not being a huge fan of the frou frou all over lace panels myself. Junko's gowns showcase clean lines and gorgeous details.. while still maintaining such elegant simplicity.

San Francisco Sample Sales

2008-11-25T03:32:00.000-08:00

Some great dress sales in the Bay Area for the month of December. In Los Gatos, at Gabrielle's Bridal Boutique, visit December 5-7 for the Melissa Sweet trunk show- 10% off Melissa Sweet gowns!! More to come, stay tuned!

Gorgeous Guestbooks

2008-11-19T11:29:00.000-08:00

I'm a big fan of a wedding guest book. When given the opportunity to write, guests will often write the loveliest, most heartfelt things. Sometimes with adorable illustrations. The standard wedding guestbook, however, leaves a bit to be desired. That's where fly leaf book studio comes in.

can you believe how great these handbound books are? Use it as a guest book, a fantastic wedding photo album.. whatever floats your boat. Customizable with awesome fabrics, so the sky's the limit.

Icy crystal and blue

2008-11-16T09:09:00.000-08:00

crystals from ethereal decor

Snowflake Ornaments from Favor Ideas

Invitations from Crescent Moon Paper Co.

Following the blues from my last post, here are some sparkly crystal accents for a winter wedding.

springtime blues..

2008-11-10T08:59:00.000-08:00

Some lovely blue inspiration for different accents in your wedding. Add teeny doses of blue for a delicate look, or pour on the blue for a more modern, contemporary look!

Placecards from Martha Stewart

hairpiece by Myrakim

Dogwood Blossom Cake by Edith Meyer

2008-10-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

Wow. These silk floral hairclips are just incredible. The stunning attention to detail- these look like real flowers.. only better! Find them at Mikiye

Wedding Vendors I love

2008-10-23T10:48:00.000-07:00

Last night I was invited to a lovely post-wedding season party with some of the greatest wedding vendors in the area. What a pleasure, to spend an evening chatting with the people I work alongside but never get to see! The party was hosted by Heidi Hughett of Couture Celebrations and Linda Arietta up at the gorgeous Country Essences Flower Farm in the Watsonville mountains. Here's a little gallery of some of the fabulous folks we saw last night.

In no particular order:

Couture Celebrations

Country Essences Flowers

Feast for a King Catering

Fionna Floral

Edith Meyer Cakes

Coastside Concierge

Crescent Moon Paper Co

Terry Way Photography

Boulder Creek Flowers

A Great Guestbook Idea

2008-10-20T09:35:00.000-07:00

I just found the guestbookstore- what a creative departure from the boring white satin book with lines! I think it's a great idea to give guests some creative license within a nice looking layout! Just imagine how fun it is to read all the pages after the wedding!

Have your cake..

2008-10-16T10:35:00.000-07:00

A palette of lovely autumn wedding cakes- and cupcakes!! Yum.

Satura Cakes Montclair Baking Co. Beaux Gateaux A Piece of Cake Bakery A Sweet Design

I Dream of Cake Sprinkles Cupcakes

Gorgeous. and on sale!!

2008-10-15T20:30:00.000-07:00

I am totally smitten with Kelly Meeker's jewelry. I love freshwater pearls- so fresh and elegant, while just irregular enough to stand out. What could be better? how about a sale?!

Check out her website for details!

Set the table

2008-10-15T08:29:00.000-07:00

when I think about incredible tableware, I think Annieglass . All her work is mindblowing, while maintaining a timeless elegance. It's really that good. It's collectable, but not collectable like a delicate figurine, because you'll use it all the time. Made in the USA too- can you believe that? Visit her website or drop by her lovely storefront at 110 Cooper St. in Santa Cruz.

Dress of the day..

2008-10-14T14:52:00.000-07:00

From Caroline DeVillo couture. I'm in love with the flowy fabric, the simplicity of the elegant line.. the incredible drape of the back. A timeless, beautiful dress! Find her dresses at Haute Bride in San Francisco at 1954 Union St or in her showroom in Chicago.

And for your groomsmen

2008-10-13T10:24:00.000-07:00

So you've got these groomsmen do you? And they're kind of an eclectic bunch? Not sure what to give them? Look what I've found!! (I'm loving that guitar pick!)

sterling silver guitar pick by chrisparry

Personalized fine silver keychain by westbyron

vintage typewriter key cufflinks! jenniferperezdesigns

Go on, prove me wrong.

2008-10-11T11:52:00.000-07:00

I dare you to try to find measuring cups cuter than these. While not technically a wedding accessory, they'd make a really adorable wedding gift. Find them at three potatoe four

The ring pillow

2008-10-09T08:06:00.000-07:00

Muscari Birdsnest

Paloma's Nest To have and to hold ring bowl

ring pillow by Bklyn Pillow

Let's talk for a moment about ring pillows. Now back when I was a bride, back in the 90's (well, it was the late 90's, okay?) the choices for ring pillows were few. There was the white satin square. The white satin heart. {shudder} the white satin.. right, you see where I'm going with this. But today, lucky brides, you have a whole world of choices for your ring pillows. Or ring baskets. Or ring books....

make me proud, brides. Let's see what you're planning to use!

lovely love birds

2008-10-08T13:11:00.000-07:00

This is a design for one of our August brides. Swirly simplicity with some sweet little love birds. My client Katrina wanted something swirly and organic.. and the love birds were the perfect accent. This design was carried through on her wedding favors as well!

Ahhhhh, candlelight!

2008-10-08T09:46:00.001-07:00

There's just something amazing about the glow of candles. Everything (and everyone!) looks better in candlelight. The evening becomes more magical, more intimate- even with 120 of your closest friends! And as for cost, candles are generally less expensive than giant floral displays, while still bringing height and volume. Take a look at some of these beauties!

Decor by Fionna Floral

Terry Way Photography

Stoneblossom Floral and Event Design

And where to buy the most lovely, eco-friendly candles?

Perin-Mowen Beeswax Candles

Dazzle your bridesmaids

2008-10-07T10:24:00.000-07:00

With something they'll wear for years to come. Rather than buying identical pairs of earrings, select each pair to compliment your bridesmaids style. If she loves to sparkle, find some incredible crystal drop earrings. For the lover of vintage jewelry, these roses are ideal. Stay within the same color family and you'll find some incredible pieces your bridesmaids will love wearing. All jewelry is from www.etsy.com ... the very best place to find incredible handmade items online.

Credits: Ojamaa9design Handwired, Miabeads, Carolinableu

Autumn inspiration gallery

2008-10-06T08:20:00.000-07:00

I just can't stop with the autumn-ness. It's beyond gorgeous. Can't you just hear the leaves rustling?! Orange is so crisp and clean paired with chocolate brown or white.

I'm swooning over the necklace! So elegant and unique- your bridesmaids would love it. In fact.. they might actually wear it again!

and don't you just love the preppy striped necktie? love it.

Credits:
Floral wreath from Soiree Event Planning, Charlston, NC Calla Lilly Bouquet by Modern Day Designs,Santa Barbara, CA Necklace Luxedeluxe Place Cards and invitation Crescent Moon Paper Co., Santa Cruz, CA Chair Sash Boutonniere Just Bloomed Minneapolis,MN Cake B eaux Gateaux San Francisco, CA

The Elegant Wrap

2008-10-05T08:01:00.000-07:00

Fall is here, lovely brides. I'm trying to ignore it, to pretend it's still summer. However, if your wedding is coming soon, consider a wrap or a capelet. Who wants to be shivering on her wedding day? Take a look at these gorgeous capelets, wraps and jackets!

Incredible

C'est mon cadeau cream capelet

by Erina Wang-
the price is incredible too! And she customizes. wow.

Cashmere drape shawl by Carolina Amato
Yum.

classic and elegant duchess shrug
This will match so many dresses!

Do you have more shrugs, wraps or capelets to share?
I'd love to see them!

Ah, the colors of autumn

2008-10-04T22:56:00.000-07:00

I love the colors of autumn. There's no getting around it. The warm chocolate browns, coppers, aubergines... I just love it. Here are some favorites for the charming autumn wedding.

Gorgeous bridal bouquet by Lina Floral that incorporates
warm colors of autumn- aubergine, copper... delish!

A gloriously classic strapless dupioni silk dress from Charsa

More glorious oranges from Lina

Bronze and persimmon square pocketfold invitation
from Crescentmoonpaper!

Another incredible Edith Meyer Creation-
a chocolate cherry swirl cake. *swoon*