Jun

categories: cakes and sweets, destination weddings and honeymoons, favor and gift ideas, reception ideas, the paper chase, Tips and Advice, Trends, Wedding Inspiration

Inspiration can come from anywhere: a good deed, a striking vision or even a quirky product, for example, so it’s no wonder that our publisher was inspired for our most recent covershoot by a page from a magazine she’s been saving. It captured a European vibe- it was edgy, dark, and decadent. We took that mood and modernized it a bit to create our own take on Marie Antoinette and the undeniably stylish French aesthetic.

We are so proud to debut our newest issue next week (and this Sunday at the Bridal Fashion Debut) but first, we want to get you in the mood. French details and over-the-top elegance are back in a big way, in part thanks to the recent Royal Wedding of Will and Kate. And although DIY Weddings have reigned the past few years, we are seeing the pendulum swinging back to classically styled weddings with ornate details, interesting textures and lots of metallics. So for today, here are some Lessons in French!

We are in love with the Paris Luxe Apartments, especially for honeymooners. You can expect the best in customer service and luxury from this company that offers apartment rentals in the most coveted Paris locations. The Nick and Nora Apartment has that French- luxe vibe with heavy drapery, textured upholstery and a warm hearth:

Royals were the first to wear diamonds and these Diamonds in the Rough are exactly what a French bride many years ago would chose to adorn herself with. Harken back to an age of luxury and prestige by gracing your ring finger with one of these beauties:

The quintessential French motif, a fleur de lis, makes for a beautiful detail on these cake stands from Fabulous Wedding Cake Stands. Their dramatic designs have us swooning:

Towers and other structures that are reminiscent of France’s Eiffel Tower can be incorporated into your centerpieces just like Ashley Mullins did for her Spring wedding here in Scottsdale. Notice how the rustic tower is coupled with the large sparkly crystals? Old World meets the New!

(Image Courtesy of Stephanie Fay Photography)

A name that needs no explanation, Godiva Chocolatier, offers a signature package called the Gold Ballotin (French for “small, elegant box of chocolates”). Although from Belgium originally, the first Godiva shop outside Belgium was opened in Paris on the fashionable Rue St. Honoré in 1958 and that’s French enough for us!

Bonbons always make me think of France (bon means good in French) and these cuties from Bedazzle My Bonbons will give you a sweet fix and custom sparkle!

(Image Courtesy of Hollye Schumacher Photography)

These invitations from The Event Essentials echo the metallic and elegant elements of classic French design while the flourishes and gold hues hint at a royal celebration. Kimberly McDowell of The Event Essentials agrees: I think the Royal Wedding set the bar for stationery trends. Rustic chic and vintage will still remain popular, but I feel brides are going more for glamour and sophistication. Pieces will feel more simplistic with a modern aesthetic look, but with an emphasis on luxe essentials. For example a beautiful heavy-weight paper with rhinestone buckles or brooch.

(Image Courtesy of Siegel Thurston Photography)

Do you get the feeling that I could go on and on about French-inspired wedding details? For now, this is it but JUST WAIT until next week to see our French inspired photoshoot!

Au Revoir~ Kelly

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tags: Cake Stands, French Wedding Inspiration, Godiva, invitations, Paris Apartment Rentals, Wedding and Engagement Rings, Wedding Favors, wedding inspiration
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Jan

Real Wedding: Lynn and James (and Titleist)

categories: fabulous reception sites, favor and gift ideas, floral inspiration, for your ceremony, real weddings, reception ideas, Scottsdale Weddings, Wedding Inspiration

Can I start with today’s post by addressing the dog? I know including a dog in a wedding is not a new idea but it seems to polarize people. Some love the idea, some downright hate it. I lean towards no dogs only b/c they are additional ”moving parts” and during my time in the coordination world, I quickly learned that extra moving parts= more that can potentially go wrong. BUT, look at this little guy…and his name is Titleist (his parents are golf lovers) and he seems so perfectly behaved! I love him and need to snuggle him.

Alright, let’s move on to the couple who should be in the spotlight, Lynn and James. This cute couple got married at Scottsdale’s chic Firesky Resort and Spa last May and I love how the Southern and golf elements came together to make for a bright day full of laughter. The fuschia shoes and teal background are scrumptious…

Since the couple met at Pinehurst Golf Resort in North Carolina, golf was a prevailing theme

Sometimes I think people forget that weddings are about emotion

The whimsical ceremony space was decorated with fuschia paper lanterns, daisies, fuschia guest fans and grass flats. The ceremony space is lined with pics of the kissing couple- charming!

How cute is James in his exuberance? Marriage is awesome! The sweet notes designed by The Event Essentials offered prompts such as “Love is…” and “We wish for you…” allowing guests to write a personal message to the couple in lieu of a guestbook. Sweet!

Lynn and James chose grey and yellow for their color scheme but accented the decor with fuschia for a playful tone. I think it came together beautifully- look at the bright pop in the bouquet by Table Tops, Etc.

Sometimes I think bridal party shots can be pretty boring but the combo of a fun group and expert photographer really works here- Ivy Studios ran with the dynamics of this crowd!

Lynn tells us how she incorporated Southern touches and golf into the wedding day:

Although we knew we had to incorporate the bright colors, we also had to pull in the aspects of golf. The signature drink, “Carolina Sweet Tea,” is the signature drink of Pinehurst and was served in glass mason jar mugs to guests after the ceremony. The escort cards were displayed on a flat of grass on fuchsia golf tees with a custom putting flag displaying our monogram.

Reception tables were covered with silver linens and yellow napkins. The square “headtable” for 6 had a yellow linen to make it stand out. The room was washed in fuchia with a monogram that was seen on favors, stationary, and even timelines. The reception centerpieces were all displayed in julep cups and silver cups placed on vintage silver trays. We wanted the centerpieces in the reception to tie in the light-hearted look from the ceremony with a more elevated, elegant look in the ballroom.

James spent time perfecting the method to attach the garter to a fake golf ball to hit it off some turf to the single guys and I surprised James with a grooms cake which was replica of his Cobra golf bag complete with his name and PGA logo. It was important to us to personalize every aspect of our event from the favors (monogrammed golf balls for the guys and monogrammed boxes of taffy from Santa Cruz, CA for the girls). We planned to have extra of our gorgeous wedding cake so guests took monogrammed bakery boxes with extra cake home

This couple seamlessly incorporated their roots to make their day beautiful and personal which seems to be a road-block for some brides and grooms. Lynn and James, you are an inspiration for couples planning their weddings! Thank you for sharing your day and CONGRATULATIONS!

Chatting Soon~Kelly