Central Park Wedding Inspiration

This past April Jen Huang invited to speak at her NYC workshop, talking about our submission process and ground rules for submitting to wedding blogs. Along with a dream team of local New York pros, the photoshoot came out as pretty as it gets. Central Park in spring is gorgeous – perfect inspiration for a wedding. And in case you were wondering just how gorgeous, here are some images:

View all images in the gallery

Wedding Resources:

Photography: Jen Huang / Tzo-Ai’s Dress: Saja / Tzo-Ai’s MUA: Kerry Makeup / Tzo-Ai’s Bouquet/Bout + Large centerpiece: Saipua / “LOVE” Bunting: Figs and Ginger / Sarah’s Dress: Lovely Bridal / Sarah’s MUA: KerryMakeup.com / Sarah’s Engagement Styling: / Brilliant Events / Sarah’s Headband: Jennifer Behr / Sarah’s “The Luckiest” Signage: Paperfinger / Super 8 video: Jon Schienberg

May 23rd, 2012 | Leave a Comment | Email to a friend
Category: Design Inspiration

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Kangaroo Valley Vintage Wedding

I have no shame in admitting that I have a wedding crush for pretty much every nuptial that takes place in Australia. How can you can blame me though, with so much talent and creativity? The Story of Us not only designed Kate + Graeme’s paper goods, but also filmed their wedding day – which is a must watch, video is right below. Paired with photos by Julian Beattie and it’s a homerun. Kate + Graeme found their wedding venue by searching for vacation rentals, and were able to rent out the entire location for their big day and decorate it just to their liking. We’re pretty sure you’re going to love this wedding as much as we do!

From the bride, Kate: The most important thing for us was that our wedding was authentic. We didn’t want to select a package from a “wedding factory” we wanted to find a venue that felt like home & decorate it to feel like Us.

We found Melross by searching holiday rentals & were so lucky that they would rent the entire property to us. We sourced every element from the table cloths to the crockery ourselves. We also did all the decorations. We trawled blogs for ideas but mostly took inspiration from illustrations on old 1960s Buttericks sewing patterns.

All our hard work really paid off. It was a big year collecting boxes of glass jars, linens, crockery, papers & ribbons but it really was worth it. I would recommend getting as involved as you can. I think the more of yourself you put in to your wedding the more welcoming the vibe & the greater feeling of inclusion for your guests.

australian wedding ceremony
australian bridal party

I walked down the aisle to Elvis’ “I Can’t Help (Falling in Love With You)” & carried a daisy bouquet. We wrote our own vows & kept them secret from each other until the day. Our friends sang “One hand, one heart” by Leonard Bernstein at the ceremony which was officiated by our Scottish celebrant. We walked back down the aisle to “Home” by Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros as our guests threw rice.

After the ceremony we all followed the bagpiper down a dusty road to the marquee. We had perfect weather including a bright pink sunset just as we went in for dinner. The night ended with delicious deserts & dancing with the band until the “wee” hours of the morning. Graeme & I watched the sun come up from the house on the property.

My advice would be enjoy yourself! So many brides had told me how stressful the process is but you can make the decision not to get stressed. We had so much fun dreaming, planning & sourcing & it was an incredible day. I just wish we could do it again.

View all images from this wedding in the gallery

Be sure to watch the video by The Story of Us!

Wedding Vendors (New South Wales, Australia):

Wedding Venue: Melross, Kangaroo Valley / Wedding Photographer: Julian Beattie / Bride’s Dress and Veil: Karen Willis Holmes Couture / Jewelry and Shoes: Vintage / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Alfred Sung and Chloe & Reese / Groom and Groomsmen’s Suits: Jack London / Makeup: Christina Cleary / Hair: Cathy King of Toni & Guy, Mosman / Wedding Flowers: Gwenda Louise at The Country Flower Shop, Bowral / Wedding Caterer and Dessert Bar: PB Catering / Wedding Music: Ulterior Motive / Marquee and Furniture Rentals: YES Events / Bunting: Victorian Station / Officiant: David Courtney / Table Linens: Burlap Tablecloth / Wedding Invitations, Paper Goods, and Videographer: The Story of Us

May 23rd, 2012 | 3 Comments | Email to a friend
Category: Vintage Weddings

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Build Your Own Tuxedo App

There’s nothing quite as dapper as a men in a tux, and today we’re deciphering the essentials of black tie for the guys. Jim’s Formal Wear, the largest rental company in the world, just launched a FREE Tux Builder app for the iPhone and iPad. You will be able to mix and match items to build your own look. Upload a photo of yourself for a true sense of what you will look like on your wedding day. Share the image with your friends and family on Facebook and Twitter. It’s a decision involving many, after all :)

You can also browse their huge inventory with over 50 tuxedo styles to choose from. You will also find designer brands like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren. Once you have selected your look, be sure to visit in person one of their retailers near you to be professionally fitted for the best fit and best look possible. With over 5000 retailers locations, there may be one right around the corner!

Black Tie Anatomy:

Neckwear: black (duh) bow tie or long tie, in silk
Pocket Square: silk or linen white handkerchief
Shirt: white tuxedo shirts must have pleats and French cuffs
Lapels: shawl, peaked or notched for a more modern look
Buttons: Tuxedo jackets generally have just one button and are typically single breasted, colors can be black or midnight blue
Cufflinks: traditional materials such as gold, silver or mother-of-pearl
Trousers: same fabric as jacket, must have single braid along outside seams to match lapels, always black
Shoes: black patent leather or polished black leather shoes
Optional: vest, cummerbund or suspenders

The hot weather alternative is a white dinner jacket instead of black. The only difference is in the jacket color, which can be white (modern, less formal) or ivory, but the shirt is always white regardless of the jacket!

With The Tuxedo Builder, you can also create different looks for all of the men in your bridal party – including your dads. After everyone has chosen their looks, each can go to a retail store near them to try them on – no sweat if your groomsmen are spread across the country. Check out The Tuxedo Builder and start building your look!

Tuxedo images from GQ

May 23rd, 2012 | Leave a Comment | Email to a friend
Category: Sponsored Posts

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Nashville Inspired Wedding

When this wedding from Alison Conklin landed in our inbox, we knew within seconds we wanted to feature it. Bride Amber filled the day with details (some taken from Ruffled!) that were personally meaningful for this non-traditional couple, right down to the wedding cake — which was made by the bride’s 15-year-old sister! Keep reading for some inspiration from this 1960s Nashville-inspired wedding:

From the bride, Amber: Our biggest goal while planning our wedding was to have it be both a reflection of us as individuals, and as a couple. We also wanted to blend both old & new, showing our guests that just because we’re non-traditional ourselves, didn’t mean that we wanted to disconnected ties with all traditions. Lastly – we wanted the whole process and day of to be a lot of fun.

Our starting point for a theme was 1950s/1960s Nashville. John and I have visited there a couple of times together and have just fallen in love with the music scene, southern hospitality and the food! Because we both love all things vintage, this naturally played a large role in the decor.

There were a TON of DIY projects involved in this wedding. Here’s a list:
-Hand-painted burlap table runners
-Hand-dyed doily garland
-Groomsmens’ bowties made using vintage fabric
-Bridesmaids’ dress hangers and button rings
-AJ DIY Marquee sign
-Vintage style concert posters, I designed them in Photoshop and had them printed on Vistaprint
-Painted dessert stands
-Banners for around the reception
-45rpm record place cards
-Ruffled streamers
-Here comes the bride banner
-Doily poms at the end of pews
-Flags & lavender sachets for post-ceremony parade

Any advice for brides planning their weddings now? If you’re doing a lot of projects yourself, it is NEVER too early to get started. Get as much done ahead of time as you can! Also – keep yourself as organized as possible. I swear by a wedding binder. It’s a great place to keep all of your contracts, to do lists, inspiration, etc.

View all images from this wedding in the gallery

Wedding Music:
Bridal Party Processional: Four Seasons Spring Movement, Vivaldi
Bride’s Processional: Sonata in A Major, Op. 65, No. 3, Felix Mendelssohn-Barthody
Recessional: Symphonie No. 2, Op. 13, No. 2, Charles Marie Widor
First Dance: “Picture in a Frame,” Tom Waits
Father/Daughter Dance: “In My Life,” The Beatles
Mother/Son Dance: “You’re the One,” The Black Keys

Wedding Vendors (Easton, PA):

Wedding Ceremony: Trinity Episcopal Church / Wedding Reception: Third Street Alliance / Wedding Photographer: Alison Conklin / Wedding Dress: Vera Wang for David’s Bridal / Wedding Veil: made by bride / Wedding Shoes: Discount Dance / Jewelry: Family heirlooms / Hair: Ashley’s Main Street Styles (Coopersburg, PA) / Groom’s Outfit: Express / Bow Tie: Countess Mara / DJ: Soundscape DJ Entertainment / Wedding Cake and Sweets: Bride’s Family / Wedding Invitations: Kevin Maloney / Cake Topper: Simply Silhouettes

May 22nd, 2012 | 7 Comments | Email to a friend
Category: DIY Weddings

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