This seriously beautiful wedding comes to us from a new, super fun and super talented photographer, Erin J. Rexroth of Erin J Photography. I love everything about this wedding. The beautiful bride, the light and airy bouquets and those yellow bridesmaids dresses with those amazing shoes. I love brides brave enough to do yellow. Love. it.

Rebekah & Ryan married July 25, 2009 in Richmond, Virginia. Enjoy all of the amazing details from her beautiful wedding.

We really love this one.

Check out her amazing vendor list at the end of the post.

From the bride… I absolutely loved everything about our wedding day! My vendors were amazing, and the day ran flawlessly. Surrounded by my new husband, wonderful family, and 300 friends, I felt blissful! The only advice that I would give to a bride-to-be is to make sure that your reception is as long as possible! My only wish is that my reception would have been about an hour longer, but due to some circumstances, it wasn’t really possible. I would also suggest that you make sure you and your new husband go and greet all of the people who came to celebrate with you–the conversations you have with them will be some of your cherished memories later. I can certainly say that my wedding day was the best day of my life! Enjoy and soak it in ladies!

I love these perfectly simple bouquets. I always hated baby’s breath/Queen Anne’s Lace as a filler with other flowers, but by itself with that little bit of yellow against those yellow dresses. GORGEOUS!

Check out those shoes. A. Mazing.

Ryan & Rebekkah’s vendors included:

Sharper Palate–catering (quality service and divine food)
Erin Rexroth–photographer (amazing to work with, and VERY talented)
Josh Turner–jazz band (sounded amazing, very professional)
Baker’s Kitchen–wedding cake (best cake we’ve ever had!)
Magic Special Events–decorations
Flowers Make Scents–florists (a little pricey, but worth the grand and unique designs)

This super cute wedding is from the super talented  Cindy Johnson, you might remember her from the fabulous shots she took at Rocco & Larah’s Destination wedding in Nicaragua. This totally fab wedding has THREE… count ‘em three, outfit changes. Gotta love a bride with options. Gina and Ryan married at 632 on Hudson in New York City, on October 3, 2009.

Gina and Ryan wanted their day to be very personal and unique to them. To make sure that happened, they put a lot of thought into the details. (I love a detail oriented bride.) Their officiant was the groom’s best friend, who also introduced them. The brides’ sister read a poem during the ceremony; a poem that the groom had written for his bride. Too cute. Their first dance was sung by a friend, another friend who is a belly dancer performed, and a cousin acted as MC for the night. The couple framed their parents wedding photos and placed them on display in one of the rooms at the venue, and each guest was gifted with hand-written cards and hand-made chocolate bonbons as favors. Now, if that doesn’t say thank you I don’t know what does. And if that wasn’t enough, the couple made sure to personally thank, and bid farewell to each and every guest at the door at the end of the night.

This truly is a very beautiful, and very personal wedding, with attention to every detail, including a very special cake, from Lauri Ditunno of NYC’s The Cake Alchemy- also one of WE TV’s featured cake decorators on Amazing Wedding Cakes! How much more fabulous can you get!?

From the bride…

“I wore a wedding dress, an Indian lengha, and a tailor-made Western party-wear. To be honest, I just couldn’t decide on what to wear! I mean when else are you the center of attention?!”

From the bride…

“It was most important for the wedding to be personal, warm and fun.  We wanted the wedding to resemble a cocktail party at home with close family and friends. It was a wonderful night. Ryand and I had a great time with everyone, and the small number of guests enabled us to socialize with all. Our caterer, Marcey Brownstein took care of all the details. They have a very professional and hospitable staff, and a brilliant chef!”

This was one of Gina’s favorite moments. Her groom and her sister frantically bustling her dress post ceremony.

From the beautiful bride…

“Walking down the staircase of 632 Hudson.  It was quite special because all my friends and family were lined up along the walk.”

From the bride…

“I am Japanese/Indian. My mother suggested that Indian bridal wear is more festive and colorful than Japanese, so I went with that. Ryan matched me with a white Nehru suit for the Indian portion, and a tux for the Western.”

From the bride…

“My former chef, Lauri Ditunno of Cake Alchemy, gifted us the “Swan Cake”. She had remembered everything I like from when I worked with her; pulled sugar, marbleized fondant, rose sugar flowers, individual cakes for each guest, stracciatella cake with passion fruit butter cream. The cake was a surprise to us, and surprised we were! It was amazing. Lauri has a TV show called Amazing Wedding Cakes on the WE Network, so the cake will be featured in the next season. It will be a good memory for us.”

First- a sincere apology for the slacking this week. Times they are a little crazy. I escaped the New York weather last weekend in favor of a short weekend trip with my bestie to Charleston, SC and nearby Kiawah Island. It’s my favorite place on the planet, and it was a much need and super fun trip. I was taking notes for friends who are heading down for a bachelorette weekend in April. The bride in question, is super laid back and far away from the scary pink feather boa place. (me too- truth be told) So she opted for a mini-vacay with her best girls down south.  Listen up ladies… here are our suggestions.

Drinks over Charleston…
Pavilion Rooftop Bar-Market Pavilion Hotel

Market Pavilion Bar

So there’s nothing more wonderful than the brand new Market Pavilion Hotel in downtown Charleston. Complete with views of historic Charleston, a cascading pool, signature cocktails, eclectic cuisine offerings and the city’s most spectacular sunsets, you will not want to miss this hot spot to kick the night off right. It’s a little bit pricey, but totally worth it. Hold out on appetizers and just and just go and enjoy the amazing view and the drinks. You might even see some heat lightening in the distance like we were. I highly recommend the Pavilion Sweet Tea Martini. It’s AMAZING. They use the always delicious Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka and layer it with freshly squeezed southern lemonade. Trust me. Another hot spot worth checking out, The Library at the Vendue Inn in historic Charleston.

Bring out your inner S.N.O.B at Dinner…
Slightly North of Broad (S.N.O.B)

S.N.O.B. Charleston, SC

One of Charleston’s most incredible dinner spots, Slightly North of Broad (S.N.O.B), one of the Maverick Southern Kitchens is the perfect place to continue the evening. Located in a 19th century brick warehouse just north of historic Broad Street, you’ll get a taste of some of the south’s best dishes.  Award-winning executive chef Frank Lee starts with the Carolina Lowcountry’s rich resources, then adds his own blend of flavors from Charleston’s multicultural heritage. I highly recommend the Pesto Gnocchi to start- sounds so simple, yet so incredibly different and delicious, and then move on to the Grilled Southern Medley complete with locally grown vegetables and don’t forget dessert. The Sour Cream Apple Pie, is like nothing you’ve ever tasted. Promise. and I really don’t like Apple Pie. It’s to die for.  The other great thing about S.N.O.B, is that they use locally grown food from nearby islands. They can accommodate groups of 12, but there is no private dining, just calm your inner snob and sit with the common folk. It won’t kill you. In fact I’m fairly certain you’ll thank me. If you’d rather test your senses elsewhere check out other Maverick kitchen restaurants, High Cotton and the Old Village Post House.

Day Trip
Kiawah Island, SC

Kiawah Island, SC

I shoudn’t recommend this to you, and increase the already crowded beaches, BUT. Kiawah Island is the best place ever. Especially if you go in the off-season. It’s a mere 50 minutes from downtown Charleston, and the easiest of drives. It’s a quiet little island, with low wooden street signs, and not a commercial building in sight. If you go, rent bikes from the Kiawah Resort Bike Shop, lunch at the poolside grill at the brand new, and seriously regal Sanctuary Hotel and Resort,  enjoy a paddling tour of the island, or take a Sunset Cruise with a bottle of your favorite champagne.

Now. Don’t forget to get in some serious shopping on historic King Street, experience the open air market with loads of southern gifts and treats, and maybe even fit in a carriage ride. It’s a beautiful little city, and perfect for the laid back bride and her entourage to relax and enjoy a little bit of downtime before the big day.

My darling friend Erin is getting married in late November at a ski resort in Maryland. Her wedding colors started as green, black and white and then traded the green   for the red in order to match her fiance’s dress blues. (He’s in the army). So now, she’s sticking with winter whites, black damask patterns and hints of red. Personally I’m pushing for red shoes. If you can’t wear them on your wedding day…

Besides… a little bit of surprise is good for the soul.

Here’s the inspiration board I created on the SMP (Style Me Pretty) Style Circle for Erin’s wintry wedding in Maryland. Click here to read more on my Style Circle blog about Erin’s wedding here.

I’m so excited to share this beautiful wedding with you! Jennifer & Stephen married in Alexandria Bay in the Thousand Islands this past August. Not only did Jennie use up my favorite wedding color combo (Navy and Pink), but the location made for some amazing shots from photographer Heather Morrisey.

I love when boats and weddings equal subtly wonderful nautical weddings. My favorite.
Enjoy!

I created a subtly nautical inspiration board I created on SMP’s Style Circle plus some more fun nautical style thoughts on the SMP Style Circle Blog click here.

From the bride… Iit was the most beautiful day of our lives and the best part was having our friends and family by our side as we started our life together. I was so excited to walk down the aisle with my dad and have Stephen see me for the first time.

From the beautiful bride… I think both Stephen and I would agree the most fun we have ever had in our lives was from 730pm to 1030pm on August 22, 2009. Pictures were done, we had made our rounds to all the guest tables, and it was time to dance and listen to a great band. We danced the night away and even got to sing a couple songs with the band. We wouldnt change a thing…..and I’m seriously considering joining a band

Check out the nautical inspiration board I created on SMP’s Style Circle for Jennie & Steve too!

Have I mentioned that I LOVE wedding photography, and really good wedding photography blows my mind. In some previous life I think this was my destiny, so I make it my business to meet and greet as many wonderful photographers as I can. These days wedding photographers have so much more to offer than your standard church photos, and the latest trend is seriously hot.

Boudoir photos are the hottest trend in wedding photography. Think sexpot, pin-up, Moulin Rouge… whatever you envision, wedding photographers are bringing it to life.

Personally, I think this is an amazing addition to your world ladies! I think every girl should bring that sexy back for herself, and her hubby. Whether it’s a single shot as a pre-wedding gift for your soon-to-be husband or an artistic book of sexy photos for  your first anniversary, this is a gift he definitely won’t forget.

Randi Voss, one of my favorite and totally talented wedding photographers started offering up Boudoir Sessions to bride’s and works with each individual client to create exactly what she’s looking for in the session.

“Beforehand, I take the time to send the model some clothing suggestions or talk with her on the phone about what she wants and expects from the session.” Randi said. She also recommends hair & makeup for the session to make sure the “I feel pretty” effect really comes through in the photos. Who doesn’t want to get all dolled up for a little sexpot session? I mean. Let’s be honest. Even if you aren’t the kind of girl who flirts with an above the knee hemline from time to time, these photos are for you and your hubby’s eyes only, not for your downstairs powder room, so there’s nothing to blush at.

When you’re looking for a photographer to “step out of the box with,” make sure that you feel comfortable with them. If you don’t, it’s definitely going to show.

“I ask her what she wants me to focus on (and what she wants me to hide.)  The sessions are always a little rocky for the first 10 minutes.  You never know how comfortable someone is going to be in this situation.  After the first few shots, I’ll show my model an image on my camera’s LCD screen so she can make any adjustments she wants.  Then, smooth sailing.” said Randi.

The other great thing about Randi. She opts out of Photoshop on these shots. She believes that true beauty doesn’t come with point and click photoshop, so why should these images. I love this actually. While I think some people would be all for “hiding” whatever your least favorite parts about you are, the truth is, your guy is marrying you for all of you, not the photo shopped version of you. So relax, strip down to your skivvies and ENJOY it and it will make for some super hot, and super fun photos.

Here are a few sample shots from Randi. Special thanks to these BEAUTIFUL brides-to-be for sharing their sessions with us! For more information on what to expect from a Boudoir session check out The Knot’s take on this sexy new trend.

I’m so excited to share this wedding with you today! I’ve been waiting awhile to share this very special day with you all. Chris and Jill are two wonderful and super fun people that I have the pleasure of having around in real life. Which is pretty great.

Chris and Jill got married at St. James Church in Binghamton, NY and then boarded a trolley with their bridal party to head to Brackney, PA for a lakeside reception with their closest family and friends, at Quaker Lake, where Chris’s family lives.But not without a quick stop at the State Street bar, Tom & Marty’s where the couple met at Wednesday Night Trivia.

Mother Nature was not cooperating that day.The side panels of their dinner tent went up and down about three times before the sun peaked through and everything dried up just in time for cocktails. It turned out to be a perfect summer night… finally!

Here are some beautiful photos from Maria at Strinni Studio Photography. Enjoy!

Groomsmen aboard the trolley which carried the couple and their bridal party from the ceremony to the reception and everything in between.

The couple met at Tom & Marty’s a local bar, where the bridal party and close friends joined the couple following the ceremony.

The bridal party enjoyed cocktails on the dock at a close family friend’s home while the bride and groom took pictures. The newlyweds joined them aboard a pontoon boat, to head to the reception.

Guests were bused from town, where the ceremony was held, to the lake for the reception, on a school bus. This was perfect, and easy to come by for the groom, a local elementary school vice-principal.

Fireworks closed out the evening…

You’ve all seen Steel Magnolia’s right? If you haven’t, shame on you. Stop what you’re doing and go add it to your Netflix que. Seriously. It’s a classic.

Anyway, in it Julia Roberts character, Shelby gets married with her signature colors, “blush and bashful” and then dons a matching pink suit to head off to her honeymoon. Do people still do this? Cameron Diaz puts on a honeymoon suit at the end of My Best Friend’s Wedding too. I don’t know.

I think there’s something kind of nostalgic and wonderful about the “Going -Away Outfit”.  Newlyweds used to skip the brunch the next day and head out in some classically vintage car into the night.

I’m not sure it happens anymore, except maybe in the south, but I’m really on board with bringing it back.

Carrie opted for a suit for her actual courtroom ceremony to Big in the end… but I’m really left to wonder…

Can you have your dress and still depart in a suit?

I LOVE Stephanie James Couture dresses. Perfectly vintage. Perfectly elegant. Perfect.

Seriously check this out. AMAZING, AMAZING , AMAZING. The fact that the photographer is stellar as well (Ben Blood Photography) helps too!

Photo Courtesy of Stephanie James Blog & Ben Blood Photography

So yes, I do love, love, love their dresses. But, I love their suits more. They are AMAZING. You can dress me up in that any day. Doris Day meets Jackie O is serious vintage glam.

Gracie Suit by Stephanie James Couture

As featured in Jacksonville Magazine

You can always check out Ralph Lauren for some suiting options.

Suit by Ralph Lauren

But seriously… I call for a comeback.
Anyone?

So Brides.com today has this stellar piece up about Peacock inspired wedding ideas. And you KNOW I love me some feathers. Just remember… don’t go overboard. Integrate the colors into the wedding with subtle actual peacock elements. Otherwise it’ll just look like a complete and total mess… trust me.

First… this cake is to DIE for. Seriously AMAZING. $520- serves 40 by Mark Joseph Cakes

Photo by John Aquino- Brides.com

Then there’s the flowers…

Photo by John Aquino- Brides.com

And the bridesmaid dresses…

Photo by John Aquino- Brides.com

There are loads more fun and beautiful peacock inspirations to choose from at Brides.com. In addition, head over to your my never fail… Etsy… like these below.

Peacock Ring Pillow $28 from Busy Buttons- Etsy

Peacock Feather Boutonniere $15 Ruby Feather- Etsy

HOLLY Peacock Fascinator $19 The Sleepy Albatross- Etsy

I’ve been to a few weddings in my day… and I have to admit, I hear a lot of the same songs. BE DIFFERENT. Pick a song that’s unique to you as a couple. Don’t just pick a song, to pick a song. Here’s are the Top 50 Classic First Dance Wedding Songs according to The Knot. In addition Wedding Wire has a really comprehensive list of first dance songs, that you can add to.

Here’s MY list of Top 50 First Dance Songs

1. Someone to Watch Over Me (Etta James)
2. Two of Us (The Beatles)
3. Have a Little Faith in Me (Joe Cocker)
4. God Only Knows (The Beach Boys)
5. The Way You Look Tonight ( Sinatra- the Bennett version is reminscent of My Best Friend’s Wedding and slightly depressing)
6. Fly Me To The Moon (Sinatra)
7. Save the Last Dance (Michael Buble)
8. If I Should Fall Behind (Springsteen Live in Dublin OR Acoustic)
9. Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You ( Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons OR Lauryn Hill)
10. I’ve Got a Crush On You (Barbara Streisand and Frank Sinatra- DUETS album)
11. 1, 2, 3, 4 (The Plain White Tees)
12. By My Side (Ben Harper)
13.  Cheek to Cheek (Sinatra)
14. Everything (Michael Buble)
15. Isn’t She Lovely (Stevie Wonder)
16. She’s The One (Springsteen)
17. Back You Up ( Dave Matthews Band)
18. You & Me ( Dave Matthews Band)
19. Waiting All My Life ( Rascal Flats)
20. Wedding Dress (Matt Nathanson)
21. When the Stars Go Blue (Ryan Adams, OR Bono & The Coors- I kind of hate the country version)
22. Better Together (Jack Johnson)
23. So Right ( Dave Matthews Band)
24. God Bless The Broken Road ( Rascal Flatts)
25. Your Song (Elton John)
26. Our Love is Here to Stay (Harry Connick Jr.)
27. Something So Right ( Paul Simon)
28. A Wink and a Smile (Harry Connick Jr.)
29. My First, My Last, My Everything (Barry White)
30. Songbird (Fleetwood Mac)
31. Something (The Beatles)
32. Maybe I’m Amazed (Paul McCartney)
33. I Will ( The Beatles)
34. Someone Like You (Van Moorison)
35. Lost in this Moment (Big & Rich)
36. Just in Time ( Tony Bennett)
37. Fly Me to the Moon (Sinatra)
39. Tougher Than the Rest (Springsteen Acoustic)
40. Lucky (Jason Mraz)
41. In Your Eyes (Acoustic by Ben Harper)
42. Don’t Blink (Kenny Chesney)
43. Baby I Need Your Lovin ( The Four Tops)
44. The Luckiest ( Ben Folds)
45. Let’s Fall in Love (Sinatra)
46. She’s Got a Way ( Billy Joel)
47. The Way You Make Me Feel (Michael Jackson)
48. All You Need Is Love (The Beatles)
49. It Had To Be You ( Sinatra)
50. Since I Met You Baby (Sam Cooke)