I adore winter - it’s so soft and still.  I hope your weekend is as peaceful as this board is!

{bird in winter branches via the All Things Bright and Beautiful blog (now defunct), place setting photographed by Sang An via Truly Smitten, floral photographed by Jenny Ebert via Thoughtful Day bride photo by Punam Bean}

Mike and Erika’s San Juan Capistrano wedding, much like Erika’s bridal shower, is all about classic romance and lots of pink!  Sandra Pan of Sandra P Photography did such a wonderful job capturing all of the details.

Rancho Capistrano is such a gorgeous venue, and Flower Allie’s work is always top-notch.  Soft pink chiffon Jenny Yoo bridesmaids dresses are highlighted by fluffy pink and white bouquets.

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Ed. Note: Jess is a friend of mine and I was thrilled to help her choose Olivia to shoot her Minneapolis wedding!

Jeff and Jess…where do I begin? I’m sure someday I will get a couple that is just “nice,” a wedding that is “fine,” a day that is just “average.” But until then I think I shall wax poetically about all my couples, as I really am so touched by how unique, special and intimate all of their events are.

Jeff and Jessica were married on June 5th just outside of Minneapolis in beautiful Minnetonka Beach, Minnesota, with prep and reception at the Lafayette Club. I went to Minneapolis as a kid and absolutely loved it, and this trip was no different. Minnesota always strikes me as such a special place-the people are so kind, the scenery is so beautiful, and everything seems just a bit more calm. When Jeff and Jess first talked with me, they had been planning an event in downtown Chicago. As months went on, however, they ended up deciding to switch it to Jessica’s home state in hopes of creating a wedding that felt more like them. The three of us were in a car together after they were married, and we all remarked how strange it would have been for them to have been married in the city-something about the Minnesota location just felt perfect for their day, and I am so thrilled they switched it and humbled that they brought me along.

I know true destination weddings can be a bit of a heady affair, but a “regional destination” wedding is such a lovely idea-a great way for your friends and family to take a little minication without too much of time or financial commitment. It was simply splendid and probably my favourite wedding I have ever photographed. I am very eager to get back to Minneapolis, so if you or a friend are planning an event (or even just want a session there), please contact me, and I can offer some special travel rates.

Jeff and Jessica are truly two of the kindest people I have been able to work with, a sentiment a few other vendors I spoke with shared. I became fairly close to them by the time the wedding date approached, and I was so happy to be able to share in their day. I had so many favourites from this wedding, so prepare for a lot (particularly a ton of Jess-I couldn’t help myself! So stunning.).

And many thanks to Debbie Oakland in Wisc./Minn. for helping me out on this wedding and shooting many of the details and groom’s prep below.

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So, being home this week, I’ve been finalizing a lot of things here at home before I have to go back to California for my last quarter of my first year at my MBA program (was that confusing?). I have lots of DIY projects that I’ve been documenting this week, like last Sunday’s hair clip. So DEFINITELY stay tuned for fun with mossy monograms, flowergirl bouquets, blooming branches, and some info on my vendors!

We finally decided on the colors for our table linens this week…we’ve decided to go with an ivory underlay with a chocolate brown runner and sage green napkins. I’m keeping with my favor of a single, fresh plum at each plate…though it’s not quite plum season yet, so I replaced them in these photos with a beautiful purple anemone.

Close up of one of the 28 little birdies I bought (for $.75/each) at Michael’s last week to decorate the tables with.

These table numbers were super easy, and cheap. I picked up (on clearance, from Pottery Barn) a set of 14 birch slivers, for $4. The stamp set (by Martha Stewart) was $9, and I colored the ink in myself. Total cost for 14 table numbers = $13! Plus, I loved the way the wood grain picked up the ink…it makes it look as though the numbers are stained on!

For vases, we are using silver pieces of different levels, purchased at flea markets and antique stores, or just found around the house! This little tin cup was the perfect size for a couple of perfect spring anemones.

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As I said earlier today, I completely flipped for the details in Laurel and Darren’s gorgeous Seattle wedding.  Their amazing photographer, Michèle M. Waite, captured everything so beautifully, and the details were engineered by Steven Moore Designs.

The reception, held at Seattle’s Arctic Club Hotel, featured this gorgeously romantic cake buffet.  Not only do I love the small cakes themselves, but I also adore the crystal cake stands and accompanying floral arrangements.

As for the tables themselves, each one held a unique centerpiece.  The variety added so much character to the wedding!

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Today’s wedding, brought to us by the uber-talented Michèle M. Waite, is so lovely.  I fell for the details the moment I laid eyes on it!

Laurel is a radiant bride and this series of portraits is absolutely stunning.  The lighting is so perfectly dramatic.

Love this shot of the bridesmaids - in matching robes no less!

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Shannon Steeves returns to EAD today with a very unique wedding!  Lee and Yutaka were married in Sarasota, FL at the Ritz Carlton Beach Club.  Yutaka is an elite-level tennis trainer (he works with Maria Sharapova!) and Lee is an international tennis coach for up and coming teen athletes!

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We have another beautiful wedding from Tana Photography. Kerri and Jamie married last September in Boise, Idaho. The bride and groom planned every detail together, putting to rest the myth that all grooms refuse to get involved in party planning. The wedding was very intimate, only 50 guests were in attendance.

The photostrip feel of these 3 images immediately pulled me in.

You can tell the bride and groom were comfortable and relaxed. How cute are the bare feet!

Details after the jump…

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I have such a soft spot for Greenville, SC - it’s where I met my best friend and co-EAD creator, A (and not to mention my hubby!).  So when Genya from Vue Photography posted this wedding I knew we had to feature it on EAD!

The ceremony was held at the gorgeous Daniel Chapel at Furman University.  You may remember it from Erin’s amazing wedding!

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Classic Black and White never go out of style. While you can’t go wrong with a traditional invitation of black Engraving on Ecru paper, why not update this classic and try the reverse with a touch of metallic gold? What you will end up with is a stunning invitation that sets the mood for an elegant affair.

We love subtle details of gold and white paired with touches of black create a combination that is both elegant and modern.

01. Gryphon Stationers, European Engraved Invitation; on Black Feltweave Paper Stock, with White and Gold
02. Earrings, Cathy Carmendy, on Grace Ormonde Wedding style
03. Vases, on Elegant Bride
04. Bouquet, Anthony Todd
05. Gown, Carolina Herrara
06. Table Setting, on Grace Ormonde Wedding Style

I love vintage items, especially repurposing trinkets and treasures in new and interesting ways.

Clockwise from top left: Style via This is Glamorous, Liz Banfield via The Bride’s Cafe, She Walks in Beauty, Marie Claire Idées, Sweet Paul (Photography credit: Ellen Silverman), Burke Decor via Set Design Thinking, Scarlet & Violet via Decocentric, Jamali Garden Supplies via Ritzy Bee, Marie Claire Idées, Life Images

Other than the old standbys (Ebay and Etsy), some great sources of vintage findings are shops such as French General.  Are you using any vintage-inspired items at your event?

E.

Ah, yes, you’ve guessed it - it’s time for another color week and this time it is RED!

{Image from and sourced way back in the archives}

So readers, send us your red inspiration boards, real weddings, and inspiration board requests.  And expect to see a lot of RED here next week!

E. & A.