Elizabeth Anne Designs: The Wedding Blog » DIY weddings

Real Weddings: Elise + Bill

Ami — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:00:50 +0000

I’m over the moon today to share Elise and Bill’s beyond gorgeous Michigan wedding! Elise is the sister of my dear friend Natalie (the mastermind behind Pemberley Events), and her wedding was infused with so many charming handmade details and the most amazing organic, lush florals from Petal Play Design. The Blue Dress Barn in Benton Harbor, Michigan has such a quaint, rustic feel, and it was the perfect setting for Elise and Bill’s “kind of quirky, eclectic, vintage” wedding. The wedding was a true labor of love for the family. Natalie planned and designed the event, Elise’s father made the wooden flower boxes with chalk sides for the centerpieces, Bill made the cake topper, and Elise’s mother sewed the flower girl dress and even made the wedding cake! Elise and Bill have been together since high school, and their love and joy is so palpable in these beautiful images from Harrison Studio!

The following Chicago and Michigan wedding vendors contributed to Elise and Bill’s wedding:

Photography – Harrison Studio \ Ceremony Venue – St. Joseph Catholic Church \ Reception Venue – Blue Dress Barn \ Floral – Petal Play Design \ Wedding planning and design – Pemberley Events \ Stationery – Mok Duk \ Calligraphy – PinkInkPaper \ Videographer – Story Mix \ Gown – Lela Rose, purchased from Ultimate Bride in Chicago, IL \ Bridesmaids – Elise Bergman \ Hair – Erin Brown \ Makeup – Julie Strating \ Jewelry – Dannijo \ Shoes – Kate Spade \ Suit – Brooks Brothers \ Catering – Maison Cuisine \ Bakery – Crane’s Pies \ Linens – Classic Party Rentals \ Band – Midwest Dueling Pianos \ Transportation – B&W Charters \ Ceremony music – Neil Dixon Smith

© Elizabeth Anne Designs: The Wedding Blog, 2012 · Permalink · 6 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: DIY weddings, real weddings, rustic weddings

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Real Weddings: Amelia + Josh

Christen — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:00:51 +0000

Even before I read anything this adorable couple had to say about their wedding, I could tell it was a celebration created with a ton of love and care! Indeed, Amelia and Josh’s wedding took lots of teamwork to put together. The flowers, dishes, decor – almost every tiny detail can be attributed to the bride or one of her talented friends. I absolutely love all the different colorful bridesmaids dresses – so cute and fun! It’s a handmade and homemade Southern celebration (that also looks like it was an incredible party!) with photos that are just too cute for words by Dixie Pixel - the perfect way to end a spectacular 2011!

The following Tennessee wedding vendors contributed to Amelia and Josh’s wedding:

Photography - Dixie Pixel* \ Event design - Ashley Addair \ Floral - Leann Cooper \ Gown – Saja \ Catering - Luxe Catering \ Rentals - Event Rentals \ Band - Brown Sugar \ Headpiece - Mignonne Handmade \ Groom’s attire - JCrew

*Dixie Pixel is a member of the EAD Vendor Guide. To find vendors in your area, click here, or if you are a vendor interested in applying, click here.

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Posted in: casual weddings, DIY weddings, real weddings

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Real Weddings: Mary + Scott

Christen — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:12:44 +0000

Although they moved around quite a bit, Mary and Scott have strong Southern roots so it was no surprise that they’d want to incorporate lots of Southern elements into their big day. It was actually Mary’s dream to be married in a cotton field but when she realized the challenge of turning a cotton field into a suitable venue, she decided instead to just bring the cotton field to their wedding. Some family friends let her raid their cotton field and then her mom made the boutonnieres and delivered loads more cotton to their florist so that it could be incorporated into the rest of their arrangements. From the Cheerwine to the Moonpies to the sparkler-lit sportsfishing boat that sent off the bride and groom, it was truly a North Carolina event beautifully photographed by the Southerner herself, Melissa Tuck!

The following North Carolina vendors contributed to Mary and Scott’s wedding:

Photographer – Melissa Tuck Photography \ Venue – Private residence \ Bride’s dress – Romona Keveza Couture \ Bridesmaids dresses – Lula Kate \ Groom’s cufflinks – F.M. Allen \ Bowtie and ties – Southern Proper Ties \ Reception music – The Charlie Band \ Florist – Wholesale Flower Market in Chesapeake, VA \ Caterer – Doris Riggs Catering \ Stationery – William Arthur

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Posted in: casual weddings, DIY weddings, real weddings, rustic weddings

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Real Weddings: Amanda + Troy

Christen — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:00:40 +0000

Amanda and Troy’s wedding was a complete DIY labor of love – a product of caring friends and a loving and devoted family. After considering several local venues, the couple looked closer to home and decided to marry outdoors at Amanda’s parents’ home, nestled amongst her grandfather’s farm, in Wooster, Ohio. Blessed with green thumbs, Amanda and her mother grew all of the amazing flowers for the wedding, including an amazing array of gorgeous dahlias – bliss dahlias, koko puff dahlias, maki dahlias, Miss Molly dahlias, Zippity Do Da dahlias, and sonic bloom dahlias… I am swooning over all these delectable blooms beautifully arranged by CR Blooms, Amanda and her mum. With the help of family and friends, all the planning and DIY details came together seamlessly, and I’m utterly in love with all of the gorgeous images from Arielle Doneson!

The following Ohio vendors contributed to Amanda and Troy’s wedding:

Photography – Arielle Doneson \ Venue – Bride’s parents’ home \ Bridal Bouquet – CR Blooms \ Day of Coordinator – Julie Battistell \ Gown – James Clifford, purchased from Catan Fashions in Strongsville, Ohio \ Bridesmaids – Bari Jay \ Hair and makeup – Trisha Albright, Salon Lavish \ Jewelry – Macy’s* \ Suit – American Commodore Tuxedo in Antique Portfino \ Catering – Old Carolina Barbecue Company \ Bakery – Buehler’s Fresh Foods \ Rentals – All Events Rental \ Linens – Linen Tablecloth \ DJ – DJ Kenny Glick \ Ceremony music – Cheryl Anderson and Denice Miller (Harp and Flute)

*Macy’s is an EAD sponsor

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Posted in: DIY weddings, real weddings

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Real Weddings: Skye + Alex

Ami — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:00:04 +0000

Sweet personal details, gorgeous photography, amazing flowers, and true, wholehearted love are the ingredients guaranteed to cook up a beautiful wedding and Skye and Alex’s Birmingham soiree has them all! From the chuppah (handmade from a blanket crocheted by Skye’s great grandmother), to the something blue (blue buttons from one of her baby dresses lovingly sewn into Skye’s gown by her mother), to serving a keg of their favorite Michigan brew, Alex and Skye celebrated their love with their nearest and dearest by including many of the details that make their love story special and unique – and that’s the best part of any wedding! Historic Rucker Place is full of Southern charm, and the images from Spindle Photography beautifully capture Skye and Alex’s love – and all of the amazing details!

The following Birmingham, AL wedding vendors contributed to Skye and Alex’s wedding:

Photography – Spindle Photography* \ Venue – Historic Rucker Place \ Floral – Laure Friedman, LSL Event Designs \ Stationery – Frances Adams Designs \ Favors – Wild Maine Blueberry Jam \ Gown – Allure, purchased from The Something Blue Shoppe in Hartselle, Alabama \ Bridesmaids – Banana Republic \ Shoes – Vaneli Shoes, ”Djalma” in pewter \ Suit – Ralph Lauren \ Bakery – Pastry Art Bake Shoppe \ Ceremony music – Cahaba River Strings

*Spindle Photography is an EAD vendor guide member. To find vendors in your area, click here, or if you are a vendor interested in applying, click here.

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Posted in: classic weddings, DIY weddings, real weddings

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Real Weddings: Michelle + Philip

Christen — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 18:00:54 +0000

Michelle and Philip’s Michigan wedding was a casually elegant affair at Michelle’s parents’ lakefront home. I’ve adored Queen Anne’s Lace ever since I was a little girl, so of course I’m in love with the beautiful, unfussy florals by Florabella Designs. I also think everyone should experience eating out of a food truck or mobile kitchen at a wedding at least once. How cool is this one from Mayberry BBQ? Finally, the photography by Kelly Sweet Photography is stunning. Those photos of Philip twirling Michelle around at sunset with that fabulous dress? Seriously unreal. I love this wedding (and thanks to the major talents of the couple and their family and friends) all the DIY touches that fill it!

The following Michigan vendors contributed to Michelle and Phillip’s wedding:

Photography – Kelly Sweet Photography* \ Dress – Maggie Sottero from The Sample Rack in Philadelphia \ Hairpiece and accessories – Rachael Blair \ Rentals - Debbie Does Dishes \ Shoes - Badgley Mischka \ Suit – Bonobos \ Groom’s shoes – Florsheim by Duckie Brown \ Florist – Florabella Designs \ Bakery - Sweet Traditions in Whitehall, Michigan \ Catering - Mayberry BBQ \ Cheeses - The Cheese Lady, from Muskegon \ Officiant – Carl Jarboe

*Kelly Sweet Photography is an EAD vendor guide member. To find vendors in your area, click here, or if you are a vendor interested in applying, click here.

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Posted in: casual weddings, DIY weddings, real weddings

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Real Weddings: Courtney + Clark

Christen — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:00:18 +0000

Courtney and Clark’s theme was “woodsy rustic meets vintage glamour”. They were married at Courtney’s family home in Washington, where they built their own ceremony site, complete with beautiful wood benches, and let nature build their cathedral. The reception featured delicate and sweet blooms created by McKenzie Powell Designs, and everyone danced the night away to the sounds of a jazz band and salsa band, friends of the couple who are both jazz musicians! Michele M. Waite captured the beautiful images and McKenzieKate Weddings made sure the day went off without a hitch. The beautiful mix of rustic and elegant!

The following Washington vendors contributed to Courtney and Clark’s wedding:

Photography – Michele M. Waite Photography \ Venue – Private residence \ Floral – McKenzie Powell Designs \ Planning and design – McKenzieKate Weddings \ Stationery – White Aisle \ Videographer – Laura Goldenberger \ Gown – Paloma Blanca, purchased from La Belle Elaines in Seattle, WA \ Bridesmaids – Bill Levkoff \ Hair and makeup – Salon Maison \ Headpiece – Unique Bridal Boutique & Styling \ Veil – Jennifer Leigh \ Shoes – Brighton \ Catering – Christie’s Catering \ Bakery – New Renaissance Cakes \ Rentals – AA Party \ Transportation – British Motor Coach Inc. \ Music – For jazz and salsa band booking, contact Clark Gibson at 205.907.1245

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Posted in: DIY weddings, real weddings, rustic weddings

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Real Weddings: Lauren + Ian

Christen — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:00:29 +0000

Lauren and Ian’s wedding was spread out over 3 days at Ian’s beautiful family home in Grove City, Pennsylvania. They wanted their wedding to feel like a backyard party, something very handmade and festive, and created a stunning overhead display in their reception tent with hundreds of colorful tissue poms. I’m in love with the bouquet and boutonniere by The Tinker’s Dam! The flowers are so pretty and stand out on their own without competing with the colors of the rest of the event. A gorgeous day with beautiful photos from Birchtree Photography!

The following Pennsylvania vendors contributed to Lauren and Ian’s wedding:

Photography - Birchtree Photography by Mary Schwarz \ Event design and invitations – Lauren Stanley \ Venue – private home in Grove City, PA \ Flowers – The Tinker’s Dam \ Catering – Dr. Sous Custom Catering \ Cake - Karla’s Cakes \ Desserts – Mimi’s Bake Shoppe \ Brass quintet – led by John Habarka \ DJ – Sean Russell \ Guest thumbprint tree – Bleu de Toi \ Gown – J Crew \ Shoes – Badgley Mischka \ Earrings – LuluFrost \ Suit and tie – J Crew \ Groom’s shoes – Massimo Emporio \ Engagement ring – Joden Jewelers \ Bride’s wedding band – J. Lingnau \ Groom’s wedding band – Blue Nile*

*Blue Nile is an EAD vendor guide member. To find vendors in your area, click here, or if you are a vendor interested in applying, click here.

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Posted in: DIY weddings, real weddings, whimsical weddings

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Real Weddings: Jenia + Sergey

Christen — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:00:56 +0000

Jenia and Sergey’s friends put a bit of pressure on them during the 5 years they dated, saying how much they were looking forward to their Russian wedding. The couple was up to the challenge though, and with lots of help from friends and family they created an event that reflected the two of them as well as their heritage. Jenia and her bridal party assembled the beautiful florals, and other friends helped create the bunting, programs, signs and many of the other details that filled the day. I’m in love with the colors and feel of this wedding, and adore these photos by Justin Battenfield. Such a stunning day created from a lot of love!

The following New York vendors contributed to Jenia and Sergey’s wedding:

Photography – Justin Battenfield \ Venue – Stone Quarry Hill Art Park \ Stationery – stereojam: the pixelsmith \ Videographer – Kyle Correa & William Stone Dow \ Hair – Continental Beauty Spa \ Rentals – Tent-All, Rent-All \ Band – The Wandering Klezmorim \ DJ – Burdel Dali \ Transportation – Quality Coach \ Seamstress – Estee Livioco in Montgomery Village, MD

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Posted in: DIY weddings, real weddings, rustic weddings

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Real Weddings: Elizabeth + Alex

Ami — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:00:25 +0000

Elizabeth and Alex initially wanted to host their wedding at Elizabeth’s parents’ home on Chicago’s North Shore, but when their list of their nearest and dearest began to exceed 150, they decided instead to emulate the feeling of an at home event with a brunch wedding at the Chicago History Museum. Personal details abound, including a chuppah hand-sewn by the couple’s mothers. Their beautiful reception featured long tables speckled with sweet terracotta pots and blue mason jars filled with mint, artichokes, and the most beautiful delicate blooms created by Fleur. I just love the light and airy images from Maypole Studios!

The following Chicago wedding vendors contributed to Elizabeth and Alex’s wedding:

Photography – Maypole Studios \ Floral – Fleur* \ Venue – Chicago History Museum \ Event planning – Joan Cinquegrani of Five Grain Events \ Portrait location – Lincoln Park Conservatory \ Gown – Caroline DeVillo \ Necklace – Bride’s grandmother’s \ Suit – Calvin Klein \ Catering – Food For Thought \ Bluegrass band – Larry King Orchestra \ Hair – Livia Caporale

*Fleur is a member of the EAD Vendor Guide

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Posted in: DIY weddings, real weddings

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