Inspirations & Creations - Elizabeth Anne Designs: The Wedding Blog

First Look

Natalie — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:44:59 +0000

Brian’s cabin at High Hampton was actually right next door to mine, but don’t worry, we were on opposite sides of our respective cabins and his was a bit farther downhill – so no hope of seeing me wandering around in my underthings waiting to put my dress on. Phew. Brian had the help of his parents, brother (and best man), and (of course) Chambers.

Once we both were all dressed and ready to go, we were escorted (separately, of course!) to our first look location. We decided to do a “first look” before the ceremony because we weren’t starting our ceremony until 4:30 and were worried we’d lose the light if we waited until afterward to do our portraits. And High Hampton’s grounds are just too gorgeous not to take advantage of in the daylight.

Neither of us were particularly superstitious and I had read so many accounts of brides who felt the “first look” moment was just as special, if not more so, than the walking down the aisle moment. These many brides told me that there is an intimacy to seeing each other for the first time alone, well apart from the photographers.

I found this to be true – the whole time I was waiting for Brian to get to the first look location I kept feeling more and more like my heart was about to leap out of my chest, so seeing him after all that build up (without my dad to calm me down) was an overwhelmingly beautiful moment.

Scary and beautiful and amazing and so perfect that my hearts still gets a little fluttery thinking about it.

What do you guys think? First look or wait until the ceremony? I guess it’s really a personal choice and you have to feel at peace with whatever you decide. For us, this was perfect.

*all photos by the amazing Angela Stott

DIY Wedding Details: Crocheted Hangers

Ami Elizabeth — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:00:57 +0000

Knitted and crocheted items are so lovely and add a vintage charm to your wedding. Don’t forget that your gorgeous gown needs an equally gorgeous hanger for those dress shots! If you are a crocheter, Dottie Angel has a wonderful tutorial to create a hanger cover – it would be the perfect accompaniment to your gown.

{tutorial found on Dottie Angel}

Hitting The Slopes

Ami Elizabeth — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:55:50 +0000

Sarah and Tom chose a unique concept for their engagement photos – skiing at Bear Creek Mountain! Nicole Polk did a fabulous job of capturing the fun as they hit the slopes.

More photos can be found on Nicole’s blog here and here!

Braving my Bridal Shower

Kasia — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:00:12 +0000

My mother and sister hosted me a beautiful bridal shower this past weekend at the Peninsula in Chicago. It was a reflection of the hostesses: classy, fashionable and personal.

My niece Lola addressed all the placecards herself with her A+ penmanship.

My sister and mother elected to use candles over flowers, keeping the mood elegant and clean.

Flower candles and glass stands from Dom itp, a Chicago-based unique gift store

My bridesmaids and nieces Lola and Fifi helped unwrap over 40 gifts in front of 40 ladies.

Despite all the wisecracks my fiance got from friends about flying home to Chicago for a weekend of pre-cana and bridal shower, here is proof that he actually enjoyed it!

All my Chicago-based bridesmaids (but only half of the lineup) helped out.

My lovely leading ladies: four generations of the women in my family – DZIEKUJE!

From top left clockwise: My aunt, me, my mom, cousin, grandmother, niece Fifi, sister, niece Lola

Opening up 40 presents in front of eighty eyes staring directly at you is one experience I am glad I had, but am glad is in the past.

Engaged: Kate + Daniel

Ami Elizabeth — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:24:52 +0000

Kate and Daniel are so cute it hurts, right? The super-talented Kristin Vining captured their Charlotte engagement session, which featured two adorable looks, both styled by Lindsey Regan Thorne of Be Pretty. Kate is a glam girl and Daniel is very artistic, so both of their personalities were featured in their engagement photos!

The artistic side: which Lindsey and Kristin dubbed “Paint Your Love”:

To style this look, Lindsey kept things simple with white tees and jeans, but added an adorable red hair accessory that she created.

The glam side: monochromatic gray. These two look like perfection in their Urban Outfitters basics, which Lindsey paired with a Free People silver sequin mesh slip and knitted sleeveless sweater and leg warmers for Kate. Visit Lindsey’s blog for instructions on how to create the leg warmers and sweater!

Lots more photos of this gorgeous couple can be found on Kristin Vining’s blog – I absolutely can’t wait to see their wedding!

Which of the two looks is your favorite?

DIY Wedding Details: Artichoke Candle Holder

Ami Elizabeth — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:30:01 +0000

This is such a unique and eco-friendly idea! One of my new blog crushes, the fabulous Dog n’ Bird Artful Wedding blog, shows us how to transform an artichoke into a votive holder.

$2 and 5 minutes? Can’t beat it.

Robin’s Egg and Lavender

Ami Elizabeth — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:30:39 +0000

I may be a bit late to the party, but I must profess my love for this robin’s egg blue and lavender tabletop from Tori and Devin’s newlywed shoot on Simply Bloom Photography.

I’ll forego cupcakes any day for white chocolate covered green apples!

This table has a lovely vintage quality to it, but adding in the birds and birch wood make it a little whimsical and quirky as well. Love the juxtaposition.

And the shoot also reminds me quite a bit of this inspiration board from a couple of years back!

{Wedgwood blue and lavender wedding inspiration board, from the archives – sourced here}

Modern Industrial Tabletop

Ami Elizabeth — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:30:01 +0000

I love all of the details in this modern, industrial tabletop spotted on the In The Now Events blog. It’s so rare to see materials like bricks and plexiglass being used in weddings, but it’s a wonderful departure from the norm and it really makes the table unique. This table would be perfect for a loft or warehouse wedding!

And don’t even get me started on how much I love the detail of the hand-knitted silverware cozies…

… or the hand-stitched teabag favors. Le sigh!

The awesome team at In The Now styled this “Modern Warmth” tabletop, along with the following vendors:

Floral – Lauryl Lane Floral Artistry
Photography – Two Auer Photo
Stationery - Love at First Invite
Linens – La Tavola

Real Weddings: Happi + Brian

Ami Elizabeth — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:34:04 +0000

I was instantly smitten by the gorgeous vintage quality of Happi and Brian’s Savannah wedding. The lovely Jade McCully captured the Southern charm perfectly.

Happi chose a beautiful pale pink Vera Wang gown for their ceremony and reception, but for several portraits she also wore a stunning vintage gown that was handmade by her grandmother for her mother’s wedding.

Happi’s bouquet was made entirely of baby’s breath and tied with a long champagne ribbon.

Happi’s bridesmaids carried black clutches in lieu of bouquets.

The ceremony was held at The Forsyth Fountain at Forsyth Park in the historic district of Savannah, with the reception at Vic’s on the River.

More lovely photos can be found on Jade McCully’s blog!

Vendors:

Photography – Jade McCully
Gown – Vera Wang and Vintage gown made by Happi’s grandmother and worn by her mother
Reception Venue, Catering, Floral – Vic’s on the River
Bakery – Jennifer Anne Desserts
Wedding Direction - Jennifer Anne
Trolley – Oglethorpe Tours
Ceremony – The Forsyth Fountain at Forsyth Park

Engaged: Dani Bree + Darren

Ami Elizabeth — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:15:19 +0000

Everything about Dani Bree and Darren’s engagement session is just adorable! Rebekah Westover’s photos always really bring a couple to life and I love the setting of the covered bridge and evergreen trees!

Dani Bree and Darren’s awesome outfits were styled by Megs. Isn’t the Audrey Hepburn-inspired dress and scooter fun? It’s very Roman Holiday!