Whenever a creative in the wedding business throws their own wedding bash, it always (emphasis on the always) gets our wedding love’s complete and undivided attention. We fall hard each and every time and this New York affair of one half of A.a.B. Creates and her love is so gush worthy that we’re devoting a whole afternoon to its beauty. It’s NYC meets an explosion of color and gold glitter. Can you think of anything better? Not I says the wedding blogger.  Heather Waraksa + Dave Robbins Photography captured all the lovely moments along with all the crazy awesome details, which include a glorious gold cake. But, we are going to make you wait a wee bit longer for that beauty unless you’re dying to get a sneak peek, in which case we have the full gallery right here.

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From Xochitl of A.a.B. Creates… The greatest challenge when you design and plan weddings for a living is what to do when it’s time for you yourself to get married! So when Mayra’s boyfriend Aja proposed, after doing this for other couples for almost nine years, we had the exciting chance to plan a wedding of “our” own. Honestly, at first it was overwhelming trying to figure out the best way to bring together Mayra’s family from California and Aja’s family from upstate New York. Ultimately, they decided that everyone should get a chance to see what their lives are like, and a New York City Wedding was decided on. Initially, the thought was to keep it super small and only invite family (and me, of course) to a small ceremony and then a dinner, but after meeting with Carla Ruben at Creative Edge, they realized that,  as a couple, they enjoyed a good party too much to call it a night after dinner. So instead, they invited friends to join them for a tequila and taco party, and we all danced into the night. 

On the day itself, Mayra and I got ready at The Standard Hotel while Aja got ready at Gild Hall. Dave met up with Aja to follow him around and because we always see our vendor “friends” when we’re on the other side of the day planning, it was fun to and relaxing to have Heather and Leslie come and hang out with us. Mayra and her family took some photos around the meatpacking district and the Highline before they got on the “family bus.” Then, because Mayra is a no-fuss kind of gal — we just hopped in a cab with Heather.

The ceremony was at St. Paul’s Chapel at Columbia, where Aja went to law school. Meredith and her team at Regas New York created an amazing letterpress invitation that had a belly band with the invitation language in Spanish. The Catholic ceremony was filled with traditions from both of their backgrounds. In honor of her Mexican roots, a Mariachi was playing when guests arrived, and they incorporated both the Laso and the exchange of coins, or Arras, in the ceremony. To close the ceremony they “jumped the broom,” which was made by Aja’s mother, following an African-American wedding tradition. Their rings were made by a relative of Mayra’s in California, and Mayra had Aja’s band engraved with one of their favorite Chaka Khan lyrics “I know you, I live you.” Following the ceremony we headed downtown to Creative Edge for cocktails and an intimate dinner. Cocktails were held in their Design Studio loft, with the amazing backdrop of cool culinary displays and cooking racks. Guests munched on amazing hors d’oeuvres, such as mini pulled pork sandwiches and adorable bite-sized tacos. The Mariachi played away, and the bride and her dad danced a traditional Mexican dance impromptu before dinner. 

Wedding Photography: Heather Waraksa + Dave Robbins Photography / Ceremony: St. Paul’s Chapel at Columbia University in New York, New York / Reception: The Tasting Room at Creative Edge in New York, New York / Event Design + Planning: A.a.B. Creates / Wedding Day Coordination: Just About Married / Floral Design: Melarosa / Wedding Cinematography: Kiss the Bride Films / Catering: Creative Edge Parties / Wines: Maldonado Vineyards / Wedding Monogram + Ceremony Invitations: Regas New York / Reception Invitations: Ello There / Calligraphy: Calligraphy by Carol / Wedding Cake + Favors: Nine Cakes / Cake Stands + Vintage Ceramics: Margo’s Details / Taco Truck: The Taco Truck / Linens: Nuage Designs / Table Top Rentals: Party Rental Ltd. / Lighting: Luminous Designs, Inc. / Ghost Chairs: Taylor Creative Inc. / Bar Runner: Original Runner Co. / Ribbons for Ribbon Wall: Tinsel Trading Company / Mariachi: Elan Artists / DJ: DJ JVC of Blanc Noir Event Group / Wedding Dress: Nicole Miller via Lovely Bride / Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade / Hair + Makeup: My Hair and Makeup / Groom’s Attire: Calvin Klein

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Post tags: A.a.B. Creates, Blanc Noir Event Group, Calligraphy by Carol, Calvin Klein, Columbia University, Creative Edge Parties, Dave Robbins Photography, DJ JVC, Elan Artists, Ello There, Heather Waraks, Just About Married, Kate Spade, Kiss the Bride Films, Lovely Bride, Luminous Designs Inc., Maldonado Vineyards, Margo's Details, Melarosa, My Hair and Makeup, New York, New York City, Nicole Miller, Nine Cakes, Nuage Designs, NYC, Original Runner Co., Party Rental Ltd., Regas New York, St. Paul's Chapel, Taylor Creative Inc, The Taco Truck, Tinsel Trading
Post categories: Contemporary, The Blog

Butterflies are swimming in my stomach over this wedding by Julie Mikos. Each photo brings an “ooh” and “aaah” as it unveils delightful details from the specialty sips to original quotes on the menus. I love how the couple used the serene setting of Napa Valley combined with, what the bride has coined,  ”rustic-chic” details in their decor. Rustic-chic indeed! Click here for the full barrel of photos.

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From the Bride… We live in Manhattan and while we adore the Big Apple, we wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. After Billy proposed at a winery in South Hampton, New York, we immediately knew a small and intimate destination wedding in Napa Valley would be perfect. We took a trip out West to visit many locations and as soon as we entered The Carneros Inn, we knew it was the place to share our love story with our friends and family. Billy and I are self-proclaimed foodies, so having amazing food and wine was a must. The Carneros Inn had the perfect mix of modern décor, gorgeous views and delicious fresh, farm-to-table food. Our vision was to create a fun, modern, intimate wedding that I like to refer to as rustic-chic. I created a photo tree of images of Billy and I when we were young, as well as with our parents and loved ones we’ve lost. We also had specialty drinks – the Blushing Bride Bellini and Billy’s Pimm’s Cup – in which we had framed signs on the bar with the worlds “Salute,” “Cheers” and “Opa,” a nod to our Italian and Greek heritages. On the back of our chairs, I had signs created that read “I’m her Mr.” and “I’m his Mrs.” And on our menus, we incorporated six different wine quotes on each menu, a nod to wine country. Every guest had a different quote as topic of conversation at their table.

Wedding Photography: Julie Mikos — Photographer / Wedding Venue, Planning + Catering: The Carneros Inn in Napa, California / Floral Design: Julie Stevens Design / Wedding Cake: Fleur de Lisa / Wedding Invitations: Paper + Pinafore / Ceremony Music: Lawrence String Group / Wedding Dress + Veil: Vera Wang / Bride’s Shoes: Gucci / Hair + Makeup: Sherrie Long / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Priscilla of Boston (Now Closed)

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Post tags: California, Fleur de Lisa, Gucci, Julie Mikos — Photographer, Julie Stevens Design, Lawrence String Group, Napa, paper + pinafore, Priscilla of Boston, Sherrie Long, The Carneros Inn, Vera Wang
Post categories: California Weddings, Napa Valley Weddings

They had us at sage. Between the vintage Chevy and the fresh sprigs on the place settings, they’ll have you too after you get a glance of these pretty, partly cloudy Woodnote Photography images. Punches of blood orange florals are the perfect contrast, while the Dromana Estate sets the stage for this sage fest: it’s intimate, simple, and edited rustic. Ready to choose which dreamy green detail is your fave? Check out the full gallery here!

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From Woodnote Photography… Mandy and Pete were married along the Mornington Peninsula outside of Melbourne, Australia, at the Dromana Estate. Their emphasis was on spending time with friends and family and enjoying a celebration styled with clean and simple elegance. Photos on the beach and with their rented wedding cars made for a perfect summer wedding that they remember as “nothing short of perfect.”

Wedding Photography: Woodnote Photography / Wedding Venue: Dromana Estate in Tuerong, Victoria / Wedding Cinematography: Wedding Movies / Wedding Dress: The Bride + Kerry Armatas

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Post tags: Australia, Dromana Estate, Kerry Armatas, Tuerong, Victoria, Weddings Movies, Woodnote Photography
Post categories: Australia Weddings, Real Weddings, Victoria, Vintage Chic

We are shoe people at SMP. It’s true. It’s amazing what slipping on a fabulous pair of heels can do for the soul, and when those shoes are a glamorous pair of Sergio Rossi? Perfection. Your soul soars. You feel as though you can conquer the world, walk the red carpet or make even the most mundane task seem simply fabulous. Putting on a pair of sassy pumps is an international mood lifter, and when you pair pumps with glitter – we’re done. Finito. Instant glam that’s the epitome of elite high fashion, yet comfy as can be so you can take on your to do list in luxury. But do allow for more time lovelies, because these show-stoppers will get some attention. And since we are a bit wedding-obsessed, we just looove the fact that the oh so lovely Cachet style was designed for the one and only Salma Hayek on her wedding day, and that you can wear the very same pair for yours! That’s the definition of wedding day shoe heaven.

3: Sergio Rossi Swarovski Crystal Covered Satin Compact Clutch / 4: Sergio Rossi Champagne Swarovski Crystal Satin Tiffanys Pump / 6: Sergio Rossi White Swarovski Crystal Satin Vague Sandal

Hear that? That is your heart fluttering from a full on shoe crush. Don’t worry, you aren’t alone. It happens to the best of us.

Photography Credits: 1-2: Elizabeth Messina Photography and Dress: Kirstie Kelly /3, 4 & 6: Create the Group Studio / 5. KT Merry Photography

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Post tags: Sergio Rossi
Post categories: Sponsored Posts, The Blog

Heartwarming doesn’t even begin to describe this sweet-as-can-be Toronto wedding by MIMMO & CO.  From their very first meeting, this couple’s story is one full of such tenderness, humor and joy.  I love all the sentimental and personal touches they included into their wedding day especially the bird cookies that they baked themselves (a favorite of the groom’s).  See the entire day in the full gallery!  

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Almost ten years ago, Heather and Dave started summer jobs writing safety procedures for the transportation department at Dofasco. Both were from Burlington but had never met before. After being told on day one they were too productive, they relaxed and spent the majority of each day mocking each other about such important topics as whose school was better, whose lunch was better and whose safety procedures documentation was better. Somewhere along the way they started to appreciate other qualities in each other, and although he would never admit it, Dave began executing a complex strategy to ask Heather out. Dave’s dad and stepmom had recently gotten married, and Dave kept promising to bring Heather a piece of the wedding cake to work. Days went by and Dave kept forgetting to bring the cake. Finally he suggested that instead they go out for cake… So, on the first date, they shared cake. On the second date, they shared dinner. On the third date, Heather split her pants open getting into the car and Dave has been laughing with her every since.

For the engagement, while sitting on the couch, watching the latest Modern Family episode, the TV suddenly cut away to a video of Dave telling Heather the clues to a scavenger hunt through their apartment. The clues lead her to a large Yoda cookie jar, which had a ring box hidden inside. As instructed, she handed the box to Dave who then got down on one knee and proposed! (Much to Heather’s dislike, Dave is an avid Star Wars fan and insists on displaying his prized Yodas. Heather is convinced that Dave only used the Yoda cookie jar as part of the engagement so he could ensure that Heather could never get rid of it in the future, given it now holds “sentimental value”.)

The couple had many favorite moments throughout their wedding day, but one of the best things about it were the favors. Heather, the bride’s Mum, the bride’s sister (and maid of honour) and some of the bridesmaids baked love bird-shaped sugar cookies for each guest. The cookies are Dave’s favourite, and Heather bakes them every year for Dave for Valentine’s Day. Attached to the cookies was the recipe, which is Heather’s late grandmother’s, and a note saying a donation had been made to the church where she was buried, as well as the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation in support of our loved ones whose lives had been touched by cancer.

Wedding Photographey: Mimmo Galati of MIMMO & CO / Wedding Venue: The Berkeley in Toronto, Ontario / Floral Design + Decor: John Paul de Melo of Designs by JP (Formerly Caja Design) / Wedding Stationery: Beckee McCann of Paper & Poste / Invitation Design: Alice Louise Press / Programs, Menus, Favor Tags + Thank You Cards: DIY / Photo Booth: Snapz Photo Booth / DJ: Ian Liwanag / Band: The Chops (Featuring the Groom + Four of His Friends) / Favors: DIY / Wedding Dress: Magdalena Gymr via Eunice Yoo of Vogue Sposa Bridal Boutique / Bride’s Headpiece: Karolia Keeler / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: BCBG / Hair + Makeup: Salon Tocci / Bride’s Hair + Makeup: Tyler Marr of Salon Tocci / Groom’s Suit + Tie: Hugo Boss / Groom’s Accessories: Harry Rosen / Groomsmen’s Ties: Hugo Boss

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Post tags: Alice Louise Press, BCBG, Beckee McCann, Caja Design, Designs by JP, Eunice Yoo, Harry Rosen, Hugo Boss, Ian Liwanag, John Paul de Melo, Karolia Keeler, Magdalena Gymr, MIMMO & CO, Mimmo Galati, Ontario, Paper & Poste, Salon Tocci, Snapz Photo Booth, The Berkeley, The Chops, Toronto, Tyler Marr, Vogue Sposa Bridal Boutique
Post categories: Canada Weddings, Ontario Weddings

This Chicago wedding by Bliss Weddings & Events is the perfect pairing of preppy meets elegant.  All the little details that were included into the day, the moss initals, fun chalkboard signs and adorable drink stirrers, make this classic celebration feel intimate, personal and oh-so pretty.  Dennis Lee Photography captured the sweetest moments and loveliest details.  See them all in the full gallery!

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From Katie Kozlowski of Bliss Weddings & Events… Whitney and Rob are fun, friendly, family-oriented and have impeccable taste. They wanted to bring special touches of their personality to their inspired Chicago wedding at St. James and the Ivy Room, all while keeping the wedding comfortable, elegant and special. We wanted it to feel as though Whitney and Rob had invited all of their closest family and friends to their home away from home for a special celebration. Using the preppy palette of navy, ivory, pink and natural greens, we complemented the dreamy Ivy Room courtyard with moss-letters in their initials, delicate blooms and cutie details, like stir sticks for the bars with the couples’ monogram and a hand-written dinner menu on a chalkboard (Whitney’s a teacher!). Once guests got inside for dinner, polished tables with mismatched china, tiny lapel wax blooms on each plate, and different centerpieces on each table set the stage. We used a variety of candlesticks, vases and blooms, as well as soft pin-spotting, up-lighting and drapes to welcome guests to dinner. No detail was overlooked, with a candy bar to pay homage to the bride’s love of sweets, and a surprise video-speech from the groom’s brother stationed in Afghanistan. And of course, there was the fun: A Polaroid camera and scrapbook provided guests with a chance to leave their personal message, The Larry King Orchestra kept guests on the dance floor all night, and Chicago-themed late night snacks recharged the dancers.

Wedding Photography: Dennis Lee Photography / Ceremony: St. James Cathedral in Chicago, Illinois / Reception: The Ivy Room at Tree Studios in Chicago, Illinois / Wedding Planning: Katie Kozlowski of Bliss Weddings & Events / Decor: Kehoe Designs / Catering: Calihan Catering / Wedding Invitations + Programs: Magnificent Milestones / Day-Of Paper Goods: Courtney Callahan Paper / Wedding Cake: Amy Beck Cake Design / Wedding Dress: Vera Wang / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo / Hair + Makeup: Sonia Roselli

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Post tags: Amy Beck Cake Design, Bliss Wedidngs & Events, Calihan Catering, Chicago, Courtney Callahan Paper, Dennis Lee Photography, Illinois, Jenny Yoo, Katie Kozlowski, Kehoe Designs, Magnificent Milestones, Sonia Roselli, St. James Cathedral, The Ivy Room, The Ivy Room at Tree Studios, Vera Wang
Post categories: Chicago Weddings, Illinois Weddings

Oh be still my island loving heart! This wedding is drop dead beautiful in its simplicity. I’m dying over the gorgeous color combo of corals and greens that was whipped up by the creative geniuses at Green. My heart is all sorts of fluttering over this one and I could literally stare at the pretty, pretty images by Radiant Photography by the Chansons all day long. Join me in the gallery for a good old fashioned swoon fest, won’t you?

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From Green… Physical therapy wasn’t exactly Shaun’s idea of a fun way to spend his afternoons, and when it landed him in a spinning class, his distress grew. Until, that is, he went into the class and spotted a gorgeous (albeit sweaty) girl across the way. Katy noticed him too, and after a few post-workout conversations, they were hooked and their story began. This unexpected encounter in the spinning class turned out to be the meeting of their dreams, as Katy and Shaun both soon discovered that this was “it.” The wedding planning began. Without a doubt, Katy and Shaun knew the perfect location: the Hawaiian island of Oahu, where Shaun lived while his father was stationed in the Navy there.

They kicked off their wedding week with a potluck on the beach where all their friends and family were able to meet and greet one another. The following morning began with a beautiful sunrise hike that led straight into a day full to the brim with every enjoyable activity under the sun (i.e. volleyball tournaments, paddle boarding, laying out in the sun, sipping traditional Hawaiian drinks, etc.). The next day started out with a golf tournament on an absolutely beautiful course, followed by a “beach crawl” where each group along the beach house stops represented Katy and Shaun and their story together through different themes related to the drinks, appetizers, and décor. For example, one house was Hawaiian (with obvious connotations), one house represented Catalina Island where Katy and Shaun got engaged, and so on.  That night ended with a trip to a local bar where Shaun had arranged ahead of time for his band to play. It was an epic ending to the day. Eventually, the biggest pre-wedding event of all finally arrived… the Groom’s Dinner, which was held on the deck of the U.S.S. Missouri. This ship is not only a significant piece of American history, but also a significant piece of family history for Shaun, who has himself followed along on the path of strong military tradition the men in his family have established before him. Each and every day during this week of celebration were absolutely perfect and unforgettable. And all of them were just the precursors to the event to end all events: Katy and Shaun’s Hawaiian wedding.

When the time came for the ceremony, Katy surprised all the guests by riding over from the house across the pond, to ceremony site — in a canoe! Two of the groomsmen (who were very nervous about having the bride in their care over water) paddled while Katy just sat there beaming. Their ceremony was held under a gigantic tree that had flowers flowing from the bottom of the trunk to the ground, leading into the aisle of flowers for them to walk down. Their cocktail hour consisted of traditional Hawaiian hors d’oeuvres and a sushi bar. One of the great features of the night was when Shaun surprised Katy by replacing the reception band with his own band and performed a special song for her, “Just The Two of Us.” The crowd went wild during this jazzy little number that ended with Katy and Shaun cuddling, kissing, and cheering on stage. There are not enough words in the world to describe the amount of love that was shown and felt through everyone present at this spectacular event. Katy and Shaun are an incredibly warm and gracious couple and that theme played out through every single aspect of their wedding from their traditional Hawaiian/Christian ceremony, to their elegant cocktail hour and joyful reception.  All of it radiated feelings of family, tradition, relationships, and a genuine love for life that could only be created by this vibrant couple and the talented vendors they worked with to make it all happen.

Wedding Photography: Scott + Breanna Chanson of Radiant Photography by the Chansons / Wedding Venue: Kahaluu Fishpond in Kaneohe, Oahu, Hawaii / Floral + Event Design: Avery Solmssen of Green / Event Planning: Melissa Laudise of Let’s Do This! / Catering: Ginniberries / Wedding Cake: Agnes’ Portuguese Bake Shop / Musicians: Nueva Vida + Jeff Peterson via Orange Apple Entertainment / Rentals: Accel Party Rentals / Tent Rentals: Pacific Event Group, Inc. + Current Affairs / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Rachel Pally / Hair + Makeup: Dorys Fotlin + Maleana Cosmetics

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Post tags: Accel Party Rentals, Agnes' Portuguese Bake Shop, Avery Solmssen, Breanna Chanson, Current Affairs, Dorys Fotlin, Ginniberries, Green, Hawaii, Jeff Peterson, Kahaluu Fishpond, Kaneohe, Let's Do This!, Maleana Cosmetics, Melissa Laudise, Monique Lhuillier, Nueva Vida, Oahu, Orange Apple Entertainment, Pacific Event Group Inc., Rachel Pally, Radiant Photography by the Chansons, Scott Chanson
Post categories: Casual, Destination Weddings, Hawaii Weddings

Each and every element of this Austin wedding is totally melting my heart with its sweetness. There’s something so refreshing about the relaxed aisle style and its overturned galvanized buckets topped with hydrangeas. Oh and the adorable bouquets! I seriously can’t get enough of the simple sweetness that is this wedding. Nadine Photography snapped up all the goodness and there’s so much more to see here in the gallery!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

Don’t miss this adorable film by Brian Dooley!

From Nadine Photography… This Austin spring wedding was so much fun! In the middle of the father and daughter dance, a brass band suddenly showed up, and a New Orleans-style second line parade happened. The guests were surprised for a moment, and then they quickly joined into the the parade. Katie and Adam had a lovely vintage themed wedding at The Allan House with wonderful little DIY touches. It was a beautiful, yellow-themed wedding.

Wedding Photography: Nadine Photography / Wedding Venue: Allan House in Austin, Texas / Wedding Planning: Nycia Emerson of Inspired Events and Designs / Floral Design: Love Buds + Nycia of Inspired Events and Designs with flowers from Whole Foods / Wedding Cinematography: Brian Dooley / Catering + Wedding Cake: Dell Catering / Ceremony Music: Wood Meets Wire / Band: Austin Knights Brass Band / DJ: Look No Further Entertainment / Wedding Dress: Blush Bridal Lounge

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Post tags: Allan House, Austin, Austin Knights Brass Band, Blush Bridal Lounge, Brian Dooley, Dell Catering, Inspired Events and Designs, Look No Further Entertainment, Love Buds, Nadine Photography, Nycia Emerson, Texas, Wood Meets Wire
Post categories: Austin Weddings, Casual, Texas Weddings