Set at The Palace at Somerset Park, Valerie + Brian’s fairytale wedding was in full effect! Jewel encrusted bouquet, a Pnina Tornai diamond white ball gown with signature corset design and genuine Swarovski crystals…embellished white floral arrangements with hanging crystals against a backdrop of lavender drapery and a purple glow.  Wow! It is no wonder Valerie felt like a princess on her special day.  But do not be mistaken, today’s featured bride is no shrinking violet either; Valerie’s statement gown weighs a full 25 pounds (…of absolute glamor!).  I fully agree with Valerie as she points out,  ‘You will have a one of a kind beautiful gown and get a million and one compliments the day of your wedding!’.

Valerie + Brian | June 22, 2012 | The Palace at Somerset Park in Somerset, NJ

The Ceremony
Our ceremony was traditional but non-traditional at the same time.  We did have a Christian ceremony however not in a church but rather on a beautiful rooftop at the Palace.  It was so peaceful and beautiful; it felt like we were floating on clouds while getting married!

The Reception
Beautiful white flowers surrounded the reception, the elegance of bling with a purple glow around the room.  It was just perfect for us and everything I imagined.  The venue was absolutely amazing!

Valerie’s Dress Search
I am the type of person that likes to try all different types of fashion…however I am traditional at heart and so is my husband.  When it came to a wedding dress I was looking at all different styles and the two I landed on were ball gown and trumpet.  My husband kind of hinted that he really liked the traditional bridal type gowns so as I was trying on a few gowns I did have that in the back of my mind.  As soon as I tried on a ball gown style I knew that was the style for me.  

How Valerie Felt in Her Wedding Dress
I felt like a princess, stunning and elegant in my dress.

Why Valerie Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
I have decided to sell my dress because the wedding was costly however I can’t imagine this dress sitting in a bag somewhere in a closet, it is just toooo beautiful!  I would love for someone else to be able to feel just as beautiful as I did on my wedding day.  I felt like a real princess!

Wedding Dress:  Pnina Tornai | Photography: Jamie K Photography  | Ceremony Venue & Reception Venue: The Palace at Somerset Park  | Floral Design: A Touch of Elegance | Cake: The Palace at Somerset Park

Beautifully braided up-do, chocolate rose bridesmaids gowns and roof top nuptials that look like this couple is floating on cloud nine…I love that Andrea’s exquisite Lazaro gown is the perfect nod to this heavenly, soft and elegant affair!  Other delightful details not to miss, the pop of yellow on the tables provided by the ‘Spread the Love’ preserves (such a sweet party favor) or my favorite, the really cute kids throughout this wedding…so well dressed and clearly digging a simple pleasure all kids at weddings enjoy: drinking as much juice and soda pop out of fancy glasses as possible and playing dress-up for the day – Yes!

Andrea + Taylor | August 4, 2012 | Laguna Beach, CA

The Ceremony + Reception
We were married on the roof top of a Laguna Beach hotel, overlooking the beach. Our reception was at a Newport Coast Club house that included an open patio for dancing.



Andrea’s Dress Search

We decided to buy a house instead of having a large wedding and over a year to plan so I did not have a lot of time to pick out my dress.  Going into my first wedding dress store I thought I would end up with either a lacy dress or a full skirt.  The first dress I tried on was the one I ended up picking, due to the fact that the second time I tried it on and walked down towards the mirror it made me cry.

How Andrea Felt in Her Wedding Dress
Beautiful, comfortable, happy.



Why Andrea Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
My husband and I would like to have children ASAP but have some bills we need to pay off first.

Wedding Dress: Lazaro | Photography: Jim & Kelly | Ceremony Venue: La Casa Del Camino, Laguna Beach, CA | Reception Venue: Newport Coast Private Club House | Event Planning: Amy Reisetter-Kuchta, In The Moment Weddings & Events | Floral Design: Punch, Bellagio Florist Etc. | Cake:  Melanie Hohman, Sensitive Sweets

‘Beautiful, romantic, yet effortless‘…what a heavenly way for Kris to feel in her Amy Kuschel gown called ‘Paris’.  I love how this lace gown with it’s feminine capped sleeve, lace scallop detailing and tulle edged hemline perfectly compliments the Spanish-style patio where Kris + Jeff said I do and the rustic-chic theme throughout the reception.  Don’t miss the gorgeous floral arrangements of white roses, hydrangeas, dahlias, peonies and succulents…staged in milk glass and a touch of baby’s breath and voila – the rustic-chic, magically appears!

Kris + Jeff | August 12, 2012 | Rancho Bernardo Inn, San Diego, CA

The Ceremony
The ceremony took place in a beautiful courtyard area at the Rancho Bernardo Inn, in San Diego. The bride-and-groom said their vows in-front of a majestic Italian fountain, surrounded by 150 guests who sat under a canopy of olive trees.  The vows were God-honoring, full of sweet emotion, love and some laughter between the tears. It was magical.

The Reception
The rustic-chic theme of the wedding was in keeping with the ambiance of the Rancho Bernardo Inn. The colors were soft mint green, gray, cream, with accents of gold and yellow. Lovely white roses, hydrangeas, dahlias, peonies and succulents, were among just some of the beautiful flower arrangements that graced the tables. They were framed in distressed wooden boxes and old milk vases, interspersed with mercury vases and votives that were wrapped in lace.  Everything came together beautifully.

Kris’ Dress Search
I knew I wanted a pretty, feminine dress with lace and somewhat of a vintage feel, and I found just what I was looking for at Bliss Bride (in Del Mar).

How Kris Felt in Her Wedding Dress
Beautiful, romantic, yet effortless

Why Kris Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
Such a tough decision, but ultimately it makes me sad that I will never wear it again. It’s just sitting there. I would rather have it live on and bring a little joy to someone else on her wedding day.

Wedding Dress: Amy Kuschel ‘Paris’ | Photography: Sara France Photography | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Rancho Bernardo Inn | Event Planning: Luxe Events | Floral Design: Mae Chan Florals |Cake — Hey There, Cupcake!

What is a bride and groom to do if they love the whimsical appeal of elopement, but still wish to honor the love and supporting presence of family and loved ones on their big day? For Seaaira + Rett, that meant hosting an intimate wedding outdoors, full of personal details and classic, rustic and romantic style. I love that!  And I am such a fan of  how this couple created a relaxed, yet elegant atmosphere by serving champagne at the ceremony or giving “guests some freedom” deciding on big family style tables and a seat yourself approach for the reception…of course, cupcakes and a gorgeous lace Enzoani gown can’t hurt either. Enjoy!

Seaaira + Rett | July 7, 2012 | Wiens Family Cellars, Temecula, CA

The Ceremony
We wanted our entire wedding to be classic, rustic, and romantic. Like a modern bride, I got most of my inspiration from Pinterest.  I wanted our wedding to look like a classic Anthroplogie ad.  We wanted to get married outside and wanted the ceremony to be intimate.  We were big on the guests being greeted with champagne, as I think sometimes wedding ceremonies can be awkward.  While the champagne was a nice touch, the ceremony was anything but awkward.  We were blessed to have our mutual friend Annalisa, who introduced us, to marry us.  She did an amazing job and made the ceremony sweet, personal and funny.  Other than the fact that it was 90 degrees, it was a perfect ceremony. 
 

The Reception
For the reception, we tried to add as many little details as possible to make our wedding personal.  Rett, a creative director, designed all of our prints, including our invitations, menu, and program.  We decided to do big family style tables and seat yourself, to decrease our stress level, and allow our guests some freedom.  I was big on having a plethora of followers.  We decided to go with all white flowers for a clean, classic look.  I wanted burlap and succulents, a la Anthrolopogie.  We were big on playing music we loved so we gave our DJ a huge list of must plays, including Jimmy Eat World, Counting Crows, and Postal Service.  One of the best parts of our reception was the food.  Wedding food is usually tolerable, but the chef at Wiens is incredible. I still dream about his salmon and the smoked polenta.  Also, between the first and second course there was a sorbet served, made by Ice Ice Baby.  It was the most delectable orange sorbet we have ever had.  Of course, we ended the dinner with cupcakes, which were amazing.  We are looking forward to eating a strawberry and a coconut cupcake on our one-year anniversary. 
 

Seaaira’s Dress Search
I knew I wanted lace. I originally started out looking at Allure dresses, but when I tried them on, they were missing that wow factor.  My friend told me about Enzoani, and suggested I try on the Dakota.  I tried on the Dakota, loved it, but it was hard to move in.  I knew I wanted to be comfortable on my wedding day and I felt like I would have trouble sitting down in the dress.  I then went on my own and tried on the Diana and I loved it.  I looked for it used online, but had no success.  I then went with two of my girlfriends to Pebbles Bridal in LA, and first tried on the Dakota.  The girls insisted that the Dakota was the dress.  I wanted to show them the Diana, even though they insisted the Dakota was the dress for me.  When I walked out in the Diana dress, they took back everything they said about the Dakota.  My friend who never cries, actually cried, which of course made me cry.   

How Seaaira Felt in Her Wedding Dress
Beautiful, Sexy, Bridal

Why Seaaira Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
I love, love, love my dress, and I have never felt as beautiful as I did on my wedding day.  Unfortunately, I will never get to wear it again, but that doesn’t mean someone else shouldn’t be able to.  I hope some other girl buys this dress and feels as beautiful as I did on their wedding day.

Wedding Dress: Enzoani ‘Diana’ | Photography: Karen L. Barnes | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Wiens Family Cellars | Event Planning: Wiens Family Cellars | Floral Design: Internation Flowers, Los Angeles Flower District | Cupcakes: Les Crumbs