I love the stylish vibe of this wedding.  The modern venue, glamorous dress and simple, chic decor all make it so fabulous. And the bride did so much herself…effortlessly!

Donna & Garrett | September 18, 2009 | Los Angeles, California

How he proposed
He planned on proposing to me in Big Bear on Christmas Eve, but we got snowed out. So he found an amazing hotel called Hotel Casa 425 in Claremont, CA. We were able to make late dinner reservations at a restaurant near by. So while I was showering he sprinkled rose petals all over, lit candles, opened a bottle of wine that we had been saving for over a year, and he had an amazing display of truffles and caviar. He drew me a bath and poured me some wine and brought me over some of the delicacies he had prepared. Next thing I see is my love dressed in a tuxedo jacket adorned with a white boutonniere. He gets down on one knee and takes my hand, asks for my hand in marriage and then the tears started flowing. Of course I accepted!  It was the best Christmas Eve of my life. We were with our families the following day and celebrated with our loved ones.

The ceremony
It  was very simple but elegant. Our ceremony and reception were held at the same venue. The ceremony took place outside. We were surrounded by lush greenery and succulents. I dressed up the altar with preserved manzanita trees which were painted white, then I hand made crystal ornaments and yellow flower balls. I had stage lights set on the floor to uplight the trees and cascade beautiful shadows and accentuate the crystal ornaments. Our colors were gray and yellow. My bridesmaids wore gray tea length dresses and held yellow hand tied calla lily bouquets. I did all my own flowers! The groomsmen wore black tuxedos with gray skinny ties, a gray and yellow handkerchief in the top pocket and a yellow boutonniere. I held a white calla lily bouquet hand tied with rhinestone ribbon. My husband wore a white boutonniere as well.

The reception
We had a cocktail and hors des oeuvres reception. The venue had cool eclectic furniture set up in different lounge type settings. Inside we had a few tables set up for people to sit if they wanted. We had over 200 candles set up all over the venue. Single long stem white calla lilies were set on the tables. The venue itself has so much character that we were able to get away with very little decorations.

The walls are covered from top to bottom with succulents. There is dramatic lighting highlighting the natural details of the venue. We had provided open bar for our guests. We had white cupcakes with yellow sprinkles sitting in shiny silver cups.

The venue provided a huge projection screen. During our first dance I had made a a slideshow of our travels and experience together over the past 4 years. During the mother/son and father/daughter dances I made slideshows of us growing up. Helped take the eyes off of the performers

We had a photo booth set up by the dance floor to act as guest book and favors.

The hors d’oeuvres were amazing! Such delicacies. We loved our caterer. Never once did we have to worry about any detail. Our guests were satisfied; no one left hungry.

The moment Donna will never forget
The moment we’ll never forget was the speech my brother in law gave. It was so hilarious! Words will never describe that moment….

Wedding DIY
What didn’t I do?! I made my own cupcake tower and dressed up in our wedding colors. Like I said earlier, I did all my own flowers. Saved so much money there! My bouquets and arrangements were so simple it seemed silly to pay someone to do something so simple. I made the groomsmen their handkerchiefs by buying the material and cutting it to the appropriate size then roll hemming the edges. I made my own veil. Tulle is so inexpensive and rhinestones aren’t pricey when their as small as the one that go on wedding veils. So, I bought tulle to match the shade of my dress and cut it to fingertip length, added the crystal detailing around the edge and attached it to the tooth comb. Voila! Wedding veil for under $20! I made my own earrings by changing out the drop crystals to a beige color that matched my dress. I made the crystal ornaments for the trees on the altar. I made the flower balls as well.

How she knew her wedding dress was “The One”
I tried on over 20 dresses in total. I had to fly to New York to try my dress on. There are boutiques here in LA who carry Jenny Packham gowns but they didn’t have the Carmen. I had seen it in a magazine and fell in love with it! So I tried on at least 10 Jenny Packham gown in NYC but the Carmen just felt right. It wasn’t too flashy or too simple. It accentuates the natural waist line and has a beautiful back. I just knew it was the dress for me!

Her advice for other brides
My advice for other brides is simple. When you wake up on your wedding day, don’t stress. Things are going to go wrong. You probably won’t like your hair or make up but who cares. The man you’re about to marry loves you regardless of hair and make up. So relax and enjoy your day! You’ll never forget it.

Donna’s Wedding Dress: Jenny Packham Carmen
Photography: Joel Eckman with Studio EMP

Besa and Shpend’s wedding literally went from one end of the spectrum to the other.  From a simple, intimate and casual ceremony to a reception that was all about impact and glamour. And all planned by Besa without the help of a wedding coordinator.  Wow!

Besa & Shpend | June 5th & 6th 2010 | New York, New York

How he proposed
My, now husband, is an Actor and I am a graphic designer in NY and we both love arts, culture and food. When 2 years ago we were invited to our friends’ wedding in Paris, France, we didn’t have to think  twice about it, even though we had already booked our summer vacation in Aruba 2 weeks before their wedding. After coming back to NYC from Aruba, few days later we flew to Paris.

It was there, in the City of Light, of Lovers, of Art, that he bent on his knee and proposed.

While he was still holding a beautiful antique looking ring from Fortunoff,  I said yes and I was the happiest girl in Paris. Everyone around us clapped, smiled and cheered.  We walked to a restaurant near Eiffel Tower and continued celebrating our engagement the whole week in Paris and Versaille.

While I always said that our love is greater and far better  than movies or love stories, being proposed in Paris just added to the exterior of my love story.

The ceremony Central Park Conservatory Garden | June 5th 2010
Shpend and I wanted something that reflected us, something simple with a small number of our closest friends and family members in New York City. We chose the Conservatory Garden at Central Park as it is our city and also it reminded us on one of the gardens from The Palace of Versailles that we visited when in France.  We gathered everyone in front of our building and took 5 yellow cabs to the Central Park Conservatory Garden. We all walked together in a crowd in the park and to our destination.

We got married on the evening hours under the wrought-iron wisteria pergola which looks down on a beautiful geyser fountain and the green lawn. We were married by a retired Supreme Court Judge which was what an honor and were surrounded by our loved ones.  I was wearing a white bustier knee length white dress with a black ribbon and had a birdcage veil with pearl necklace, inspired by Audrey Hepburn and old Hollywood Glam.

After the ceremony we shared some sweets, laughs and took some photos and came to our apartment to continue the celebration over  dinner, drinks and laughter.

The reception Russo’s on the Bay located on Howard Beach, NY | June 6n 2010
The reception and the most important part of my wedding was at the Russo’s on the Bay on Howard Beach, NY. Being that we are Albanian- Americans, our wedding was going to be sophisticated with modern Albanian traditions, and our artistic values.

We chose Russo’s on the Bay as it is pretty old Italian 5 star hall with great reputation. The theme was champagne sophisticated colors with bold red flowers. My flowers were a short arrangements of dark red Roses and  a tall arrangements of exotic Orchids from Taiwan with tiger pattern in plum-reddish color. My bouquet was dark red roses with dark red calla lilies and complemented  perfect my Ines Di Santo gown.

The one highlight of the reception was our grand entrance. My beautiful flower girls were holding hands with my nephew in the middle who was holding a basket of rose petals for the girls to throw when entering from the main entrance to the middle of the banquet. When we were pronounced, everyone with their camera was expecting us at the main entrance but instead, we entered from an elevator which rose up in the middle of the hall. Our first dance was with Etta James, “At Last”.

Splurges & Savings
I splurged on the Wedding Hall as it was important to us that we have great food and great service. I also splurged on my gown.
I saved on my invitations as I designed them myself. I also did not hire a wedding coordinator but did it all myself.

What made her wedding dress “The One”
I always knew the type of dress i wanted and  I knew I wanted a high-end designer gown. Ever since i had seen Melania Trump’s gown i knew i wanted a similar bustier with drama on the skirt. Something that I can wear in the The Vienna Opera Ball perhaps or Red Carpet Glam.

I had known of Ines Di Santo from magazines and that was the first dress i tried on and knew right away that was the one, Love at first sight.  Although it was more then what I had in my budget but after trying so many other dresses nothing was not even close to my liking. I decided to splurge on the gown since I had saved on my invitations.

The style was modern glam and perfect for my setting. Then I asked a new European Designer whom I  neighbor, to assist me with few details and added extra volume for extra drama to the skirt. It was very worth it for me to splurge on this dress as it made me feel like a “bride” indeed and that is a priceless feeling.

Her advice for other brides
Relax and enjoy the ride! Don’t get so worked up that you can’t enjoy with your spouse the wedding that took you months to plan, after all it is only one day.  Do not let the details spoil your or your family’s mood, as imperfections are only noticeable to you and if enjoy the party, everyone else will join you.

Besa’s Wedding Dress: Ines Di Santo

Purple lovers rejoice!  Christina and James’ wedding is a perfect example of how to incorporate this beautiful color into your wedding.  From her shoes, to the flowers, to paper suite detail and the table linens, purple abounds at this pretty wedding.

Christina & James  | April 10, 1010 West Palm Beach, Florida

How he proposed
Our proposal took place at the Rose Hall Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica. We were in a gazebo on a cliff overlooking the caribbean sea, I had no idea I thought we were just going on a vacation. It was just the two of us and it was perfect.

The moment Christina will never forget
My husband and I did not do a first look. I was in a separate area in the Church when the priest asked me if I was ready. He showed me his Iphone and there was a picture of my husband in his tux pointing to his watch. He was telling me “It’s time!”. I didn’t see him the night before or that day at all so I teared up immediately. I will never forget it. Our photographer was able to capture that moment as well it was fantastic.

The ceremony
We had a very traditional Nuptial Mass at the Catholic Church we both attended as children. We got married the Saturday after Easter and the Church was still beautiful decorated with white lilies and dramatic drapings for the holiday.

The reception
Our reception was at Breakers West Country Club. We had the entire second floor which included a lounge, wrap around outdoor veranda and a beautiful all windowed ballroom that overlooked the lake.

Splurges & Savings
We definitely splurged on our beautiful photography, Joseph Keith Photography. We saved by having out invites design by Etsy’s the Rstudio but printing them at home. I printed, assembled, and fauxligraphyed all our invitations and the rest of our paper goods which included; table numbers, escort cards, programs, and additional little signs.

How she knew her wedding dress was “The One”
I tried on a lot of dresses probably over 100. Most of this was because my sister got married 6 months before me so I did a lot of shopping with her. I knew my dress was the one when all the ladies in the store starting showing me around to the other customers. I love my dress because of its classic look. I know in 20 years I will look back and still think that is one stunning dress!

Her advice for other brides
The day before the wedding take some time for yourself to relax. We had our rehearsal on a Thursday so if I wanted to hang out all Friday I could have. Instead, I had a nice lunch and got my nails done with my bridesmaids! Also, the wedding will go by like a blur so take a moment a just take the scene in.

Christina’s Wedding Dress: Pronovias Fanal
Photography: Joseph Keith Photography

I’ve looked at these wedding pictures for over 2 hours straight now and I STILL can’t get over the flowers. They are simply stunning.  And an amazing backdrop for this beautiful New York wedding.

Jenna & Michael | May 8 2010 | New York, New York

How he proposed
Michael and I were planning on hosting a holiday party at our apartment. I was busy in the kitchen preparing hors d’oeuvres when Michael asked me to take a break and come dance. I hesitated at first: “but I’m covered in goat cheese and still need to make the meatballs!” but conceded when Michael put on our song. We started dancing, and Michael said, “I was thinking we should change the theme of the party.” I asked, “what do you mean?” Michael replied, “Instead of a holiday party, what do you think about having an engagement party!?” At that moment, Michael took out the ring and got down on one knee. Between tears and laughter, I said yes. When the guests arrived, they were just as surprised as I had been! It was the best party ever.

The moment Jenna will never forget
Michael was waiting with his groomsmen and parents on Park Avenue waiting to “see me for the first time.” I was walking up Park Avenue with my bridesmaids and mom. The guys made Michael turn his back to me, and as I approached, they started clapping, first slowly, then really fast when I was almost directly behind him. Finally when I was no more than a step away, they started cheering and clapping and told him to turn around, which he did; when he saw me, he starting crying. We hugged, both crying, our parents crying, everyone was in tears because we were so happy and so excited! I will remember that feeling forever.

The ceremony
Our ceremony was held at 583 Park, a venue space in Manhattan. Our Rabbi had known Michael most of his life – he had officiated Michael’s bar mitzvah 15 years prior! Before the ceremony, our entire wedding party and closest relatives gathered to witness us sign our Ketubah (marriage contract) which had been designed by my uncle. Our parents and grandparents wished us blessings and words of advice to take with us throughout our marriage. For the ceremony, we had a simple piano player play alternative songs that held deep meaning for us, such as Coldplay and Ben Folds Five. Our chuppah was like our own, beautiful garden of eden. Pale pink and white cherry blossom vines wrapped around its poles and draped across the frame. Our parents, maid of honor and man of honor stood with us under the chuppah as we recited the same vows that had been recited by our people for generations.

The reception
583 Park is an incredible space – it was previously used as a Christian Science Church, and has an enormous, domed coffered ceiling with a gorgeous crystal chandelier in the center and a floor to ceiling gold organ in the front of the room. Our 8-piece band, Michael Hart of Hank Lane, rocked out on the 3 ft-high stage in front of the organ and played everything from “Party in the U.S.A” by Miley Cyrus to “Stronger by Kanye West. Our dance floor was enormous, but packed the entire time! Since the ceiling of the space was incredibly high, we played with the height of the centerpieces. We had arrangements of coral peonies, vibrant pink and white hydrangeas, and country roses in oranges and coral as well. They glowed in their tall glass vases, with tea lights sparkling at the bases.

Splurges and Savings
My dress was by far my biggest splurge. It was twice as much as I expected to pay! But I fell in love with it, and so did my parents. I saved on my jewelry – I  actually wasn’t planning on wearing anything except my ring and a pair of fake diamond-drop earrings. At the last minute when I was getting ready, my mom asked me if I wanted to wear her diamond tennis bracelet! I was so surprised and so happy. We also saved by making our own gift bags for the out of town guests that were staying in the hotel. My husband and mother-in-law spent a whole day walking around times square and buying little chotchkes (I Love NY shot glasses, postcards, pencils with the NYC subway map on them, etc) and put them in decorated bags.

What made her wedding dress “The One”
I must have tried on at least 40 dresses. I think I looked for almost 4 months. It was tough because I really wanted my mom to see everything, and she had to come in from Boston to New York every time I wanted to try on a dress! I was looking for something specific and totally indescribable at the same time – I wanted a dress that had modern as was as traditional elements to it, a reflection of the venue where the reception and ceremony were being held. When I tried on this dress, I felt like a modern bride, but also completely romantic and bohemian. It accentuated exactly the elements of my body that I wanted to show off, and was just so unique. It was also very light which would allow my to dance – one of my biggest priorities of the day! I knew it was way out of the budget that we had initially set, but even after trying on 20 more dresses, I couldn’t get it out of my head. This was the dress that I could completely picture Michael seeing me for the first time in, and just dying (which he did – he cried!).

Her for other brides
There will always be things you care about more than others. It’s okay to spend money on those things, just cut back in other areas. My husband (fiancé at the time) also did an incredible job of keeping my stress and anxiety in check. It’s a fantastic idea to step back often throughout the process and remind yourself what this whole thing is really about – in the end, no one will care who they sit next to or whether the chocolate truffle they take home at the end of the night is delicious or disgusting. They are just happy to be there celebrating such an incredible occasion with you. The best compliment we got on our wedding was when people told us how incredibly happy we looked, and how that energy just spilled over into everyone there. Make sure to enjoy yourself!!

Jenna’s Wedding Dress: Oscar de la Renta 82E29