Spotlight on Benj Haisch Photography

Benj Haisch Photography, owned by none other than Benj Haisch, a relative of one of my high school friends Andrea! So of course, I was totally surprised to see his name connected to absolutely gorgeous photos on Green Wedding Shoes (a wonderful wedding blog) and couldn't wait to see more of his work! Benj is based in the Seattle/Tacoma area and if you are getting married there, don't use anyone else! He is flawless! Here's a taste of Kylene and Justin's wedding at Swans Tail Farms.

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see, fabulous. I am completely in love. 

P.S. Sorry for not posting in a while, I moved back to San Francisco and things have been hectic. More to come though!

An Up! Inspired Wedding

Katie and Zack created a wonderfully whimsical wedding day, inspired by the Disney Pixar film, Up!. Not only were brightly colored balloons the main decoration, but they infused the day with a lovely childlike innocence that all the guests enjoyed. Here are some pictures from this unique event! 

The bridesmaids and groomsmen also featured bright, fun colors!

Subtle elements, such as this poem, showed the true personalities of the bride and groom.

They also used the fingerprint guest book by Blue de Toi! See more here.

 

This amazing couple also walked down the aisle to songs from the Up! soundtrack, making their inspiration complete! 

Thanks to Green Wedding Shoes for the inspiration and documentation!

Zelda and Scott's Wedding Circa 2011

If you haven't read The Great Gatsby yet, go read it and come back to this post because it will change your life. Now, I realize that "Hollywood Glamor" weddings are all the rage these days, and couples even go so far as to make it "Great Gatsby" themed; but, how would you like your wedding to make it "Great Gatsby" themed; but, how would you like to take this a step further, to infuse your special day with the feeling of exquisite promise, artistic endeavor, and the rowdy rigor of some of the, in my opinion, best artists of the modern age. This spirit can be yours.

Let's get some inspiration going.

The Venue.

If the astounding mansion used in "The Great Gatsby" film, starring Robert Redford, is anything to go by, this is a little idea of what you might need. The 20's were about opulence and frivolity, but also an underlying stability and confidence in the future, that this incredible time would never end. Empower yourself, your spouse-to-be, and your guests by booking a private estate for the ceremony and reception. You will never feel more proud. 

The Flowers.

A muted, yet striking color palette does well in this type of venue. An exotic, yet not overbearing bouquet (such as the one above) brings together a wildness and sense of another world, often felt in the 20's. This bouquet could have come out of an African jungle perhaps, where Hemingway recently tromped through on an elephant hunt. Personally, I enjoy the combination of colors close on the color palette (such as green and yellow), but they also hold literary ties to The Great Gatsby, where notable symbols such as the green light, and the yellow eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg are well known. 

The Dress.

Aranjuez

I recently discovered Spanish bridal designer, Yolan Cris, who does many vintage inspired looks. Every dress draws dramatic period details to make a truly unique gown for each bride. This could be the turning point for the wedding, where the day turns from "themed" to a true monument of a time period and a celebration of you and your spouses love for it. More examples are shown below, all by Yolan Cris. 

Copenhague 

Praga

These designs could give Zelda a run for her money. I truly believe that if a couple wants the chance to do "Hollywood Glamor" right, they can. Your wedding does not have to feel "themed". As long as you pick details that are subtle, yet true to the period and true to yourself, the sincerity of your special day will remain uncontested.

Mermaid vs. Fit and Flare

I'm honestly really open to most dress styles, I know that each one has a body shape that it looks gorgeous on HOWEVER I've realized that I really don't like the full mermaid style, on anyone. Even the models. For example, the Simone Carvalli gown below is gorgeous yes, but the shape is awful. 

I mean, hello? Amazing dress, from an amazing designer. But how uncomfortable does that look? I could hardly walk! And when I think about it, everything that is supposedly accomplished with the full mermaid (covers up trouble spots in the mid-section, gives a nice hour-glass figure, shows off curves) can be done with a fit and flare! Such as this one by the same designer. 

 

The fit and flare gives a great hourglass shape without restricting your movement, making a much more comfortable, and equally beautiful alternative to the full mermaid! 

Of course, all of Simone Carvalli's dresses are absolutely gorgeous. But these two are my personal favorites.

See more of Simone Carvalli's collection here.

Spotlight on: A Printable Press

"An alternative approach to stationary" quite accurately describes Brooklyn, NY based stationary company A Printable Press. This undeniably unique approach uses takes the expense out of your wedding invitations, save the dates, response cards, and other paper products by simply sending you a design and allowing you to print yourself! What a novel idea! I am in LOVE with their trendy yet classic designs, and I'm sure you will be too.

Here is a design from the Sheer Whimsy collection (fitting, no?) And here are more examples...

 

 

These are gorgeous, and definitely affordable. Invitation designs are only around $70, and after printing you could get 100 invites for around $130! A great price! I hope everyone gets a good look at this wonderful company and it enjoys it as much as I do! 

View more at A Printable Press

Guestbooks by Blue de Toi

Blue de Toi, I am in love. What a great idea for a guestbook that can also be an attractive keepsake! These wood cut prints are available in many different designs/shapes/colours, so one will definitely match your whimsical wedding!

Guests simply choose an ink colour (you get to choose those as well!) and place their fingerprint on the design wherever they like. 

It's a wonderful idea and so much fun! 

Here's another design! 

I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did :)

(via Adventures in Wedding Planning)

BHLDN: The New Bridal Line From Anthropologie.

Anthropologie does it again. Not only does this fabulous company offer wonderful styles for day to day wear, but they have now extended their expertise and flair to the bridal world. BHLDN, a company inspired by the extraordinary wedding tales of their friends comes to you, seeking to help you create a day that you and your guests will never forget. And trust me, this will not be your mother's wedding dress.

Crepe de Chine Column Gown $1,400

 Dappled Alabaster Sheath $2,200

 Mille Petals Corset Gown $2,500

 Citrine Rose Peplum Dress $650

 Limoncello Lace Dress $375

With A Kiss Shift $395

BHLDN gives you an opportunity to dress the part on your wedding day while still keeping your budget in mind. Every dress is priced at under the $4,000 mark, so many options await you. BHLDN also specializes in unique bridesmaid dress designs, for all of you tired of the traditional boring taffeta (which I despise by the way). Hair pieces and accessories are also available, and just as inspiring. But we will get to those later. Enjoy.

See more here.

Claire Pettibone

 Orange Blossom (Cherry Blossom 2010 Collection)

 Dew Drop (Spirit of the Night 2011 Collection)

 Emmeline (Fall 2011 Collection)

 Larissa (Three Graces 2006 Collection)

 Mystere (Rock n Roll Bride 2009 Collection)

Queen Anne's Lace (Tea for Two 2010 Collection)

LA based designer, Claire Pettibone, strives to create dresses that embody a vintage, romantic feel while still maintaining their modern edge. Quality fabrics such as Chantilly lace and silk create flowing silhouettes that flatter every body type. A CP bride wants to be different and wants to walk down the aisle knowing that the gown she wears personifies her soul. 

I can honestly say I would wear every single one of these dresses (and many more on the Claire Pettibone website). Even alone one of these dresses can inspire an entire wedding, a great starting spot if you are in the beginning stages of planning. The gowns range from around $2,000-10,000 with most around the $3,000-4,500 range. 

If you live in San Francisco, visit Marina Morrison at 30 Maiden Lane to see these lovely designs in person.