I try to stay as topical season wise as I possibly can and as such have been forced to turn down some lovely winter weddings & styled shoots.  There is always a ‘however‘ right?!  Such is the case with today’s beautifully styled late winter wedding shoot in Washington State. From the wonderfully rustic setting to the vintage pieces that craft the decor, it was just too hard for me to let this beauty slip through my fingers, wrong season and all!  Washington photographer Amanda Lloyd Photography took the helm, wanting to kick off 2013 in a big way with a gorgeous styled late winter session with rustic vintage touches & mother nature in her finest ranging with everything from warm sunshine to pouring rain, then heavy snowfalls!

“Zong Her of Her Couture was so amazing and provided gorgeous veils, amazing flowers, and got me in touch with Dianne’s Delights in Seattle who provided the seriously adorable cream colored ruffed cake, complete with a burlap banner style cake topper. The “dream team” as I call them were fabulous! I collected all the fun vintage pieces from the Old Main Street Spanaway Antique Mall and all the unique wood pieces, including the chevron cake plate were make by a local wood shop called “from the wood shed” in Spanaway.  Let me say that the weather for our shoot was total CHAOS! It was sunshine, then pouring rain! Then, we decided to head up to Summit at Steven’s Pass for an insanely gorgeous snowfall! It was DOWNPOURING snow! Dyan and Daniel were complete troopers and totally rocked the shoot! The weather was typical of Washington, and I loved every bit of it! I’m so over-the-moon in love with images and can’t wait to share them!”

Vendor Love

Venue: Family Cabin in Skykomish | Dress Boutique: David’s Bridal | Men’s Attire: Men’s Warehouse | Bakery: Dianne’s Delights | Handmade Goods Designer: Her Couture, From The Wood Shed | Photographer: Amanda Lloyd Photography

When an engagement starts off with a 100 year old family heirloom {the groom’s grandmother’s} ring, you know something vintage inspired is in order!  Kassie Ryan & Bradley Compton may not being your typical vintage couple, but throw in their natural flair for style & what you get is a gorgeous blend of a soft romantic palette with fashion flair & design!  Kassie & Bradley both have unique styles and what I really love is that they took the opportunity to embrace them wholeheartedly in their wedding day looks.  Bradley looks sharp as can be in a well fitted, perfectly trimmed suit for his personality with a fab paisley bow tie to boot!  Kassie is down right stunning in a gorgeous ballgown like full ruffled skirt dress with a loosely pinned textured up do complete with mini birdcage veil & drop chandelier earrings!  From their modern style to the romantic soft spot for all things pastel & vintage, this wedding is truly lovely!

Vendor Love

Venue: Aliso Viejo Country Club
Floral Designer: Designs by Tricia
Photographer: Focus Photography, Inc.

A smile you can hear… some people just have it.  My sister in law is certainly one of those people, though after 4 years of knowing Christina Wisboro, I naturally also associate the genuine laughter that comes with it when I view photos of her in full force smile.  Christina & Hill Hardy met one another just a short bit after the hubs & I reunited.  It was an interesting relationship to watch develop & grow as I didn’t need to know Hill’s prior preferences in a gal to know how he was smitten as all hell when it came to Christina.  Thick as thieves my hubs says, and that simply could not be more dead on!  When the time came to ask for Christina’s hand, Hill proposed in a very Hill way.  {Read about that here} They asked if I would be their wedding planner & I politely declined in the desire to purely being a family member on that day & wanting to take the day in as such.  I offered my aid & input as needed along the way of course, as well as designing some of the lovely decor elements for them: wood crate slate signage leading guests along the Prospect Park pathways and wood burned birch wood table numbers in beds of moss.  For the card/gift area, we thought  a picnic basket was perfection considering the venue was the Picnic House!  The basket was laid on a large bed of moss surrounded by birch wood and candles, sprinkled with cream rose petals, much as the tables were as well.  These elements combined with the super tall twiggy centerpieces, paper lanterns which gently swayed from the sky & a very gorgeous twiggy wedding arch, all played handily into what started off as a simple Save The Date which included initials carved into a tree, which blossomed into a wedding theme: Fall In The Park.

Being that this is my family, as well as the fact that I designed some of the elements, I am going to forgo my What Storyboard Likes section to tell you a funny story and something that future bride’s can take heart in.  Let’s go with the lesson first, so we can leave your chuckling in the end!

Just a few shorts days before the wedding, the folks that were to be handling the day of coordination for the wedding, backed out.  Pretty much what your thinking,  that is up there in the worst case scenario hand book.  If there is just about any vendor quitting that will stress the hell out of a couple, it would be the one  that was to run the show.  Without question I jumped right in and took over the reins.  Having someone to run our wedding was one of the biggest elements that made my day as easy breezy as it was and Hill & Christina deserved that same calm on their big day.  In a way I am glad it worked out this way, as being able to handle this for them was better then any gift I could have given them.  So whats the life lesson here?  No, please don’t take it as vendors being unreliable.  The wedding lesson is being as prepared and in the know as possible, leading up to your event.  If something goes wrong, you will already know what part comes next and be able to pick up the pieces that fell, if only for a moment.  And of course, just breathe, it will all work out, it always does.

Now for the funny!  As you have I am sure by now noted, there is one adorable black lab hanging out in this wedding.  His name is Curtis {Martin} and is seriously one of the sweetest dogs I have ever met.  He & Truffle {our dog for those that dont know} are diehard bff’s.  Being a lab, Curtis loooooves swimming and catch, like mega crazy, omg omg omg where’s the ball/stick catch.  This is notable for a very funny reason, hehe.  When we were setting up the ceremony area outside, as the florist were installing the twig arch, they were having difficulty making it level on its own, on the park lawn.  Being rather intuitive, they grabbed a few larger rocks/sticks to help secure the arch.  Enter Curtis….  well good ol’Curtis saw a stick jammed under the arch and I can only assume he thought ‘Oh yeah, game on!’ {Curtis was off leash, shhhh don’t tell }  He proceeded to snatch up a stick and run around in circles like the happiest pup you’d ever seen!  Fortunately it wasn’t a keystone stick, so the arch remained up right, but there was a good few seconds of, sh*t grab the arch!!!!  All we could do was laugh, Curtis was being a pup after all,  he just wanted to play!

Novella of the Bride…

Hill was born and raised in Manhattan,  and attended college in Vermont.  Currently working for an Engineering Firm in lower Manhattan, Hill has found the perfect thing to aim his very objective personality at!  Christina was born in Queens and raised in Long Island.  Though Christina worked as Media Manager at ESPN for many years, she was recently hired by HBO {SBW Note: Winter is coming!!} and is very subjective.  Together they perfectly compliment  one another one, thick as thieves if you will.  After meeting at Whisky Town in July of 2009, they have been inseparable ever since.

The theme while not intentionally highlighted, transpired as “Fall in the Park”. It started out with our save the date, which had our initials carve in a tree and the theme evolved from there. I would say I was going for rustic elegance.  A lot of branches, burlap and neutral colors. We picked the Picnic House in Prospect Park as it was outside the mold of what I typically had seen for wedding receptions.  The brick layers, the wooden floors, the bay windows, it had a natural decor. Once you step foot into the venue there is something very quaint and grand about it all at the same time. I also grew up going to parks and something about it reminded me of my grandmother and that time. I thought to myself, my grandma would of liked this…

Bride’s Favorite Moment: “The ceremony. Hands down. Having all of our friends and family huddled together on the expansive bluff with the colors and smells of fall all around us made for a very memorable day. For a public space, our ceremony was extremely intimate and personal.”

Vendor Love

Venue: Prospect Park Picnic House
Wedding Dress: Justin Alexander
Shoes: Nine West
Hair Stylist: FAB Artistry
Makeup Artist: Sleek Beauty
Groom’s Suit: J. Crew
Invitations: Dawn Correspondance
Music: Jay Corbin
Lighting: Universal Light & Sound
Florist: Pedestals Florist
Caterer: The Raging Skillet
Baker: Potion Cupcakes
Event Design-Coordination: Storyboard Wedding
Photographer: Weddings By Two

You know the kind of couple that you never even have to met in person, and all you need to see is one photograph, & you completely understand the how truly deep their love runs?  This feature embodies ‘that’ couple & I simply can not get enough of them!  Sarah & Isaiah are beyond smitten kitten for one another & their wedding is simply gorgeous.  From the stain glass filled & immensely high vaulted ceilings of the church to the glamour star of a reception space with one terrific looking dessert bar, this wedding is total aces!  While the wedding is indeed lovely, it is the photos of Sarah & Isaiah that completely steal the show.  As it turns out, I have an extra special gem to share, this sweet couple also did a ‘Trash The Dress’ session, which will be up at 1:30pm so be sure to check back as its AH-dorable…We’ll just call it: Sarah & Isaiah go to the Carnival!

What Storyboard Likes…

Bridal Style {This means you too Isaiah!}- When a couple ‘gets it’ in the attire department, it makes all the difference!  I absolutely love Sarah’s choice of the Angel Sanchez gown, pairing it with an elegantly high bun do, all the while surrounded by birdcage veil, worn in a couture fashion. {Ps- I do not throw the term couture around lightly!}  Meanwhile, Isaiah looks beyond dapper in a gorgeous custom suit perfectly paired with plaid bow tie, adorable argyle socks & honestly, some of the better men’s wedding shoes I have ever seen!  Lastly, how freakin cute are two tulle filled flower girls?!  I die over the overhead shot of those 2 beauties as their skirts take up the balk of the aisle!  Love everything about the wedding fashion!

Dessert Bar Spéciale- I am completely crushing on Sarah & Isaiah’s dessert bar!!  Starting with the centerpiece cake, the soft pinks ruffles are done to perfection while the pom cake topper is out of this world.  I want this cake for my birthday!  The styling of the bar on a whole is completely tops, varying  heights, the mixed cake stands filled with everything from cookies to shooters, give the table the needed dimension to really make it a show piece on its own.  Petite signage greets guests at various places, offering simple messages of wedding love.  Believe it or not, I think my favorite detail over all is the simple act of tying some of the cookies together with bakers twine.  I. Love. This.

Little Touches- No small touch was left undone in the hands of Sarah & Isaiah.  From the dessert bar bunting to the tassle garland, there certainly was flair in all the right places.  In the beginning of the day, little touches & love messages were left for each, from the love note collar stays to the cold feet socks!  Even messages boards were given the amore treatment!  Attention to detail will get you everywhere my sweet couples to be!!

Novella of the Bride…

Engaged at 24 and married at 25. Isaiah created the perfect proposal, that we knew our wedding would have to follow in being a day we would never forget. We are both huge green bay packer fans, we have 2 shiba inu’s and are truly the perfect pair.

Originally, we wanted a soft vintage shabby chic romance theme. We wanted it to be comfortable for everyone, relaxed. We wanted everyone to feel that they fit in and were able to have a good time. I really didnt care about much, except that I knew I wanted navy, blush pinks and gold – & that our guests were our main priority. I (surprisingly) was a very laid back bride. Isaiah’s dad died two days before our wedding, and I made a few last minute changes in hopes to add pops of color that would reflect personalities and make people smile. I chose yellow, put it in our centerpieces, flowers and table numbers. We had a photo booth, and a dessert buffet. From the moment we started planning, we knew we wanted a dessert buffet – and that became more clear to us as we were cake tasting different venues. Nothing “WOW’d” us until we came across Cocoa&Fig. Though we had pinterest inspiration, our wedding was truly a reflection of us and our personalities. 3 months later, we still get compliments on how people knew it was a wedding for us, or how they felt our personalities were shining through and had little touches everywhere they went. We didn’t leave anything out.

Isaiah and I were on a date in downtown Saint Paul, some random afternoon before I was about to switch a new job. This was in.. April? We weren’t even engaged (that happened in September). We were walking around venues and I don’t even know why. Were we already thinking of where we wanted to have a wedding reception? Maybe, but I honestly couldn’t tell you. We walked into the landmark center and the James J Hill Library, both places I had been in before. We also walked in to the St.Paul Hotel – a place new to both of us. They are all beautiful venues, elegant and spacious. Down the street we walked in to The Great Hall. IMMEDIATELY stopped at the edge of the open space, looked at each other and said “This is where we are going to have our first dance, wedding reception? YES!”  And that was it! Looking back, I knew we loved that it was open, that it was bright, and that cocktail hour could be separate. I also hate venues with ugly carpet.

For our ceremony, it was a hard long process. I am picture obsessed, and I knew I wanted something with a lovely backdrop. We hunted and hunted for a church, but so many had SO many requirements. We were driving by HAUMC one night and decided to stop. It was 9pm and the doors were locked. We pushed a button we saw outside the door (how rude, 9pm? what were we thinking!) and a sweet janitorial man named John came to open the door. He took us in to show us the ceremony and the entire church. It. was. STUNNING. He was sweet, and so kind. Not to mention, when Isaiah asked “John, what do you do if its a 90 degree day?”,  John replied with “TURN ON THE AC OF COURSE!” we were sold. Having AC, was literally the most important thing for me. I hate being hot, and if I am hot – I turn into one cranky lady. No one wants a cranky bride. Isaiah preferred it that I actually walked down the aisle that day win – win!

From start to finish, beginning to end, every detail and aspect was planned by Isaiah and I. But its okay! It was a wonderful feeling to see it all come together. Proud moment. And now i want to be a wedding planner.

Bride’s Favorite Moment: “This is a tough one. I want to say our first look, but I remember feeling so awkward because a million people were watching us even though I said please don’t  And then you want to say walking down the aisle since that moment is so surreal, but Isaiah’s uncle stepped out into the aisle to take pictures. AKA – I couldn’t even see my husband to be, just this new guy I never met before. Even the ceremony turned weird, our pastor had heard that we lost our dad just two days prior and semi turned it into a funeral service? Our day wasn’t perfect, it had hiccups – but that’s perfect for us, that explains us. That’s how our every day life goes too. We roll with it! I’m not answering the question am I?? Ok.. I think my favorite moment was our bridal party dance. We danced to “Wobble” by VIC and it was truly a carefree moment of celebration. Also, my husband and I went up on this large catwalk overlooking our entire venue at 8:11pm (because our wedding date was 8/11) and gave a toast to thank all of our guests. Everyone was hootin and hollerin, we felt loved. Total blessing.” {SBW Note- I included the portion of Sarah’s response that could be interpreted as dialogue to me, for a reason.  Firstly Sarah is adorable as all get out & secondly, its important to realize that this is a very true reflection of how things typically go on a wedding day.  Perfection is in the little things that we call bumps in the road.  They are what shape & guide our day.  In all likelihood, there will be things that come up.  Rather then work oneself into a tizzy, it is important to realize this is real life, it is how things go.  Just Enjoy Yourself!}

Vendor Love

Ceremony Venue: Hennepin Ave United Methodist Church
Reception Venue: The Great Hall
Wedding Dress: Angel Sanchez
Bridesmaid Dresses: Lela Rose
Shoe Designer: Caparros
Hair Stylist: Mollie Kae
Makeup Artist: Tina Beaupre
Groom’s Suit: Custom-Heimies Habadashery
Florist: Christina Marie Floral & Events
Caterer: Lettuce Cater
Baker: Cocoa & Fig
Music: Events by MV
Day of Coordination: Christina Marie Floral & Events
Photographer: Snap.Grin Photography

*A Note from Shauna Autry Photography

“Before Mara and Andrew’s wedding I only had a chance to meet with the bride. When I arrived at Mercury Hall on the wedding day Mara’s sister approached me and said, “Just wait until you see Mara and Andrew together they are so loving towards one another.” She was absolutely right and you could feel the love in this vintage inspired DIY wedding. The bride and groom made the day so smooth, special, and laid back. The wedding had a very vintage feel with it’s neutral color palette that included creams, grays, and light pink. The flowers were simple and white and displayed in elegant table settings made using vintage tea kettles, books, and candle holders. The wedding was filled with touching surprised from the bride to the groom, including a vintage car for transportation, a flash mob, and a pancake snack. The whole event made me feel like I was in the novel The Great Gatsby, with a little flair. It was simple, heartfelt, and beautifully put together.”

What Storyboard Likes…

Feelin Kinda Sunday- I dont know about you, but I am loving the idea of a reception venue that has gorgeous Baptist church influences!  Mercury Hall seems like a unique location allowing you to have that slightly naughty feel of partying in a church!  From the color block stained windows to the vaulted white wood ceiling, I have a crush on Mercury Hall!

White On White- While white is most certainly the signature of the classic bride, this wedding in particular has a sweet white finger print throughout.  Starting with our lovely bride who is indeed beautifully styled in a slink white Nicole Miller gown with complimentary white birdcage veil, we next move on to the simple white florals that perfectly punctuate this sweet fete.  Mercury Hall’s white wood space perfectly fits into this white washed theme while the white on white cake brings the whole neutral feel home.  White is not just innocent, but beautiful.

Easy Breezy BM Style- There is something about the overall feel of Mara’s girl’s that bring a real well styled casual feel.  The girls, while looking absolutely lovely in their dresses, have a comfortable happy sense about them & it shows all the way to their  bright smiles.  Dressing your girls in ensembles that make them happy too leads to an even better wedding day all around!

Vendor Love

Venue: Mercury Hall
Dress Designer: Nicole Miller
Hair Stylist: JCO Salon
Florist: Central Market
Cake Designer: Brides Table
Cinema: Jackson Adair
Photographer: Shauna Autry Photography