Every now and again a wedding comes through with such a lovely color tonal range that its just dreamy to look at and that is very much the case with Amanda Mertz & Jeremy Shook’s gorgeous Mississippi wedding!  Wanting to craft a colorful day without loud dominating colors, soft corals & greens were given the go head while a wizard in florist clothing Au Courant Floral created some of the most beautiful & unique arrangements I have seen in sometime!  Guest sipped on down home lemonade with mustache/lip straws while watching our couple say ‘I do’.  String quartet music wafted in the background as this refined modern affair took place under the setting sun with dancing under the stars to follow!  What a sweet lovely treat filled with the loveliest of colors, the perfect way to close out May and head into summer proper!

Note From The Bride…

Guests were treated to sweet, southern, pink lemonade in mason jars, as they enjoyed the sounds of a string quartet, before the ceremony. In lieu of programs, we chose a chalkboard, ornately framed, listing the wedding party and the evening events. Adding another personal touch, I created a large, wooden board with multi-colored envelopes secured to it, for guests to place notes, instead of a traditional guest book. The flowers: The day of the wedding, I stepped out of the elevator and was greeted by a long table full of the most beautiful, stunning bouquets I had ever seen. My bouquet was hydrangeas, peonies, lamb ear, balsa wood and succulents, wrapped in a turquoise damask cloth, secured with a gorgeous turquoise broach. Attached to my bouquet was a stone from my late grandmothers’ favorite earrings. We were married on Cinco de Mayo, so we featured a gourmet taco station with catfish, zesty chicken, and duck tacos, made to order. Signature drink was “The Shookarita”, a cute spin on our last name. A fresh, organic margarita on the rocks, garnished with salt. These were topped off with a turquoise “mustache” straw for the men, or a hot pink “lip” straw for the ladies. We incorporated our love for trail mix into the reception, and put our own spin on a traditional “candy bar”.

Vendor Love

Venue: Lost Rabbit Marina  | Dress: Martina Liana | Hair: Nathans Salon | Make-up: Brittany Thompson | Catering: Julep Restaurant | Floral Design: Au Courant Floral | String Quartet: Jackson Strings Quartet | DJ: Evan Tubbs of Birmingham, AL | Photobooth: Adam + Alli Photography | Lighting: Davaine Lighting | Officiant: Bill Boyd | Event Planner: Shanna Lumpkin Events | Photographer: Mark Eric Photography

I am feeling a bit Marie Antoinette this morning, so cake we shall have!  I am not even going to be bashful about it, I have a ridiculous sweet tooth so when it comes time for cake tastings, desserts, or the not so occasional cupcake craving…..well… just steer clear of me, that’s all I am going to say!  But in all seriousness, sweets are such a wonderful part of the wedding process and a truly epic place for design!

For today’s WIWW feature, I have chosen a Great Gatsby {might as well embrace the current trend!} inspired cake that comes to us from SBW friend, Style Unveiled.  Now if you don’t already know of her {I find this pretty much impossible!} most certainly carve out some time in the very near future to get to know her and her delicious site which is filled with tremendous amounts of pretty, inspiration, and everything in between.  Everything she selects to feature is beautifully styled & perfectly on trend.  You’re welcome ahead of time!

Ok so back to our Gatsby cake.  To view Styled Unveiled’s sneak peek post on the cake,  Click Here and for the full write up on the Gatsby inspired wedding, Click Here.  What makes this gorgeous cake work so well, isn’t as much about texture {though always a key player!}, color & a beautiful mix of media, but design itself.  Specifically how Paola Cake Atelier was able to whip literal art deco design elements into cake form.  The overall effect is a stunning art deco cake that is perfectly on trend with the roaring 20′s!

 *Photograph by Jamilah Photography

There are two major attention grabbing elements at play here, both of which echo that of art deco design.  Working from the bottom up, our base layer is given the rhinestone chevron treatment in impressive symmetry relaying a very classic art deco design from back in the day.  The sharp lines & crisp angles are very much inline with the elements used in the 1920′s,  often immortalized in the florish of buildings created around that time.  It is a hallmark of the art deco era and an unmistakable fingerprint.  Whether these sparkling gems are edible or not, I can not say, but if I know my bakers, these crafty wizards can make just about anything edible, so my money is on yes!

The show piece layer of the cake is indeed a stunner, playing handily into a look often seen in the brooch headpiece many flappers would wear in the roaring 20′s.  Perfectly designed & expertly made, this band layer utilizes not only fondant carving to mimic fabric but hand crafted detailing that, piece by piece, assembles into that of an art deco brooch.  Ovals, tear drops, even more rhinestones come together to create a show piece element that is a gorgeous piece of jewelry all its own.

When viewed together, these two layers resemble that of an outfit a flapper may wear, a sequined chevron dress with jeweled headpiece, dont you think!?  The overall design is terribly clever and I would be remiss if I did not point out that the finishing elements of the softly beaded pearl dots & simple 2 row rhinestone base layer are the the perfect accoutrements to such terrific design work.  Poignant and beautifully understated exactly as they ought to be.  Likewise the choice of cake stand is incredibly brilliant, here again, echoing the art deco style.

I really encourage you to head over to check out Style Unveiled’s Full Post on their Gatsby Inspired Wedding.  There are so many terrific elements that your  little fingers are going to get tired from all the pinning!  So do tell me, which are your favorite elements of this beautiful cake?  Are you a chevron fan or do you fancy more complex patterns?  Gatsby certainly has a strong hold on design at the moment, are you a fan of all things Great and Gatsby like?!

Vendor Love

Wedding Cake: Paola Cake Atelier | Venue: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens | Photographer: Jamilah Photography

There is a particular board that I keep on Pinterest that is quite possibly my favorite board of all, Bridal Inspirationsensation.  The focus of the board is an eclectic collection of bridal looks, styles & accessories that are much more fashion forward then your typical fare. I utterly adore this board for so many reasons, the most important of which to me being its total departure from the conventional ‘cookie cutter’ styled bride.  Fashion is indeed a genius all its own, clothing, the art form it becomes.  For the right bride, one who is more adventurous, stylish, and most importantly, comfortable in her own skin, there is a mind blowing world of looks that defy classic ways of tradition, turn up the whimsy, bring forth the elegance, highlight everything magical about design.  Today’s styled bridal session certainly is not for your cookie cutter bride.  Wonderfully over sized floral fascinators, strips of lace running through braided hair, black corset gowns with sophisticated lace veils, fashion embodied.  There is an air of good & bad here, romantic vs mysteriously regal if you will.  Bridal fashion can be a dream world just like any other, if you let it….

So which look is your favorite?  Do you lean more toward the softer feminine & romantic style or are you as in love as I am with the bold black lace look?  The mystery in the black lace veil is simply beyond with such an intense sense of sophistication don’t you think?  What are some of your more fashion forward bridal looks, I’d love to hear!

Vendor Love

Corset: Fredrick’s of Hollywood | Pink Gown: H&M | Floral Fascinator & Black Veil: Meo Baaklini | Hair & Make-up: Meo Baaklini | Photographer: Meo Baaklini

I love when I get submissions reading along with the curious intricacies that shaped a couple, or even a designer’s creative process, what inspired them to decor & fashion greatness.  Fun tidbit about today’s beautifully styled Black & White wedding, the inspiration came for black & white taper candles via Five Stripes!  I completely adore the idea of that and my oh my how gorgeous is the physical manifestation of this candle inspired vision!!  Set in a wonderfully industrial environment, a setting of organic whimsy was created featuring a deep wood table & mix matched chairs, a gold rimmed heirloom china collection, suspended umbrellas as a centerpiece and naturally Five Striped candles!  Our bride and groom are gorgeously styled to boot with the perfect amount of reserve with a slight vintage nod.  This session is wonderfully on trend, modern with a beautiful nod to old, whimsical and sophisticated all in the same breath!

What Storyboard Likes…

Black, White & Brown All Over-  Black & white weddings are wedding palette classic that in recent years has taken more of a main stage notice.  While I love the idea, I often find it can get boring becoming a repeat offender.  However, in the right hands, an artful design eye, the possibilities are limitless!  What I am completely in love with regarding this lil black & white wedding is the introduction of brown, be it in the from of strong organic wood, or in softened brushed golds.  Black & White is still clearly the star of the day, but with the compliments of a much strong supporting cast, the overall feel is softer & more lovely to look at.  The choice of the wood table & gold rimmed heirloom china {supplied by Rosann Konieczny, the calligrapher!} was superb & serve as the perfect accompaniment.  I would love to see more black and white weddings with dash of something extra sprinkled in there.  Its a lovely next step in the evolution of this classic color palette!

Mary Poppins Is Jealous- Let’s just say it now, how amazing are those umbrella centerpiece lights?!?!?!  And they light up for crying out loud!!  There certainly is no shortage of whimsy to this beautifully styled session, with the umbrellas serving as a stunning focal point.  Diane, owner of The Vintage Type, painted the umbrella ceilings with gold spray paint, punched holes with grommets and threaded through a cord with a bare Edison bulb. Believe it or not, these amazing umbrellas are rent-able!  I think if I could tolerate seeing an open umbrella in my life everyday, I would totally need these for my house!!

Industrial Spaces- In general I have a huge crush on just about anything rustic industrial, however when it comes to weddings, for me, it ups the ante!  Raw spaces are so unique but with such a blank canvas in the wrong hands, they can become terribly underwhelming.  As a venue industrial spaces are truly phenomenal and can take on a decor life of their own.  Tall ceilings, exposed beautifully blemished brick, weathered wood, you name, each of those gorgeous elements lend themselves perfectly to inspiring the elements you can use to craft your day.  If you allow it, the room can help you choose the right table, the perfect chairs, the overall vibe & feel.  Another wonderful thing about having your fete in a space of this nature…. the color palette options are literally limitless!!  For those of you looking to completely break the model, run as far away from cookie cutter as one can, I highly suggest checking out industrial venues in your area and I certainly suggest teaming up with a stellar design team that can truly get such an amazing space to really sing!!

Vendor Love

Gowns: Lula Kate, Courtesy of Bella Bridesmaid | Veil: Something Borrowed Bride | Hair & Makeup: Julie Swenson Beauty,KMT Beauty, Melanie Rivers Beauty | Calligraphy: Rosann Konieczny, Calligrapher | Graphic Design: The Vintage Type | Floral Design: Zook Floral Design | Vintage Rentals: The Vintage Type | Styling & Coordination: Girl Friday, The Vintage Type | Photographer: Zlata Modeen Photography

Searching for the perfect intimate venue with just the right rustic undertones, Raquel Carrington & Gerard Alleyne fell in love with The Lake House at Bulow as their own special wedding spot.  Raquel & Gerard shared a very special first look moment under the weeping willows & we hear it wasn’t just the giant trees that were weeping!  Situated back in woodsy South Carolina, the Lake House offers a private island  ceremony spot just a short wooded pier walk across the waters.  Wanting to keep to an old tradition, our sweet couple sealed the deal by jumping over a broom!  The private lake atmosphere was only enhanced by the soft color palette of the beautiful blooms & the clever driftwood centerpieces on each table.   Guests were treated to a sweet tooth selection of treats & a gorgeous cake, equally as rustic & lovely as their surroundings!

Vendor Love

Venue: The Lake House at Bulow | Wedding Dress: Allure Bridals | Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Angelo | Hair Stylist: Paper Dolls Wedding Hair & Makeup | Makeup Artist: Finishing Touches | Florist: Frilly Bloomers Florals | Caterer: Hamby Catering & Events | Baker: Wild Flour Pastry | DJ: DJ 6’6 | Rentals: Ooh! Events | Event Planner: MOD Events |Photographer: Reese Moore Weddings