What’s Inspiring Diana: Polka Dots
1. polka dot blusher veil from etsy// 2. fabulous polka dot dress via tumblr// 3. handbag from kate spade
4. vintage pumps via Pinterest // 5. michelle roth’s wedding dress to die for // 6. polka dot tie for the gentleman via Gia Canali
7. sassy polka dot tights from marc jacobs //8. carolina amato gloves
I don’t know what it is about polka dots but there isn’t a polka dot pattern that I don’t love! Maybe it derives from our constant fascination by Kate Spade and her easy-to-love designs and ensembles, or maybe it’s my love for Roy Lichtenstein’s notorious pop art. I find them to be so fun and versatile-they can be preppy, charming, sophisticated, playful, and downright glamorous! If I can find a way to wear them or incorporate them, I will!
XO!
What’s Inspiring Me: Independence Day!
1. via coco+kelley | 2. via pinterest | 3. via call me a cupcake | 4. via martha stewart living | 5. via tumblr | 6. via kate spade
It’s hard to believe that half of 2011 is already over and summer is in full swing! It’s hard not to be inspired by this upcoming holiday weekend so I created a fun and stylish inspiration board with you in mind. What are your favorite 4th of July traditions? I’m sure you all are attending or hosting a party this weekend– and whether it is an intimate gathering with close friends or your yearly family reunion, enjoy a little patriotic inspiration! xxoo
A Wedding Story: Anna & Matt at The Barns in Middletown, Connecticut
A wedding with so many carefully thought out details: that was the story of Anna and Matt. They started their planning journey with a rocky start– troubled by hardships. Luckily, they entered a contest on Style Me Pretty and were chosen to receive a wedding with support by a lot of special vendors, including Jessica’s Country Flowers, who organized the give-a-way and designed all of their flowers.
They were destined to have an Alice in Wonderland styled wedding on the last weekend of summer, surrounded by 150 of their nearest and dearest. Mostly do-it-yourself, they took on a ton of projects to truly make their wedding their own. From fabric pennant flags that the bride sewed, to the wedding paper suite expertly designed by the groom (with a little help from an amazing illustrator Krista Wildermuth). Perhaps the most amazing piece of homemade décor was the antique door we suspended above their long, family style head table with dozens of antique medicine bottles hanging above like a chandelier. The sweetest part of their story is they were inspired by so many blogs and other couples!
In this kind of styled event, we were inspired by the original Alice in Wonderland and took some visual cues: pearls that the bride wore, “eat me” and “drink me” signs, a play on cards using them as favors and being inspired by them with their cake, the use of zinnias and dahlias in their flowers. But overall, Anna and Matt wanted a colorful, fun, and quirky look that represented them as a couple. We used fun and playful colors— aqua, blue, pink, red, and shades of silver to bring their vision to life.
Their ceremony took place just a stones throw from where the bride grew up at a little, teeny tiny church called Hope Valley Church. A hydrangea covered wreath greeted guests at the steeple and sweet music from a duo of violins prompted the ceremony, where Anna was escorted down the aisle by her dad. She wore an absolutely gorgeous gown with ruffles that cascaded down the back… And layers, and layers of vintage pearls collected from flea markets & antique shops. A cage veil and pretty fascinator, all from The White Dress by the Shore. Matt wore a Versace suit and tie with a pair of custom chuck taylors.
After the ceremony, guests blew bubbles and saw the newly weds off to their epic reception— complete with gorgeous tablescapes designed by us full of sweet little details, and a lot of fun. The bride and groom had their hand on every piece of décor for their wedding— we scouted vintage china used to serve guests dinner at flea markets (Brimfield, to be exact!) together and borrowed unique pieces from Anna’s father— a man who loves antiques! Each guest plucked their escort card from an antique barn door from Anna’s home that Matt hammered vintage nails into. A tag with their name on it, affixed to a skeleton key, guided them to their table. After dinner, they danced the night away with family and friends into the wee hours!
Big props to my friends at Raw Photo Design for sharing so generously these stunning images!
What seems like yesterday was so long ago– congratulations Anna and Matt! We feel so honored to have been part of your journey and are exceptionally grateful for your friendship.
Credit Reel
Wedding Photography: Raw Photo Design
Event Design & Planning: Jubilee Events
Flowers: Jessica’s Country Flowers
Wedding Dress & Veil: Vineyard Collection by Priscilla of Boston via The White Dress by the Shore
Ceremony Location: Hope Valley Church, Amston, CT
Reception Location: The Barns at Wesleyan Hills
Custom Lighting: Rob Alberti
Wedding Invitations: DIY by Bride & Groom
Monogram: Krista Wildermuth
Wedding Cake: Kelly’s Sweet Rewards
Makeup: Blush Couture Design
Ceremony Music: Millennium Music
DJ: DJ Derek
Shoes: Stuart Weitzmen
Hair: Andrea’s Hair Studio, Glastonbury, CT
Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo via The White Dress by the Shore
Calligraphy: Jondahl Meotti
A Wedding Story: Kelly + Paolo at the Still River Cafe in Eastford, Connecticut
Back in September, Jubilee Events had one of our double-wedding weekends! While Candice, Lindsay, and Amanda were coordinating Sally and Oliver’s wedding, Jessica and I were on our way to Eastford, Connecticut where Kelly and Paolo were to celebrate their marriage. When you drove up to the Still River Cafe where the wedding was held, you almost missed it amongst all the color drenched fall trees. This picturesque little restaurant is so cozy and rustic (and serves some of the BEST cupcakes), that it was perfect for Kelly and Paolo’s rustic and antique-inspired day. The couple started the day off together, getting ready with the help of Jennie Fresa’s team at the Bird Song Inn, a little bed and breakfast close by. Close friends and family were in attendance, some of whom traveled all the way from Italy, where Kelly and Paolo were holding another ceremony back in December!
When the couple arrived, they were tucked away inside the Still River Cafe, where they were able to overlook through the restaurant’s panoramic window at their guests arriving. The ceremony took place in the corner of the lush lawn that surrounded the Cafe, where guests observed on rustic benches adorned with shepherd’s hooks, overflowing with loosely arranged flowers by Azaela Floral Design. Instead of traditional vows, Kelly and Paolo recited Dr. Seuss’s wedding vows, in which Paolo promised, “Yes, I will have, and I will hold, just as I have at this time told. Yes, I will love her all my life as now I take her as my wife” and Kelly pledged, “Yes, I will love for my whole life. Yes, I will happily be his wife!”
They recessed down the aisle to the jubilant sound of kazoos, followed by their guests to enjoy some sweet lemonade before heading inside. Their dog Bella made an appearance and could not sit still, she was so excited! Past the vintage bicycle with hydrangeas filling the basket and up the candle-lit steps, the couple and guests enjoyed an intimate reception. Christine from Azalea Floral Design really dressed up the cafe with beautiful greenery wrapped around the ceiling beams and gorgeous mini-arrangements of roses and delicate flowers in vintage medicine bottles that perfectly complimented the love letters and vintage books that were a favorite possession to both the bride and groom. Joseph Kiernan and his band performed some light music above in the loft while the wedding party dined on their choice of fresh oysters, tender beef, delicately flavored stuffed mushrooms, and savory rabbit in between sips of wine. In lieu of cake, the couple chose to treat their guests to chocolate cupcakes with a chocolate ganache frosting, cleverly decorated with orange sugar flowers. Guests enjoyed their treats as well as their favors, loaves of chocolate cake–Kelly’s favorite recipe! It was such a beautiful wedding, filled with so many family members and love, that it was hard for everyone to leave at the end of the night!
Jen Curtis from Jen Curtis Photography captured every moment beautifully!
Credit Reel
Photography: Jen Curtis Photography
Planning & Design: Jubilee Events
Floral Design: Azalea Floral Design
Hair & Makeup: Jennie Fresa Beauty Library
Reception & Cupcakes: Still River Café
Celebrant: Sarah Carson
Rentals: Jubilee Events
Jazz Trio: Joseph Kiernan Jazz Trio
Paper: Handmade by the couple






















