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Lake Como, Italy – An extraordinairy destination wedding

Looking for a wedding location with a lot of romance, Italian style? We just couldn’t believe the gorgeous photos from this beautiful luxury wedding by Los Angeles photographer Aaron Deliese held in Lake Como, Italy. Breathtaking. We’ve added a little historical information on Villa d’Este where the wedding took place. Conjures up visions of a fairy-tale wedding for us romantics.

Villa d’Este, masterpiece of the Italian Garden, is included in the UNESCO world heritage list. Constructed in the 16th century, with its impressive concentration of fountains, nymphs, grottoes, plays of water, and music, it constitutes a much-copied model for European gardens in the mannerist and baroque styles.

The garden is generally considered within the larger context of Tivoli itself: its landscape, art and history which includes the important ruins of ancient villas such as the Villa Adriana. The imposing constructions and the series of terraces above terraces bring to mind the hanging gardens of Babylon. The addition of water — including an aqueduct tunneling beneath the city — evokes the engineering skill of the Romans themselves.

In the 18th century the lack of maintenance led to the decay of the complex, which was aggravated by the property’s passage to the House of Hapsburg. The garden was slowly abandoned, the water works fell into ruin, and the collection of ancient statues — enlarged under Cardinal Ippolito, was disassembled and scattered.

This state of decay continued without interruption until the middle of the 19th century, when Gustav von Hohelohe, launched a series of works to pull the complex back from its state of ruin. Between 1867 and 1882 the Villa once again became a cultural point of reference, with the Cardinal frequently hosting the musician Franz Liszt (1811 – 1886), who composed Giochi d’acqua a Villa d’Este for piano while a guest here, and who in 1879 gave one of his final concerts.

At the outbreak of the first world war the villa became a property of the Italian State, and during the 1920s it was restored and opened to the public. Another, radical restoration was carried out immediately after the Second World War to repair the damage caused by the bombing of 1944. Due to particularly unfavorable environmental conditions, the restorations have continued practically without interruption during the past twenty years.

New York City Secret Proposal in Central Park

Gruber Photographers wanted to end our week with a smile. This secret proposal in New York City’s Central Park, captured by Maike Schulz, says it all. Enjoy their story!

Prospective groom Alejandro may have pulled off one of the biggest New York surprise proposals that we have seen in awhile – his girlfriend didn’t even know he was in the same state!  Here’s how it went down …

Alejandro and Marie, who are from Houston, had planned a fun weekend in New York City visiting relatives.  The plan was for Alejandro to arrive a day later and meet Marie in the city.

Marie and Alejandro’s sister decided to take a walk in Central Park (how she got her to take a walk in the rain is genius!) and when they arrived at Bow Bridge, Alejandro was waiting.

The wonderful Maike Schulz who braved the elements as well, was hiding out prepared to capture the monumental moment.

And as soon as Marie accepted his proposal, the rain stopped.  It doesn’t get more fairytale than that.  Wishing them a bright future!

Love Actually – Abby and Marty

This lovely bride and groom, so very in love, is courtesy of our StrictlyWeddings.com New York City partner Gruber Photographers. After choosing the magical Angel Orensanz as their New York wedding venue, Abby and Marty, with the help of Chlo Events + Production, began creating a night that truly reflected their personalities, style and love for one another. The couple wanted romance and glamour to shine through, so the space was bathed in the glow of candlelight while the abundance of crystals lent an additional sparkle. Gruber’s New York wedding photographer, Maike Schulz, was there to capture every moment.

Just as the couple was about to begin the processional, Marty had a surprise for his new wife! Being that Love Actually is their favorite movie, he surprised her with a gospel choir during the processional and an acoustic guitar version of their wedding song (Jason Mraz “I’m Yours”). Cue the tears!

Abby and Marty are such a social couple, for their reception they decided upon a chic cocktail reception event complete with various lounge areas that allowed the drinks and dancing to flow all night!

Outdoor Wedding Chic

Marie Gabrielle in Downtown Dallas was the perfect wedding venue for this chic, outdoor celebration provided to us by Wedding Planner Jordan Payne. Susan and Soo were married at Marie Gabrielle in September. Susan wore a Vera Wang gown.

Jordan is all about the details when it comes to planning weddings. Sexy, chic tones of gold and purple with damask patterns made for a fabulous night. From the beautiful custom damask drapes and floral halo that adorned their ceremony to their swoon worthy rhinestone tent designed and created by the talented Nelson Robinson of Stageworks.

Bridal Week in New York – Elizabeth Fillmore 2012 Collection

Elizabeth Fillmore is one of our favorite bridal gown designers. We love the exquisite touches to her creations and the addition of the head piece in her 2012 Collection makes an elegant statement.

Upcoming trunk shows in our cities:

November 4-5 – Neiman Marcus, Dallas
November 17-19 – Bergdorf Goodman, NYC
November 24-27 – Warren Barron, Dallas

Bridal Gowns top to bottom: Thalia, Orchide, Kara

“IRIS” Fascinator — Black Lily, Small Ivory Flowers, Black Leaves & Tulle Inserts

“FLEUR” Blusher – Blusher with Scattered All-Over Baby Petals

“ELENA” Lace Choker / Belt — Floral Lace Appliqué’s w/Pearl and Scattered PearlBeading and Organza Ties

“CAMILLA” Blusher — Circle Blusher with Ivory & Rose Hand-Painted Flowers

“BRIGITTE” Nose Gay — Black & Blush Lily and Leaves w/Blush Carnations, Ivory Ribbon and Nude Organza

Jenny Packham Spring/Summer 2012 Collection

What an amazing Spring/Summer collection from Jenny Packman that was inspired by the glamor of vintage styles from the 20s, 30s and 40s. Packham drew her creative inspiration from the lightness and ethereal beauty of nocturnal butterflies and their gauzy,intricate wings. White and opal colored beading and embellishments in addition to the more traditional rhinestone and crystals, give some of the gowns a soft, white-washed feel.

Packham’s Nuptial Headdress 2012 collection includes grand pieces thаt аrе ornate wіth vast sparkling crystals, pearlescent sequins, seed beads аnd black solid crystals. These gorgeous accessories can compliment an array of styles including romantic, retro, smart οr traditional.

Packham is a British fashion designer known primarily for her bridal gowns and ready-to-wear collections. Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge wore several Jenny Packham dresses during her tour of Canada and Los Angeles in July.

Special thanks to junebugweddings.com

Camp Lucy Wedding – It Took This Couples’ Breath Away

StrictlyWeddings.com partner, Photographer Jennifer Lindberg, is one of our fab wedding resources who recently clued us in on the greatness of Camp Lucy (recently talked about in StrictlyWeddings.com’s blog) as a Texas Wedding Destination. To be able to showcase one of our featured weddings at this Texas Hill Country wedding venue, is even better.

Emily and Matt met at the Monkey Bar at Mi Cocina in Highland Park Village in Dallas. She was there with friends and he was too; fortunately, their friends overlapped. Years later, he rented out the Monkey Bar and proposed to Emily in the exact place they met. Matt told Emily they were meeting his work friends for happy hour, she was late and very surprised! Lots of their friends and family joined later to celebrate their engagement.

The wedding took place at Camp Lucy in Dripping Springs, Texas. The couple did not want to get married in Dallas and The Texas Hill Country is one of their favorite places. Emily’s 90-year-old grandmother, who lives in a retirement community in Austin, suggested they make a stop at Camp Lucy. “Lucy” (the Lucy) is a good friend of the grandmother’s at the retirement home and she had recently toured it with her. As soon as Matt and Emily drove up, it took their breath away. They had found the spot. It was also pretty special that her “sweet grandmother” played such a role in it, too.

Melissa Sweet was the designer for her gown. For tradition, the bride’s “something old” was a brooch from her grandmother who had passed. For something new, her parents, knowing she cries, gave her a lace handkerchief embroidered with the couple’s wedding date. She wrapped the handkerchief around her bouquet and pinned it with her grandmother’s brooch.

• Verve Austin/ Barbara Shorts - Event planning and coordination
• Photographer – Jennifer Lindberg Weddings
• Marquee Rental – Tents, Chandlier, Stage Furniture & Heaters
• Westbank Flower Market – Florals
• Crescent Video - Film
• Arundel Ensemble – Strings
• Hair and Make up - Mandy Ray Hernandez
• Transportation Consultants – Valet
• R& R Limo – Shuttles
• Sight – Ceremony and Reception – Camp Lucy Dripping Spring Texas:
• RK San Antonio – Catering & Linens, Displays
• Dripping Spring Rental – Table and Chairs
• Strong Production -Tent Draping & cocktail tables
• Lighting – illios Lighting

Bridal Shower Themes: Chanel Inspiration

There’s a lot of inspiration that can be generated from a themed bridal shower. The photos below, from LA’s Heavenly Blooms, are of a Chanel/Parisian inspired bridal shower. The color palette is one of blush pink, crisp white and black. Some of you may even remember the Chanel cake (revisited below) from last year. We had to include the cake because it fit this post perfectly. As you plan your bridal shower or if you’re the one looking for new ideas, here’s one for that bride with the Chanel taste. Classic and classy.

Above photographs by Jasmine Star

Chanel Cake from The Pink Box, New York City

Destination Weddings: Camp Lucy – Storybook Texas Hill Country Venue

Elegant, unique, and artistically detailed, this storybook Texas Hill Country wedding venue is the picture-perfect setting for unforgettable weddings and special events. Camp Lucy is located in Dripping Springs, in the Texas Hill Country, just minutes from Austin, near San Antonio, and the ideal destination from Houston and Dallas.

Camp Lucy includes a luminous, restored French Colonial chapel, dramatic, open pavilion made of ironwood timbers, delightful Hansel & Gretel style bride’s cottage, handsome groom’s quarters, chef-inspired catering kitchen, and sweeping Hill Country vistas. The venue also looks forward to the opening a new events hall created from a repurposed Amish barn at the beginning of 2012.

As another soulful, creative, visionary project by real estate developer and antiques dealer, Whit Hanks, Camp Lucy is meticulously designed, thoughtfully planned, and built with heart. Additional features include:

• Indoor and outdoor ceremony sites
• Capacity for more than 300
• Lush, mature trees, lavish landscaping, and dramatic Great Lawn
• Charming storybook style bride’s cottage and groom’s quarters with a deck overlooking Onion Creek
• On-site, chef-inspired catering kitchen
• Stunning stone arch with terrace
• Ideal location on famed Creek Road, near Texas vineyards
• Green-friendly aesthetic with recycled and repurposed buildings and materials
• Ample parking on the grounds

The venue features at its heart a French Colonial chapel that Whit brought over from Vietnam. The original chapel dates to the 1880s. The venue’s pavilion, also brought from Vietnam, dates from the 1930s. For more information on this unique, storybook venue, visit camplucy.com.

Special thanks to the following photographers for use of their images.

Caroline Fontenot Photography
Hoffland Studios
Jenny DeMarco Photography
Paige Newton Photography
The Nichols: A Husband + Wife Photo Team

Wedding Hair Accessories – Inspiration from Era’s Past

We found these lovely hair accessories by Jannie Baltzer for the bride who desires something different from the traditional wedding veil. They are beautifully made – elegant and glamorous. 

Baltzer’s inspiration comes from the details of past eras; the French Bohemianism of the early 1900′s, the details of the Art Deco movement and the glamour of 1920′s Hollywood, which is expressed in the luxurious materials such as: French lace, Edwardian Lace, silk and soft chiffon.

The designer only uses hand made flowers, and all the bead work is handcrafted with beautiful Preciosa crystals and pearls at her studio in Copenhagen. Baltzer graduated from the Scandinavian Academy of International Fashion and Design in Copenhagen, receiving an honorary prize from Her Royal Highness Princess Benedikte for the most creative collection.

You can purchase any of her headpieces and accessories online at www.janniebaltzer.com.