New York Fashion Week: Monique Lhuillier Fall 2012 | Merci Runway

J’adore, to die for, must-have: What do these terms have in common? Simple. They are words I’d use to describe Monique Lhuillier’s Fall 2012 Ready to Wear line.
Every season we attend Monique Lhuillier’s RTW and bridal shows, and every season we leave a little bit more in love. As you know, we have a penchant for all things Lhuillier wedding , but the magic behind Monique is that her style transcends beautifully to Ready to Wear as well… albeit with a few surprises.
New York Fashion Week: Monique Lhuillier Fall 2012 | Merci Runway New York Fashion Week: Monique Lhuillier Fall 2012 | Merci Runway New York Fashion Week: Monique Lhuillier Fall 2012 | Merci Runway New York Fashion Week: Monique Lhuillier Fall 2012 | Merci Runway New York Fashion Week: Monique Lhuillier Fall 2012 | Merci Runway Last September, we oohed and ahhed to Lhuillier’s Spring 2012 ready-to-wear show as she introduced us to the familiar lace {very Lhuillier} and leather {not-so-Lhuillier} with bright, saturated color. It still embraced the designer’s DNA, but hinted that she was getting comfortable stepping more and more outside her comfort zone – which she certainly did on Saturday.
Saturday’s Fall 2012 runway mirrored a bolder, edgier line. Lhuillier showcased her signature structured feminine silhouettes with a dark and sexy twist…
Lhuillier kept the line romantic through familiar mediums of silk, tulle, and organza. Mixed with leather and dyed scarlet the couture felt scrumptiously sinister a la Alexander McQueen. The exquisitely glamorous looks were completed with gelled parts, cascading curls and sky high Manolo Blahniks.
The jumpsuit was a particular standout. Composed of noir stretch wool with leather detail and mesh teardrop. The unexpected pairing of wool, leather, and mesh made for a bold, innovative design.
The true show stopper was the finale piece, a red lace ball gown with an organza layered skirt {which we just had to make our headlining image}… We’re sure to see the pieces showcased on red carpets throughout the season, though I wish they would simply make their way into my closet!

Photos by Alessandro Viero / GoRunway.com

New York Fashion Week: Imitation of Christ Spring 2012 Ready to Wear {and a wedding!} | Merci Runway

Looks like Imitation of Christ designer Tara Subkoff shares our sentiment for haute wedding fashion… The whimsical runway-turned-aisle was the hit of her relaunched line…
New York Fashion Week: Imitation of Christ Spring 2012 Ready to Wear {and a wedding!} | Merci Runway New York Fashion Week: Imitation of Christ Spring 2012 Ready to Wear {and a wedding!} | Merci Runway The Spring 2012 ready to wear show took place in the ballroom of the W Union Square and featured stunning fashion, adorable hair wreaths … and a bit of gossip. {Hint: Lydia Hearst got married on the runway… for real}.
To learn more about the hoopla surrounding the relaunch of the label, click here , but before you do, we want to know… would you wear a dress like Lydia’s?
xx,

Photos: Filippo Fior / GoRunway.com

Behind the Scenes of the Twobirds Bridesmaid Campaign | Merci Styling Portfolio

This summer, Merci New York had the pleasure of styling the newest twobirds Bridesmaids campaign. We’ve been big fans of twobirds’ super-versatile and amazingly chic gowns for quite some time, so it was fun to work with owner Ariane Goldman and her team to attend to the props, flowers and fashion of the shoot.
We also worked with some of our favorite wedding biz friends… the photos came courtesy of the talented Trent Bailey Photography , and hair and make-up was expertly attended to by Facetime Beauty Concierge … and the dresses {as usual} looked gorg!
Behind the Scenes of the Twobirds Bridesmaid Campaign | Merci Styling Portfolio Here’s one of the winning shots {currently featured in the fall issue of Martha Stewart Weddings}.
Behind the Scenes of the Twobirds Bridesmaid Campaign | Merci Styling Portfolio A beautiful bridesmaid dress with an elegant, {swoon-worthy!} brooch.
Behind the Scenes of the Twobirds Bridesmaid Campaign | Merci Styling Portfolio The ladies in their bright pink twobirds dresses… I adored the tiered ombre gown Rashida {center} is wearing. It would be perfect for so many different occasions.
Behind the Scenes of the Twobirds Bridesmaid Campaign | Merci Styling Portfolio In addition to the fashion and prop styling, Merci dabbled in floral design {bet you didn’t know we could tackle that too!}. Here, some props paired with pretty blooms in galvanized tins made for a very versatile backdrop.
Behind the Scenes of the Twobirds Bridesmaid Campaign | Merci Styling Portfolio Don’t you just l.o.v.e. the color of these gowns? The shade looks beautiful on every skin tone, and there’s truly a cut {tie, twist or wrap} for every body type.
Behind the Scenes of the Twobirds Bridesmaid Campaign | Merci Styling Portfolio Ah… my favorite: Behind the scenes shots! Here Rashida shows off the gorgeous rosette silhouette, one of my personal favs! The fabric has a beautiful hand feel – it is so lush and chic.
Behind the Scenes of the Twobirds Bridesmaid Campaign | Merci Styling Portfolio Trent took some detail shots of the ladies and mise en scene. That brooch {I die!} paired with the versatile navy gown and feminine flowers is such a pretty look for a variety of weddings! Behind the Scenes of the Twobirds Bridesmaid Campaign | Merci Styling Portfolio {Oy. I may be only 5’3, but models make me feel super, super short!} Here I am making a quick fix to Rashida’s gown for the oh-so-pretty shot at the left.

So that’s a sneak peek at the campaign! Are you as in-love with these dresses as we are?

To learn more about twobirds Bridesmaids {and all the fab ways to twist, wrap and style their dresses to perfection} visit their Web site here . And for all our non-NYC readers, have no fear… Twobirds has spread their wings to a slew of other cities, including Los Angeles, Sydney, Toronto and London… so you’ll be certain to find their styles at a store near you.
xx,

Colin Cowie Hosts Kim Kardashian + Kris Humphries at Capitale

Working in the wedding and events industry comes with quite a few perks: Being surrounded by wonderfully talented people, having great and gracious clients, and {hey, who am I kidding?!} getting to go to some pretty fabulous parties…
Colin Cowie Hosts Kim Kardashian + Kris Humphries at Capitale From intimate dinner parties to large scale blow-outs, our Merci New York staff has been lucky to enjoy the awe-inspiring talents of the best in the biz. Case in point? The amazing Colin Cowie’s recent “Welcome to NYC Party” for Kim Kardashian and her new hubby Kris Humphries at Capitale …
While digging into my notes for some light Friday afternoon content, a light bulb went off in my head. Why not share these amazing events with readers?! While we all don’t have a budget as big as Kim’s, aren’t these amazing {and often over the top} festivities some of the best event eye candy out there? Check out how Colin had Capitale hopping last Wednesday… {Needless to say, Thursday was a bit of a rough day at the office}.
Colin Cowie Hosts Kim Kardashian + Kris Humphries at Capitale Capitale glowed with excitement, as police blocked off the sidewalks so guests could enter the venue…
Colin Cowie Hosts Kim Kardashian + Kris Humphries at Capitale Colin once told me he loves to design events with tactile details. Case in point? This grand fringe curtain and beaded center arrangement.
Colin Cowie Hosts Kim Kardashian + Kris Humphries at Capitale Dramatic event lighting showed off the venue’s geometric rotunda and the striking nature of the space…
Colin Cowie Hosts Kim Kardashian + Kris Humphries at Capitale The invite promised us of “A Night of Style and Glamour”… Colin delivered by decorating the space with posh mirrored and metallic lounge furniture, accented with white floral arrangements.
Colin Cowie Hosts Kim Kardashian + Kris Humphries at Capitale The party was co-hosted by Jason Binn , CEO and founder of Niche Media .
Colin Cowie Hosts Kim Kardashian + Kris Humphries at Capitale Kim and crew were greeted on a black and white striped runway to a buzz of excited press.
Colin Cowie Hosts Kim Kardashian + Kris Humphries at Capitale The party began with an amazing DJ set and continued with a slew of entertaining surprises… Colin Cowie Hosts Kim Kardashian + Kris Humphries at Capitale …like this scantily clad {but oh-so-amazing!} musician who played alongside some hot hip hop mixes.
Colin Cowie Hosts Kim Kardashian + Kris Humphries at Capitale Kim, Kris, Colin and crew welcome the crowd to the party….
Colin Cowie Hosts Kim Kardashian + Kris Humphries at Capitale The Kardashians pose for pics… Check out that cake!
Colin Cowie Hosts Kim Kardashian + Kris Humphries at Capitale … And the crowd takes to the stage with a whole new set of drums… Colin Cowie Hosts Kim Kardashian + Kris Humphries at Capitale The surprises didn’t stop there… soon after an aerialist wowed us with some acrobatic feats…
Colin Cowie Hosts Kim Kardashian + Kris Humphries at Capitale And like all fabulous parties, it continued well into the evening…

So what do you think?! Who’s hiring Colin Cowie for their next party?
xx,

Photo credits: Colin Miller via Keri Levitt Communications, Getty Images and little ol’ me;
Cake by Cheryl Kleinman Cakes.

Fragrant and Romantic Gardenias

This may sound funny, but I've recently rediscovered gardenias. Growing up, I remember thinking they were a little too smelly for my taste, but I've been seeing them all over the place lately, and it's impossible to deny how classically beautiful they are! I just love how perfectly romantic they are, and yes, I even love the way they smell now! My new love affair with gardenias had me collecting photos from here and there over the past several weeks, so I decided it was about time that I feature them. Gardenias are a great, fragrant option for bouquets, and they hold together well without their stems, making them a great option for hair flowers, to place on top of cakes, in centerpieces and even work well as place cards! A pretty white gardenia sitting on top of each plate and napkin? How can you not love that?


Fragrant and Romantic Gardenias

Fragrant and Romantic Gardenias

Frangrant and Romantic Gardenias - Sources

Bouquet , Wedding Cake , Hair Flowers , Bouquet , Boutonniere , Tree , Bouquet , Hair Flowers , Centerpiece and Wedding Cake .


Merci New York Featured in Martha Stewart Weddings Fall Fashion Issue

Sometimes there’s news… and well, sometimes there’s fabulous, head spinning, so excited I cannot wait to share it news. And that’s just the news I’m beyond thrilled to share with Merci New York’s amazing readers today….
Merci New York Featured in Martha Stewart Weddings Fall Fashion Issue Each year, I get positively giddy over the Fall Fashion issue of Martha Stewart Weddings. As a bridal stylist and fashion lover, it’s the perfect-bound best of both my worlds, mixing fabulous fashion with bridal finds that rival every other September Issue on the stands.
Last year, I was privy to see the behind the scenes of MSW’s fantastic fall fashion editorial {le swoon!}. This year, Darcy Miller and her team of amazing writers and editors graced me with a wonderful honor: A lovely feature as one of their Fashion Experts.
Merci New York Featured in Martha Stewart Weddings Fall Fashion Issue For Martha Stewart Weddings Expert Advice feature, I was honored to speak to some of the fashion finds we share with Merci New York’s bridal styling clients . We uncovered key style secrets, from finding the best sparkling sashes and “something blue”… to scouting shoes that are both chic and comfortable {yes, they truly exist!}. I’d love to know what you think!

Aside from finding little old me on page 218, the Martha Stewart Weddings Fall Fashion Issue is packed with amazing inspiration from all facets of the bridal and fashion world. You’ll come across Couture Cakes, a confectionery feature showcasing desserts inspired by wedding dress embellishments… There’s a real wedding a few miles north of NYC that has all the fashionable charm of a European estate… And then there’s Icons of the Aisle, an exclusive interview with words of wisdom from 14 iconic gown designers {read: Vera, Oscar, Monique, Reem and more}.

Needless to say, the Fall Fashion Issue of Martha Stewart Weddings is magnificent. I’m beyond honored to be featured inside its pages – and know you will enjoy every single page.Be sure to pick up your issue on newsstands today.
xx,

Photo credits: Martha Stewart Weddings Fall Cover Photo by Béla Adler and Salvador Fresneda/Martha Stewart Weddings Fall 2011; Merci New York’s feature page courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings Fall 2011.

Traveling Through Napa with David Beahm Destinations, by Christina Matteucci

A warm welcome back to Merci New York’s resident destinations expert, Christina Matteucci of david beahm destinations . After traveling to Tulum and vacationing in Mykonos with Merci’s readers this summer, Christina closes the season with a jaunt around the Napa vineyards and wineries in her native California… Take it away, Christina!
Traveling Through Napa with David Beahm Destinations, by Christina Matteucci Auberge du Soleil Resort

Growing up in an Italian/Portuguese family in the Bay Area, it can’t be any surprise, dear readers, that I have a strong affection for the Napa Valley. Delicious California Cabernets are ever-present on our family dinner table and growing up, I spent many a Saturday afternoon with my parents driving the pastoral roads of wine country. As such, “the Provence of California” holds a very special place in my heart. In fact, when I am asked the perennial question, “Christina, when you meet the man of your dreams, where do YOU want to get married?” my answer is always a resounding: “The Napa Valley, of course!” For that reason, it was of utmost importance to me that the david beahm destination collection feature a property in my beloved Napa. Traveling Through Napa with David Beahm Destinations, by Christina Matteucci Paraduxx
High above the valley, the ideal choice is nestled amongst groves of olive trees in the small town of Rutherford. The luxury resort at Auberge du Soleil has been a mainstay of the Napa Valley since 1985, and like a fine vintage, it only gets better with age. With a guest capacity of just over one hundred and a full buyout option, Auberge du Soleil is the perfect solution for couples that desire an intimate, private celebration. To have your ceremony on Auberge’s open-air terrace overlooking the valley followed by cocktail hour around the pool is to experience, quite simply, bucolic perfection. Finishing with a reception that boasts the finest native delicacies expertly paired with local wines is the epitome of a foodie’s wedding. When the guest experience is coupled with a state-of-the-art spa, tennis courts, yoga pavilion and sculpture garden, the lucky invitees will never want to leave!

Traveling Through Napa with David Beahm Destinations, by Christina Matteucci Auberge du Soleil Pool

But as we know, a destination wedding is about SO much more than where the big event takes place – it is about the details. Along with a welcome note for your guests, why not provide them with a map of the area featuring your favorite wineries? Do remind your guests that while most wineries offer walk-in tastings, reservations are always a good idea.

Traveling Through Napa with David Beahm Destinations, by Christina Matteucci Cakebread Cellar Terrace; Cakebread Wines

For wine newbies, Cakebread Cellars offers a wonderful tasting in the vineyard proper that is both educational and delicious. For the more refined wine aficionados, the sister wineries of Duckhorn Vineyards & Paraduxx provide tastings of some of the most wonderful Bordeaux varietals and blends that the valley has to show. Hosting an eco-friendly guest? Robert Sinskey Vineyards creates 100% Certified CCOF Organic and Demeter Biodynamic wines that are simply heavenly.

Traveling Through Napa with David Beahm Destinations, by Christina Matteucci Duckhorn Estate House
Traveling Through Napa with David Beahm Destinations, by Christina Matteucci Duckhorn Wine RoomOf course, your guests will be traveling from far and wide so a simple gift can serve as a lovely token of appreciation. One little known fact about this region is that Napa isn’t just wine country; it’s also home to several small batch artisanal olive oils, among which I count St. Helena Olive Oil Company as my favorite. In addition to extra virgin and flavored olive oils, they sell a variety of wine vinegars, pasta sauces, specialty salts and rubs to keep your guests remembering your celebration long after it is over. Traveling Through Napa with David Beahm Destinations, by Christina Matteucci St. Helena Olive Oil Company
And of course for your bridesmaids, The St. Helena Olive Oil Company produces a wide array of bath and body products that any lady would swoon over. For those sweet-toothed guests, try family-owned Woodhouse Chocolates as an excellent source of confections for favors or gift baskets alike. A visit to their pristine store, with its creatively designed chocolates perfectly lined up in glass cases, is a feast for the eyes and the palate. Traveling Through Napa with David Beahm Destinations, by Christina Matteucci Robert Sinskey Winery
Traveling Through Napa with David Beahm Destinations, by Christina Matteucci View at Auberge

Finally, everyone thinks that the time to visit or host an event in Napa is during the popular weeks of “crush” in the fall. However, if I may, here’s one final word of “secret” advice from this California native and eventual Napa bride-to-be: embrace the month of March. While the weather may be a bit chilly, March is the month of the wild mustards. These seasonal beauties crop up in abundance under the grapevines and create vineyards that are awash in gold. When the sun sets over these gilded swaths it is truly a sight to behold and will give you and your guests a memory to last a lifetime.
Traveling Through Napa with David Beahm Destinations, by Christina Matteucci Editor’s Note: david beahm destinations is a by-invitation resource of amazing destination wedding, honeymoon and celebration locales, all expertly curated by the renowned David Beahm team. Merci New York readers can gain instant access to all of the properties mentioned in Christina’s articles, by entering code “Merci2011″ on the log-in page. Pretty fabulous, no?

Wedding White on Labor Day

Happy Labor Day!!! I'm pretty much out for the day, but I did manage to find some time to put together a little something pretty for you guys :) When I say, "out," I mean laying on the couch watching movies with Dale and my kitties all day, but you get the point! Hope you guys all have tons of fun, but also set aside some time to relax at home away from your computers! Before I get into my post for today, I also wanted to publicly thank my husband, Dale, who has been doing SO many amazing things for my blog. Seriously guys, he has come up with some awesome ideas that we've been working on bringing to life this weekend, and I can't wait to share them with you! One of them is already up and running; it's an auto-fill function that we've added to the "Search" bar up top, so be sure to check that out :)


For today's special Labor Day post, I knew that I wanted to put together an inspiration board, because I actually haven't done one in a while...I think the past few that I've made have been for guests posts on other blogs, too! I really love making inspiration boards, but I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the amount of boards that I come across on a daily basis. It is definitely "the thing" to do nowadays, and while I DO love them to death, I sometimes feel like it's all been done already, you know? For that reason, I try to save inspiration boards only for when I'm particularly inspired by something, and think it would best come across in a pretty arrangement of colors and photos. With that being said, my inspiration board today isn't particularly mind blowing, but it is damn pretty, if I do say so myself ;)


White has always been one of my favorite colors of all time (yes, I know that it's technically the absence of color, but you get the idea). My car is white, and I held out as long as I possibly could for a white iPhone (still ended up with a black one though =P)! White can't help but be beautiful and chic, in my opinion. Not to mention it's oh-so-timeless, and it will be forever associated with weddings, in particular, for one reason...The bride, of course!


As much as I love my white, there are some people out there that live and dress by an unwritten "rule" about not wearing white after Labor Day. I think it's lame, and I'd like to think that most people will throw that rule out the window and just wear white whenever they feel like it. White is timeless - summer, fall, winter or spring - it's always gorgeous, and I decided to go all-out with wedding white today.


When I was pulling photos for this inspiration board, I found myself wavering back and forth between focusing on either the summer or winter season, but I didn't want this board to focus on one season in particular. If you think about it, white is a popular wedding color for both winter and summer. Regardless of the season though, white can be incredibly elegant; so light and airy, classic and modern. When in doubt ladies, choose white. A white wedding is appropriate year round, even after labor day!


Wedding White on Labor Day

Wedding White on Labor Day

Wedding White on Labor Day


Wedding White on Labor Day - Sources

Bride , Lingerie , White Hydrangea , White Louboutins , Candle , Bridesmaids , Invitation Suite , Crystal Chandelier , Groom , Rosette Bouquet , Bow , Fabric Arbor , Wedding Dress , Wedding Cake , Engagement Ring , Cocktail Bar , White Floral Centerpiece , Hair Flower , Invitation and White Bouquet .


Sneak Peek of the Pronovias 2012 Bridal Campaign | Wedding Fashion

Naturally, as bridal stylists , we love seeing the inner workings {and final results} of editorial campaigns… Especially when wedding gowns are involved! These gorgeous editorial photos come from our friends at Pronovias , who thought our readers might want to see their upcoming 2012 campaign before it hit the bridal masses. Of course, they thought correctly! The images are stunning…
Sneak Peek of the Pronovias 2012 Bridal Campaign | Wedding Fashion The photographs were shot in Holkham Hall, an 18th-Century country home in the beautiful village of Holkham, nestled in the county of Norfolk on the East Coast of England. Isn’t it a lovely, captivating backdrop for showing off the gowns?
Sneak Peek of the Pronovias 2012 Bridal Campaign | Wedding Fashion Sneak Peek of the Pronovias 2012 Bridal Campaign | Wedding Fashion The photographs were shot by the prestigious photographer Toni Bernad and feature top model Emily Didonato, well-known for her work for brands such as Victoria’s Secret and Ralph Lauren and more recently as the face of Giorgio Armani’s new perfume.
The campaign features images from the Pronovias and Manuel Mota for Pronovias collections , and bridesmaids in gowns from the Cocktail 2012 collection . We adore the classic, sophisticated style of the new collection! What do you think?
xx,


Photos by Toni Bernad for Pronovias. Makeup by Víctor Alvarez. Hair by Jordi Fontanels and stenography by Shona Heath.

An Earthy, Yet Elegant DIY Ranch Wedding

Whew! I'm trying to work fast because I am seriously behind after being out of town this past weekend! I went to Vegas with two of my girlfriends, and we had a good (/ crazy) time partying our booties off. We had so much fun, in fact, that I'm planning on squeezing in a Vegas-inspired post at some point this week once I'm all caught up on things again - so stay tuned in for that! :)


But now, it's time to get down to "business" (if you can call this beautiful wedding that). California wedding photographer Diana Maire submitted this rustic real wedding, which she loved not only for its inspirational details, but for the couple, Danny and Sheena's efforts to include their friends and family in the entire wedding planning process. Diana's husband was also in the wedding party, which gave her a "...great excuse to boss her husband around during the group portraits" ;)


Today's newly married couple was very inspired by their expansive ranch wedding venue, which was a "gift" from one of their close friends (GREAT friend, huh?) to create an elegant, rustic affair that highlighted the lovely greens and browns of their natural surroundings. "We wanted to have a beautiful, yet relaxed wedding, which is why none of the groomsmen nor Danny wore ties. We wanted people to feel comfortable and have a good time celebrating and dancing [with us]," said the bride, Sheena.


However, Sheena and Danny were faced with a huge challenge that many couples face when planning the wedding of their dreams - working within a tight budget. In order to capture their vision of a rustic, ranch wedding, the couple worked closely with friends and family on several DIY projects, which saved them "a lot" of money. And let me tell you, when I say "several," I mean it! I think it's actually more difficult to figure out what isn't handmade by the couple and their family, than what is! For that reason, I decided it might be easier for you guys to follow if I just list the DIY projects, like the bride did for me!

  • I'm starting off this list with my absolute favorite "DIY" idea (well, maybe it's not technically "DIY," but man, is it resourceful!)...Rather than shelling out the big bucks for their flowers, Danny and Sheena actually went to their local ROP (Regional Occupational Program), where they train high school and post-high school students in different trades, specifically floristry. The couple just had to pay a small fee, and the students took care of the rest! One of the smartest ideas I've heard in a while. Seriously.

  • The ceremony programs, which were fans to help keep the guests cool while sitting in the sun, were all made by the groom, Danny's, sister-in-law.

  • After the wedding ceremony, guests were directed to the reception with wooden signs that were all handmade by the couple, and Sheena had all of the table assignments printed and placed inside large vintage style frames that were hung on a large willow tree beside the dining area.

  • The table centerpieces consisted of elegant green and ivory floral arrangements placed inside wooden cylinders made using old beams from Danny's father's shop that they drilled holes into. Sheena placed the floral arrangements on top of pieces of burlap that she had cut and placed in the center of each of the reception tables, which were set beside the table numbers, handpainted by Danny's mom and then placed inside euycalyptus branches cut into disks.

  • Guests received green homemade soaps as wedding favors, which were stamped with the couple's newly shared last initial, "L" and placed inside little burlap pouches tied with twine (sewn by Danny's mom).

  • In lieu of a traditional wedding cake, Danny and Sheena served an array of their favorite desserts including pies by Gizdich Ranch , flourless chocolate cake, cheesecake, cookies and bars baked by the couple's friends and family.

  • I included a photo of the fabulous beer and wine bar set up, which was also built by the groom and his brother, along with the dance floor and its surrounding lighting.

"One of the things I loved most was that I think our wedding was truly a family affair. All of our family and friends chipped in to help; whether it was doing hair and makeup, photography, the band (my sister), baking desserts, etc. The only people involved in the wedding who we didn't have a personal relationship with were the DJ and caterer. Everyone else, including the officiant, were special friends or family of ours. It made the day that much more special that everyone chipped in to help," said Sheena. Crazy right?! This is real proof that you can pull off something amazing by really thinking about what resources you have available to you, and working with your family and friends.


A few more of Sheena's favorite details of their wedding day were her vibrant green shoes (which her mom actually tried to deter her from wearing!), which really popped with her elegant lace wedding gown in photos and showcased her fun and bubbly personality, as well as her and Danny's written vows to one another. Sheena will also remember all of the fabulous speeches made by friends and family, which were filled with "wonderful words...and jokes that had everyone laughing and crying." Sheena also sang for Danny, which was a surprise to many of their guests, who had no idea she could sing!


I'm sure you can guess what Sheena's biggest piece of advice is for her fellow brides out there currently planning their weddings..."I think the advice I would give is to take help from family and friends when they offer it. Danny and I decided to 'DIY' many parts of our wedding, and without the help from our family and friends, we would have been stressed out and probably couldn't have done it all. I really felt like everyone helped the day to go off without a hitch. Be creative if on a budget, too! Many of the projects we did were very inexpensive, or even free because we used many of the resources we already had available to us....I felt by keeping an open, creative mind, we were able to make our vision for our wedding come true despite our budget constraints."


An Earthy, Yet Elegant DIY Ranch Wedding

An Earthy, Yet Elegant DIY Ranch Wedding

An Earthy, Yet Elegant DIY Ranch Wedding

An Earthy, Yet Elegant DIY Ranch Wedding

Earthy, Yet Elegant DIY Ranch Wedding - Vendors & Credits

Photography: Diana Maire Photography
Catering: The Inn at Tres Pinos , Mansmith's BBQ and pies by Gizdich Ranch
Cake Design: Gayle's Bakery
Floral Design: Mission Trails Regional Park Online
Entertainment: Chris Gallego (DJ) and Sugarbee (Band)
Rentals: A Festive Affair

An Earthy, Yet Elegant DIY Ranch Wedding