Bring on the Botanicals
Why have a destination wedding when you can bring the tropics to you? With greenery being one of the hottest trends of 2018, it was only a matter of time before lavish, tropical plants such as palm leaves made their way into the mix. Inspired by botanical gardens and beachy destinations, palm fronds make the perfect centerpiece, ceremony backdrop, or bouquet addition. The tropical trend also works beautifully with the clean, minimalist look of all white + metallic accents.
Want more inspiration? Check out our Tropical Pinterest Board!
Israeli Wedding Designers
In recent years, Israeli designers such as Inbal Dror, Lihi Hod, & Berta {just to name a few} have been taking the wedding gown world by storm - and we are utterly obsessed! These fierce designers are infamous for taking risks with their sophisticated yet sexy cuts, sheerly bold details, and effortlessly beautiful designs. The intricate details and ability to turn timeless design elements such as padded shoulders and big, flowing ball gowns into contemporary pieces are just a few things that make these wedding dress desgins so covetable. The stunning collections range from dreamy gowns adorned with shimmer and sweet lace details to deep plunging necklines and dramatic sweeping trains. Let's just say that some of these striking designs aren't made for the faint of heart.
Here at Style-Architects Weddings & Events, we are all about supporting our fellow local businesses - bridal shops included! As luck may have it, a few Minneapolis bridal boutiques carry some of these sought after Israeli designers. Take a look below at some of the gorgeous gowns that have inspired us!
Lihi Hod
Lihi Hod is carried locally at The White Room.
Alon Livné
Alon Livné is carried locally at The White Room.
Inbal Dror
Inbal Dror is carried locally at M. Elizabeth Bridal.
Galia Lahav
Galia Lahav is carried locally at Annika Bridal & a&bé Bridal Shop.
Berta
Berta is carried locally at M. Elizabeth Bridal.
Happy Pride Month!
In the spirit of Pride Month, I decided to showcase some of the amazing couples I’ve had the pleasure to work with over the years. It’s been such an honor to be able to show my support and to help plan such momentous days in their lives. I love the creative thinking and the willingness to do things outside traditional wedding norms to create truly incredible and intimate events for family and friends. Cheers to these couples and wishing them all a long and happy life together!
Jason & Rodney
Jason and Rodney originally pledged their commitment to one another many years ago in the days of civil unions, but once marriage became legal, they quickly decided to make it official. The “Take 2” theme worked beautifully acknowledging their second time committing to each other and the theater space in which the event was held. The Guthrie worked well for their small gathering of guests and allowed them to be married on the endless bridge with sweeping views of the Mississippi. Guests dined on passed bites and a gorgeous sweets bar and danced the night away in the Amber Box. Now they are dads to a beautiful little boy!
Event Planning + Design: Style-Architects Weddings + Events | Photography: Thea Volk // Rivets & Roses | Venue: Guthrie Theater | Catering: Culinaire International | Desserts: Cocoa & Fig | Florals: Indulge and Bloom | Rental: Après Party & Tent Rental | DJ and lighting: LEVEL11 | Invitations: Spark Letterpress
Adam & Joe
It just seemed to make sense that I worked with Adam and Joe on their wedding. Adam graduated from Macalester {like me} and is a twin (I have twins). We laughed so much and had a lot of fun! Adam and Joe wanted a casual, fun wedding that skipped a lot of the formality of weddings. We started with a cocktail hour followed by their heartfelt wedding. Guests dined on food truck fare and food stations, then TRex cookies, and finally Rise bagels. All the favorites! There was dancing and {of course} lots of drinking {we had to run out for more!} but an amazing time was had by all. This was the first time there wasn’t a flower in sight at one of my weddings, and it turned out beautifully!
Wedding Planning and Design: Style-Architects Weddings & Events | Photographer: Tim Davis, Consolidated Photo | Venue: Paikka | Catering and Food Truck: Marna’s Catering | Bar Service: LiquidMotion | Cookies: T-Rex Cookies | Bagels: Rise Bagel Co. | Florals and Chuppah: Munster Rose | Rentals: Rudy’s Event Rentals and Apres Event Decor and Tent Rental | Lighting: Sitting Pretty Decor | Band: Michael Shynes and the Vacancy | Paper: Meghan Rose Designs
Brendan & Andrew
Brendan and Andrew and their beautiful daughters hosted a lively New Year’s Eve celebration at the Guthrie. The long history of this couple was literally outlined on their cake detailing everything from their first date, to the adoption of their children, to the proposal. It was important to include their girls in the ceremony in a meaningful way, so {following hair and make-up of course!} they walked their dads down the aisle and participated in the sand ceremony. The drama of the space enabled us to do some fun things such as gobos on the walls and having a countdown clock projected along one of the black walls in the final minutes as guests counted down to midnight. What a party!
Event Planning + Design: Style-Architects Weddings + Events | Photography: Pixel Posey | Venue: Guthrie Theatre | Catering: Culinaire | Cakes/Desserts: Gateaux, Inc. | Florals: Mani Mela | Linens: Linen Effects | Event Rental: Apres Party and Tent Rental | DJ: Prime Time DJ | Photobooth: Traveling Photo Booth | Invitations + Paper: Beau Paperie
Lawrence & Johnny
Hailing from Los Angeles, this couple decided to come back and marry where they were both raised. The couple wanted a fun, mid-century modern, loft feel to the space, so Studio 1414 {a photography studio} was the perfect location. We started {again} with cocktails and a step and repeat where all guests were photographed with the couple as they entered. The ceremony was short and sweet as they were surrounded by friends and family. Lawrence and Johnny aren’t much for dancing, so they wanted other activities for guests - we brought in two pool tables and electronic dart boards for guests to enjoy. Of course there was plenty of dancing as well, as guests broke away from the fun to dine on all the amazing food. There were favorites of Lawrence’s, charcuterie, cheeses, roasted veggies and other bites, as well as a traditional Korean station for Johnny. But the truly special surprise was a create-your-own ramen station with all the fixings. Who doesn’t love noodles?
Event Planning + Design: Style-Architects Weddings + Events | Photography: Melissa Hesse, Rivets & Roses | Venue: Studio 1414 | Catering: Fabulous Catering | Lighting: Phos Events | Florals: Munster Rose | Rentals: Apres Party and Tent Rental, Rudy’s Event Rentals | DJ/Band: Primetime DJs | Paper: Spark Letterpress and Meghan Rose Designs
Something {Blue}
"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe."
We are all for this Old English saying, but quite honestly we think it could use an update. So brides, it's time to get creative. Our original something {blue} inspo came from one of our own clever brides, who had a navy detailed lining sewn into the bodice of her gown. Can you say, "gorgeous"?
For the modern bride who still values tradition, here are a few fresh ideas to help you carry on this timeless tradition on your big day! From a dainty blue accessory to a full-on, contemporary dusty blue wedding gown, you really can't go wrong!
To find even more inspiration, check out our Pinterest Board.
Top left image courtesy of Kavella Wedding Photography & Wedding Gown by Tara LaTour
Aria // Robin & Matt
The phrase "opposites attract" couldn't be more true when it comes to these adorable newlyweds. While the groom comes off as more quiet and reserved {and very sweet}, the bride is off-the-charts bubbly with an incredibly spunky {and infectious} spirit. Even though their personalities are polar opposite, after seeing the two together it is obvious that they truly bring out the best in one another.
Just like their personalities, the couple's style preferences differ as well. Matt prefers a more classic, neutral look while Robin loves texture and bold, vibrant colors. This wedding was all about balance and merging the contrasting personalities / styles together in a way that captured the essence of the couple. Bright yellow, orange and raspberry pops of spring florals, funky petal linens and bold watercolor invitations and paper were used to speak to Robin's personality. The contemporary, industrial look of the venue catered to Matt's taste and worked beautifully with the vivid decor. Although the two may have different style preferences, one thing they both agreed on was incorporating their furry friends into their special day by showing off precious photos of their two rescue pups. The couple added another personal touch to their reception by serving some of their favorite Minnesotan treats in place of a cake. As Izzy's Ice Cream is one of Robin & Matt's go-to date spots, it was only appropriate to include the local ice cream shop into their wedding. The infamous Glam Doll Donuts were also offered as dessert and Robin's love of Boom-Chicka-Pop {who doesn't?} made a perfect late night snack.
To top the wonderful day off, the wedding attendants pulled off a very special surprise for the bride and groom during the ceremony. Following their vows, the wedding party and all guests joined in serenading Robin and Matt with "Lean On Me." The room erupted in song and dance; it was a one-of-a-kind moment!
Full Service Design & Planning: Style-Architects Weddings & Events | Photography: Erin Johnson Photography | Venue: Aria | Catering: Brasa Catering | Music: Bluewater Kings Band | Floral: Lilia Flower Boutique | Lighting: Phos Events | Linens: Apres Event Decor & Tent Rental | Candelabras: Linen Effects | Invitations & Paper: Paper Rock Scissor | Gown: Monique Lhuillier from L’atelier Couture | Popcorn: Boom Chicka Pop | Ice Cream: Izzy’s Ice Cream | Donuts: Glam Doll Donuts
Pinspiration // Metallic, Copper, & Bronze
With the modern-minimalist trend in full swing, a fun way to add an unexpected twist to the clean wedding look is with a pop of metallic. Gold has been the standard for years, but we are finally seeing other metallics grace the wedding scene. Romantic copper and bronze tones play well together with gold and add warmth and sheen to a simple, yet fresh, modern aesthetic. Whether you incorporate the lovely hues into a small reception detail such as copper silverware or as an addition to your ceremony backdrop, they are sure to make a lasting impression!
Head on over to our Metallic's Pinterest Board to continue to be inspired!
Summer Ceremony Backdrops
From the long awaited walk down the aisle to the I Do’s, your wedding ceremony is filled with some of the most memorable moments of your special day. With warm summer weather upon us {thank goodness}, why not make the most of your existing surroundings to enhance those magical moments?
Many modern brides have turned to Mother Nature to create their ceremony backdrop. Elegantly draping soft linens or twinkling lights across tree limbs as well as strategically placing delicate floral arrangements or additional greenery can make for a simple, yet breathtaking focal point for your ceremony. Don't have a gorgeous tree anchoring your space? Make use of your surroundings or other architectural elements. One of our favorite ceremonies took place at Sunstone Winery in California. The whimsical cellar door was already charming in itself, but our addition of white roses and greenery effortlessly cascading along the side created a scene straight out of a fairytale.
For even more inspiration, take a look at our {Backdrops} Pinterest Board!
Pinspiration // Bouquets
With the long awaited summer season right around the corner, it’s time to stop and smell the roses - literally. Whether you’re a modern minimalist who appreciates the simple look of greenery & white, a hopeless romantic with an eye for soft, blush tones, or a fun loving, bold color enthusiast, floral bouquets are the perfect way to incorporate your unique style on your special day.
Head over to our Bouquet Pinterest Board for even more inspiration!
Credits {Top to Bottom, Left to Right}: Wedding Guides | Wedding Flowers | Pinterest | Ashley Fox Designs | Ashley Fox Designs | Jeremy Chou | A&Be Bridal Shop | Ruffled Blog | Munster Rose and Kavella Wedding Photography | Engaged | Wedding Guides | Nouba | Pinterest | Lily Paloma | Wedding Wire
NY Bridal Fashion Week
Bridal fashion designers and creatives from all over the world showed off stunning designs on the runways at the Spring 2019 NY Bridal Fashion Week. They brought every bride's wedding gown inspiration and silhouette to life. We're going to be seeing varying necklines {from plunging necklines to mock turtlenecks}, jumpsuits, and more ball gowns {brides, it's time to embrace your inner-royalty} in 2019. Of course designers have been playing with color for years. This year, watch for pops of pastels mixed with nudes as well as metallics.
The designers held nothing back this year. See some of our favorites from the various collections below!
Finding Wedding Inspiration Anywhere
Inspiration for your wedding decor can come from anywhere. In fact, random images can evoke emotions and feelings that draw you in. Take the center top image below from an Anthropologie catalog. The instant I saw the image, I felt calm, peaceful and soothed. I had to dream up what a wedding with this color scheme could look like. if you are crushing on this color combo like I am, check out the images below to see how you can incorporate tones of butterscotch, pinks and corals into your wedding style. If you want even more inspiration head over to our {Butterscotch&Pink Pinterest Board}!
if you are looking for inspiration for your wedding {or next party!} look all around for images or spaces that speak to you. Images have the power to completely create and influence your wedding design.
Wedding Planning 101: Bridal Shower Planning
Maids of honor, mothers of grooms and anyone else planning to throw a bridal shower, time to take notes -- this post is for you! To help you take the reigns in creating the perfect shower for the bride-to-be, we’ve compiled a handy set of tips!
TIP 1
First things first, talk to the bride to get her input. It's a good idea to see if she has her heart set on a specific theme, color, style or location. Do inquire as to the color scheme of the wedding and be sure to steer clear! Even though the planning is ultimately your responsibility, getting the bride’s input is essential to her loving the shower!
TIP 2
Choosing a theme for the shower can help direct the décor, location and type of gifts guests purchase for the couple. Think outside of the box when choosing a theme! A theme can be anything from a color scheme to an activity. Some of our favorite unique theme ideas are a cooking class shower, a wine tasting shower, a spa shower or a tea party shower. The options are endless!
TIP 3
Although showers are traditionally held in the host’s home, there are endless options for location such as parks, restaurants, country clubs, and spas. If you’re opting for a location other than a home, be sure to make reservations ASAP!
TIP 4
Aim for the shower to be held a month or two before the wedding, unless special circumstances require differently. If you know the bride wants important family and friends there from out of town, coordinate with these guests to find a date that works for them. Sometimes this might mean postponing the shower until a few days before the wedding.
TIP 5
When creating the guest list for the shower, remember that showers tend to be more intimate affairs. You must also confirm that everyone invited to the shower is invited to the wedding. Send out invites to your guests four weeks before the shower. {Try to stray from electronic invites.}
TIP 6
Decide on what food and drinks will be served depending on the theme and time of day. If you are hosting a shower before noon, opt for brunch foods and beverages. For an evening shower, consider a sangria bar with additional add-in fruit options. Add a personal touch to the shower by serving the bride's favorite food or drink. Keep the food light and beautifully presented. {The presentation is as important as the taste!} Select your menu so that you may prep as much food beforehand as possible to ease some stress the day of the shower.
Planning a bridal shower is no small feat, but we hope these tips help! You may also check out this checklist for the complete list of to-do items. Cheers to the bride!
Image Credit: 1 via Green Wedding Shoes | 2 Ruffled Blog | 3 Paperless Post | 4 Style Me Pretty | 5 100 Layer Cake | 6 Rue | 7 The Honeybee by Andee Layne | 8 Etsy | 9 100 Layer Cake | 10 Sugar and Cloth
Spring Wedding Inspiration
Happy first day of Spring! It's finally here, and what better way to celebrate the end of a long, cold winter than some refreshing and whimsical wedding inspiration? From long, flowing bridesmaid dresses to fresh, delicate florals, Spring is here to bring a warm and fresh feeling to wedding design. This blissful season gives every bride the opportunity to style their wedding with gorgeous pops of pastel hues and hints of greenery to give dimension and contrast. Check out all of the images below and see why Spring is a perfect time of year to tie the knot!
{Plus, we are one step closer to summer! Woo!}
St. Patrick's Day Cocktail
We are always on the search for fun cocktails, and since St. Patty's Day is known for drinking, we thought we'd share a few tasty drink recipes to get you through your day - literally from start to finish! Skal!
BREAKFAST -
Guinness Bloody Mary
INGREDIENTS
2 cups Bloody Mary mix
1 pinch garlic powder
1 pinch black pepper
1 pinch cayenne pepper
Juice of half a lime
1 ounce vodka
1 drop liquid smoke
1 bottle Guinness Extra Stout (you’ll use 3 ounces of it)
Celery salt, Dill pickle, Pepper jack cheese and Olive
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare your glass with lime juice on the outside of your rim and roll it in celery salt.
Prepare a cocktail stick with a pickle, olive, and square of pepper jack cheese. Set aside.
In a shaker combine the Bloody Mary mix, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, lime juice, vodka, and liquid smoke. Add ice and shake it.
Pour the mixture into your prepared glass, and add ice. Pour 3 ounces of Guinness onto the top of your drink.
Add your garnish.
LUNCH -
Irish Moscow Mule
INGREDIENTS
1.5 oz Irish Whiskey
Ginger Beer
Lime
INSTRUCTIONS
Fill your copper cup with ice.
Add the Irish Whiskey and top with a good quality ginger beer.
Finish the drink with a squeeze of lime.
Garnish with lime or candied ginger.
DINNER -
Jameson Old Fashioned
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 oz Jameson Irish whiskey
1 sugar cube
2 dashes angostura bitters
Splash club soda
Orange slice
Maraschino cherry
INSTRUCTIONS
In a rocks glass, muddle together the sugar cube, angostura bitters and splash of club soda until sugar is dissolved.
Add desired ice and fill with whiskey.
Garnish with orange slice and cherry.
DESSERT -
Affogato
INGREDIENTS {for 2 glasses}
4 scoops mint chocolate chip ice cream
4 Tablespoons (2 ounces) Bailey’s Irish Cream
6 Tablespoons (3 ounces) hot espresso
1 Tablespoon dark chocolate flakes
INSTRUCTIONS
Place two scoops of ice cream in each glass.
Pour over the Irish cream, followed by the espresso.
Sprinkle on the chocolate flakes and serve immediately.
Garnish with a sprig of mint, if you like!
Oscar Wedding Inspiration
Last Sunday, while everyone was eyeing up the winners and listening to acceptance speeches [hardly!}, we were pulling inspiration for weddings! Many of the looks, pulled from runways, may not be suitable at first glance, but shorten Allison Janney's sleeves and shorten the slit on Nicole Kidman's dress and you have two stunning mother of the bride dresses. We'd love to see a groom or groomsmen show up in Armie Hammer's jacket. Of course there were plenty of looks to inspire bridesmaids.
With {or without} a few design modifications, we would love to see a bride, MOB or groom in one of these jaw dropping looks. Any takers?
Pinspiration // Velvet
Velvet is a hot 2018 trend and it is proving that it isn't just for winter weddings anymore {like most brides would think}. As you'll see below, the possibilities for this rich, textured fabric are endless. It drapes beautifully, adds a luxurious feel, and comes in nearly any color to fit any inspiration. From attire to décor to simple little velvet ribbon touches, this cloth is a perfect addition to any wedding celebration.
If you're looking for even more inspiration, head over to our {VELVET} Pinterest Board!
Bridal Accessories
The only way to complete your bridal look is by finding the perfect accessories that compliment your unique style. You deserve to strut down the aisle and flaunt the most gorgeous jewelry, hair pieces, shoes and clutches. From modern and chic to traditional and romantic, we've found all your needed accessory inspiration {and hey, you might even find the perfect inspo for your bridesmaids, too!}
If you're looking for even more inspiration, head over to our {BRIDALACCESSORIES} Pinterest Board!
Valentine's Day For The Busy Bride
So excited for your wedding that you can’t think about anything else, but you still want to do something special for Valentine's Day with your honey? No worries, we've put together a list of some romantic activities you can knock off the wedding planning list while also enjoying each other's company!
WRITE YOUR VOWS OR LOVE LETTER
Use Valentine's Day as a time to reflect and reminisce on your relationship. {And if the thought of writing your vows seems overwhelming, start by writing a separate love letter to share with one another before the ceremony.}
RING SHOPPING
Valentine's Day is the perfect time to take a romantic trip to the jewelry store together to pick out your wedding bands!
PICK THE SONG FOR YOUR FIRST DANCE
Spend the night listening to your favorite romantic playlists and start narrowing down songs to find the perfect one you want to use for your first dance together.
PICK OUT READINGS FOR THE CEREMONY
Grab a glass of champagne or wine and start searching for meaningful readings that speak to you and your fiancé. Before you start your search, make sure you decide on a vibe you want for your ceremony. Then do your best to avoid popular passages, and find a few that are unique to your ceremony and relationship.
RESEARCH YOUR SIGNATURE COCKTAIL
Find a cozy corner table at your favorite local bar and try out some fun and unique cocktails! Once you've tried a few, put those creative juices to work thinking of fun and creative names for the cocktail!
GET YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE
What better way to make this legal and unromantic task rather sweet and exciting? And remember, marriage licenses are valid for six months so don't go running to city hall if you still have over six months until the wedding!
Not A Veil-Loving Bride?
It's not uncommon that modern brides aren't sold on the idea of wearing a veil {or even having a train}. Finally, there is a new trend surfacing as an alternative. It might not hold the traditional significance of a veil, but bridal capes are a fashionable and sophisticated addition to your wedding style. From princess and boho-inspired capes to sheer mid-length capes and capelets, this chic accessory is here to stay in 2018.
Not fully convinced you should complete your wedding gown with a chic cape? Just check out the gorgeous images below and find more inspiration on our Pinterest board {BridalCapes}.
Credits {Left to Right, Top to Bottom}: Peaches & Mint | In 2 Weddings via Pinterest | Sophie Epton via Style Me Pretty | Inga Avedyan via Davie & Chiyo | Eileen Meny Photography via Junebug Weddings | Etsy | Wedding Dresses via Pinterest | Grace Loves Lace | Oscar de la Renta | Wed Luxe | Winsome and Wright via Leanne Marshall | Berta | Etsy | Berta via The Wedding Scoop | Pinterest | Deer Pearl Flowers | Etsy | Weddings Online
Pinspiration // Blue Details
It started with navy suits and tuxes and now blue has debuted as an "official" wedding color, and why not? It's incredibly versatile. It can be moody, soft and soothing, or fresh and bright. It can serve as the statement color or serve as a neutral, letting your other colors shine through. Keep it chic and modern with a mix of blues, greys and neutral tones, or bring your celebration to life with a mix of blues and bright berry tones! The options are endless.
With several of our brides wanting to incorporate blue into their 2018 weddings, we thought we would share some color schemes that flawlessly incorporate blue into dramatically different looks. Whether you incorporate blue in small details or through every part of your special day, say "hello" to blue.
See more inspiration on our {b l u e i n s p i r a t i o n} Pinterest board!
Image Credits {Left to Right, Top to Bottom}: Jeremiah and Rachel Photography via Style Me Pretty, Unknown via Pinterest, Velvet and Twine, Justin DeMutiis via Style Me Pretty, Chic Vintage Brides, Wedding Guides, Brik Venue || Fab Mood || Oh Best Day Ever || Haley and Dylan of Photos by Heart via Gold Leaf Floral || The Creative’s Loft via Green Wedding Shoes || MICHELLE BOYD via Hey Wedding Lady || Wedding Guides || Mikkel Paige Photography via Glamour and Grace Blog || Stylish Wed || The Wedding Play Book
Looking Ahead to 2018!
With a new year comes new ideas and fresh perspectives. Let's take a look at the exciting trends we are seeing for 2018!
Dramatic shifts in decor are coming! Blush and gold were extremely popular for several years and then marsala was added to the mix but we are now seeing a definite 180 degree shift in color schemes. Brides are loving blue and pastel tones and brides who want to add a little flavor to their celebration are looking toward bold color combinations such as fuchsia, yellow and orange. These new hues bring a fun and fresh vibe to your special day. Mercury glass and other metals are giving way to clear glass and clean, modern lines. While greenery in and organic shaping of arrangements is still popular, we are seeing less garlands and runners of greenery. Other interesting materials are also making their way into weddings such as acrylic and leather.
Trends apply to food and drink as well. The newest food and drink trends we are seeing include floral flavors, Persian, Israeli, Moroccan {just to name a few} cuisine influences, crisped snacks like chips made from bowtie pasta, and a variety of fresh sparkling drinks! Champagne and French 75s are making a definite comeback!
Incorporate one {or all} of these trends to bring something unique, unexpected and fun to your celebration!
Image Credits {Left to Right, Top to Bottom}: The Perfect Palette | Festival Brides | Matthew Moore via One Fab Day | Hi Miss Puff | Kavella Wedding Photography | Nouba | Lewes Lettering Co. via One Fab Day | Johnny Fogg Photography via Martha Stewart Weddings | ASOS | Honestly Yum | Eva Lin Photography via Brides | Melissa Jill