Welcome to part 2 of what I promise will be an inspiring take of city romance.  Jewel and Adam’s skyline soiree is brought to you by Kristina Carter of Vrai Photo and takes you on a fresh frolic through modern love stories, filled with Burberry blue ties, chocolate dresses, and architectural finesse.

Scene #4: THE BRIDAL PARTY

In defiance of convention to embrace personality, Jewel and Adam chose a Chicago street trolley as the vehicle of choice for the bridal party, shuttling to various portrait locations such as the world famous Millennium Park.

(Above: Bridal Gown & Sash by Vera Wang;  Bride’s Make up by Nicole Ventura; Bride’s hair by Lisa of  Blo Dri Salon; Bridal Jewelry from Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels; Bridesmaid’s dress by Vera Wang Style 23M15; Bridesmaids Shoes by Blue Tux Shoes)

Scene #5: A VIEW WORTH CELEBRATING

Now here’s another great example of how to celebrate your location for out-of-town guests:  Pick a venue that offers the best bang for your buck, as well as spectacular angles of the hosting city.  In New York, it’s the Empire State Building; In Los Angeles it’s Griffith Observatory.  In Chicago, it’s the Adler Planeterium (among others) which offers stunning views of the Chicago skyline, the lively night scene of the harbor and the sunrise glow of Lake Michigan.

Let architecture influence Style:  Just take one envious look at the cake below, which on it’s own is absolutely stunning.  Then you take a second look.  It’s only when I went back through the album, that I noticed the connection. On a cake, it’s delicious and eye-catching.  On a tie, it’s classy and complementary.  Talk about a wink and a smile!  I bet you missed another wink:  The metal ball “Table Number” holders that pay homage to another Chicago landmark – the Cloud Gate, designed by Anish Kapoor.  And don’t get me going about the mini disco balls which I’m so tempted to hang over my 3-month old daughter’s crib.  Fabulous!  What a sexy way to awaken the space, next to some ambient candle light.

(Above: Wedding Cake by CakeGirls; Tie by Burberry)

Make it Personal: When asked how heritage was reflected in her wedding style, Jewel responded by talking about one of my favorite topics: Food.  She told me that  “Food For Thought who did the catering, incorporated a Filipino appetizer called ‘lumpia‘ Filipino eggrolls.” A donation was also made to a charity to honor her deceased father.  Jewel walked down the aisle with a pinned cameo locket to her bouquet, bearing her father’s picture in it.

(Above: Reception at the Adler Planeterium; Catering by Food for Thought; Event Design by Stacy Saltzman of So Stacy; All flowers by Gretchen Harwood of Flora Chicago, Lighting by Sound Investment; All images by Vrai Photo)

The delightful nature of any engagement over 12 months, is the appearance of “enough time.”  It can diffuse the pressure to tackle all the elements of wedding planning all at once.  However, whether you’re engaged for 10 years or 10 days, planning a wedding can be stressful.  Then, when you add the challenges of sticking to a budget, you’ve got yourself  many inevitable reasons to get overwhelmed (this is why I love to close each real wedding feature with words of advice from someone who’s “been there, done that.”)

“Not every box may be checked off and not everything will go according to plan, but you just need to roll with it.  It ended up to be the wedding of our dreams.”

-Jewel, The Bride-

Through it all, Jewel and Adam were able to pull off the perfect wedding, with the help of Stacy Saltzman, their event planner.  Congratulations!  I would like to extend my deep gratitude to Kristina Carter for sending over these beautiful wedding photos.

Today’s real wedding, shot by the Kristina Carter of Vrai Photo, sums up why I share wedding stories.  Kristina’s work weaves passion, candid moments and fresh style into a  blanket of images that warms the soul like your favorite childhood memory.  Adding her to the Vendor J’Adore list was a “no brainer”, and you’re about to see why:

Amidst the towering boudoir of the Swiss Hotel in the windy city of Chicago, sits our heroine – Jewel and her entourage of Vera Wang clad maidens, awaiting the culmination of her two year engagement to Adam.

Setting: Chicago, IL

Heroine & Hero: Filipino American Bride – Jewel and her Caucasian American Beau – Adam

Colors: Blue & Chocolate

Scene #1: SOMETHING CHOCOLATE SOMETHING BLUE

(Above: Bridal Gown by Vera Wang; Bride’s Shoes by Manolo Blahnik; Bride’s Make up by Nicole Ventura; Bride’s hair by Lisa of  Blo Dri Salon; Bridal Jewelry from Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels; Flower girl’s dress by Fox N Lily; Bridesmaid’s dress by Vera Wang Style 23M15; Bridesmaids Shoes by Blue Tux Shoes; Flowers by Gretchen Harwood of Flora Chicago)

Scene #2: THE GROOM’S POSSE

(Above: Groom’s Tux by Calvin Klein via Men’s Wearhouse; Boutonniere by Flora Chicago )

An entourage of men in fine suits is always a great photo to take.  As if style weren’t enough, the attention to detail and overall cohesive vision was quite inspiring.  You’ll see how the grooms men’s tie come into play later on…

Scene #3:  I’LL BE AT THE ALTAR

In accordance with Jewel’s heritage, the couple incorporated traditional wedding customs from the Philippines into their ceremony.

I’ve talked before about Filipino wedding customs:  Typically, at the beginning of the ceremony the parents of both the bride and groom will light two candles, one on each side of the Unity Candle. These will later be used by the bride and groom to light the Unity Candle to symbolize the union of the two families. The lighting of the Unity Candle is used to invoke the light of Christ in their married life.

(Above: Ceremony at Old St. Patrick’s Church; Event Planning/ Design by Stacy Saltzman of So Stacy; Photos by Vrai Photo)

Two of the secondary sponsors  pin a veil to the to the shoulder of the groom and drape it over the bride’s head symbolizing their unity (being  “clothed as one”.)  Another set of sponsors places a white silk cord or “lasso” loosely around the necks of the bride and groom in a figure eight configuration, symbolizing a lifelong bond and everlasting fidelity between the bride and groom.

Once the sponsors have fastened the veil and draped the cord the groom gives the bride the arrhae (13 coins) that have been blessed by the priest.  Arrhae reflects the groom’s dedication to his bride’s well being and that of their future children.

For some gorgeous fashion inspiration brought to you by trend setting designers in the Philippines, visit here.  If you missed our previous real wedding feature with elements of lovely Filipino customs, read Aina & John’s wedding.

Coming up…Part 2 of Jewel and Adam’s wedding, later on today with some Burberry blue plaid, chocolate chic and stylish architecture in decor and detail.

Wednesday will be wild with romance and modern style, I promise.  Take a look at the real wedding we have in store for tomorrow.

I can’t wait.  Have a lovely Tuesday.

The continuation of Aleene & Joseph’s haute affair by Jessica Johnston Photography, follows with all the things I love about reception design: Cohesive color scheme, opulent vision and eye candy for the romantic soul.

Scene #4: A FAIRYTALE RECEPTION

(Above: Reception at  Andiamo Italia, Cake by Sweet Dreams Bakery; Music by Intrigue & Johnny Trudell Orchestra)

Okay, the following is the amusing sidebar moment that happens on an unscripted legal TV drama in which the counsels approach the bench to share very “non legal” commentary on shoes, fashion and “ooh-la-la” style.  Put simply, can I just say how much I LOVE THAT CAKE.  It’s tiered, it’s confectionery decadence, it’s high drama, and if it tastes as great as it looks, then I’m converting to cake-ology.  Seriously it’s the edible equivalent of  Dior’s 2005 wedding dress.

Scene #5: SCENES IN ROUGE

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, we’ve got a stunning wardrobe change in which Aleene totally transformed by wearing a custom-made Cheongsam from Bangkok.  In addition to fashion and decor details, the couple incorporated a tea ceremony earlier in the day out of respect of the Chinese part of Aleene’s heritage.  “It was there, that I was presented with gold pieces as gifts.” Aleene said.  ” Towards the end of the reception, I changed into a traditional red Chinese gown. At this time I wore all of the gold pieces I had received earlier.”

(Above: Event planning & Flowers by Venetian Flowers; Photography by Jessica Johnston Photography)

“Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed, always enjoy the moment. Embrace the people around you, because they are your rock and love you most.”

-Aleene, the Bride-

Thanks again to Jessica Johnston for sharing these beautiful photos.  Congrats to A & J on your absolutely gorgeous wedding.

Let’s face it, I love photography.  I’m fascinated and inspired by timeless photography, and today’s enthusiasm is no different.

It’s moments like these that warrant the absolute and unapologetic desire to venture into the creative mind of an amazing artist.  She wouldn’t have to know of my fascination with all her aperture secrets and lens-wielding magic.  Oh no…I’d sit quietly, biting down on my need to guffaw with excitement, as I watched her photograph one beautiful couple after another, creating yet another fairy book wedding album.  I’m talking about none other than Michigan based photographer, Jessica Johnston of Jessica Johnston Photography.

So grab a seat if you haven’t already and brace yourself for the ultimate portrait of haute style, romance and nouveau chic.

Setting: Warren, Michigan.

Heroine & Hero: Italian/ Chinese Bride – Aleene and her Lebanese  Beau – Joseph

Colors: White, Cream & Gold

Scene #1: THE MOMENT BEFORE

(Above: Gown by Pnina Tornai; Make Up by Dawn Baker; Hair by Kristina Mara of Figo Salon;

There’s a saying that “The only thing you get is this second. Enjoy it.”

From the moments before you walk down the beach, garden, or in this case cathedral aisle…to the morning after when you question the whirlwind of passion and emotion that ensued the wedding day before, it’s imperative that you the bride savor each and every moment.  It’s even more important, that you have a photographer around to capture the beauty, because you won’t remember it all.  Aleene’s classic look is timeless and a perfect example of how to celebrate simple elegance.

Scene #2:  IN STYLE “I DO”

Aleene and Joseph had a guest list of 450 family and friends in attendance for their traditional ceremony at St. Paul’s Cathedral.

(Above: Ceremony at  St. Paul Catholic Church)

Scene #3: THE BRIDAL PARTY

The color scheme of white, cream and gold carried over through every detail, from the gowns and flower arrangements to the reception decor (which you’ll see later today).

(Above: Bridesmaid’s dress by Katerina Bocci; Event Design & Flowers by Jerry Stockie of Venetian Flowers; All Images by Jessica Johnston Photography)

If you think this is beautiful, coming up later is part 2 of their haute affair.  From the teaser yesterday, you know we’re in for majestic tablescapes and gorgeous red Chinese lanterns.  Stay tuned for later today.

Here’s a sneak peak into what we have in store for Thursday.

Haute Style meets lovely inspiration.  I can’t wait.

See ya tomorrow!

Here’s part 2 of Yean and Kyle’s exotic love affair off the coast of Mexico.  If you missed part 1, scroll down to see the earlier feature.

Scene #3: THE GROOM AWAITS

(Above: Groom’s Suit by Banana Republic; Groom’s Men Suit by RW & Co; Beach Ceremony, Event Coordination & Flowers by Dream Tulum Resort & Spa)

Scene #4: AN INTIMATE AFFAIR

With a charming guest list of 15, half of which were in the bridal party, Yean and Kyle’s vow exchange was a beautiful example of intimate secrets treasured by the pacific ocean.  “Kyle and I chose to have it that size because we knew we wanted a destination wedding to define us and our love of travel.”  Yean Said. “We loved the idea of an intimate ceremony somewhere on a beautiful beach.”

Scene #5: BEACHIN’ AFTER HOURS

A small reception was held after wards at El Patio Restaurant.  In order to share their story with all of the friends and family who couldn’t travel, Yean and Kyle held a much more elaborate reception back at home.

When asked about the challenges faced in planning a destination wedding as well as the solutions, Yean listed the cards she was dealt, including local conflicts in law & Order, as well as the outbreak of the Swine Flu that hit the region.  Not discouraged by the poker game of determination, strategy, budget balancing and staying sane, Yean gave some candid tips on how to plan a destination wedding.

“Do a lot of research and shop around or get a wedding planner to help reduce the stress of planning a wedding.” She said. “Think about what you would like to expect out of your big day and don’t be afraid to splurge on the things that you find most important to you.”

(All images by Del Sol Photography)

“Pictures last a lifetime so hire the photographer that you love. We wanted our dream wedding to be a classic and simple but beautiful day to remember and cherish forever. :-)”

-Yean, The Bride-

Congrats to Y & K on your inspirational destination wedding.  Thank you so much to the amazing team at Del Sol photography for sending me these photos.

Well, hello Monday! And welcome, March!  You know what that means don’t you?…the onset of spring-blossom bouquets, sweat-proof wedding mascara, humid-resistant hair and more Wedding Nouveau love stories to fit the bill.

I don’t know who’s story to begin with really.  The photographers or the marrying couple.  Or both?  How do you resist a “straight-out-of-a-movie” love story, if it’s just as beautiful and touching as the photography.  A gorgeous Mexican photographer meets her match in Atlanta photographer, Matt.  Thanks to a serendipitous turn of events that involved congruent photo sessions, botched travel plans and a hurricane, the tale of these two souls joined forces with a lovely Mayan ceremony.  Read the full story here.

Many different countries, Two photographers, one passion.

(Above: Photographers Sol & Matt)

Yes, Matt and Sol of Del Sol Photography have a love story that’s worth retelling over and over.  As a bride, you know you’re getting the deal of a lifetime with these two, as their love translates seamlessly into their work.

For Yean and Kyle, there was no exception to Del Sol’s level of detailed expertise, finesse and absolute beauty in each captured moment.  And so their story begins:

Setting: Quintana Roo, Mexico

Heroine & Hero: Cambodian/Thai Bride – Yean and her Canadian Beau – Kyle

Colors: Fuschia, Green & Brown

Scene #1: ROMANCE N’ FUSCHIA

(Above: Bridal Gown by Romona Keveza; Shoes by Guiseppe Zanotti; Bridesmaid’s dress by Forever 21; Make up by Siriphone Gunter)

Now here’s a great example of how to balance style and budget.  Yean chose an elegant and classic gown by one of my favorite designers, Romona Keveza.  Since she chose to purchase the gowns for her bridesmaids, not wanting to compromise on style and the overall vision she had, Yean found her stunning fuschia gowns for the maids from Forever 21, or as I call it to justify my habits in there…Forever 31.

Scene #2: TIMELESS PORTRAITS

I don’t know how she was able to pull off such a gorgeous hair style.  On the day of the wedding, the bride did her own hair which turned out envious.  With the help of one of her best friends/ maid of honour to do make up, these timeless portraits go down in my “Best Of” for 2010…and it’s only March.

(Above: All images by Del Sol Photography; Flowers by Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa; Hair by Bride; Make up by Siriphone Gunter)

When asked about some flower detail choices, here’s what Yean said:  “I wanted the ceremony set up to be simple and elegant so I opted for rose petals down the isle instead of tropical flowers on the canopy [which you'll later]. I provided the green ribbon for my bouquet. The bridesmaids bouquet were silk orchids I ordered online.”

Here’s to a style savvy and budget conscious diva who’s realization of her dream tropical wedding is exactly how you kick off March inspirations.  Stay tuned later for part 2 of their ceremony, with more fabulous pictures from Del Sol.