The Style Unveiled Wedding Blog

A Pretty Pink Wedding at the Dana-Powers House in Nipoma

2012-02-06T23:35:23Z

We just added this gorgeous San Luis Obispo wedding that was held at the Dana-Powers House. The full article is for you to enjoy below, but if the article print is a bit too small for you to read, just click here to unveil a {bigger} and {wider} version of the real wedding of Whitney and Lucas!

Photographer: Beaux Arts Photographie

Ceremony Venue: The Dana-Powers House

Florist: April Flowers

Invitations: Rosie Calligraphie

Reception Venue: The Dana-Powers House

Rentals: Embellish

Ceremony Music: Pitch & Rhythm

Photobooth: Snap Cubby

Caterer: Bello Forno Catering

Cake: éclair bakery

Officiant: Weddings by Sherri

Cinematographer: The Cana Family

Bride's Dress: Vera Wang

Reception Music: Malik Miko Thorne

Makeup: Melissa Hoffmann

Bridesmaid Dresses: Sonora Bridal Boutique

Photographer: Beaux Arts Photographie

Ceremony Venue: The Dana-Powers House

Florist: April Flowers

Invitations: Rosie Calligraphie

Reception Venue: The Dana-Powers House

Ceremony Music: Pitch & Rhythm

Cinematographer: The Cana Family

Bride's Dress: Vera Wang

Makeup: Melissa Hoffmann

An Ombre Wedding Shoot at the Ambassador Campus

2012-02-06T17:20:13Z

It's crazy to think that Valentine's Day is just around the corner! We're feeling all romanticized over here ... especially after seeing the images from this gorgeous wedding styled shoot! The cake, the invites, the dress, the venue ... it all screams sexy! And it's all so lovely ... just in time to getcha in the mood for V-day. We especially love the photos of the 'bride' and the 'groom' ... Gavin Wade Photographers did an awesome job of making them super sultry, without making them cheesy ... exactly what you want from your wedding day photographer!! Am I right, fellas??

XO ~ Heather

Event Styling and Coordination: Grand Engagements Invitations: Wiley Valentine

Photography: Gavin Wade Photographers Flower Design: Enchanted Florist Cake: Catherine Joanne Cakes Linens: Wildflower Linen Venue: Ambassador Campus

A Peach and Mint Green Wedding at the Lorenzo Mansion

2012-02-01T15:55:00Z

I am always on the hunt for mint green wedding ideas ... as this is probably one of my favorite colors of all time. So, when I saw this whimsical peach and mint green styled shoot, I was in love immediately! I love the personalized cocktails to match the event and all the gorgeous dresses that were used ... and I especially love the vase filled with fresh peaches on the table.

XO ~ Heather

Wedding vendors involved include: Event Design, Styling and Wardrobe: Cyd Converse for Sweet Occasions Studio Photography and Styling: Kelly Stremmel Venues: Lorenzo Mansion and The Brewster Inn Models: Kateri Allard and Megan Mahaney Dresses: Melissa James and Spybaby Floral Design: The Backyard Garden Hair Design: Christy Robinson Salon Makeup: Erica Abdo Cinematography: Vasilis World Video Stationery: Fig. 2 Design Studio

Luxury Vacation Rental Home Wedding in Hawaii

2012-01-28T20:31:27Z

Stephanie and Paul had one of the most beautiful Hawaii weddings we've EVER seen! And the venue they chose is to die for ... a luxury vacation rental home called Sunrise to the Heavens. We love their 'all white' wedding details, the gorgeous portraits which were clicked by Tamiz Photography, and the breathtaking views from their venue.

Below is just a snippet of the full real wedding article ... click here to see it all and to see a list of all the contributing wedding vendors!

Here Are A Few of my Favorite Things - 1

2012-01-26T01:26:49Z

Hello! It came to my attention earlier today, that I have many opinions ... my friends would laugh at me and say 'this just came to your attention???' ... and why have a blog if opinions aren't shared from time to time? Thus begins my 'letter from the Senior Editor of Style Unveiled' series. There are things I love ... things I don't ... and things I really am growing tired of seeing all over the internet (for instance, that photo of the gross pink meat that either is or isn't what McDonald's uses for their chicken nuggets that was 'shared' all over Facebook??? YUCK!!!). One thing wedding-y that I am growing tired of is rustic, vintage, diy-styled weddings. I personally feel that they have had their time in the sun and I am ready to move forward!! I want more glamour, more elegance!! Ok, enough whining ... let me share a few things that we have featured recently that I really really adore :) Please click on the # link provided for each item to see the vendor credits and more about each post.

XO ~ Heather

The below 4 things really stood out to me and I felt they were worth another look ... #1 is a Hawaii real wedding that I just finished designing. It's so incredibly elegant and so refined! I love the 'all white' details, the crisp white linens, and the chandelier 'look' of the flower arrangements. THIS is what I want to see more of and share more of on this website! :) #2 is the use of pomegranates as decor! It's something I had never seen done before and when this came across my desk, I was smitten immediately. It's such a beautiful fruit to use as decor ... either as whole or just the seeds ... or both! #3 is a super tall and skinny wedding cake that I love the look of. I also love the high-end feel of this cake with the white and the soft colors. Definitely screams elegant :) #4 is a beautiful bridal bouquet in shades of purple. I especially love the use of the green raspberries for a contrast look against the dark purple flowers. So beautiful!

And here are 3 more ... #1 I am srsly digging this palette of gold and fuscia. I love the table below and the use of all the different styles and shapes of vases all mixed together on one table. And the glassware is perfection. #2 is such a gorgeous Claire Pettibone dress from her 2012 collection. I love the use of color and the capped sleeves. I would be thrilled if we got a real wedding to feature of a bride who wore this ... it would be a DEFINITE 'yes' for a feature (hint, hint) ... #3 is one of the most beautiful Indian weddings we've featured. I love the henna, I love all the color, I love the interview with the bride ... I love love LOVE it all!! This year, I plan to feature a TON more Indian weddings ... they are just so beautiful.

Ok, I've said what I came here to say ... do you have an opion about my opinions? Use the FB comments section below and we can have a conversation about it together ... whether you agree or disagree, I'd love to hear from you!

XO ~ Heather

Senior Editor of Style Unveiled

Art History For Brides: Renaissance Period

2012-01-24T21:08:15Z

Renaissance Wedding Write-up by Vanessa of Alchemy Fine Events and Invitations:

Nothing exudes romance to me more than the ethereal age of the Renaissance. From it’s flowering of literature, science, art, religion and politics, this golden era flourished from every angle. Combining my passion for art, fashion, history and, of course, Italy, this age became proliferate with some of the greatest minds in our history. Starting in the 14th century in Florence, Italy, the Renaissance age boasted incredible works of art by Michelangelo, Donatello, Botticelli, da Vinci and great thinkers such as Dante. With inspirations from this indelible age, the 4th installment of our Art History for Brides series was born.

For my interpretation of the Renaissance, I wanted to create a softer and simpler pastel version of what we conceive to be the traditional Renaissance palette consisting of darker jewel tones. My vision was to create a pair of cherub-esque brides longingly lounging around a beautiful vineyard feast while waiting for their loves to return, as if a scene from a Botticelli masterpiece.

To create our lounge worthy dining area we started by layering vintage rugs then brought in a rustic sun bleached table, a soft vanilla hued velvet couch and a love seat from Archive Vintage Rentals to set the scene. Contrasting patterns of china and Florentine trays by Casa de Perrin were used to display the vintage
silverware, fresh loaves of bread and rich raspberry hued pomegranates. Soft pink hued glassware offered pomegranate sprinkled bubbles and a romantic balance to our cut crystal decanters.

To carry out our Tuscan worthy feast we created a rustic spread of fruits, nuts, breads, meats and cheeses offered upon a layered assortment of Florentine, copper and silver trays. Vintage glassware, still life paintings and tapered candlesticks added height and interest for a visually pleasing effect.

For a Renaissance style dessert bar we featured Scootabaker’s home-style cakes and fruit tarts displayed in front of Orfila’s majestic vineyard backdrop that boasts vine covered walkways and mountain views. Buttercream cakes were displayed on silver cake plates and layered upon mirrored trays atop a vintage
French table. Beautiful berries, pomegranates, pears and plums were scattered about to sweeten up this already scrumptious still life inspired presentation.

Flowers-

Inspired by a Renaissance still life, Isari Flower Studio created a trio of contrasting centerpieces featured in ethereal golden-footed glass. For the berry hued centerpiece, Isari intricately designed a masterpiece brimming with champagne kissed cafe au lait dahlias and stunning merlot hued garden roses boasting ruffled petals, exposing green centers.

For the softer sunset hued centerpieces, sheer pink lilies, Californian oak twigs, fall kissed green hydrangeas, and unexpected Dutch tulips were trailing with bejeweled china berries to make its meandering statement amidst sprawling desserts and other vintage dishes featured on this table scape.

For a dramatic statement, a taller amber vase boasted simple organic stems of tall camellia branches with their waxy foliage in hunter green.

Fashion-

1. Aurélie Bidermann 18-karat rose gold-dipped lace cuff 2. Gucci Crystal embellished silk-satin sandals 3. Jimmy Choo Lauren diamanté and suede sandals 4. Giuseppe Zanotti Cutout High Heel Booties 5. Actual Renaissance High Heels I wanted to invoke the romance of the Renaissance through the artisanal style of handwork and details seen in the beautifully detailed Allison Simone gowns, jewelry and accessories which were featured on each of our brides. From the detailed beading on the neckline to the long sleeves with detailed hems, these gowns exude an air of romance from a time long gone.

1. Isharya Maharani Bling 18-karat gold-plated drop earrings 2. Jay Lane 22-karat gold-plated Swarovski crystal clip earrings 3. Isharya Libra 18-karat gold-plated drop earrings 4. Copper dangly earrings1. Valentino Gold-plated Swarovski crystal bib necklace 2. Lulu Frost Navette gold-plated Swarovski crystal necklaceDuring the Renaissance the most popular color of bridal gowns were actually blue, which was considered a symbol of purity. If the bride didn’t wear blue she would often still carry something blue, in which the tradition was born “something old, something blue.”

Patterns / Graphics–

Florentine patterns featuring intricate floral designs and illustrations were used throughout the shoot including the silverware trays on the table and on the invitations. The ‘Fleur de Lis’, which was a popular symbol of this time reflected the political and the royal. Born in France and then later adopted by Florentine as their city’s emblem, this symbol appeared on crowns, clothes and even currency as seen in the fiorini, an early Florentine currency.

Some of the most common wedding traditions derived from the Renaissance are still celebrated today. Here are a few of the most popular and interesting (Handfasting?!) traditions from that time:

Handfasting- One of the most common rituals is handfasting. Handfasting is a joining of hands between the bride and groom. Actually, their hands may be literally tied together with a piece of material or cord. In some
ceremonies, handfasting is symbolized by cutting a lock of each other's hair and placing the locks in a box, or by the bride and groom drinking out of the same cup. However this ritual is performed, the meaning is essentially the same. The couple's lives are joined together for eternity.

Throwing Rice- You may be surprised to discover that one of the most common wedding traditions, the tradition of throwing rice, dates back to Renaissance times. This is an essential part of the wedding, and symbolizes fertility and luck for the couple.

Tiered Cakes- The tiered or layered wedding cake also dates back to Renaissance times. The guests would bring small cakes to stack on top of each other. If the couple could kiss over the top of the stack without
knocking them down, they would have good luck.

Garter- The throwing of the garter dates back to the Renaissance era. It was said that if a male guest at the wedding gave the bride's garter to his love, he would receive faithfulness.

Traditions courtesy of site found here.

Click here to see the full Renaissance Wedding article and for full vendor credits.

A Beautiful Indian Wedding at the Allied Arts Guild

2012-01-23T03:05:35Z

So, were you busy watching all the football today? Crazy!! Neither were we!! ;) Instead of watching the San Francisco whatchamacallits and the New York whatevers tackle it out for the win, we were busy busy over here creating this. This is a gorgeous Indian wedding that was held at the Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park, CA. Not only is it one of the most beautifully done weddings we've ever seen, but they had some really unique touches that we'll never forget ... reasons to check it out?? How about that the groom rode into the ceremony on a Horse-cycle {did that make you curious just a bit??} and the groom's cake was focused on another type of football {are you marrying a die-hard soccer fan??}. Check it all out by clicking here!

Eye-candy provided by Athena Kalindi Photography

Peach and Ivory Wedding Invitations by Fig. 2 Design Studio

2012-01-20T22:44:30Z

With our elegant wedding invitation contest currently a go-go {are you a wedding professional? click here for all the details on how to enter this contest!!} we were excited to share these paper pretties by Fig. 2 Design Studio. We adore the peach and the ivory together and the swirly embellishments this invitation suite possesses. And can you say font crush!!?? We are srsly swooning over the swoopy {yes, that's a word} fonts Fig. 2 Design Studio chose to use. It's straight out of a romantic fairytale setting. Speaking of fairytale settings ... when you're finished oohing and ahhing over the goodies below, click here to check out more from this peach and mint green wedding styled shoot!

Clicks in this post are by Kelly Stremmel Photography ... donchoo love!?

Photography credits: Kelly Stremmel Photography

Sexy Cuban Wedding Ideas on Style Unveiled!

2012-01-18T17:06:30Z

If you love Dirty Dancing ... even the sequels ... then, this styled shoot might be just your type :) Wedding ideas inspired by everything that a night in Havana can offer ... we LUV the darling boutonnieres and the gorgeous bouquets ... and the lace table runners are incredibly yum. Enjoy!

Wedding vendors involved include: Photography: Mosca Photo Event Concept and Design: Luxe Event Production Flowers: Floral Designs by Alicia Cinematographer: Black Label Films Rentals: The Party Place Stationery: Puddle Jumpin' Cards Dresses and Accessories: Charlotte's Weddings and More Hair and Makeup: Jessica Belknap Calligraphy: Laura Lavender Calligraphy Venue: Oba Restaurant

Part I: 10 Vineyard Wedding Venues in California that we Adore

2012-01-16T21:18:09Z

Since we are about to launch a Vineyard Weddings directory to our already 'vineyard wedding' rich site, we thought it would be fun to list some of our favorite vineyard wedding venues in California in this special 2-parter (5 showcased in part I and 5 showcased in part II) on the blog! :) So, if you're planning a California vineyard, winery, or estate wedding listen up and enjoy all this eye-candy! Btw, these are in no particular order ... we love 'em all and for all different reasons.

Vineyard Wedding Venue #1: Sogno del Fiore

Location: The Santa Ynez Valley

Why we adore it: This wedding venue sits on the most beautiful land and as you can see from the photos below, has a beautiful backdrop as well. The owners, Liz and Jerry are the owners and are super amazing to work with. Here's what Amanda and Roy said about working with them and why they chose to be married at Sogno del Fiore:

We originally had planned to get married at a different winery, however that fell through, and after a panic attack in Target I was on the hunt to find another perfect venue. To my surprise, Sogno Del Fiore was the perfect venue for us, and all the others were second best. It was by chance we found them and by chance, I mean fate. I spoke with Liz Fiore and felt an immediate connection. I could not wait to go visit her and her husband Jerry and tour their property. When we first met them, Liz and Jerry welcomed us into their home as one of their own and I knew this was where we had to get married. The property sits on five acres and is surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills, and they went above and beyond to make the property flawless for our special day. We were thrilled to be the first wedding at the property, and were deeply touched when Liz and Jerry presented us with a hand-carved plaque dedicating row 16 (the day we got married) of their vineyard to us. Although all the planning has ended and the wedding has past, Liz and Jerry have become part of our family.

Photos clicked by onelove photographyVineyard Wedding Venue #2: Cornerstone Gardens

Location: Sonoma

Why we adore it: Aside from showcasing the most darling spot to have a super secret 'first look' (as shown below) this venue has 4 different spots that you can utlize and choose from. They can host a party as small as 6 and as large as 300, which we love! Think rehearsal dinner the night before and then a large wedding the following day! Here's what Melissa and Clayton said about why they chose to have their wedding at Cornerstone Gardens:

I really fell in love with the 3 different spaces on the property at Cornerstone. The ceremony was held on the vineyard lawn facing the lily pond and overlooking the vineyards. The tent area was for the dinner and speeches portion of the reception, then finally into the barn for dancing, full bar, cake cutting etc. I liked that the guests never knew what was next. Another big reason I loved the venue, was because they allowed our dog (and love of our life) to be a part of the wedding. He was up there at the alter with the boys, at dinner with us and chillin' in the barn while we danced the night away. When you rent Cornerstone, you get the whole venue to yourself for 7 hours! Not to mention the Vineyard House me and the girls stayed in the night before the wedding. It's a 3 bed/2ba house with a yard and everything. (Extra cost) Honestly amazing.. and I must say totally worth it.

Photos clicked by Jason and Anna Photography - We Are Your PhotogsVineyard Wedding Venue #3: Robert Hall Winery

Location: Paso Robles

Why we adore it: For us, it was the main fountain area for the ceremony (as shown below). We love the brick and the pool you can float flowers in ... it's all so romantic! Here is what Christina and Daniel said about why they chose Robert Hall Winery:

We decided on Robert Hall winery for our wedding venue because of the great variety that they offer: the beautiful winery with multiple locations for a ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, along with the great wine! We had our ceremony in front of the main fountain they have, the cocktail hour in their unique barrel room, and the reception in the Meritage room. The rooms were all stunning on their own which made decorating very easy. We really could not have asked for much more.

Photos clicked by Cameron IngallsVineyard Wedding Venue #4: Bernardo Winery

Location: San Diego

Why we adore it: If you are wanting some rustic flair in your wedding venue, this 120 year old winery would be the perfect fit! We also love that it's a beautiful winery located in SoCal. Here's what Chelsey and Josh said about getting married at Rancho Bernardo Winery.

Our coordinator Krystel was the first to tell us to check out Rancho Bernardo Winery. We fell in love! It was just the perfect blend of comfortable and garden like outdoors with splashes of rustic throughout! Being 120 years old, the winery has so much natural character.

Photos clicked by Stephen Knuth PhotographyVineyard Wedding Venue #5: Barrel Room at the Vintage Estate

Location: Napa Valley

Why we adore it: The weeping willow trees had us at first glance ... they are so romantic and whimsical! We also adore the pond in the ceremony location spot. Here is what Karleen and Jared said about this venue:

We knew the second we saw it that it was it!!

Photos clicked by BLR Life PhotographyThis was part I ... we'll be back in a few days with part II, which means 5 more California winery wedding venues for you to swoon over!