This Chicagoland couple returned to the bride's hometown for their charming vintage-inspired wedding. And, I was delighted to assist in the celebration of this wonderful couple!

Photography by Swadley Studios

Every aspect of this beautifully detailed wedding was reminiscent of a bygone era – from the ceremony held at the Old Stone Church (built in 1788), the reception at the Historic George Washington Hotel to the Trolley that transported the couple between to the two locations.

The bride was the personification of elegance in her Romona Keveza dress, vintage jewelry and lace sash. She carried a romantic bouquet of peach, pink & ivory roses.

The intimate wedding ceremony was co-officiated by the bride's grandfather and included vows written by the couple. The décor was simple and included baby's breath sprays & candles on the windowsills and altar. After the ceremony, guests wrote a wish for the couple and attached it to a white balloon. As the newlywed couple exited the church, guests released their balloons & wishes into the bright blue sky.

The cocktail & reception areas included numerous distinctive touches: a retro TV played classic film clips & a slide show of family & friends; Custom artwork created for the couples' playbill-style program and was also displayed framed in the ballroom; Swizzle sticks noted favorite love song titles; Cocktail table centerpieces utilized invitations from the couple's family & friends' actual weddings; A folding screen displayed family and bridal party photos and letters. The card (gift) table was a nostalgic display that included a vintage typewriter bearing a letter to their guests from the bridal couple. And, in lieu of a guest book, the couple chose a world map where guests could mark their favorite cities.

The dining tables were arranged family-style. Accented with lace overlays, handmade table runners, tall vases with large sprays of baby's breath and individual-sized cakes. Serving dual purpose, the centerpiece cakes provided guests with 12 flavors to choose from for dessert. Providing a dramatic flair were feather boas on the guests' chair backs. Of course, once the party started, the boas adorned many a guest on the dance floor.

They wed, dined, danced – and have the gorgeous photos to prove it!  Click here to view the entire gallery.

Vendors

Photography: Swadley Studios

Venues: Ceremony - Old Stone Church   Reception - Historic George Washington Hotel

Wedding Dress: Romona Keveza

Formal Wear: Joseph A. Banks

Beauty: Mane Attraction Spa & Salon

Florals: Flowers by Snellings

Cakes: Sheila's Sweets

Ceremony Musicians: Giovane Players

Reception Music: Eric Herod Entertainment

Transportation: Candy Hill Trolley

Wedding Coordinator: Amy VanMeter Events

I am very excited and proud to announce that I have been elected to the board of First Night Winchester, a non-profit organization that hosts the largest, safest, family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration in the Shenandoah Valley.

I'm thrilled to be working with a such wonderful group to plan this long-standing community event.

First Night Winchester is a community celebration offering entertainment of all types culminating in an Apple Drop at midnight.  First Night Winchester celebrated its 25th year in 2011.

Image sources: stained wood  natural succulent  moss  rose & hydrangea  pinwheel 

vintage book pages

This Friday will bring a fun, new twist on the Disney fairytale classic, Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, as Mirror, Mirror will be rolled out into theaters. This updated version features Julia Roberts in a more humorous story than the original. Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs has a near and dear place in my heart as it was the first movie my Dad took me to see in the theater. But even more so, this fairytale classic shows off the power of mirrors. (Okay, one magic mirror, but go with me on this.)

Mirrors have long been staples in wedding décor. Their versatility can really enhance the drama of your event. Now, I’m not talking about the round or square mirror sitting in the middle of the table with some votive candles and a centerpiece plopped down on it. I am talking about using them in unexpected ways to create the ultimate in drama, ways to get your WOWs!

First off, mirrors work fabulously for creating additional visual space. Take this first picture for example:

The designer chose to keep the space on the long dining table open and instead created this amazing effect by hanging the flowers directly above the mirror on the table. Brilliant!

This second picture shows how a large mirrored vase placed on a smaller table keeps the table from feeling crowded.

Mirrors also work well when used in unexpected places. Take this seating chart for example. (below) Very classy and the use of the mirror adds additional texture to the wedding décor.  Mirrors also work great for reception menus and/or table numbers. Check out my Pinterest Board Mirror Mirror to see more amazing ideas.

Mirrors can also be practical, while still being decorative. Take this little vignette (left).  It shows off a great place to get ready, take pictures or could even be a unique sweetheart table for the bridal couple. The perfect pairing of rustic and elegance. (Love the chandelier.)

The last example I am going to show you today shows how a mirrored wall can add elegance and style to a rustic setting (below). Several large mirrors gave this couple a grand place to exchange their vows. A wall of hung mirrors then made their barn reception room look bigger and more glamorous.

I think the most important lesson to take away from these amazing examples is that it is very easy to incorporate mirrors into your wedding décor. This 2012 wedding trend isn't going away any time soon. Mirrors are available in a variety of styles, colors, shapes, and designs. As well as, their price points make them extremely cost effective. You can find them almost anywhere from furniture stores to flea markets.

Hang your mirror, take a look, and it will tell you that your are the fairest in the land…..especially on your wedding day. Happy Planning! May all your wedding dreams bloom!

Don’t forget to see more of my mirror examples on Pinterest.

Photo Credits: Flowers hung above Mirrored tables / Mirror Vase on Table / Mirror Seating Chart 1/

Mirror Vignette / Rustic Mirrors Photos: Alders Photography (left) Flutter Glass Photography (right)

Disclaimer: It is my intent to provide proper accreditation for all the products, services, and photo's shown here. Please notify me of any corrections or if you would like a photo removed.

Expect the same Dedication, Expertise and Personal Service whatever the occasion!  Give me a call and we'll discuss your next celebration.

Image sources:
brooch on cake  wreath   fascinator  bouquet  mirror  framed  purse  napkin rings  escort cards  dress sash  bottles

Image sources:
brown suitcase box   wood & moss   yipee pom pillow   green floral   nest   wooden box 

old book   wooden i do cups   felt bird pillow   dog bone   brown cup w/flowers   cross-stitch

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lanterns & flowers  barn branches  dessert table pomanders  mason jar flowers & candles  string lights & pink pomanders  pink peonies jars  hanging windows  yellow and white flowers  chandelier & flowers  pink and red flowers

Image sources:
Invitations   wedding cake  guest book  mason jars  dessert  napkin                                                  wood sign  rustic cake  thumbprint balloons  bride and groom