Chic Gold + Black Winter Wedding

Understated elegance was the theme of this gorgeous Sacramento, California, wedding at The Citizen Hotel. High school sweethearts Megan and Austin returned to their hometown for a bash that was big on classic details without being showy—but still left us wanting more of the breathtaking photos from The Goodness. Megan wanted “chic but not stuffy,” and opted for a neutral color palette punctuated with texture from mercury glass, grape wood, and lush floral arrangements with peonies, roses, and hydrangeas in burlap-wrapped vases from Flourish. The bride’s amazing Vera Wang gown, with its amazing full ruffled skirt, was soft and romantic next to the groom’s crisp Air Force uniform. The slate-colored bridesmaids dresses from J.Crew added a sophisticated pop of color to the scheme, and we’re officially obsessed with Megan’s gold glitter Kate Spade shoes!

Anna and Carly’s impossibly glamorous wedding is like a fairytale brought to life. For starters, Sacramento’s The Citizen Hotel is a stunning venue, with gold and ivory details by Kate Miller Events to make it even more luxe. Flourish used the same soft color palette for florals that shine–literally! We’re floored by the jewels woven in to Anna’s cream bouquet! We also love that more bling was added to the wedding cake from Sweet Cakes by Rebecca, so it sparkles like the rest of the details. Halter-style black bridesmaids dresses add another sophisticated element, as does Anna’s beaded strapless gown, all by Alfred Angelo. Anna’s bib necklace from A Heart’s Desires is swoon-worthy, just like every one of these images from Sarah Maren Photographers. This is an all-out gorgeous affair—swoon over it all in the gallery!

Katie and Aaron were married on the same weekend that her parents said “I Do” 31 years prior. After a traditional ceremony at St. Joseph’s Church, the wedding party made their way to The Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel, with its dramatic art deco ballroom. They fell in love with the magic of 1920’s inspired floral designs during their planning process, and the fabulous Kelly Marie from Fleur brought the vision to life with clematis blooms, peach cafe au lait dahlias, garden roses, ranunculus and hyrangea. The bridesmaids’ bouquets featured sparkly gold ribbons, which perfectly complemented their floor length navy gowns from Dessy. The couple sprinkled ersonal touches—such as their signature drinks named after their best man and maid of honor and family photo table—throughout the day to honor family and friends, and we love the fun of having bagpipers lead the guests into the ballroom after cocktails! Prepare to fall in love with each image from Sarah Postma Photography!

We love the mix of Dallas style in Rachael and Cam’s Santa Barbara destination wedding! The entire affair is equal parts California mod and Southern sophisticated, starting with Rachael’s contemporary column-style Amsale gown. But to offset the crisp lines, she chose soft white peonies and hydrangeas for florals by Juniper Designs. We also really like the look of black-and-white striped ribbon around bridesmaids bouquets, paired with their taupe Bari Jay dresses. The outdoor ceremony was held at the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore, Santa Barbara, before guests entered the hotel’s Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club for an indoor/outdoor reception. Events by Philippe ensured the details were perfect, like gold sequined linens atop cocktail tables, dramatic flower topiary centerpieces, and tailored striped chair cushions on Chiavari chairs to mimic the wedding details. The gold cake prepared by the resort is the perfect send-off for this elegant bash! We adore all of these spectacular images from the amazing Hazelnut Photography!

When asked to describe their wedding, Margaux and Mark’s instant sentiment was “heartwarming.” While they certainly filled their day with personal touches—including a custom monogram motif, Mark’s great-grandmother’s cake knives, and a menu hand-scripted by Margaux’s aunt—the wedding festivities, and being surrounded by their nearest and dearest, took center stage. Margaux is resplendent in a Pronovias gown and voluminous veil from Elizabeth Johns. For the cozy reception, Jennie from Love N’ Fresh Flowers created classic, seasonal arrangements in a mix of plum and winter white that accented the gilded ballroom of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey’s Ryland Inn. After a delicious sit-down dinner, guests danced the night away to the tunes of The Silk Band. An unexpected snowstorm the day prior set the stage for a bright and clear first day of spring, the perfect ambiance for each of the gorgeous images from Love Me Do Photography!

The Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills was the perfect venue for Julie and Jonathan’s dream wedding! With the help of their wedding planner, Catherine of CCL Weddings, the couple designed a private outdoor ceremony (featuring the couple’s adorable pup, Nala) and elegant indoor reception with lush and romantic florals by Heavenly Blooms. Luxury and personality came together perfectly, with champagne escort cards that doubled as favors and a cocktail hour snack of beef jerky, the groom’s favorite! We are obsessed with every fun detail in the beautiful images from Closer to Love Photography!

Micaela and Mike share a love of music and fashion, and their St Louis wedding pays homage to both! Micaela and her bridesmaids are the epitome of glamour! Micaela paired a Jasmine Couture gown and Miss Mia Jewelry shoulder necklace. Her maids shine in blush beaded gowns from Adrianna Papell, Betsy & Adam, and JS Collections. The gorgeous Peabody Opera House, with its sweeping staircases, picturesque chandeliers, and ornate ceilings, was home to their reception, which featured modern black and gold tables and floral from Elegance in Bloom adding to the striking setting. Accompanying the elegant accents were the couple’s own quirky touches—hot sauce bottles for escort cards and a Star Wars grooms cake. Each beautiful image from Laura Ann Miller had us at hello!

Above all else, there are three words to describe Alyssa and Scott’s wedding: classic New York. Their Saturday night, black-tie wedding at The Waldorf Astoria is quintessentially Manhattan, and their vision of an elegant and sophisticated black and white wedding came to life thanks to a dream team of vendors. Belle Fleur created an incredible rose, hydrangea, and orchid chuppah for the couple’s interfaith ceremony and a mix of dramatic arrangements for the ballroom reception. The Steve Delisi Band played a mix of top 40 hits, Nat King Cole, and wedding classics (hello Journey!). And the spectacular Lindsay Madden Photography captured every moment from a first look on Park Avenue (car free thanks to Alyssa’s befriending of police officers on hand post-UN summit) to the last dance and everything in between. We are smitten with Alyssa’s bridal style: her Badgley Mischka gown from Kleinfeld Bridal and Jimmy Choo Fearne sandals are befitting a princess. Each and every detail is perfection!

Andrea and Alex’s Palm Springs wedding perfectly captures the feeling of their desert surroundings. Their poolside soiree is clean and classic, without any stuffiness or pretense, and you can just feel the love radiating between them! After a ceremony in the Alcazar Hotel‘s charming courtyard, guests moved poolside for the chic reception, with a family-style dinner at estate tables set beneath string lights and the glow of the setting California sun. How adorable are Andrea’s three neices as fairy-like flower girls? Their feathery gold dresses are a whimsical offset to Andrea’s stunning Jenny Packham gown. A late-night Cinco de Mayo fireworks show and late night tacos capped off the evening—we are blown away by the beautiful images from Melissa Gidney!

Katie and Dan planned their nuptials in just four months, but these images from Two Birds Photography show flawless touches and attention to detail that belie the couple’s short engagement! Says bride Katie, “There were three main feelings we wanted our celebration to evoke: a classic feel, a cozy environment, and a fun atmosphere.” We think it’s an absolute success, starting with the venue, Chicago’s The Rookery. “It is such an amazing space with an incredible history that is deeply intertwined with the city,” says Katie. “Both grand and cozy.” From there, the couple looked to Exquisite Designs for florals that would accent the existing decor, including white roses, anemones, ranunculu, sweet peas, and hydrangeas.  In keeping with the chic, sophisticated feel of the day, bridesmaids wore black dresses by Amsale. Katie’s lace Rafael Cennamo gown from Dimitra’s bridal salon is stunning, and we love the edginess her black Jimmy Choo heels provide. Vintage decanters from Rent Vintage Chicago add a sparkle to the reception’s cream and gold decor, as does the gold bride and groom topper set on the cake from Sweet Mandy B’s. How we adore this elegant affair!

Brooke and Russell’s lovely Nashville wedding is an elegant affair filled with classic touches that we adore! Brooke is flawless in a Monique Lhuillier gown from The Bride Room–we are swooning over the top lace piece that’s romantic and delicate, a perfect complement to Brooke’s filmy Toni Federici veil. Bridesmaids chose varying designs of a light taupe dress by Amsale, which are soft and pretty mixed in with garden details like the lush bouquets, hydrangea and magnolia wreaths, and floral hair wreaths from Branches. After a traditional ceremony at St. George’s Episcopal Church, the party continued at the vintage-style Union Station Hotel, where a lush floral garland ran the length of Brooke and Russell’s table. “The flowers were stunning! My favorite thing at the reception was the flower runner on the head table,” says Brooke. Sequin linens from La Tavola Fine Linen Rental and classic pieces like engraved silver vases and cafe string lights dotted the reception room, where the couple’s Dessert Designs cake was topped with more fresh flowers. One of our favorite details is the monogrammed logo by Allison R. Banks Designs on the couple’s stationery from Rock Paper Scissors. We adore every single detail captured by the fabulous Kristyn Hogan!

Oh, we have loved these past two weeks! Scouting for our favorite weddings series is one of the most fun tasks of the year, and we have the perfect wedding to complete the series before we are back on Monday with gorgeous new inspiration to share. Jen Huang is one of our favorite ladies. She is an amazing, sincere, and beautiful person—inside and out—and a true master behind the lens, as you can see in Judy and Jack’s Los Angeles soiree! Held at downtown LA’s open, airy Carondelet House, these nuptials feature not only some of LA’s best vendors (romantic florals by The Little Branch, libations from Pharmacie, and the Kogi taco truck to name a few!), but we also have two adorable pups, an absolutely fabulous Mikaella gown, and a couple that is just so in love it’s ridiculous. Sophisticated, thoughtful, and chic, we couldn’t ask for a better way to officially close out 2013. Visit the gallery to see it all!

Guests at Tiffany and Jonathan’s Montecito Country Club wedding were first treated to a dramatic floral installation by Modern Day Design—inspired by an art exhibit the bride saw at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York—and champagne before taking their seats. Tiffany stunned in a beaded Elie Saab gown as she walked down the aisle, carrying a white peony bouquet, hand-in-hand with Jonathan. After a “somber, ceremonial, romantic” vow exchange, says the bride, everyone switched to party mode, enjoying dancing, cocktails, and cake from Montecito Confections Bakery. From beginning to (late-night) end, Lacie Hansen Photography did a beautiful job of capturing every detail!

Kelsey and Jonathan’s dreamy beach wedding is so lovely we can hardly take our eyes off these photos! Overlooking the water at Seagrove Park in Del Mar, California, this couple said their “I dos,” then headed to L’Auberge Del Mar’s ballroom for an evening of dinner and dancing to the Tijuana Dogs. Kelsey looked stunning in her Monique Lhullier skirt and top, and we love the flowy taupe bridesmaids dresses from Swoon paired with strappy gold heels! Hello luscious elegance! White, ivory and green orchid variations assembled by Botanica SD brought modern sophistication to the tabletops and served as perfect accents on their banana chocolate truffle wedding cake. Enjoy soaking up these seaside moments captured by Erin Hearts Court!

Marguerite and Nicholas had a quintessential Chicago wedding at the landmark Drake Hotel!  Their ceremony was held at the stunning St. Clement Church, the same place where both Maggie’s parents and grandparents were married. Phillip’s Flowers did a beautiful job blending classic and modern, mixing glittery floating candles with elegant white blooms such as ranunculus, orchids, hydrangea, roses, and calla lilies. Olivia Leigh did a fantastic job capturing this beautiful couple, their amazing venue and all the gorgeous details!

Even though Anthony and Holly met at work, a full year went by before they first spoke. However, once they did, they soon clicked mainly because of their Latin heritage. They got engaged while staying at a beautiful Berkshires location. It was only the two of them in nature, Holly was looking for birds through the binoculars, and Anthony was on one knee when she turned around.

Jung and Richard’s clean and refined style shined through in every facet of their Dallas wedding at Nasher Sculpture Center. Their wedding was a mix of modern and organic elements with a timeless color palette of black, ivory, and gold. Keestone Events created an ambiance that complemented the manicured garden beautifully! Fluffy peonies, hydrangea and garden rose arrangements laced with greenery designed by Lizzie Bee’s Flower Shoppe were set atop sleek gold pillars, and gold accents were incorporated in details from the stationery to the chargers, and even the cake from Sugar Bee Sweets Bakery. Jung’s sleek gown from Theia Couture was the perfect fit. Absolutely in love with the gorgeous images captured on film by Allen Tsai Photography!

Rana and Andy’s Chicago wedding is classic and beautiful! The festivities began at the grand Holy Name Cathedral where the couple exchanged vows during a traditional Catholic ceremony. As guests made their way to Congress Plaza for the reception, the bridal party traveled to many of Chicago’s stunning vistas for portraits, including Olive Park, with its sweeping views of the skyline. The Gold Room at the Congress Plaza lives up to its name, and Anthony Gowder Designs created elegant decor befitting the gilded ballroom. Hydrangea and rose centerpieces paired with crisp white china and gold chiavari chairs for a crisp, sophisticated feel. After enjoying the decadent tiered confection from The Baking Institute, everyone danced the night away to tunes from Okyne Medialab. We’re head over heels for the stunning images from Artistrie Co.!

Katie and Jeffrey celebrated their nuptials on a gorgeous winter day. After a ceremony at Katie’s childhood church, the guests moved to New Jersey’s Ryland Inn for a warm and cozy reception. The Ryland Inn’s large rustic ballroom with a beautiful stone fireplace was dimly lit by candlelight and Conroy’s Creations created breathtaking large arrangements to accent the cathedral ceilings. To combat the chilly December day (theirs was a 12/13/14 soiree!), the bridesmaids accented their J.Crew gowns with soft gray pashminas. Their warm and romantic day was beautifully captured by Brklyn View Photography!

Patty and Andrew were married on a picture-perfect California summer day at the Huntington Beach Hyatt Regency. The couple met as mere children and attended every school from junior high to graduate school together! Their laid-back beach wedding beautifully blended classic elements, like Patty’s stunning Pronovias gown and elegant florals (those pink peonies – swoon!) from Greenleaf Designs, with personal elements, such as their custom New York City MetroCard escort cards, which paid homage to the couple’s graduate school years in NYC. Patty is a vision of easy elegance with a soft updo, Twigs & Honey headpiece, and beautiful, natural makeup from E2Beauty, and her maids’ deep blue  J.Crew dresses perfectly complement their beribboned pink bouquets! We’re absolutely smitten by the gorgeous images from Esther Sun Photography!