Prince Edward Island - Melissa & John Michael

It's New Year's Eve...time for one last holiday treat before we return to reality!  I've been saving these pictures for just such an occasion--they're so delicious that you can't help but feel full of joy when you look at them. Melissa and John Michael's gorgeous vintage-inspired wedding on Prince Edward Island was so dreamy, colorful, and full of delightful detail--unique, personal and just gorgeous.  Promise me you'll look through all of this bright golden glory, and you'll be happy that you did.

Melissa chose a different set of vintage buttons for each of her maids' Emmeline dresses, and each set of buttons had a special meaning for the girl who wore it--how brilliant is that?

Each girl chose her own belt or sash to add even more personal detail (and va-va-voom!)

Breakfast with the bridesmaids--too adorable!

 

I love everything about Melissa & John Michael's wedding...I love how personal it is, I love the colors, I love the vintage inspiration and all the thought that this beautiful couple put into their special day.  It was an honor to play a small part in this gorgeous event.  Congratulations, lovebirds! :-)

Homespun love: Bethany & Ethan

 

I have been waiting with bated breath for MONTHS to share Bethany and Ethan's breathtaking wedding with everyone, and the time has finally come!  It's like a holiday treat for the eyes.  Bethany was one of my very first brides, and first contacted me via Etsy looking for her own special version of the J. Crew Sascha bridal gown.  Once I saw the gown, with its dramatic multi-petal peony floral accent at the waist, I was totally hooked - I knew I had to make this dress!  As you can see, it turned out even better than I could have ever hoped, and Bethany looks stunning in it.  

When I first saw these photos, I was totally blown away - the whole event looks like it was staged for a shoot by Martha Stewart Weddings!  

Bethany and Ethan had an intimate wedding celebration at Bethany’s childhood home in Escondido. Their wedding was filled with warm, personal touches and tons of thoughtful details...I just love the vintage inspiration combined with the lush floral arrangements and the DIY touches.  I could look at these pics all day. 

Bethany's mother hand sewed all the gorgeous quilts that were a main part of the homespun decor. Handmade vintage ribbons and banners were strewn about the house, encouraging guests to “celebrate” and “eat drink and be married!” All the flowers and vintage decor display was designed by the talented Annette Gomez, and the gorgeous photographs are by Stephanie Williams Photography.  (To see more of these gorgeous pics, visit Stephanie's blog - I promise, this wedding was so beautiful in every detail that you'll be inspired and happy for the rest of the day!)

 

Guests wrote well wishes to the couple on a vintage typewriter during the cocktail hour, and a personal chef created the most delicious menu. The evening ended with family and friends dining in candle light under an old oak tree, and eating slices of lemon bars and organic banana cake!

Congratulations, lovebirds - thanks so much for sharing your special day with us.  And an extra special thank you to Stephanie Williams Photography for the amazing photos - keep up the good work!

Silk seersucker simplicity

I'm so excited to be able to share a few photos of one of my favorite bridal gowns of the past wedding season - Joana's gorgeous silk seersucker Lydia gown!  Joana contacted me via Etsy nearly a year ago, knowing that she wanted a version of the Lydia gown but unsure of which fabric would be the best choice for her.  She loved the look of seersucker, but wanted something just a bit fancier.  Luckily, I had just seen (and fallen in love with) this GORGEOUS silk seersucker on one of my favorite fabric suppliers' websites.  After seeing the fabric for herself, Joana was as much in love with it as I was.  The texture and sheen of the silk fabric is just breathtaking!

 

As you can see, the dress came out beautifully - just perfect for an intimate family ceremony.  What more could you ask for?  Congrats and best wishes, lovebirds! :-)

Ana and Amber's double wedding

 

Announcing a first in Annabel & Ruby history - Ana and Amber's double wedding! Can you stand it?  Look at these gorgeous girls and their handsome beaus!

Ana on the left, Amber on the right

Ana first contacted me via Etsy last year as she and her sister began planning their unique wedding day.  Both girls were looking for a natural, comfortable gown that would express their unique style and design sensibilities, while still being practical for the barefoot oceanside wedding they had planned.  After some discussion, Ana chose a reproduction of the J. Crew Erika gown and Amber chose a reproduction of the Lucinda gown.  I was thrilled to oblige! 

Amber buttoning Ana

Ana buttoning Amber

The grooms (Ana's dude Adam on the left, Amber's dude Corey on the right) preparing for their surprise canoe entrance! 

 The setting: Stone Lagoon in Humboldt County, California

Ana and Amber's father walking them down the "aisle"

Amber, Corey, and their adorable boys

The lovebirds, take one

The lovebirds, take two

Ana and Adam cuddling up, with Shark Tooth Rock in the background

Ana and Adam's DIY cake topper - Ana is an owl biologist!  How perfect is this??

Ana and Adam being blissful :-)

Sisters and best friends - two lucky girls

The celebrants, with the Pacific Ocean behind them

Just one of the fantastic DIY touches Ana and Amber incorporated into their ceremony and reception

I think my favorite part of this breathtaking event is the final line of the joint ceremony: "Love creates family, and family creates love."  I couldn't agree more!  Congratulations to everyone, and thank you so much to Ana and Amber for sharing your special day with us! :-)