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Family Style Wedding by Spruce, V

It’s been a Sarah Matteson love fest today. Sarah is one of those designers that is pure and total talent and as one of our readers commented earlier, she is SO authentic. Her sense of style and design are always swoon worthy and the wedding that she and her hubby threw reflected her undeniably beautiful skills.

I love, love, love to see vendor’s own weddings as they always have such an easy, completely effortless style that seems to be infused into each and every detail.

spruce floral

From Sarah…

Our photographer, Brendan McLaughlin (who I found on craigslist ) was not a wedding photographer, but was interested in getting into the field…After looking at his at his small portfolio, I  realized I liked his point of view and vibe. We told him we were looking for a less traditional, moody photo diary of the day, and he produced exactly what we wanted. We were really lucky.

spruce floral

Thank you so very much to Sarah for sharing her absolutely gorgeous day with us. It was beyond lovely and such a beautiful example of an effortlessly chic day, a intimate wedding that is all about the pretty.

I really don’t want to sound like an ad here, so try to understand that I am speaking completely from the heart…if you are lucky enough to live in Boston, you should DEFINITELY put Sarah and her floral studio, Spruce, on your must-have list. She is an incredible talent and there is no doubt that she will turn your wedding dreams into the best reality you could ever imagine. I love her work, always have and cannot recommend her highly enough!

Family Style Wedding by Spruce, IV

One of the things that I love most about today’s featured affair, is the easy, home-grown vibe paired with the undeniably gorgeous style. It’s a really special, totally beautiful backyard dinner. It’s an evening that guests will always remember and yet it has a casual air that just seems so natural.

Of course I would expect nothing less from the bride behind the affair, my very own florist Sarah Matteson of Spruce in Boston.

spruce floral

photographs by Brendan McLaughlin

From Sarah

We spent 3 days in the kitchen and came up with a menu that was both luxe and homey—but most of all do-able. My business partner and his wife slaved with us in the kitchen and produced some unbelievable food!  Crab cakes with lemon pesto vinaigrette, roasted pork loin with apricot shallot stuffing, aged parmesan and olives, truffled mac and cheese with caramelized wild mushrooms. I kind of wish I was a chef and not a florist sometimes…next life. And chocolate desserts to feed my hubby’s addiction.

Family Style Wedding by Spruce, III

So if you’re just now joining us, we are featuring the oh-so-lovely wedding of my very own wedding florist…the FABULOUS (and that is putting it mildly) Sarah Matteson of Spruce. Her wedding was a lesson in all things gorgeous. An effortlessly elegant style with simple but perfect details that are both warm and totally inviting. In a word…LOVE.

spruce floral

photographs by Brendan McLaughlin

More from Sarah…

Flowers were abundant( as you can imagine) mostly un-colors like chalky, pink, sand and gravender… garden roses, sweetpeas, succulents, sedum, vintage hued-carnations, scabiosa and poppy pods- regular Spruce staples. Birch sleeves wooden boxes and unglazed ceramic peppered with mercury glass gave everything a modern, but weathered feel.


Family Style Wedding by Spruce, II

I am always so interested in seeing how wedding vendors plan their OWN weddings. You would think that they would design these over-the-top, incredible affairs as they have access to the best of the best of the best. But most of the time, it’s the exact opposite. The designers that I’ve seen host small, intimate gatherings with an emphasis on great food, good wine, simple decor and their closest friends and family.

Which is exactly what my own florist and Little Black Book member, Sarah Matteson of Spruce Floral in Boston, did for her recent wedding. And it turned out to be total and complete perfection.

spruce floral

photographs by Brendan McLaughlin

From Sarah…

So while I am in the owner/creative director of Spruce Floral ( & so very picky…), it  really was otherwise a major DIY and we came in budget-wise at about $10k —a real feat these days in wedding production. We made our own invites, did our own flowers, cooked everything from scratch. Linens were washed and rumpled canvas painters tarps ( $18 ea!!! ) with burlap runners. I scoured ebay for vintage hankies to use as cocktail napkins.

spruce floral

photographs by Brendan McLaughlin

I found an AMAZING girl on Etsy, Tawny Holt at Armour sans Anguish, to make me a custom dress. She only uses recycled vintage fabrics so while the dress was totally one-of-a-kind, I love that somehow it was also infused with history.

So much more to come!


Family Style Wedding by Spruce Floral

If there is one vendor that I worked with during my entire wedding planning process that I fell madly in love with, it was my unbelievably talented florist, Sarah Miles (now Matteson) of Spruce Floral.

I remember telling Sarah that if my wedding was a room in my house, it would have an old wingback sofa recovered in some great vintage fabric , accessorized with graphic pillows to update the look. She responded by saying that if her wedding was a room in a house, it would have an old, beat up steel table with a fabulous crystal chandelier hanging above. I knew I was in good hands.

So, when Sarah sent me pictures from her own recent wedding, I knew that I was in for a treat. It was a complete and total DIY affair, with flowers that are so beautiful you just might fall out of your chair, and perfect touches that could put any other wedding to shame. Needless to say, I am so SO excited to share this beautiful day with you.

spruce floral

photographs by Brendan McLaughlin

From Sarah…

Tyler and I didn’t even consider getting married anywhere other than the history-filled ages-old lake house belonging to his family on Lake Caspian in Vermont. The space is rustic and tattered and warm, and we embraced that when deciding what direction to go in for mood, food and décor. We decided on an evening of cocktails, dancing and small plates.

So much more on the way!

Wedding Colors Set The Tone For This Summer Wedding

After setting the date, finding the church, finding a reception venue, dreaming about your gown … the next thought on your mind might be your wedding colors or color ‘palette’ as it’s lovingly referred to these days!  Tara Pollio of tara pollio floral-event design sent us this beautiful wedding with a color palette of orange, chartreuse and pewter. Tara said, “The contrast of the bright orange and cool pewter were so unique and set the tone for a glamorous and fun wedding!”

Tara Pollio Floral Events

tara pollio floral-event design specializes in signature destination weddings and events.  She says, “Every design starts with a clean slate and is built around each client. If you can dream it, we can implement it. From your custom linens, event rentals and lighting professionals, we work only with the best. All of our flowers are brought in from around the globe, using specialty growers when possible. Our product is cut specifically for us and shipped overnight to ensure quality and freshness”

Floral Design from Tara Pollio

Devon and David’s August wedding was held at the Hildene Estate in Manchester, Vermont. The colors they chose effuse such a fun, warm, sophisticated sophisticated tone to the affair. Photography provided by Tara Pollio and Barrie Fisher.

Bridesmaids Dresses Orange Sherbert Tara Pollio

Wedding Colors Orange Green Hint of Yellow

I’m not sure what the best color palette “generator” programs are out there … but I do know that they exist. If anyone would like to leave a comment telling us what you’ve used that others might benefit from, please do!

Thank you, Tara for sending us Devon and David’s wedding. We LOVE the chic white couches paired with the perfect touches of natural Vermont charm!

‘First Look’ from Daria Bishop Photography

We are so excited about today’s Real Wedding! It’s kind of a double-hitter from our Little Black Book …

Daria and Andy Bishop have been so good to us by sending lots of real Style Me Pretty “style” weddings. You’re going to be seeing lots more from them here on the LBB blog!! But, we’d be remiss if we didn’t start off with their photos from Amanda & Jeff’s wedding. Amanda and Jeff Herzberger of Orchard Cove Photography had their own gorgeous wedding this past July at Shelburne Farms, Vermont.  And when one great photographer weds, who does she ask to capture her special day? Why, another Little Black Book member, of course. Enter, Daria Bishop Photography!

Amanda and Jeff’s first look photographs …

First Look Photos From Daria Bishop Photography

Seeing this hug … well, I honestly can’t imagine a more magical moment …

Jeff and Amanda Daria Bishop Photography Hug

First looks … to see each other on this momentous day, before that walk down the aisle …

Now, you know that one of the questions you too will face when planning your wedding photography is whether you do (or don’t) want to have that first look alone. Seeing each other before the wedding is a hot topic. Some couples are vehemently opposed to it while others have now started thinking, hmmmm, well, maybe…?

Before you decide, talk to your photographer and really listen to the pros and cons. Talk to other couples who have taken the high road and decided to experience this moment privately. I seriously doubt that you will find many, if any, who wish they hadn’t.

And now, more from Amanda and Jeff’s wedding …

Amanda & Jeff's Wedding Day At Shelburne Farms Vermont

I love the shades of blue they used … such a natural pop of color. And the Vermont countryside … wow!

Talk about a pop of color. How much better does it get than beside a red barn?

Shelburne Farms Red Barn Jeff and Amanda

It just looks like a wonderful location, time of year … lovely people … everything a wedding should be!

Amanda Jeff Strider Daria Bishop Shelburne Farms

Congratulations to Amanda and Jeff from all of us at Style Me Pretty!

{to see the full gallery, click here!}

And a huge thank-you to Daria and Andy Bishop, today’s Little Black Book featured photographers. Your passion for wedding photography is soooooo evident in your work !

Visit their website and blog to see tons of weddings with tons of special details that will truly inspire you.

Amanda wrote a tremendous post about the “first look” photography decision on her blog at Orchard Cove Photography. If you are on the fence … at all … you really need to read it!



Vermont Wedding From Orchard Cove: Adrienne and Justin

Amanda Herzberger at Orchard Cove Photography has sent us some pretty amazing weddings, but this one is filled to over-flowing with such special touches … you are going to be enormously delighted! From the Vermont setting, the table decor, the fun family traditions, the bird motif, and the candy buffet … there’s a lot to see!

Orchard Cove Vermont Round Barn Wedding Adrienne Justin

Adrienne and Justin were married in October. The afternoon Catholic ceremony was held in Waterbury, Vemont. The reception followed at the historic Round Barn Farm in Waitsfield.

Adrienne Justin Orchard Cove Church Veil Christos Wedding Dress

Adrienne’s dress is by Christos. Isn’t the detailing stunning?

As guests arrived, little bells were handed out to the guests to use in Adrienne and Justin’s send-off (or so they thought!).  Much to the couple’s surprise, and thanks to her clever mom, their first kiss was rewarded by the sound of tinkling bells throughout the church. Adrienne says it’s a sound she will always remember with great joy! So cute!

Vermont Wedding October Fall Foliage Round Barn Farm Inn

What beautiful colors { … and the look on that calf’s face made me bust out laughing} !

Now, on to the reception … and this is where the details get truly amazing …

from Adrienne:  As a child, I was always really into the idea of an enchanted forest and “The Secret Garden”.  When our wedding planning started, I immediately knew that I wanted the reception to have a woodsy feel and the barn was an ideal setting. When the guests first entered the barn there was a big old wagon that presented us with the perfect opportunity to wow them.  I had our florists cover the wagon  with moss and grass that they had grown in their studio. Our escort “cards” were stuck into the grass to look like wooden flower markers. In addition to the floral arrangements that were made, the florists actually dug up tree saplings from the woods and fastened them to the beams.  They also hung lanterns that I purchased at Ikea onto the branches. It really created the perfect first impression and set the rustic, foresty tone I had dreamed of …

Round Barn Farm Wedding From Orchard Cove Photography Adrienne Justin

I wanted the centerpieces to look as if they were just growing out of tree stumps. The tall centerpieces consisted of white orchids mixed with manzanita branches and curly willow set into a vase wrapped with birch bark and topped with moss. The shorter centerpieces had the same birch wrapped vases with moss and ferns, roses, lisianthus, and ranunculus. We had candles in mosaic glass throughout the room and on the tables.  My mother tirelessly worked on the table numbers which consisted of wooden stands that she covered with moss and small birds nests.  The actual numbers were spray-painted and stuck into the nests.  We also included mini mushrooms that I had purchased online.  To top off the table settings, my mother found gold bird salt and pepper shakers which were absolutely adorable.  For table runners we purchased light sage brocade curtains that we had found online (on sale – love it!) and my grandmother cut and sewed them into runners.   We echoed the foresty feel in our wedding cake as well which was made to look like birch bark with flowers and ferns and two finches.  And again, our candy bar was covered with moss and signs made to look like flower markers, and mini mushrooms...

Orchard Cove Cake Reception Round Barn Farm Vermont

We’ve shown you some pretty great candy buffets on Style Me Pretty … but this is one of the best we’ve seen! If you’re going to do candy … this is the way to do it!

Candy Buffet Round Barn Farm Orchard Cove Adrienne Justin

To back-track just a bit … Adrienne’s family was full of surprises!

from Adrienne … Right before the cocktail hour ended, my family decided to spring a few more surprises on us.  I am originally from Germany but moved to the States when I was a child.  Aside from my parents and brother 90% of our immediate family still lives in Germany.  I was fortunate that a good number of my family was able to come to the weddig.  And with them they brought some German traditions that I had no idea we were going to partake in.  First up was the tradition of cutting a log. The log represents the first obstacle that the couple must overcome in their marriage.  The couple then demonstrates their ability to work together and overcome the obstacle by sawing through the log.  The next tradition was cutting out a big heart drawn on a sheet which also had pictures of us all over it.  Cutting out the heart and then having the groom carry the bride through the opening of the sheet is the German equivalent to carrying the bride over the threshold.  Lastly, we released a cluster of balloons into the air with blessings and good wishes from our family and friends.

German traditions log sawing stepping through sheet balloon send-off

This wedding from Orchard Cove Photography embodies the spirit of Style Me Pretty! Your Wedding–Your Way–Your Style!!  So much of Adrienne & Justin’s wedding was a family effort. So many so-so-special touches that will live on in their hearts forever.

We can’t leave you without a final parting shot of Adrienne’s SMP’s-LBBB’s-now-famous-wedding-shoe-shot (first featured here on the LIttle Black Book Blog).

Adrienne's Fabulous Red Wedding Shoes

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Adrienne for supplying all of the fascinating details about your dream wedding … and to Amanda at Orchard Cove Photography for sending us these fabulous fotos!

Additional credits: Eileen Broderick Photography (photography assistance),  The Blue Toad (fabulous florals), Cooking From The Heart (Catering from Round Barn Farm), Irene’s Cakes By Design, Attire by J.Crew and Ann Taylor Celebrations, DJ: BTE Entertainment.

{to see the full gallery, click here!}

For another of Orchard Cove’s fun-filled (DIY) weddings, take a look at Ben and Hedda’s Fourth of July Long Island Wedding.

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
Fourth Of July Weekend Wedding on Long Island

Amanda at Orchard Cove Photography sent us several fun weddings from this past summer, and it was SO hard to choose just one to show you on today’s Little Black Book Blog. (I even resorted to asking her to help us choose!) But, as any great photographer would  say … she couldn’t! There is just no way to choose a favorite when you’re blessed to be in this industry that is filled with so many unique couples with such great personalities. So, we’ll just have to keep the other weddings for a later date … and urge you to visit Amanda’s website and blog to feast your eyes upon so many more creative weddings and detail shots.

Today’s LBB Real Wedding: Ben and Hedda, Greenport, NY in July 2008: from the bride … Ben and I were married on the North Fork of Long Island.  We wanted a Fourth of July weekend-wedding where our friends and family would feel relaxed and happy. Our wedding was small, about 80 people, no bridesmaids or groomsmen.

Orchard Cove Photography North Fork Long Island

We picked sunflowers … this was the first and easiest starting point. The sunflower is simple, but brilliant. Our friend, Sarah, did an amazing job with the flowers!

North Fork Long Island New York Orchard Cove Sunflowers

Our invitation invited our guests to join us “on the lawn”.
Outdoor Wedding Sunflowers Orchard Cove New York North Fork

Coliseum Catering specializes in Fourth of July BBQs, and we served huge ice cream sandwiches for dessert. They’re Biggy Iggy and Chewie Louies! Ben and I discovered them in New Hampshire and have deemed them the most amazing ice cream cookies EVER. We also had a fabulous local “Newgrass” band, Astrograss.

Casual Long Island North Fork Fourth of July Wedding

Our wedding goal was to simplify….. I think we pulled it off!

Well, Hedda and Ben may have simplified, but I can’t imagine a more beautiful wedding.

Amanda, a Connecticut and Vermont based photographer, traveled to Long Island to photograph Ben & Hedda’s wedding.  Thanks Amanda for sharing their special memories with us.

{to see the full gallery, click here!}