GSS Featured Wedding :: Holly and Jake’s Military Wedding :: Courtney Ellis Photography

December 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

We were thrilled to see Holly and Jake’s Military wedding via Two Bright Lights from Courtney Ellis. The Church is beyond stunning and it looks like a dream setting for their Roman Catholic Nuptials. Courtney shared a few words about the coupe and the wedding..

Holly and her husband Jake (a captain in the USMC) were the most adorable couple ever! Their beautiful October military wedding was in the gorgeous and historic Saint James Catholic Church (You have got to see the pictures of this church!), followed by portraits in downtown Louisville, KY. The reception was at the Louisville Science Center, Louisville’s very awesome science museum.

Seriously….can you believe this Church?? Its amazing. The couple looked as though they had a fantastic time and we adored this wedding! Thanks for sharing Courtney!

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GSS’s Things We LOVE :: Innovative Wedding Reception Decor Idea :: Parachute Ceiling

December 1, 2011 By 1 Comment

As you may know, we’re obesessed with Etsy- You can find ANYTHING there!  But now that we’ve been introduced to Pinterest, we’re equally obsessed.  If you haven’t been on Pinterest, you have to check it out.  (Oooh ooh, and you can follow us on Pinterest by clicking here!) But be warned- you will spend hours upon hours on there!  While doing some pinning, we came across this amazing idea of using a parachute for the ceiling of your reception.  SO COOL!  And the best part is that it only cost $35 to rent.  You heard us, $35!  But the bad news is that there isn’t necessarily a place that rents parachutes for things like this (At least not to our knowledge)…  It didn’t come from a party or event rental place.  The venue that the couple rented for their wedding owns the parachute and they rent out items a la carte style- such as the parachute.  If you want to find out more about this venue or this couple’s particular wedding- you can go to the bride’s blog (100 Days to plan a wedding).  She has some amazing tips and tricks to plan a budget friendly wedding. Oh, and here’s her suggestion for getting your hands on a parachute for your wedding or event in your area: “You might try and see if your local Armory or Air National Guard have “retired” parachutes in storage you could rent or borrow.  They hung the parachute with string on each line of the “chute” The venue was a gym before it was transformed into a wedding reception venue!”

Photography Credit: Matthew Michael Photo

 

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GSS Featured Wedding :: Jennifer & Brian’s California Vineyard Wedding :: Three Nails Photography

November 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Happy Hump Day, Lovelies!!!  Today’s featured wedding comes from Hunter and Brittney Leone of Three Nails Photography.  They are a Shreveport, Louisiana based husband and wife wedding photography team.  Hunter and Brittney have been more than accommodating to GSS on this feature.  Thank you!  Jennifer and Brian were married at Lago Giuseppe Winery in Templeton, California on June 11, 2011.  Jennifer was kind enough to answer a few questions for us:

How did you and your  husband meet?  At business school.

How long have you been together?  5 years

How did Brian propose?  Brian proposed on a rainy day on the pier at Nick’s Cove– an adorable oyster shack on the coast near San Francisco. 

What sold you on your wedding venue?  When we visited Lago Giuseppe, we knew it was the place for us. We love the central coast of California and the venue is simply beautiful, with wispy oak trees and a private lake.  We also loved the fact that the venue is family owned and run. Joe and his family were warm, accommodating, and extremely easy to work with. They didn’t have strict, limiting rules like most wineries in Napa or Sonoma. They allowed us to make our wedding into what we wanted and not something that had to fit in a package.

Your dresses are gorgeous, where did you get them and how did you know they were “the ones”?  My wedding dress is from Vera Wang. I loved the layers and the romantic feel to the dress. It was also not your typical wedding dress.  My 2nd dress is from BHLDN. I loved it because it was fun, comfortable, a bit bohemian, and it still looked like a wedding dress.

What was your “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue”?  I actually didn’t follow this tradition.

How did you choose your wedding color palette? I wanted something soft, a bit rustic, and something that complemented the outdoor setting.

Do you have any advice for bride and grooms that are in the planning process?

1.Unless you have unlimited time on your hands, try to limit the DIY projects to just a few things that you’d like to really personalize.  With all the amazing DIY weddings you see online nowadays, it’s easy to let your creative juices run wild. But there’s only so much time for everything.

2. Set realistic expectations on the level of your fiancé’s involvement — some guys will want to have a say in everything and some will want to just show up on the day of the wedding. If the former, let him have a say. It’s his wedding as much as yours.  Perhaps decide what’s most important for each of you and let each have ownership of those things.  If the latter, know who you’re marrying and accept that. This will save a lot of fighting, disappointment and resentful feelings. Having full carte blanche isn’t necessarily the worst thing. It could even make the deciding process easier. Just make sure to get enough support from others so you’re not taking the full burden of managing everything.

3. Try to get everything done a week before the wedding so that you’re not completely stressed out or sleep deprived the days leading up to your wedding day. You could end up getting sick, breaking out, or just simply exhausted and grumpy.

What song did you dance to for your first dance?  Somewhere Beyond the Sea by Frank Sinatra.

What was your favorite part of your big day?  My favorite moment of the wedding was when Brian gave his speech at the reception.  He secretly planned to give his speech to my mom in Korean, as my mother doesn’t speak English very well.  Reaching out to one of my Korean friends to have it translated, he had planned to surprise the both of us. Though I unfortunately found the translation on the dining room table two days before the wedding, the thought and effort he put into it will never be forgotten.  His mispronunciations made the moment that much more adorable and the look on my mom’s face told me that this gesture meant the world to her. 

 

Vendors: 

Venue: Lago Giuseppe

Dress: Vera Wang and BHLDN

Wedding Cake: Sarah Lagrotteria of Apples and Onions; Other cakes and desserts: Madonna Inn, Lette Macarons

Floral: April Flowers (bouquets and boutonnieres), Skyline Flowers (DIY)

Linens:  Elite Events Party Rentals

Catering: La Donna Dolce

DJ/Band: We played our own playlist

Videographer: Chad Clough

Invitations/Wedding Stationery: (all DIY) Re Jin Lee and Me

Event Design & Styling: Re Jin Lee and Me

Thank you so much, Hunter & Brittney, for sharing this amazing wedding with us!  Please stop by Three Nails Photography’s website and show them some love!  And thank you, Jennifer, for taking your time to answer our questions!  We wish you and Brian a lifetime full of love, laughter, and happiness!!!  May every day be better than the last!

If you have an engagement, wedding, day after, or anniversary session that you would like featured- Please send it to us at submissions@groomsoldseparately.com.  We HEART submissions!

 

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GSS Featured Session :: Cassie & Travis’ Jackson County Fair Session :: Chelsea Brown Photography

November 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Mad Men inspired session at the fair? Yes, please!!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the US…Happy Thanksgiving to all of our wonderful readers. Give thanks, hugs and lots of love. Today’s feature comes to us via Two Bright Lights from Chelsea Brown Photography. Chelsea held a contest for an engagement session and the winners were nothing short of awesome! We just love these fun-filled engagement portraits and are so thrilled to share it with you. Cassie and Travis you are adorable!

:: A little from Chelsea ::

I sent out a request through my business Facebook for a couple that would be interested in an engagement session at the county fair. I had a couple requests for styling, but I pretty much left it up to Cassie and Travis. Cassie came up with the look herself and I couldn’t be more pleased! We decided it was “Mad Men” inspired with some modern twists.

Thank you so much, Chelsea for sending us such great portraits to share with our readers. Cassie and Travis, we wish you a lifetime full of love and laughter and may each day be better than the last!

If you have an engagement, wedding, day after, or anniversary session that you would like featured- Please send it to us at submissions@groomsoldseparately.com.  We HEART submissions!

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GSS Fun Finds :: Winter Wedding Attire :: Ideas to Keep You Fashionable and WARM!

November 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Its getting cold out and you have a winter wedding rapidly approaching. We have a few trends and inspiration items to get you through the colder temperatures. Lets face it – most wedding dress designs are sleeveless, strapless and lets get real .. not winter friendly. So why not put a shawl, wrap, bolero on to cover your shoulders and keep you warm and fashionable at the same time. We found a great store on Etsy that has several to choose from. Check out Alex Bridal and find lots of solutions to keep your shoulders from shivering.

You had your eye on that keyhole back dress and decided to pass? Now you can have the best of both worlds and split this keyhole back bolero over that stunning strapless gown of yours! Love this!! Sensible and fashionable.

Stay warm this season and don’t skimp on being fashionable at the same time.

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GSS Weekly Recap :: Weddings Revisited

November 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

This week we covered a great wedding trend, brought you a stunning inspiration board and a fabulous California wedding. The weather has a chill in the air and for some states the wedding season is coming to a close. Brides and grooms that are newly engaged or planning an engagement soon, we thank you for visiting our site for all things wedding. Finding inspiration and great wedding trends is just a few clicks away.

GSS Featured Wedding :: Liz & Nathan’s Botanical Garden Wedding :: Gabriel Harber Photography

Happy Hump Day, Lovelies!!!  Today’s featured wedding comes from Gabriel of Gabriel Harber Photography. He is a Oakland/San Fransisco, California based wedding photographer.  Gabriel has been more than accommodating to GSS on this feature.  Thank you!  Liz and Nathan were married at University of California Botanical Garden at Berkley, California on July 31, 2011.  Liz was kind enough to answer a few questions for us:  (Side Note:  I have to say that Liz has some of the most … [Read More...]

GSS Wedding Inspiration Board :: Nude & Blush :: A Neutral Wedding

Over the past year, there has been a rise in the trend of having an almost completely neutral wedding color palette.    We are totally on board with this trend as it makes for a very romantic and vintage feel.  But if you think a totally neutral palette is a little bland, you can add in a little color.  We chose to add in the color Blush.  It’s so soft and subtle and compliments the neutral colors so perfectly.  Mix these colors together and you’ve got yourself a gorgeous color … [Read More...]

GSS Wedding Trend :: Bridal Cuffs!

Accessorizing a clean, effortless wedding dress with a statement necklace has been a popular trend this year.  But if you’re not a necklace-wearing type of bride, maybe you’d be interested in jazzing up your wedding day look with some bridal cuffs instead.  We’ve found some gorgeous options for your viewing pleasure.  Etsy has a plethora of bridal cuff options and Johanna Johnson has some designs that will knock your socks off too.  But just keep in mind, if your dress has elaborate … [Read More...]

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GSS Wedding Trend :: Bridal Cuffs!

November 17, 2011 By 1 Comment

Accessorizing a clean, effortless wedding dress with a statement necklace has been a popular trend this year.  But if you’re not a necklace-wearing type of bride, maybe you’d be interested in jazzing up your wedding day look with some bridal cuffs instead.  We’ve found some gorgeous options for your viewing pleasure.  Etsy has a plethora of bridal cuff options and Johanna Johnson has some designs that will knock your socks off too.  But just keep in mind, if your dress has elaborate detailing or a busy top-  You may want to go easy on the accessories.  Bold accessories could overwhelm your look.  Sometimes less really is more!

Above Bridal Cuffs via Johanna Johnson

Above Bridal Cuffs via (Left to Right, Top to Bottom):  Doloris Petunia, Doloris Petunia, SparkleSM, SparkleSM & Sparkle SM

Above Bridal Cuffs via BCGirls

 

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GSS Featured Wedding :: Liz & Nathan’s Botanical Garden Wedding :: Gabriel Harber Photography

November 16, 2011 By 1 Comment

Happy Hump Day, Lovelies!!!  Today’s featured wedding comes from Gabriel of Gabriel Harber Photography. He is a Oakland/San Fransisco, California based wedding photographer.  Gabriel has been more than accommodating to GSS on this feature.  Thank you!  Liz and Nathan were married at University of California Botanical Garden at Berkley, California on July 31, 2011.  Liz was kind enough to answer a few questions for us:  (Side Note:  I have to say that Liz has some of the most touching, sincere and wise answers to our questions.  Please make sure that you take the time to reader her answers and not just skip past them while looking at their beautiful images.  They are so worthwhile and insightful!)

How did you and Nathan meet? The old-fashioned way… in a bar on the dance floor! 

How long have you been together? Couple years?  5 maybe? 

How did Nathan propose? On one knee, after making me a perfect cup of coffee and homemade heart-shaped waffles.  He said all sorts of beautiful sweet things that I wish I recorded because I honestly can’t remember them… but there were some happy tears and a loud yes.  And a stunning ring.  I call it my free range rock, since it is a conflict-free diamond from Brilliant Earth.  Hopefully our marriage will be equally conflict-free and we will continue to make choices together that support happiness and health for all people. 

What sold you on your wedding venue? Nathan loves redwoods, and Mather Grove just has this really sacred feel.  We had the ceremony there and the reception at the Claremont Hotel.  We went from rustic nature to old world glamor, but it felt very local and special to us… and was simple for our guests. 

Your dress is gorgeous, where did you get it and how did you know it was “the one”?  The dress is Nicole Miller and it is from an awesome boutique on Park Street called ZOE Couture.  I knew it was the one when it fit and the salesgirl told me it was included in the half off sale!   

What was your “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue”? I didn’t really do this – I wore my Nana’s crystal necklace – that was old and reminded me of her, which reminds me of love.  But the borrowed item did not fit, and the blue item just did not happen… although I guess my bridesmaids wore blue… I think this was one tradition I just skipped.  I also skipped the bouquet toss – trust me ladies, your single friends really hate that event. 

How did you choose your wedding color palette?  Navy looks good on everyone, and green is fun.  

If you love Liz’s Navy and Green wedding color palette, be sure to check out our Navy and Apple Green Inspiration board!

Do you have any advice for bride and grooms that are in the planning process? Talk to each other about what is important.  This is an expensive event, even if you try to be frugal, and so you want to spend on what matters. For us, we spent money on the photography and the food.  We saved by having it on a Sunday and going with a hotel for the reception… and we saved a lot on flowers and decorations.  I made the favors.  Instead of a rehearsal dinner, we had a street party with a taco truck caterer. Instead of having 150 people, we had around 75 and were able to afford the event we wanted.  I know everyone says this is your day and so do what you want, and that is true, but I also think that you do want to consider the needs and comfort of your guests.  Don’t read too many wedding magazines. You can get some great ideas, but you can also set some unrealistic expectations if you are not careful and start buying wacky stuff. Cute as they are, your guests really don’t need coordinating parasols and flip flops.  They are there to celebrate you!  Feed them well and make sure they have drinks and lots of fun. 

What song did you dance to for your first dance? “Home” by OK Sweetheart, a Texas band.  We saw them live a few years ago at an after show at Austin City Limits and we loved them.  The lyrics are spot on… “where ever you go, I’ll go, knowing one day I’ll be calling it home.”  I moved a lot when I was younger, and I didn’t realize until I fell in love with Nathan that I have not felt “home” for a long, long time.  I have this overwhelming sense of belonging where I am when I am with him. We now have a beautiful home together…and I know we always will, no matter where we go!  

What was your favorite part of your big day? Every single moment was incredible.  Seeing how happy my husband was and how much fun he had was awesome. The toasts by our family and friends were so touching, and everything was just right. 

Venue:  Mather Grove , UC Botanical Garden (ceremony) and The Claremont (reception) 

Dress: Nicole Miller 

Cake: Katrina Rozelle in Oakland, plus a grooms cake from FeelGood Bakery 

Floral: Sarai from the Berkeley Farmer’s Market 

Linens:  The Claremont

Catering: The Claremont 

DJ/Band: The best!!!  DJ Jeremy 

Videographer: No thanks!  Pictures are plenty. 

Invitations/Wedding Stationery: Made my own, bought paper at Target, bought custom stamps from Etsy 

Event Planner: Me!

Photographer: The best!  Gabriel Harber 

Thank you so much, Gabriel, for sharing this amazing wedding with us!  Please stop by Gabriel Harber Photography’s website and show him some love!  And thank you, Liz, for taking your time to answer our questions!  We wish you and Nathan a lifetime full of love, laughter, and happiness!!!  May every day be better than the last!

If you have an engagement, wedding, day after, or anniversary session that you would like featured- Please send it to us at submissions@groomsoldseparately.com.  We HEART submissions!

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GSS Weekly Recap :: Weddings Revisited

November 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Happy Veteran’s Day! We would like to thank all the men and women who give their services. This week we brought music to your eyes with a sweet music engagement session, some super cute wedding cake toppers, a beautiful plum and beige wedding board and we are NOW ON PINTEREST! Check out our weekly recap and happy wedding day to all couples giving forever to each other this weekend.

GSS Featured Engagement Session :: Salpy & Anto’s Sweet Music :: Randi Marie Photography

This is not the typical guy meets gal story. Well, it is if you watch the romantic comedies from Hollywood. Randi Marie sent us this gorgeous engagement session via Two Bright Lights and we couldn’t resist. The images played on our heart-strings and we just had to share it with you! Randi Marie, the photographer shares…. These two met with music notes surrounding them… In an upcoming band, he the guitarist and she, the singer. Well, what can I say? They fell madly in love. Their style is … [Read More...]

GSS Wedding Inspiration Board :: Plum and Beige

Happy Monday, Lovelies!!! We hope you enjoyed your weekend!  Check out this beautiful Plum & Beige wedding inspiration board.  It exudes richness, class and glamour.  This wedding color  palette would be amazing for all seasons of the year!  So if you’re thinking about using the color palette of purple and brown(ish) for your wedding, use this palette!   BEAUTIFUL! Plum Wedding Invitations:  Image Courtesy of Strut Photography Plum and Chocolate Wedding Cake:  Wolfgang … [Read More...]

GSS’s Things We LOVE :: Simply Silhouettes Weddings’ Cake Toppers!

Awhile ago we told you about some awesome (not to mention super cute!) handmade wedding cake toppers we found on Etsy. (Click here to see that post!)  Then, we stumbled upon Better Off Wed’s absolutely fabulous personalized shabby chic wedding cake toppers and fell head over heels in L-O-V-E!  And NOW we have found some adorable silhouette wedding cake toppers, made by Simply Silhouette Weddings.  They’ve put a modern twist on the classic silhouette artform and created a collection of … [Read More...]

GSS Now on Pinterest!

Okay, so we joined the masses. We decided this new thing of pinning your favorites like a virtual bulletin board, inspiration board, interest board was too irresistible to pass up. Pinterest, you’re hot!! As a wedding photographer, a lot of my couples have joined pinterest and are pinning their favorites from wedding hair ideas, to DIY wedding favors. They share them with me and I am able to see their fun stuff. Its great! We literally JUST signed up. Our boards are bare, but not for … [Read More...]

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