We were so blessed to have with us the wonderfully talented and oh so dear to us Mikel Healey to capture our memories. Mikel and her husband Jeff, who played piano before and during the ceremony, flew out from Santa Monica to attend and share their talents with our guests. Mikel is a brilliant photographer based out of Los Angeles, and I am so thankful that she was able to share her expertise with us. These pictures speak for themselves - she is a genius. Mikel learned everyone's names, all 30 or so of them, within 24 hours of meeting everyone. She has a way of making everyone feel loved and comfortable, and I loved watching her notice all of the artistic opportunity around her, "Oh do you see that texture underneath the train car? It's incredible" or "Oh Annie, stand RIGHT there. Right there, this is incredible - it's dark behind you, but the light.. just, wow!" She's a true pro.
When I tried my dress on at the boutique, I was instantly reminded of Grace Kelly's dress from High Society, one of my favorite movies, and I knew I had to have it. From there, I took the 50's classic glamour/Dior route with my hair and makeup. I sat down in the chair at the parlour and told my stylist Jordan (who has been my hair stylist for over 7 years; she, ironically enough, did my hair for the prom Spencer took me to, back when she was just starting out) that I wanted Mad Men hair. She created the perfect mixture of 50's classic with 60's volume, and it was exactly what I had envisioned. Thanks, Jordan!
For a unique take on the guestbook, Spencer and I decided to use one of our favorite cookbooks from the gorgeous California restaurant, Big Sur Bakery. Our guests could choose a page or photo to sign, and now when we look through to find a recipe, we'll be reminded of everyone who shared with us on that day.
Grandpa arrives!
Mimi the kitten! Glamorous, as usual.
Joel and Lori Freeman, artist duo extraordinaire. Lori is an incredible painter and graphic artist, and her bridesmaids skills are pretty top knotch. Her husband Joel is an up and coming photographer in Denver, and he is the man behind the greatness that are our engagement photos. You guys rock!
Spencer, reading the letter I wrote him.
Caitlin, one of my best friends from college, did my makeup for the event. She helped in more ways that I can count. Back in Massachusetts, she is a wedding coordinator and without her, we pretty much wouldn't have been able to have as much organization or efficient execution as we did. Spencer and I did not hire a wedding planner (if we could go back, I would in a heartbeat), so she filled in when she got out here. Her weddings have been featured on OnceWed, so needless to say, her expertise helped give our wedding the creative edge that we were looking for.
My dress is the Gobi by Watters. I found it at a darling boutique in Denver called Anna Be. Like I said, the cut of the bodice reminded me so much of the actresses from the Golden Age of MGM-type movies that I used to watch with my sister when we were kids, and the full skirt is so feminine, I just ate it all up.
When I first put it on, I had this series of flash backs: to my dad, walking me through the doors of the Carlisle in New York City when I was 12, going to see Bobby Short play; to my sister and me in Santa Monica, riding bikes on the beach path; to the elegant fundraisers, "jazz parties" as we used to call them, my mom and dad used to host at our home; to Jeff (Mikel's husband) playing our Bluthner grand piano into the night while my sister and I slept, our childhood dog Bessie sitting by his side, never leaving until the last note of jazz was played. The dress reminded me of my family and our home, of our love of film and music and art, and our love for each other. To me, this dress honored the family that is with me now, and those that have passed on. I love this dress.
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The Bride:
Dress: Watters
Shoes: Sofft
Earrings: Anthropologie
Veil: Sara Gabriel
Makeup: H.I.P eyeliner, Tarte lip stain, Makeup Forever lip liner, Makeup Forever liquid foundation.
The Groom:
Suit: J.Crew
Shirt and Tie: Brooks Brothers
Our Love Story: Part 3
How do the flowers attach to the back of your dress. I am in love with this dress, but it is out of my budget so I am trying to re-create it. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteHey there! The flowers were attached via a safety pin, really as simple as that. Since the fabric was a heavier taffeta, it didn't show pin marks as easily. Hope that helps! Congrats on your engagement!
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