After finding your dream wedding gown (and possibly falling in love again…), don’t forget about your main squeeze and his entourage. The formality of your gown will easily dictate what your groom and his groomsmen should wear. At MW’s lakefront weddings we have seen different types of attire ranging from formal to semi-formal to casual. There are so many choices for the men to choose from so take care with these details and they will be sure to look amazingly dapper!
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Formal:
The most classic attire is the tuxedo or Black Tie. The tuxedo usually includes a black coat, trousers with stripe on leg seam, white tuxedo shirt, cummerbund, black bow tie, cuff links and black leather dress shoes. For a quirky spin – ‘Creative Black Tie’ – on the traditional tuxedo, replace the black bow tie with a fun color that compliments the color palette of your special day or sport a black shirt for a modern look.
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Photo Courtesy of Ben Chrisman Photography, Dave Getzschman of Ben Chrisman Photography & Jennifer Baciocco Photography - All Merrily Wed Weddings.
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For the utmost formal event, it must be White Tie complete with a white bow tie, vest, possibly jacket with tails and a white tuxedo shirt.
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The most common style that we see at lakefront weddings is semi-formal. Semi-formal usually includes a well-planned suit and tie. This style can be personalized by using a different color suit besides black. Some of the popular suit colors we have seen besides black are: navy blue, charcoal gray, chocolate brown and tan.
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Photos Courtesy of (clockwise) Kate Webber Photography, Lisa Leigh Photography, Mulberry Photography and Jay Reilly Photography. All Merrily Wed Weddings.
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Another fabulous look we love is a “By the Lake” style by combining a navy sportcoat and khaki slacks. This nautical trend is a favorite for many reasons including the adaptability to fit your personal taste.
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Photos Courtesy of (clockwise) Christa Hoffarth Photography, Jennifer Baciocco Photography and Jay Reilly Photography. All Merrily Wed Weddings.
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Don’t forget the details!! All of these semi-formal styles can look great paired with a tie that pulls from your wedding color scheme.
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Kilt:
Another dapper look for those willing enough (and with the legs!) to pull this ensemble off is the kilt. A kilt is a classic Scottish and Celtic garment. It is a knee-length garment that is pleated in the rear and made from wool in a tartan pattern. Many grooms choose to wear a pattern in their family clan’s tartan to represent their Scottish or Celtic culture on their special day. Tradition has it that nothing else is worn underneath the kilt…
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Photos Courtesy of Photography by Monique, Organic Photographs and Ben Chrisman Photography. All Merrily Wed Weddings.
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Semi-Casual:
A semi-casual wedding calls for a more relaxed style. A khaki linen suit or pairing a nice collared silk shirt and slacks are perfect looks for a laid back feel. If it gets chilly during the evening, a sportcoat is a great addition to the shirt/slack combination.
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Photos courtesy by Ben Chrisman Photography. Merrily Wed Wedding.
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Your groom and groomsmen are sure to look as unforgettably stunning as you (well, almost as smashing!) with just a little care in choosing their stylish look.
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Claire and Cole met each other, of all places, in the Reno International Airport. Walking past him, Claire gave him a double look, and not for the obvious reasons, but because of Cole’s certain man accessory. What was the accessory you ask? A fanny pack. A few jokes and banter led to seats together on the plane…
This past August they said their “I Do’s” above the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe. Claire’s color palette was ivories, creams, champagnes and touches of black. Her inspiration for the day was her beautiful Enzoani wedding dress which has a glamourous vintage feel to it with the rouched bodice accented with gorgeous beaded floral rosettes.
She complimented her gown’s style by adding a bronze sash with beaded floral rosettes to her bridesmaids’ black dresses. Cole and his groomsmen sported black suits with the retro addition of black Converse’s on their feet. xxxx
Elements of black lace, black and champagne feathers, antique pearls and sparkling beading were woven throughout the ceremony and the reception. Ivory and champagne feathers graced the black vintage ceremony urns and within Claire’s bridal bouquet. The black feathers also added a striking contrast within the bridesmaids’ bouquets. Black petals carved a “W” in the ivory petal carpeted aisle and the adorable flower girl carried a black basket.
Champagne linen with black lace toppers dressed the cocktail tables, centerpiece vases wore cream lace and black ribbon while black sequined pillows sparkled on the white couches in the lounge area. The center of their super cute dessert buffet was a simple and stunning double tiered wedding cake accessorized with lace and pearl-beaded floral rosettes.
Claire wanted all her guests to sigh and say, “That was so Claire!” at the end of the day and I think we succeeded! In tribute to their fateful first meeting, everyone departed their reception each with their own ‘man bag’ fanny pack! xxxx
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Every engaged couple’s planning regime usually includes an engagement photo session. Over time this has morphed to include wardrobe changes, multiple locations and creative props from dogs to cruiser bikes – all to capture the pair’s true essence. This trend, now an obligation for most, shouldn’t stop here. Why not extend it to visually document the bride’s bonds of friendship with her BFF’s??
This gal photo shoot can be a glorified glam session and the themes, locations and props can vary to match each girlfriend entourage’s personality. How fun would this be??
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Natasha, one of our 2010 summer brides, gathered her bridesmaids for a glam photo session before heading out on the town for her bachelorette party. Result? An ultra modern, stylish and hip way to celebrate the end of ‘bachelorette-hood’. Her sophisticated, high-fashion photos are ridiculously cool and we’re sure they were even more fun to make.
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What a beautiful testament to the gal bonds of friendship a photo shoot is and a sure fire way to jazz up a bachelorette party or bridal shower. What about a snow bunny photo session, après ski, for those who are snow-lovers? A good-ole slumber party shoot with pj’s, pillows and cocktails? Big city, bright lights, high fashion? Beach, sun, and surfboards? Golf clubs, golf carts on the golf course?
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What would you do for your Bridesmaids/BFF’s photo shoot??
Fall is a gorgeous time of the year, the weather is crisp (well, not yet in Tahoe at least), the leaves are changing, and the food of the season is warm and delicious. With Autumn right around the corner we thought we would share some of our favorite seasonal wedding details – edible and otherwise!
Accent your place setting with a miniature bouquet of fresh herbs with your guest’s name attached and create a runner (or centerpiece if using a round table) of gourds, pillars of varying heights and wicker woven baskets filled with nuts, berries and pumpkins or more gourds. Use the colors naturally found in the food and drink you serve your wedding guests to emphasize your autumn color palette… Some inspiration is below!
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On Left - M.W. Wedding. Courtesy of: Catherine Hall Studios and Thomas J. Story
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Colorful Food
Autumn fruits like pomegranate and apples (rich golds, reds and greens) are at their peak of flavor and perfect for picking! Savory appetizers such as Onion and Apple Tarts with Goat Cheese or Green Apple & Cheddar Quesadillas are the perfect precursor to any Fall celebration. Your guests will love a salad entree of Baby Greens with Reduced Orange Vinaigrette, Roasted Beets, Laura Chenel Goat Cheese & Toasted Walnuts. Serving a spicy pumpkin or squash soup in hollowed out gourds at each place setting, not only look chic and current but they add amazing taste too. A side dish of cranberry and walnut risotto goes perfectly with hearty fall proteins. Dishes with beets and other root vegetables are always traditional Fall favorites as well as add color to your plate!
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Courtesy of: My Recipes, Rachelle Bowden, and Lou Seibert Pappas
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Dazzling Drinks
Here are a few of our favorite autumn inspired cocktails which can work as your Signature Drink after your ceremony or a passed round at the beginning of your dinner:
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Courtesy of: All You
Pomegranate Fizz
A few pomegranate seeds
1 shot pomegranate liquor
1 ounce pomegranate juice
A few splashes Champagne
Place a few pomegranate seeds in the bottom of a Champagne glass. Pour pomegranate liquor and pomegranate juice in glass then top with a few splashes of Champagne.
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Courtesy of: Grey Goose Vodka
Pumpkin Divine
1 part Grey Goose La Poire vodka
1 part pumpkin butter
1/2 part triple sec
1/2 part simple syrup
Pinch each of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and ginger grated nutmeg and apple chip for garnish
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Courtesy of: The Nibble
A Taste of Fall
1 1/2 parts Vodka
1 large slice of pomegranate, chopped
1 part apple juice
Dash of simple syrup
Pomegranate seeds to garnish
Muddle together the pomegranate and syrup in a mixing glass or shaker tin.
Add Vodka and juice, and fill with ice.
Shake well, and strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with pomegranate seeds.
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Tempting Desserts
Mini versions of your classic Fall desserts, can add a non-traditional aspect and still be a hit with your guests. We love these scrumptious mini cherry pies from Bakerella, who wouldn’t want one of these? Or these cheesecake filled pumpkins cupcakes are a unique fall-inspired flavor that will keep your guests talking.
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Courtesy of: Bakerella and Stephen Scott Gross
Seasonal Favor
A fave Fall wedding favor is the caramel apple. The options of embellishing this with ribbon, wrap and personalized tags are endless. Not only will the caramel apples be a sweet touch for your guests, they will also look gorgeous individually at each place setting or in groupings on display.
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Courtesy of: Bridal Blog, The Knot and Wedding by Color
In honor of last night’s Harvest Moon along with the fact that today is the first day of Fall, we are inspired by the change of season and are sharing some of our favorite seasonal wedding details for anyone contemplating an autumn wedding!
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Courtesy of: Catherine Hall Studios (left) & Dave Getzschman Photography (right) Photos from Merrily Wed Weddings
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Décor: Fall is a gorgeous time of the year, so embrace the beauty of the season. By selecting rich autumn colors for your wedding color palette, you instantly create a cozy and warm aura. Some of the colors we love for this time of year are burgundy, plum, chocolate brown, deep red, burnt orange, moss green and a golden yellow. Metallic accents of gold, bronze, or copper add a touch of richness and finish many looks perfectly.
The colors below in this stunning 2010 Merrily Wed wedding captures Fall’s essence.
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Courtesy of: Lisa Leigh Photography - Photos from a Merrily Wed Wedding
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Centerpiece: You have many colorful options for your centerpiece from traditional florals to objects from nature’s autumn harvest. Selecting one or even combining the looks will work and don’t forget to add texture! Several gorgeous natural choices for centerpieces include gourds, pumpkins, squash, pears, apples, cranberries, wheat, acorns, etc.
If you want a more traditional centerpiece you can use fall-toned flowers. Flowers that are great for Fall weddings include: hydrangeas, calla lilies, dahlias, mums, roses and sunflowers. For non-floral accents – hypericum berries, fiddlehead ferns and wooly lamb’s ear leaves (one of our estates grows these all summer long – they are sooooo soft!!).
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Courtesy of: T&J Studios, Bibiana Heymann and Lisa Leigh Photography
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Don’t forget about WHAT your arrangement may go in – choose copper tins, antique urns or wooden vessels of almost any shape. Potted plants in terra cotta containers – plain or embellished are another idea. Birch wrapped containers and moss accents work well too or if you opt for a clear vase, wrap the interior with leaves or twine; or place nuts or berries around the base of the stems to give more texture to your centerpiece. Include these details around your pillars and you have a fluid Fall look.
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Design Trend: Monochromatic color palettes are very hot this Fall. Select 2-3 different types of flowers to add a little texture and visual interest.
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Wedding Cake: Carry over elements from your centerpiece to your wedding cake. Succulent plants and twigs are very stylish choice and add a natural touch. They also mix will with floral blooms – not only for your wedding cake but for your tablescape too! Other non-floral accents including miniature pine-cones can be matched with baby roses in seasonal colors.
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Right Cake from a Merrily Wed Wedding - Photo Courtesy of: Catherine Hall Studios (Right)
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We are setting a bountiful table with scrumptious details for not only your eyes but for your taste buds too! Our Fall Inspiration Part II will be posting soon…
To trend away from the elaborate and sometimes expensive guest favor, here are a few practical, tasteful, and certainly yummy, edible ideas. We couldn’t help but turn to a few of our favorite things – food & drink!
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Cupcake in a Jar:
This new twist on the “dessert in a jar” favor is not only beautiful BUT delicious too. We couldn’t resist and don’t think your guests will either. The cupcake in a jar makes it easy for your guests to take for later without squishing it but they probably aren’t going to go too far before indulging… These mini-desserts are baked in a variety of flavors and colors – more reasons to eat more than one!
Feeling DIY? Look at the tutorial from Cakies to see how these scrumptious favors are made.
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Courtesy of: Cakies
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Personalized Treats:
There are many different sweets that can be personalized like these fun and quirky flavors of Jones sodas. Choose from a range of vibrant colors that they are offered in, they can match any wedding color scheme. The retro bottle can be personalized with pictures of you with your honey and given to your guests to enjoy, not only at the reception, but to take home with them (if they last!).
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Courtesy of: Erin Browne
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Chocolate Treats:
Ahhh chocolate – we must mention the huge-crowd-pleaser chocolate! From personalizing your favorite chocolate bar with a custom wrapper and message (we can spend hours choosing the right label) to a complete chocolate dessert bar, the options are endless here as well as the price. Use labels, font color and ribbon to compliment your décor perfectly and you will have not only a tasty but gorgeous display for your guests like this candy bar from one of our MW weddings.
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Merrily Wed Wedding - Photo Courtesy of Ben Chrisman Photography
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Fresh Fruit:
Using fresh fruit as your favor is not only beautiful but it is also a sustainable option. Besides being healthy and a “green” favor, fruit can serve many purposes at your reception from a decor accent to actually doubling as your escort card by attaching your guest’s name to each piece of fruit. The fruit you choose will ideally be locally grown, in season as well as compliment your color palette. The granny smith apples below went perfectly with the spring green and cream color scheme at this MW wedding.
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Merrily Wed Wedding - Photo Courtesy of Ben Chrisman Photography
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Keep in mind what tempts your own taste buds when considering the perfect edible favor for your wedding. You will choose something that when all is said and done, your guests will love and leave with their bellies full!
