{Real Wedding Round Up} Epic Themes: Mad Hatter | Vintage Carnival | 1940's Safari

One thing we really push here at de Lovely Affair is the idea that YOUR wedding should be completely yours; a total reflection of your personality as a couple, your likes, passions, inspirations  This is one day out of thousands that will be all yours....so take it by the horns. I like to say, Be Epic. With this is mind, here are my top choices for this Real Wedding Out of the Box Round Up.

Bich & Justin's Culture-Mixing Mad Hatter wedding
Original post found on Offbeat Bride  - Thank yous all around for letting us share this wedding!

Take mini tops hats, a traditional Vietnamese Tea Ceremony, an Australian backyard, a Mad Hatterish theme and a Yoda pinata and you have a fabulously unique and incredibly personal wedding day, designed specifically and solely for the pleasure of this bride and groom....and maybe a little bit for the guests too. My favorite piece of advice from Bich: Take a chill pill and remember that NOTHING is important other than you and your life partner getting married on your wedding day.

Vietnamese Tea Ceremony

Photo Credit: Kwintowski Photography

You really don't wanna miss the rest of Bich and Justin's story and their photo gallery! Hats off to our first Real Wedding - a perfect choice to be featured on dLA, a little culture, a little international, a little bit a...a whole lota personality!

Lauren and Joe’s Vintage Carnival Wedding
Original post found on Green Wedding Shoes

Absolutely ADORE this super fun, well designed, recycled/vintage wedding that is so full of personality,  it is bursting at the seams. Captured by Paige Newton, bride Lauren is a handcrafting and thrift store maven. She says, "I’ve always loved making things by hand so my mom and I (with the help of a few others) took on the laborious task of making nearly 1,000 feet of bunting from vintage fabric that I collected from various estate and yard sales.” A marriage celebration with eco-friendly intention, the couple gathered as many recycled/vintage items as possible to avoid buying anything new. In the end, their goal to just be FUN made all the difference in a day they lovingly designed just for them.

Check out the rest of their photo gallery and DIY story. I love the originality and passion of pursuing a unique vision...I guess there is a reason they are in the dLA Round Up!

Laura & Parker's Safari Themed Forest Wedding
Original post found on 100 Layer Cake

"I Married Adventure" is the 1940's book that served as the primary inspiration for this super sweet safari themed wedding.  The couple was honeymooning in an exotic location and wanted to incorporate that into their actual wedding...the book covering the African adventures of Martin and Osa Johnson seemed a great place to start. Captured by onelove photography, this wedding has all the making of originality, personality and well...an epic wedding adventure.

You can check out the rest of their story and all their online photos over at 100 Layer Cake. Sometimes the best inspiration can be found in the paper pages of a book...yes a real book! :)

Hope you enjoyed this Real Wedding Round Up, Epic Style. Do you have a suggestion for our Round Up installments? We'd love to hear your suggestions!

Good with the good stuff!

{Real Wedding Round Up} Something Old In Italy Rustic DIY in Australia | Colorific in Mexico

Dang, I have serious wedding envy! This wedding season is simply exploding with some of the most gorgeous, unique, personal celebrations I have seen in a long time. Brides are putting their DIY skills to the test, taking on the vintage, rustic, shabby chic wedding challenge with ease. In today's Real Wedding Round Up, we are going international, Italy, Australia, Mexico, to see what deliciousness brides are conjuring up...I hope these Oh la la, bellisimo and muy bonita Real Weddings provide you with the perfect inspiration for your big day.  On top of that, hello awesome blogs, The Frosted Petticoat, Style Me Pretty and Green Wedding Shoes - remember a Round Up is profiling the Best of the Best!

Michelle and Spencer's Italian Wedding

First stop, something very old from The Frosted Petticoat who brings us the vintage, old country wedding of Michelle and Spencer. Complete with an ancient church and 1920's inspired wedding dress, I'm not sure how much more perfect and personal you can get. You have GOT to see her stunning dress.  This intimate celebration was captured by wedding photographer Rosapaola Lucibelli.

For the rest of the story and photo gallery, head over to The Frosted Petticoat and remember to give her some blog love! I seriously LOVE this blog, from its chocolaty whimsy right down to its Unlikely Pairings wedding boards! A must check out!  

Caitlin and Steve, Rustic Wedding in Australia

Pretty perfect pinwheels were the decor of the day at the rustic Australian wedding of Caitlin and Steve, featured over on Green Wedding Shoes. The bride went DIY with Mom and maids in tow adding just the right amount of color, personality and fun! I adore the burlap reception decor, the cheery color choices and flower petal cones for a memorable exit. Their tablescapes were simple, clean and green, with recycled bottles as centerpiece vases, while their branded pinwheel theme can be seen throughout the entire celebration.  You will love all the little details, captured perfectly by wedding photographer Louisa Bailey! 

To see the rest of Caitlin and Steve's adorable wedding details, head over to the gallery at Green Wedding Shoes. BUT not before you peep this last stunning international wedding...you'll be happy you did!

Destination: Sunny Mexico with Elizabeth Lloyd Photography

Bright, bold color choices make this wedding stand out from the rest for me. You take seemingly opposite colors, purple, teal and lime green, add sand, surf and the gorgeous destination wedding location that is Puerto Vallarta and you have the perfect modern, chic, DIY wedding, featured on Style Me Pretty. It's full of small touches paying homage to Mexico, as well as snippets of home. Family and friends were treated to a tropical outdoor ceremony and reception, complete with comfy lounge areas, family style tables draped in luxurious teal silk, and Corona as far as the eye can see! This destination wedding makes you feel as if you have been whisked away on a fabulous Mexican vacation.

I think this last photo is probably my favorite, possibly because I just spent 3 months down in Mexico and Central America and this image is so iconic and familiar! For more of the story around this visually pleasing, swoon worthy wedding captured by Kiersten Rowland of Elizabeth LLoyd Photography, head over to Style Me Pretty.  BUT FIRST...

What are your wedding suggestions for our next Real Wedding Round Up? Leave us a comment below and let us know what you think. These may be pretty hard to beat but with the creative crop of brides out there, I am sure something equally stunning is right around the corner.

May you always be inspired,

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{Real Wedding Roundup} Wedding in Tuscany + Going Greek in Boston

This is has been a super busy week, meetings, meetings and more meetings with a little bit of work thrown in there. The Boston wedding scene is phenomenal community with venues like the Commander's Mansion - where I held my wedding, and Beantown Bride - the only Boston wedding blog to visit....EVER.  So with all that said, while it APPEARS as if I have been neglecting my duty online ---- ok well that is true, it is ONLY because I have been bustin' my hump on the other things that all make this possible.....and now you know. 

Today, a Real Wedding Round Up...I love Real Wedding Round Ups - those round the net roamings that I do to come up with fabulous and inspiring real weddings.  I started this blog because when I got married where were no resources dedicated solely to modern multicultural couples and their weddings...so I decided to start one. YAY! My husband is from Brazil and so for our first Real Wedding Roundup, let's head to that gorgeous country down south for Renata and Fabio's wedding in Ubatuba, Sao Paulo as interviewed by Para Ti Novia. A quick excerpt...and gorgeous photos.

Real Wedding: Renata & Fabio in Ubatuba, SP

Everything was very spontaneous. We are surfers and wanted something very clean, beach style, hippie chic and  natural. We choose the local typical flowers. Good for the budget and matched perfect with the place.  The lace at the clothes is typical from Brazil. Plus, the beach is all ready pretty and special for us we didnt need much to make it beautiful. .In Brazil at the new year´s eve we used to wear all white. We belive it brings positive vibrations, purifications.  

Here's the rest of the interview.

There are some real stunners out there and this Real Wedding from Beantown Bride is no exception.  In fact, it makes my little wedding lovin' heart go all pitter patter!  I particularly love this wedding because of all the small cultural touches they added - easy additions that can evoke a sense of family and cultural pride. Here is an excerpt:

Beantown Bride's Real Wedding: Lindsay and Alex at the Fairmont Copley Plaza
Blogger: Kristen Castillo
Photography courtesy of: Allegro Photography

The bride wore an Elie Saab gown while her groom was dressed in Calvin Klein. Jessica's Country Flowers of Burlington, Conn. created stunning arrangements in rusty orange, yellow and green using flowers such as roses, orchids, and calla lilies. Candles accented the flowers and added romance to the reception. Wine corks were used as escort card holders; wooden wine crates served as appetizer displays; and guest tables were numbered by Sonoma wine bottles. The wedding cake from Cakes To Remember was a caramel tiramisu topped with milk chocolate butter cream. The groom honored his father, who is from Crete, by giving guests olive oil wedding favors.  

Here's the rest of the story...

And last on our RW Roundup, a couple who took their vows in Tuscany from Destination I Do Magazine blog...yet another stunner.  Here is a quick excerpt...

This Real-Life Couple Took Their Vows to Tuscany
Written by Courtney Cox
Photos courtesy of Lisa Poggi Photography
Wedding planning by Weddings in Tuscany

Some people assume that having a destination wedding means a lot more work, money and effort. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. By picking an awe-inspiring destination, it’s easy for a couple to let the wedding’s surroundings do the talking – so to speak. 

This is exactly what Jessica and Jordan did. They chose to say “I do” in the countryside of Tuscany, Italy. With such a breathtaking backdrop, the couple left the details minimal and simply highlighted the area’s natural beauty.  

Here's the rest of the story.


Well there you have it...our Real Wedding Roundup. Have a deLicious day!


Mellissa

{Real Wedding Round Up} Mexican Flair in Santa Ynez | Old San Juan Wedding | Summery Beach Nuptials

An around the net Real Wedding Round Up is my favorite type of post, cause I get to bring you BEAUTIFUL pictures and highlight amazing photographers and other great websites....I know, I know...we are supposed to keep our readers to ourselves but I have to admit deLovely Affair can do a lot of things but there are also some damn good wedding blogs out there. 

With that said, here are our choices for the best of the best in {REAL WEDDINGS} this week!

Santa Ynez Wedding from Linda Chaja Photography 

Original post found at The Wedding Chicks

You know I simply {love} south of the border inspired weddings...they make my heart yearn for sun, color and spicy food...with a little bit of sassy dancing to a mariachi band thrown in there.  In this case both bride and groom are of Mexican descent and their celebration is a perfect combination of old world inspiration and current wedding trends.  We love this Real Wedding for its gorgeous colors - just look at the pop of that bridal bouquet against her dress, its traditional twist on modern - the bride's layed crystal necklace steals my heart and the groom is dashing in his khaki suit, and its homage to cultural customs - from the mantilla veil to the Mexican sweets and treats.  

This is my first experience with Linda Chaja Photography but I am already smitten. You can find the rest of this Real Wedding, HERE.

Wedding at Fort San Felipe del Morro, San Juan, Puerto Rico from Orlando Negron

Original post found at ISPWP (International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers) 

If you have ever been to Puerto Rico, there are three things you will remember: the warmth of her people, the deliciousness of the food and the absolutely stunning, gorgeous views and scenery; this wedding locale is no exception. It simply takes your breath away.  So in honor of deLovely Affair Team Member Miss Aimee, whose sweetie's family is from Puerto Rico, we give you this loverly wedding. STAY TUNED FOR ALL THINGS PUERTO RICO COMING VERY SOON!

Historical Fort San Felipe del Morro is a 16th-century citadel located on the northwestern-most point of the islet of San Juan and was built to defend the old city from seaborne enemies. In 1983, it was declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations and sees over 2 million visitors a year. A perfect location for a early evening wedding, this Real Wedding by photographer Orlando Negron is an excellent example of how choice of venue and location can make all the difference. This celebration will not soon be forgotten.  Check HERE for the rest of the images.

Super Sweet Beach Wedding from Next Exit Photography in LA (my new home in 1.5 months..woot!)
Original post found at Engaged and Inspired

This wedding is just super sweet and makes me happy...the yellow and white theme, the beach, the adorably unfussy couple, in a super casual atmosphere made just for them....it makes me want to cry and run down the beach in my wedding dress all in the same moment. Sigh. Summer, here we come...let's get through spring first. The flowers look fresh off the farm in a palette anyone can love...I know I do...do you? Leave us a comment and let us know. And if you want more, go HERE for the rest of the best. I am also currently in LOVE with Next Exit Photography, you should check them out, only AFTER you finish this post.

Love it, love it all, can't wait to do it again in Brazil. Yeah that's right Wedding #2 and you get front row seats!

Peace and love and all that jazz.  Go with the good stuff, peoples!

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{Real Wedding Round Up} Taj in Boston | Andover's Berry Pond | DIY in South Africa

I love looking over Real Weddings - seeing how others pull off their big day is a great way to dream and discover what is possible for yours. They inspire outside the box thinking, encourage courageous and creative choices, and bring tears to our eyes with their beauty and obvious love. 

For today's Real Wedding Round Up, here are three current favorites of mine: Sita + Anik at the Taj in Boston by Binita Patel Photography, Geoff + Dianna by DMPJ by Glen Cooper, and Bo + Ryan by Jacki Bruniquel of Durban, South Africa as seen on Wedding Chicks. 

Sita + Anik at the Taj in Boston

Every single one of Binita's weddings is festive, full of color and life and very simply, love. It doesn't get any more perfect than that. This wedding is one such occasion. You can't help but fall in love again and again and again.

Binita says, As she took those first few steps down Newbury Street and prepared to see her groom for the first time that day, you could just feel the excitement in the air.  And when Anik turned around to see he dazzling bride, the expression on his face was nothing short of awe.  They smiled, they laughed and they hugged and made an oh-so perfect pair as their silhouette glowed in front of Burberry. Read more by Binita...

Geoff & Dianna: A church wed, Scout songs, Mother Nature and even Chinatown

I simply love Glen Cooper and his group over at Decisive Moments Photojournalists - they produce some of the most colorful, heart thumping, smile inducing, sigh producing wedding photos. I feel really good inside every time I check out their blog. I chose this one because it is so REAL...not to be cliche...but it is genuine and honest, the way wedding photography should be.

Goeff and Dianna had one of those weddings where we covered so much ground from Medford to Andover and back to Chinatown in Boston for a reception celebration that won’t be forgotten. Any Boston wedding photographer would have loved these two and their free-wheeling spirit. Read and see more by DMPJ...

Handmade Wedding in South Africa 

We found this incredible adorable wedding by Jacki Bruniquel over at The Wedding Chicks and had to share it. It is DIY, sass, sweetness all rolled into one...oh yeah and a gorgeous bride to boot, who is as crafty as she is bold. Well done.

Bo is a California girl who fell in love with a South African boy and got married at the most beautiful gorge on the South Coast of Natal. Against all advice, Bo went with a red and purple theme and spent many hours on all the details. When she couldn’t find red polka dot fabric for the little girls dresses, she just made them herself! She had a very clear vision of what she wanted and actually made most the pretty details in this wedding herself (roping in family and friends of course). Read more here.... 

So there you have it, our Real Wedding Round Up, gorgeous wedding, exquisite details, all captured by the discerning eye of the photographer. Gosh, I wish I was getting married again...oh wait I am. Oh yeah...swoon.

Upcoming: An Engagement Reveal, Miss Aimee and Her Rockabilly Sweetheart, next week, all from the Emerald Isle and Edson Dias and Dias Photo soon to grace our little slice of blog heaven!

Have a deLicious day. Go with the good.