Stunning Style for Engaged Magazine

Strawberry Milk Events was recently honored to style a wedding dress feature for the most recent issue of Engaged! Magazine.  The shoot took place over two days in Charlottesville, VA at the luxurious Keswick Hall - an Orient Express property in Virginia hunt and wine country.

I was inspired by the tuscan villa feel of Keswick, and came up with a palette of lavender, mustard yellow and orange accents.  Here is the inspiration board we created for the shoot:

If you know anything about me, you know I LOVE mixing old and new.  For this particular shoot, the modern Ikat tablecloth really set off the old world feel of vintage books, candlesticks and urns that we used.  Enjoy the pictures and make sure you pick up a copy of the latest issue of Engaged! for the full 24 page spread which includes details about dress and accessory designers as seen on the model!  I hope to put the actual editorial pages *as seen in the magazine* up here soon.


Magazine: Engaged!
Shoot Location: Keswick Hall | Charlottesville
Stylist: Julie Savage | Strawberry Milk Events
Flowers: Pat’s Floral Designs, Amy Potter | Country Way
Makeup & Hair: Cataanda J
Hair Specialist: Remona Soleimani

Cake:  Kendall's Cakes
Paper Goods:  Little Bit Heart
Photography: Laura Luís | Three Lights Photography

Tuesday Shoesday

Not only are these shoes by Roger Vivier great, but we are also pretty impressed with the styling of this photo!  Love the pop of color and the very bold and saucy shoes/clutches against the traditional antiques and furniture.

Source: The Coveteur

Vendor Spotlight: Dolly Pearl

We're swooning over this adorable women's clothing line, which we think offers a refreshing alternative for fashionable bridesmaids attire.  The also have some super cute separates on the website, which makes it fun to mix and match the textures and colors!

Tuesday Shoesday

I actually own these same shoes in tan with a black bow, so when I came across them in all white I thought they were definitely "wedding worthy!"  What you can't tell is that they are a patent/rubbery material.  Very Vivienne Westwood-esque.

Haute in the Hamptons

We're wrapping up a few things in the office so we can head to the Hamptons for a long weekend.  Along with being the "playground for the rich and famous," the Hamptons are known for its beautiful beaches bordered by farms, vineyards and meadows.  I'm excited about our trip (it's been awhile!) so I thought about sharing some Hamptons wedding inspiration. Can you imagine getting hitched in the backyard of one of these beautiful estates? 

Love the bridge over the pool connecting the Ceremony tent with the Reception tent!

Source: Get Married forum/photos shared by wedding guest

 And what to pack?!  Wardrobe Wire shares some tips:

 Summertime in New York means one thing……THE HAMPTONS!! Where else can you drive within 90 minutes of the city and find sprawling estates that rival Beverly Hills, gorgeous sandy beaches, and some of the best shopping on the right coast?! The Hamptons is everything that is country club chic. Think Palm Beach and Nantucket with a twist of Palm Springs. Think lots of seer-sucker, popped collars, and stripes.  Come Memorial Day, everyone in Manhattan is packing their weekend bags and off to the Hamptons. With all of the glamorous events that take place around the Hamptons from Mercedes Benz Polo to hobnobbing at Pink Elephant, you will want to be prepared. Basically there are 2 main styles in the Hamptons. There is the glamorama for those who treat the Hamptons as the City on the Beach. And then there is the more laidback approach, the beachy/surfer style, for those who are looking to kick back.  Depending on which style you choose, I recommend packing the following items.  For the glamorama, by day it's all about fabulous sundresses, wide brimmed floppy hats, and espadrilles (preferably Louboutins). For the men, a great polo and some seer-suckered pants is a perfect look. For the beach or pool, sophisticated one pieces, jeweled tunics, and big glamorous sunglasses go a long way. For the men, if you pack stripes and some navy swimming trunks, you're all set. 

Thanks for the tips!  I can't wait to hit one of my favorite boutiques once we're there, Calypso.  

Sarah & Elliott: Hitched at the Hay

*We're featured this month in Engaged Magazine - this photo on the cover and featured article inside*

Over 10 years ago, Sarah and Elliott met on Sarah's high school trip to South Africa and were (almost) immediately smitten.  Separated by distance, once they returned home (she to New York and he to California) they stayed in touch via letters, emails and phone calls.  When he moved back to Connecticut they shared a year of bliss but she soon left for college and Elliott went overseas.  They tried to make it work but after years of difficult distance they parted ways.  Fast forward some years to S+E both living in DC.  They started seeing each other casually and getting to know each other all over again - this time as adults.  Apparently the connection was still there and deep as ever, so they decided not to wait another 10 years!  The rest is history and I was so happy to be apart of this beautiful couple's great love story.  This is the quintessential DC wedding - a black tie affair coupled with the timeless elegance of the Hay Adams hotel (including panoramic views of the White House and monuments!)  We couldn't publish the pictures until now due to Engaged Magazine picking them up for the cover and a featured article - but we've been excited to share this for 2 months now!  Enjoy :)

Ceremony Venue:  St. John's Church
Reception/Catering:  The Hay-Adams 
Photography:  Eli Turner
Florist/Lighting:  Edge
Rentals:  DC Rentals + Syzygy
Cakes:  Kendall's
Invitations:  The Dandelion Patch
Day of Paper Goods: Little Bit Heart
Band:  Nation/Elan Artists
Wedding Planner/Designer:  Strawberry Milk Events
Hair:  Andre Chreky Salon
Makeup:  Victoria Stiles
Dress:  Ulla Maija
Bride's Shoes:  Prada
Groom's Shoes:  Ferragamo

Not too often you see a groom's shoe shot - but we're loving these Ferragamos!

The Groom's Gift - a Cartier timepiece

S + E opted to take pictures before the ceremony rather than miss out on their cocktail hour -
I love this First Look photo!

The cocktail hour took place in the elegant Lafayette Room at the Hay Adams, where we infused subtle African touches to transport guests to the place where it all began for Sarah + Elliott.

A life-size moss elephant greets guests

 

Guests rode the elevator to the rooftop after cocktail for dinner and dancing.




The reception was glamorous and ethereal with all of the lucite, crystal and mirrors.  Not to mention the rooftop had breathtaking sweeping views overlooking the White House and several monuments.

View from the reception's rooftop terrace

The dessert bar was replenished throughout the night with a never-ending supply of assorted cakes (favorites included Chocolate Raspberry, Tupelo Honey and Almond cake!) as well as mini pastries and french macarons.

The mirrored head tables really emphasized the sparkle of the candlelight and crystal once the sun set.