Mrs. Make It RainkaNavy & Gold Wedding Inspriation

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I knew exactly what I wanted for my wedding… navy envelopes with gold calligraphy, lights, flowers, a white dress with a long train and a HUGE party. Check, check, check.

I drew a lot of the inspiration for the feel of the wedding from my grandparents who grew up in the 40s and big band age. We had vintage post cards as our guest book and coupé champagne glasses. I wanted a champagne tower but no one quite understood what I was going for!

I also had to theme my wedding. The trophy came from my proposal with a trophy that I previously gave to my then-boyfriend on our first anniversary. We incorporated it into a logo that we used for all of our “swag.” Champagne bubbles were also incorporated into paper elements.

We booked our band first. We secured the church cathedral that needed no decorations second. Next we found a beautiful ballroom with high-ceilings. I was hoping for an art museum and garden party under a tent but that meant cutting the guest list to stay on budget.

I had carried around a list of ten women who I knew would be in my wedding for years, all gorgeous and tan (unlike me). I let my sister choose a dress from Bella Bridesmaid and we went with a short dress to keep the coat to everyone low. It was just before the mix-and-match trend, and my only regret is giving everyone more options for bridesmaid dresses although everyone was gorgeous.

I stumbled upon an amazing florist, Shea Hopely. Everyone had boxed her into a certain “look” and many vendors commented that they did not think her style and my style aligned, but I loved my flowers and everything Shea did.

The dress was a Lazaro from The White Magnolia. At the time, it was the hottest dress on Say Yes to the Dress, but you may not recognize it without the design Ed’s belt and signature blush color. I added a very special belt made my Helena Noelle Couture out of lace from my mother’s wedding dress. (They also made my sister’s belt). It was the one of the most special part of the day made even more special when I received a photo of my grandparents on their wedding day and my grandmother had a very similar dress.

Of course, nothing could be memorialized without the perfect photographer. I was between two with a similar photo journalist style and decided on a couple who had the benefit of two shooters. It was a hard choice, but it worked out because that couple had a baby on my wedding day and graciously let me out of my contract early so I could snap up Jenn Hopkins who not only captured my wedding beautifully, but has captured many more moments since then.

I realized heavily on Etsy vendors for the extras, but since my wedding Hobby Lobby and Amazon have made it much easier and more affordable to find those detailed items to make your wedding personal. If only!

My something old was the aquamarine and diamond family heirloom bracelet that I wore. My something new was my dress. My something borrowed was my mom’s veil (that my sister later wore) and my something blue were my shoes, which I LOVE.

If nothing else, I was going for a pretty timeless look. Five years later, I am so, so pleased looking back at everything. Not too trendy, timeless, and the best day ever.

Below are photos and a list of our vendors. By the way, kate spade has a similar style to my shoes in gold. Dress @lazarobridal from @whitemagnoliabridal

Custom sash @helenanoellacouture

Alterations by Elegance Alterations and Dressmaking

Shoes @katespade

Day-of coordination @dairingevents

Venue @timuquanacc and Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

Tuxedo @calvinklein

Flower Girls Dresses @davidsbridal with sashes from SunnyApril on @Etsy

Lighting @grandinlights

Rentals @beachview_event_rentals

Flowers and design @sheahopely

Paper @heatherobriendesign

Logo Merrymint designs on Etsy