Star's Inspirations: Personalize your Big Day with Photos!

We have seen photos used a myriad of ways as a decor element at weddings and events.  No matter how they are used, photos add a nice personal touch and a bit of uniqueness to your Big Day.  Whether you exhibit a bunch of photos or just a few favorites, your guests will enjoy the opportunity to view them at your wedding.  If you've had engagement photos taken, consider using them as wedding decor - it is a great way to show them off to your friends and family!  Another idea is to display childhood photos of you and your fiance or maybe use a variety of photos taken at various times throughout your relationship.  Some couples choose to display their parent's wedding pictures or photos of loved ones who have passed.  Whatever you decide will be perfect!  Display your photos in elaborate crystal frames for a formal look or string them along a clothes line for a casual garden wedding.  Below are just a few of our favorite ways to display personal photos at weddings.

Amanda and Hal, one of our September 2012 wedding couples, displayed their parent's, grandparent's and great grandparent's wedding photos on a table at the entrance of their venue.  A little sign naming the couple and their wedding date was placed next to each frame.  This was such a sweet touch and we loved how they included a photo from Hal's propsal to Amanda in the center.  For more on Amanda and Hal's big day, see this previous post.

  

 

 Photos courtesy of Callaway Gable Photography

Another one of our couples displayed various family photos to create an ancestry table.  Guests enjoyed  perusing these photos during the reception.

Photo courtesy of Callaway Gable Photography

Jessica and David, one of our October 2012 couples, used framed photos from their engagement shoot as table numbers.  This was a clever way exhibit their favorite engagement shoot photos!  For more on Jessica and David's wedding, see this previous post.

Photo courtesy of Docuvitae Photography

One of our October 2011 couples also used photos as table numbers.  For more on Stephanie and Darren's stunning wedding see this previous post.

Photo courtesy of Ryan Phillips Photography

We love how this couple displayed a variety of photos at their bar.  They included baby pictures of the bride and groom as well as a few quirky and sweet photos of the couple together.

Photo courtesy of Found Vintage Renals

Stringing photos around a tree (or fence, or wall, for that matter) is such a simple way to utilize your personal photos. 

What a great photo op!  Love this!

Photos courtesy of Simply Chic Events

We love the look of black and white photos strung across a mirror.  So simple yet elegant!

Photo courtesy of Ashley Bee 

xoxo,

Star

Sterling Engagements Wishes: Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's  Day!  As most of you know or are about to learn... I'm a hopeless romantic, so of course Valentine's Day is always a favorite of mine...

 Photo courtesy of deviantArt

I'm always inspired by love, affection and passion between people.  It's part of our business to be as wedding planners but also I am just as an individual.  Today as I sat down to write this post, I was inspired by so many things but here are a few of my favorites that I came across...

Love is....

 

Photo courtesy of deviantArt

 This one's amazing... 

Photo courtesy of  Speaking Beauty

Sweetness...

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

 So hot!

Photo courtesy of  Junebug Weddings

Just precious...

Photo courtesy of Twitter

And of course... my all time favorite!

Photo courtesy of Tumblr   

Have a happy day and wonderful evening however you celebrate! 

Shoe Shot Sunday: Myesha + Craig

Myesha and Craig were married at Cafe Pinot in front of the historic Los Angeles Public Library on Saturday, September 29th, 2012.  Their wedding was modern and chic yet playful.  Myesha's shoes were absolutely stunning - no other word could describe their beauty!  These Loubis just melt our hearts and might have to be the most perfect wedding shoe ever!

Photos courtesy of Adrienne Gunde Photography

Adrienne Gunde did a stellar job of documenting these lovely shoes, along with all of the wedding day details.  We can't wait to share many more images from Myesha and Craig's wedding with you, stay tuned!  

Shoe Shot Sunday: Maria + Craig

I recently came across this shoe shot and of course had to share it as not only are the shoes stunning but so is the actual photo!  How gorgeous is this?

 Photo courtesy of Sarah Ossana for Carrie Rodman Photography

I can't quite tell who the designer is but it looks almost like it could be a Jimmy Choo.  Regardless selecting a metallic shoe for your big day is always a safe and beautiful choice! 

Michelle + Jonathan: Fun Lovin at the Beach with Orly!

Michelle and Jon got married last month at one of our favorite locations, The Bel-Air Club.  As we anxiously await what we know will be some pretty epic photography from the ever so talented Viera Photographics team, I thought I'd share a couple of their engagement photos as they're too sweet not to share and frankly I miss these two!

Michelle and Jon are two of the most lovable, fun, funny, easygoing and passionate couples I've ever met.  Their ability to have fun, laugh and really just strive for awesomeness is beyond contagious!  They always left not only myself but the entire Sterling Team smiling and we LOVE them for it!  Not to mention they happen to have a Puggle too, which instantly connected us! 

Here are a few of my favorites!

And of course we can't forget acknowledging the ever so adorable Orly!  A star for their e-shoot and of course again on the Big Day!

All photos courtesy of Viera Photographics

Shot Shot Sunday: Lindsay and Chris

I'm a secret lush for a super fun, charming wedding.  Lindsay and Chris' is exactly that and I'm so excited to share some super lighthearted, funky and of course fun shots with you. This wedding was featured originally on Style Me Pretty New York and was captured by the talented team of Art Beauty Life:  Jenny Ebert Photography.

I have to admit,  I'm a sucker for Converse on the wedding day for the men but add some fun socks in the mix and then you'll have me swooning! 

All photos courtesy of Art Beauty Life:  Jenny Ebert Photography

Star's Inspirations: Unconventional Guest Books

Weddings are often filled with traditions, many of which make the event memorable for the Bride and Groom as well as their guests.  I love tradition, especially at weddings, but I also think it can be fun to add a little twist to an old idea.  Unconventional guest books are a great way to add a bit of excitement to this wedding staple.  An unexpected guest book not only adds something creative to your big day, it leaves you and your hubby with a unique and sentimental treasure you can cherish forever.  There are many wonderful ways a Bride and Groom can ask guests to leave them a special message on their wedding day.  Below are some of my favorites...

Have a custom puzzle with a picture of you and your fiance made.  Ask each guest to choose a piece and write you a message on the back.

Photo courtesy of Etsy Shop: Memory Lane Puzzles

Ask guests to leave you a message on a Jenga block.  This would be fun to play every anniversary!

Photo courtesy of Oh! Weddings

Create a custom "Guest Lib" with things about you and your fiance and ask each guest to complete it. After the wedding, the "Guest Libs" can be complied into a funny little guest book.  Your guests will have a lot of fun with this one!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Set up a recording station for guests to leave you a video message.  You can either hire someone like The Guestbox or designate someone to do the recording for you. Or you can even set up a DIY station with directions for your guests.  After the wedding, combine all of the clips into a slide show.  You can even include music and text (if you are good at that sort of thing :)

Photo courtesy of Love & Lobster

This is one of the most unique ideas, and possibly my favorite!  Have a dictionary (maybe a beautiful vintage one) and ask quests to choose a word that best describes you as a couple, circle it and write their message.  Then ask them to tag their word so you know where to find it.  This would be an awesome coffee table book after the wedding!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Ask guests to sign a sentimental object (if it is hand made by a loved one, even better!).  It can be a bench, a large rock, a chair, a storage chest, a frame... the possibilities are endless!  After the wedding you can display the signed object in your home or garden.

Photo courtesy of Style Me Pretty

Now this may not count as an actual "unconventional guest book" since it is quite popular but I've decided to include it since it is still considered outside the norm of the basic guest book of the past.  Have a book complied of your engagement pictures made by your photographers and ask guests to leave you a message in it.  It is a nice keepsake and it gives your guests a chance to view your engagement pictures.  Today, this may now even be considered an oldie, but still a goodie and one of the most popular!

Photo courtesy of Wedding Photography Design

As you can see, there are many creative and unconventional ways to collect messages from your guests on your wedding day.  Please let us know if you've come across any other unique "guests books" at weddings you've attended by commenting below.  

Best,

Star

Shoe Shot Sunday: Amazing Shoe Shot!

Sometimes a picture is worth 1000 words as you so often hear and today's shoe shot is no exception.  I came across this photo on Style Me Pretty this morning and my search for my favorite shoe shot immediately concluded because I just love this photo so much. 

 Photo courtesy of Justin and Mary Photography via Style Me Pretty

Often times you'll see this Shoe Shot series post an assortment of photos of the same shoe because it's the shoe I'm after mainly... but this week, we're making an exception for a stunning shot and shoe too of course!  

Happy Feet!   

Festive Fridays: Just Dance!

One of our July brides shared with me what a priority dancing was going to be for her big day.  She described it in saying that "dancing would be the heartbeat of their big reception".  I was so inspired by this and then started thinking about how important dancing truly can be.

 Photo courtesy of Once Wed

Dancing is one of my favorite things to do and I just don't do it nearly as much as I want to.  Being an event producer in LA though, I definitely get to see my fare share of others dancing though.  This year I'm determined to dance all night long for my big birthday in November.  Hopefully a few times before that too, but in the meantime, I thought it would be fun to share with you some of my favorite images capturing those hot moves on the dance floor!  So fun and festive and perfect for today's post!

 Check out these awesome moments!  So festive, so fun! 

Photo courtesy of Callaway Gable Photography

Photo courtesy of Next Exit Photography 

Photo courtesy of The Popes 

 Photo courtesy of Caroline Hancox Photography

 Photo courtesy of Rachel Tyler Photography

  Photo courtesy of True Photography

Photo courtesy of Stak Photographer Duo

 Photo courtesy of Allegro Photography

Photo courtesy of  Robert Holley Photography 

Photo courtesy of  Lin & Jirsa Photography

 

 Photo courtesy of Olivia Leigh Photographie

 Photo courtesy of  Callaway Gable Photography 

 

Photo courtesy of  Laurel McConnell Photography 

Yes, yes, now I'm sure your feeling inspired and want to get out and dance!  Have a dance party tonight, get your grove on, practice your first dance or even start to attack your reception music.  Whatever you do, make sure to dance a little this weekend... if you're anything like me it may be ultra cheesy and to something like my new favorite dance song, "Call me Maybe"!