mountain wedding – Sweet Violet Bride

Plum & Ivory Rustic Alberta Mountain Wedding

Naomi — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 13:30:35 +0000

Morgan and Justin’s beautiful day took place on a sunny August day in Banff, Alberta. They chose elegant tones of plum, ivory, cream, and bits of green that melded with the breathtaking landscape surrounding them. I love the little details of wild berries in Morgan’s bouquet! These two have known each other since they were kids and one night, after sharing a dance with her childhood neighbor, Morgan told Justin: “I’m going to marry you one day!” When Justin, a true romantic, proposed to her, he set up an elaborate scavenger hunt, leaving little clues for her to find. The last clue led her to the park outside of their home, and when she took off her blindfold he was waiting for her on one knee. Melanie Bennett Photography is behind the lens.

From the Photographer:

Morgan and her bridesmaids had their hair and makeup done by the talented staff at Botega Salon and Gallery. I loved the cozy atmosphere and amazing artwork displayed on the walls! Morgan wore an absolutely stunning backless lace Alvina Valenta gown that her dad had picked out when they were dress shopping. The surprise was that Morgan’s dad didn’t know she had ended up picking the dress he chose for her so it was very special to see his reaction when he first saw her in it that morning before the ceremony.

When we arrived at The Meadow, the view stole my breath away! Could there possibly be a more beautiful place to marry the love of your life? The bride walked down the aisle with her dad to the sweet sound of the violinist playing, “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri. One of my favorite parts of a wedding day is listening to the couple exchange their vows to each other. It was so touching to watch Morgan tear up during their vows and to hear Justin tell her that since he first met her when they were 12 years old, she has been the girl of his dreams. After a fun afternoon of taking photos we headed to the Norquay Ski Lodge for their reception. It was decorated perfectly with beautiful, rustic floral centerpieces (skillfully created by Willow Haven), and the atmosphere was cozy and warm. After a delicious dinner and sneaking away for a few more photos, the speeches and dances began. The love that Justin and Morgan share could have lit up the room during their first dance, it was so beautiful.

Photographer: Melanie Bennett Photography / Hair Stylist: Botega salon gallery / Cake Designer: Cake Creations inc / Dress Store: Delica Bridal House / Pre Ceremony Location: Hidden Ridge Resort / Other Location: The Nordic Center / Floral Designer: Willow Haven Flower Shop / Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Mountain Chic Destination Wedding at Deer Valley, Utah

Naomi — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 14:30:33 +0000

Janet and Benjamin both love to ski and chose Park City for their wedding because they’ve spent a lot of time there as a couple. “We truly love both the summer and the winter and it embodies so much of what we love to do and what we love in each other,” says Janet. They had their first look on Ruby peak at Deer Valley, where Janet walked up behind Ben as he was facing the view. They exchanged vows at Cushings Cabin where beautiful birch posts covered in orange roses and greenery framed them before the stunning mountain backdrop. Shades of blush, orange, periwinkle, and rich navy blue built upon the beautiful colors of the summer and the wild flowers of the area. Pepper Nix Photography is behind the lens.

From the Bride…

Before the Ring:
We met in Austin. Ben was a 1st year MBA student at the time and I was visiting a good friend and classmate of his. It was actually their MBA prom at the W hotel. At the time I was dating someone else but we just couldn’t stop talking. While we each went our own separate ways that evening we kept in touch. When Ben came to SF we hung out and eventually went on our “first date” nearly 9 months later on January 7th.

The Proposal Story:
Ben proposed on my birthday. He planned this about a month in advance. His mother gave him a ring of sapphires and small diamonds as a stand-in ring while they would work on designing a ring together. The location was Cavallo Point, in between Sausalito and the Golden Gate Bridge. We had champagne on the terrace of a place called Murphy’s Circle first. He wanted to propose there but there was a family sitting next to us. After that we went inside and sat at a table that was setup alone in a room next to the fire place. While we were finishing the bottle of champagne and opening a bottle of red wine after we had ordered a multi course dinner, he gave me the ring.

Favorite ceremony memory?
Do I really have to pick just one? We honestly loved every moment – we wish we could relive it again. There were so many incredibly special things. From the toast in Cushings Cabin before the ceremony, to the absolutely beautiful service given by Ashley, Ben’s cousin, to the chair ride up and down, and then to the incredible dinner and dancing with all of the people we love the most in our lives.

Details:
We had lift tickets for seat markers, and ski mountains as our tables. Antique wood skis were our wedding guest book.

We had a beautiful white cake with raspberry in the filling and a white icing. We had an orange ribbon tied around it. Dessert was incredible beyond this, with a selection of artisanal cheese made at Deer Valley, and carrot cake and lemon tart.

Old, new, borrowed, blue – Blue sapphire earrings, engagement ring with sapphires, new bracelet from Janet’s mom, and borrowed antique diamond watch from Ben’s mom.

Photographer: Pepper Nix Photography / Dress Store: Amy Kuschel / Dress Designer: Amy Kuschel San Francisco / Fashion Designer: Amy Kuschel San Francisco / Shoes: Gold peep toe Jimmy Choo / Jewelry: David Yurman / Event Venue + Caterer: Deer Valley Resort / Cake Designer: Deer Valley Snow Park Bakery / Floral Designer: Shelly Huynh for Orchid Dynasty/ Makeup Artist: Paula J. Dahlberg / Band: Salamander Music / Event Planner: Kristin Spears of Soiree Productions / Invitations: Nellie Barker from WoahNelliePress / Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Pink + Peach Utah Wedding at The Canyons

Naomi — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 14:30:46 +0000

Ashley and Nick had an elegant and classic wedding but elevated – they tied the knot at 10,000 feet! “We both love the mountains and being outdoors. Also the gondola ride at The Canyons sold us on the location,” says Ashley. They enjoyed a warm sunny day in the mountains, the rays of light setting their blush and peach flowers aglow with pink and amber. They incorporated personal details that made the day even more memorable – a family friend married them and a band from Ashley’s home town played during the ceremony and reception. Her dress, from Modern Trousseau, was the perfect classy and elegant choice for her, “I wanted to be able to look back on my wedding pictures in 10 or 20 years and think that they still looked elegant,” she says. I think she looks straight out of a fairytale as she walked through the aspens to meet her groom. Pepper Nix Photography is behind the lens.

Ashley + Nick

How did you meet? We met online (eharmony.com)

What is your proposal story? Nick proposed to me in Heeney, Colorado while visiting some of his close friends. We had visited the same place the year before and fell in love with this beautiful and romantic lake, Cataract Lake. He took me back to the lake to propose, got down on one knee and all!

First look? We did do a first look and we loved it. It was such a special moment between the two of us. We were glad to get to have that before we walked down the aisle and saw each other in front of 200 of our closest friends and family. We also really enjoyed the gondola ride up with just the two of us. It was so nice to have that quiet time before all the craziness began.

Details of the Day: I love the colors blush pink, grey and gold. I’m also all about pearls and lace so it was just simple and classic. My wedding flowers were perfect and amazing. They were exactly what I had envisioned. Working with Kelli Daubling from Blooms and Blossoms was a dream. She absolutely understood my vision. I wanted a lot of soft, round flower arrangements. There were lots of roses and they were perfection. I did all the table numbers myself. We purchased picture frames that were on sale and spray painted them gold. For the insert numbers, I printed them on craft paper. Super simple.

Moments you loved, hated, cried, laughed or giggled at: The whole day was perfect and amazing. I have to say getting ready with my girls was such a blast. We had music and mimosas and were dancing up a storm. I love that time we had together. Honestly, I cried most of the day. I’m such a sap and it was an overwhelming and emotional day but I wouldn’t have changed a thing.

Photographer: Pepper Nix Photography / Dress Store: Alta MODA Bridal / Dress Designer: Modern Trousseau / Headband: Pink Pewter / Shoes: Sole Society / Makeup Artist: Julie Jackson / Ring designer: Shane Company / Jewelry: Tiffanys and family jewelry / Hair Stylist: Whitney Jones (bride’s sister and maid of honor / Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale / Floral Designer: Blooms and Blossoms / Reception Venue: Canyons Resort / Groom’s Suit: Egara / Cake Designer: One Sweet Slice / Event Planner: White Ginger Events / Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Best of Sweet Violet Bride 2015

Naomi — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 14:34:36 +0000

When I sit down at the end of each year to sift through each and every post to find my “favorites” it is always a humbling experience, and a difficult task. I’ve been able to share the work of so many talented photographers and I love them all! However, I ended up narrowing it down to a dozen real weddings and a dozen styled shoots that really stuck with me this year. I hope you enjoy looking through my personal favorites (they are arranged in no particular order). It is my hope that Sweet Violet Bride continues to be a place of inspiration in 2016, for both brides and wedding professionals. A place to take pause and dream during your busy day… Happy New Year, Violets! xo – Naomi

REAL WEDDINGS

Artsy Industrial Wedding with Rustic + Vintage Details
Deer Themed Woodland Wedding
Destination Wedding in Iceland
Snowy Winter Wedding in Vermont
Hops Themed Wisconsin Farm Wedding
Light Blue Country Wedding with Rustic + DIY Details
Misty Purple + Green Yosemite Valley Wedding
Rustic Sequoia National Park Wedding
Charming South Carolina Wedding at Litchfield Plantation
Southern Vineyard Wedding
Rustic Yellow + Grey New Jersey Farmhouse Wedding
DIY Barefoot Summer Wedding

STYLED SHOOTS

Natural + Elegant Nautical Shoot in Santa Barbara
Woodsy Glamour Bridal Shoot
River Bridal Inspiration in Bend, Oregon
Peach & Teal Vintage Book Themed Wedding Inspiration
Blue & Yellow Country Chic Bridal Inspiration
Wildflower Bridal Inspiration at Stray Cat Flower Farm
Bohemian Nepali Wedding Inspiration
Rustic Blush + Peach Blossom Styled Shoot
Bright Botanical Greenhouse Editorial Shoot
Free Spirited Bohemian Styled Wedding
Lilac + Lace Country Chic Wedding Inspiration
European Style Farm-to-Table Inspired Shoot

Colorado Mountain Wedding with Farm Table Reception

Naomi — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 14:45:39 +0000

Rachel and Narada had an earthy August wedding in Durango, Colorado. Hosted at the private residence of a friend, their day was intimate and full of natural beauty. It was a perfect setup for a sweet Colorado elopement Friends and family rang bells as the couple completed their vows in the mountain forest, and the reception that followed was anything but ordinary. Yellow Carrot did a fabulous job putting together a vegetarian menu as well as creating a gorgeous and very long farm-style table where guests gathered for a celebratory lunch. The wood table was decorated with moss, pickled peppers, succulents and many other delicious edible centerpieces. A table full of all different kinds of homemade pie, from Pecan Pear and Peach Raspberry to Tart Cherry and Gluten Free Lemon Meringue, leaves all thoughts of wedding cake in the dust. Kelly Miranda Photography is behind the lens.

Photographer: Kelly Miranda Photography (will consider free travel for weddings in many areas of the U.S. and several international destinations) / Shoes + Jumpsuit: Alexander McQueen / Caterer: The Yellow Carrot / Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Misty Purple + Green Yosemite Valley Wedding {Duende Photo}

Naomi — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 15:14:41 +0000

Serious medical students, Lauren and Mike had limited time to carve out of their tough residency schedules in Boston for a wedding of their dreams in Yosemite National Park. It rained on their May wedding day but it was a gentle misty rain, making the mountains seem even more majestic and the Lauren’s ethereal blush chiffon gown glow in the soft light. With such a gorgeous natural environment, excessive décor wasn’t necessary but they brought pops of color with the deep violet bridesmaids dresses, white and green bouquets, and Lauren’s vibrant fuchsia orchid bouquet. They finished an amazing day at the Ahwahnee Hotel. Duende Photo is behind the lens.

More about Lauren + Mike!

Although they grew up within 20 minutes of each other in Northern California, Lauren and Mike first met in medical school when they were roommates in Newport Beach for Lauren’s first (and Mike’s third) year of medical school. They moved to separate houses after that first year, but when Mike decided to propose he took Lauren to the beach right by the place where they first met at sunset. Because Mike is three years ahead of Lauren in his medical training, he started residency in Boston while Lauren was still in medical school. Lauren decided to take a research position for the year and moved to Boston to be with him. Mike is now an Orthopedic Surgery resident at Harvard, and Lauren is a Plastic Surgery resident at the University of Massachusetts. They are planning on moving back to their beloved California when they finish training.

Photographer: DuendePhoto /Shoes: Betsey Johnson / Dress Designer: Catherine Deane / Hair Stylist: Chantilly Lace Salon / Floral Designer: sweet dreams wedding cakes and flowers / Bakery: sweet dreams wedding cakes and flowers / Event Venue: The Ahwahnee Hotel / Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Blue Mountain Table Numbers: Free Wedding Printable

Naomi — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 15:45:58 +0000

Another free printable for you! This time I created table numbers featuring a beautiful blue mountain range with simple and elegant leafy accents and white numbers. You can easily print and cut these out at home for a simple DIY project that takes about half an hour! I hope some of you will be able to use them for your rustic mountain celebration. Download and print numbers 1-32 below.

P.S. You might also be interested in the fairytale, woodland, wheat wreath , jam label , pink rose wreath , or romantic vintage rose table numbers.

I recommend printing on white cardstock. If you need them for more than 32 tables feel free to email me. Enjoy!

Blue Mountain Table Numbers 1-4
Blue Mountain Table Numbers 5-8
Blue Mountain Table Numbers 9-12
Blue Mountain Table Numbers 13-16
Blue Mountain Table Numbers 17-20
Blue Mountain Table Numbers 21-24
Blue Mountain Table Numbers 25-28
Blue Mountain Table Numbers 29-32

Snowy Winter Wedding in Vermont

Naomi — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 15:35:16 +0000

This magical winter wedding is full of inspiration for a cold-weather celebration! Snowy Vermont weather, sparkling lanterns, sleigh bells, cozy boots, holiday cookies, and a bouquet full of lush white and blush pink blooms! Nikia and Kyle share a love of skiing and incorporated trail names, ski maps, and vintage skis into their rustic wintry theme. Guests were greeted with a hot chocolate bar upon arrival and bridesmaids, parents of the bride and the bride were brought to the ceremony via horse drawn sleigh. It fittingly snowed during their outdoor ceremony! Guests signed a pair of wooden skis, and escort cards were ski maps from various places they’ve skied together. Kathleen Landwehrle Photography is behind the lens.

From the Bride…

We met skiing in Vail, Colorado. After our return to Boston, MA, we began our adventure of dating where we soon found that our love for the snow, skiing and outdoor activities connected us. We later moved in together, bought our dog, which we named, “Vail” and soon after got engaged on the top of Beehive Mountain in Acadia National Park. Our wedding day was held at the top of Mountain Top Inn in Chittenden, VT outside in the middle of March.

Photographer: Kathleen Landwehrle Photography / Hair Stylist: Five Elements Salon and Day Spa / Cinema and Video: Joel Boucher / Band: Ripcord / Floral + Event Designer: schoolhouse garden / Bakery: Trillium Fine Desserts / Reception Venue: The Mountain Top Inn & Resort / Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Chic Vermont Mountain Wedding {Colette Kulig Photography}

Naomi — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 13:14:55 +0000

Jordan and Kevin met in high school in a small Vermont town. After moving across the country together they returned to the beautiful Vermont countryside to have their wedding at Squabetty, a hidden gem in Underhill, Vermont. They decorated with midnight blue, gold, and green. The sunny September day with the Green Mountains in the background was also filled with rustic little details – brass woodland animals, a naked cake, barn reception area, vintage polaroids, wood fired pizza, and fireworks to end the night! Colette Kulig Photography is behind the lens.

From the Bride…

Before the Ring:
Kevin and I met in high school in our small town in Vermont. Despite having mutual friends, we just never really crossed paths (though I’d heard some of the girls call him “cute” before and was interested). I was actually joking around with some friends at school one day and said that I’d pick my next crush from the wall of student photos, and I randomly picked Kev’s. A friend introduced us, and the rest is history. We went to college together in upstate New York and relocated to Silicon Valley after graduation.

Proposal Story:
It was a pretty big surprise! Having been together 9+ years, it didn’t seem like the biggest priority. But one weekend last November Kev told me to pack my bags and take time off work for surprise trip to LA. We spent our day exploring the city and ending up at the Getty Museum at dusk. He led me out to a veranda with incredible views as soon as the sun was down and proposed with the city lit up beneath us.

Inspiration/Details of the Day:
I know everybody says this, but we really just wanted a party with the people we loved. We rented out a secluded property in the mountains for three days (it includes a house, a barn, and an upper/lower field among other things) and had time to relax both pre- and post- wedding. We did most everything ourselves, including the wedding playlists, the Bar, appetizers, archway, and flower arrangements. My mother-in-law made our cake and most of the decorations were antiques/thrift items that my mom picked up or already had. We loved the look of gold with our blue, purple and Marsala accents so we used that as a rough color palette. We dip dyed our napkins ourselves 🙂 My family is pretty big on pyrotechnics, so we finished the night with a spectacular fireworks display in the lower field.

Photographer: Colette Kulig Photography / Venue: Squa Betty, Underhill, VT / Floral Designer: Stray Cat Flower Farm / Bride’s Dress: “Carolina” from BHLDN / Shoes: See by Chloe/JCrew / Bridesmaids Dresses: twobirds / Hair: Hair by Anela / Makeup: Makeup by Meg Walsh / Groom’s Suit: Topshop + Asos / Groom’s shoes: Cole Haan / Groomsmen’s outfits: Asos / Save the Date + Invitations: ColorQuarry / Caterer: Woodbelly Pizza / Fireworks: Northstar Fireworks / Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Mountain Wedding at Millcreek Inn {Logan Walker Photography}

Naomi — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 14:19:50 +0000

Lyric and Lincoln had a beautiful Utah mountain wedding at Millcreek Inn. “My husband and I spend a lot of time in the mountains together and we couldn’t think of a more perfect place to get married!” says Lyric. These two had their first date at Snowbird Ski Resort and Lincoln proposed a year before their wedding in a hot air balloon in Colorado during the Aspen Jazz Festival. The weather surprised them on the morning of their wedding day with a misty veil over the mountains, but it ended up making their day even more beautiful! Lyric carried a bouquet of white dahlia’s and dusty miller and her three bridesmaids carried lavender wrapped in burlap. Rustic details ran throughout the wedding with wildflower centerpieces in mismatched jars, and a thumbprint tree guestbook. Read below for more about their big day, captured by Logan Walker Photography!

From the Bride…

First Look?
We decided it would be best to do a first look before the ceremony! While it is always a girls dream to be seen by the groom for the first time walking down the aisle, it just isn’t practical. Having first look photos allowed us to capture an extremely intimate moment on camera. It was also great to have ALOT of extra time to take all the photos of the day that we wanted! We also got to spend more of our wedding day together and honestly what could be better than that!

Where did you get the inspiration for your color palette and design?
Pinterest! Every girl loves Pinterest! My color palette went through a lot of transitions but we finally decided on white, light grey and soft lavender. We thought that these colors would be a great contrast to the green trees in the mountains and they also matched our theme of Timeless yet Modern.

Old: Grandmothers Hair Clip
New: My Shoes
Borrowed: My mom’s garter
Blue: My jewelry glistened blue

What you would have done differently, if anything:
Not worried about the weather b/c in the end there was nothing I could do about it and it made my wedding even more special.

Your favorite moment of the day?
All of it! But if I had to choose, it would be walking down the aisle looking at the man I am going to spend the rest of my life with!

What is your advice to other brides?
Plan your transitions! This was a time of stress for everyone. Delegate who is going to carry what and who is in charge of driving certain cars ext. Trying to figure all of this out in a matter of minutes to stay on schedule is stressful but avoidable if you take the time to plan it out! For mountain brides specifically: Plan for changing weather and have a rain plan set in place that you will be happy with! This is something that I ended up doing only 2 days before the wedding and I wish I would have set it up prior to the big day!

Photographer: Logan Walker Photography / Venue+ Catering: Millcreek Inn / Bridal salon: Little White Dress / Shoes: Joan & David / Ring designer: Shane Co. / Jewelry: Garnet Gecko / Bridesmaids dresses: RENZRAGS San Diego / Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse + Tommy Hilfiger / Band or Musicians: Craig Chambers / Officiant: Craig Gordon / Cake Designer: cakes de fleur / Floral Artist: Kim (Independent Floral Artist) / Invitations: Designed by the bride