Designer wedding cakes that inspire me

Below are a few pictures from couture cake designers Sylvia Weinstock and Ron Ben Israel. They are master of their art. Ohhh...if only I could afford their couture cakes. At the end of the day the cake designer that I selected for my wedding can definitely run in the same arena as these guys so I'm still happy!

Ron Ben Israel

Sylvia Weinstock

Sylvia Weinstock

Sylvia Weinstock

Sylvia Weinstock

Cakes by Jay

Sylvia Weinstock

Bridal Party...classy, sophisticated, and romantic

I'm going for a soft, romantic, and elegant look for the bridesmaids.

Dresses

Shoes

Lighting....

Unfortunately many brides dont realize how lighting can really enhance your space. Lighting is affordable at almost any price point and really adds character to the room. Above is a picture of a room fully decorated before and after lighting. Huge difference, right?! This is actually called rose amber lighting which is the color that we will be using as well...How romantic and classy. We will also be using rose pattern gobos on the floors as well.

Elegant and Sophisticated...Ivory, Gold, and Muted Pinks and Pale Peach

I never was the type of girl that dreamed of her wedding since she was a little girl. I only knew that when it was my turn to walk down the aisle that it would be done with class, elegance, and sophistication. Yes our decor can read as "regal", however Brandon and I arent into the whole princess thing. We want everything tasteful and classy and not an explosion of child-like storybook inspired fantasy, however we are huge romantics and wanted it to be very romantic. I knew I wanted flowers and plenty of them. Below you will find pictures of our centerpieces and other pieces and pictures that inspired our decor.
Ivory and Gold Everywhere!...

Very elegant wedding decor. Some high some, low with taper candles.

Beautiful ivory and gold tablescapes

A more modern interpretation...but still gorgeous

This tablescape from an episode of WeTV's "Platinum Weddings" is the inspiration for our flowers for our reception. We will be using glass trumpet vases with swarovski crystals hanging as well.

The perfect tall centerpiece. This is actually Jessica Simpson's centerpiece and I will be using this at our wedding as well.

OMG...Our Wedding Cake!

Brandon and I traveled for about an hour and a half to St. Martinville to meet the wonderful, gracious, and talented ladies of Two Sweet Sisters. I have had cake tastings and consultations at 8 bakeries to find the perfect wedding cake. I know that may seem a bit excessive but it will be a focal point in the reception space that I'm designing so it has to look perfect and taste divine. I'm usually a bride that knows exactly what she wants and has a specific vision of exactly what I want to get, however this is the first time that I couldnt make up my mind. Everything was gorgeous and the cake tasted amazing. Talk about WOW! I have decided that I will let the ladies do whatever they want to do with my cake. When they freestyle their cakes...masterpieces are born. I cant wait to see my cake! Hands down next to Ambrosia Bakery...Two Sweet Sisters are in a league of their own! Above are a few pics of their work...

Photography and Videography...(sigh)

Okay...okay. I know I can be very picky about my pictures and video, but why shouldnt I be. These are the two most important things next to the dress and the bride and groom. After searching the entire state of Louisiana for months plus loads of googling and networking I have decided on Stacy Marks Photography. Great work, very kind, and professional and has a wonderful photojournalist style. Silver-media.net was chosen to do our videography. We love the way they capture their wedding in more of a cinematic style.

The guest list...the horror!

Living in the southern region of the U.S. has its ups and downs. When you are a tourist, you are swamped with gracious southern hospitality, a wad of sweet tea, fried chicken, or red beans, or all of the above. But, when you are a bride who happens to have plenty of friends, a very large family, and many acquintances all that means is that you are expected to invite half the town, because it would be considered "rude" not to do so. But when you are paying per head, it definitely helps put your guest list into perspective. And that was definitely the case with Brandon and I. It was hard to get it down to 125 guests but it was either invite everyone and have a great meal with no dj/band, flowers, dress, photography, or a cake. So I think we made a great decision. At the end of the day, it will be a very nice wedding for our family and friends.