Funny little back story about this one - Trent and I have worked together at the Council on Foreign Relations - Harold Pratt House for several years. We both got back to work after the new year and while catching up, we realized that we both got engaged on the same day!
Kim and Trent began their planning process and decided upon the Bronx Zoo where they had their very first date!
Kim and I began meeting to talk design and planning; she wanted a "vintage conservatory" look and wanted the wedding to be very personalized with lots of DIY projects (we also did our best to stick to a pretty strict budget, this wedding is a great example of how a little creativity and time can go a long way when designing/planning your wedding, just beware - once you take on these projects, you need to set aside enough time so that you don't end up stressed out!).
Kim was my first "Pinterest" bride! Stay tuned for my next blog about planning your wedding during the "Pinterest" and wedding blog era.
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| Lots to texture and rich colors for Kim's bouquet! - Credit MGB Photo |
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| Trent's boutonniere inspired by Kim's love of Billy Balls (aka Craspedia). - Credit MGB Photo |
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| Approaching for First Look - Credit MGB Photo |
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| So many fun places to shoot at the Bronx Zoo! and what a cute couple! - Credit MGB Photo |
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| Beautiful effects for the Ceremony Photos by Mallory Berry - Credit MGB Photo |
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| Vintage books, xoxo mugs, etc. all accented with floral - Credit MGB Photo |
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| Credit MGB Photo |
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| Creative Guest Book - Kim and Trent asked guests to write advice and well wishes on library cards and then place them in the photo album for a wedding keepsake - Credit MGB Photo |
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| Credit MGB Photo |
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| Credit MGB Photo |
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| Credit MGB Photo |
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| Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Trent Caldwell! Credit MGB Photo |
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| Table numbers were pages from vintage books. Centerpieces included vintage books tied with richly colored ribbon, flowers in a variety of vintage looking vases, mini animals added to the zoo theme all accented by candlelight. Credit MGB Photo |
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| Instead of a big cake to cut - Kim and Trent had a giant cupcake from their favorite bakery - Crumbs. Love the custom cake topper of Kim, Trent and Bella! Credit MGB Photo |
From the bride...
Trent and I had our first date at the Bronx Zoo, but didn't even think about it as a wedding venue. However, after a few twists of fate, it ended up being the perfect place for our big day!
I wanted our wedding to have a "vintage conservatory" look. The Bronx Zoo already has a historic look, so we played on that. Plus, my ring is from the early 1900's, and I'm such a sucker for that time era. I used a lot of things we already owned, and made a lot myself. I used Pinterest as a way to organize my ideas, and scoured sites like Etsy, and shops like Salvation Army and Strand books for vintage steals. We are both big readers, so the piles of books, old library card catalog drawers, and the big place card holder that I made, were perfect. Even though we couldn't bring in giant, jungle trees, the big leaves and the hints of tropical flowers did the trick. And the little animals at each table were just for fun! We wanted everything to look beautiful, but not too stuffy.
As far as flowers go, I really fell in love with Celosia aka cockscomb! I was so glad that Laura could incorporate it into our wedding. The velvety texture was so dreamy, and it continued with the purple violet ribbon around the bouquet and on the bridesmaid's shoe clips (that I made!), and my red velvet shoes. The colors I had in mind were deep reds and lush purples, so Laura suggested the dahlias - and they were perfect! And for boutineers, I didn't want to go too stuffy or girly. I loved the the little ones that the guys wore! Plus, the black callas for the parents were sophisticated and elegant, but also very unique.
We tried to stick to a lowish (well, by NYC standards) budget with DIY projects and bargains. The cool, scientific looking bud vases were only .79 each from Ikea! Also, we bought a colossal cupcake as our wedding cake, and just let our guests eat small tarts and treats as dessert. And instead of renting a photobooth, we set up a photo backdrop with two $10 curtains and some props. The best part was that our guests ended up dancing with the props and having so much fun on the dance floor!
Credits:
Photos: M G B Photo
MakeUp: Nina's Makeup
Hair: Styled by Jen
Dress: BCBG Max Azria
Veil: Made by bride's Mom
Shoes: Franco Sarto
Shoe Clips (bride's & bridesmaids): made by bride
Custom Cake Topper: Ready Go
Cake: Crumbs
Bride's Earrings: Ann Taylor
