Crate and Barrel's Ultimate Wedding Contest

By Crate and Barrel and DailyCandy

Entry / Voting Period is Closed

Jo Gartin

Two months to go!

Updated: August 23, 2010

Hello again!

Bella in San Francisco

I am excited to bring you the updates on the 'Ultimate Wedding' I'm planning for Jaclyn and Tanin. So much has happened in the past month, so let's get right into it!

Inspired by Stryker Winery's unique architecture and natural surroundings, Jaclyn and Tanin chose an elegant yet earthy feel for their wedding sprinkled with a mix of both modern and vintage touches. We designed a collage of images for inspiration, sometimes referred to as a mood board. The color palette incorporates shades of aubergine, splashes of pale pinks, platinum grey, and wood grains. There are old school decor accents, organic cuisine, clean lines and a definite feeling of fun. The perfect combinations for this very stylish couple!

Papel Paper and Press invitation

With the theme and the colors of the wedding set, it was onto invitations. We chose Papel Paper and Press to help send out the exciting news to friends and family. Letterpress expert and founder, Susan at Papel custom designed a collection of letterpress stationery using our color palette and combining vintage icons with modern design. To tie in the earthy elements the invitation will be hand-mounted to a sheet of wood grain and wrapped with twine.

Amy & Stuart Photography were my first choice for Jaclyn and Tanin's wedding. They will fall in love with Stryker. It's a photographer's playground! Using film and digital media, this California-based husband and wife team effortlessly capture every magical moment. In keeping with the vintage twists, we hired Super 8mm film experts, Paper Tape Films to document this fairytale. Unlike conventional filmographers, Nouvelle Vogue Bridal Boutique in San Mateo Paper Tape Films captures each wedding on wonderful antique 8mm cameras where the signature graininess gives that nostalgic wonder.

Like most radiant brides-to-be, Jaclyn was thrilled to go dress shopping! The moment we walked into the charming Nouvelle Vogue Bridal Boutique in San Mateo, we knew Jaclyn was going to find her dress. With their impeccable taste and personalized service, boutique owners, Chantal and Saida, Jaclyn slipped into a romantic ivory gown with a chapel train by Cymbeline of Paris. The strapless bodice is covered with delicate French lace and the ruffled organza layers fit Jaclyn like a glove. I know most people watch the bride when she walks down the aisle, but I love to watch the groom. I am quite sure Jaclyn will take Tanin's breath away as she processes!

Bella in San Francisco Bella in San Francisco

Of course, we couldn't forget Jaclyn's bridesmaids. To ensure we got the perfect dresses to compliment the theme, we arrived at Bella Bridesmaid in San Francisco. Specializing in chic and wearable bridesmaid dresses and accessories, Bella Bridesmaid is an appointment-only boutique that ensures a personalized and intimate experience. After looking at the wide selection of dresses, Jaclyn chose a Melissa Sweet charcoal organza dress with delicate flower detail. Also from Bella Bridesmaid came the finishing touches; M Flynn bubble earrings in sterling silver and adorable matching silver cream Nelle tuxedo inspired clutches. This is going to be quite the stylish bridal party! Bella in San Francisco Bella in San Francisco

So the planning is well under way and everyone involved is so excited to be a part of this amazing experience. I can't wait to continue on this beautiful journey with Jaclyn and Tanin — they are both such a pleasure. Stay tuned!

Sending you love, luck and angels,

Jo

Let's Get This Party Started!

Updated: July 9, 2010

Welcome!

Grand Prize Winners Jaclyn and Tanin

First, I'd like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all the entrants of The Crate and Barrel Ultimate Wedding Contest for sharing your love stories with us. It has been a pleasure to be part of this amazing community!

And now, I am delighted to embark on this unforgettable journey with Grand Prize Winners Jaclyn and Tanin, designing a wedding celebration filled with fairytale moments they can cherish forever. Follow me here for ongoing updates throughout the planning process. From stationary to tabletops, I am excited to share with you my inside tips and savvy secrets that will bring Jaclyn and Tanin's wedding to life.

Each of my events begins with an overall vision. While this can stem from a variety of influences, the location often dominates. In their contest entry, Jaclyn and Tanin imagined their Ultimate Wedding as a celebration of love staged amidst the vines of Wine Country. With its panoramic views overlooking picturesque Alexander Valley, the Stryker Sonoma Winery is the ideal venue for their October nuptials. Stryker's stunning and unique architecture will be the perfect backdrop for the contemporary yet earthy touches Jaclyn and Tanin envisage at their celebration.

Stryker Sonoma Winery

I hope to shower you with inspiration and smiles in the coming weeks as I bring Jaclyn and Tanin's fairytale wedding to life...

Wishing you Love, Luck, and Angels

Jo