BEHIND THE SCENES AT BHE

I get a lot of questions from newbies in the wedding world or people who are considering making the leap into this industry, which I love. Being a part of someone’s wedding is a huge responsibility, one I think many people take a little lightly. Forget about the extreme emotions and expectations that come along with this day and consider that this is likely to be one of the most significant investments a couple will make in their lifetime. You will be a part of lifelong memories and if you’re like most people drawn to this world, you want those to be happy ones…better than happy…ones that make them well up for years and ideally think of you when that happens. I know the best compliment I can get is when I get a letter from my couples on their anniversaries thanking me for creating such an amazing day with them. That’s when I know I’ve made an impact. But, I digress. These occasional postings will be for all of you who have been thinking about or have recently made the commitment to the wedding industry. I can’t promise I will post regularly, but as questions hit my inbox, I learn a new lesson or am reminded of an old one, I will share any relevant insight here for all of you. So, if anything’s on your mind simply email me at beth@bethhelmstetter.com or leave a comment below. I’m an open book.

Photo from M&C Villa Sevillano wedding by Samantha Cabrera

 

RECENT PRESS

Taking a little moment to toot our own horns and share our current press on the news stands…First up, Wes & Jaime’s Bali Wedding at the Amanusa Resort graced the pages of Martha Stewart Weddings, which obviously we are beyond thrilled about. Pick this issue up…it’s their biggest issue ever and is chock full of inspiration.

C Weddings did a feature on one of our favorite weddings that took place at Villa Sevillano. M&C’s wedding was one of a whole other level with a custom structure that took days to install and just overall a beautiful residential, refined and relaxed vibe.

Style Me Pretty released their Best of issue from 2012 which includes reader’s favorites from the year and we were in it! Well, us and the gorgeous wedding of Jacey & Grant…We are always honored to be included in anything SMP touches!

And, Weddings in Houston Magazine features a bit of our planning advice on why everyone should work with professionals only on their wedding day. This magazine is gorgeous and full of amazing planning tips. Just in case you want to take a peek at our last wedding we designed for a Houston Bride, click here and here to see Tara & Kurt’s big day on the Big Island at the Four Seasons Hualalai!

EVE & ANTHONY : THE WEDDING : SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA

As mentioned yesterday, Eve & Anthony had an amazing Halloween wedding weekend in Santa Barbara. Not wanting to go overtly Halloween with the design, but also not wanted to completely ignore the holiday, the aesthetic had old world touches that one might see in a beautiful yet slightly creepy mansion from another time. The ceremony was held at the Natural History Museum in downtown Santa Barbara completely with Spanish lanterns from the 1800′s, loosely gathered blooms and herbs and a bride in the most gorgeous vintage gown one would ever see. The celebration took place at the Four Seasons Biltmore and was decked out with dusty old books, wrought iron candelabras with dripping candles everywhere, vintage lace linens and even a tarot card reader gave a nod to the day while still remaining timeless and appropriate for a wedding and celebration . Take a peek at the images from Amy and Stuart and hop on over to Style Me Pretty if you’re dying to see more.

EVE & ANTHONY : THE WELCOME PARTY : SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA

Eve and Anthony married on Halloween in Santa Barbara. Not wanting an overtly Halloween wedding but also not wanting to steal the holiday experience from the guests who love spooky celebrations, we created a Day of the Dead Welcome Party to give guests the best of both worlds. Here are just a few of my favorite details captured by the uber talented Amy & Stuart. Stop by tomorrow to see how we created a sophisticated Halloween wedding.

SIMPLE THINGS : BOW TIES

If you’re wearing a bow tie, I automatically request permission to squeeze you…


TOP ROW & 2ND ROW: Surya & Nick’s Aspen Wedding

3RD ROW: Stella & Peter’s Maui Wedding

4TH ROW: Clyde courtesy of Ritzy Bee

5TH ROW: Baby Bow Ties courtesy of Wedding Chicks / M+C Villa Sevillano Wedding 

6TH ROW: Velvet Bow Ties from Boutaugh

M&C GET HITCHED : VILLA SEVILLANO : SANTA BARBARA

I know I say this a lot, but I just loved this wedding! Burlap, silk, pewter, a dreamy custom structure made of muslin, Villa Sevillano and the list goes on….Our clients came to us with a vision of an intimate, residential vibe and we think we gave them just that. For the ceremony, we had custom benches created draped in white with silk and burlap pillows where guests got cozy as the bride walked down the aisle to a pianist playing on a white baby grand. Cocktail hour was in the gorgeous lavender and rose garden of the venue with an oyster shucker, champagne free flowing and an abundance of white blooms. For dinner, guests dined under a breathtaking custom structure which took 4 days to build. The structure featured gorgeous walnut wood flooring, a beautiful foyer into dinner, a wing with a men’s lounge and a floor to ceiling bar built just for the day. On the other side of the structure, we had a wing for the desserts and cheese station complete with a cushy lounge. It was truly a one of a kind celebration! Take a peek of the loveliness captured by Samantha Cabrera.

RECENT PRESS

We’ve had some lovely press recently and couldn’t wait to share…First up, we had the honor of planning Morgan Norman’s wedding at the gorgeous Villa Sevillano in Santa Barbara and some of her beautiful images were in New Idea magazine, a society publication out of Australia. We’re keeping the images under wraps, but not only was her and her new husband, Chris, just the loveliest, but the wedding day was jaw dropping. You’ll have to pick up the publication to get a glimpse. Definitely an honor!

The charming Big Island wedding of Laura Hooper is in the latest issue of Inside Weddings. We shared a few images a couple months back, but you have to pick up the magazine to see even more and read about Laura & Jeremy’s story. We loved this wedding! You can also see her welcome party on Style Me Pretty and even more images of here entire celebration here, here, and here. And, her beautiful dessert display also made an appearance on the amazing blog of Amy Atlas.

Well Wed, a local publication out of the East Coast, picked up Michelle & Austin’s East Hampton Wedding, which goes down as one of our all time favorites (seen here on Style Me Pretty!Bride’s magazine also added this piece of loveliness to their website inspiration as well. Also, you can see more in Darling. Everyone seemed to just love this classic beauty!

C Weddings liked the fun little pizza kits we gave out at a private party that included pizza lessons at the Scuola di Pizza from the chefs of Mozza. It was a blast. The magazine is also chocked full of many other fun favors and the pages are overflowing with wedding inspiration.
I hope you get the chance to pick up some of these wonderful publications for inspiration galore!

 

ERIN & ANDREW GET HITCHED : SANTA BARBARA

I love all weddings, but there’s something about a small, intimate wedding that makes a guest feel so special to be a part of. And, Erin & Andrew’s intimate wedding was no different. I worked with Erin from afar to create a simple and sweet garden ceremony and dinner party style reception at the Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara. The residential design that was filled with layers of textures from the damask linens and heavy tapestries to candlelight dripping from every point and effortlessly arranged florals paired with farm fresh fruit all displayed in a variety of rich wood vessels. In the end, it felt like the couple invited 75 of their closest friends and family to their home to join them for a very special celebration. We loved every minute of working with this couple and hope you enjoy the super sweet images from Steve Steinhardt below.

END OF YEAR NOSTALGIA

Just like many of you, the end of the year brings about a certain amount of nostalgia. Looking back at all the amazing things we’ve accomplished over the year and the even more wonderful couples we’ve worked with. As we head into the new year, we wanted to say one last congratulations to the beautiful people we’ve been able to work with this year. You take us into your lives, often treating us like family members, giving us the opportunity to create a once in a lifetime moment for you and for that we will be forever grateful. It is because of you that I get to do what I love day in and out, all year round, this year and next! Thank you for allowing us to be a little piece of your worlds in 2011!

Jody & Patrick : April 2nd, 2011 : Bacara Resort : Santa Barbara, California : Photography by Max Wanger

Laura & Jeremy : April 30th, 2011 : Kona Beach House : Kona, Hawaii : Image by Steve Steinhardt Trudy & Rob : May 28th, 2011 : Hahn Estate : Santa Barbara, California : Image by Jose Villa

Tess & Peter : June 4th, 2011 : Private Residence : Bel Air, California : Image by Amy & Stuart

Amelia & Danny : June 18th, 2011 : Devil’s Thumb Ranch : Tabernesh, Colorado : Image by Steve Steinhardt

Rachel & John : July 16th, 2011 : Hummingbird Nest Ranch : Simi, California : Image by Jose Villa

Lindsey & Nick : July 2011 : Private Residence : Brentwood, California : Image by Steve Steinhardt

Bettina & Brian : August 13th, 2011 : Gull’s Way : Malibu, California : Image by Steve Steinhardt

Nicole & Matthew : September 3rd, 2011 : Hummingbird Nest Ranch : Simi, California : Image by Jasmine Star

Jessica & Chetan : September 10th, 2011 : Chateau D’ Esclimont : Saint Symphorien, France : Image by Janis Rietnicks

Jacey & Grant : September 24th, 2011 : Smog Shoppe : Los Angeles, California : Image by Lauren Ross

Nikki & Paul : October 16th, 2011 : Saddlerock Ranch : Malibu, California : Image by Jason Merrit/Wire Images, courtesy of US Weekly

Amy & Jason : November 12th, 2011 : St. Vibiana’s : Los Angeles, California : Image by Samuel Lippke

 Here’s wishing each of you a wonderful first holiday season as a married couple and to many, many, many more. Much love to all of you!