wisconsin winter wedding: reception

yesterday, you saw the photos from my friends rachel and nathan's wedding. today, i want to share with you the photos from the reception.

the reception was held at an old courthouse that was transformed into a winter wonderland filled with christmas trees and banquet tables with elaborate centerpieces. the night was filled with good food, homemade christmas cookies and cake, good friends, dancing, and a photobooth.

You can view all of the photos here.


Ceremony: Alliance Bible Church
Reception: The Old Courthouse, West Bend, WI
Florals: Mother of the Bride
Printed Materials: Rachel Simonsen
Catering: Sazs
Cake/Cookies: Bride’s Family
Hair & Makeup: Studio 890 and Bride
Bride’s Dress: San Patrick – Calais
Bride’s Shoes: Steve Madden – Madden Girl
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: J Crew, Dorothy Perkins, H and M, Express, random other stores
Groom’s Suit: J Crew

wisconsin winter wedding part one: preparation + ceremony

this is not a wedding blog. but when my dear friend rachel was married this winter to her wonderful husband nathan, i just had to share it with you guys. i shared some of my own photos here, but the professional ones are in, and they are gorgeous and capture the day perfectly.

rachel and nathan's wedding was such a special day. it was the end of december in wisconsin, and there was no snow (and anyone from wisconsin knows that does not happen). instead there was rain. but when they were on their way to their portraits, something magical happened: the rain turned to snow! i am so happy that they got their snowy winter wedding photos.

the ceremony that proceeded was beautiful and touching. everything was so personal. the groom's grandfather sang a solo that he sang to his wife on their wedding day, everything (including the florals, aisle runner, and backdrop) was handmade by the bride and her mother, and the bride designed the programs herself.

all photos are by valo photography

My Top Ten Picks: Screen Actors Guild Dresses 2012

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The second big awards show took place tonight in this awards season tonight. Of course, I was watching keeping my eye out for pretty dresses and trends.
Here are a few things I noticed:

• I think its official: white isn't just for weddings anymore (nor is white required for a wedding dress)
• Pants! (Rose Byrne and Betty White)
• Lots of detailing and embellishments.
• Jewel tones

Here are my top 10 picks for this year's sags:


10. Viola Davis- Marchesa

9. Natalie Portman- Giambattista Valli

8. Ahna O'reilly- Nha Khanh

  7. Ashlee Simpson- Jenny Packham

6. Tina Fey- Vintage Versace

 5. Tilda Swinton- Lanvin

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 4. Dianna Agron- Carolina Herrera

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 3. Amber Heard- Zac Posen

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 2. Jessica Chastain- Calvin Klein

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1. Rose Byrne- Elie Saab

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Rose Byrne is my latest fashion icon, so this may be a little bit biased. But how can you argue with her daring  embellished jumpsuit and simple bob? I also loved Jessica Chastain's choice of color with her hair. And that neckline. The biggest (pleasant) surprise for me was Ashlee Simpson's gown which channeled a 1920's Great Gatsby vibe. 


What do you think? Did I leave someone out? Who was your pick for best-dressed?


P.S. The men didn't disappoint either!