Wedding Style Ideas: Guest Blogger Michelle Rago
Posted
Wednesday, November 26, 2008 3:42 PM
We are so excited to introduce our first official guest blogger -- New York City wedding planner and founder of Michelle Rago, Ltd, Michelle Rago. Michelle is truly a trendsetter, and here she explains her creative process when coming up with wedding style and elements that can be easily translated through to the invitations, lighting, centerpieces, and beyond.... enjoy!
"When I first meet a bride or couple, I immediately determine what inspires them as a couple -- determine what they are passionate about. I try to identify the sources of the couple's inspiration and how they will find their way into the design of the wedding. From these sources we derive The elements of the couple's wedding design.
I always encourage couples to express everything they imagine at first and deal with the practicalities later. The creative process does not always unveil itself in a linear fashion, and it will require you to make many choices along the way. Trust your instincts and when in doubt trust the professionals. Don't second-guess yourself too much and don't be afraid of your own point of view.
The creative process will ultimately revolve around some realistic considerations. The most important I refer to as The Three S's -- season, setting, and situation. Listen to them; they will tell you what to do all along the way. They contain the seeds of your design elements and will help you make decisions regarding accessories, details, and the finishing touches."
"For this wedding on the eastern shore of Long Island, we did not have to look far for The Elements -- all grew out of the coastal setting. Garden roses are indigenous to the shore and these delicate but hearty white flowers worked perfectly with the clean white setting. Other elements included wood, linen, and things from the sea. Beach lanterns lit the way down the path to the reception."
"Nantucket itself provided the inspiration for this destination wedding. Nantucket was a major whaling port in the 19th century and whales played an important role in the family lore. The couple also wanted to create a mood of whimsy and elegance -- think Great Gatsby by the sea. The reception was held in a tent erected on the beach and created a dreamlike and romantic feel to the evening, complete with a wedding cake in the shape of a whale."
"Often the most beautiful weddings start with a single idea. In this wedding at the Breakers in Palm Beach, the detail of the beautiful fabric from the bride's Oscar de la Renta dress became a unifying design element throughout the wedding. It was reflected in the hand-carved chuppah and painted on the dance floor. The sea was ever present both as a backdrop to the ceremony and the color scheme -- large vases of blue hydrangeas were positioned prominently in each of the locations."