TGIF! A short and sweet post!

a music inspired DIY daydream of a wedding!

THIS IS BADASS! and Archies engagement!

M-A-G-I-C-A-L!!!

love everything about this!

swoon!

Community, family, travel, and music are big parts of Abby’s life with Jesse and all of these elements blended cohesively at their gorgeous wedding! Along with the stunning photos and detailed music list, Abby shares their decisions on why they picked certain music. She also gives fabulous advice for those planning on hand-picking their own wedding tunes. Straight from the bride herself:

Jesse and I are music and dance fanatics and had a lot of fun hand-picking the songs we played at our wedding. We have gone to countless concerts and music festivals throughout our 10 years of dating and plan to go to many more for the rest of our lives

Our ceremony was filled with music with special meaning. Family Tree by TV on the Radio was a song that Jesse introduced me to on a long bus ride–I remember him making me put on his headphones and telling me to listen to this beautiful song he just discovered. It’s always held a special place for us, and now every time I hear it I am reminded of watching our wedding procession begin and waiting to walk down the aisle to marry Jesse. We incorporated live music into the ceremony by having about a dozen of our aunts sing When Irish Eyes Are Smiling between readings. It was a very cool moment to watch our families join together in song.

We decided early on that we would forgo a DJ and custom-make our cocktail, dinner, and dance playlists. We asked four wonderful and musically inclined friends to each give us an hour’s worth of music, which was a great way to add songs into the mix that we might otherwise not know or think of. When we added those four hours of music to our own list, we had about 15 hours of dance music! After some tough choices/cuts, we whittled that list down to about 7 hours of a dance playlist that transitioned from timeless classics into late-night-appropriate tunes, and we made our dreams of dancing into the night with family and friends become a reality. It was a lot (A LOT!) of work to edit each song and make sure the dance party would flow without a DJ, but it was completely worth it! If you like playing around with music and are willing to put in the time, don’t listen to anyone who tells you MUST have a DJ or band. We were 100% happy with our choice not to.

We also decided to make our wedding favor a mix CD. We made mix tapes/cds for each other throughout our dating years and thought that would be a cool reflection of us to give to our guests. The songs we picked were mostly about love and happiness and had been played at some point during our wedding festivities. A wonderful friend of ours designed the CD art, and then we hand-stamped and tied baker’s twine around each of the CDs.

Ceremony
Wedding Party Processional: Family Tree – TV on the Radio
Bridal Processional: Home – Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
Recessional: M79 – Vampire Weekend

Cocktail & Dinner
How Long Do I Have to Wait for You – Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
We Fight / Love – Q-Tip feat. Raphael Saadiq
Black Tambourine – Beck
Inside and Out – Feist
Just – Mark Ronson feat. Alex Grenwald
Luck of Lucien – A Tribe Called Quest
Le Jardin Du Luxenberg – The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger
Still Sound – Toro Y Moi
Lovefool – The Cardigans
Virtual Insanity – Jamiroquai
Do it Again – Steely Dan
Collarbone – Fujiya & Miyagi
The Bike Song – Mark Ronson and the Business International
Badfish – Sublime
Jamming – Bob Marley
The Breeze – Dr. Dog
Somebody to Love – Queen
Ponta De Lanca Africano (Umbabarauma) – Jorge Ben
Make You Feel That Way – Blackalicious
Somebody to Love Me – Mark Ronson and the Business International
The Horizon has Been Defeated – Jack Johnson
Gronlandic Edit – Of Montreal
If it Hadn’t Been for Love – Adele
The Wind Cries Mary – Jimi Hendrix
I’ll Fly Away – Alison Krauss & Gillian Welch
Me and Bobby McGee – Janis Joplin
Help Yourself – Amy Winehouse
Imitosis – Andrew Bird
Lost in the Supermarket – The Clash
On & On – Erykah Badu
Many Rivers to Cross – Jimmy Cliff
High and Dry – Radiohead
Try a Little Tenderness (live) – Otis Redding
Just Like Heaven – The Cure
The Night Last Night – Mark Ronson and the Business International
Littlest Things – Lily Allen
Jackeyed – Micah P Hinson
Umi Says – Mos Def
Sweet Thing – Van Morrison
Baby’s Got Sauce – G. Love and Special Sauce
The Light – Common
Romeo and Juliet – Dire Straits
Reception Entrance: Kashmir – Led Zeppelin
Bride/Groom First Dance: Lovely Day – Bill Withers
Father/Daughter Dance: Ruby Tuesday – The Rolling Stones

Dance Party
Jackie Wilson Said – Van Morrison
Think – Aretha Franklin
Hold On! I’m A Comin’ – Sam & Dave
100 Yard Dash – Raphael Saadiq
Superstition – Stevie Wonder
Land of 1000 Dances – Wilson Pickett
September – Earth Wind & Fire
You Can Call Me Al – Paul Simon
In My Life – The Beatles
Tears Dry on Their Own – Amy Winehouse
American Girl – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough – Michael Jackson
Canned Heat – Jamiroquai
Ain’t no Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
When a Man Loves a Woman – Bette Midler
Red Red Wine – UB40
Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours – Stevie Wonder
Rolling in the Deep – Adele
Got to be a Love – Sharon Jones
Tightrope – Janelle Monae
American Boy – Estelle
Bust a Move – Young MC
Jessie’s Girl – Rick Springfield
Hold On! – Wilson Phillips
Just Dance – Lady GaGa
Nan You’re a Window Shopper – Lily Allen
All That She Wants – Ace of Base
Let’s Dance – David Bowie
Toxic – Brittany Spears
Electric Feel – MGMT
1901 – Phoenix
Paper Planes – M.I.A.
Get By – Talib Kweli
Single Ladies – Beyonce
Vogue – Madonna
Poker Face – Lady GaGa
The Seed – The Roots
Crazy in Love – Jay-Z
Poison – Bell Biv Devoe
I Wish – Skee Lo
Bang Bang Bang – Mark Ronson and the Business International
Regulate – Warren G
Hypnotize – The Notorious B.I.G.
California Love – Tupac
Thriller – Michael Jackson
Empire State of Mind – Jay-Z
Jump – Kriss Kross
Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
Paradise City – Guns N’ Roses
Living on a Prayer – Bon Jovi
Like a Prayer – Madonna
I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’ – Scissor Sisters
Doo Wop (That Thing) – Lauryn Hill
O.P.P. – Naughty by Nature
Let’s Get it Started – Black Eyed Peas
Stronger – Kanye West
Yeah! – Usher
H to the Izzo – Jay-Z
Breathe – Blue Cantrell & Sean Paul
Hate it or Love it – The Game
Hey Mama – Black Eyed Peas
Umbrella – Rihanna
Low – Flo Rida
All I Do is Win – DJ Khaled
Bottoms Up – Trey Songz
You Can do it – Ice Cube
Dirt off Your Shoulder – Jay-Z
OMG – Usher
Juicy – The Notorious B.I.G.
The Next Episode – Dr. Dre
Basket Case – Green Day
Any Way You Want it – Journey
Blister in the Sun – Violent Femmes
M79 – Vampire Weekend

Abby & Jesse Make a Good Mix CD
M79 – Vampire Weekend
All Night Long – Lionel Richie
Valerie – Mark Ronson and the Business International
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
How Long Do I Have to Wait for You? – Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings
Lovely Day – Bill Withers
Umbrella – Rihanna
Can I Kick it – A Tribe Called Quest
Inside and Out- Feist
Stickshifts and Safetybelts – Cake
Good Day Sunshine – The Beatles
Fat Bottomed Girls – Queen
La Revolution – Ugly Duckling
P.Y.T. – Michael Jackson
Electric Feel – MGMT
Thank You – Led Zeppelin
Skinny Love – Bon Iver
Jigsaw Falling into Place – Radiohead
Family Tree – TV on the Radio
Redemption Song – Bob Marley

*****************************

Photography: Kris Holland Photography
Flowers: Homegrown by Abby’s family
Event Planning: Day-of coordination by Cristina Heald
Ceremony/Reception Location: Relais du Soleil, Glen Ellen, CA
Dress: Marciel (New York)
Cupcakes: Bijoux Cupcakes
Catering: Park Avenue Catering
Makeup: Chloe Couch
Hair: Rachel Eaton/Salon Nonfiction
Car: Abby’s dad’s 1951 Willy’s Jeepster

It’s no secret that Austin is a music lover’s paradise. Jessica and Bobby are two souls that can attest to the awesomeness of Austin! Their wedding took place at a rad venue and they had an incredible playlist to accompany their day. Blend all of that with their own flair (ie Jessica’s dress was worn by her mother and made by her Grandmother!) and the photo genius of Katherine and you’ve got one helluva Hi-Fi feature!

Pre-Ceremony

Honey Come Home – The Head and the Heart
I Knew The Bride (When she used to rock n roll) – Nick Lowe
I’m the Man Who Loves You – Wilco
Love You In The Fall – Paul Westerberg
I Get The Sweetest Feeling – Jackie Wilson
Save It For A Rainy Day – The Jayhawks
Love Will Turn You Around – Kenny Rogers
Looking For Love – Johnny Lee
Let’s Get Married – The Proclaimers
L-O-V-E (Japanese Version) – Nat King Cole
Jessica – They Might Be Giants
I’m In Love With A Girl – Big Star

Ceremony Processional: Baleen Mornings – Balmorhea
Groom Entrance: The Final Countdown – Europe
Bride Entrance: Question – Old 97’s
Recessional: You Make My Dreams (Come True) – Hall and Oates

Cocktail Hour
Wilco’s Whole Love album

First Dance: All The Right Reasons – The Jayhawks

**************************

Venue: 29th Street Ballroom at The Spider House Austin, TX
Day of Coordinator: Pearl Events
Caterer and cake: Whole Foods
Cake Topper: Etsy
Cookies: Bride’s mom
Bouquets: Central Market Flowers
Bride and Bride’s Mother Favor Bags: Whisker Graphics
Wedding Poster: Ello There on Etsy
Photographer: Katherine O’Brien
Photo Booth: Annie Ray
DJ: DJ Huxtable
Dress: Bride’s mother’s worn in 1973 made by her grandmother in Brazil

Click to listen:
We Can’t Enjoy Ourselves – Charming Man

Here’s a lil’ diddy that any of you that love The Smiths will totally dig. There’s also a hint of Decemberists and old school Of Montreal all wrapped together in a catchy, jingle jangle of a tune. Their entire album is available for download at a “name your price” option, so you can’t really beat that. Hope you have a wonderful Tuesday!

Still hankering for more music?! Check out all of the past Tuesdays!

I’ve been excited to show off this wedding since the moment Stephanie and I shot our last frames. We were ecstatic when Mary and Jonathan asked us to not only shoot their gorgeous wedding, but also provide video and DJ! Thankfully White Rabbit Studios is a team of wonderful folks and we all had a blast celebrating Mary and Jonathan’s wedding! From the darling details to the terrific tunes this definitely went down on the books as one of my favorites!

Pre-Ceremony
New Slang by The Shins
All My Stars Alligned by St. Vincent
Bridal Party Procession: Wedding Bell by Beach House
Bride Procession: Sea of Love by Cat Power
Recessional: All You Need is Love by the Beatles

Reception
First Dance: That’s How Strong my Love is by Otis Redding
Bride/Father Dance: My Girl by Otis Redding
Groom/Mother Dance: In My Life by The Beatles
Cake Cutting: Sugar, Sugar by the Archies
Love You Madly by Cake
No One Does It Like You by Department of Eagles
Speaking in Tongues by Eagles of Death Metal
We Turn it Up by Oh Land
Love Shack by B52′s
Funnel of Love by Wanda Jackson
Ladybird by Nancy Sinatra
D.A.N.C.E. by Justice
We Speak No Americano by Yolanda Be Cool
I’ve Just Seen a Face by the Beatles
Hey Ya! by Outkast
Tightrope ft Big Boi by Janelle Monae
Shake by Otis Redding
Twist and Shout by The Beatles
Love Your Lovin’ Ways by Nina Simone
If Not For You by Bob Dylan
Sweet Summer’s Night on Hammer Hill by Jens Lekman
Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry
Dance by The Ramones
You Make My Dreams by Hall & Oates
Pride and Joy by Stevie Ray Vaughan
Electric Feel by MGMT
Push It by Salt ‘N’ Peppa
Yeah by Usher
Feel Good, Inc by the Gorillaz
Kiss by Prince
Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero’s
Lisztomania by Phoenix
Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison
Fell In Love With A Girl by The White Stripes
This Will Be Our Year by the Zombies
The Way You Make Me Feel by Michael Jackson

PS – This was also featured on the lovely 100 Layer Cake’s blog! Check it out to get more deets about the deets!

*****************************

Venue: Historic Rucker Place
Photography, Video, and DJ: White Rabbit Studios
Wedding Gown: James Clifford
Bridesmaid gowns: Dessy Collection
Cake, Sweets Table, Guest Book, Cupcake in a Jar Favors: Proper Measures
Embroidered Initial Hoop: Elephant Stitchery
Love Always Banner: Nice by Caitlin
Flower Girl Dresses: US Angels
Handkerchief Save the Dates and Invites: Benign Objects
Letterpress Printing: Green Pea Press
Flowers: LSL Event Design

Each week I digitize a 45 from my own personal collection and share it with the earholes of the internet. The Sunday Singles are not just for those planning a wedding, but for music lovers across the board. It’s a recollection of the past with the sound of vinyl against a needle and the warm song that results.

Click to listen, right click “save as” to download:

Side A:
Wondering

Side B:
Ride Away

Although my favorite Roy song (“Only the Lonely”) isn’t represented on this 45, I still wanted to share these two wonderful songs. We don’t come across his 45s a whole lot, but you can bet we snatch them up when we can. Of course he was signed to one of the best labels – Sun Records. With a distinguished voice like his, who wouldn’t want to sign him?!

Wanna mingle with more singles?! Check out all of the past Sundays!

Lisa collects records, and Kim is an avid beer-maker. Basically, kindred souls. Beer and vinyl are also two of me and my husband’s favorite things. Combine Lisa and Kim’s passions with their adorable house, and it’s a perfect setting for a sweet and personalized engagement session!

Photos: heidi-o-photo

Happy Friday Y’all! If you follow me on tumblr or instagram (I’m under the name “verticalhouse”), you’ll know that the test pressing of my band’s first seven inch came in yesterday! I must admit I probably celebrated losing my vinyl virginity* a bit too much last night…as today is one of those “sluggish” mornings. Not so much “hung over”, just tired. Oh well, you only live this life once right?!

* It’s surreal hearing something you thought was going to just be “for funsies” actually turn into something tangible. One band member (Ben) has had countless LPs pressed (he’s in SO many awesome bands), another member (Ashley) has had one seven inch come out with her other band, but this is the first time Helen and I have made music that is now in analog form. Woo!

Anyway, onto the Favs!

a geeeetar and banjo bliss engagement!

hand crafted awesomeness!

homegirl surprised hubby with a song! this entire wedding is so gorgeous!

DIY banner!

omg TOTALLY smitten with these two!

BOOMBOX themed wedding – love it!

If I haven’t told you enough, let me say it again: I LOVE when readers send me their own weddings. Christina and her husband, Billy, have been avid readers. Even after their wedding, Christina declares she’s still a fan (gotta love that, y’all!) Music is what brought Billy and Christina together. She found him online (aka “stalked him”) because of his musical tastes, literature preferences, and movie-going tendencies. It only took her sending one message to him for their story to begin!

Ceremony
Bride Processional: All I Want Is You – U2 (played on Piano)
Recessional: You Never Can Tell – Chuck Berry

Reception
Entrance: Beautiful Day – U2
First Dance: All I Want Is You – U2
Father/Daughter Dance: Father and Daughter – Paul Simon
Mother/Son: Little Martha – The Allman Brothers Band

Cocktail
Tutti Frutti – Elvis Presley
Where Did Our Love Go – The Supremes
Wrong ‘Em Boyo – The Clash
You’re Such a Good Looking Woman – Joe D
Please Mr. Postman – The Marvelettes
Reach Out I’ll Be There – The Four Tops
Revolution Rock – The Clash
Something About Us – Daft Punk
Such Great Heights – The Postal Service
Suspicious Minds – Elvis Presley
‘Tain’t Nobody’s Business If I Do – Billie Holiday
Take Me Home, Country Roads – Toots & The Mayhalls
Top Hat, White Tie, And Tails – Louis Armstrong

Dinner
Sam Cooke – Cupid
The Chordettes – Mr. Sandman
Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash – Girl From the North Country
Luka Bloom – Dancing Queen
Ray LaMontagne – Shelter you
Ella Fitzgerald – Love is here to Stay
inxs – Tear us Apart
The Cure – Love Song
Roxy Music – More Than This
Bird and the Bee – Spark
Noevelle Vague – Melt With You
Morrissey – Let me Kiss You

Dance
Uptown Girl – Billy Joel
You Dropped A Bomb On me – Gap Band
I See You Baby – Groove Armada
Don’t you want me – The Human League
My Girl – The Temptations
My Guy – Mary Wells
Could you Be loved – Bob Marley and the Wailers
Only Girl (In the World) – Rhianna
Girls And Boys – Blur
Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger – Daft Punk
Raspberry Beret – Prince
I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’ – scissor sisters
Let’s Stay Together – Al Green
Peter, Bjorn, and John – Young Folks
Amy Winehouse – Valerie
B52′s – Rock Lobster
Blondie – Call Me
Gnarles Barkley – Crazy
Robyn – Indestructible
Franz Ferdinand – Take me Out
Dixie Cups – iko iko
The Ramones – I Wanna be Your Boyfriend
The Kinks – All Day and All of the Night

***************************

Photos: Kelly Kollar
Venue: Bubby’s
Ceremony Veil: Bridal Veil Falls
Floral Design: Syndi Woods (Bride’s sister-in-law)
Wedding Programs & Invitations: Liz Sadkowski
DJ: Paul Byrne, New York
Ceremony Pianist (friend of bride): Jeffrey Williams

Click to listen:
The Marble Vanity – You Can’t Step on a Rainbow

This song sounds like it came from one of the late 60s albums Nuggets, Pebbles, or Back From the Grave. However, it’s in this day and age that this track was born. Fitting for me right now, I’m happy to share this as today’s tune! It’s a super group formed by Bill and Lisa (of the Cococomas/Trouble in Mind fame), Andrew (of the Hipshakes), and Emma (from the Hollows). This is the only song I’ve been able to find online, but apparently there’s a 7″ coming out at the end of this month (available for pre-order now). Huzzah!

Still hankering for more music?! Check out all of the past Tuesdays!