Style Me Pretty: Wedding Blog for the Style-Obsessed Bride

Wine, Rust, and Midnight Blue Set the Scene for a Refined Mountain Retreat Wedding

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The color palette for the weekend included greens, soft ivory, dusty blue, deep midnight blue, soft peachy blush, terracotta, and rust with rich brown and punchy wine, coral, and cranberry hues. Each event teased out a different portion of the palette. The intimate rehearsal dinner on Thursday night leaned into sage green with copper and terracotta, and snippets of midnight blue and brown. The bridal luncheon on Friday afternoon centered around wine tones, with brighter blush and coral, soft greens, and a fun little pop of chartreuse. For Friday evening’s welcome party, we leaned into a richer palette of browns, rust, and various greens to highlight the existing upholstery and patterned elements in the space. On the wedding day, each and every color was involved in some way, culminating in a dance party in a tent designed in primarily blue hues. Across the weekend, the palette guided a thoughtful, curated progression of color that celebrated the seasonal transition from fall to early winter so beautifully.

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From the very beginning, Katie and James’ priority was to create an atmosphere of hospitality that was welcoming, relaxed, and cohesive, paving the way for their guests to experience a full weekend of celebration, and not just merely one day. Once we landed on High Hampton as the destination, the event design took shape as an extension of the resort’s natural character, blending refined wedding details with the warm, comfortable luxury that defines why this mountain retreat is so beloved.

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For her walk down the aisle, cocktails, dinner, and first dances, Katie wore Monique Lhuillier’s Lakely gown, which she paired with Bella Belle pumps and heirloom earrings. Later in the evening, she changed into Rachel Gilbert’s feather-tiered “Frenchy” minidress and made an appearance in both Stuart Weitzman silver sandals and ivory lace sneakers by Zimmermann.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The culinary experience at High Hampton is truly exceptional, and it was a delight to curate the menus for each event throughout the weekend. For the formal wedding reception, guests enjoyed an abundant selection of tray-passed hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour before taking their seats for an elegant plated dinner. The first course featured a seasonal mixed-greens salad with shaved vegetables, smoked onion jam vinaigrette, and toasted sunflower seeds. Entrées were pre-selected and offered a choice of beef tenderloin, chicken, or pan-seared scallops.

Alongside a beautifully appointed full bar, signature cocktails added a playful nod to the couple’s careers. Guests raved about James’ signature “The Deal Maker,” Katie’s “The Litigator,” and espresso martinis aptly named “The Legal Grounds.” And because no great celebration ends without a late-night bite, everyone was treated to a late-night surprise of hot-honey pepperoni pizza served on the dance floor.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Throughout the weekend, we focused on allowing the vibrant color palette to harmonize with High Hampton’s natural surroundings and the property’s signature patterns, prints, and textures. A custom marble pattern, created by local marbling artist Kim Padula, was seamlessly integrated into paper elements and décor in both green and blue color ways. Guests first encountered the green version in a beautifully engraved and embossed invitation suite, presented in a dark green box lined with the marbled artwork. The pattern also appeared on Inn key envelopes at check-in, on the border of the dinner menu cards, and custom boxes, each with a deck of Uno (Katie and James’ favorite card game!) that were featured in the welcome gifts guests received upon arrival for their weekend stay. The blue version of the marble pattern was kept as a visual surprise for guests, revealed only after dinner in the tent on oversized drum shades for hanging light fixtures, stage wallpaper accents, and a custom dance floor, adding a playful yet cohesive layer to the weekend’s design. Flowers played a central role in weaving the full color story throughout the weekend. Key blooms included Moab and Romantic Antike garden roses, ranunculus, terracotta lisianthus, privet berry, chocolate cosmos, magnolia foliage, eucalyptus, hellebores, larkspur, and antique hydrangea, creating arrangements that were lush, layered, and texturally rich. Texture played a key role throughout the weekend, with guests encountering rich velvet fabrics, embroidered linens, and intriguing print and laser-cut details such as wooden ginkgo leaf place cards that were personalized with each guest’s name and affixed to their menu card at dinner. Every dining experience was thoughtfully layered, creating tabletop environments that felt both intentional and elevated throughout the weekend.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]High Hampton’s incredible pastry chef, April Franqueza, a 2025 James Beard Awards® Semifinalist, created a stunning three-tier wedding cake that incorporated sculpted sugar gingko leaves and garden roses to mimic the original embossed artwork on their invitation suite. [/field]
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One of the most meaningful surprises of the weekend was the moment when Katie’s parents revealed a vintage red Corvette for the couple to use as their getaway car. But this wasn’t just any red Corvette…. it was the exact vehicle that her parents had used as their own wedding getaway car. Her father found and restored the vehicle, and uponitss reveal, we displayed original photos of her parents in the car on their wedding day in 1979!

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]On Friday afternoon, after an intimate bridal luncheon and before guests gathered for the welcome party, everyone had the chance to create a custom hat. Highlands Hatter, a favorite shop from the nearby town of Highlands, set up a hat bar in the High Hampton lobby where guests could select a style and personalize it with unique details. Katie and James first discovered Highlands Hatter during a weekend trip to Highlands early in their relationship, and it was during that getaway that they both fell in love. Incorporating that experience into their wedding weekend felt like a meaningful way to share a piece of their story with their guests.[/field]
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Eclectic Character Meets Contemporary Design in This Artfully Layered Fall Shoot

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When thinking through a wedding design, Valerie Strenk of LBV Design House is often inspired by interior design and the surrounding elements to create something that feels like an extension of the space it lives in. This shoot was heavily influenced by the beauty of Fall in Texas, which aimed to blend eclectic character with a contemporary feel. Depth was brought into the design through a strategic integration of textural linens and chairs, unexpected tablescape pairings,s and letterpressed paper goods. The ultimate creation felt whimsical yet refined, with a sense of curated individuality, for a styled celebration infused with seasonal warmth and artistic flair.

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In partnership with floral designer Maggie Peterson, the overall color palette was intended to celebrate colors naturally found in florals during autumn, while still bringing vibrancy to the design. Deeper reds and terracotta floral varieties were paired with naturally found grasses and hints of blue, for a wwell-balancedcolor palette that felt light while remaining seasonally appropriate. These colors extended throughout the design via details like the blue rimmed plates from The Rayes Collection, the cake bar from Bee Lavish Vintage Rentals, and Paper Details from Merci Studio. This mix of colors was anchored with neutral wood and rattan materials seen in statement moments like the bar and chargers.

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[field title=”The Venue”]

The background of choice for this photo shoot was The Addison Grove, which sits on a sprawling 26-acre property in the Texas Hill Country, just outside of Austin. The grounds include sweeping lawns, groups of large oak trees, a serene pond, and pastures where native wildflowers grow — plus the venue’s own longhorns grazing nearby, adding a classic Hill Country touch. Because of this natural beauty, the venue feels like a private ranch retreat — a place where the surrounding landscape becomes a living backdrop for the day.

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bridal model, via Page Parkes Agency, wore a contemporary Monique Lhuillier dress, paired with a lightweight scarf. The neckline drama of her attire was paired with dainty, handcrafted diamonds and fine jewelry from Nicole Mera for an angelic bridal look made even more ethereal with hair and make-up from Luxe by Lexi. [/field]
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Maggie Peterson’s florals embraced an autumnal, romantic aesthetic with warm berry and apricot tones layered throughout textural arrangements that felt gathered from the season itself. At the ceremony site, rattan baskets filled with blooms added an organic, meadow-style charm that tied beautifully into the autumn season and the natural landscape. The reception design echoed this layered softness, especially within the serpentine tablescape that flowed gracefully through the Texas Hill Country land. Table setting decor, such as the rattan chargers and the delicate scalloped plates from The Rayes Collection,n added such a touch of whimsy to the otherwise grounded, seasonal palette. BBJ La Tavola’s Nellie Rose Napkin also adorned the table and brought in a soft rose accent that perfectly complemented the muted floral arrangements on the tables. The tablescape was completed with the Marilyn chairs from Bright Event Rentals, whose sculptural, rounded silhouettes introduced a touch of modern glamour to the meadow-inspired setting. Together, the mix of textures, tones, and materials created a cohesive, immersive autumnal design that felt both elevated and effortlessly organic.

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Favorite design elements included: – tiered fabric moments seen in both the ceremony design and statement bar, adding a playful softness to the look and feel of these spaces. – a statement dessert display, featuring custom colored meringues by Olive & Aries. – an invitation suite highlighting a hand-drawn duck, brought to life through decorative elements seen in the bar and lounge area of the day. – The dining set-up in the middle of the open field, with a unique double half-circle table layout, was brought to life in partnership with Bright Event Rentals.

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[field title=”Tips To Pull Off The Look”]

Valerie, with LBV Design House,e encourages couples not to be afraid when it comes to their wedding design. Play with different textures, colors, and prints to create something that feels uniquely yours!

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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

BBJ La Tavola

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Julian Gold Bridal

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Mixing Prints and Greenery with Effortless Ease, Plus a Sweet Corgi Detail!

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Carolina Blue, ivory, green[/field]
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Tina is known for her expertise in mixing patterns, textures, and tones most perfectly. For this wedding, she included natural elements of different greenery and mosses, a mix of linen patterns incomplementaryy ivory and blues, and ensured even the boho floral petal chandeliers were dripping with greenery. As seen, Fred the corgi was a subtle yet adorable addition to their design. From the cocktail stirrers, the welcome sign, seating chart, invitations, and place cards, that wiggly cutie was a sweet little addition everyone adored.

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Justin and Jacqueline got engaged in Breckenridge, CO, on Valentine’s Day 2023, but not exactly by design. He had originally planned to propose on 2/15, knowing she’d find a Valentine’s Day proposal a little too cheesy. But an incoming snowstorm quickly changed his plans. The photographer he’d hired called to warn him that by the next day, the weather would be so cold the camera could literally freeze. So on Valentine’s Day morning, Justin got down on one knee as it began to snow, giving them some of Jacqueline’s favorite photos they have ever taken. They spent the rest of the day snowboarding and FaceTiming their friends and family, soaking in every moment. It truly was the perfect day, and now that Hallmark holiday has a very special place in their heart.

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Sassi Holford’s Orla Gown and Sassi Holford Sienna Topper from Ladies of Lineage

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Bridesmaid Dresses: Made-to-order LulaKate gowns. These mix-and-match gowns were show-stopping and provided the perfect combo of their blue tones for the wedding day.

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Groom’s Tuxedo: Custom Tuxedo from Myers Park Tailors featuring their name and date inside the tux pocket.

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Duke Mansion hosted the couple and their guests with beautiful passed hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktailsduring cocktail hour and a stunning sit-down dinner on the mansion’s Queens terrace.

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These lush florals by Springvine Design were the breathtaking element to this day. From lining the handrails, overflowing the reception space, and cascading around the ceremony pillars, these will forever leave a lasting impression. The majority of the florals were ivory with little hints of the blue seen throughout the other details of their day.

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This three-tiered cake from Marianne Tayloe featured a similar sleek appearance to the gown, but had a fun little scallop bottom tier, and the blue and green textured floral design added to it mimicked the floral patternof the linen. Classy yet modern

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Justin and Jacqueline‘s pet corgi, Fred,d was infused in many of the design elements of the day, starting with the save the date, which featured a watercolor sketch of Fred sitting on DukeMansion’ss lawn, the location of their upcoming ceremony.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]While espresso martinis are a hot trend, these two opted to take it up a notch with a custom ice sculpture at the reception that doubled as an espresso martini luge. It was an instant hit, and such a fun detail added. It was also the perfect little nod to their engagement session being surrounded by the chilly snowscape. [/field]
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Fred became a reoccurring figure in many of the day of details, including corgi shaped place cards that adorned each place setting. Along with Fred making an appearance on wedding day as the ring bearer, he was also featured on the custom seating wall making sure that he was present, even if it was just in subtle reminders even after his departure.

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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Petit Bouquet

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Instagram vs. Pinterest for Wedding Vendors: Which Platform Drives More Bookings in 2026?

Every wedding vendor faces the same question: where should I focus my limited social media time? Instagram demands daily attention with Stories, Reels, and feed posts. Pinterest promises evergreen traffic but requires a different strategy entirely. Most vendors spread themselves thin trying to do both half-heartedly, while their competitors master one platform and dominate.

Here’s what the data shows in 2026: the platforms serve fundamentally different purposes, and the “best” choice depends on your business goals, vendor category, and capacity. Instagram builds relationships and brand personality. Pinterest drives website traffic and SEO. The vendors booking consistently aren’t necessarily on both platforms; they’ve strategically chosen where their ideal clients actually are and doubled down there.

The Pinterest Advantage: Discovery and Longevity

Pinterest is a visual search engine, not a social network and that distinction changes everything. When couples search “rustic wedding venues Colorado” or “moody wedding photography,” they’re finding pins that could be months or even years old. Your content has a lifespan measured in years, not hours.

The numbers back this up. Wedding vendors report that Pinterest drives 2-3x more website traffic than Instagram, with significantly higher conversion rates. Why? Intent. Pinterest users are actively planning and searching for solutions, not passively scrolling. When someone clicks your pin to your blog post about “10 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer,” they’re seriously considering hiring a photographer, probably in the next 2-4 weeks.

Pinterest particularly favors certain vendor categories. Venues, photographers, florists, and planners see exceptional results because couples heavily rely on visual inspiration for these services. Stationers, rental companies, and anyone selling physical products also perform well. Service-based vendors like DJs, officiants, and coordinators have a harder time but can succeed with educational content.

The Pinterest strategy that works: vertical pins (1000×1500 pixels) with text overlays describing the content. “Romantic Garden Wedding at [Venue Name]” with a gorgeous image and overlay text performs better than unlabeled photos. Create 3-5 unique pins for each blog post, pinning the same URL with different images and descriptions to maximize reach.

Educational content crushes it on Pinterest. “Wedding Photography Pricing Guide,” “How to Choose Wedding Flowers by Season,” and “Complete Wedding Day Timeline Template” get saved and shared far more than pure portfolio images. These educational pins drive traffic to your website where you can capture emails, showcase your full portfolio, and convert browsers into inquiries.

Pinterest SEO matters enormously. Use keyword-rich titles, descriptions, and board names. “Elegant Garden Weddings in Charleston, SC” beats “Pretty Wedding Inspo.” Pinterest’s algorithm reads text, so describe what’s in your pins thoroughly. Include your location in board titles and pin descriptions. Pinterest prioritizes local results for location-based searches.

The Instagram Reality: Engagement and Trust

Instagram is where relationships happen. Couples don’t just see your work, they see you. Behind-the-scenes Stories, your personality in captions, how you interact in comments. This builds the know-like-trust factor that turns followers into paying clients. You can’t build this kind of connection on Pinterest.

The Instagram algorithm in 2026 prioritizes engagement and “interest signals” over everything else. This means posting consistency matters, but genuine engagement matters more. Three high-quality posts per week that generate saves, shares, and meaningful comments will outperform seven mediocre daily posts that get passive likes.

Reels are unavoidable if you want reach. The algorithm heavily favors video content, with Reels regularly getting 3-5x the reach of static posts. But here’s the catch: viral Reels rarely convert to bookings. A Reel showing a gown reveal might get 50,000 views from random people nationwide, while a carousel post showing your full wedding photography process gets 800 views but generates three inquiries from local engaged couples.

The winning Instagram strategy uses both: Reels for growth and awareness (2-3x weekly), carousels and static posts for conversion and portfolio showcasing (3-4x weekly), and Stories daily to maintain engagement and visibility. Stories boost your feed post reach; Instagram’s algorithm favors accounts that people actively engage with through Stories.

Instagram Stories are your secret weapon. Share behind-the-scenes from weddings (with permission), answer follower questions, share client testimonials, showcase your process, and create polls asking what content people want to see. Stories create authentic touchpoints that build relationships. When someone watches your Stories regularly for months, booking you feels like hiring someone they already know.

Instagram is particularly powerful for service-based vendors. DJs and bands can share ceremony entrance videos. Officiants can share ceremony snippets and testimonials. Hair and makeup artists can show transformations. These services are harder to visualize on Pinterest but perfect for Instagram’s video-first format.

The Hard Truth About Effort vs. Results

Instagram demands significantly more time investment. Creating daily Stories, responding to DMs and comments, filming and editing Reels, and maintaining consistent posting takes 8-12 hours weekly for most vendors. Pinterest, once you have systems in place, requires 2-4 hours weekly to design pins and schedule them to your boards.

But Instagram’s engagement creates stickiness Pinterest can’t match. Your Instagram followers see you regularly, engage with your content, and feel connected to your brand. Pinterest users might never visit your profile directly, they just find individual pins through search. This makes Instagram better for brand building and repeat visibility, while Pinterest excels at one-time discovery moments.

Consider your sales cycle. If you book clients 12-18 months in advance (venues, high-end photographers, planners), Instagram’s consistent brand presence matters enormously. Couples follow you after they get engaged, watch your content for months, and eventually inquire. Pinterest’s traffic is “hot” with couples finding your content when they’re actively researching that specific topic right now.

The Hybrid Approach That Actually Works

Most successful vendors don’t choose, they strategically use both platforms for their unique strengths. Instagram for relationship-building and brand personality. Pinterest for traffic generation and long-term SEO benefits. The key is not doing both half-heartedly but creating content that serves both platforms with minimal extra effort.

Repurpose strategically. Every real wedding you photograph or plan becomes: a blog post on your website (SEO + Pinterest destination), 5-7 Instagram feed posts showcasing highlights, 3-5 Pinterest pins linking to that blog post, and 10-15 Instagram Stories showing behind-the-scenes. One wedding, multiple content pieces, both platforms fed.

Your Instagram content can inform your Pinterest strategy. Which Instagram posts got the most saves? Turn those into Pinterest pins with text overlays. What questions do you get in DMs constantly? Create Pinterest-friendly blog posts answering them comprehensively, then share snippets on Instagram Stories.

Batch create content for efficiency. Dedicate one day monthly to creating 10-15 pin templates in Canva. Schedule them to Pinterest using Tailwind or Pinterest’s native scheduler. Film 8-10 Instagram Reels in a single session, then schedule them weekly. This batching approach makes both platforms sustainable instead of overwhelming.

Making the Choice for Your Business

If you can only commit to one platform right now, here’s how to decide: Choose Pinterest if you’re strong at blogging, create highly visual work, need website traffic for SEO, and book clients through portfolio browsing. Photographers, florists, venues, and rental companies typically succeed fastest on Pinterest.

Choose Instagram if you’re comfortable on camera, your services benefit from showing personality and process, you want direct engagement with your audience, or your work is difficult to represent in still images. Planners, DJs, officiants, hair/makeup artists, and videographers often see better ROI from Instagram.

Can’t choose? Start with whichever platform feels more natural to you, commit to it for 90 days with consistent effort, then add the second platform once you have systems in place. Doing one platform excellently beats doing two platforms poorly.

The vendors winning in 2026 aren’t chasing every algorithm change or trying to be everywhere. They’ve identified where their ideal clients spend time, mastered that platform’s unique dynamics, and show up consistently with valuable content. Whether that’s Instagram, Pinterest, or both, strategic focus always beats scattered presence.

FAQs

Which is better for wedding vendors: Instagram or Pinterest?
Both platforms serve different purposes. Pinterest drives more website traffic and has a longer content lifespan, making it better for SEO and discovery. Instagram builds stronger client relationships and brand personality, making it better for engagement and trust-building. Most successful vendors use both strategically.
Does Pinterest actually lead to wedding vendor bookings?
Yes. Pinterest users are in active planning mode, with 85% of weekly users making purchase decisions on the platform. Wedding vendors report that Pinterest drives 2-3x more website traffic than Instagram, with higher conversion rates because users click through with intent.
How often should wedding vendors post on Instagram in 2026?
Aim for 3-5 feed posts per week plus daily Stories. The 2026 Instagram algorithm prioritizes consistency and engagement over volume. Posting high-quality content 3-4 times weekly with strong engagement performs better than daily mediocre posts.
What type of content performs best on Pinterest for wedding vendors?
Vertical pins (1000x1500px) with text overlays perform best. Real wedding photos with descriptive titles, planning tip graphics, budget guides, and timeline templates get the most saves and clicks. Educational content typically outperforms pure portfolio shots.
Can you succeed as a wedding vendor without Instagram?
It’s possible but difficult. While 78% of engaged couples use Instagram to research vendors, those who focus heavily on Pinterest, SEO, and vendor directories can still build successful businesses without a primary focus on Instagram.
Should wedding vendors use Instagram Reels or static posts?
A balanced strategy is best. Reels provide significantly more reach and help gain new followers, while static carousel posts often drive more direct inquiries from existing followers who are deeper in the booking process.

Want bookings without algorithm chaos? List your business on Style Me Pretty where engaged couples actively search for vendors in your category and location. No posting schedule required, just consistent discovery.

From Serpentine Tables to Hot-Pink Lighting: A Wedding Weekend of Playful Duality

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Pink, yellow, blue, lilac and dark green[/field]
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From the bride: Designing our wedding weekend was a uniquely fun challenge because I’m a bit mercurial when it comes to aesthetics—I fall in love with a lot of different styles. So instead of forcing myself into one lane, we fully embraced the idea of multiple curated moments. Each event became its own little world. For our Welcome Party, I wanted to lean into everything we love most about California—citrus, sunshine, ocean air, and incredible food. That inspired a California Coastal welcome celebration filled with potted citrus trees, playful food activations, beautiful wine, and an easy, sun-kissed elegance. It felt like the perfect way to ground our guests in the place we call home. Our Wedding Day was a true homage to my love of florals and the beautiful, chaotic wonder of nature. I’m endlessly inspired by how wildflowers grow—effortlessly harmonious, perfectly imperfect, and stunning in their unexpected pairings. That philosophy guided every design decision. We played with organic shapes through a mix of serpentine, circular, and rectangular tables, creating a natural flow that mimicked the winding paths found in nature. My aisle was intentionally designed as a meandering garden trail, as if I were wandering through blooms on my way to the altar. For dinner, I wanted our guests celebrate dining al fresco under the stars—romantic, glowing, intimate—surrounded by flowers and soft chandelier light in the middle of a dreamlike garden party. Our After Party was a complete tonal shift in the best way—an ode to our barhopping and club days, when neon and bold prints had an absolute chokehold on us. We went all-in with a Neon Jungle theme: leather accents, animal prints, banana leaves, hot-pink lighting, black-candlelit entrance, and the most dramatic black on black, five tier cake you have ever seen. It was playful, nostalgic, and the perfect high-energy finale to the night.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]Oh boy, where do I even start! Brandon and I are notoriously terrible at surprising each other. Not because we’re nosey or ruin things on purpose—we’re just the kind of people who get so excited about giving gifts that we can’t help but spill the beans. Because of this, I’m very used to being in the loop on just about everything… it’s simply what works for us.
So when Brandon confidently told me in the summer of 2023 that we’d be engaged by the end of the year, it basically kicked off a very intense, very competitive game between the two of us. As the holidays approached, I became completely convinced he was going to propose on New Year’s Eve. It checked every box: it would literally fulfill “engaged by the end of the year,” he’d been oddly adamant about locking down plans two months in advance, and he insisted it be just the two of us. In my mind, I had cracked the code.
I was… very wrong.
On Christmas Eve, we made brunch plans at one of my favorite spots in town—Corbeaux Wine and Tea House. When we checked in, the hostess heard our names and got very excited before quickly trying to play it cool. She led us straight to my favorite table, the cozy couch seat. I genuinely thought we had just lucked out.
We settled in, started browsing the menu, and—much to Brandon’s horror—I asked if we could order immediately because I was starving. Normally we take our time at restaurants, so this was completely off-script. I remember thinking Brandon was acting a little weird; he was on his phone more than usual and he drank his wine much faster than normal. Little did I know he was frantically coordinating with my brother-in-law and the restaurant staff, answering questions about whether to hide the ring in my food or champagne (he wisely opted for neither).
When our food arrived, I noticed Brandon looking around like something was missing. And then—out of nowhere—he dropped to one knee right next to the coffee table. He asked me to marry him, and I was truly speechless. He actually got me. After I said yes, we just sort of stared at each other until I finally laughed and reminded him he needed to put the ring on my finger. I think he was still recovering from the shock of pulling off a real surprise!
Later he admitted he had been scanning the room because he wasn’t sure how to get down on one knee. The couch was deep and the table was a low coffee table, so he wasn’t sure if he’d knock our food over trying to wedge himself between them. I’m happy to report he navigated it flawlessly.
We spent the rest of the day visiting family—who all knew, by the way—and then wandered around the city we love. And I took every opportunity to tell absolutely everyone at every bar and restaurant that yes…I had said YES.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]From the very beginning, I knew I wanted to work with LoveEra Bridal Boutique. Alexandria, the owner, curates the most exquisite blend of classic silhouettes and modern details — a perfect match for my style. I also knew early on that I’d be a multi-dress bride (see that mercurial spirit making another appearance?).
For my ceremony and reception, I wanted a gown that felt timeless yet carried the touch of drama I’m always drawn to. I chose a Jane Hill design featuring a sweetheart neckline with delicate underbust detailing — a nod to classic bridal elegance — paired with a dramatic overskirt and thigh-high slit that added just the right amount of flair. With the help of Anita, my bridal fairy godmother, we made a few thoughtful alterations to make the gown truly mine: adding straps for comfort, taking in the skirt at the thigh for a more sculpted silhouette, and adding wristbands so I could hold my train with maximum drama.
Our wedding design celebrated both my hometown of Temecula and Brandon’s beloved Rhode Island — the Ocean State. I reflected that connection in my bridal styling: a cathedral-length pearl veil paired with pearl and gold jewelry and a delicate crown that made me feel like an oceanic queen — subtle and ethereal, the kind of beauty that invites a second look. Alexandria guided me every step of the way; her eye for balance and detail helped bring the entire vision to life.
For the after-party, I slipped into another Jane Hill piece — a long-sleeved mini dress with a sweetheart neckline, sheer corset bodice, and full beading that shimmered perfectly under the lights. It was the ultimate blend of glam and luxury — the perfect finale to a night I’ll never forget.
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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

When it came to our wedding party, my focus was on finding looks that were both flattering and attainable — but also a true reflection of the florals and natural elements that inspired our overall décor. As I mentioned before, I love a sense of chaotic harmony, and that vision extended to my bridesmaids. I’ve always adored the look of mismatched bridesmaid dresses. When done thoughtfully, they don’t distract — they enhance the entire aesthetic. I spent quite a bit of time searching for a brand that offered the exact color palette I envisioned, along with flattering silhouettes and quality fabrics that my girls could wear again. Show Me Your Mumu was the perfect choice! The colors were exactly as pictured, the variety of styles suited every body type, and the quality was exceptional. I loved that each bridesmaid could express her own personality while still creating a cohesive, organic look.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]For the groomsmen, we wanted attire that felt timeless yet vibrant — the perfect balance of polished and playful. We chose tan suits from Friar Tux paired with floral ties, which echoed the color story of the bridesmaids and the surrounding scenery. Together, the bridal party embodied that same “chaotic harmony” I love so much — perfectly balanced, effortlessly beautiful, and full of personality.
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From the bride: Food and drink were two of the elements Brandon and I were most passionate about when planning our wedding. From the very beginning, we told Michelle and Chef Hany that we wanted our guests to experience food they would talk about for years to come. We both love nothing more than an excellent dinner shared with close friends and family — there’s truly nothing better than the bonds and conversations that unfold over great food and cocktails. Our cultures influenced the mood we hoped to create for the evening — both of us come from backgrounds known for their vibrant people and incredible cuisine. For our wedding day, we opted for a traditional Italian dinner with a touch of theatrical flair (can you tell I have an opera background?). Cocktail hour took inspiration from the charming Mercato Italian Deli, both in décor and flavor. Guests enjoyed some of our favorite bites — lasagna, pizza, a lavish charcuterie station, and so much more. My favorite touch, though, was our lovely caviar attendant. My love of caviar knows no bounds, and this was such a fun and approachable way to introduce and celebrate one of my favorite delicacies. Dinner itself was designed to feel cozy yet elevated — a true reflection of our love for food and connection. Curating the menu with Chef Hany was a seamless and inspiring experience; it was an honor to witness his passion for creating such heartwarming culinary moments. We talked through our favorite dishes and found ways to make each one shine while celebrating seasonal ingredients. I’m passionate about using what nature gives us, and Southern California makes that easy! Every bite reflected Chef Hany’s artistry, our shared love of food, and our desire to connect everyone through this experience. The pasta wheel was not only delicious but such a fun twist on a classic — guests are still talking about it! We ended the meal with my favorite dessert on the property: tiramisu. Every bite was pure magic. Both of us come from the alcohol industry, which naturally shaped our bar program — especially our signature cocktails. We’re both lovers of classic, spirit-forward drinks. I’ve always said you can tell a lot about a bar by its whiskey sour and its dirty martini! So, of course, our signature cocktails had to be a Classic Old Fashioned for Brandon and a Dirty Vodka Martini for me — each with a personal touch we curated with Max and his incredible bar team. Brandon’s Old Fashioned stayed true to tradition but featured a subtle twist with walnut bitters — small but mighty, adding warmth and depth. As for me, I’m wildly particular about my martinis: ice cold, a vermouth rinse, and make it dusty. Not only did Max and his team nail the assignment, but they also made sure I had the coldest martini known to mankind whenever I needed one.

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In keeping with the harmonious chaos vision, the bride wanted the florals to look fresh-picked and wild amongst the polished and curated hardscape. Abundant. lush and whimsical, striking that beautiful artistic balance.

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The wedding cake was served at the after-party! It was a fun jungle design to tie in with the overall after-party theme. This was an intentional recommendation of mine to complement the espresso martinis here. Tiramisu was also served as a plated dessert at the end of dinner, so this was a way to spread out all the food offerings at this wedding and keep the party going.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

LOCATION FLIP! Thanks to her organization and expertise, we had our entire three-day celebration fully planned and buttoned up six months before the big day. Then, I threw a major curveball three months out: I wanted to completely flip the spaces — an indoor ceremony and an outdoor garden dinner. This meant a full redesign and transforming a traditional ballroom into the ceremony space of my dreams. Not only did Michelle make it happen, but she nailed it. She knew exactly which vendors to bring in and executed it flawlessly.

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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Michelle Garibay Events

View Portfolio

Found Rental Co.

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Photography

Jenny Quicksall Photography

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A Sustainable Coastal Wedding in White and Blue at Saltwater Farm Overlooking the Salish Sea

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

Our wedding palette focused on the natural shades of the island at this time of year, which are white, blue, a range of greens, and some soft pops of blush and lavender.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Ginny & Adam were married at Saltwater Farm on a beautiful grass lawn overlooking the Salish Sea. They picked this venue because it is a sustainable farm, and sustainability is a big passion for them. In their daily lives, they are always striving to make the world a better place, always keeping mental health, the environment, and the human rights of marginalized people at the forefront of mind. It was very important to them that their wedding touched on each of these key elements. For the decorative vision, they wanted to enhance and highlight the natural beauty of San Juan Island, as well as to include aspects from their personal lives to make the weekend reflective of them as a couple. To honor their other passions, they geared their wedding registry so it was only used to direct people to donate to the charities that are dear to their hearts, such as the Nature Conservancy, NAACP, ACL, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

From the couple: Ginny and Adam met thanks to the wonders of 2010’s-era online dating! While the first thing that drew Ginny to Adam was a picture of his handsome face and kind eyes, once they started talking, she was quickly attracted to his sense of humor, his thoughtfulness, and his passion for his work with disadvantaged youth. Adam was intrigued by Ginny’s beauty, emotional honesty, compassion, playfulness, and her obvious love for every living soul she encountered in her life. They spent hours talking and messaging back and forth. His compassionate curiosity shone through his words, and she felt herself falling in love with him before they had even met in person! Their first date was at the famous JP Licks in Boston, which was appropriate,e seeing as they both love ice cream. Adam even grew up scooping ice cream at a store near his hometown of Reading, Massachusetts. It was raining for their date, but they still decided to take a walk along the bike path. Adam held Ginny’s umbrella above her head as the rain fell softly, and she remembered looking up at him, smiling. Out of nowhere, an unbidden thought entered Ginny’s consciousness – “I am going to marry this man one day.” Having spent quite some time going on first (and only) dates through OKCupid, she figured it was a ridiculous thought. But over the next seven days, they went on five dates, and that was it. She was hooked. It took a little more time for Adam to get on the same page, but very early on,n he realized he had never found someonwhomho he enjoyed being around so much, who was so sweet and genuine, so easy to care for. On their fifth anniversary, Adam got down on one knee on that same bike path and asked Ginny to spend the rest of her life with him. Luckily for Adam, Ginny was willing to wait until he realized what she had already realized in that same spot five years before! In the summer of 2023, they made the decision to move from Boston to Seattle and start a new life together. Ginny and Adam both love the Pacific Northwest and were so excited to share their vows in front of their closest family and friends at Saltwater Farm on San Juan Island.

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Ginny’s dress was a gorgeous off-white gown designed by Anne Barge and purchased at Nyanza Bridal. It was the dress of her dreams! [/field]
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Ginny’s bridesmaids wore an assortment of ready-to-wear gowns in coordinating, but different patterns of blue and white. She wanted her girls to feel comfortable and able to wear these dresses again in the future.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

Adam’s goomsmen wore medium gray suits that complemented the groom’s forest green suit. Adam had a vision with his attire and was so happy to find the perfect fit from J.Hilburn and stylist Annette Dresser.

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Guests were dropped off at Saltwater Farm by the Jolly Trolley, a vintage trolley service on San Juan Island. Upon arrival, guests were greeted by sparkling wine and the stunning scenery of the venue while they mingled outside the Inn, next to the ceremony meadow. Once they were called to their seats, they enjoyed a heartfelt ceremony led by Adam’s father. After they said their “I Do’s,” guests threw petals as Ginny & Adam recessed down the aisle and made their way upstairs to sign their marriage license. Their cocktail hour took place in the garden, which was a short walk from the ceremony site. They let the natural beauty of the space take center stage, and only accented it with some fun patterned linens that coordinated with the linens used for the reception dining tables. Interactive food displays were a fun highlight for guests, including a live oyster shucking station and a stunning cheese & charcuterie display. Signature cocktails were pre-batched and beautifully displayed on the venue’s large built-in bar so guests could quickly grab their delicious beverage of choice as soon as they arrived in the garden from the ceremony. Guests then headed to the reception, where they dined al fresco in front of the barn. Once the toasts finished and dinner ended, guests were invited inside the event barn for dancing by an electrifying 11-piece band from Vancouver, Canada, who played the most amazing high-energy sets all night long.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

All the flowers and foliage used in the wedding were sourced from Washington state, with an emphasis on floral types that could be naturally found on San Juan Island. This made the florals feel more organic, and made their décor more sustainable since their floral wasn’t being flown in from around the world, increasing their carbon footprint. It also supports local growers, which was something Ginny & Adam felt strongly about. At the ceremony, we wanted the flowers to feel natural and almost as if they were plucked right from the venue grounds. The idea was to keep things simple and let the focus be on Ginny and Adam and the gorgeous natural background of the Salish Sea. Cocktail hour was fairly minimal with floral décor, only adding in petite cocktail table arrangements and a light dusting of greenery and blooms on the frame above the bar. We wanted the lush garden to speak for itself, as it is a naturally stunning part of the property at Saltwater Farm. For the reception, we kept the floral on the guest dining tables streamlined by using small bud vases scattered down the tables. We wanted it to look like a polished version of simply picking the flowers right from a garden and adding them to the dinner table. We used single-type arrangements in each bud vase to create more interest on the table and to let the beauty of each flower type really sing. Then, to help make the outdoor dining area feel more intimate, we suspended rope with greenery in a crisscross pattern above the dinner tables. This brought the “ceiling” down and made the space feel really cozy and intimate. Inside the barn, our florist constructed trees that were attached to the vertical wooden beams. To reduce our impact on the environment, these “trees” were lovingly made from used tree branches that were upcycled from another wedding the florist had a few weeks earlier. A vine called smilax was then draped along the branches to give them their leafy, tree-like appearance. We also draped smilax along vertical fishing line as part of the band backdrop, pinning it to the white drapery behind them. The ceremony florals were also repurposed along the front of the stage to create a beautiful floral display for dancing that didn’t add to our environmental impact.

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Since they aren’t cake people, their sweet station was an elaborate dessert bar that offered vegan and gluten-free items to accommodate all their guests. Interactive stations were also scattered throughout the barn to entertain guests, including a customized crossword puzzle about the couple, a pashmina station to keep guests warm near the fire pits, and a Polaroid guestbook station.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

Adam’s father is a pastor in Florida, so he was asked to have the honor of marrying them in front of all their closest friends and family. He also led the prayer before dinner. Having Adam’s father play such a key role in this special day was a very important part of the wedding and made the day feel much more intimate and personal for Ginny and Adam.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

Family and friends are of huge importance to this couple, so utilizing their community of loved ones to help make special touches come to life was a must for them. One instance of this was that their family friend created an illustrated San Juan Island map and venue map that were included in their wedding invitation suites. The maps noted where each of the wedding elements was taking place and gave activity suggestions throughout the island for the days leading up to the wedding. This will be a special keepsake from their wedding day that they can cherish forever.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

As they are avid readers, we channeled this detail into our seating chart plans by having an elaborate book display with custom book jackets that listed each couple’s seating assignments on the spine. The book jackets were decorated in the same design as the patterned linens at the reception for a cohesive and intentional look. We implemented used books for the display to minimize environmental impacts by repurposing already-made items. Then, we framed customized borrowing cards to act as their table numbers as a way to further tie in their love of literacy and the library element from their seating chart.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]The head table featured a custom-cut lace floral overlay that Ginny & Adam were able to keep and can use on their dining table for years to come. The floral on this table “grew” up from a moss table runner, still with lamps popping up in between the lush blooms. The overall effect was whimsical and romantic, with a playful and lighthearted vibe. [/field]
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Glowing Lanterns and Dusty Blue Accents Set the Scene for a Joyful Celebration

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A palette of soft yellow and dusty blue set the tone for the day — cheerful, fresh, and timeless. These colors were layered throughout the design, from the ceremony to the reception, creating a seamless and elevated look.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Grace and Bradley envisioned a celebration that was welcoming, joyful, and deeply personal. The reception tent came to life with soft yellow draping, glowing lanterns overhead, and a custom dance floor that made the space feel both intimate and striking.

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Grace wore a gown from Anna Bé that was timeless and romantic, with delicate detailing that felt perfectly true to her. The silhouette complemented the riverside setting and set an elegant tone for the entire day.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids wore the Simona printed chiffon dress, a subtle blue floral design brimming with feminine details. The strapless cowl neckline, romantic ruffled skirt, and dramatic scarf detail created a dreamy, cohesive look that tied seamlessly into the palette.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

Bradley and his groomsmen looked classic and polished in coordinated suits that complemented the timeless aesthetic of the day. Their refined style paired seamlessly with the overall design vision.

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Guests enjoyed chef-attended stations featuring elevated Southern fare that encouraged mingling and felt lively and interactive. Signature cocktails — Grace’s spicy margarita, Bradley’s old-fashioned, and a refreshing Hugo spritz — added a personal touch.

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Soft whites, pale yellow, and hints of blue layered together to create a romantic, garden-inspired atmosphere. The reception featured a yellow statement bar with custom floral panels, which became a striking focal point. Custom blue lanterns hung above the dance floor, which was wrapped with a coordinating blue border, while elegant lounges and banquet seating filled the tent. Candlelit tablescapes added warmth and intimacy, completing the dreamy, cohesive design.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The cake was simple, refined, and adorned with fresh florals that echoed the day’s palette. Placed center-stage on the dance floor, it doubled as a design moment and a sweet focal point before toasts and dancing.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

A live string ensemble performed Taylor Swift favorites, including “Lover” and “Invisible String,” creating a romantic and modern soundtrack for the ceremony. The music added warmth and emotion to every moment. A live band carried the night, keeping energy high from dinner through dancing and encouraging guests onto the floor. The evening closed with a private last dance to “Where I Wanna Be” before a spirited send-off.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

Personal touches — from a private reception reveal for the couple, to crimson-and-white shakers for the Alabama-inspired send-off, to a Rolls-Royce getaway — made the celebration unforgettable. Each thoughtful detail reflected Grace and Bradley’s story while creating an elevated guest experience.

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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

View Portfolio

Alex Thornton

View Portfolio

The Real Cost of Wedding Advertising: Facebook Ads vs. Google Ads vs. Vendor Directories in 2026

Every wedding vendor faces the same budget dilemma: where do I spend my marketing dollars for the best return? Facebook Ads promise cheap leads. Google Ads guarantee high intent. Vendor directories offer established audiences. All three vendors swear they’re worth the investment, but only one of them can deliver results for your specific business and market.

Here’s what most vendors get wrong: they chase the cheapest cost per lead instead of the most profitable cost per booking. A $20 Facebook lead that never converts costs you more than a $150 Google Ad lead that books a $5,000 wedding. In 2026, the smartest vendors aren’t asking “What’s cheapest?” They’re asking “What actually books weddings?” Let’s break down the real costs, real results, and real ROI of each channel.

Google Ads: High Intent, Higher Cost

When a couple types “wedding photographer Denver” into Google, they’re not browsing, they’re shopping. This intent is why Google Ads consistently deliver the highest conversion rates for wedding vendors, despite being the most expensive per click.

Real cost breakdown: Wedding vendor keywords typically cost $3-12 per click depending on market competition. “Wedding photographer” in major metros can hit $15-20 per click, while smaller markets and less competitive categories (DJs, officiants) might be $2-5. You’ll need 10-20 clicks on average to generate one qualified inquiry, putting your cost per lead at $50-150.

But here’s where Google shines: conversion rates from inquiry to booking average 15-25% because these leads are already deep in their search process. If you spend $1,000 on Google Ads, generate 15 leads, and book 3 weddings at $4,000 each, that’s $12,000 revenue from a $1,000 investment, which is a 1,100% ROI! This beats most other advertising channels decisively.

The Google Ads strategy that works: Hyper-local targeting is essential. Bid on “[your service] + [your city]” keywords, not generic national terms. “Wedding florist Brooklyn” converts far better than “wedding flowers” and costs significantly less per click. Use negative keywords aggressively. For example, if you don’t do elopements, add “elopement” as a negative keyword to avoid wasting budget.

Landing pages matter enormously for Google Ads. Sending clicks to your homepage kills conversion. Create dedicated landing pages for each service category with clear pricing indicators, strong portfolios, testimonials, and obvious contact forms. Google also ranks your ads based on landing page relevance: better landing pages mean lower costs per click.

The downside? Google Ads are expensive and require ongoing management. Pause your campaigns, and leads stop immediately. You’re essentially renting visibility. But for vendors who need bookings now and can manage (or pay for) campaign optimization, Google delivers the highest quality leads available through paid advertising.

Facebook & Instagram Ads: Brand Building at Scale

Facebook and Instagram Ads work fundamentally differently than Google. Instead of capturing existing demand, you’re creating awareness and interest among people who might not be actively shopping yet. This changes both costs and conversion dynamics entirely.

Real cost breakdown: Wedding vendor Facebook Ads typically cost $0.50-3.00 per click, dramatically cheaper than Google. You can generate leads for $30-80 each, often half what Google costs. But conversion rates tell a different story: only 8-15% of Facebook leads typically book, compared to Google’s 15-25%.

Why the lower conversion? Facebook finds people based on demographics and interests (“women 25-35 interested in weddings”), not active searches. You’re interrupting their scrolling, not answering their questions. Many of these leads are browsing casually, aren’t ready to book, or clicked out of curiosity rather than serious intent.

The Facebook strategy that works: Target newly engaged couples specifically. Facebook’s “Engaged (6 months)” targeting option reaches people early in planning, before they’ve committed to other vendors. This gives you a first-mover advantage. Create visually stunning ad creative featuring real wedding work, not stock photos. Video ads showcasing your full process consistently outperform static images.

Retargeting is where Facebook advertising truly shines. Someone visits your website or Instagram profile but doesn’t inquire. Facebook’s pixel tracks them and shows your ads repeatedly. These “warm” retargeting leads convert at 20-35%, which is far higher than cold traffic, as you’re staying top-of-mind while they decide. Retargeting campaigns cost $15-40 per lead and often deliver the best ROI of any paid channel.

Lead magnets improve Facebook Ad performance dramatically. Instead of asking for immediate inquiries, offer a free guide: “The Ultimate Wedding Planning Timeline” or “10 Questions to Ask Every Wedding Photographer.” Capture emails in exchange, then nurture these leads through email marketing until they’re ready to book. This approach generates leads for $10-25 each, though conversion timelines extend to weeks or months instead of days.

The honest assessment: Facebook Ads work best for brand building and long-term lead nurturing, not immediate bookings. They’re ideal for vendors booking 12-18 months out who can afford longer sales cycles. For vendors needing bookings in the next 2-3 months, Google typically delivers faster results.

Vendor Directories: The Established Marketplace

The Knot, WeddingWire, Style Me Pretty, and other vendor directories occupy unique positions: established marketplaces where engaged couples actively browse and compare vendors. Unlike ads that chase audiences, directories attract couples who are specifically vendor shopping.

Real cost breakdown: Premium directory listings range from $1,500-8,000+ annually depending on market size and vendor category. WeddingWire and The Knot charge more in competitive markets (NYC, LA, San Francisco) and for high-demand categories (venues, photographers). Smaller markets and less competitive categories might be $1,500-3,000 annually.

Lead volume varies wildly. Premium listings in major markets can generate 100-300+ leads annually. Smaller markets or saturated categories might deliver 30-80 leads. This puts your cost per lead between $15-60, significantly cheaper than Google Ads but sometimes requiring annual commitments rather than monthly budgets.

Where directories excel: Trust and legitimacy. Couples perceive vendors listed on established directories as more credible than those they find randomly through Google. Reviews matter enormously here. Vendors with a myriad of five-star reviews convert significantly better than those with only a few reviews, even if the actual work quality is similar. One benefit of Style Me Pretty over other vendor directories is that we offer a $99/year profile, which will have a surefire return on investment for your marketing goals.

The directory strategy that works: Optimize your profile like your website. Professional photos, complete service descriptions, transparent pricing indicators, and dozens of reviews. Respond to inquiries within 2-4 hours maximum. Response speed directly correlates with booking rates on directories. Many couples book the first vendor who replies thoroughly and professionally.

Consider tier and saturation. Premium placements guarantee top positioning when couples search your category, but in oversaturated markets, even premium placement might mean you’re one of 30 “top” photographers shown. Free or basic listings work well in less competitive markets where fewer vendors are fighting for attention.

The Hybrid Strategy That Actually Works

The most successful wedding vendors don’t rely on a single channel; they use multiple sources strategically based on business needs and growth stage. New vendors often need immediate bookings and benefit from Google Ads despite higher costs. Established vendors might maintain directory presence for steady leads while investing in SEO for long-term organic growth.

Here’s a proven budget allocation for a wedding vendor grossing $100,000 annually with a $6,000 marketing budget: $1,500 for a premium vendor directory (steady baseline leads), $2,000 for Google Ads (high-intent leads when you need to fill dates), $1,500 for Facebook retargeting (stay visible to website visitors), and $1,000 for SEO/content (long-term compounding value). Adjust based on what’s working: if vendor directories convert at 25%, shift more budget there.

Track everything religiously. Use UTM parameters to tag all ad traffic, separate inquiry forms for each channel, and CRM tools to track which sources actually book. What you think is working and what’s actually booking weddings often differ dramatically. Kill underperforming channels ruthlessly and double down on what converts.

The truth most vendors don’t want to hear: organic strategies (SEO, social media, referrals) deliver better long-term ROI than paid advertising, but they take 6-12 months to compound. Paid advertising works immediately but stops when you stop paying. The wisest approach invests in both, ads for survival now, organic for sustainability later.

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

Choose Google Ads if you need qualified leads immediately, have budget flexibility, can manage campaigns actively, and book with short sales cycles. It’s expensive but delivers the highest-intent leads available through paid channels.

Choose Facebook Ads if you’re building brand awareness, targeting newly engaged couples early, can nurture leads over months, or have strong visual content. The leads are cheaper but require more follow-up and longer conversion timelines.

Choose vendor directories if you’re in competitive markets where couples expect to find you there, can commit to annual contracts, have strong reviews and portfolio, or want steady baseline leads without active management.

Or choose none of the above and invest that money in SEO, content marketing, and organic social media. A $6,000 annual ad budget could instead fund a professional website redesign, 12 months of blog content, and professional SEO, building assets that appreciate over time instead of expenses that evaporate.

The vendors winning in 2026 aren’t necessarily spending the most on advertising. They’re spending strategically, tracking obsessively, and building businesses that don’t depend solely on paid traffic to survive. Advertising buys you time and leads. Quality service, strong SEO, and smart referral networks build sustainable businesses.

FAQs

How much should wedding vendors spend on advertising in 2026?
Most successful wedding vendors allocate 5–10% of gross revenue to marketing. Newer vendors often invest 10–15% to build awareness. The key is tracking cost per lead and cost per booking to ensure your ad spend remains profitable as you scale.
Are Facebook Ads or Google Ads better for wedding vendors?
Google Ads typically deliver higher-intent leads because couples are actively searching for services, with 15–25% conversion rates. Facebook Ads excel at early brand awareness with lower lead costs ($30–$80) but lower conversion rates (8–15%). Most vendors see better immediate ROI from Google Ads.
Do wedding vendor directories still work in 2026?
Yes, but ROI varies by market. Premium listings cost $3,000–$8,000 annually and can generate 50–200+ leads with average conversion rates of 5–12%. Vendor directories like Style Me Pretty also offer cheaper options like their $99/year profile. They are most effective for venues, photographers, and DJs in highly competitive markets.
What’s the average cost per lead for wedding vendor advertising?
In 2026, average lead costs are: Google Ads ($50–$150), Facebook/Instagram ($30–$80), and directories ($15–$60). However, cost per booking is the more important metric; a higher-priced lead that converts is more valuable than a cheap lead that doesn’t.
Should wedding vendors use Google Ads or focus on SEO?
Ideally both. SEO provides compounding long-term returns but takes 6-12 months to show results. Google Ads offer immediate visibility and bookings but stop when the budget ends. New vendors often use Google Ads to generate cash flow while building an SEO foundation.

Looking for high-quality leads without ongoing ad costs? Create a Style Me Pretty vendor profile and get discovered by engaged couples actively searching for vendors in your category: SEO benefits plus qualified inquiries, no ad budget required.

Florentine Head-Bust Vases and Lush Garden Roses at a Romantic Tuscan Villa Wedding

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A vibrant yet romantic palette of soft blues paired with lively peach, pink, butter yellow, and fresh greens, inspired by Florence’s gardens and the joyful, colorful spirit of Tuscany.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Our vision was to create a celebration that felt romantic, intimate, vibrant, and deeply inspired by Florence. We envisioned an immersive Italian garden experience filled with color, warmth, artistry, and personal touches reflecting our story. The design centered around a joyful palette of soft blues with lively peaches, pinks, yellows, and greens, carried through the florals, linens, and printed details. Lush arrangements of garden roses, hydrangeas, dahlias, delphinium, chamomile, and local blooms brought the villa’s natural beauty to life. Florentine head-bust vases paid homage to the city’s artistic heritage, while tables layered with blue linens, gold accents, crystal glassware, and candlelight created an intimate atmosphere beneath glowing chandeliers. Personalization was woven into every corner: custom menus with tassels, bespoke cocktail napkins, a spritz bar with signature cocktails, custom satin scarves for our entrance, a live painter, a photobooth, a custom tablecloth for the millefoglie show, and customized signage throughout the event. The result was an immersive, heartfelt celebration that felt warm, joyful, and uniquely us.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Cristian proposed after 4.5 years together at Villa il Garofalo in Florence — the same villa where we would later marry. Knowing how meaningful Florence was to Nicole, who had studied abroad there ten years earlier, he chose an intimate moment overlooking the city she loves. With the help of wedding planner Ilaria Manaresi, Cristian orchestrated a proposal that felt truly magical from start to finish. The day began with a vintage light-blue Volkswagen buggy convertible — Nicole’s favorite color — arriving at their hotel to take them on a scenic drive through Florence. They arrived at a private villa where a breathtaking floral arch awaited, along with a photographer ready to capture the proposal and a romantic engagement session. Ilaria arranged a beautiful aperitivo of prosecco and charcuterie for the newly engaged couple before they continued the celebration with a dinner reservation at Villa San Michele. The proposal was pure magic, and returning to the very same place to say “I do” felt profoundly special — a full-circle moment that symbolized their journey and the city that has been woven into their love story.

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride wore a stunning Calla Blanche gown adorned with intricate beading and delicate floral appliqués. To make the dress uniquely her own, she customized the neckline, creating a silhouette that felt both romantic and modern. The gown’s shimmering details and feminine floral textures perfectly complemented the Italian garden aesthetic of the day.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

Nicole chose to have only two bridesmaids — her sisters, serving as her maids of honor. Each wore a look that reflected her personal style while beautifully complementing the wedding’s colorful palette. One maid of honor wore a blue floral V. Chapman gown with pearl embellishments, while the other wore a light pink rhinestone-embellished dress from LoveShackFancy. Together, their dresses added soft, elegant touches of texture, color, and sparkle.

[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groom wore a classic black tuxedo from The Black Tux, creating a timeless and refined look. The groomsmen wore grey linen suits from Banana Republic — a stylish, relaxed choice that suited the warm Tuscan setting and complemented the overall color palette of the day.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

Food and drink were at the heart of our celebration, reflecting our love for authentic Italian cuisine and the vibrant culinary traditions of Tuscany. Cocktail hour opened with Tuscan finger foods, fresh seafood bites, charcuterie (including fresh hand-cut prosciutto), and cheeses, but the highlight was our live mozzarella station, where a Casaro crafted fresh mozzarella and burrata on the spot — quickly becoming legendary among our guests. A full spritz bar welcomed everyone into the garden, alongside beer, wine, spirits, and three signature cocktails — including Ruby Tuesday, named after our golden retriever and flower girl. An open bar continued throughout the night, offering regional wines and a wide selection of spirits. Dinner featured a curated menu of Tuscan dishes: tortelli cacio e pepe; risotto carnaroli with Prosecco and red prawns; and a main course of beef tagliata with seasonal vegetables. Dessert included a live millefoglie cake show, a decadent cannoli station, and an ice cream cart with classic Italian flavors. Late-night pizza carried the celebration well into the evening.

[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Our florals and décor captured the feeling of a vibrant Italian garden, blending romance, color, and Florence’s artistic soul. The palette centered around soft blues mixed with lively tones of peach, pink, butter yellow, and lush greens. Arrangements included garden roses, hydrangeas, dahlias, lisianthus, chamomile, delphinium, and seasonal Italian blooms that created a fresh, whimsical atmosphere from ceremony to reception.

To honor Florence’s heritage, we incorporated traditional Florentine head-bust vases throughout the décor — sculptural, meaningful pieces that grounded the design in local culture. Reception tables were styled with soft blue linens, crystal glassware, gold accents, floral runners, and glowing candles beneath suspended chandeliers.

Personal details added an extra layer of thoughtfulness: the bride designed custom menus with each guest’s name and a hand-tied tassel; custom satin scarves at each seat; custom cocktail napkins elevated the spritz bar; custom signage tied everything together; and a bespoke tablecloth was created for the millefoglie cake-cutting moment. Every detail worked together to create a colorful, immersive, and deeply personal Italian garden celebration.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

We honored Italian tradition with a live millefoglie cake show instead of a traditional tiered cake. Pastry chefs assembled layers of crisp puff pastry and fresh Chantilly cream on the villa lawn, creating an intimate and theatrical experience. Our millefoglie featured two decadent layers: one with chocolate chips and another with almond brittle, creating the perfect contrast of textures and flavors. To elevate the moment, we designed a custom tablecloth specifically for the cake-cutting, tying the presentation into the overall décor. It became such a specific, memorable highlight of the night — a sweet, joyful tribute to Italian tradition.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

Music played a central role in shaping the emotions of our day. A live trio of violin, viola, and cello performed each processional piece: Perfect for the groom and his family; A Thousand Years for the best men and maids of honor; Here Comes the Sun for our flower girl, Ruby; and Can’t Help Falling in Love for the bride’s entrance. Canon in D accompanied the signing of the parchment, and we recessed to Love Story by Taylor Swift. During the aperitif, a trio featuring keys, double bass, and sax played romantic modern classics like Wildest Dreams, All of Me, A Million Dreams, and Chasing Cars. For our grand entrance — with Ruby proudly trotting beside us — we chose a lively rendition of Bella Ciao from La Casa de Papel. Our first dance was to I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith. The cake-cutting featured This Will Be (An Everlasting Love). Later, the bride and her father danced to Your Song, and the groom and his mother danced to My Wish.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Our weekend began with a warm and lively welcome dinner at The Citrarium at Villa La Fontanelle — a pizza party overlooking the hills of Florence. We styled the evening to feel like an elevated Italian trattoria, with linen tablecloths, terracotta vases, fresh herbs, clusters of heirloom tomatoes, and soft candlelight creating a relaxed, rustic charm.

The bride designed every detail of the tablescape, including custom linen menus, playful coasters, and name cards shaped like hand-cut tomatoes. Guests enjoyed beer, wine, and spritzes throughout the evening, while Il Barettino served as a charming prosecco-and-ice-pop station, offering refreshing combinations that quickly became a crowd favorite.

One of the most memorable touches was our “Rivera Market” — a market-style welcome table overflowing with our favorite Italian essentials. Guests filled tote bags with pasta, sauces, candies, Tuscan snacks, Florence postcards, magnets, battery-powered fans, and hangover kit supplies. The bride also designed a deck of custom playing cards, each with a different illustration — including the couple’s monogram, watercolor portraits, Florentine motifs, and sweet nods to Ruby.

The welcome party set the tone for the entire weekend: joyful, colorful, personal, and full of the Italian charm we love so much.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Our wedding day was filled with thoughtful, personal touches that made every moment feel uniquely our own. The bride designed custom menus for each guest, featuring their name and a hand-tied tassel, along with bespoke cocktail napkins and signage throughout the spritz bar. We also offered three signature cocktails — including Ruby Tuesday, named after our golden retriever and flower girl — which added a playful, sentimental element to the bar experience.

To infuse movement and celebration into the evening, we created custom satin scarves for guests to wave during our grand entrance, filling the courtyard with joyful color and energy. A live painter captured the ceremony scene in real time, transforming the moment into a piece of art we’ll cherish forever. Throughout the night, guests enjoyed a photobooth that added a fun, lighthearted touch and gave everyone a keepsake from the celebration.

Together, these personalized details wove warmth, creativity, and meaning into the day, making the entire experience feel intimate, joyful, and beautifully reflective of our story.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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For membership information, click here

Carolina Serafini Photography

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A Candlelit Garden Dream Beneath Chandeliers at Crystal Bridges Museum of Art

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”][/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

For the reception, we envisioned an elegant, European-inspired forest—lush, romantic, and thoughtfully refined. We wanted the florals to take center stage, so we layered rich greenery with blooms such as garden roses, dahlias, and hydrangeas, creating a softly exotic atmosphere that felt perfectly at home within the stunning architecture of Crystal Bridges Museum of Art. To bring a sense of intimacy and drama to the space, we added chandeliers above the main table. This drew guests’ eyes upward the moment they entered and guided their attention toward the energy of the dance floor beyond. The final aesthetic blended opulent garden-party charm with modern European sophistication. It felt elevated, immersive, and unforgettable.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Logan and Ty first met during their freshman year at the University of Arkansas in an honors data analysis class. They went their separate ways for the next two years but reconnected in May 2020 as the world was slowing down. Their relationship quickly blossomed into a deeply happy partnership marked by simple joys and raising their beloved dog, Saint. After four years together, their bond felt effortless. Ty proposed in April 2024 with a plan that felt perfectly true to their story. He told Logan they were heading to a birthday brunch for a friend near their favorite park—a place with a winding trail, a quiet pond, and the dog park where they had spent countless days. Before brunch, he suggested they take a walk to see a newly finished monument on the trail. As they reached the pond, Ty guided Logan toward a blanket, champagne, and a waiting photographer. In that meaningful spot, surrounded by a landscape filled with shared memories, he asked for her hand in marriage. It was heartfelt, personal, and beautifully sentimental.

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

Logan wore the Ferrara gown by Monique Lhuillier. This off-the-shoulder long-sleeve trumpet gown in a gorgeous white silk with latte lining features exquisite French embroidered sequin lace. She finished her look with a Toni Federici silk tulle veil with blusher in light ivory.

[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaid dresses were designed by Birdy Grey in the shade Green Olive. Each bridesmaid
was able to select her own style in the same color.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

All food and beverages were prepared and provided by the venue, Crystal Bridges Museum. Guests had three dinner options: • Peppercorn Grilled Chicken Breast served with chipotle sweet potatoes, broccolini, and chipotle sauce. • Wine-Braised Beef Short Rib with portobello mushrooms, onions, and carrots, served with mashed potatoes. • Roasted Poblano Chile stuffed with a whole-grain quinoa blend and smoked gouda cheese as the vegetarian option. The drink selection included three signature cocktails special to Logan and Ty: (1) Le Cosmo – cosmopolitan martini, (2) The Tyger King – whiskey sour,r (3) The Saintini – espresso martini. They also offered a full open bar.

[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]This wedding blended lush, romantic garden florals with the modern architecture of Crystal
Bridges. Arrangements of roses, dahlias, hydrangeas, and cascading greenery filled the space in
rich tones of raspberry, blush, and soft green. Floral-lined signage, green pedestals, and
overflowing ground arrangements created an immersive, organic feel. Inside, floral linens, plush
seating, warm lighting, and a custom white dance floor transformed the reception into an elegant,
intimate, garden-inspired celebration.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

The cake was a modern, sculptural white wedding cake featuring smooth, clean tiers accented with soft, organic wafer-thin ruffle details. The design had an elegant, architectural feel – minimal yet artistic. A small figurine of Logan and Ty’s dog,g Saint, added a personal touch.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

As guests waited for the wedding party to walk down the aisle, Logan’s aunt Susej Thompson sang “I Will Be Here” by Steven Curtis Chapman—a song she also performed at Logan’s parents’ wedding and her older sister’s wedding. Logan walked down the aisle on the Frank Lloyd Wright Lawn at Crystal Bridges to the instrumental version of “Turning Pages” by Sleeping At Last (strings). The ceremony was officiated by Logan’s pastor, Justin Bilson. Special

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Logan and Ty’s dog, Saint, was featured throughout the event, with her face appearing on
beautifully designed green cocktail napkins, cocktail stirrers, and signage.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Petit Bouquet

View Portfolio

Saffron Skies and Pomegranate Hues at a Three-Day Tuscan Wedding at Castello Vicchiomaggio

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

Jemma and Mike chose Chianti at its most beguiling—the liminal moment between summer and autumn, when the countryside exhales into winter’s rest. The landscape blazed from saffron to pomegranate red, and the bride’s palette echoed the setting with effortless harmony. “I shared our vision: a venue in Tuscany where we could host three days of events, accommodate most of our guests, and, of course, serve unforgettable food,” the bride recalls. “Rossana sent us tons of beautiful options, but the moment we saw Castello Vicchiomaggio, we knew. Perched in the Chianti hills, surrounded by vineyards and history, it felt like something out of a dream. And honestly—what girl doesn’t dream of getting married in a castle?”

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Marrying in a Tuscan castle calls for a clear vision—and a commitment to personalizing every detail. From the outset, Jenna had a nonnegotiable: gold chandeliers for the wedding dinner. And so it was. Suspended above the long table, magnificent balloon-style chandeliers became the defining feature of the design, casting a warm, romantic glow that transformed the setting. Thanks to the expert touch of the WeddingMusicLight team, this singular detail made all the difference. from the bride “To make every detail personal, I worked with Olivia Lopes, who designed everything from our invitations and signage to the drink stirrers, each touch reflecting our story.”

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From the bride, ” Figuring out my bridal looks was its own journey. I tried on what felt like seventy dresses. Then, one night, while scrolling Pinterest, I stumbled across the Rubinette gown by Alena Leena Bridal. It perfectly embodied the elegance I was dreaming of: classic with a modern edge, effortlessly feminine, and architectural in its silhouette. I made it my mission to find it and eventually tracked it down at Wander Atelier in Montclair, New Jersey.”

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From the bride: “Choosing the menu wasn’t easy—we weren’t able to travel before the wedding—so we placed our trust in Sandra from the castle and Rossana. Together, they crafted a perfect lineup: a celebration of authentic Tuscan flavors, thoughtfully curated and beautifully balanced. And, of course, one essential was nonnegotiable: a good glass of Chianti.”

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

At last, a wedding that embraced a triumphant burst of color—artfully layered and impeccably balanced. The bride recalls: “When it came to planning the wedding day, Rossana had me create a mood board that captured the feeling I wanted—romantic and timeless, yet bold. Together, we designed a look built around a deep red floral palette by I Fiori di Nadia.

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The cherry on top came with two unforgettable moments. First, a glittering Prosecco tower, dressed with elegant burgundy ribbons—“I’ll never be able to thank Rossana and the team enough for this idea,” the bride says. And then, a nod to Tuscan tradition: a classic millefoglie prepared in a live showcooking that wowed guests and closed the evening on a spectacular, sweet note.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

from the bride ” We live in Philadelphia, and at first, I tried to manage the planning on my own from afar, reaching out to venues, messaging other Italian brides on social media, and gathering as much information as possible. But it quickly became overwhelming, especially since we couldn’t travel to Italy ourselves to tour venues with everything else happening over the past year. One day, I mentioned my struggles to a coworker, who told me she knew two couples who had planned their Italian weddings with Rossana Sapori of @theknotinitaly and had incredible experiences. That recommendation changed everything. From our first conversation, Rossana put me completely at ease. She was warm, creative, and full of ideas – someone who not only understood the logistics of destination weddings but also had an instinct for style and storytelling.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

from the bride “Our wedding weekend began with a welcome party in the castle’s courtyard, where we greeted guests arriving from around the world. After an evening of pizza, pasta, spritzes, and some heartfelt toasts, we surprised everyone with a charming gelato cart from Appetitosa. The pics of this first day are from my best friend, Grace Ann Does.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

from the bride, “Our wedding day photographer was an important decision for me. I wanted someone who could capture our day not through posed perfection, but through real emotion – the in-between moments that tell the story of the day. Rossana introduced us to Matteo Crescentini (@mcrescentini), whose artistry and use of film photography spoke to me instantly. His images are honest, romantic, and deeply human. Looking through our gallery now feels like reliving the day all over again. At the last minute, we decided to add a videographer – something I’ll forever be grateful for. I wanted a film that felt documentary-style and authentic. Rossana recommended Krup Studio (@krup_studio_wedding), who did just that. Their film bottled up the emotion, the laughter, the tears, the sound of clinking glasses – everything I never want to forget.

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For membership information, click here

The Knot In Italy

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Petit Bouquet

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A Refined Black and White Wedding with Soft Sage Details at The Felt Estate

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

Our wedding colors were sage green, white, and black.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The three words I thought of when we started thinking about our wedding were timeless, elegant, and classic. Since the Felt Estate is such an elegant venue, I wanted to encompass that vibe on our wedding day.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Emerson (my husband) tricked me into thinking we were going to the Botanical Gardens in Chicago for a work event. For the past couple of years, we would go to the Botanic Gardens during Christmas time around our anniversary for the Christmas lights. When we got there, he took me to the English Garden, which was my favorite exhibit growing up, and proposed to me there. Our parents popped out after, and we took pictures. Then we went back to our apartment in the city,y and all our closest friends and family were there ready to celebrate with us.s, I was SO surprised, I did not expect people to be at our apartment at all!

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I figured I would go for more of a simple, elegant gown, but I went shopping open-minded. When I tried my dress on, I immediately knew that it was the one. I felt like it was so timeless, and I felt so confident in it!

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

I had my bridesmaids all wear black floor-length dresses to go with the timeless, simple feel. I wanted them to pick out their dresses from anywhere, so they could spend whatever they felt comfortable spending.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

For the groomsmen, we wanted a classic and timeless look and kept the attire details rather minimalistic. This was also an outside ceremony in August, so we wanted to make sure our wedding party did not get too hot during the ceremony! All the groomsmen rented black tuxes, and Emerson wore a white tux jacket to stand out more!

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]We tried to include as many personal touches as we could during our special day. We started dating in college in 2018, so I wanted to do something with all the special memories we’ve made together over the last 7 years. I decided to DIY our seating chart and table cards. Each table was named a special place that we’ve been to together throughout our relationship, trips that we’ve been on, our college bar, where we’ve lived in Chicago, and any other places that were special to us. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

From the florist: For Morgan and Emerson’s wedding, our hearts were full as we designed their florals. Morgan gave us such generous creative freedom, and her inspiration images blended whimsical movement with modern structure—our favorite style to design in. One of our priorities from the start was transforming their tent with lush, suspended greenery, softening the expansive space and making it feel intimate and inviting. Hydrangeas were especially meaningful to Morgan, so we were intentional about weaving them throughout the designs. Green hydrangeas set the tone and allowed us to build a more refined, structured base. From there, we incorporated plenty of local cosmos—mid-August favorites here in Michigan—to bring that airy, whimsical touch. Just a few weeks before the wedding, we asked Morgan if we could introduce a hint of blush into her floral color story. Her response was, “Go for it—we trust you completely!” That trust made creating for them such a joy.

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Our cake was simple, adorned with flowers from our florist, and delicious.

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An ’80s-Inspired Wedding in the Redwoods with Bright Florals and Rom-Com Style

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

Wedding Colors: Ivory, Dusty Blue, Dusty Rose, Golden, and Light Yellow with pops of Coral and Pink

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

After looking at quite a few venues, we found Nestldown and instantly knew it was the one. It’s tucked away in the redwoods and already so naturally beautiful that it really shaped the whole vibe for the day. We leaned into that peaceful, magical setting but didn’t want things to feel too serious, so we added plenty of fun touches, like bright, colorful flowers, great music, and baskets of colorful slides so guests could ditch their fancy shoes at the reception. Since we’re both big 80s fans (especially 80s rom-coms), we wanted to create our own “movie moment” in the redwoods… and with the help of our vendors, family, and friends, we feel like we got it! We filled the day with little nods to the things we love. We have a dog, Benny, so we made sure he featured since he couldn’t attend in person. The bar at our welcome party was called “Benny’s Bar,” and there was even a tiny clay Benny sitting on our dessert table. I don’t think anything in weddings is truly unique anymore, but we had fun taking some of our favorite ideas we’ve seen at other weddings and making them our own. Joe was very passionate about creating a “recharge station,” complete with coffee, tea, and portable phone chargers for guests. I’m from Louisiana, where we party hard, so I’m used to seeing flip-flops handed out at weddings, but we decided to upgrade the idea and bought colorful slides for everyone. They were a huge hit. You never know what guests will latch onto, but the slides were fought over (by the ladies and a few men), and I still get compliments on them to this day.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Like many millennial couples, we met on a dating app. We had our first date at The Fly Trap in San Francisco, and pretty much never looked back. I’m a pretty nostalgic person, so when Joe proposed, he made it extra special by taking me on a little walk down memory lane. We started with brunch back at The Fly Trap, then made a few stops at places from our early dates before heading over the Golden Gate Bridge, where he got down on one knee. I was already so happy with the day, but then we turned a corner to find a party bus full of our closest friends ready to celebrate with us. When we finally made it home, our apartment was completely decorated as well. It was surprise after surprise, and so perfect!

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

Shop: And Something Blue Designer: Helen Miller Dress Style: Brittany Shoes: Amazon – mysoft Women’s Pumps Low Chunky Block Heels Pointed Toe Ankle Strap Across Instep Strap Party Wedding Dress Shoes Second Dress Store: V Chapman Studio The Lorenza Dress in White Windsor Brocade Shoes: Golden Goose, and my sister got them at the Golden Goose store at Canal Place in New Orleans, where they custom-painted them! They were a gift from her.

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Show Me Your Mumu – Nina Maxi Dress, Mac Duggal – Beige Sweetheart Flutter Sleeve Floral Gown

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For our signature drink, we went with a piña colada, something we discovered early on that we both loved and weren’t ashamed to admit. Since I’m from near New Orleans and Joe is from near San Francisco, both cities famous for their cable cars, we named it the “Cable Car Colada”.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Style: Romantic, whimsical, ethereal, and vibrant. Flowers: Roses, Ranunculus, Lisianthus, Dahlias, Sweet Pea, Delphinium, and other seasonal flowers and foliage. The bridal bouquet will be a lush, natural-looking bouquet featuring dahlias, roses, ranunculus, delphinium, lisianthus, and other seasonal flowers. It will be a mix of ivory, dusty blue, golden, and light yellow flowers with some pops of coral and pink. We will have a variety of textural elements and small touches of greenery.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

We also ditched the traditional cake and instead had an ice cream cart and macaron towers, which were both a huge hit. Part of our thinking was to skip traditions that would pull us away from our guests, so instead of pausing the party for formalities (like cake cutting), we got to spend more time actually enjoying the day with the people we love.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

We’re total music lovers, so our song choices leaned into the fun (and maybe a little cheesy) side of things. Joe walked down the aisle to an instrumental version of “All Star” by Smash Mouth – his self-declared “party starter” – to officially kick things off. We entered our cocktail hour on a train while “Love Train” played, and our first dance leaned into the 80s rom-com vibes with “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.” Last but not least, we couldn’t resist ending the night by passing out espresso martinis to the tune of Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso.” It all felt playful, personal, and the right balance of romantic and fun. At the very end of the night, during our last song, everyone naturally formed a circle around us, swaying and singing “Closing Time” as we slow danced in the center beneath the chandelier. It organically became the rom-com ending we’d been hoping for – the classic scene where the whole cast comes together, the music swells, and there’s that warm, glowing feeling in the air. We can’t thank our vendors, our friends, and especially our families enough for helping us bring to life a day that felt just like a classic 80s movie you can’t help but rewatch, the kind that makes you want to hit rewind and experience it all over again.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

One of our favorite décor elements was a custom-illustrated map of Nestldown we made with our planner. It looked like something you’d get at Disneyland or another theme park, showing all the different areas and activities. Nestldown has so much to see, and the map gave our guests the confidence to explore it all. Joe was especially proud of that one as it was his idea. And maybe the most un-trendy thing we did was not asking guests to put their phones away during the ceremony. Of course, we asked them to silence them, but we didn’t stress about banning photos. I actually ended up loving the candid moments people captured, zero regrets about skipping that trend. We also ditched the traditional cake and instead had an ice cream cart and macaron towers, which were both a huge hit. Part of our thinking was to skip traditions that would pull us away from our guests, so instead of pausing the party for formalities (like cake cutting), we got to spend more time actually enjoying the day with the people we love.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

Our families mean the world to us, so we found ways to incorporate them throughout the day. While not all were formal traditions, they were incredibly meaningful. Joe’s brother officiated the ceremony, which was extra special since he had also officiated his sister’s wedding. Joe also used his great-great-grandfather’s ring to make his wedding band, a beautiful nod to family history made even more meaningful since he’s named after him. In addition, one of my favorite parts of the day was actually doing a first look with our whole family and bridal party once we had done our first look together. It turned out to be such a cute, joyful, and special moment that set the tone for the rest of the day. Finally, for me, the cultural influence came from growing up in New Orleans. Naturally, Mardi Gras beads made an appearance, along with other party elements like custom “Laissez les bons temps rouler” napkins (“let the good times roll!”). And roll they did!

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

If I had to give advice, I’d say: try not to sweat the small stuff. Hire an amazing team whose work you love and who you trust completely to deliver your vision. We had incredible vendors, our fabulous photographer who captured the day so naturally, our amazing wedding planner who brought every detail to life, plus our caterers, DJ, videographer, florist, and more. Because of them, we didn’t have to worry about a single thing and could just live in the moment and enjoy every second. I’d also suggest that you align early on what your vision is and what’s most important to you as a couple. We set a few guiding principles for our wedding, and went back to them many times when making decisions. It helped us prioritize, cut through the noise, and make sure the day truly reflected us. It’s hard to pick a single favorite moment from the wedding. One that stands out was the walk to dinner, just looking around and seeing our guests spread out all over Nestldown, everywhere I looked, our favorite people were there for us, laughing, talking, and having a great time. Our first dance was another highlight. We ditched the traditional slow dance, decided to wing it, and just goofed off and had fun together. Joe said his favorite moment was sealing the deal and making me his forever person, and I have to agree. Exchanging our personal vows and getting married under the towering redwood trees in front of all of our favorite people is a pretty hard moment to beat.

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Belle Events & Co

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Zha Zha Photography

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Petit Bouquet

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An Airy Pastel Wedding in the Malibu Mountains with Festival-Inspired Energy

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

A romantic palette of soft pastels — featuring varying shades of pink for the ceremony (from blush and rose to mauve) and accents of lavender and powder blue throughout the reception. The blend created a cohesive yet dynamic look that transitioned beautifully from day to evening — airy and romantic under the sun, then softly whimsical under the string lights. Touches of ivory, cream, and gold tied everything together for an elegant, timeless finish.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Every design choice reflected elements of who we are as a couple. We’re both deeply sentimental and love thoughtful storytelling, so we wove personal details throughout the day. The venue itself—Cielo Farms—spoke to our love of hiking and nature, nestled in the Malibu mountains near where Bonita grew up. Our shared obsession with music festivals was reflected in the reception soundtrack, which transitioned from nostalgic love songs to EDM sets from our favorite artists such as Martin Garrix, Avicii, and Lost Frequencies. We even ended the night with a silent disco, inspired by an unforgettable night we shared in the Dominican Republic. The pastel color palette was inspired by our gentle, romantic aesthetic, which coordinated key elements such as the different dresses Bonita wore for each chapter of the wedding, the design patterns and colors of the table settings, and the color of our signature cocktails. We also wanted to introduce personal touches in the details of the wedding. We’re also both cat parents to our beloved Ragdoll, Snowball—he made a cameo on our custom cocktail napkins. And as a nod to family and artistry, our welcome sign was hand-drawn by Bonita’s mother.

[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]The couple met during the heart of the pandemic, when everything—MBA classes, networking events, even first impressions—took place on Zoom. In a seven-minute breakout session for first-year Wharton students, what was meant to be speed networking turned into the start of something far more meaningful. Afterward, Nini followed up with a witty email inviting Bonita to a coffee chat “a hop, skip, and a jump away” from both their homes. Coffee turned into brunch, brunch turned into dinner—and a spark was undeniable.

Funnily enough, they later discovered they had actually matched on a dating app months earlier in Boston… but Bonita had ghosted Nini. Fate clearly had other plans. From that moment on, the couple shared everything—internships, the same dual-degree programs, and school trips around the world.

The proposal took place at Wayfarers Chapel near Palos Verdes during a weekend trip to Los Angeles. After receiving Bonita’s parents’ blessing that morning, Nini surprised her with a “sightseeing stop” at the glass chapel overlooking the Pacific. There, he gave a heartfelt speech recounting every coincidence and adventure that had led them to that perfect moment.[/field]
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The bride wore a lace gown with long sleeves, a classic sweetheart neckline, and a full, flowing skirt. She had always imagined something elegant and romantic, and the intricate lace detailing and graceful silhouette made this dress feel like the perfect choice.

[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids wore light lavender dresses in varying styles, allowing each of them to choose a silhouette that suited her best. The soft hue complemented the pastel palette of the day and looked beautiful against the natural tones of the Malibu landscape.[/field]
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The couple wanted guests to feel well-fed all night, with generous food stations and passed appetizers that kept the celebration lively. Mini lobster rolls paid homage to the groom’s Boston roots, while signature cocktails matched the pastel palette of the day. Late-night snacks featured nostalgic Asian treats from the couple’s childhoods, served from a transformed floral escort wall that delighted guests well into the evening.

[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Florals focused on seasonal pastels—blush, powder blue, cream, and lavender—with lush arrangements framing the vineyard. A bud-vase escort wall doubled as a late-night snack bar filled with nostalgic treats, while personalized cocktail napkins featuring the couple’s cat added a playful touch. A photo wall showcasing the couple’s journeys and moments with guests brought warmth and a personal sense of connection.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

The couple chose a clean and romantic three-tier cake accented with delicate paper sail details that created a soft, sculptural effect. The minimalist white design felt airy and refined, perfectly complementing the day’s pastel palette. Fresh flowers in coordinating shades surrounded the base, adding a touch of color and tying the cake beautifully into the overall décor. The paper-like sails gave the design a sense of movement—graceful, modern, and effortlessly poetic.

[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The music told the couple’s story — from sentimental love songs during the ceremony to EDM sets from Martin Garrix, Avicii, and Lost Frequencies during the reception, ending with a silent disco under the stars.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

Hand-Illustrated Welcome Sign: Created by the bride’s mother, the hand-drawn welcome sign added a heartfelt and artistic touch as guests arrived. The soft pastel illustration perfectly complemented the wedding’s color palette and set the tone for a day filled with warmth and personal detail.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Silent Disco Finale: Guests danced beneath the stars wearing glowing headphones and waving neon sticks — a joyful nod to a spontaneous silent disco the couple once joined in the Dominican Republic.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

Tea Ceremony: A traditional Chinese tea ceremony honored our families and heritage, complete with blessings, red envelopes, and rose gold qipao.

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C & C Photography

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French Elegance Meets Summer Blooms in a Garden-Inspired Wedding at Blackberry Ridge

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

Lexie wanted to curate a wedding color palette inspired by the incredible blooms that come with the Summer months. Rich greens were the foundation to the sophisticated palette of butter yellow, muted peach, and light blue, balanced with white.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The vision of French elegance feels easy to produce in the stunning glass walls of The Conservatory at Blackberry Ridge. We elevated the purely magical setting with dripping greenery and painted the space with color through the florals, linens, and rentals to make that space feel even more elegant. And ultimately, so much of the color and pattern play of Lexie’s design came from her incredible talent as a watercolor artist. We wanted the wedding to feel like a piece of Lexie’s artwork.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Avery proposed on a trip out West, at the top of one of the park’s biggest dunes, in Death Valley National Park. It was so incredibly special because I had always said I wanted it to be somewhere in nature with just us, and he chose Death Valley since we first met at Clemson University’s football stadium, also known as Death Valley. It was the most amazing moment, climbing to the top of the dune and both of us realizing how beautiful it was at the same time, then having the next amazing moment as Avery proposed!

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After I got engaged, one of my bridesmaids, Shelby, sent me this dress because she thought it looked like me. I totally agreed, soI wanted to find a place to try it on. I booked an appointment at Ceremony in Newton, MA, just to try on this specific dress. This was the second place I had looked for dresses, and I made sure to try on a few others before THE dress, but when I put it on,n I knew it was perfect. I was also so excited to add a veil with some floral details since I knew I wanted my dress to be a solid white, but wanted that pop of florals in the veil. Both the dress andveill are by Truvelle – the dress is the Sylvia!

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

The main group of bridesmaids wore hunter-green floor-length gowns to play off the foundational color of Lexie’s palette, while her “flower girls” dressed in an array of colors from her palette to highlight the Summer floral motif, with muted peach, butter yellow, and light blue.

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Lexie and Avery’s plated dinner service was nothing short of divine, featuring fresh ingredients and stunning plating by Events with Taste. Elevating protein staples during the main course, Lexie and Avery combined Southern comfort foods and Mediterranean classics into their cocktail hour and dessert to feel like home at this beautiful destination.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The vision for Lexie’s florals started with the stunning watercolor linen from Theoni Linen collection.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Lexie and Avery skipped the large wedding cake for their intimate guest count and opted for playful desserts similar to their playful design – gelato, dessert bites, and a Tiramisu to cut for the two of them. [/field]
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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

As a pianist, Lexie’s top priority was to have a Grand Piano during cocktail hour, while her absolute top priority was florals. We loved combining these two loves at cocktail hour with a pianist playing a Grand Piano installed with stunning blooms in Lexie’s color palette.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

Lexie’s absolute favorite bloom is a dahlia, so naturally, she chose to get married in September. Butter yellow and peach dahlias can be seen in Lexie’s wedding design, overflowing in the tabletop arrangements and ceremony installation. Still, you can also see dahlias in the invitation suite design carried through to her bar graphics and menu cards. You can even find butter yellow dahlias on her wedding shoes.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

All of the stationery and day-of goods were created by none other than the bride herself. Lexie is an incredibly talented watercolor artist, so we incorporated all of her artwork into her invitations, custom bar graphics, seating chart, table numbers, menu cards, bar signs, and more.

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BBJ La Tavola

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Emerald Empire Band

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Hamilton Events

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Blush, Butter Yellow, and Dusty Blue in a Luminous Tuscan Tablescape

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

The design unfolds in a symphony of soft pastels, where the florals take center stage with a palette that feels lifted from an early-spring garden at golden hour. Blush roses, peach-hued blooms, buttery yellow accents, powder-blue touches, and whispers of sage blend into a composition that feels luminous, organic, and poetically understated. Each tone is intentionally layered to evoke lightness and natural movement, a signature of Stiatti Fiori’s floral artistry.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

To anchor this delicate color story, Unique Events in Tuscany crafted a tablescape rooted in refined, textural elegance. Cream chargers trimmed with intricate gold detailing introduce a quiet, contemporary luxury, while sculpted flatware with ivory handles adds an artisanal nuance. The dusty dark-blue linen grounds the palette with a soft, moody sophistication, allowing the pastels to glow with even greater clarity and depth. Every element—from the floral vision to the thoughtfully selected rentals from Preludio—works in harmony, resulting in a setting that feels elevated, intentional, and timelessly editorial.

[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Kelsey and Matt had one of their first dates on the NYC High Line, where they sat for hours talking and unknowingly laying the foundation for their relationship. Six years later, Matt brought Kelsey back to the same spot. With the help of a friend, he got her onto the High Line on a rainy fall Saturday, where he was waiting to surprise her with a proposal. Later that evening, he surprised her again with an engagement party at Raines Law Room, a craft cocktail bar with a retro library vibe, where forty of their closest friends and family had traveled in to celebrate with them.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Dinner celebrated the heart of Tuscan cuisine with dishes that felt both comforting and beautifully refined. Guests were welcomed with delicate ravioli filled with local ricotta and herbs, followed by pillowy gnocchi enveloped in a rich Tuscan ragù—recipes that speak to the region’s deep culinary tradition. The star of the evening was a perfectly grilled Chianina beef tagliata, served simply to let its unmistakable flavor shine. Each course was paired with expressive wines from Terre di Nano, chosen to highlight the authenticity and warmth of the menu. For those craving a contemporary touch, an American bar curated by Salotto Negroni accompanied the celebration from cocktail hour through the late evening, offering crafted drinks with full waitstaff service during dinner. The result was a dining experience that gently blended rustic heritage with modern elegance, inviting guests to savor Tuscany in every detail.
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The ceremony florals unfolded like a soft Tuscan dream, with large blush peonies opening in generous, cloud-like layers, arranged in compositions so airy they felt almost lifted by a gentle breeze. Moving into the cocktail and lounge spaces, the palette deepened in nuance: powder-blue accents added a serene luminosity, while buttery yellow notes brought unexpected warmth, all grounded by sage-green foliage that shaped the arrangements with quiet sophistication. For the reception, the floral designs rose in sculptural, ethereal formations, where oversized blush and pink peonies bloomed magnificently above the tables, touched with hints of pale yellow and whisper-blue, and softened by cascading greenery that drifted toward the dusty dark-blue linen below. Together, they told a seamless floral story — ethereal at the altar, intimate through the gathering spaces, and exquisitely grand at dinner — a poetic reflection of Tuscany’s natural beauty.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The wedding cake became an experience in itself, with a traditional Tuscan millefoglie prepared live in front of the guests. Layers of crisp pastry and fresh cream came together in real time, filling the air with the sweetest anticipation. Adding a personal touch, the couple joined the pastry chef in assembling the final layers, laughing and savoring the moment as they helped shape the dessert that would close their celebration. It was intimate, joyful, and beautifully interactive — a perfect blend of tradition and togetherness that made the finale feel truly unforgettable. To complete the experience, trays of delicacies like cannoli and tiramisù were served family-style at the tables, creating a warm, shared celebration of Italian sweets.
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To welcome guests to dinner, a striking custom display stood beneath the olive trees: a clean, arched structure lined with rows of petite limoncello bottles glowing in the afternoon light. Each bottle carried a hand-tied tag with a guest’s name, creating an escort moment that felt both refreshing and deeply rooted in Italian tradition. At its base, a lush floral garden in soft pastels framed the installation, weaving the color palette of the day into this thoughtful detail. It was an inviting, sun-kissed vignette — a perfect blend of modern design, Tuscan charm, and joyful hospitality.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]The celebration carried its charm well into the night with thoughtful touches that felt both playful and indulgent. At midnight, guests were surprised with a double comfort-food moment: a cozy ramen bar paired with freshly made midnight pasta, an irresistible nod to both the couple’s tastes and the joy of late-night gatherings.
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A Raspberry and Cream Celebration Inspired by the Romance of French Wine

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

We wanted an elegant colour scheme, including a pop of colour,r so my shoes were raspberry colour and the mother of the bride wore a similar colour. I love hydrangeas, so I wanted the bridesmaids to have hydrangea bouquets in cream and pink. My father’s buttonhole was also pink, and his tuxedo jacket was cream.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Ralph and I are passionate about French wine and wanted to incorporate this throughout the wedding. We named each of our tables after a French wine region. Our menus were printed on wine-bottle-shaped cards. Our table plan was a life-size print of a bottle of Burgundy.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Again France really holds a special place in our hearts and we love going to Paris on the Eurostar. In November 2024 we travelled to Paris and got ready in our hotel for a lovely Parisian evening. We crossed pont neuf and Ralph asked a passer by to take our photo. Before I knew it he was down on one knee. We celebrated with champagne and later walked back across to the bridge to discover if he had proposed on the other side of the road, the Eiffel Tower would have been in the background of the photos. It was a funny story because our first holiday was a weekend to Paris where Ralph pretended to propose on the Eiffel Tower 5 years before. We have photos of both!

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Having tried on many dresses in London, I was spoilt for choice. I liked different details from different dresses, soI decided to speak to a dressmaker to combine my vision into one dress. I went to Emma Beaumont’s atelier in Knutsford, and it was the most incredible experience from start to finish. Emma sketched and designed my dream dress. I wore a lace overlay for the ceremony and reception. For the dinner and speeches, I swapped the lace for aoff-the-shoulderer overlay with a bow at the back. I later removed this and rocked the strapless dress for the party.

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I had 8 bridesmaids, and each of them had their own unique style. I gave them a colour palette of pastels, yellow, pale blue, and pale pink. They looked amazing.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Ralph wore a tailored tuxedo from Edes and Ravenscroft in London[/field]
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For us, food and drink were absolutely imperative to the day. We have been to weddings with lacklustre meals, and we didn’t want to be one of these! Apollin,e our wonderful planner, er introduced us to 5eme. Wow! The wedding tasting was one of the highlights of the entire wedding preparations. We loved the idea of the canapé stations at the wedding reception; it felt like a really personal touch to include some of our favourite foods, like gambas a la plancha and pasta in a cheese wheel. The guests were super impressed. For mains we opted for sole meunière or filet of boeuf with foie gras. Both sensational! Drinks: bringing the Irish and Welsh together for a celebration is always a dangerous party combination, and our guests lived up to the hype. We wanted them to be fuelled for a great day with champagne, rosè and some carefully selected French white and reds for the meal. DNA bartending dialled up the heat after dinner with our bespoketilll the break of dawn bars, serving incredible cocktails. Everybodywas buzzing all night long!

[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Gama flowers – Marion was incredible at bringing together our colour palette in a vision. This was an area where I lack expertise and I was absolutely delighted with the end result. The contrast of the pink and white hydrangeas for bride and bridesmaid was a feature I adore in the photos
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Ralph’s family hails from Britain and loves tea and cake. We decided to go for a simple Victoria sponge, which was executed perfectly by 5eme. We then offered our guests petit fours, including the Victoria sponge, and washedthem down with a baby Guinness shot as a nod to Ireland

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

– Our celebrant was our friend who introduced us. He knew us both so well, and the ceremony was so personal and intimate. ⁃ Ralph’s mother gave a beautiful reading and unexpectedly burst into song with Ralph’s favourite childhood nursery rhyme. ⁃ We had a ladies’ orchestra that played beautiful music throughout the ceremony and reception.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

Our first dance, many would think it was a joke, but we have always loved the song from the Hangover movie, Candy Shop. This was so much fun

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Planner: If I could give our wedding planner a standing ovation every time someone mentions our big day, I would. Apolline and Gemini’s wedding was phenomenal. Every detail was handled before I even had a chance to stress about it. She thought of everything and made it fun along the way. We really couldn’t have done it without Apolline, and we are both so grateful for that. Jeremie Our photographer, deserves an award for patience alone, because capturing our chaotic crew is no small task. But wow—every photo looks like it came straight out of a magazine. If you’re looking for photos that feel alive and joyful, this is your photographer. Jeremie made us both feel comfortable and at ease, and we felt like we could relax and enjoy our day without being pulled in every direction for photos. This is exactly the service we wanted, and he delivered it x 1 million. Jino, I’ve watched our wedding video an embarrassing number of times, and it still makes me cry-laugh-smile like I’m watching it for the first time. Our videographer has this magical ability to capture it all. He was really fun to work with, and my only regret isthat we didn’t book him for the welcome drinks and day 2!

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Music is so important to us, and we were thrilled to have ALR music to bring the vibes withthe Beat band. This was a 5-piece band, and guests commented that they felt like they were at a gig!

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Bastide du Roy

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Petit Bouquet

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A Multi-day Celebration of Color from Vibrant Traditions to Vineyard Elegance

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

Color played a central role throughout Kiran and Esteban’s celebration, guiding the mood and storytelling of each event. The weekend began in a joyful burst of hues at the bride’s family home, where the Mehndi and Haldi embraced the lively vibrancy of South Asian tradition. Shades of coral, saffron, turquoise, and fuchsia came together in perfect harmony, radiant, festive, and full of heart. “We wanted our pre-wedding events to feel alive and playful,” Kiran shared. “Color, to us, is emotion; it reflects the joy we feel when we’re surrounded by the people we love.” The Sangeet transitioned into a more dramatic palette of deep sapphire, gold, and crimson, echoing the richness of royal India while setting the tone for an evening of music and celebration. The wedding day softened the energy to a serene mix of blush, ivory, and sage, creating a sense of calm and reverence that matched the spiritual beauty of the gurdwara ceremony. The grand finale at Clondaire Vineyards was a masterclass in understated luxury. The couple chose a timeless neutral palette-ivory, champagne, andgold- to complement the natural tones of the vineyard. As evening fell, the lighting transformed the space into a dreamscape of shifting hues, with crystal chandeliers casting blue, lavender, and amber tones across the tables. “We loved how the light evolved through the night,” they shared. “It felt like the colors were dancing with us, marking every moment of joy.”

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The wedding weekend was a thoughtful reflection of Kiran and Esteban’s story, rooted in family, inspired by travel, and elevated by refined design. The celebrations unfolded as a seamless journey, each event capturing a distinct emotion and atmosphere. The pre-wedding events at Kiran’s family home were filled with color and laughter, setting the tone for the weekend. Layered textiles, handcrafted pillows, and a vibrant palette created an intimate, welcoming ambiance that perfectly mirrored the joy of loved ones gathered together. For the Sangeet, the couple embraced bold, regal tones that transformed the Marriott ballroom into a royal-inspired celebration. Rich velvets, metallic accents, and intricate florals danced in harmony beneath the glow of lanterns and mirrored backdrops. The atmosphere was energetic and expressive, an unforgettable evening of dance, music, and shared joy. The wedding ceremony at the gurdwara brought a sense of calm and sacred beauty. Soft pastel tones, delicate architectural details, and serene florals framed the space in quiet elegance. Every element was intentionally understated, allowing the spiritual rituals to take center stage. The weekend culminated at Clondaire Vineyards in Angels Camp, chosen for its breathtaking landscapes and meaningful connection to the couple’s travels. “After visiting Valle de Guadalupe, the Napa Valley ofMexico, we fell in love with the beauty of the vineyards and the relaxed atmosphere,” they shared. “Choosing Clondaire felt like a way to bring that essence closer to home.” The rolling hills, wandering peacocks, and lush vines created a serene backdrop that felt both romantic and deeply personal. Sharing local wines with their guests added an extra touch of warmth and connection, tying together the memories of their travels with the joy of their wedding day.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

After seven years of dating from college to graduate school, one afternoon, Esteban suggested we visit a coffee shop near the Golden Gate Bridge and grab dinner afterward. He told me to dress nicely so we could make the most of the day and get dinner afterwards, so I didn’t think much of it. When we arrived at Crissy Field, he led me across the grass, supposedly looking for the café. As we walked, I looked out at the bridge and joked that it would make the perfect place for a proposal. To my complete surprise, a photographer suddenly appeared,d and before I knew it, Esteban was down on one knee, asking me to marry him. It was such a magical, spontaneous moment thafilledly us, filled with laughter, love, and a touch of serendipity.

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

Kiran’s bridal wardrobe, featuring six stunning ensembles, was a true reflection of heritage, symbolism, and style-an exquisite fusion of traditional artistry and modern sophistication. For her pre-wedding celebrations, she embraced a palette of rich jewel tones and intricate embroidery. From the aqua and coral banarasi lehenga worn at the Mehndi to the soft blush and marigold hues of the Haldi colors symbolic of fertility and joy, each look was thoughtfully chosen to honor both culture and emotion. Her Sangeet look, a striking black and gold embroidered lehenga paired with statement jewelry, set the tone for a glamorous evening filled with music and dance. When it came to the wedding day, Kiran chose timeless tradition over trend. “Initially, I thought I wanted to wear a pastel bridal outfit,” she shared, “but then I realized I wanted to keep everything more traditional.” Her final choice-a classic red lehenga hand-embroidered with intricate gold detailing- paid homage to love and prosperity, two values deeply rooted in her culture. For the reception, Kiran reimagined bridal elegance in a luminous white lehenga that merged the grace of a Western gown with the fine craftsmanship of Indian couture. “I wanted something modern yet meaningful,” she explained. The finishing touch became one of her most memorable style moments: torn between a pearl choker and a traditional Indian necklace, she brought both. “During our portrait session, our photographer Natasha Gillett suggested stacking them together,” Kiran recalled. “It turned out to be a showstopper. I received compliments all night!” The layered necklaces perfectly embodied her entire bridal vision: a seamless blend of modern refinement and timeless tradition.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”] For the wedding day, the Bridesmaids wore tonal shades of rose, champagne, and cream. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

Esteban’s wedding style was timeless and refined, thoughtfully coordinated to complement each celebration’s meaning and mood. For the Haldi ceremony, he joined Kiran in wearing yellow, a color symbolizing fertility and joy, while the couple chose coordinated shades of green for the Mehndi, representing new beginnings and harmony. His pre-wedding looks included a tailored kurta pajama and an embroidered Nehru jacket that perfectly echoed the vibrancy of the festivities. On the wedding day, Esteban embraced tradition in a cream sherwani, and for the reception, he elevated his look with a sophisticated black tuxedo, striking the perfect balance between cultural heritage and modern elegance.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]For Kiran and Esteban, food was at the heart of their celebration-a reflection of their shared love for culture, comfort, and connection. “We wanted our guests to experience the rich flavors of both Mexican American and Indian cuisines,” they shared. “It felt like the perfect way to celebrate who we are as a couple.” Throughout the week, traditional dishes from each culture were woven into every menu, honoring their heritage while inviting guests to discover new favorites. From apricot tikkis and spiced chaats to al pastor tacos and vibrant salsas, each event became a flavorful journey that brought their worlds together, one delicious bite at a time.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Each event throughout the weekend unfolded like a visual love letter to culture, color, and community. The pre-wedding celebrations at the bride’s family home were a joyful expression of warmth and artistry. For the Mehndi, the décor came alive with a symphony of fuchsia, coral, and saffron blooms paired with patterned cushions, woven throws, and an ornate crimson settee beneath soft afternoon light. A regal peacock installation added an elegant touch, nodding to the couple’s shared love of symbolism and design. The following day, the same space was beautifully reimagined for the Haldi. Vibrant yellow florals and golden-hued pillows transformed the setting, offering a fresh perspective while maintaining continuity in style. The addition of a whimsical “little Indian market” brought texture and personality, complete with handcrafted jewelry, tassels, and colorful trinkets displayed on a vintage cart. Playful details, like a mini rickshaw decorated in pom-poms and embroidery, made it a favorite among the younger guests, capturing the heart of the family celebration. For the Sangeet, the Marriott ballroom was transformed into a royal-inspired setting. Deep sapphire and crimson velvet drapery framed the stage, while mirrored accents, lanterns, and intricate patterns reflected the vibrant rhythm of the night. The hand-painted floral dance floor echoed the embroidery of Kiran’s lehenga, merging fashion and design in a seamless display of artistry. The wedding ceremony at the gurdwara embraced tranquility and tradition. Soft pastel florals in blush, ivory, and sage adorned the space with understated elegance, creating a serene backdrop for sacred vows. Every detail was intentional, allowing the beauty of the rituals to shine through. The reception at Clondaire Vineyards was a breathtaking finale-a study in light, reflection, and modern romance. Tables draped in ivory linens stretched beneath the open sky, surrounded by endless white roses and hydrangeas. Crystal chandeliers floated above, shimmering like constellations. As night fell, the lighting transformed the space into a fairytale dreamscape, with the chandeliers shifting hues from soft gold to cool blue and romantic violet. The mirrored DJ installation, framed by sculptural florals and dancing reflections, became a focal point of the celebration. “We wanted the design to feel fresh, elegant, and a little unexpected,” the couple shared. “As the night went on, the colors kept changing, and the whole vineyard seemed to glow. It truly felt like magic.”

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Instead of a traditional wedding cake, the couple treated guests to an array of decadent desserts that reflected both their cultures and shared love for indulgent flavors. Elegant glass cups filled with mango panna cotta and rich chocolate mousse, each garnished with delicate edible flowers, created a feast for both the eyes and the palate. A nod to Esteban’s heritage, warm churros served with chocolate dipping sauce added a playful and nostalgic touch, an irresistible finale to a week of joy, love, and culinary artistry.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

One of the most meaningful moments of the Sikh ceremony was the Milni during the Akhand Paath. As the couple shared, “The Milni during the Akhand Paath at the Sikh ceremony was such a fun and heartwarming experience for us. This traditional ritual, where the bride’s closest family members exchange garlands and blessings with the groom’s family, highlights the importance of love, unity, and togetherness.” The ceremony beautifully embodied the joining of two families, honoring heritage and connection in a way that felt both sacred and celebratory.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

“Our favorite part of our wedding was being surrounded by our closest family and friends, enjoying each other’s company during the wedding week. It was especially meaningful to celebrate the beautiful blend of our two cultures coming together. Throughout the week, we were touched by how everyone immersed themselves in Indian culture, eagerly embracing the traditions and vibrant customs that hold such significance for Kiran’s family. Many of our friends expressed their excitement about the wedding, taking the time to explore Artesia’s “Little India” and local boutiques to find the perfect outfits and accessories for each event, and reading about the various traditions online. From the traditional rituals to the delicious dishes that reflected our backgrounds, every detail felt like a beautiful blend of our lives coming together, ” the couple shares.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

Kiran explains, “We aimed to blend the regal elements from both cultures in our celebration. While the events themselves had an Indian essence, we chose our vendors for their ability to bring that vision to life. We knew Anais Events had a wealth of experience in coordinating fusion weddings, both traditional and modern ceremonies, as well as bringing a keen eye for design and organization. We picked our photographer, Natasha Gillett, because of her ability to blend a candid approach with an editorial style. She not only captured authentic moments but also focused on composition, lighting, and aesthetic details to enhance the overall visual narrative of the wedding week.”

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A Joy-Filled Newport Wedding at Regatta Place with Garden Inspired Details

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White, light blush pink, buttered yellow, light blue, peach, pastel orange, & sage green

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Austin and Steph made a point to go to Newport each year as a couple’s getaway and thought that it could be a great place to get married and one day bring their kids to a place meaningful to them. They were drawn to Regatta Place for its seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces. They loved how the venue reflected their style as a couple: fun and playful, yet effortlessly sophisticated. They knew it would be the perfect canvas for the vibrant, joy-filled summer celebration they had always envisioned. Steph and Austin dreamed of a wedding that was thoughtfully “them”, full of personal touches, gorgeous and lush garden-inspired florals and greenery, with little touches of Newport sprinkled into the design.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Austin knew he wanted Charlestown to be part of the proposal because it was where Steph had lived when they first met and where they often walked their dog, Oakley, along the Navy Yard. The Charlestown waterfront held special meaning for them, and it offered a quiet, intimate setting away from the crowds. Austin planned a “brunch” with Steph’s sister and her boyfriend, and had a photographer secretly waiting at Pier 6. As he got down on one knee, Steph said yes immediately before he could even begin speaking. A stranger at the restaurant exclaimed, “It’s about damn time,” leading to laughter from everyone involved. Following the intimate proposal, Austin surprised Steph with both of their families, who were waiting at Tradesman, the spot of their first date, for a private celebration. The surprises continued with an engagement party that evening at Puritan & Co., followed by another family gathering the next day. It was a weekend filled with so much love and unforgettable memories.

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Steph wore a gorgeous gown by Enuara from Vows Bridal in Watertown, featuring a sweetheart neckline and a beautifully textured floral pattern that added a touch of modern romance. The fitted bodice and flowing skirt highlighted her elegant, timeless style, perfectly complementing the waterfront setting of the couple’s celebration. Steph looked absolutely radiant![/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

Steph collaborated with her bridesmaid Haley, whose impeccable eye for fashion helped bring her vision to life. Together, they selected sage green gowns from Revelry, crafted in elegant fabrics and varying silhouettes that felt both timeless and modern. The soft hues beautifully echoed the coastal romance of the day, allowing Steph and her vibrant florals to shine against a backdrop of delicate white blooms and serene seaside tones.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Austin wore a light blue suit from Suitsupply paired with a green patterned tie by Canali that complemented the bridesmaids’ sage dresses. His look was finished with classic brown leather shoes and a peach boutonnière that coordinated with the wedding’s floral palette. The groomsmen wore navy suits with matching sage ties, creating a timeless and cohesive ensemble for the waterfront celebration.[/field]
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During cocktail hour, guests were greeted with trays of passed wine and could exploregarden-inspiredd champagne walls while enjoying an array of delectable bites. Guests dined on classic Caesar salad, delicious Herb Crusted Filet Mignon, Pan Seared Native Halibut, and Vegan Ravioli for dinner. Veuve Clicquot champagne was at each place setting for the toasts to give a special nod to Steph’s family from France who were present at the wedding. Signature cocktails of Austin’s Ale (Newport Craft Brewing Rhode Trip IPA), Steph’s Spritz (Elderflower Liqueur, Prosecco, Mint, Lime), and Oakley’s Old Fashioned, named after their beloved Boxer ,were enjoyed by all! For dessert, guests could select from an assortment of mouthwatering mini sweet treats!

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Steph and Austin’s floral designer, The Dirt Empress, flawlessly designed a floral vision that was rooted in elegance, romance, and the natural beauty of a garden in full bloom—designed tocomplementt the sweeping bay views of Regatta Place. The goal was to create an atmosphere overflowing with lush greenery and soft summer pastels, evoking the charm of an idyllic garden party by the sea. To bring this vision to life, a rich variety of blooms were thoughtfully curated to add depth, texture, and movement. The floral palette featured snapdragons, larkspur, delphinium, garden roses, locally grown dahlias, zinnias, and lisianthus—all working in harmony to achieve that effortless garden feel. Guests were greeted with florals at every turn, starting with a breathtaking pergola entrance draped in blooms, followed by floral accents along the dock, and a ceremony space designed to enhance the bay views. Inside the tent, greenery cascaded from beams and chandeliers, creating the illusion of strolling beneath a pergola of vines. Tables were adorned with a mix of lush compote arrangements and delicate bud vases, paired with soft sage green taper candles for a refined, organic touch. Sage green wove its way seamlessly throughout the celebration—from the bridesmaid dresses to the napkins, goblets, and candlelight—tying together the entire design in a thoughtful and cohesive manner. Linens, goblets, and chargers were thoughtfully selected from Peak Event Services. Light champagne colored linens, paired with sage colored goblets and napkins with elegant white chargers, paired perfectly under the cream colored tent at Regatta Place. Custom invitations by Serif & Sans set the tone for guests for a fun,floral-filledd, yet elegant coastal Newport wedding. The floral design and colors from the invitations were carried throughout the wedding day papergoodsd items with custom menus, place cards, signaturcocktaills signs, and a special corn hole board set for guests to enjoy on the dock during cocktail hour and the reception. Acustom-madee welcome sign and seating chart by Petal & Ink greeted guests as they arrived in the courtyard and was a beautiful addition to the overall design!

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

Steph and Austin had a petite vintage-inspired heart cake that had little white edible pearls. It was dainty and perfect for their private cake cutting!

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Steph and Austin had a keyboard and guitar duo beginning as guests arrived on the dock for the prelude music and ceremony that seamlessly transitioned through cocktail hour.

Guests later danced the night away to incredible live music under the tent by the band Mojo from Wilson Stevens. The dance floor was packed from the moment the dance floor open until the last song! [/field]
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Jessica K. Feiden

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Something Bleu Wedding & Event Planning

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A Coastal Garden Wedding on Maryland’s Eastern Shore in Fresh Greens and Blues

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]greens, blues, sandy neutrals and ivories[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Wedding Colors/Design/Vision: The couple wed in June 2025 on the Eastern Shore of Maryland at The Oaks Waterfront, a classically stunning venue just off the Chesapeake Bay in the charming coastal town of Saint Michaels, Maryland — Laina’s home state. The couple wanted every part of their weekend to feel as naturally beautiful, effortless, fun, and dreamy as the setting and their love. The bride and groom were inspired to design a timeless wedding with touches of the simple beauty of both coast and lush garden. For the color palette, the couple built off of hues from the quaint surroundings of The Eastern Shore — shades of fresh greens, shades of uplifting blues, sandy neutrals, and warm ivories that perfectly encapsulated that wonderful feeling that is mid-June: late spring warmth and blooms to the joyful light of early summer.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Laina Pisano, Senior Brand Manager at Procter & Gamble, and Robert “Bobby” Storrow, Senior Merchant at Todd Snyder, met in 2018 while working at J.Crew’s Corporate Office in New York City. At the time, Robert, who hails from Tennessee and Kentucky, was the men’s suits buyer—dressing the part each day in a perfectly tailored suit with an ever-so-slight Southern drawl. Laina noticed. After months of passing his desk “by chance,” casual emails turned into texts, and one day, Robert asked her out—in the hallway at work. Their first date was at a dimly lit Manhattan cocktail bar, just down the block from where they now live in Gramercy. Tucked in a corner table, they traded stories and laughter—both walking away with a quiet, comforting sense that something real was beginning. After six years of building a life filled with love, laughter, and shared friends and family, Robert proposed during golden hour on the beach in Naples, Florida, with a ring he designed with Henri Noel Jewelers: a round-cut diamond set in a slim gold band. The proposal and ring were both heartfelt and simply elegant — very Laina and Robert.

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The bride wore a timeless Vera Wang gown from Wang’s Haute Couture collection that featured beautiful silk faille in a strapless, refined a-line silhouette (unique to the brand) with two light layers of delicate organza in a warm vintage-inspired white, finished with an elegant silk sash and cascading veil. As classic and elegant as it gets — and one of the last dresses Laina tried on after a weekend of trying on nearly 50 dresses. She knew immediately it was unlike any other. The bride paired the gown with vintage Chanel heels and a pear-shaped diamond necklace. For the after-party, the bride slipped into an embellished and beaded Danarys New York mini dress that was adorned with a glittery tulle train. She finished the look with bezel-dangle earrings and satin Jimmy Choo platforms.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

The bridesmaids — including Laina’s sisters, best friends, and cousin — wore custom silk faille Amsale gowns in a beautiful, soft pale blue. The a-line silhouettes boasted delicate spaghetti straps and simple sashes and were paired with spring-forward bouquets.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

The groom, senior buyer and merchandiser at menswear label Todd Snyder, knew his crew could only be outfitted by the best — suited that he himself had a hand in making. The groom, groomsmen, father of the bride, and father of the groom all wore custom-made-to-measure black tuxes by Todd Snyder. For the reception, the groom hit the dance floor in a Brunello Cucinelli white dinner jacket.

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The couple took inspiration from combined roots, a mixture of southern and coastal, for the culinary theme of the weekend. For cocktail hour, Hors d’oeuvres were passed silhouetted by the waterfront and included country ham on pimiento cheese biscuits, fried green tomatoes with crab, miniature shrimp and grits spoons, bacon-wrapped scallops, and petite lobster rolls. The highlight was a full open raw bar staged in a vintage rowing boat. The reception dinner was a classic duet of surf and turf, a Filet partnered with a Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cake. The signature drinks were summer adaptations of the couple’s favorite cocktails — Laina’s Lemon Spritz (vodka, prosecco, lemon) and Robert’s Gold Rush (bourbon, lemon, honey)

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

From the exquisite letterpress invitations featuring custom watercolors that emulated day-of florals to napkins featuring the couple’s favorite song lyrics, every detail of Laina and Robert’s wedding weaved a common thread back to their relationship, upbringings and personal brand. Blue toile tablecloths and cocktail napkins adorned with a personalized crest added classic touches, while crab matchbooks and ‘Eastern Shore’ baseball caps served as coastal memorabilia of the weekend. Drink stirrers in Mint Julep cups nodded to the groom’s Southern roots. Florals done by a local farm featured a beautiful array of white and cream blooms — peonies, garden roses, hydrangeas, ranunculus, and lily of the valley with touches of blue delphinium.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

Instead of a traditional wedding cake, the couple had traditional Italian cookie tables that included dozens of different cookie types as well as a variety of bite-sized desserts perfect for bringing to the dance floor, along with take-home boxes for each guest.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

The bride walked down the aisle to Moon River – one of her and Robert’s favorites — which, upon telling her dad this was the song they had chosen, told her it was the song he sang her to sleep with when she was a baby. The groom walked down the aisle to My Old Kentucky Home, a nod to the rolling hills of his beautiful home state. The bride and her father danced their first dance to The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra, which he also danced to at his wedding with his mom at his own wedding. The couple had two readings during the wedding ceremony. The first was a poem called “I Carry Your Heart” by E.E. Cummings, read by the Groom’s uncle. The poem was chosen for its message surrounding and all-encompassing love that makes two people feel inseparable. The second reading, another poem, called “On Marriage,” was chosen because of its charge to live a healthy, balanced union, while also celebrating individual freedom and growth. The second reading also used analogies of the sea and an oak tree, tying back to the couple’s love of the coast and the venue – symbolically called The Oaks.

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The couple was married by the bride’s Uncle Charlie (aka Reverend Carrick), who married the bride’s parents on August 22, 1993. Furthermore, the bride’s parents’ flower girl was her cousin and bridesmaid Anna — so naturally, Laina and Robert had to have Anna’s daughter, Mila, as their flower girl.

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The groom’s groomsmen and best friends, who also happen to be incredible musicians, performed and sang the couple’s first dance song, All Your’n by Tyler Childers.

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Welcome bags including favorite treats from the couple’s home states — Old Bay Chips & Fishers from Maryland, Goo Goo Clusters from Tennessee, and Ale 8 from Kentucky. – As their somethings borrowed, Robert wore his grandfather’s century-old cuff links, and Laina wore a piece of her mother’s wedding dress pinned to hers.

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