New York Weddings

In search of your dream dress? Don’t miss these four trunk shows.

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Beach Weddings

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From the Bride… One early fall morning Kurt proposed on Wainscott Beach where we had spent the past several summers falling in love. Not only had Kurt been planning our engagement, he had also put together another proposal – a wedding on his family’s property in the Hamptons.

Kurt and I both love to plan surprises, parties, and other celebrations so we were beyond thrilled to take advantage of planning a DIY wedding the following summer. From designing my dress with Modern Trousseau, creating our wedding crest with Betsy from Lemontree Calligraphy, wedding paper with Sandy from Roseville Designs, and laying out the reception details—we enjoyed putting our personal touch on everything.

Our vision of a romantic garden wedding was easy to accomplish on his aunt and uncle’s property; it didn’t require much to enhance the natural beauty. We paired classic Hamptons white hydrangeas with white and blush garden roses to complement the green landscape. We strung bistro lights inside the tent, hung paper lanterns from the trees, and placed candles everywhere to create the romantic vision we had in mind.

We also wanted to incorporate our families and their traditions. Looking back, we are so happy to have done so. My mother and her sisters had my grandmother’s engagement ring made into necklace which I wore throughout the day. I also pinned a pendant that she had worn, on her wedding day, to my bouquet. Kurt’s mother made my gorgeous lace veil that perfectly complemented my dress. During our ceremony, we were able to light the same unity candle used in my parents’ wedding 35 years prior. We wrapped family photos that documented weddings from past generations around “Our Family Tree,” a focus point during the cocktail hour.

After the ceremony, we toured our favorite places in East Hampton with Kelsey Combe who captured the day with our bridal party and parents. One of our most memorable moments was taking our wedding portrait photos on the very spot where Kurt proposed. The lighting Kelsey captured on the overcast beach was magical.

The reception site was an absolute dream and would not have come to life without the assistance of our dedicated family. Our morning was stress free knowing that Gina, our day of coordinator, was also there making sure all the details we had planned were executed perfectly. Dancing under the stars, (and surprise fireworks set off by a neighbor!) with music from the talented Silver Arrow Band, was exactly how we wanted to spend the night with our guests. I look at the photos nearly every day, and pinch myself that this was how we celebrated the start of our lives together.

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Kelsey Combe Photography

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Silver Arrow Band

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We hold a very special place in our hearts for bridal fashion, and when it comes to a boutique that never fails to deliver on gorgeous gowns and accessories, Designer Loft is IT. From their talented + totally knowledgeable staff to their never-ending lineup of amazing Trunk Shows (hello, 10% discount), they’ve been wowing us from day one. Find out about their upcoming events below.

Located in Midtown Manhattan (226 West 37th Street, Second Floor Loft) and known for their relaxed approach and intimate space, Designer Loft is all about making your dreams come true with their top-notch service and well-curated selection of awe-inspiring gowns. Think awesome April Trunk Shows with talented designers like Matthew Christopher (April 1-3), Eddy K of Italy (April 7-9 + April 14-16), Pronovias (April 21-23) and Rosa Clara (April 28- May 1)…you are sooo on the right track. Which means that dream gown you’ve been searching for? You’ll most definitely find it. We promise.

From the traditional with a twist gowns of Matthew Christopher to the stunning new Milano Collection from Eddy K to the trademark lace and romantic details of Pronovias and Rosa Clara, don’t miss your chance to experience some of the most beautiful gowns you will ever lay your eyes upon by booking your appointment using Designer Loft’s online reservation system or contacting them at 212.944.9013 or Designerloftnyc@yahoo.com. And don’t forget that you’ll receive 10% off the featured designer’s collection on the weekend of the trunk show, plus Designer Loft even offers amazing on-site alterations and are extremely flexible with customization and tailoring. It just doesn’t get any better.

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Fashion

Designer Loft

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Tying the Knot in a City They Fell Head Over Heels For

A breathtaking Monique Lhuillier and an equally as breathtaking Manhattan skyline are quite the match. And for this couple, who fell in love with New York City it made the most sense to gather their loved ones in the spot they fell head over heals to celebrate. Both modern and traditional, ethereal and wholeheartedly NYC, this wedding planned by Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli and captured by Cynthia Chung Photography will make you fall hard for the Big Apple too.

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Hotels + Resorts Weddings

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Glamorous

From the Bride… Neither Daniel nor I grew up in New York but had both moved here for work. During our time in New York, we both fell head over heels in love with the city. Especially after we got engaged in the Hamptons, we knew we wanted to have our wedding in New York City, to commemorate and celebrate our time here. From the second we saw the stunning panoramic views of the downtown Manhattan skyline from the top floor of Trump Soho, every other venue paled in comparison.

As most of our guests would be coming from out of town, we thought this was the perfect way to showcase for them the city. We chose the Church of the Heavenly Rest for our ceremony because we were enraptured with the majesty and beauty of its architecture, and it most definitely fulfilled the dreams I’d had since I was a little girl of a fairy tale wedding. For the decorations and floral designs, we wanted to keep everything clean, classic, and elegant. Especially with the stunning architecture of our church and the unique downtown views of Trump Soho, we didn’t want to have too much and detract from their intrinsic appeal. From my walk down the aisle, to being introduced to all our family and friends as husband and wife for the first time, to dancing the night away with the Manhattan skyline lit up behind us, every detail and every single person we had the opportunity to work with was so perfect and far exceeded anything we had ever imagined.

We’ve Found the Perfect Locale for Your Wedding in Montauk

Sole East Resort is the type of locale where wedding day dreams just happen. Maybe that’s because this gorgeous boutique is one part total sophistication and one part laid-back elegance… or maybe it’s the breathtaking gardens or fabulous service. Our guess? It’s a sweet combo of all of the above. Scroll for a lesson in seaside pretty from one of our fave resorts in Montauk and be sure to ask about available discounts for remaining 2017 dates (hint: June 3rd is totally open).

Spring has officially sprung, and if you are planning on the tying the knot during the season of beautiful blooms, it doesn’t get much better than Sole East Resort. (Or anytime of year, really.) Located in the heart of the sleepy-beachy seaside capitol of the world, Sole East Resort is that understated, yet seriously luxurious locale that will take your nuptials to the next level with great service, breathtaking backdrops and fabulous food. Think yummy offerings at their Backyard Restaurant, close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean beaches and manicured gardens that will leave you in awe. In other words? It’s a full-service property will make that fairytale wedding you’ve always dreamed of an absolute reality. We promise.

Whether you are planning a small, intimate ceremony with just your nearest and dearest or want to celebrate with all of your friends and family, Sole East Resort can make it happen. Contact them today to schedule a tour of their spectacular grounds and start planning your sure-to-be gorgeous celebration. And don’t forget to ask them about available discounts for remaining October 2017 and May 2018 wedding dates. You’re going to love every moment of working with them.

Photography: Heather Waraksa | Reception Venue: Sole East Resort

A Blind Date That Ended in Forever Love

Laura and Will met on a blind date and the rest, as they say, is history. They quickly knew they’d found “the one” and when it came time to plan their dream wedding, New York City was the only place to be. They exchanged vows in Manhattan’s Fort Tryon Park and we’ve got all the images from Levi Stolove Photography.

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Spring Weddings

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Park

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Vintage

From Levi Stolove Photography… Laura and Will wanted to get married close to home on the Upper West side but also feel like they weren’t in the middle of the city. Fort Tryon Park with it’s Hudson River views is a perfect melding of city and country.

It was a blustery day which added to the drama, rain threatening, dramatic clouds overhead but it all seamed to work so well. Laura started the day downtown at The High Line Hotel and Will started the day at his parent’s home in New Jersey.

We met at the park with an outdoor ceremony and got to wander around the gardens for their portraits. They both love to dance so the dance floor was jumping. The two of them beamed all day and danced all night.

Cozy Chic Central Park Winter Wedding

Cozy and chic, romantic and warm; when it comes to winter weddings, this one hit the nail on the head. From the beautiful bride and her stylish maids, all the way to the magical nighttime moments, all captured by Betsi Ewing, this is one elegant affair that takes the chill out of this season’s celebrations. More in our Vault right this way!

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Winter Weddings

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Eatery

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5 Tips for a Smooth Dress Fitting Process

From the Bride… Now that the wedding has passed, everyone’s question to us has been “Was it the best day ever?!”and we both look back at the night and smile because it was everything we envisioned and then some. We always said throughout the entire planning process, that the wedding is just six hours of the rest of our lives, and those six hours should be a celebration of our marriage and commitment to one another. We were surrounded by our loved ones, shared a beautiful and perfectly timed first dance to Johnnie Taylor’s “Just the One” after being dance class drop outs, survived a tumble off our chairs during the Hora, managed to tear the under arm of my dress, and are still waking up to that newlywed feeling… so yes, it was the best beginning to the rest of our lives.

As many couples know, wedding planning can be overwhelming when all you want to do is start the rest of your lives together the second he pops the question! Sam and I got engaged bright and early on a November morning and waited until after the holidays to begin next steps. We planned our wedding the same way we go about living our everyday life – as a team. The Loeb Boathouse in Central Park was the first (and only) venue we looked at. The second we walked in it felt welcoming, cozy, and most importantly, intimate – we picked our date right then and there. That January night we walked home, freezing our butts off while envisioning what our wedding would be like.

If only finding my wedding dress was as easy as confirming our venue! Shortly after those big items were crossed off the “to do” list, I rallied the troops (aka my mom and sister) and off we went to find “the” dress.

At the end of the first day I found myself with hives, in dresses that weren’t “me”, and stress I didn’t think I’d have. I decided to start over but without intentions of saying “yes to the dress”. Shortly after, I booked an appointment at David’s Bridal in my hometown after going to nearly every Manhattan bridal boutique and retail store known to (wo)man. At David’s, I tried on dresses that were not my style (think crazy bedazzled, poufy dresses), that would ease the stress and put a smile back on my face. I found my dress thinking it would be another “no”, I actually called it the “Icescapedes” dress. When I walked out of the dressing room, my mom’s eyes welled up – it was the last dress I tried on. I went home to over-think about it and ordered the dress over the phone a few weeks later while on a business trip in Paris. Because it wasn’t 100% my style, I sought out to find the best seamstress team (Sew Elegant) to re-design and reconstruct my dress.

Every last detail of our wedding from the amazing floral arrangements and altar (Cress Floral Decorators) to our dog Riley’s bow tie and yellow lab seating cards (Etsy), to refurbishing a forty year old cake topper from Sam’s parents’ wedding day, we conceptualized together. We didn’t have a “theme” for the wedding; it was more about the feeling. Our hope was that our guests would walk in and have a glimpse into what every day feels like… happy!

That morning it rained; Sam went for a long run and got ready at our apartment, while my sister and I sweated it out at the gym and grabbed coffee nearby. My mom, sister and I all got ready together at Le Parker Meridien, having the same hairstylist who did my mother’s hair for her wedding do mine.

Throughout the day, my bridesmaids trickled in to all get ready together, all wearing a black gown of their choice that made each of their individual beauty stand out. Sam met his groomsmen at the hotel for a scotch (or two), and they too arrived in a dark suit or tuxedo of their choice. It was important to me and Sam to have our favorite people feel like themselves and be comfortable for the long night ahead; we’re so lucky to have each of them in our lives.

The weather cleared up and next thing we knew it was time for our first look, captured by the remarkably talented and lovely Betsi Ewing. From then on, time flew by, it was as if we blinked and we were walking down the aisle hand in hand after reciting our own vows in front of 125 guests. The ceremony was our favorite part, although we were in front of all these people – for that moment it felt like only us. The evening was beyond spectacular and wouldn’t have been possible without the love and support of our parents.

Truthfully the details now all seem like a blur, I think we’re still hoping we spent time with each of our guests to tell them just how thankful we are that they were there to share in our love and excitement…

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Silver Arrow Band

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Wedding Dresses

Badgley Mischka

Spring 2014 Bridal

2014 Bridesmaids

Spring 2014 Accessories

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Accessories

David's Bridal

"Wonder" by Jenny Packham Accessories

"Wonder" by Jenny Packham Bridal

"Wonder" by Jenny Packham Bridesmaids

David's Bridal Spring 2018

Oleg Cassini Spring 2018

WHITE by Vera Wang Spring 2018

Truly Zac Posen Spring 2018

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So you’ve made one of the biggest wedding decisions yet—choosing your dress—and you found THE perfect one. Yay! But did you know that the dress fitting process can be just as (if not more) important? Take it from this business-owner-turned-Bride whose dress fitting we’re getting a behind the scenes peek at today, along with her 5 tips to make the process smooth as ever. Clary Pfeiffer captured it all and we’re straight up drooling over the detail—that bow! See it all here.

From the Bride… I wanted my gown to be simple yet novel. My business partner (MESTIZA NEW YORK) and I decided on a form-fitting spaghetti strap gown with a scooped neckline and low back. We sourced the fabric locally in New York City and loved the embroidery on mesh because it wasn’t a typical bridal lace. It reminded me of architectural elements in the city that I see and love everyday. We lined it in a nude so you could see the details in photographs. I’ve always loved the femininity of a bow, so we crafted a removable structured bow belt in ivory silk wool. The bow accentuated my waist and offered an element of surprise when I turned around. What is so cool about my wedding gown is that many of the fabrications were repurposed fabrics from previous projects! It was special knowing that nothing went to waste and we were able to create a beautiful gown.

5 Tips for a Smooth Dress Fitting Process

Take a walk and have a seat

When trying on your dress, it’s important to think about the activities at your wedding: are you able to walk in it? Sit in it comfortably? Can you dance in it? Make sure you think ahead. Relay this information to your seamstress so she can make the changes accordingly.

Choose your shoes

It’s always best to make the dress longer than you’d want and then hem it to the perfect length at the very end of your fittings once you’ve determined what shoes you’ll wear. You don’t want to risk the hem being too short!

Bras matter

At your first fitting, you can work with your seamstress to determine what type of bra would be best for the dress. Some dresses may need pasties, some dresses may need more support or padding. At your next fitting, determine the bra you want to wear and fit it with the dress for a perfect fit.

Know your angles

We made a custom gown for a bride who wanted an embellishment on one side of her dress. We asked her which side would be photographed the most and decided on her right side because she will be standing that way at the altar. Think about where you will be photographed and make sure your embellishments and best features will be showing!

Speak up!

You know your body best and if there is something that looks off to you, don’t be afraid to ask questions and make changes.

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Dream Worthy Dresses

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Dream Worthy Dresses

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Photography: Clary Pfeiffer Photography | Shoes: Aquazzura | Bespoke Bridesmaid Gown: MESTIZA NEW YORK | Bespoke Wedding Gown: MESTIZA NEW YORK

A Gorgeous Hampton’s Dinner Party Meets a Wildly Romantic Wedding

Give me a vineyard and I give you one very happy lady. Now make it a gorgeous summer wedding at a spot that’s reminiscent of the most stunning Hampton’s dinner party and I’m done for. With planning by L. Marie Events and florals by Ovando, this wedding is proof that vineyards make for the dreamiest of venues. See what all the fuss is about with Brian Hatton’s gorgeous imagery right here.

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A Romantic Seaside Wedding for University Sweethearts

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Weddings in Wineries

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Classic Weddings

From the planner… Bonnie & Michael’s Summer wedding at the Wölffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack was absolutely gorgeous. Wolffer Estate’s back patio is amazing in that it bridges the gap between inside and outside creating a seamless experience for guests. Whites and greens were a counterpoint to the surrounding grape vines ready to burst for harvest while long tuscan style tables added a bit of rusticity. Ample candlelight set a warm mood and allowed for photography to continue unobtrusively as the sunlight faded away. Bonnie wore Reem Acra and Michael wore a bespoke Seize sur Vingt tuxedo with white jacket. To cap things off, Bonnie changed in to her mom’s Chinese wedding dress to dance the night away.

My favorite kind of wedding doesn’t rest on one style, one detail, intimate or grand… no, it’s a setting. And that setting is seaside time and again (I’m a little biased, yes). That’s exactly why this coastal fete from Charlotte Jenks Lewis gets my heart a racing. The tented reception thanks to Stamford Tent & Event Services is something out of a dream and when you’ve got portrait backdrops like this and a sweet film from eMotion Pictures, nothing can compare.

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Co-Founder of Birchbox Says I Do in Seriously Gorgeous Style

From the Bride… Our love story began when we met at Miami University of Ohio, at the age of 20. The relationship blossomed, visiting each other over the summers, getting to know our respective close knit families and friends from home, and even included a romantic Paris trip during Pat’s junior semester abroad. I grew up in New York, and Pat in Michigan. With graduation approaching, he took a job in Manhattan while I lined up a job in the area, and we were ecstatic about the beginning the next phase in our relationship. Looking back, I think it was really a turning point. Seven years after our first meeting, Pat proposed at my family’s lake house in New Hampshire with both sets of our parents there to celebrate.

Planning a wedding is an exciting time but it can also be stressful while working, navigating expectations, communicating combined family members, while all the while working through multiple decisions and logistics. My advice to all the brides-to-be is to enjoy every moment, keeping the little things in perspective and making the important decisions in a fun, flexible and collaborative way. I enjoyed the special expeditions with my mom, the times celebrating with friends and the comical dance lessons with my soon-to-be husband. There is a point when all the parts start to come together and you realize the real purpose of the planning. It goes very quickly, but it’s all part of building a life together.

When planning our wedding, we wanted something that reflected our personalities. We chose to get married on the water in Rye, a place where I spent many of my summers and Pat quickly developed a connection to. We chose natural but elegant décor. Lots of greens, whites, and pastels filled our wedding tent set on the Long Island Sound. We were lucky to have one of the most spectacular days of the summer for the wedding day. The water was sparkling, the breezes were gentle and the sun was glistening. Pat and I shared our first dance, touched by a sense that the perfect weather was a special marriage blessing and beloved friends and family encircled us with a breathtaking sunset in the backdrop.

Everyone always says that your wedding day is the most amazing day of your life, and trust me, it exceeded all expectations. Our favorite part of the day was having everyone we loved in one room. It is so overwhelming to see that many people come together, from different stages of your lives, and know that they are there to support you in your marriage journey for many years to come.

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Bridesmaid Dresses

Amsale

Amsale Bridesmaids Fall 2014

Amsale Bridesmaids Spring 2014

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Amsale Bridal Fall 2014

Amsale Bridal Spring 2015

Amsale Bridesmaids Fall 2015

Amsale Bridal Blue Label

Amsale Bridal Spring 2016

Amsale Bridal Fall 2016

Amsale Bridal Spring 2018

Amsale Bridal Fall 2018

Amsale Bridesmaids

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Wedding Dresses

Anne Barge

Spring 2012

Fall 2012

Spring 2014

Fall 2013

Fall 2014 Couture

Fall 2014 Black Label

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Menswear

The Tie Bar

Spring 2015

Spring/Summer 2015

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I love the overall vision this Bride & Groom had for their Big Day: to throw a big dinner party for close friends and family. Because sometimes the jumping off point of inspiration isn’t about the details, it’s about the vibe. And then the details just fall into place so, so beautifully. Not to mention, this glowing Bride is the Co-founder of Birchbox, so of course, she looked effortlessly gorgeous. Ready for more? See all of Mark for Trent Bailey Studio‘s captures in The Vault.

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Saying I Do at the Most Romantic Urban Garden Escape

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Casual Romantic

From the Bride… Our overall vision was to throw a big dinner party for close friends and family. We planned a wedding weekend, with the Arnold House as our home base. It’s a 10-room Catskills hotel that has been renovated to look very Ace-y and owned by a super cool couple who lives part time in Manhattan. Our family stayed there and we also had a Friday night welcome party in their barn and a casual Sunday brunch there (we couriered Peter Pan doughnuts and Bien Cuit croissants from the city!). The actual wedding was at East Hill, about 6 mi away. The same couple who owns the Arnold House has a 60-acre property that includes a modern pool area (where we had our cocktail hour) and a container house (where we stayed). We wanted it to be a low-key weekend of activities in a gorgeous upstate area: hiking, distillery tours, yoga at the Arnold House.

My hair was by Jeff Chastain, and makeup by Nam Vo. It was amazing to have friends—people I’ve known and worked with for over five years—do my hair and makeup. I trusted them to make me look like myself, only better. We didn’t have a bridal party, just Rob’s best friend Julian and my sister Annie, but we had our friends and family participate in other ways. Our officiant was our dear friend Nate Rogers. We put the ceremony together ourselves, and asked friends and family to do readings from Madeline L’Engle, George Saunders, and a Brooklyn poet named Robert Hershon. Our ceremony was in a wide-open field, then we walked up to the pool area for cocktails, then reception under a tent.

Poppies & Posies did a spectacular job with our florals. I wanted seasonal, not too girly—an undone organic look but not hippie. They nailed it and were a dream to work with. Rob designed all our printed materials (though my best friend and Birchbox cofounder Hayley did the menus!), and we had them printed by our longtime Birchbox printer Tazo at 4over4. Then we roped in another friend, Allidah, to write our escort cards, which hung on the fence at cocktail hour. It takes a village.

Food was a huge priority for us! We worked with Oliver Kita, an incredibly skilled caterer to create a big, happy dinner party. We designed a menu that felt like something we would do at home (obviously not at this scale or all at once). For cocktail hour, we the Italian aperitivo hour tradition so we had an entire bar of negronis and spritzes and a giant wooden table piled with charcuterie and mostly local cheese. There were other delicious snacks like radishes with local butter, and deviled eggs because Rob loves them. Dinner was family-style and, again, foods that we would make ourselves: steak with chimichurri sauce, roasted vegetables, great crusty bread. My parents sourced 20 vintage soda bottles that we filled with olive oil for the table and my dad personally hemmed and folded all the napkins. Oliver made us a naked wedding cake that I swear tasted just like birthday cake, plus homemade mallomars as a party favor. We were also lucky to have the Doug Winters Band keeping everyone on the dance floor. Rob had seen this band at a wedding in 2009, where he danced so much he sprained his ligament. Our first dance was to Jackie Wilson’s “Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher.”

My dress was by Roland Mouret. I wanted something modern and simple but with pretty details. My shoes were by Jimmy Choo. Rob wore a made to measure suit by Monsieur Brunold and shoes by Church’s.

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The Foundry completely nails it in the romance department. From ivy walls to cobblestone streets and skyline views, it can’t be beat. Now add to that equation soft pastel blooms by Ivie Joy Flowers an entire bridal party dressed to the nines ( hello gold loubs) and the gorgeous photographs of Brklyn View Photography and you get this perfect in every way celebration. Psst… head to the vault for even more!

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First She Said Yes to the Dress. Then She Said “I Do” to the Wedding of Her Dreams

From the photographer…The Foundry is a one of the most magical wedding venues in New York City. Between it’s mix of romantic and industrial locations, it’s a dream to photograph. Laura and Shevon began their love story inside the dorms of New York University. The happy couple are avid travelers who love to explore and decided to throw and intimate fete at The Foundry in Long Island City. Laura wore the most amazing structured wedding dress from Carol Hannah and jaw dropping gold Christian Louboutin shoes. The groom and groomsmen got ready at The Foundry’s greenhouse before the couple shared their first look outside on the private rooftop terrace. Shevon’s reaction to seeing his beautiful bride to be was simply amazing to capture. In the courtyard, we used full advantage of the stunning ivy covered walls and vintage cobble stone streets. I could have photographed them for hours! Ivie Joy Flowers created a simple yet stunning white bouquet for the bride and used lots of peach and pink blooms for their reception. Lots of happy tears were shed during their intimate wedding ceremony and the room exploded with cheers when Laura and Shevon shared their first kiss as husband and wife. The warm September evening was perfect for their tented outdoor reception. Guest enjoyed cocktail hour in greenhouse before moving outside in the courtyard to enjoy dinner under the stars. I’m so honored I could be part of their modern, romantic, and very glamorous wedding day!

When original plans to marry in Aruba shifted, this Bride-to-be jumped headfirst into planning her revised wedding in NYC (and as the face behind Michelle Elaine Weddings, she didn’t even miss a beat). The finished results are pure perfection; from the subtle nods to her fur babies to a dress that leaves us breathless (found at the fabulous Kleinfelds). Mikkel Paige and NST Pictures captured it all – get a look at it all via our Vault before it airs on “Say Yes to the Dress” tomorrow!

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Classic Weddings Glamorous

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From the Bride, Michelle Elaine Weddings… Our story began over 15 years ago in high school. We weren’t high school sweethearts, as many people think, we had more of an on-again/off again type of relationship. But no matter where we went, we were always brought back to one another in some way. In 2013 we had finally went on our last first date, and the rest, as they say, was history. As a wedding planner in New York City I was looking for something a bit different so that this wedding would feel less like work. We began our plans for a wedding in Aruba in mid 2015 in hopes to be wed by the end of 2016. Our plans came to a crashing halt when our Yorkie, Sprinkles, became very sick. My dogs are like my babies, so while everyone thought we were absolutely insane to re-work our entire wedding around a dog, I don’t regret any of it for one single second. With the condition she was in, it would’ve been impossible to do any traveling to plan. So I immediately began to reach out to my contacts here to get a new date on the calendar and host the wedding in NYC instead. We chose a Thursday because it was already deep into March and I knew we’d never be able to get married in 2016 on a Saturday in the summer months. My wedding dress had already been purchased, and yes, when I bought it the intention was for an Aruba wedding. If we were switching to NYC it had to be a warmer time of the year. Being swamped with weddings myself we chose the best date possible and that was it; August 25th was the date and we went full steam ahead planning! Very sadly Sprinkles didn’t make it through much longer but we made sure to incorporate her into as many parts of our wedding day as possible. My seamstress even sewed a piece of Sprinkles’ pink jumper into my wedding dress where it laid over my heart. Some time into our planning I was walking past a pet shop and decided just to walk in; we are huge on rescuing but something drew me in that day. As soon as I walked in I saw the sweetest chocolate colored chihuahua and knew I had to take him home. Chocolate Chip is what we named him – in honor of Sprinkles – see the trend of dessert toppings :) Not only was he a wonderful addition to our family but we got the honor of having him as our ring bearer, although he had to be carried since he was so scared!

With design and details I had always wanted blush, grey and ivory. I feel these colors are elegant and classic. I chose pieces from BHLDN and some from Etsy that not only reflected us personally but pieces that I could look back and still be in love with years from now. From the character and charm of the Marlton Hotel to the simplicity of our decor at the India House, I wanted things to be effortless and timeless. We chose the India House because it had that feel of an old townhouse in Manhattan. I wanted guests to feel as if they were coming to our home for this beautiful celebration. We opted for a cocktail style reception to simplify things. I was already making myself crazy over details and needed to cut back somewhere! When I got to peek at our reception room before guests entered I was overwhelmed with emotion. I walked into my wedding that I’d worked so hard on and I couldn’t believe how quickly it all came together. Soon after it was time to get married! I thought I’d might’ve used up all of my tears during our first look but the rush of happy tears re-flooded as soon as I started to walk down the aisle. Seeing John’s face light up and walking towards him knowing that I’d be leaving the room as his wife was one of the most magical moments that I will cherish in my memories forever. I felt so lucky to be there surrounded by family and friends to finally marry my prince.

Our wedding day is one that I could re-live over and over again. It’s so true that it goes by in the blink of an eye so I made sure to soak up every single second. At the end of the night, we headed back to our hotel, both so calm and happy but feeling like it was all just a dream. We’d both dreamt of this day for so long and couldn’t believe we were finally Mr. & Mrs. – forever :)

A very fun and exciting piece of our wedding journey is that when I did go wedding dress shopping at Kleinfeld, I got to shop with Randy! That was an absolute dream come true. I filmed the entire experience for Say Yes To The Dress during Season 14. Down the line they asked to film our wedding day, and of course I said yes :) It was certainly an added piece of pressure but the experience was once in a lifetime that John and I will never forget!

Want to Purchase Your Wedding Gown For Up To 90% Off? This is how.

You know there’s nothing we love more than spending our day wrapped up in some wedding pretty, so when Michelle Roth & Henry Roth told us about their upcoming sample sale, we just HAD to share. Think two of our fave designers, a whole lot of beautiful gowns and prices that are the definition of the term “blowout”. (We’re talking up to 90% off, you guys.) Mark those calendars for Saturday, March 18th, because this is one event you simply can’t miss out on.

When it comes to drop-dead gorgeous wedding gowns, it’s a well-known fact that you can’t go wrong with Michelle Roth & Henry Roth. I’m talking sophisticated fabrics, stunning (+ seriously flattering) silhouettes and wow-inducing details that will leave all of your guests talking. But you know what’s better than walking down the aisle in a Michelle Roth or Henry Roth creation? Walking down the aisle in one that you purchased for up to 90% off. Yep, that’s a stop-you-in-your-tracks design for $150-$450, plus some of the most amazing customer service you’ll ever receive from the team at Hallak, i.e., expert alterations packages, storage options, post-wedding dry cleaning AND preservation. There will even be special promotions throughout the day. You guys, this is awesome.

Ready to find that dream gown at a price that will make your wedding budget sooo happy? Visit Hallak on Saturday, March 18th from 11 am – 3 pm at their 1232 Second Avenue location (between 64th & 65th Streets). You can peruse all of the gorgeous styles (including plus sizes), plus veils, belts and hair jewelry. And don’t forget to mention Style Me Pretty and receive $25 off the price of your dress. Lovely.

See the Cute Way This Couple Relived Their First Kiss on The Big Day

What do rain, loads of candles and a vintage NYC taxi cab have in common? Only one of the most romantic weddings we’ve ever come across captured by Lindsay Madden. Not to be deterred by drizzle and over cast skies, Petals Party & Floral Design helped craft a celebration so wildly pretty, it’s as if all those rain drops were planned. But the best detail has to be the getaway car. As a nod to the couple’s first kiss in a cab, they decided to hire a vintage NYC cab for the getaway car. How’s that for adorable?

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The 9 Step Workout to a Hot Bridal Bod

From the bride… Alex and I were married on a chilly and drizzly day in October at my childhood church in Roslyn Harbor, New York. We both grew up in Long Island, so we opted for a local venue that was close to our families and where we had so many fond memories. We wanted a venue that was timeless and the NYIT de Seversky Mansion, with its stunning interior and exterior, was the perfect match. Just three miles from my childhood home, the mansion possessed the perfect balance of vintage and elegance. Despite having nearly 240 guests (blame our big Italian & Armenian families!), it was important to us that our wedding be intimate. We incorporated numerous candles of varying heights throughout every room. We also chose romantic hues for our centerpieces- from soft muted lavender to burgundy- to add warmth and comfort. From the very beginning of the day, Alex and I were showered with love and support from our family, friends, and vendors. Our photographer, Lindsay Madden, truly captured the emotion that each moment brought. From getting dressed with my mom, the first look with my dad, Alex’s face as I walked down the aisle, and to the hilarious and heartwarming speeches, the emotions that Lindsay captured will remain tangible even as the years go by. If I had to give advice to future brides it would be that with your mom and fiancé by your side, you can plan your perfect wedding without a planner (thanks, mom!). Always hire vendors you can trust and that are a direct reflection of your personal style. Remember that the day is yours and it should showcase who you and your fiancé are as a couple. We had our first kiss in a cab, so we hired a vintage NYC cab to be our mode of transportation. Alex is allergic to peanuts and we aren’t the biggest fans of cake, so we chose to have an assortment of pies from our favorite bakery for dessert. I was the first granddaughter to get married, so I wore a piece of jewelry from my mom, grandmas, and great grandmothers to honor them. The day goes by so quickly, so cherish every moment you can with your new husband and remember that this day marks the beginning of a much bigger adventure.

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Not only is Michelle Elaine one of New York’s most sought-after wedding planners, but she’s an avid marathoner and certified personal trainer. She loves helping brides whip into shape before the Big Day, and Michelle is sharing some of her favorite slim down moves you can do just about anywhere. Pair this nine-step circuit with a clean eating plan and you’ll see big results in no time.

Lie on your right side keeping a steady form with your shoulders, chest, hips and legs in line with one another (*If you find yourself leaning forward or backward, and/or having difficulty keeping your balance just lean down on your elbow instead of fully extending your right arm.) You’re going to hold this position for 30-60 seconds, then switch to your left side and hold for another 30-60 seconds.

Get into a full plank position, as if you are about to start a push-up. From here, bring down your right arm and then your left so you get yourself into a plank position, and then lift your arms back up, leading with your right arm into that full plank position. You will keep bringing your arms down and up for 30-60 seconds, then switch to start with your left arm & perform for another 30-60 seconds.

Similar to the Tree Plank except this time both legs are fully extended and you will now dip your side down to just touch the ground and then bring back up. Perform these dips for 30-60 seconds and then switch to your opposite side for another 30-60 seconds.

Get into a full plank position and just place your left arm behind your back. Hold your body steady, don’t dip your hips down or push your butt up. Hold this position for 30-60 secondsand then switch arms.

This one is a little tough! Get into full plank position and then raise your right arm and left leg, hold for 30-60 seconds and then switch for left arm and right leg. (*This may be difficult to keep balance, if you need to, just kneel on the balancing leg.)

Get down on all fours and just lift your right foot to a 90-degree angle/hip height so that your foot is flat to the ceiling. Press up for a few inches as you bring that foot up and then lower back down and repeat for 30-60 seconds. Switch to your left foot & repeat for another 30-60 seconds.

Balance yourself into a full plank position with either a yoga ball or medicine ball and then lift your left leg and hold for 30-60 seconds while keeping balance. Then switch to your right leg & hold for another 30-60 seconds. (*The yoga ball, and/or a medicine ball will add difficulty so you can certainly opt for just having hands flat on the ground instead.)

Exactly what you’re thinking, just a basic push-up! But push-ups can transform your upper body & muscle tone! Start in a full plank position and then bring your body down & push-up. (*If you feel your hips sinking or your butt pushing up, place both knees down for assistance & keep the body steady.) Perform 10-15 push-ups.

Stand straight, head, shoulders, hips and feet aligned. Cross left arm over right & hold at a 90-degree angle, then lunge forward with your left leg. Continue to lunge forward alternating legs for 30-60 seconds. Then hold the lunge for 30-60 seconds and switch, this time starting with the right leg.

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Pair this Workout With Clean Eating for Max Results!

Photography: Laura Barisonzi | Make Up : Zann Parker | Hair: Styles On B | Sky Gallery: Sky Gallery | Trainer: Michelle Elaine Weddings

A Wedding So Gorgeous, it Deserves a Whole Weekend of Celebrating

A wedding weekend filled with Juliette Balconies, the perfect weather and multiple celebrations that beautifully embody the couple’s culture and traditions is just the kind of wedding we dream about. Now add to that a team of amazing vendors including florals crafted by Designs by Ahn and Sawyer Baird + Mint Wedding Cinematography on the capturing front. See the whole stunning affair from floral arch to breathtaking tea ceremonies right here in the vault.

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This Bride Interned with a Celebrity Wedding Planner

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From the Bride… David and I were blessed with warm, dreamy fall weather for our entire wedding weekend after two abnormally cold and wet weekends in the beginning of October. Our guests’ favorite part of the weekend was when I got ahead of myself during the ceremony and tried to kiss David right after his personal vows, and our pastor had to stop me because it wasn’t time for us to kiss yet. The ceremony felt lush and intimate, and the reception was filled with non-stop dancing alongside our amazing band. Our closest friends and bridal party members stayed at the mansion with us for the entire weekend, so we were able to make the most of our friends and family members gathering from afar. We could not have asked for a more perfect weekend, and we will be forever grateful.

We absolutely love hearing stories of inspiration from Brides, especially when they’ve spent some time in the good ol’ Style Me Pretty Vault! It warms our hearts and makes us giddy to share your soirees every day. This Bride? Definitely turned on all the good feels. Being the little girl that dreamt of her wedding, she went on to intern for a celebrity wedding planner in high school. No wonder these captures from Ryon:Lockhart Photography are layered with gorgeous. Find it all in right here!

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