To say I’m over the moon in love with the sublimely romantic + ethereal 2014 collection from Saja would be the understatement of the century. The gowns in their gorgeous Look Book simply ooze a sweetness that I can’t help but be entirely obsessed with. Made from the finest silks and satins and effortlessly beautiful details like beading and Swiss dot embroidery, I have a feeling you all will be pretty smitten, too.

After eloping over a decade ago, the creative genius behind Saja, Yoo Lee, has been living her wedding dress fantasies through the whimsical yet timeless gowns she crafts for brides across the globe. With simple lines and thoughtful details, these dresses evoke a feeling of lightness. So gorgeous, no?

Head over here to take a peek at the entire Saja Look Book. I promise, you will not be disappointed!

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Don’t get me wrong, I am thoroughly enjoying this fabulous fall we’ve been experiencing.  Cool autumn days, changing leaves, cozy sweaters… I heart every last second.  But this sweeter than sweet engagement session captured by Fawn Christiansen of Sequins and Candy Photography?  Well, it has me missing those summer months in big, big way.  Because this, loves, is an ode to those long sunshiny days with stunning ocean views, one seriously fabulous sunset and a Mr. and Mrs. to be who are the epitome of lovely.  See it all right here in the full gallery.

From Fawn Christiansen of Sequins and Candy Photography… Kaley and Micah met me on a stunning San Diego day at the top of Torrey Pines State Beach, they cruised up in their VW Eurovan and Kaley jumped out with a smile that immediately had you smiling with joy.

Micah and Kaley have a way of making you feel like you are an old friend.. They are all about enjoying life and living it to the fullest. They are avid surfers and what better place than the gorgeous coast for some engagment photos. We hiked up and down our amazing coast and they were TOTAL naturals as I followed and snapped away. We made it down to the bottom of the hill and Kaley tells me they are going for a swim when the session is done but” I don’t have to stay.” My reply? OF COURSE I am staying! This sunset swim at the end was the cherry on top of this session. It was SO perfect!

These two are getting married in Ojai in September and I can’t wait to capture it.

Photography: Fawn Christiansen of Sequins and Candy Photography | Location: Torrey Pines State Beach

I’ve never been to Australia (I need to remedy that ASAP), but I swear y’all must have a different sun down under. Because the light in your gorgeous country is simply unbelievable. And when that light is shining on a heartfelt wedding captured by the talented Tomar Photography, that’s when I remember why I go to bed dreaming of SMP Australia. Because when you combine a sweet as they come wedding with a downright gorgeous setting like this, I’m basically a goner. See why here.

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From Tomar Photography…A beautiful country wedding held on the bride’s parents farm just outside the tiny township of Werris Creek, NSW. (Soon to be known to the world as the setting for Angelina Jolie’s new movie). Marc and Tarsha were blessed with glorious weather and Werris Creek put on a spectacular sunset to show off to their guests.

A simple country wedding, with unique family ties and special details to never be forgotten. The bride wore a custom made dress by Beverly Pollock, Werris Creek. Bev also designed and made Tarsha’s mothers wedding dress 31 years ago. The vintage style gown and whimsical veil were made from delicate French lace that complimented the scene of the wedding.

Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue was shared by this bride and groom. With Tarsha wearing the something new (wedding dress) and something blue (sisters sapphire ring which the girl’s father has fossicked for them 20 years ago) and Marc wearing the something old and something borrowed: his great grandfathers socks worn on his wedding day, his grandfather’s wedding day and also Marc’s uncles wedding days. The silk socks were 95 years old.

Marc and Tarsha cemented their vows and locked away their love letters to each other in a wine box to be opened in a time of difficulty or should this not be needed for difficult times it is to be opened on their 5th wedding anniversary their letters read and the bottle of wine shared. They shall re-write their letters and seal the box again and open on their 10th wedding anniversary and so on.

Tarsha’s father Stephen hand built a fence made from old railway sleepers that surrounded the town which boarded the exchanging of vows. Once the sun set the fence then set the stage for a spectacular light display with over 1000 fairy lights, lighting up the dance floor for this vintage wedding.

Photography: Tomar Photography | Wedding Dress: Custom made by Beverly Pollock, Werris Creek. Same lady who made mother of bride's wedding dress 31 years ago. | Shoes: Tony Bianco | Catering: Corey's Catering | Farm: DIY By Bride | Marquee: A1 Hire

Let’s get real for a minute, lovelies, and talk about just how truly awesome this gorgeous Goose Island wedding is.  How the bride is one of the most beautiful ladies you will ever lay your eyes upon, the setting (the oh-so-amazing Gallery 1028) is nothing short of breathtaking and how the neutral color palette and soft candlelight will literally take your breath away. And then when we are done gabbing about all of the crazy gorgeousness, let’s spend the rest of the day soaking in every last mesmerizing moment captured by Tim Tab Studios, because it’s just that fabulous. Join me in the gallery for more.

From the Bride… Bob and I have known each other for ten years and have built our lives together here in Chicago. When we got engaged, we knew we wanted an intimate wedding in Chicago with our closest family and friends. As we put our guest list on paper, we realized that the number of guests was a little larger than we expected. Still, we knew we wanted our wedding to feel like an intimate dinner party – cozy, fun and informal. There was no question it would be a Fall wedding, as it’s our absolute favorite season.

The first time we saw Gallery 1028, we knew it was a perfect blank pallet for us to be able to create the look and feel of our special day just as we had imagined. It was like a hidden gem in an industrial part of the city. We walked up to what appeared to be a loading dock, but once we were inside the doors, we saw an incredible space with hundred-year-old floors and beams and high ceilings perfect for over-sized chandeliers. I immediately envisioned the entire space filled with candles of all different sizes on the tables, in bunches along the aisle and along a concrete ledge that ran around the main room. We opted for simple, white linens and flowers to contrast the dark wood floors and beams. In the lounge area, we used marble tulip tables, a large white sofa and white chairs for a more modern look, again to contrast with the old building. As a last minute addition, we worked with P.J. at Studio AG to hang strands of cafe lights along the brick wall we would get married in front of. They hung from the beams and pooled on the floor on either side of us, it was such a romantic touch.

As for colors, my friends may say I’m a bit color-phobic. I much prefer neutrals in varying textures and shades. So, that’s what we did. The bridesmaids wore rose gold Trina Turk cocktail dresses we picked up at Bloomingdale’s. Most of the decor fell into the white, champagne, ivory range, with little pops of gold here and there. There were feather wreaths hanging from the backs of our chairs, gold, blush and ivory tassel garland above the entry way and a weaved table runner with streaks of gold, blush and ivory from Anthropologie on the entry table. I slowly collected all of these little pieces over the past year.

As for the personal touches that made the event more intimate, we opted for gilded cards from Russel and Hazel and asked our guests to leave “Advice and Best Wishes for the new Mr. and Mrs.” instead of a traditional guest book. We had a great time going through these when we returned from our honeymoon! We sipped our signature cocktails (rosemary infused vodka with grapefruit juice and a soda water for me, a classic Manhattan for Bob) out of our gold etched “Mr. and Mrs.” glasses from Furbish, a gift from Bob’s sister. We also asked my cousin to officiate the wedding, which was incredibly special. As a late night snack, my aunt baked chocolate chip cookies that guests took to-go in kraft bakery bags that Bob and I stamped with custom stamps from Mae Mae Paperie.

We had our first look at the PUBLIC Hotel, a Chicago landmark with great history. We knew we wanted to have a special moment to ourselves before all of the excitement began, and this was a perfect place to do it, as it’s one of my favorite spots in the city. Bob’s mom surprised us by arranging for our bulldog, Hollywood, to make a surprise appearance for some photos. Seeing Bob before the ceremony put me completely at ease.

When we arrived at Gallery 1028, it took my breath away. Everyone told me that the night would go by in a blink, and it really did. It was amazing to see all of the details we’d worked on come together, but even more amazing was having all of our friends and family in one place to celebrate with us.

Photography: Tim Tab Studios | Wedding Coordinator: Pop.Plan.Party. | Wedding Gown: Ultimate Bride Boutique | Cake: Swedish Bakery | Invitations: Studio 255 | Bride's Shoes: Kate Spade | Bridesmaid Dresses: Trina Turk | Caterer: Calihan Catering | Makeup: Dori Mae | Hair Stylist: Garret Koski-Budabin | DJ: Style Matters DJs | Groom's Suit: Hugo Boss | Floral & Decor: Studio AG | Getting Ready Location: Public Hotel | Loft: Gallery 1028

Is it bad that sometime I use the engagement sessions on SMP as a way to scout out killer outfits? It’s not? Ok, good. Take this couple for instance, I’m pretty sure I want everything this Bride-to-be is wearing, and her soon to be hubby doesn’t look so shabby either. But the best thing these two are wearing are the smiles in every single image captured by Wendy Alana, and you can see every stylish moment of the shoot here.

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From Wendy Alana Photography…Elissa and Nick showed up to their engagement session dressed to kill. They had multiple outfits, great attitudes and wanted to incorporate both urban buildings and the romantic dusk light that we have become known for. They also wanted to incorporate their deceased grandparents, honouring each one lost with a balloon. Italian in heritage, their families are extremely close.

We started their shoot in downtown Niagara on the lake, incorporating some buildings and the gazebo by the water. We then headed to Niagara Botanical gardens where Nick first proposed to Elissa, but first stopping at an abandoned field in between wineries for some beautiful golden hour photos. We can’t wait to capture their summer wedding in 2014! 

Photography: Wendy Alana Photography | Dress: Balletts Bridal

I couldn’t imagine two more fabulous spots to split my time than the beautiful North Shore of Sydney, Australia and the glamorous city of Milan, Italy; and for Lauren Michelle, the insanely talented photographer behind Lauren Michelle Weddings, this dream is reality. After years of capturing weddings in Australia, Lauren Michelle’s passion for travel and Italian culture lead her to Milan, where she shoots incredible events from Lake Como to Portofino and everywhere in between.

With a natural and delicate approach to photography as well as a keen eye for style and beauty, not a detail or moment is left undocumented. From ornate celebrations in stunning French castles to intimate “I do’s” in rustic Tuscan farmhouses, Lauren Michelle brings her passion for photography and love for weddings to each and every event she shoots. Take a peek below for just a taste of the breathtaking images by Lauren Michelle, and then head over here to see even more!

Head over heels? Me too, my dears! Well you’re in luck, SMPers, because if you book Lauren Michelle to capture your 2014 wedding, she is offering two (2) complimentary hours of photographic coverage in addition to any package! The booking must be made by March 14, 2014. Simply mention this Style Me Pretty post in your first email inquiry to redeem this special offer! Enjoy, lovelies! xo

There are elopements, and then there is this little slice of wedding heaven, a day so fabulous, it’s almost indescribable.  I’m talking a beachside shindig with lush pink florals from Floral Events, the fab stylings of Perfect Parties of Houston and a bride and groom who are the epitome of stunning.  It’s a wedding trifecta of awesome, with the perfect dash of whimsy.  See every intimate, love-filled moment captured by C.Baron Photography right here in the full gallery.

And even more lovely with this beautiful film from C.Baron Photography.  Enjoy, lovelies…

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From C.Baron Photography… It was a rainy, misty, foggy day on the beach, but that didn’t stop our cute couple, Lisa Marie and Travis from having a gorgeous wedding just for them. Our bride had already planned a full-blown wedding, complete with guests, bridal party and the like and did it in a style to please everyone. After seeing this dress, it gave her the idea of having a completely DIFFERENT type of wedding – very elegant, girly and on the beach, just for herself! C. Baron Photography had so much fun with this couple – they are just a joy to work with – and looked absolutely AMAZING during their day considering the rain – the rest of us looked like drowned rats! I don’t know how they did it! The film follows them from their engagement session on The Strand in Galveston, to getting ready in their hotel at The Tremont House and ending on the Galveston Seawall at Hotel Galvez.

From the Bride… I’m pretty easy-going, I think – I planned my wedding the same way. My family is out of town and came in early on to help me plan, pick my dress, etc. And while I loved my dress, venue, and decor, there was still another dress that I loved – it was very different than anything else I had seen and just wasn’t very popular with the family. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. We are so lucky to live in an area where so much is available to us, especially a beach (I’m from a land-locked state!) – I figured why not have another wedding, styled completely different from the big one. Since it was just us (except for the residents in their beach houses, standing on their balconies clapping for us), it was a very romantic, fun day. Even with all the rain. Travis and I called this our “practice” wedding. It was such a special moment, plus I got to wear my super cute hi-lo dress – it was so perfect for the beach – the wind made it look awesome in photos! Our table and altar were just incredible. It was more than I ever expected. I just loved all the golds, pinks and ivories – and how the cake matched my dress with the rosettes and waves/ruffles. And even with all the elegance, there were little touches of the beach everywhere – from the giant conch shell full of flowers, to the starfish on the chairs. So pretty! Am I a lucky girl or what?!?!

Cake: Sugar Muse Bakery | Beauty (hair/make up): LP Makeup and Beauty | Floral & Altar: Floral Events | Photography & Cinematography: C. Baron Photography | Style: Perfect Parties of Houston

I think we can all agree: love at first sight is a beautiful, beautiful thing.  And when that amazing emotion overcomes two sweeties like this adorable duo, it’s an “I love you” on the first date, engagement within months kind of love story.  One that accumulates in an ohhhh-so-pretty engagement sesh captured by Cottrell Photography and features a whole lot of frolicking through fields and rivers + stylish everything.  See it all right here in the full gallery.

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From the Bride-to-Be… Love at first sight does exist, and I was able to experience it with the greatest man alive. So, doing what any smart girl would do, I jumped in head first without any hesitation. January 24th marks our first date, first kiss, and first I love you’s. I think about how vast this universe is, and I had the privilege of meeting Brett.

Shortly after our relationship began, we knew marriage would come quickly, and we couldn’t wait for it. I would often talk to my friend Michael about Brett and the plans we were making. As a photographer, he would always say, “Well I better be your photographer.” September 13th we were engaged, and I couldn’t wait to share the news with Michael, mainly because I could not wait to ask him to shoot our wedding. I adore and appreciate his patience when it comes to capturing moments through pictures. He used his knowledge along with God’s gifts of light and His creation to tell our story. Our engagement session was full of fun and joy. Expressing the love we share for others to see was such an experience. Michael’s knowledge of photography is so evident with the precious moments he captured. People get a glimpse of the love we share through these exceptional pictures. I am grateful that many years to come Brett and I will have these beautiful reminders of exciting love and the beginning of our journey together.

Photography: Cottrell Photography | Flowers: The Flower Mart | Photography - Assistance: Kayna Clemons

Summers in New England are pure magic. Maybe because we wait so long for them, but you’ll be hard pressed to find a New Englander who doesn’t swoon over that short season. So even though we are making our way into the winter months, this gorgeous shoot captured by Sarah Jayne and designed by The Little Things is the perfect reminder that summer will be back again – until then you can spend your days dreaming right here in the full gallery of gorgeous.

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From Sarah Jayne Photography…Summers in New England are simply breathtaking, and yield a bounty of fruits, veggies and wildflowers that are rich with color and textures. The shoot took place during the peak of summer at Green Meadows Farm and the acres of farmland were bursting with an abundance of crops including ripe blueberries and raspberries, fresh herbs like basil and thyme, and a variety of wildflowers. These elements were incorporated throughout the shoot to bring our vision to life!

In keeping with the theme, we offered individually potted herbs for guests to take home, plant, and continue to enjoy each summer for years to come.  We set up a “fresh or frozen” cocktail bar, featuring various types of pre-mixed cocktails in pitchers that incorporated fruit and/or herbs or veggies. Guests were offered ice cubes with fruits and herbs frozen inside, so when their ice melted on such a hot day it would enhance their beverage rather than simply watering it down. We also offered frozen “poptail” versions of each of those cocktails, which were extremely refreshing on such a hot day! In addition to the beautiful cake, the dessert table featured a selection of whoopie pies – a true mid-summer classic in New England.

We had a blast planning and executing this shoot, and we hope you find inspiration for your wedding in these photos!

Photography: Sarah Jayne Photography | Flowers: Lilac And Lily Floral Design And Event Styling | Dress: Occasions Bridal Boutique | Wedding Dress: Marisa Bridals | Makeup: Tada Makeup | Hair: Lindsay Griffin | Cake and Whoopie Pies: Topsfield Bakeshop | Design Props: Mad Props | Design and Coordination: The Little Things | Farm: Green Meadows Farm | Letterpress: Daniel Urban-Brown | Linens: Table Toppers of Newton | Rentals: New England Country Rentals

With the raising trend of Gatsby in wedding decor, I’ve come to really, really love the Art Deco feel. It’s a new favorite for sure, but it wasn’t until I saw this modern deco wedding… an updated version of what we would have seen 80 years ago… that I really jumped in with both feet. This bride is a beautiful genius and she rocked her mother’s wedding gown (with a few modern updates, of course). Heather Cook Elliott Photography captured the big day that has stolen my heart, never to give it back.

From the photographer… Laura & Tom are musicians, or at least were when they met in the band at Northwestern, but it wasn’t just a taste for good music that struck me on their wedding day, but rather a taste for good everything. They live and work in Chicago – Tom as an actor and Laura as Jack (Jill) of all trades at a startup – and they love their life in Lincoln Square. So of course they brought some of their new home town sensibility with them when designing their wedding in Laura’s home state of Wisconsin.

They are old souls and love the nostalgia of eras gone by so they wanted their wedding day to be very much a mixture between old and new, an updated version of what one might have seen at a wedding in the 20s and 30s. Laura wore her mother’s wedding gown, redesigned but still reminiscent of her mom’s silhouette and their venue – The Wisconsin Club – is a a glorious relic of an older age. Tom sported a pocket watch and all the ladies wore pearls, but hints of modernity struck me, too. Laura’s black sash and hints of neon green and purple chevrons peeped out here and there. They further mixed modern sensibility and design with old world charm in everything from the wispy, romantic flowers to nostalgic art deco wedding invitations.

The Bridesmaids were dressed in J.Crew chic simplicity and the petite wedding party meandered from the wedding cake architecture of the Wisconsin Club to the grand Church of the Gesu where Laura’s cousin presided over their union. In the crisp air of a looming midwestern autumn Laura & Tom headed to the River that reminds them so much of Chicago’s great water way and then back to the Club where tables were named for L Stops. More little surprises worth mentioning: Laura embroidered messages to bridesmaids in their gifted clutches and Laura & Tom performed a choreographed first dance (with lifts!) They served tasty cobblers and pies in lieu of cake and they simply did things the way they wanted – in good taste, in good fun, in good everything.

Photography: Heather Cook Elliott Photography | Flowers: Bloom Floral and Event Design | Reception Venue: Wisconsin Club | Bridesmaid dresses: J.Crew | Hair: Chris Ploetz | Hair & Makeup: Anne Marie Weinert | Hair & Makeup: Ashley Vest | Band: North Coast Orchestra | Ties: The Tie Bar | Suits: Suitsupply | Clutches: Mod Dot Textiles | Cufflinks: Waxwing Jewelry | Earrings: Katie Carder Fine Jewelry | Table Numbers: TCMcG Photography (Groom)

Today is one crazy exciting day here in Style Me Pretty land. Because as you might have heard, we’ve been working our tails off to bring your a little somethin’ somethin’ we call our annual Fashion & Beauty e-mag. And while we’re not sharing the goods just yet (in a few more more hours, I promise!) we thought we’d start the pre-party with a fashion shoot that left our jaws dropped – on the floor, to be exact. It’s the result of a beautiful collab among Belathee Photography, Hayley Sheldon and Elizabeth Dye, and because we already KNOW you want more, we’ve got it waiting right over here.

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From Belathee… We’ve long admired the paper artistry of a former bride of ours, Hayley Sheldon and when it came time to put together a little fashion shoot and we approached her to design a headpiece for us, Hayley was excited and on board in no time. In addition, we love the dresses and designs of Portland based Elizabeth Dye and both artists knew of each other and were excited to collaborate.So the dresses flew in from Oregon, the delicate flower headpieces came with Hayley from Florida and the “tricoastal” shoot took place in New York City. Needless to say we had a lot of fun and can’t wait to plan the next creative get together.

From Elizabeth Dye…. This shoot features my “Halo” gown from my 2014 collection. I love how beautifully Hayley’s paper pieces harmonize with the shimmery glacier grey of the tulle. This dress is available to order through select boutiques: Lovely in NYC, a&be in Denver, The English Dept. in Portland, and The White Peony in Victoria, BC.

From Hayley Sheldon… I’ve long admired the work of Belathee and when it was time to choose photographers for my wedding several years ago, I knew they were the ones that should capture my big day. Over the years we’ve kept in touch and when they approached me to collaborate on a project, I jumped at the chance. The process was organic and very collaborative. They we’re very trusting in my styling and display abilities and I was fully confident that the images that they captured would be stunning. When Elizabeth and her beautiful dresses came into the mix, it was very easy to pick a direction to head in stylistically.

I wanted the floral headpiece to border on editorial but still remain completely wearable in real life. I love working with paper for its flexibility and ability to be transformed from ordinary to extraordinary. Each petal and leaf is hand cut from fine Itailian crepe papers. I experimented with not only adding color through watercolor washes, but removing color from the paper with bleach to create subtle ombre effects. Lately I’ve been inspired by neutral color palettes with a pop of emerald and mixed metallics and It ended up being the perfect compliment to the beautiful grey green of the dress. Bits of vintage millinery and metallic crepe rounded out the materials and added a nice layer of depth and detail. Shooting in New York City was a blast, and a perfect setting for Elizabeth’s and my creations, all captured through the skilled lens of Annabel and Dorothee.

Photography: Belathée Photography | Make Up and Hair: SB Beauty | Artist: Hayley Sheldon | Dress Designer: The English Dept.

With the holidays coming up, its nice to have some fun accessories on hand to add a little glam to your festive wear. These are some ideas that be made from some basic supplies! For more fun DIY projects, you can head over to my blog In Honor of Design and check out the DIY Gallery.

Tulle or Sheer Fabric
Needle and Thread
Flat headed Bobby Pins
Vintage Buttons or Pearls
Rhinestone appliques
Old Brooches
Elastic trim

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Rhinestone headband or clips:
1. Purchase elastic trim or headbands from the supply section on etsy.
2. Hot glue a rhinestone applique to the headband for instant fanciness!
3. Hot glue smaller rhinestones to the backs of alligator clips for another fun alternative. I snagged these appliques from GlorysHouse.com.

Corsage Pins:
1. Choose either tulle or sheer fabric and fold into fourths.
2. Cut out a half flower shape along the edge.
3. Stack 5-8 of the floral shapes and bunch together at the back center.
4. Sew a needle and thread through to bind.
5. Add a vintage button or pearl at the center and secure with thread.
6. Hot glue into a disk safety pin.
7. Layer these on a blazer or holiday dress!

Bobby Pins:
1. Using a flathead bobby pin (also found in the supply section of etsy), slide through the back of a vintage button and hot glue to secure.
2. You can also hot glue mini rhinestone appliques. Layer in a twist or updo for instant holiday hair!

Rhinestone Sash:
1. Using some wide ribbon, pinch together at the center and hot glue two folds.
3. Secure to the back of a rhinestone applique.
4. Wrap and tie this around your hair or the waist of a dress!

Hope this gets your wheels turning! You can even make some as gifts. Enjoy the upcoming weeks with family and friends!

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Photography & Styling: In Honor of Design

I profess my love for timeless elegance quite a bit on the pages on SMP, but can you really blame me when weddings like this one from Melani Lust fall perfectly in that category? I don’t think you can. After one look at this (beautiful) Bride’s Romona Keveza gown or their reception overflowing with perfectly timeless florals from Pennington Flowers, and you’ll be joining the timeless elegance fan club too. See it all here.

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From the Bride… As soon as we were engaged on the beach in Sagaponack, we knew that an East End wedding was a must. My family has spent over 40 years on the east end and was excited by our choice. We were so excited to have Melani Lust as our photographer to capture the sheer beauty of what was a picture perfect day with a crystal blue sky, a purple twilight and clear spring evening.

While planning our wedding we wanted our guests to feel as if they were at a classic, elegant dinner party followed by a late night dance party. Wolffer Estate proved to be the perfect setting and backdrop for our magical day. As soon as my husband and I arrived at Wolffer Vineyard on our wedding day, we were overhwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the venue. Tabletops of peonies and hydrangeas combined with gold mercury votives and set against the sage custom runners were the delicate tabletop touch we had envisioned. We had Wolffer install chandeliers which were then hung with greenery to give an even more gentle and ethereal green touch. Our florist Jeff Pennington had gone beyond any expectations!

Upon arrival guests were greeted with a welcome cocktail of Wolffer’s famous Rose. Southsides were also served from a mix handmade by my husband and delivered to the venue early the morning of the wedding. Guests were able to stroll the vineyard while sipping a cocktail and indulging in fabulous hors’ douveres. Our band Code Bleu was one of our favorite parts about the wedding. They kept everyone rocking all night long and allowed us to have the dance party we had hoped for! The outdoor bar in the vineyard was another aspect that we loved, as we could mingle with guests among the vines and enjoy the fabulous night sky.

One of my favorite aspects of our wedding was my dress. Originally not what I had in mind at all, I traveled to a bridal salon to try on a dress my maid of honor had found over a year before! After realizing it wasn’t the dress for me and about to leave, I caught my Ramona Kevecza dress out of the corner of my eye. As soon as I put it on, I realized I had found it. I absolutely adore the fact that it was completely different from any dress I had seen in any magazine, or on any bride I had EVER seen. It completely reflected the classic elegance I was aiming for. I truly believe that the dress I chose illustrated the sheer timelessness of our whole wedding!

Photography: Melani Lust Photography | Flowers: Pennington Flowers | Wedding Dress: Romona Keveza | Cake: Fresh Flavors Catering | Invitations: The Pear Tree Shop, by William Arthur | Church: Queen of the Holy Rosary, Bridgehampton, NY | Reception Venue: Wolffer Estate Winery | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale | Hair and Makeup: Hale Koa phineas Estate | Ceremony Chamber Music: East End Chamber | Day of Wedding Coordinator: The Wedding Sitter | Dress Salon: Wedding Salon Of Manhasset | Groom Attire: Ralph Lauren | Reception Music: Code Bleu

I’ve never met Andi Mans in person, but I am fairly certain we would be besties.  That’s a knowledge that comes with the years and years I have spent getting to know her and her amazing work, and loving every last second of her heart and creativity.  In other words, she’s a lady that really understands (and loves) weddings… and this pretty party she captured on her very own birthday is a prime example of just how awesome her work can be.  It’s romantic stylings meets lush blooms by Josey Posey meets all kinds of St. Petersburg pretty.  See it all in the full gallery.

From Andi Mans Photography… This beautiful day landed on my birthday! Yes, some might say “you worked on your birthday?!”  But honestly, I love what I do and it’s a wedding… I love my brides! I had such a good time and my day was filled with so much love! Beautiful bride Leslie and her bridesmaids even sang “Happy Birthday” to me, it was SO sweet! I traveled to the west coast of Florida to St. Petersburg at the beautiful Vinoy resort. The two are now residing in Hawaii because Chris the groom is in the Army, nice location, eh? Both Chris and Leslie are from Florida and had their closest friends and family attend, it was filled with big smiles, fun dancing and love all around. Enjoy!

Photography: Andi Mans | Photography: Andi Mans Photography And Design | Floral Design: Josey Posey | Wedding Dress: Malindy Elene | Wedding Venue: The Aspen Institute At Wye River | Dress Designer: Reem Acra | Makeup/Hair: Christine Gold | Sign Decor: Sweet Carolina Collective

This is the kind of wedding you just can’t help but fall in love with; a wedding where modern details mix and mingle with a laid back meets elegant vibe and mojitos are served in place of cake.  It’s the kind of day where every last person is having the time of their life, and celebrating love is the most magical thing you’ll do all week.  I adore weddings like this… and the gallery?  Sooo pretty.  Join me there for every beautiful moment captured by Annevi Petersson.  It’s as amazing as you think.

From Annevi Petersson… Louise and Joakim met in Oslo, Norway seven years ago, when they were neighbors. This summer, they got married on the beach outside Louise parents’ summerhouse in Yngsjo, in southern Sweden.

Louise said they were so happy they got married at the beach, as a church wedding wasn’t for them. Appetizers and champagne were served at the summerhouse after the ceremony. They were very lucky with the weather. The rain started to pour down just as everyone was leaving to go to the reception venue.

Louise is a designer working with fashion and she did all the design of the venue, all the stylish stationery and the flower decorations. She also designed her beautiful wedding dress, as well as the pink bridesmaids dresses.

All the guests had travelled from far away and the couple was especially happy to have many American and British friends at the wedding. The bride has lived in Los Angeles and she was so grateful to have her American “sisters” there. Louise got ready with her (Swedish) best friends and Louise said it was just like back in the days.

The reception was held in the nearby village Ahus, hometown of Absolut Vodka. No cake was served at the reception; the cake was instead replaced by Mojitos. Of course! There were also a fair bit of the Scandinavian drinking songs (Snapsvisa).

Louise said it was extra special to have a day that was just for Joakim and her. They have a darling boy who is 1 1/2 years old. Louise said “I’m really happy we stayed in a wedding suite at Angshyddan the night before the wedding. We got a good night sleep and time together. It also worked out to be a perfect venue for the girls and me to get ready in.”

I asked the groom of his special moment from the day he answered without any hesitation. “The moment Louise and her dad came over the corner and walked down the aisle.”

Louise and Joakim went to Taormina, Sicily for a week on their honeymoon.

From the Bride… Joakim opened the door when my friend and I were returning some things to his roommate. Later that night, Joakim and his friend knocked on my door and asked if we wanted to come up for a drink. We exchanged numbers that night, and I gave him a call the weekend after to see of he wanted to meet up for a drink. After that we have spent every night and day together.

Joakim proposed to me in 2001 when we were in Aspen on a family skiing trip. Joakim had asked my father earlier on the trip, and on one of the last days Joakim had planned to ask me in the lift on the way up the mountain. For some reason, we ended up in different lifts, and kept missing each other in the slope.

We decided to race down the mountain on our way to the restaurant for lunch. Somehow we managed to crash into each other and I ended up in the hospital. So instead of proposing, Joakim was in the hospital with me, holding my hand, with the ring in his pocket. It was just a sprained ankle, though and he proposed the following day in the hot tub by the cabin. Just as romantic, and we have a good story!

My brothers, who were the toastmasters, made the dinner into the crazy party we really wanted. They are such amazing entertainers.  We really just wanted a fun and relaxed party and we hoped everyone would enjoy himself or herself the whole time. We didn’t want any boring or slow parts. We didn’t want people to have to worry about any transfers, so we had rented buses to take everyone back and forth to the ceremony. We chose a reception venue that also had a hotel, so the guests could stay the night there.

Photographer: Annevi Petersson | Flowers: Dennis Flowers | Reception Venue: Ahus Gastgivaregard | Shoes: Aldo | Makeup artist: Fredrik, Skagg & Lockar | Hair Stylist: Fredrik, Skagg & Lockar | Groom's Suit: Hugo Boss | Bride's Bracelet: Bjorg | Bride's Getting Ready Venue: Angshyddan | Grooms Shoes: Filippa K | Wedding Rings: CB design sharp

Though most people would agree that the kitchen is the heart of the home, I tend to think the living room is where it’s at. I would willingly admit to being a comfort seeker at the best of times, and there’s something about a plush couch and a cozy throw that can’t be beat. And making the most out of ones living room? Urban Grace  of course.

SMP: Your favourite living room you’ve ever designed?

UG: This living room is from the same local project as my favorite dining room. I love the symmetry in this space. I love that it feels formal but not stuffy. It is open to the living and dining room and has an unbelievable view of the Gulf of Mexico and our beautiful beaches. The TV is hidden in one of the cabinets by the fireplace and I like that you can hide it away when you aren’t using it.

SMP: What do you always splurge on when designing a living room?

UG: Nice, comfortable upholstery. I feel that it’s better to spend a little more in the beginning and not have to replace your furniture in 3 years after kids and dogs have worn it out. If you’re going to spend money on furniture it might as well be comfortable!

SMP: The biggest mistake most people make in the living room design?

UG: Trends. Trends are good in small doses when it comes to interior design. If you stick with classic, simple pieces they will never go out of style. You don’t want your home to be a place that people walk in and know the exact year you moved in. Accessories and accents are a great way to incorporate trends without spending a lot of money.

SMP: What’s one design decision that could make or break your living room décor?
UG: Paint color. Since your paint color will serve as the backdrop to everything in the room it is important to select one that will complement the rest of the elements in the room.

1. Keep the upholstered pieces neutral so you won’t get tired of them. You can bring in color and pattern with throw pillows that are easy (and less expensive) to swap out.

2. Make sure your furniture layout allows for easy access in and out of the seating area.

3. I like to anchor the room with area rugs. I think it’s nice to designate the seating area so the furniture doesn’t feel like it’s floating.

4. Your furniture doesn’t have to be against a wall. It’s ok to have a seating area centered in a room.

5. Don’t be afraid to mix old and new with high and low. Everything doesn’t have to match perfectly or be brand new. I think a mix of all those elements is what really sets a home apart and gives true character.

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Psst… Tips on decorating a master bedroom, a master bathroom, a kitchen & a dining room

Photography: Colleen Duffley | Photography: Urban Grace | Interior Design: Urban Grace

If a bounty of bridesmaids in a pretty, neutral palette, groomsmen in pink bow ties and festivities surrounded by the beauty of San Ysidro Ranch doesn’t peak your interest then surely church pews from Found Rentals decorating the ceremony spot will do the trick. This is one incredibly good looking wedding crafted by Twine Events and Bunch Studio, with the sweetest moments to match captured by Patrick Moyer. See all that combined into one lovely gallery right here.

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You can’t go wrong at San Ysidro Ranch. The setting and atmosphere the Ranch provides is organic, timeless, and romantic. Rebecca and David wanted to play off the natural elements with a birch canopy, garden style flowers, striped and neutral linens, market lighting for dancing, and acoustic music for the day.

The couple kept it summer fresh with the wedding party attire, light grey suits and pink bow ties for the gentlemen and champagne chiffon dresses for the ladies. The couple and wedding party belonged in a magazine, effortless and gorgeous!

The best part was the couple paid homage to both of their religious backgrounds in the ceremony. The church pews to signify her Catholic upbringing and chuppa to honor the groom’s Jewish background. During the ceremony, they incorporated both traditions as well with a giving of a rose to significant family members, wine ritual, and breaking of the glass. This is what a wedding is all about, honoring and celebrating one another and your families! Rebecca and David did it perfectly.

From the Bride… David and i had mutual friends from college, but we had never met in person. I stumbled across his profile on facebook (some would call it cyberstalking), thought he was cute, and knew we had to meet. We had a lot in common. We both were living in Venice and were originally from New Jersey. Eventually, he sent me a message asking me out. I had never met anyone off the internet before so was apprehensive, but agreed to it anyway. We met in front of a bar on Abbot Kinney and walked around the neighborhood talking all night. It was not awkward at all – in fact, it was as though we’d known each other for years. And it’s has been smooth sailing ever since that night!

I have always gone up to SB on day trips since moving to Los Angeles seven years ago. Santa Barbara reminded me of Europe but with better weather and only an hour and a half away! I had always wanted a small, outdoor wedding, and my heart was set on San Ysidro Ranch. Santa Barbara was such an accessible place for all of our guests – so many diverse hotel options and such a close proximity from LA. When I first went to SYR I thought I had died and gone to heaven, but never thought I’d be able to get married there. When we figured out a way to make it happen, I was thrilled and knew it was the right place.

The whole wedding was a highlight! Everything was so meticulously smooth and the food and music were really special. I was particularly enamored with the vintage church pews, the flowers, David’s speech, and of course the great and emotionally supportive photographers. People say your wedding day is a big blur, and it definitely is. I can hardly remember small details, but i do know it was one big love fest.

Photography: Pat Moyer Photography | Wedding Coordination: Twine Events | Florist: Bunch Studio | Stationery: Mr. Boddington Studio | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Hotel: San Ysidro Ranch | Venue: San Ysidro Ranch | Beauty: TEAM Hair and Makeup | Décor Rentals: Found Rental Co. | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Reception Band: Perfect Music for Weddings/The Teahouse Company | Stationary Designer: Mr. Boddington Studio

Call me a major Christmas nerd, but ALL year long I look forward to my holiday shopping. Seriously, it’s the best. The only problem I seem to run into year after year? Finding gifts that break the generic, store bought mold. You know, those gifts that could bring a tear to an eye – the ones that could easily become treasures. But that’s where Shutterfly comes in. They’ve got something special for everyone on your list that can be personalized to a T. I’m talking everything from photo books to phone cases, holiday cards to Ornaments — all made 100% unique with your favorite photos.

So to get in on the spirit of the season, we decided to test out Shutterfly top holiday products for ourselves. That’s right – we rounded up our editor’s most beloved captures and crafted holiday gifts to suit their needs. And from the newlyweds to the brand new parents, Shutterfly had the perfect fit. My personal fave? Shutterfly’s photo books. Fill ’em up with engagement or wedding photos and voilà! You’ve got the perfect parent gift they’ll treasure for years and years to come. Trust me, customization is as easy as 1, 2, 3, and with up to 40% off on all gifts and cards you’ll stay happily within your holiday budget.

And here’s the real kicker. Shutterfly is oh so kindly giving one SMP reader a prize package including, one 12×12 Premium Photo Book, one 10×10 Album, fifty 5×7 Flat or Folded Holiday Cards, one 15 oz. Photo Mug, one Samsung Galaxy or iPhone Case, and one 12×12 12-month calendar! To enter, just leave a comment telling us your favorite Shutterfly gift and who would you give it to. We’ll select a winner totally at random and announce right here on November 22nd. Good luck, my dears!

Featured Products: Gift Tags | Photo Books | Mugs | Phone Cases | Holiday Cards | Ornaments | Calendars

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The dining room will forever hold a special place in my heart. It’s where families gather for Sunday dinner, stories are shared and wine is guzzled sipped until the wee hours. Though any ol’ dining room will typically do, these events are made infinitely sweeter when surrounded by pretty. And the sweet girls at Urban Grace  are no stranger to pretty.

SMP: Your favourite dining room you’ve ever designed?

UG: I have always loved this one from a local project I did a couple of years ago. I love how the neutral palette really allows the views of the gulf to remain the focal point. The portrait above the fireplace is an old family heirloom of the clients’ and I think it pulls everything together perfectly.

SMP: Any tips for designing a dining room on a small budget?

UG: Don’t be afraid of antique and thrift stores. If you’re working with a small budget you can find a piece of high quality at antique or even thrift stores for a fraction of the price. Don’t let a bad paint job or unattractive hardware hide the potential of a great piece.

SMP: How do you choose art for a dining room?

UG: Once you decide on the size you need it’s really whatever feels right to you. Art is so personal and it’s different for everyone – I don’t think there is a right or wrong way to choose art.

SMP: The biggest design mistake people make in their dining room?

UG: I may be repeating myself, but overcrowding. I think a lot of people have the idea that a dining room has to have all of these big pieces and they try and force it all into a room that wasn’t made to accommodate it all. Dining table and chairs, buffet, china cabinets, etc. I think you should let the space you have dictate what you need rather than vice versa.

1. Don’t crowd it with a lot of big furniture.

2. Make sure you allow for circulation around the table. Take into consideration how much room you will need when there are people sitting in the chairs – not just when there are pushed under the table.

3. A dining room doesn’t have to be formal, keep it consistent with the rest of your house.

4. The dining room is a great place to experiment with fabrics. Since it’s a room you usually don’t spend too much time in you won’t tire of them as quickly as you might if they were in your living room. Don’t be afraid of patterned draperies!

5. Don’t upholster dining chairs in fabrics that aren’t easily cleaned or laundered. It is a dining room after all.

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Psst… Tips on decorating a master bedroom, a master bathroom & a kitchen

Photography: Urban Grace | Photography: Colleen Duffley | Interior Design: Urban Grace

This Hawaii wedding is perfect for a day like today. First of all, it’s celebrating the love between a beautiful bride and her Air Force groom. (Happy Veteran’s Day you lovebirds.) But secondly, it’s the perfect hit of beach you might just need to jumpstart your day. Anna Kim Photography did a beautiful job capturing every detail, and there is even more right here!

From the photographer… You could say that fate might have taken over the night that Kotona and Matthew first met. Stationed in Japan, Matthew attended a halloween party when he noticed someone wearing the exact same halloween costume as he was. This perfect ice breaker brought them together and they have been inseparable ever since.

The Four Seasons Maui was the perfect setting for their small, intimate wedding. Under a plumeria tree, overlooking the beautiful South Maui landscape, and surrounded by a few friends, they exchanged vows and became husband and wife.

Photography: Anna Kim Photography | Wedding Coordinator: Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis | Floral Design: Country Bouquets Maui | Hair and Makeup: Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis | Officiant: Sunny Kamiya | Harpist: Tatyana Shapiro-Leiste | Ceremony and Reception Venue: Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis