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

Coastal Wedding At Leo Carillo Filled With Carefully Curated Details

Looking to make your wedding uniquely you? These coastal nuptials are the perfect example of all things personalized. From the inclusion of the couple’s absolutely adorable pup (wait till you see his tux!) to a custom seating chart featuring calligraphy on sourced jugs, every incredible detail designed by Kelsey Rae Designs is well thought out and super special. Carla Kayes Floral Design filled the day with fun with her organic, free-flowing floral arrangements. We can’t get enough of every image exquisitely captured by Natalie Schutt Photography, don’t miss a single moment in the full gallery.

From Kelsey Rae Designs… Alexis and Austin brought all my neutral wedding design dreams to life. They got married at Leo Carillo in Carlsbad, CA, and it was a blank slate for us to do what we wanted with the design of the day! They wanted all white florals, with some warm tones layered with comfort and love. That’s exactly what we did, with the most beautiful flowers from Carla Kayes Floral Design, and the prettiest tabletop from Catalog Atelier. Their ceremony was under a big tree and we hung boho lanterns from it.

We moved into the cocktail hour where we had a beautiful lounge set up and the most gorgeous seating chart on jugs we had sourced together. Twinkle & Toast sprinkled the guests’ names in calligraphy on them as a way for them to find their tables. The reception tables were filled with neutrals layered on neutrals and it really made the beauty of the surroundings pop.

The light was perfect and Natalie Schutt Photography captured it all so brilliantly! Alexis was a knockout in her wedding dress and Austin looked so handsome in his suit. They were beaming from ear to ear and that truly brought me joy. Not to mention, they included their sweet pup in the ceremony celebration and that always makes my heart happy. It was a stunning day, filled with the sweetest people.

Romantic European Inspired Garden Wedding With A Modern Twist

This intimate celebration sums up everything we love about weddings. From a floating ceremony aisle to a reception under glowing chandeliers, every detail expertly planned by Leigh Heiserman of Lauryn Prattes Events is done to perfection. Lush, romantic white blooms by Sweet Root Village feel like a natural extension of the ground’s beautiful gardens and we just can’t get enough. The love and joy of the day is captured perfectly in the imagery by Sarah Shank Photography. You’ll love every magical moment inside the full gallery.

FromLeigh Heiserman of Lauryn Prattes Events… When Lori and Alex’s original wedding plans in St. Lucia were canceled due to Covid, they opted for an intimate wedding at one of Washington DC’s historic properties, Anderson House, known for its European-inspired architecture and beautiful outdoor garden.

With an intimate guest count of 35, we were able to dream up ideas in the Anderson House garden that we would not have been able to do with a larger guest count. For the ceremony, we created a floating aisle across the garden’s reflecting pool that was later repurposed as the string quartet’s stage for cocktail hour and dinner entertainment. We worked closely with Social Supply and Sweet Root Village to create a custom structure over the dinner table that felt like an extension of the surrounding flowers in the garden.

As the sun set, guests indulged in a three-course tasting experience provided by Ridgewells Catering under the glowing chandeliers. Following dinner, guests enjoyed late-night cocktails, featuring a roaming Old Fashioned bar as a nod to Alex’s favorite drink. Lori and Alex then took their first dance together on the floating aisle over the pool surrounded by what matters most, their family and friends.

The Must-See Floral Installations For This Watercolor-Hued Wedding Took Two Days To Create!

Are you ready for a wedding that wows? The ceremony installation for this chic California wedding took two days to create complete with five hanging floral chandeliers, 16 crystal chandeliers, and an explosion of florals at the end of the aisle! Big Day Service brought our couple’s wedding dreams to life to create nothing short of a fairytale, and Vo Floral Design created some of the most spell-binding installations we’ve ever seen. You’ll love every detail of this incredible day elegantly captured in the imagery by STELLA YANG PHOTOGRAPHY. Trust us, you’ll want to see every last detail in the full gallery.

From the bride… E and I were actually family friends and we met when I was still in high school and started dating my first year in college. He would ask me out to dinner and we’d have endless amounts of things to talk about because E had the widest set of knowledge and random facts I have ever seen. He was sweet, attentive, and goofy and I soon realized that he was only that way around me. 6 years together and while he’s still clumsy, he still tries to show me he cares in the little things he does from making sure that I’m not carrying things even if they’re light or just staying in the kitchen (unfamiliar territory for him) keeping me company, trying to help in any way he can. E and I actually discussed prior to the engagement that we wanted to pick out a piece that I’d love forever together. My diamond and ring design was something we dreamed up together with our talented friend Shirley. I was a part of the whole design process, but I was not allowed to see the finished product (only the drawings and stone) and I didn’t know how or when he would pop the big question. When he did ask, it was at an escape room, and if you didn’t know it’s an exit game where a team is locked in a room for a set amount of time and needs to find clues to solve a series of puzzles/objectives. E had actually coordinated with the staff there to incorporate my engagement ring into the last puzzle of the night. When I unlocked the box and saw the ring box, I quickly realized what was happening and there he was down on one knee. When the doors opened, he had coordinated with some close family and friends to have set up a flower arch that he made himself, complete with a white aisle, candles, and custom signs. It was definitely a night to remember.

Our vision was to make the wedding feel like something magical. We wanted it to feel as if it was taking place in the courtyard of a fairy tale castle. While trying to accommodate our huge families, we needed a venue that was large enough to fit everyone but still indoor in case Fall weather was too unpredictable. Although our venue was essentially a large warehouse, it was open to a lot of creativity. Our planner helped find vendors who could help create the venue we wanted, skillfully placing the chiffon backdrops, lighting, floral arrangements, and more to piece this together seamlessly. We wanted to make sure our wedding was a fusion of the cultures that shaped us into who we are. With a mix of Chinese tradition and spirit, with the ideas and flexibility of being raised in America, we wanted to make a unique experience not just for us but our families as well.

From Big Day Service… C and E first hired Big Day Service for their engagement celebration at the Oakland Rotunda and soon Big Day Service carried on the role of planning their wedding extravaganza. The couple knew they wanted to host their wedding in San Francisco, indulging their friends and family with the beautiful glistening bay waters and surrounding popular landmarks. The couple’s large 1,200 guest count, (yes, you read that right!) has ultimately led the planning team to the historical Festival Pavilion at the Fort Mason for Arts and Culture Center. The Festival Pavilion is not only unique in San Francisco history, but it’s also the perfect venue to host the couple’s ceremony, cocktail, and reception with its versatile and enormous warehouse setting, which is ideal in bringing out the couple’s vision of a magical modern fairy tale wedding. When the couple and their wedding planner first started planning and designing for their wedding back in early 2020, the original vision was to fully utilize the 50,000 square feet space before COVID struck. When vaccines became more readily available to the public in mid-2021, the couple decided to downsize their guest list to 600 and make it a requirement for all guests and vendors to be fully vaccinated and tested negative for COVID before attending the wedding. A final safety measure was set in place when the couple hired a professional security team to conduct body temperature checks, vaccination records, covid test results verification, and sanitization before allowing entry to the wedding. The bride got ready at their beautiful new home with her closest friends surrounding her. C fell in love with her stunning Galia Lahav wedding dress and chose a dusty blue satin bridesmaid dress for her girl squat to pair perfectly with the groomsmen. The planner designed a rich textured letterpress invitation suite that has a real gold foil stamping of the venue’s silhouette gave guests a hint of the luxury wedding to come. The couple and Big Day Service created an elegant, romantic, timeless yet organic wedding day. Incorporating both modern, glamorous design with the representation of nature. Crystal elements were integrated to elevate the space while pastel watercolors were used to draw together the modern and organic elements. With an installation that took two days, the design team is obligated to deliver a wow statement to the couple and all the guests. Five mega-size hanging floral chandeliers with crystal drops, sixteen crystal Mozart chandeliers on the elegant scroll stands to create a surreal ceremony aisle. An elegant floral explosion ceremony arch appears at the end of the aisle which gives the ultimate focal point to the entire wedding design. While maintaining focus on the couple, guests were seated in clear acrylic chairs. Keeping in line with the ceremony design, crystal candelabras and an abundance of watercolor palette lush blooms for the tabletop contributed to the elegant romantic vibe. The couple shared their intimate first dance under the enchanting crystal floral ceiling installations, paired with a jaw-dropping floral stage. After dancing the unforgettable evening away, the newlyweds enjoyed endless blessings and compliments from their guests. Congratulations to the new Mr. And Mrs.!

A Small Town Love Story Set on an Expansive Southern Oregon 100-Acre Estate

Unbeknownst to them, Alysia and Austin grew up just 2 miles down the road from each other in a small town in Southern Oregon. When it came down to choosing their dream wedding venue, nothing could compare to the bride’s parents’ very own backyard – on a sprawling 100-acre estate complete with the perfect reception-worthy barn! Marry they did, in front of their closest friends and family on a warm summer day. J29 Events brought the couple’s timeless wedding vision to life, with blooms by The Perfect Occasion (you have to see the ceremony floral installation climbing up the giant madrone tree – heaven!) Check out the full gallery by Sweetlife Photography to see every last detail from their special day.

From the bride… We grew up in the same small town together, attended the same high school, and shared mutual friends, but our paths never really crossed. After high school, Austin joined the US Navy where he spent 6 years as a Navy Diver, and I studied pre-medicine at the University of Oregon. Upon my graduating and Austin’s completion of his service in the Navy, we both moved back to our hometown (2 miles down the road from each other, unbeknownst to us at the time!). We met for the first time at the fire station where Austin was volunteering. We shared an extremely awkward hello, and the rest was history! We were attached at the hip everyday thereafter…He fell in love with my strength and drive, and me with his goofiness and impeccable jawline.

We dated for 2.5 years, and in the Spring of 2019 Austin got down on one knee in an intimate setting on a mountain riverbank, a place he fished as a kid. Funny enough, we almost ran out of gas on our drive out there because Austin was so nervous about the proposal that he forgot to check his tank! We were in the middle of nowhere, and had to turn around halfway to get gas before continuing our journey!

Soon after the engagement, we began searching for a wedding venue. We were initially drawn to the idea of a ceremony in front of the giant madrone tree on my parents’ 100 acre estate in the Umpqua Valley, but had some hesitation about the amount of work it would take. We were skeptical about whether it would be feasible to transform a former logging site, overridden with blackberries and stumps, into the beautiful wedding venue that we envisioned over a relatively short period of time. After weeks of looking at multiple other venue options, it became clear that none of the other locations felt quite right. We wanted to have our wedding in a place that was meaningful to us, and kept feeling drawn back to the idea of a ceremony by the tree on my parents’ property. My parents were touched by the sentiment and supportive of the idea so we decided to go for it, despite the landscaping challenges. Over the next year and a half, my dad, Austin and I, and nearly every other member of the family, poured our hearts into the soil, and it was ultimately transformed into everything we ever could’ve hoped for/envisioned.

Aside from the venue, I had a strong vision for a romantic, elegant, and timeless wedding with classic white florals, greenery, an abundance of candles, and dark wood tones throughout. I sought to hire a design team and quickly landed on Shauna Karver with J29 Events and Andrew Calvert with The Perfect Occasion to help execute the details.

Additionally, it was important to us that our photos feel as classic and timeless as the wedding design itself. After interviewing several photographers, we knew Jake and Anna Tenney of Sweetlife Photography would be a perfect fit. We fell in love, not only with the light and airy beauty of their photos, but with their unique hearts for marriage and the idea that it’s intended to last a lifetime.

When we think back on our wedding now, our fondest memories are related to the sentimental value that came from having it on my parents’ estate. Getting the property “wedding ready” was a labor of family love, with countless hours being spent landscaping, etc. Just knowing the amount of work that had been poured into that soil brought me to tears, and made seeing the finished product on our wedding day that much sweeter and more special.

With COVID travel restrictions, we were somewhat limited with where we could go for our honeymoon. BUT…immediately after the wedding we headed off to the Oregon Coast for a few days. And then a couple of weeks after that, we were relocated to Hawaii for several months by the Navy, so we sometimes consider that our extended honeymoon!

An Italian Inspired Lunchtime Wedding Complete With a Delicious Gelato Cart!

Ready to be transported to Italy in the summertime? This outdoor lunchtime wedding will do just that. It’s no wonder how Details, Darling got their name, because they sure did place an emphasis on the details for this lovely day, like a vintage travel themed seating chart and the cutest gelato cart. Hanging fresh fruit and an abundance of florals were front and center thanks to Posey Pop’s artful eye for design. This wedding has danced its way into our hearts with every pretty image captured by Natalie Schutt Photography in the full gallery!

From Aubrey of Details Darling… Meet “The Lunas”. Jordan and Art wanted their guests to feel like they were instantly transported to Italy in the summertime. This outdoor lunchtime wedding did just that – with gorgeous florals accented with fresh fruit by Posey Pop, hanging rattan lanterns, romantic signage, vintage rentals and the cutest gelato cart.

The couple goes on a “road trip” every year together – so Details, Darling incorporated a vintage travel theme for their seating chart. “Road trip buddies for life”.

Since their last name means “moon”, we had custom moon stir sticks for the cocktails and a moon shaped cake topper.

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Multicultural Farm Wedding With Spiced Up Tradition In Virginia

Ever feel like you can’t decide between a colorful and vibrant wedding or a chic and neutral one? Well, Hailey and Rishil got to have both! The couple had three events at the same venue, but each one felt unique and fresh. Jessica Ashley Events pulled the celebrations and blending of cultures together perfectly, from the fine-art-inspired American affair to the citrus-themed Indian reception. Floral design by Sarah Khan Event Styling brought the pair’s love story to life throughout the entirety of the festivities. You’ll love every special detail beautifully documented in the imagery by Michael And Carina Photography, visit the full gallery to get inspired.

From the bride, Hailey… Our wedding vision changed many times due to postponing from COVID. We had to pick a new wedding venue and photographer and took that as an opportunity to transition from a boho vibe to something more European and fine art inspired. Our new venue had a home that reminded me of something in the English countryside, so I wanted to lean on that for a timeless style that we’d look back on in 10 years and be happy with our choices! I had only been to one Indian wedding prior to planning my own, which was a fun opportunity to learn more about the culture and the traditions. Thankfully my mother-in-law is incredible and very modern and was up for doing things a little differently than what’s traditional. Given we had three events at the same venue, we wanted them to feel distinctly different through our choice of style and location. The Hawaiian-inspired rehearsal dinner was on the wisteria-draped patio and had tropical elements like Monstera fronds, plates made from palm trees, and everyone wore Hawaiian-themed outfits. My husband’s favorite part of his wardrobe is his extensive collection of Hawaiian shirts, so this was our way of incorporating that into our wedding weekend.

For the American wedding, we wanted to keep everything very classic and neutral to contrast with the Indian wedding. Florals were a combination of cream, mauve, and dusty blue-toned greenery, my bridesmaids wore champagne slip dresses, and Rishil wore a tan linen suit. We had the wedding at the top of the hill so we could use the silo up there for cocktail hour- the acoustics inside of it were amazing, and we did a champagne fountain in there right after the ceremony! We draped the stunning barn in ivory and the tables had woven rattan placemats and bud vases filled with the same florals as our bouquets. The ghost chairs added a modern look and broke up all of the wood in the barn. For the Indian wedding, our wedding planner, Jessica Ashley Events, suggested a citrus theme which was so fun to design! The florals were vibrant fuchsias, oranges, and yellows, a deviation from the typical red of an Indian wedding. We used the ghost chairs for the ceremony that looked stunning against the sunlit mountains, and the ceremony set up from the Maharaj was truly incredible. For the reception, the tables were lined with fresh-cut citrus and the barn was lit up with pinks and oranges. Rishil and I love making craft cocktails, so we decided to hand-make our drinks for both weddings and have them on tap in a vintage mobile bar! I love mezcal, so I made a passionfruit, mint, and mezcal cocktail with fresh flowers as a garnish. Rishil loves bourbon so he made a maple Old Fashioned named after our Goldendoodle puppy, Maple. For the Indian wedding, I crafted a mango gin and tonic and he mixed up a chai spiced simple syrup that went into a Moscow mule. Our guests raved about the cocktails, which made all of the muddling, steeping, and taste testing well worth it! We are also big espresso martini people, so our fantastic caterer Smokin Willy BBQ served the drink late night with an edible print of our puppy floating on top! Another labor of love was our escort display. My maid of honor and I DIYed it based on drawings from Jessica. The American wedding side was titled “Bon Appetit, Please Find Your Seat” and held recipe cards, our favors, with a treasured recipe from Rishil and me. His recipe was a watermelon cocktail and mine was a honeycrisp apple cake, and the cards were designed to match the liners from our invitation suite. The Indian wedding side of the massive board was titled “You’re My Main Squeeze” and held lemon and orange-shaped cards with guest’s table numbers on them.

During our American reception, we had Mehndi (henna) artists in the lower level of the bar so guests could take a break from dancing and get a design done. Everyone was so excited by this, and we were shocked by how many of the guys got a design done too! My parents own a classic and exotic car dealership, so we were lucky enough to be able to borrow a 1940 Ford Cabriolet to use during the wedding weekend. My Dad drove me up to the ceremony in it, he and my mom drove Rishil and me down to the reception in it, and guests got to use it for photos. For the Indian wedding, Rishil rode in it for his Baraat. We tried to incorporate a number of details into the Indian ceremony to make it special. Given it was August it was very hot out, so we served Mango and pistachio kulfi pops (a delicious Indian ice cream) as guests took their seats. As part of an Indian wedding ceremony is to take 7 steps together, each representing a part of an ideal marriage. With each step you have a couple you respect throw flowers on you to bless you, so we chose seven couples whose marriages we admire to partake in this sacred ritual. My favorite moment was the speeches. Our bridal party gave them at the rehearsal dinner, our MOH and best man gave them at the American wedding, and Rishil’s brother gave one at the Indian wedding. His was filled with some of the sweetest most authentic words we could ever ask for, and we’ll treasure that recording forever. We also loved doing the Hora dance at the beginning of the open dancing as it got the energy up and everyone on the dance floor! My favorite crafted detail was the Indian dance my bridesmaids and I performed during the Indian reception. None of us were professionals by any means, but we had the best time practicing together and it meant so much to me that they were willing and excited to do this together! My dress was a difficult decision for me and I’m thankful that my MOH and Mom were willing to go to at least 10 different boutiques to quell my fear of finding a better option (FOBO as my MOH fondly refers to it as)! After trying on dozens of gowns I found the fitted strapless style looked best on my body, and I wanted to stay away from anything with sparkle. I kept going back to this Pronovias with chantilly lace, a dramatic sheer train, and the perfect neckline. I felt like it fit the venue and my style perfectly! Our cake was a simple ivory-toned cake with fresh florals, and it truly was one of the best things I’ve ever tasted. We went with a chocolate cake and a salted-caramel buttercream; I can’t wait to eat it again on our anniversary! Our American wedding favors were the recipe cards and our Indian wedding ones were bags of our favorite Indian snacks (chevdo, chakri, etc.) for our guests to eat on the bus ride back to the hotel! If I had to offer one piece of advice to brides-to-be, it would be not to stress about making it perfect, instead, make it personal. The wedding will be incredible as long as it reflects the unique things about you and your partner. Also, hire an amazing planner, it’s worth every penny and will allow you to enjoy the event.

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It’s All In The Details and Wedding Hashers Is Here To Put That Finishing Touch To Your Wedding Planning!

You know we’re all about the details when it comes to helping you plan your special day! And, one of our favorite little details of any couple’s wedding day is their wedding hashtag! A thoughtfully crafted hashtag is a sweet and simple way to infuse a little extra personality into your wedding day. Luckily, Wedding Hashers can take over the creative reigns and craft the wedding hashtag that is uniquely you and your S.O. – AND one that will have your guests posting and sharing all night long!

No automatic generators here! Wedding Hashers is a creative service, made with love for those in love, that offers a truly tailored approach in helping couples create their wedding hashtags. Each hashtag is custom-made for an unforgettable wedding experience by a team of professional writers who take the time to get to know each couple. The Wedding Hashers Team has provided hundreds of thousands of happy couples with personalized hashtags that bring all of their loved ones together!

Your wedding hashtag isn’t limited to celebrating your love on social media – though, adding fun props adorned with your hashtag does make for an extra fun photo opp! When used in moderation, incorporating it into your wedding décor strikes an air of sentimentality and an aesthetic of elegance! You can include it in your signage to give your guests an extra warm welcome or accent elements of your reception for a little more personalization!

There are so many routes you can take when conjuring up the hashtag that most speaks to your couple style – witty, sentimental, classic, the list goes on! Coupled with bridesmaid gown swatches to comb through and ‘Pinspiration’ to curate, we know there are oh-so-many details to consider when planning a day that is perfect for you and your love story. So, let Wedding Hashers take care of this special detail and create a hashtag that’s made especially for your love story!

Vendor: Wedding Hashers

How to Flawlessly Pair Floral Prints With Solid Bridesmaid Dresses to Pull Off the Ultimate Mix + Match Look!

Persian-American Wedding At A 1914 Renaissance Manor

This secret garden wedding at Lairmont Manor looks like it came straight out of a fairytale. Inspired by the gorgeous grounds of the Italian Renaissance-style home, our couple worked closely with Fleur de Lis Events to create a day filled with whimsy and romance. The exquisite floral installations by Country Bouquets Floral looked as if they were a natural extensions of the venue, with green vines and pale pink roses popping up throughout the design. The beauty and love of the day is perfectly captured in the elegant imagery by Tetiana Photography, you’ll fawn over every fabulous detail in the full gallery.

From Tetiana Photography… Negeen ad Ben were married on September 18th, 2021, at Lairmont Manor, a gorgeous Italian Renaissance-style home in Bellingham, WA. Due to the pandemic, it was the couple’s fourth rescheduled date and even a different venue from the one they initially chose. But as Negeen said, “When we went to look at the venue in person, we instantly fell in love. It was kismet! I knew our wedding would be the first for many since pre-COVID, and I wanted them to be transported to a magical place once they arrived. We decided to go with a secret garden theme since the venue had such a beautiful garden in the back.” Nargess of Fleur de Lis Events had worked very closely with the couple to create a design that would enhance the venue’s beauty without taking over its unique charm. They drew inspiration from every corner of the Manor. The green vines and light pink roses Country Bouquets Floral included throughout the entire wedding’s decor added just the right touch of color to the reception and ceremony space, making the decor blend in seamlessly with the lush gardens planted around the venue. The bride and groom got ready with their wedding parties at the venue. Most of Ben’s wedding party and family had traveled from Hawaii to attend the wedding, and it was extra special for him to spend the morning of his wedding day surrounded by his loved ones. As a little Hawwaian token, Ben wore Shaka-shaped cufflinks that were a fun little addition to his otherwise classy attire. Negeen had a fun and relaxing morning with her girls.

They toasted champagne to celebrate the beginning of the long-awaited day and got dressed at one of the sun-filled rooms of the Manor. Once Negeen and Ben were ready, they exchanged their first look in front of the manor house. Three stressful years of wedding planning were finally over, and I could hear them both sigh with excitement and relief at their big day being here at long last! Negeen and Ben truly wanted to honor their heritage and the families they come from through their wedding. The bride has a Middle Eastern background and wanted to share her culture and traditions with the guests. And so to create a cross-cultural experience and celebrate both families, it was decided to have two ceremonies – a traditional American ceremony and a Persian ceremony called “Aghd”! The first ceremony took place in the garden amid lush flowers. Ben said, “watching Negeen walk down the aisle was my favorite part of the day. At that moment, everything became real.” Ben’s sister Bailey officiated the ceremony, making it even more special. I loved hearing the story of the couple’s love from Bailey’s perspective. It was funny and sweet, and I could tell the guest enjoyed it too. Negeen and Ben wrote their personal vows and exchanged them in the company of their closest friends and family. Negeen said, “Ben’s vows captured me perfectly. They felt so true to who I am, how I love, and our relationship as a whole. I truly felt that Ben knows me in ways better than I know myself. That connection to your person is magical.” After the garden ceremony, everyone moved inside for the Aghd ceremony that took place on a specially prepared pedestal with a beautiful spread called “sofreh.” The space was explicitly designed for this wedding by the bride’s mom. It included all the elements that symbolize the importance of life and a happy, successful marriage, such as health, prosperity, fertility, and a joyous future. Negeen mentioned that their guests raved about the experience of the Persian ceremony afterward. She said, “It was so amazing to share that with everyone and for them to enjoy it so!”

Once both ceremonies and a short cocktail hour were finished, the guests moved to the reception tent. Country Bouquets Floral and Fleur de Lis Events had beautifully decorated the tent with the greenery vines hanging from the chandeliers and green, blush, and gold accents on the tables, continuing the garden theme. My favorite reception moments were the couple’s dances with their parents and the Knife Dance. The cake Knife Dance is a Persian wedding tradition that begins the cake cutting. When the bride and groom are ready to cut the cake, they have to earn the knife. One of the women guests would dance with a knife around the couple. The dancer would act timid and pretend to be ready to pass the knife to the couple, only to give the knife to another woman to continue the dance. The dance would only be over when the last woman wanting to participate gives the knife to the couple so they can cut the cake. I loved how Negeen and Ben included so many personal touches in their celebration while keeping it classy and honoring their backgrounds, as well as the feel and the look of the venue. It was indeed a celebration for the books!

A Multiculturual Wedding Merging Two Families Over Multiple Celebrations!

If you ask us, the best kinds of weddings are the ones that uniquely reflect a couple’s love, and this multicultural celebration did just that. Filled with three days of fun and four different bridal styles, you can see that love truly is in the details. Utsav planners alongside Sincerely Ginger Weddings worked with our couple to bring their beautiful vision to life, and Kelly Lenard filled every inch of it with wildly romantic blooms. You can feel the love shining through the artful images by bonphotage, visit the full gallery to fall in love with every moment.

From bonphotage… Details, details, details! Elle and Kevin’s multi-day, multi-cultural wedding was luxurious beyond words! Lush florals from Kelly Lenard lined the aisle of the stunning Chicago Athletic Association leading up to an organically styled arch in beautiful greens and neutrals.

The groom made his grand entrance during the baraat by closing down Michigan Avenue and entering on a white horse. He was dressed in traditional garb and it was a majestic sight to behold!

Beautiful paper goods were created by Ciarra Claire Fine Art including a handwritten seating guide. The beautiful bride wore four different gowns over the course of three days, reflecting her groom’s Sikh heritage and her own western style.

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bonphotage

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This Floral Designer Had The Boho Backyard Wedding Of Her Dreams

When a floral designer has her own wedding, you know you are in for a treat! Not just any wedding venue would do for this couple who met in high school and reconnected 20 years later, so they decided to create their own elevated backyard wedding with decidedly boho touches. The bride and owner of The Wild Dahlia filled the day with a spectacular array of blooms in autumn hues, featuring none other than dahlias of course. She turned to Brilliant Events to help bring her Big Day dreams to life, and the result is a spectacular celebration of love. Catherine Band was there to capture every magical moment, you can see it all in the full gallery.

From the bride… I’m a floral designer who owns The Wild Dahlia and I finally married my high school sweetheart I recently reconnected with. Due to covid, we did things a little out of order so our son was in the wedding as well as my stepdaughter. I couldn’t choose a venue because all New England venues felt like “work” to me since I’ve been doing this so long. We decided on a small but very “us” backyard elevated wedding that was a little boho and a little rock and roll. I hope you think it’s as cool as I did!

We are proof that timing is everything. We have been close friends since high school who took separate paths 20 years ago only to have them come back together. Seeing Arthur as a father made me fall in love with him and took him out of the friend zone and solidified that we are soulmates, it just took some time to figure it out. Our wedding planning took a pause when we realized we were expecting our son, during the peak of a pandemic, wedding planning was put on hold. Entering the busiest wedding season of my life in 2021 the last thing I wanted to think about was planning a wedding. We searched for a venue I hadn’t worked at, that felt unique and intimate but fell short so the decision was made to tent our sweet little backyard. It was the perfect blank canvas to paint the day we wanted. Autumn is our favorite and the flower choice that time of year of course was an important factor. My company name is The Wild Dahlia, I needed dahlias of course so we chose October. We have a passion for adventure and international travel and we really wanted to reflect that in our special day. I was inspired by a trip to India where marigolds symbolize passion, positivity, and happiness to be bestowed on the newlyweds, so I knew I wanted to incorporate marigolds everywhere. It was such a special experience to have my employees hand make some decor and for fellow vendors to help bring my vision to life. I’ve made hundreds of bouquets and to finally make my own was truly a special feeling. I chose dahlias, foraged foliage, California garden roses such as distant drum and honey dijon, and ranunculus gifted from a dear florist friend. Mustard hues were incorporated throughout the day as it’s my favorite and is totally underused, underrated, and unexpected in weddings. I’ve brought hundreds of weddings to fruition and it was finally my turn to create the day I envisioned.

Arthur’s parents are from Greece and we were so happy they were able to be there with us. We asked my aunt to marry us, she was someone who has worked hard to make Arthur feel welcome into the family. We wanted our event to be small and intimate with just family and our best friends. It was everything we wanted and perfectly us. I walked down the aisle to Led Zeppelin’s acoustic version of “thank you” and we exited to The Beach Boys “wouldn’t it be nice”. We are both big fans of rock music and ditched a quartet to create a vibe that felt like us. I had a beautiful Anais Anette custom-made gown unapologetically paired with a pumpkin beer straight out of the can. Our day was about us and was perfectly us. I see couples get caught up on the Pinterest ideas and what others have done, we stuck to what felt authentic. An elevated, upscale, backyard celebration that lasted all night. Arthur chose a HUGO BOSS suit, a Hermes tie that was the perfect burnt orange hue. A handmade boutonniere from his bride, and the Omega watch he had been eyeing that I gave to him as a wedding day gift.

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The Wild Dahlia

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Petit Bouquet

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The Definition of Elegance at La Zagaleta in Marbella, Spain

It’s official! We’ve found the definition of elegance — and you’ve guessed it, it’s this magical and much anticipated day at La Zagaleta in Spain. Carolina and Tim worked with Sophie Kors and Pedro Navarro to add all the special details to these sun-soaked nuptials. Framed by luxe greenery and soft florals, these memories are sure to last a lifetime. With every breathtaking photo from Volvoreta Studio in the full gallery, you are destined to fall in love!

From Volvoreta Studio… Spain is a perfect country to celebrate a wedding for many reasons such as its climate, its gastronomy or its wedding venues and if this wedding is in the South of Spain, we have a guaranteed success.

Carolina and Tim are a couple who live in Stockholm, Sweden. Although the bride is Spanish and she always wanted to get married in Marbella, a town on the Costa del Sol surrounded by hills and with wonderful views of the Mediterranean Sea. In Spain we were coming out of the pandemic and for that reason the guest list was very small, making it a wedding of only 21 people.

The couple tied the knot at La Zagaleta, a truly exclusive Resort and Country Club living enviroment set within a former hunting estate that make up 900 hectares of valleys, wooded, hills and natural beauty spots in a magnificent location between mountain and sea.

The bride contacted Sophie Kors Weddings, the wedding planners company in charge for the organization and design of this wedding. Carolina wanted a very romantic wedding, with lots of flowers and a good catering, and the Sophie Kors team executed it to perfection.

“We could not imagine having gone through this experience without them, or the infectious spirit and artistry of our incomparable photographer Jimena San Miguel of Volvoreta, who by the end of it all felt like family”

The entire stationery was designed by Colino Estudio, from the invitation, the calligraphed name tags and menu card.

Dani Garcia catering was responsible for the wedding gastronomy. The Spanish chef with 3 Michelin stars elaborated a haute couture menu, paired with the best Spanish wines such as Vega and Sicilia from Ribera del Duero.

For the ceremony the bride wore a very original Rosa Clará model in dusty pink and jeweled shoes by Sophia Webster.
The stylist Sonia Marina was in charge for the natural makeup and the low bun with a big rose, giving it a very Spanish style ( Like a flamenco dancers)

Pedro Navarro was the floral decorator of this intimate wedding.
His team used two large clay jars filled with wild flowers to guide the bride and her grandfather to the wedding aisle (Roses, saffron flower, arenaria, chamomile…) Then in the ceremony area he designed a half moon of flowers that surrounded the bride and groom.

For the banquet we used a long wooden table without tablecloth, where all the rental material was from Pedro Navarro, carved glasses, alpaca cutlery … And on top of this table was placed a garland of flowers that we made down from the table to the floor as a floral cascade.
On top of this long table where all the guests were seated, we placed crystal lamps that made the whole decoration much more romantic.

The bride changed her dress for a Monique Lhuillier dress in pink tones and LK Bennett shoes for the banquet.

After dinner the guests enjoyed fun cocktails created especially for the wedding by chef Dani Garcia and were able to dance “al fresco” until the early hours of the morning. That’s the great thing about having a wedding in the South of Spain, its temperature is so pleasant that it’s a pleasure to be dancing until the sunrise.

How to Throw Your Friend the Best Engagement Party Ever

When your best friend, sibling, cousin, colleague, or any other close contact gets engaged, it really becomes a #squadgoals kind of thing. You may not have a new sparkling piece of jewelry on that finger or a new fiancé/fiancée title to test out, but getting swept up in the joy of your guy or girl getting married, well, it tracks! This is a super exciting and momentous time for your BFF, and when you’re just as enthusiastic and pumped to take part in all that’s to come, it makes it 10 times more enjoyable for the newly-affianced pair. We promise you that!

The couple may very well want to organize an engagement party themselves, but if you’re feeling especially host-happy, then jumping in to throw an unforgettable fete on their behalf might just be the best decision ever. It’s also a great opportunity to showcase your soiree-planning skills, if you think you might be asked that all-important “Will you be my Maid or Matron of Honor?” question somewhere down the line. No pressure, of course; your support and willingness to help with any of the pre-wedding events is sure to be appreciated.

That said, if you do want to take on the task of engagement party planner, then you’ll want to ensure the celebration is an on-point reflection of the couple and their relationship — and that the party really leans into this new season of love for them. It doesn’t have to look like Valentine’s Day all over again, either. Small touches that reference “love,” togetherness, and romance are perfectly appropriate and something that the guests of honor (as well as everyone in attendance) will take particular note of throughout the night.

We’ve curated several of our favorite Style Me Pretty shop items into a very special Engagement Party Collection, and we’re thrilled to share it with you. Whether you just need a few accessories to up the ante on your overall ambiance or want to stock up on some stylish props for the fiancé/fiancées themselves, you can find it all at Style Me Pretty.

These are the vibes you want at any engagement party.

Love.

We’ve always said that an engagement is the perfect excuse for copious champagne toasting and bubbly blissed-out dreams. So, why not embrace that fact and decorate with signs and banners that go all out for “love.” Place our “Cheers to Love” banner over your bar setup and/or use our “Love” neon sign as the accent piece for your ‘memories’ table (featuring the most adorable snapshots of the sweethearts over the years).

Photo by Courtney Leigh

Warmth.

Let’s be honest, when a couple is newly-engaged, they radiate a glow and light that just can’t be topped. Carrying that sparkle over to the rest of the party can be a challenge, though. That’s why we’ll always be fans of atmospheric candlelight. Our tapers and our gold metal tea lights are secret weapons for bringing in warmth and setting a magical mood.

Realness.

Once the engagement party is over, the planning process officially kicks into high gear — and it’s certainly very exciting and fun, but it can also be very overwhelming and anxiety-provoking. So, you’ll want to make sure your friends stay positive and playful, feel ready and motivated to start building out their big day, and fall in love with their future titles, Mr. and Mrs. perhaps?

Photo by Courtney Leigh

An engagement party isn’t a pre-requisite for everyone, but it’s definitely a great way for the to-be-weds to embark on their road to the altar. So, get a guest list ready and start shopping the Style Me Pretty Collection for everything you’ll need to plan a deliciously-dazzling occasion for your favorite people!

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Courtney Leigh Photography

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A Fabulous La Jolla Wedding Celebrating The Couple’s Filipino Roots

Love truly is in the details for this couple, from weaving their beloved dog into the theme of the wedding to paying homage to their Filipino heritage. After having to postpone the date three times due to covid, Radiant Love Events planned and designed a day worth the wait. This California wedding is full of so many heartwarming touches we just can’t get enough. With free-flowing, organic floral arrangements by Ven Nguyen seeming to grow from the floor and a show-stopping ice cream bar- these nuptials are nothing short of a dream come true. You’ll love every incredible moment perfectly captured by Jose Alvarado Photography, you can see it all in the full gallery.

From the bride… Rachelle from Radiant Love Events was on board with us from day one helping us organize our vision boards and draft our vendor dream team. We were searching for the perfect outdoor venue for us and she suggested we visit La Jolla Women’s Club. From our very first walkthrough, seeing the gorgeous garden spaces, amazing location by the San Diego coastline, and beautiful, historic architecture, we knew this was it. By the end of 2019, we had scored our dream venue and our vendor dream team and we were so excited for our wedding the next year. And then, the pandemic hit. Our 2020 wedding of 150 quickly transformed into a spring micro-wedding of 40. We frantically started sewing cloth face masks for our guests and brainstorming safety protocols, however, as the days went on we felt the need to prioritize the health of our loved ones. We officially became husband and wife in a quiet civil ceremony and postponed our celebration (for the second time!) to the fall of 2021. We finally got our wedding in October 2021 and it was more than we could have ever imagined! Our hearts were so full seeing all of the ideas brought to reality and the happy faces of our loved ones celebrating alongside us! From incorporating details of our dog, Oakley to infusing our Filipino heritage into the food and drink offerings, it was amazing to see the wedding visions come to fruition, we are forever grateful for Radiant Love Events for making it all come to life. We couldn’t have done it without our amazing vendor team for overcoming the obstacles of planning a pandemic wedding with us and making this day one we will never forget!

From Rachelle of Radiant Love Events… Celebrating a couple who postponed their wedding 3 times. With the extra time to plan their wedding, the couple decided to scale down their guest count down to half the original size, highlighting their dog who is such a treasured member of the family, incorporating their Filipino roots throughout the design (food, drink, attire, signage, ceremony), floor floral arrangements throughout the ceremony, sweetheart table, cake table and dessert bar, puns centered around the couple’s personality on all signage pieces and surprising their guests with a beautiful ice cream bar. Karen and Omar deserved the wedding of their dreams and I am so glad they finally got to celebrate with those closest to them. To save on cost, Rachelle suggested floor arrangements to repurpose from the ceremony to sweetheart/cake tables. The color palette of the floral pieces was filled of blush, neutrals, and mauves. The flowers included dahlias, roses, Queen Anne’s lace, red feather flowers, lisianthus, dusty mauve carnations, delphinium, snapdragons, veronica, eucalyptus, lemon leaves. For the reception centerpiece arrangements, it was important that we included a Filipino element so the bride’s family cut pieces of calamansi (Filipino lime) branches from their family tree. The Bride, Karen sang “Lemonade” by Jeremy Passion (a favorite of the bride and groom) as she walked to her soon-to-be husband while their friend Roby played the ukelele. It was such a special moment and you can see all the emotions captured from the Groom, Omar. It was important to Karen and Omar to include Filipino Traditions in their wedding ceremony. They incorporated Filipino veil, cord, and coin traditions. The veil is a symbol of protection and good health for your marriage. The cord represents unity and a reminder that you are one in marriage. The coins symbolize mutual support for each other the family they build together. Karen and Omar asked all the men in their families to wear a barong tagalog which is a national dress of the Philippines typically made out of piña (pineapple plant) fibers. The bride and groom also wore Filipino attire which included a Filipino shawl called an Alampay and a Barong Tagalog for Omar.

Rachelle sketched out the cake design back in 2019 and proposed the idea of a floral statement piece on the cake. Rachelle worked with the florist to design the bottom tier completely filled with florals and the top two tiers with cake that included a chic design of gold textured edges and gold flakes. Aud Bakes created the most delicious vanilla and strawberry cake that all the guests enjoyed. Karen is the sweetest bride and Rachelle wanted their drink menu to incorporate their personalities. Rachelle created fun puns “The Good Karen” because Karen is the sweetest and the most rule-abiding bride there is, “The Omar Goodness” is because the phrase “Oh my goodness” is often said by the groom, Omar, and “The Oakley” because we can’t forget their pup. Their drinks included Filipino flavors such as mango, passionfruit and calamansi. Their dog Oakley was a star. They wanted their dog to welcome their guests as they entered the venue. He quietly found his comfy hangout spot near the welcome sign, he was a happy sight to see for sure. The bride, Karen made a stamp of Oakley’s face and made goodie-doggie bags for all the guests to take home. All the guests took home chocolate chip cookies made by the groom, Omar. It was another sweet surprise from the couple that was so thoughtful. Karen and Omar love everything sweet. Omar’s favorite dessert is Stella Jean’s ice cream so the couple decided they wanted to surprise their guests with an ice cream bar. Rachelle repurposed all the florals at the end of the night to create a beautiful ice cream station. If you take a peek at the menu offering, it said “Because today is the best Sundae ever.” It was important that they chose their favorite Filipino Ice Cream flavor Ube and Pan De Sal which is a Filipino sweet potato mixed with a Filipino sweet bread. It was a guest favorite at the wedding. It was important to the bride, Karen to DIY and be hands-on with decor elements. Rachelle designed all the signage and stationery while Karen brought everything to life. The bride, Karen, and her dad cut out all of the smoke acrylic sheets by hand to create the welcome sign, seating chart, table number, and menu signs. Karen and her dad even cut out the large wooden frames and wooden sign holders. Karen loves arts and crafts and wanted to dedicate this time during the pandemic to make things unique to her wedding. Karen even cut out all of the vinyl wording and adhered it herself.

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Petit Bouquet

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A Serene Villa Montalvo Wedding Reminiscent of Euro Summer

Want that destination wedding feel, coupled with the comfort of being close to home? SoCal brides, listen up! Villa Montalvo is a European dream tucked away in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Sophia and Andy tied the knot at a romantic ceremony in the Italianate Garden. After, guests made their way through the lush villa grounds to a reception in the Spanish Garden. Dressed in a neutral palette complete with curated, intentional details – the entire day was planned and designed to perfection by Charmed Events, with blooms by Walnut and Main. Check out the full gallery captured by Tanya Menoni for all the inspo.

From Tanya Menoni… Like many couples, Sophia and Andy were forced to postpone their original wedding date due to the pandemic. Once they were able to celebrate safely with their friends and families, they made up for the delay with a beautiful and FUN wedding at Villa Montalvo in Northern California.

Sophia and Andy shared a first look in the Italianate Garden, where a long row of trees gives a glimpse of the historic villa in the background. The ceremony was framed with luxe greenery and officiated by the bride’s brother.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour in the Spanish Garden before dining al fresco on the villa’s front patio.

Charmed Events and Walnut & Main created a gorgeous reception with rows of long tables accented by velvet linens and lush florals in neutral and blush tones. Ghost chairs gave the scene an open and airy vibe.

After dinner, the bride and groom continued the celebration with a dance party in the Spanish Courtyard, where Henry with Big Fun DJs kept the dance floor packed!

A Destination Wedding Closer To Home: The Charm Of D’Vine Grace Vineyard Will Make You Believe You’re In The Italian Countryside!

Planning a destination wedding (or, any wedding for that matter) is no small feat! Destination weddings often come with some tough decisions. Of course, the gorgeous views and vibrant culture of your venue’s location are sure to make your wedding one for the books. But with the potential of travel distances leaving some loved ones unable to attend your special day, you may be considering keeping your nuptials closer to home. Luckily, D’Vine Grace Vineyard is here to bring the ‘destination’ to your wedding! Check out this video by Erin Wilson Photography to see the space for yourself, before we tell you all the reasons why D’Vine Grace is the venue (and vineyard) for you!

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With its Italian-inspired ambiance, you’ll be convinced you’re saying “I do” in the Tuscan countryside, and not in the outskirts of Dallas, Texas! With rolling green backdrops, palatial architectural elements, and romantic event spaces to fulfill indoor and outdoor needs, your wedding day will feel as if it were straight from a classic European fairytale. And you won’t have to miss out on being surrounded by all of your loved ones to celebrate your love story! Read on to discover the charming, Italian flair of D’Vine Grace and all the magical amenities the venue has to offer to make your wedding one to remember forever!

From the venue:

“In-House Catering + Beverage Services – Our executive chef, Luisa, is a master in her craft and can whip up almost anything you can dream of for your big day! The customization opportunities are endless, and with all food prepared and cooked inside of our state-of-the-art kitchen on-site, you will never have to worry about the freshness or quality when considering what your guests will be indulging in on wedding day. In addition, you won’t have to be hands-on when working through the details of your catering and alcohol menus! Our Venue Coordinators will handle the logistics of everything related to food and beverage so you don’t even have to think about it. From brunch with your bridal party to the last late-night bite, the possibilities are infinite!

Technology + Equipment – Each event space has been carefully constructed to ensure that your guests will have the best experience! With a decked-out DJ booth and professional-grade audio, lighting, and visual equipment, we look forward to making your DJ’s life a bit easier and allowing each guest to move throughout the venue freely without missing a moment.”

“Built-In Basics – First things first – tables and chairs! Not only does D’Vine Grace provide all tables and chairs for your event, but you will also receive complimentary table linens, napkins, chargers, and even some decorations within your rental. If you do not find everything you have dreamed of within our provided options, we have an extensive list of trusted vendors and partners to help make your vision a reality!

A Family Affair – From your first tour to the moment we send you off as newlyweds, you will always be a part of the D’Vine Grace family! We treasure the opportunity to celebrate alongside you on the best day of your life and never take that for granted. You can rest easy knowing that your big day is in the hands of professionals who value exceptional service and perfection.”

Get ready for your wedding to be a European-esque fantasy (no packing required)! D’Vine Grace Vineyard creates the perfect setting to relax and fully enjoy your wedding day, starting your new chapter with your loved ones by your side – just as it should be! When you say “yes” to Divine Grace, you’ll be getting the best of both worlds – all the charm of a European destination wedding AND the ones you love most celebrating with you!

Photography: Erin Wilson Photography | Cinematography: Erin Wilson Photography | Location: D'Vine Grace Vineyard

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Erin Wilson Photography

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A Green And White Garden Inspired Wedding At Park Hyatt Aviara Resort In Sunny Southern California

A fresh palette of cream and white will always have our hearts. It was the perfect color story for our couple’s garden-inspired wedding at the Park Hyatt Aviara. Overlooking the Batiquitos Lagoon, 200 lush acres of natural beauty made for the perfect place for Alyx of EverAfter Events to create wedding magic. Lily Roden Floral Studio filled the day with lush white blooms from a spellbinding ceremony arch to romantic reception tables. You’ll love the incredible details perfectly captured by Amy Golding, see it all in the full gallery.

From Amy Golding… This garden-inspired wedding took place at the newly remodeled Park Hyatt Aviara. After their original venue decided to no longer take weddings due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this couple set out in search of an even better location to host their garden-inspired wedding.

Turning to locations closer to their Carlsbad home, they discovered the perfect venue: the newly remodeled five-star Park Hyatt Aviara in La Jolla, California. Every aspect of the venue had been updated and modernized to provide an even more luxurious experience.

The bride and groom loved that all their guest could stay at the resort with them, making for a perfect reunion after such a long time apart.

Photography: Amy Golding | Event Planning: EverAfter Events | Floral Design: Lily Roden | Wedding Venue: Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa | Video: West Coast Cinema

Stackable Jewelry Sets to Don on Your Big Day for the Fashion Forward Bride-to-Be

You Won’t Believe The Incredible Flower Installations At This Charleston Winter Wedding

Flower lovers rejoice! This wedding is everything you’ve been dreaming of. From a spiral staircase overflowing with blooms, to a floral and pink pampas grass aisle, to not one but three floral arches at the reception Petaloso had magical moments blossoming at every turn. Pure Luxe Bride planned the pictured perfect day in Charleston filled with special touches along the way. You can feel the love and joy in the incredible imagery by The Happy Bloom, see the full day unfold in the full gallery.

From Pure Luxe Bride… Hannah and George got married on a beautiful fall day at Lowndes Grove in Charleston, SC. The bride and her mom loved flowers so the design was very floral focused with multiple swoon-worthy installations throughout the venue. It started with a water-facing ceremony that had a beautiful chapel arbor to imitate the inside of a church with a floral lined aisle full of textured pink pampas grass.

Guests were greeted inside of the historic home with flowers dripping from the spiral staircase which served as the backdrop for the cake. The reception tent was truly jaw-dropping where you could find lush florals everywhere you looked. Three oversized abundant floral arches were the focus of the room flanking the head table, airy greenery strung throughout the tent, a custom-colored dance floor decal, and so many more details! Guests ordered cocktails at a beautiful custom wooden bar dripping with chandeliers and abundant floral. The charger plate was the inspiration for the color palette and floral arrangements and it perfectly complemented the rest of the decor and tabletop.

From the Bride… The inspiration behind my wedding was a flower experience. Not simply beautiful flowers but a unique experience of being immersed in flowers. We chose Charleston because it is close to our hearts. We have spent many wonderful years visiting and vacationing there. Lowndes Grove captured me because it was on the water with the gorgeous black and white tiled entryway.

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An Elegant Al Fresco Wedding Featuring The Most Adorable Pup

What could be a better addition to your wedding than man’s best friend? For their special day, Grace and John envisioned a chic California day with a muted pastel color palette and an incredible surprise from their pup Leo! Lauryn Prattes Styling and Events created a day designed with mixed patterns and special touches that will still your heart, like real pressed flowers on each guests’ escort card. Plenty Of Petals filled the croquet lawn at Rancho Valencia with lush blooms on top of bare tables for a refined, rustic look. Every magical moment was artfully documented in the imagery by Cavin Elizabeth Photography, see it all in the full gallery.

From Cavin Elizabeth Photography… Grace and John’s wedding features a gorgeous color palette that’s not too soft yet not too bold. It also has some of the most beautiful mix-match bridesmaid dresses that will be sure to inspire any bride looking to break out of the traditional bridesmaid dress mold. Their wedding is truly a classic al fresco affair with a stunning head table under a smilax-covered structure and a mix of round and long tables. Oh, and I cannot forget to mention a surprise visit from their puppy Leo! To kick off the weekend, the wedding party and family met at Duke’s La Jolla for a rehearsal dinner. It’s a beautiful restaurant that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Guests ate family-style and conversed over tables that were decorated with paisley napkins and small cacti. All of the wedding guests were given welcome boxes that were filled with water, cookies, biscuits, electrolyte drink mixes, and an immune support mix. The boxes were tied in a beautiful blue ribbon. Speaking of blue, their wedding invitation suite featured blue envelopes, inside of which featured a gorgeous chinoiserie liner design. The suite itself was letterpressed with blue ink.

Grace and John held their ceremony at St. Therese of Carmel. Ceremony programs were bound with a blue ribbon in keeping with the blues woven throughout the wedding design. Grace walked down the aisle in a cathedral veil that John lifted off of her face to fully unveil her gorgeous Carolina Herrera silk bow gown. Cocktail hour was held on the Sunrise Terrace of Rancho Valencia. A large floral arrangement was the focal point of the escort card display. On each card, a real flower was pressed above the table number and name of the guest. The rest of cocktail hour’s space was full of belly bar tables covered in printed gray linens topped with small yet lush floral arrangements. Two signature cocktails, including one named after Leo, kept guests refreshed until the reception.

Hues of blue, pink, green, and ivory filled the croquet lawn at Rancho Valencia for Grace and John’s al fresco reception. The head table and the guest round tables were left bare for a refined rustic look, while the guest long tables were covered in a light linen to provide variety in the design. Lush floral arrangements topped each table. The head table’s blue patterned plates further wove the blue theme of the wedding throughout the overall design. A grand blue bar served guests libations throughout the evening and two comfy lounges provided them spaces to relax in between events. Last but not least, the couple’s beautiful two-tier cake was covered in mauve flowers and looked almost too beautiful to cut!