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

A Cherry Blossom-Inspired Spring Wedding at Pippin Hill You Just HAVE to See

If you know SMP, you know we’re biggg fans of Pippin Hill Farm – and today’s wedding planned by Just A Little Ditty might just be our favorite one yet. Coral charm peonies from Southern Blooms by Pat’s Floral Designs, floral bridesmaid dresses from Jenny Yoo and the sweetest couple of all time, I mean… can you even blame us?! If you’re looking for some inspiration to get you in the spirit of Spring, look no further. Lucky for us Rebecca Yale was there to capture every can’t-miss detail of their day – head on over to the full gallery to watch the magic unfold!

From Rebecca Yale Photography… Mechelle and Julia were married in late April at Pippin Hill in Charlottesville, VA. Mechelle is originally from Florida and Julia from Maryland and they’ve lived all over the world together, including a 2 year stint in Norway, so choosing a wedding venue was difficult, but they fell in love with the rolling hills of Virginia wine country. April is peak cherry blossom season so they decided to embrace the beautiful bloom and let it serve as inspiration for the design of the day.

Rock Paper Scissors made a custom crest using the bride’s initials and a wreath of cherry blossoms, echoing the infinity circle altar that served as their ceremony backdrop and the hoops of cherry blossoms over the head table and dance floor in the granary. The custom crest was used on the save the date, programs, menus, cocktail napkins and was even engraved onto their custom ring box and made into a sticker on their wedding favors (homemade fudge by Mechelle using her late grandmothers recipe, placed inside mugs with drawings of the two cities they’ve lived in together, Austin and Oslo).

The brides opted for a first look, but wanted it to feel a little different so decided to stand back to back to each other and hold hands so they could be close the first time they saw each other. Some other fun details of note were Mechelle’s ready-to-wear black and white Monique Lhuillier Gown and mismatched printed bridesmaids dresses from Jenny Yoo. The brides’ wrote their own vows in custom vow books, which combined their cherry blossom crest with a silhouette of one of their favorite photographs taken on top of a fjord in Norway during their engagement session.

They also used the same silhouette on the back of their cake later in the evening, which they cut out in the courtyard surrounded by their friends all holding sparklers. Mechelle and Julia honored their beloved late dog, Huck, with a photo of him on her bouquet and drawing of him on the back of each of their vow books. The brides loved the outdoor patio area of Pippin and wanted to take advantage of it as much as possible so in addition to cocktail and cake cutting they opted to have their first dance out there under the string lights before inviting their guests in to eat.

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Rebecca Yale Photography

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Enchanting Outdoor Wedding at Georgia’s Barnsley Resort

An outdoor wedding will always have our hearts. With fresh air, tree-lined views, and the ability to create any guest experience you want- what’s not to love? For their wedding, Amber and Sean enlisted Ellen Thomas Events to fulfill their enchanted woodland wedding dreams. Amy Osaba Design brought elegance to the great outdoors, with lush floral installations in shades of white and cream. You can feel the love in the sweet snaps captured by Tanya Menoni. Don’t forget to visit the full gallery for a closer look.

From Tanya Menoni… After having to reschedule their Spring wedding, Amber and Sean were able to have the wedding of their dreams at Barnsley Resort outside Atlanta, Georgia. The couple exchanged their vows in a wooded enclave decorated with lush florals created by Amy Osaba Design.

After guests enjoyed cocktail hour in the ruins of Barnsley Resort, the couple made a grand entrance into their outdoor reception. The reception featured a classic color palette of white and cream with an abundance of greenery.

Amber and Sean danced the night away thanks to Emerald Empire Band, and they both agreed their dream wedding was worth the wait!

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Emerald Empire Band

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The Cutest Girly Galentine’s Celebration

Let’s be totally honest here for a hot second — Valentine’s Day is by far the CUTEST holiday. It’s all about pink and hearts and red and flowers and cute candies and chocolate! And while celebrating with your SO is meaningful and special, TRULY bringing out all that the holiday has to offer is most appreciated with your gal pals.

Your guys wan humor your all-out valendtine’s day decor, but your galentine’s celebration is where those extra details REALLY shine.

To prove just that, we give you exhibit A, this absolutely fabulous galentine’s day celebration.

For the first Valentine’s Day of the new decade, Party Crush Studio leads the event design in collaboration with other local businesses and vendors to celebrate love and happiness. However, Valentine’s Day is not the day for couples and romance. In this modern day and age, we wanted to showcase an amazing, dreamy inspiration for you and your girls.

Have a wonderful “Galentine’s Day” celeb on us! Galentine’s Day still celebrates love and romance so we’re keeping the light reds in this casual, dreamy inspo we have prepared. It’s casual and fun without giving up sophistication so you don’t have to worry about uptight designs and outfits, just have fun with the girls!

Aside from the event design, Party Crush Studio also provided the organic, boho-inspired textiles and ribbons for the event. Meanwhile, Bellevue Floral Co is the one in charge of the soft and attention-grabbing floral elements perfect for a galentine’s celebration.

Sweets and other desserts in this soft galentine’s event is by Batter Up Cakery while the vintage and regal glassware are from Shindig Partyware Co and Luxe Event Rentals.

These vendors teamed up to design the romantic and dreamy tablescape we have prepared for you and the girls.

Of course, we can’t bring you this platonic and romantic event without our gorgeous models, all of them styled by Blush Beauty Styling, with the cute and casual bracelet favors from Poptarts and Peonies. Witty Bash contributes to the whimsical side of this event by bringing in fun balloons in play!

Last but not the least, Ashley Baumgartner ties the event by leading the photoshoot and providing the event’s calligraphy. Galentine’s Day is not complete without invitations, and other paper notes as well (we got the paper printables for this event from Golden June on Instagram for Poptarts and Peonies DIY tutorial for Bracelets).

Valentine’s Day is the season of hearts and romance, and it definitely involves all of your loved ones – including your girl squad who will not let you down. Spread the love with them this February!

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Petit Bouquet

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We Think You’ll Agree That This Might Possibly Be The Coolest Rooftop Venue in NYC!

Looking for that one of a kind venue with unreal views to say your I Do’s? Look no further than the 620 Loft and Garden in NYC, a hidden rooftop gem on top of Rockefeller Center with stunning views of the city and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Bashful Captures put together this stunning, yet incredibly cool inspiration shoot with two beautiful brides in Amsale bridal gowns and some of the most gorgeous florals I have ever seen by Designs by Ahn. Perfectly planned by DM Events, this shoot is a dream from the first detail to the last. Take a look below and check out the full gallery to see all of the magic!

From Bashful Captures…As I was envisioning an inspirational shoot, I wanted to create a wedding that felt regal and elegant with beautiful Fall colors. Our shoot took place at 620 Loft and Garden, which is a hidden rooftop venue on top of Rockefeller Center with an amazing view of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It was a perfect venue for our shoot and it is also an amazing place for a micro wedding.

The two brides wore Amsale dresses from their new collection and I wanted to bedazzle them with beautiful earrings and hair accessories from Jennifer Behr. I especially loved the crown that one of the brides wore because it was a complete look that I originally envisioned my bride to be. I always love a balanced look that’s not overly done, so clean eye makeup with bright lips was a perfect ensemble.

Designs by Ahn created a stunning arch and tablescape that felt unique and elevated. Katie Fischer‘s stationeries are so elegant and timeless, and the cake by Sarah & Simon was just a piece of art! The texture and the handmade florals on the cake were just jaw-dropping.

Intimate And Endearing Affair At Greencrest Manor

Set in the sprawling gardens of Greencrest Manor, this intimate celebration is sure to steal your heart. The incredibly talented team at Modern Day Collective worked with Kaylee and Lane to create a heart-centered day overflowing with love. Each detail is more beautiful than the last, from the bride’s father officiating the ceremony to the family style meal that made dinner feel even more personal. Clary Pfeiffer Photography’s unparalleled imagery is equal parts tender and touching. Fall in love with all the pictures in the full gallery.

From the bride and groom… We knew going into it that we would need to have a smaller wedding due to COVID, and it ended up being perfect. Not only was it so much easier to pay attention to the details while planning, but it was also so much more enjoyable on the day of — we were able to connect with everyone who came in a way that was much more meaningful.

One of my favorite memories of the day was probably the ceremony itself. My dad officiated our wedding, so it was very special to both Lane and I, and personal in a way that everyone could understand. It is definitely a memory I’ll cherish forever.

Because we planned a smaller wedding, I knew that I wanted an intimate dinner to be the main feature of our reception. Modern Day Collective helped bring that idea to life, and set up two long tables that our guests shared, while our caterer The Everyday Chef and Wife prepared a family-style meal that made the dinner even more personal.

A Fairy Tale Wedding at Swan House Complete With a 50-Foot Chiffon Draped Cabana

Just one look at this Atlanta wedding and you’ll know dreams really do come true. For Danielle & Yannic’s special day Wright & Co Events created a fairytale experience, from the ethereal flowers to the bridal party table set inside a 50-foot chiffon draped cabana. The romance in Tanya Menoni’s imagery will have you falling in love with love. For a closer look at all the magic of the day visit the full gallery.

From Wright & Co. Events… Our design team drew inspiration from the architectural details of the Atlanta History Center for Danielle & Yannic’s southern late summer wedding.

After the ceremony at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church guests were shuttled over to the Swan House to sip the signature “Dukes Raspberry Mojito (named after the couple’s dog) & enjoy hors d’oeuvres in the gardens. Our designs featured organic and loosely arranged flora, and an abundance of unique textural elements that highlighted the space.

We set the estate table for the bridal party under a cream-colored 50 ft chiffon draped cabana which served as the perfect focal point. One moment that will be a lasting memory for our team was the reception reveal for this special couple. Witnessing their happy tears as they saw their vision come together on the day of as they took in all the details was such a cherished moment as a designer.

Sustainable Micro-Wedding Inspiration at Margi Farm in Athens, Greece

Today’s heavenly editorial is all about how to pull off an organic, sustainable micro-wedding with an elevated aesthetic. With its ivy adorned farmhouse, lavender lined entrance and epic olive grove backdrop – Mosaïque Event Design knew Margi Farm was the perfect location to bring their vision to life. The bride stunned in a Maria Konidi number we’ll be dreaming about for days and paired it with floral adorned hat made pretty by Comme ça – Fleurs & Décor. To see how it all came to life, check out the full gallery of details, all taken by Adrian Wood Photography!

From Mosaïque Event Design… A micro wedding inspiration for all hopeless romantics, beautifully captured by photographer Adrian Wood. My vision for this editorial shoot was provincial charm and romance whilst showcasing the art of sustainable, stylish, organic, intimate wedding design. This approach to weddings has been my passion for several years, but now, with this strange new COVID19 reality and recommendations for smaller outdoor gatherings, it is definitely the right time to remind the world that Greece, with its unique and diverse geography, climate and alfresco cultural lifestyle, is the ideal choice for couples looking for intimate affairs and cozy micro-weddings focused on guest experience.

The rural grounds of The Margi Farm in Athens, provided the perfect scenery for my vision. A small charming estate with a beautiful farmhouse covered with ivy, a driveway lined with sweet lavender and an olive grove as a backdrop. The styling was built upon elements that complimented the organic nature of the farm. The ceremony was framed with an enchanting installation of a fireplace brimming with ivy, candles and lush florals whilst the tablescape was designed to present an elevated farmhouse aesthetic. Blush linen paired with a selection of fine art de la table in white and grey tones and gorgeous centrepieces in dusty blush and smokey mauve hues created a beautiful intimate dinner setting with an organic feel. The bride seduces with a stunning lace gown by Maria Konidi and a heavenly arranged bridal bouquet by Comme Ça – Fleurs & Décor.

Ioanna Karkantelou created the perfect countryside bridal look keeping the makeup soft, glowing and natural. She waved the hair and kept it down for the first look with the straw hat, whilst the second look was a great little bridal ponytail. The groom’s attire was stylish and classic, wearing a fitted black tux , suspenders and a bow-tie by Christakis-Athens.

The paper goods, designed and produced by Atelier Invitations, were a feast for the eyes. Naturally elegant lettering and delicate hand drawings created a graceful wedding suite with an organic charm. Cinematographer, Nikos Dimou created a magical film that effortlessly captures the serene feeling of a summer love affair.

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Petit Bouquet

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Did You Have to Postpone Your Destination Wedding? Here’s How To Bring European Elegance to the US!

If you’ve had to postpone your destination wedding, this styled shoot beautifully captured by Madeline Trent Photography is for you. Teaming up with planning and design studio East Made Co, the powerhouse duo was able to bring the elegance of a European wedding straight to the states. Wild Pollen uses blooms in shades of white and cream to create an ongoing theme of luxury throughout the day. Head to the full gallery for a closer look at all the lovely.

From Elizabeth Gopal of East Made Co… As soon as Madeline Trent contacted me about putting together a brand editorial that was European-inspired, fashion-forward, and basically the stuff of our romantic dreams, I knew that Anderson House in Washington, DC would provide the perfect backdrop. With postponed weddings and missed inspiration trips to Europe this year, we’ve been researching all of the gorgeous spots in the US that can provide a similar look and feel.

Inspired by the chic city bride who appreciates tradition and heirlooms, we styled and sourced the finest vintage diamond engagement rings and featured a handmade paper suite with luxe gold foil calligraphy by Curved and Co.

The table design is the epitome of luxury, with gold metallic linen, multiple candelabras, lush neutral florals, and exquisite gold tabletop selections from Maison de Carine. The grand finalé was a champagne toast with cake by Jisoo Cake Design– making it the perfect intimate wedding day indeed.

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Petit Bouquet

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Are Save the Date Cards Necessary in the Year 2021?

Last year was unlike any we’ve ever had before, and so many big things were cancelled – weddings among the most frequent. A huge number of couples who had planned 2020 weddings had to make the decision to postpone their parties, others still went through with their nuptials, just in nano capacities, and some either put a pin in a much-anticipated proposal or put a ring on it and then pressed pause on any of the planning thereafter. So, it makes sense that in 2021, lots of would-be or soon-to-be brides and grooms might hesitate to put anything too ‘concrete’ into a universe still impacted by COVID-19. We empathize with everyone who has needed to alter ‘I Do’ direction throughout all of this, and appreciate the allure of wanting to hold your planning cards close to the vest – but at the same time, we say don’t be shy about saving your date. Create that special card, sign, seal, and deliver it to your closest friends and family (if sending to everyone still feels risky), because it means a whole lot and shouldn’t be forgotten.

Filmstrip Save the Date

What a save the date can do for your wedding.

It can bring you out of some of the darkness…

Especially if you’ve been feeling discouraged. We’re all still navigating this new world and some days are definitely easier than others, but when something like a wedding date is decided, it’s a certain cause for celebration and acknowledgement of the momentous move forward for you and your fiancé/fiancée. It can help turn the page on your wedding planning journey and kickstart your excitement – you’re getting married, you have full permission to experience ALL the feels.

It can give your guests some intel, without going into too much detail…

A save the date doesn’t have to say much, but it can still make a bold statement: that at this time, your wedding is planned for X.Y.Z. and you’re looking forward to it! It’s not out of the realm of possibility for your VIPs to question when or if your wedding will be happening, confusion is understandable, but a save the date will provide some clarity and also quell any questions as you start to deal with all of the details of the day.

It can honor some tradition in wedding planning, when the rule book’s been all but thrown out…

In so many ways, we love what 2020 did to the ‘rules’ of weddings – there really aren’t any anymore – and you can truly have your day, the way you want it, without feeling beholden to any marital mainstays or ‘must haves.’ That being said, save the dates are traditional and there’s something so special about sending them out and having your date locked in on the social calendars of everyone you hold close to your heart.

Photo by Anna Peters Photography

What you’ll need to know before sending them.

As we mentioned before, you don’t need to have every part of the wedding planning puzzle pieced together before you can send out save the dates (which is particularly helpful nowadays, when things can change at the drop of a hat). You will; however, need to have these items ironed out – definitively – to address the fine points of your big day.

Your names
The wedding date
The city and state (of your celebration; should your ceremony be held at a different locale, you’ll cover off on that in your full wedding invitation suite!)
A reference to your wedding website URL (which, again, is especially advantageous at present, because your website can fill in all of the nuances of your event in real time for everyone who needs to know)

Photo by Katie Jane

The only caveat to why you wouldn’t send a save the date is if you’ve decided on a short engagement. Typically, this type of correspondence goes out 6-12 months prior to the wedding, so if you’ll be getting married with a much tighter turnaround time, then you’ll probably only need to get official wedding invitations prepped – along with some immediately orienting context shared in an email or phone call with the closest members of your crew.

On our Style Me Pretty shop, you can find dozens of stunning invitation suites to match your own signature brand of occasion, but first, let your guests know that you’ve saved the date and you can’t wait to see them there! So many of our designs are photo cards, too, which actually syncs back to our point about “bringing you out of the darkness.” It’s been a year of uncertainty and very little calm, but happy moments precipitated by an engagement and more promising months of pre-wedding planning can lead to sunnier skies and clear days ahead. And why shouldn’t it start with an engagement photo session that says “Lett’s do this! It’s our year!”

We’re Getting Married Save the Date

A Hopeful Inspiration Shoot At The Chateau de Villette, With A Dress and A Bouquet You Just Have To See!

As we kick off 2021, we could all use a little hope, change, and beauty, and that is exactly what today’s inspiration shoot planned by Madame Wedding Design is about to deliver at The Chateau de Villette in Paris with the incorporation of butterflies. From culture to culture, butterflies symbolize all of this as well as the start of something new, similar to a wedding joining two people together as they start their own something new. Donny Zavala beautifully captured this all with stunning images of the couple, venue, and that bouquet by Janna Brown Design. Take a peek and be sure to take note of that eye-catching Daarlana Couture bridal gown.

From Madame Wedding Design…In cultures across the world, butterflies are seen as a reflection of our souls; representing endurance, change, hope, and life. Spreading their wings with great majesty, while remaining slight and delicate in appearance, the secret strength of the butterfly links infinitely with the sanctity of marriage. And what better place to celebrate this binding union and intimacy than with a destination wedding in Paris.

As the caterpillar becomes the butterfly, so too do two souls become one. Entering the cocoon as a single entity and emerging with two great wings, the butterfly truly represents the coming together of a couple during their vows, under the watchful eye of those who love and cherish them the most.

The Chateau de Villette provided the backdrop to one of our most beautifully elegant weddings, pictured below, which turned to the inspiration of the butterfly as a symbol of new beginnings. Located in the rural region of Villette just outside Paris, the couple celebrating their wedding embody the delicate beauty of this creature through their fine art wedding style, full of natural colors and wild plant life. Using the sweeping driveway as their catwalk, and the magnificent gardens as their stage, the happy couple embraced every aspect of their destination wedding in order to create the day of their dreams.

The recurring theme of the butterfly captured perfectly by their photographer seeks to celebrate the magic that the beauty of Paris gave them, while the rural location and natural backdrops to many of the photos celebrate the couples’ individuality and their life together. Though planning a wedding abroad can present many challenges to a newly-engaged couple, by placing their full trust and commitment in our hands they were able to relax and enjoy everything about their day, safe in the knowledge that their vision would be transformed under the clear Parisian sky.

The Chateau de Villette was the perfect location for this couple, but with us, Paris really is your oyster, and our teamwork openly and individually with every couple to ensure that each element of your perfect day is captured and reflected. Remember the butterfly, who enters the cocoon unsure of what will greet them when they emerge? We give you the chance to spread your wings and unite in the romance of Paris, while we create the perfect wedding for you.

Definitely, love is not canceled, we will wait for you here in France again.

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Petit Bouquet

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The Heritage Collection

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Ready To Dress Your Girls? Revelry Just Launched A New Collection That You’re Going To Want To See!

If you recently got engaged, chances are you are in the midst of wedding planning, from hiring vendors to pinning all of your ideas from color palettes to centerpieces. Now, it’s time to involve your gal pals, who you’ve asked to stand by your side, with some dresses they won’t be disappointed in! Revelry has a new satin collection featuring 16 styles available in 20 (yes, 20) colors offering a dress for everyone in your bridal party. Check out the new styles below, read how you can try them on at home, and right now you can get a free satin swatch page on their website with code STYLEMEPRETTY!

With 16 different styles of dresses, you won’t have a problem finding a dress for every body type in your bridal party and the colors range from boho hues like terracotta and desert rose to deep jewel tones like emerald and cabernet. Revelry also offers sizes from 0-32, so with all of that on your side, you really can’t go wrong!

The new satin collection was designed with all bodies in mind which is why you will see styles you might not have seen before from Revelry like more a-line skirts. gathering around the stomach area and of course your classic satin slip dress. All styles have built-in cups which is a dream in itself.

Now for the mind-blowing part…all of these dresses are available for home try-ons before you commit! Select as many dresses as you would like and have them shipped directly to you to try on for 3 days! So gather your girls, some champagne, and get ready to have a try-on party to figure out which styles and colors are right for your big day!

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Remi and Gold

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Inspiration to Help You Host Your European Destination Wedding Along the Coasts of the United States

Boy oh boy, do we have a treat for y’all today. Not only is this inspiration shoot from Lauren Fair and Always Yours Events at Glen Manor House insanely gorgeous (hello that Monique Lhuillier floral gown), it also serves as a guide to help you host the European destination wedding you’ve always dreamed of, all while staying safe here in the States. Their advice and tips will allow to provide the same immersive experience for your guests just as you would if abroad. No seriously… it’s possible! Keep on reading for the inside scoop and head on over to the full gallery after to get all the design inspiration you’ll need, complete with floral magic by The Wild Dahlia.

From Always Yours Events… Over the last year we have seen remarkable intimate weddings take center stage here in the US, filled with small guest lists yet remarkable impact and awe-inspiring designs that have taken the internet and social media by storm. Yet in actuality, in recent years the intimate wedding was already slowly on the rise, with couples opting to create an experiential wedding weekend for their guests in exciting destinations including tropical locales such as Bora Bora to every corner of Europe from the coasts of the Mediterranean to the countryside of Italy, France, United Kingdom and more. However with the recent challenge of travel being temporarily suspended, we have seen couples opt to change their dates for their destination weddings, or worse, indefinitely put their celebrations on hold.

With this editorial design, Lauren Fair and I wanted to encourage couples to look at an exciting alternative option for their international destination weddings. We wanted to inspire couples to bring their intimate destination weddings back to the beautiful locales found here throughout the country, and host the same immersive experience just as you would if abroad. Experiential long weekends of celebration for intimate guest counts can still be had here in places you may not even know exist, such as one of the waterfront mansions of Newport, Rhode Island, a Tuscan-inspired villa and venue in the mountains of the South or the Hudson Valley of New York, a light and airy French-inspired chateau hidden up in Vermont, a tiny charming inn found on a private island of the coast of Florida… just to name a few.

Selecting an Experiential Venue and Backdrop:

For this design we chose the stunning backdrop of the coasts of Rhode Island at the Glen Manor House. What drew us to this particular location is the fact that it is very much reminiscent of the French Riviera. Newport and Portsmouth, Rhode Island are known for their stunning mansions that once served as Summer homes of the wealthiest families in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and these gilded homes were often inspired by chateaus and manors found throughout the coasts and countryside of Europe. The setting was one conducive to that of a French Riviera wedding weekend, including an immersive experience of a coastal ceremony, an intimate dinner for amongst the architecture of the chateau’s terrace and an antique yacht send off.

Finding Inspiration Reminiscent of Your Destination:

Inspiring the design from start to finish was the exquisite Tuileries gown from Monique Lhuillier, styled by Lorella of La Jolie Bride and completed with canary diamond earrings and fine jewelry by Verstolo. The gown has such a breathtaking and romantic pattern (reminiscent of the Tuileries gardens of France) that we used it to anchor the aesthetic, and subtly wove it in and out of the fine details, and used the color palette and textures to guide the overall vision.

Invite and Welcome Your Guests to the Weekend:

Since stationery is an imperative element and tool for a destination wedding, we worked with the talented Diane of My Lady Dye to create a full and multi-piece custom suite of handmade paper with printing methods including blind letterpress, satin gold foil, hand-painted venue illustrations and floral patterns with accents of blue butterflies found within the Tuileries dress pattern. The stationery design branded the entire guest experience, including welcome notes and personalized ribbon tied tags on french market welcome bags filled with splits of Veuve Clicquot, luxurious soaps, the couple’s favorite French candle paired with black matches and local sweets.

To evoke the European feeling within the fine details and the “getting ready” part of the weekend, we styled the stationery details on Old-World inspired styling surfaces by Chasing Stone, and incorporated a custom textured backdrop by JD Artshop within the bridal suite. Both of these textural backdrops created a cohesive European look and feel within the gallery, even when it came to the fine details.

The Intimate Ceremony:

We felt it was imperative that Carly and Jon exchange their vows with the water surrounding them and the venue in the background, creating a breathtaking view and backdrop for their sentimental ceremony. Surrounded by a deconstructed arch filled with garden roses, ranunculus, jasmine vine and delicate greenery by the talented Shawna and team of the Wild Dahlia, the couple was a vision with the Glen Manor House behind them and guests in Louis chairs in front for an intimate late afternoon ceremony. Carly’s beauty look was created by a talented duo of women, with hair pulled back in a soft and romantic chignon with a twist by renowned hairstylist Jennifer Tawa, completed with a natural yet glamorous makeup look by the beloved Amanda McCarthy. To finish her bridal look, Carly held a bouquet filled with delicate garden roses and butterfly ranunculus by the Wild Dahlia. Jon wore a smart black and white tuxedo by the Black Tux with black bowtie fitting for the black tie celebration.

The Tour via Antique Yacht:

When it comes to a coastal European-inspired wedding, it would not be complete without a boating excursion. Post ceremony our couple hopped on the Antique Yacht (named Temma) and tooled around the harbor and inlets of Newport for a little time together prior to the reception. Giving guests the opportunity to freshen up and head to the evening reception, the bride and groom took golden hour photos around the coast and then head back to the Glen Manor House in time for the bride to change into a second look.

A Second Look:

With an intimate wedding, a second look allows for another fashionable moment, approachability and comfort. Carly changed into a stunning deep v-neck gown (called Celine) from Monique Lhuillier completed with soft, glamorous waves, a smoldering eye look, and a pearl and crystal hairpiece. This look was a perfect way to transition from day to night, from ceremony to reception, from part one of the celebration to part two.

An Immersive Reception:

With an intimate guest count, receptions can take place in locations not always offered to celebrations with larger guest lists. For this reception, we chose the terrace overlooking the ocean and gardens of Glen Manor House. To bring statement lighting and ambience to the space, the team at Ryan Designs installed mixed beaded chandeliers over the dining table and soft pale champagne draping to frame the table within the terrace. The table was covered in champagne velvet linen and set with fine china, crystal and gold flatware, and surrounded by tufted gray Louis chairs from PEAK Event Services. Down the center of the table was an undulating set of shell colored compotes and vessels filled with overflowing florals and framed with soft peachy-blush candles in wooden taper holders by the Wild Dahlia. Each place setting featured a menu card with blue tassel and a tiny and intricately decorated cake made of artisan cookies by the talented Andrea of Andrea Reno Calligraphy and Cakes. The wedding cake by Andrea was an absolute work of art utilizing old world European piping techniques, and it impeccably fit in within the reception design.

With a little creativity, vision and a vendor team alongside, we encourage couples to take a second look at their destination celebrations and bring them to a stunning locale within reach now. This editorial is proof that dream weddings can and will take place wherever you are, and that experience, aesthetic and ambience do not need to be sacrificed even if the destination must change. And in the eyes of your nearest and dearest guests, the most exquisite destination is wherever you invite them to be a part of this exquisite celebration.

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Lauren Fair Photography

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The Wild Dahlia

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If You’re Considering a Backyard Wedding, Allow This Day to Convince You!

Today’s sunny California soirée planned by Prim Event Studio is the perfect blueprint for a backyard celebration done oh-so right. The darling couple included a handful of special Jewish traditions to the ceremony, as they exchanged vows under a minimalistic chuppah designed by Blooms by Morgan. The festivities concluded with an epic dance party under the stars! Trust us, if you were considering an backyard wedding before – this baby is going to seal the deal. Check out the full gallery to get majorly inspired by The Ganeys‘ captures!

From The Ganeys… Travis and Lisa shared a first look at a local park near the hotel where they were getting ready. Travis was blown away seeing Lisa for the first time – he had to give her numerous twirls to take it all in. Travis gifted Lisa a necklace with their – new – wedding date on it. Lisa wore a stunning Hayley Paige gown with a jeweled bodice and a flowy skirt. That dress was made for twirling! She carried a loose garden-style bouquet with garden roses, tulips, scabiosa, and ranunculus. Her hair was pulled back and to the side, giving her the style of loose waves while still pinning her hair back.

Travis looked sharp in his black tux and bow tie fit for James Bond. The garden at Villa Montalvo provided a beautiful backdrop for their wedding portraits. During their ceremony, they included Jewish traditions. Lisa and Travis circled each other at the beginning of the ceremony, indicating their lives coming together. They exchanged personal vows that they wrote to each other. Travis’s included a handful of dad jokes that had everyone cracking up – or shaking their heads.

The ceremony concluded with Travis breaking the glass and that first kiss as husband and wife! Throughout the ceremony, a live stream allowed guests to watch from afar. The reception took place in the backyard. Circular tables were set with white linens and ghost chairs. Every table was named after a location where Lisa and Travis have traveled together. An array of beautiful low arrangements and bud vases made stunning centerpieces. After being announced into the reception, Lisa and Travis performed their first dance – perfectly choreographed! I love when couples do that – such a fun way to kick off the night! It only got better from there. With heartwarming toasts that brought tears to our eyes and an epic dance party – it was an incredible evening! This crew might have been small – but they brought so much energy and tore up that dance floor!

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A Decadent Micro Wedding With a Caviar and Potato Chip Bar At The Congressional Country Club!

Today’s nuptials at The Congressional Country Club is the ultimate proof you don’t have to limit your wedding day details when having a micro wedding. Decadent, elegant, and luxurious simply describes this couples day from a 20 foot mirrored reception table to velvet-lined cocktail tables adorned with lush florals by Darling & Daughters and all of the gold accents one could ask for. The couple trusted wedding planner Marriage & Mimosas to completely curate the wedding of their dreams with their love story as inspiration and Manda Weaver Photography to capture the day and boy did they deliver, with all of the stunning photos and even a caviar and potato chip bar! Check it out below!

From the Planner – Sammy, of Marriage and Mimosas…When I first met with Marita and Marcelo in August to begin planning their October wedding they wanted a simple elopement with no frills. However, by the end of August- Marita decided their romance should be celebrated with a Wedding worthy of their beautiful story. After all Wedding days are once-in-a-lifetime, scared, and intimate. A pandemic would not stop them from having their dream wedding!

That gave us just about a month to plan a gorgeous micro wedding. We got started right away. Marita and Marcelo were a designer’s dream! They trusted us completely to curate a stunning design on our own with their love story as our inspiration. We selected vendors that we knew would create the best result. Giving our vendors the freedom to do what they do best resulted in something beautiful and unique! I knew that with this team of vendors- we could create something amazing. And we absolutely did!

When it came to creating the aesthetic for Marita and Marcelo’s Wedding at the historic Congressional Country Club, we knew we wanted a classic glam look to match our classic bride. Of course, we had to keep in tension that we were in the beginning stages of the pandemic, so it was very important to create a spacious atmosphere where guests would feel comfortable attending. We felt that an open tent on Congressional’s terrace was the perfect setting for this romantic micro wedding reception and the ceremony on the sun porch with a showstopping circle arch bearing hundreds of roses artfully created by Darling and Daughters was the perfect backdrop for the couple to make their promises of forever.

For the reception space on the terrace, we chose a clear tent draped with ivory chiffon and crystal chandeliers so that at nightfall, the chandeliers and draping would create the dreamy illusion that they were floating in midair.

Our color palette was neutral; clean and airy with a pop of decadence in the ‘Velvet Hollywood Indigo’ linen which adorned our accent tables. In choosing florals, we wanted to do a clean lush design. A 20 ft mirrored glass table with gold accents would accommodate all 14 guests under the tent. The table was set with a runner of lux cream and white – high and low arrangement groupings. The place settings were glass rimmed with gold, set custom hand-painted calligraphy menus. Matching florals were designed to cascade down the grand piano, which would serve as the entertainment for the night. The pianist played modern and classic music which appealed to the diverse crowd.

Marita and Marcelo bonded over their love of good food and drinks. Their menu was classic with unique surprises. The white market cart served as the ‘Caviar and Potato Chip’ Bar at cocktail hour (Marita’s Favorite). Their entrees were a classic surf and turf with wine pairings.

Once dinner came to an end – The tufted seating arrangements with fire from the coffee tables would serve as the ‘hang out’ for the rest of the night!

Once the party came to an end, guests were given favor boxes inspired by the couple and their wedding day! Words can’t explain how grateful and happy we were to plan this.

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Grand Luxury In The Great Outdoors

Romantic, elegant, and filled with natural beauty- it doesn’t get better than this vineyard styled shoot at Kurtz Orchards Gracewood Estate. The afternoon amongst the vineyards was delightfully dreamed-up by none other than Vivian Lyttle Events. At the intimate ceremony, flowers in blush and cream seemingly grow amongst the aisle and chairs- ending in an awe-inspiring arch created by Forever Wildfield. The imagery of the day by Katie Nicolle Photography is certain to take your breath away. The full gallery overflowing with elegance in the great outdoors is just a click away.

From Vivian Lyttle Events… Beginning with portraits in the magical gardens of Kurtz Orchards Gracewood Estate, Palak wore a beautiful gown by Costarellos Bridal, selected from White Toronto, accented by a beautiful hair and make-up look by Bespoke Beauty Inc.

Palak & Stam moved to an intimate ceremony with the dreamiest arch, designed by Forever Wildfield. With florals growing around the chairs and vines in view, it was a stunning spot to say “I do.”

The ceremony was followed by a romantic dinner in the orchard rows, with table settings in shades of blush by Simply Beautiful Decor, and stationery by the incredible Plume Calligraphy.

The couple then danced the night away in the vineyard, with Palak in a stunning South Asian design by the talented Poppy Lane, and jewels by Neetu. You couldn’t ask for a more beautiful day in Niagara – or a more stunning couple!

A Celebration of LOVE in All Its Form at a Breathtaking Castle in Austria

The most important aspect of a wedding day is not the blooming flowers that decorate your table or even the attire you wear, it’s the celebration of the LOVE you and your S.O share. We adore today’s styled shoot for that reason and more, it’s the perfect example of a celebration of love in all its form. Further proving that there is no “standard” when it comes to weddings – it’s all about creating an event that stays true to what makes you beautifully you! To see the magic Natalia Denegina of Event Austria and Aiola Graz created at Aiola im Schloss St. Veit in Austria, head on over to the full gallery captured by Liliia Chuba. Oh, and for the record… balloons are back!

From Liliia Chuba… The inspiration for this wedding was: a celebration of LOVE in all its form. We wanted to create an exquisite event and, at the same time, create a celebration that would fit our couple – Chris & Fred. The location of the wedding was an old castle near Graz, Austria.

The florist and decorator did their best to feature the venue’s beautiful sides while trying to bring a new modern feeling into it. Chris & Fred were wearing elegant classic suits for the ceremony and the main photo shooting. The session’s details were meant to highlight the classic look of the early 20th: old bottles of whiskey, cigars bar, bow ties, black cutlery, old wooden tables, and golden plates.

We chose a semi-moon-shaped floral arrangement and a couple of pillows to add color and a more comfortable vibe for the ceremony place. Chris is a professional drag queen. Therefore the wedding party was close friends, transformed into drag queens. And in the evening, when the sun went down, Chris himself transformed into a wonderful drag queen. The party moved into the courtyard, and the grand finale was golden confetti and dances in the fountain! We believe that there is no “standard” when it comes to weddings. Our big day should represent who we are and celebrate true love!

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A Romantic Greenhouse Wedding That Brings The Outdoors Inside

Love the look of an outdoor wedding, but hosting one that’s indoors? This lush greenhouse wedding designed by Shannon Leahy has got you covered. With an abundance of overflowing white blooms, florals by Bows and Arrows transported guests to an enchanted monochrome garden. Capturing the love in the room as only she can, Lauren Fair Photography beautifully tells the story of the day through her images. Be prepared to swoon over all the pretty in the full gallery.

From Lauren Fair Photography… The Fairmount Park Horticulture Center sets the scene for this incredibly lush, all white wedding. Powerhouse talent Shannon Leahy Events planned a romantic day filled with beauty and intrigue.

Bows & Arrows Flowers knocked it out of the park, truly bringing the outdoors inside. Lush blooms as far as the eye could see filled the greenhouse reception.

Lauren Fair Photography brought the beauty of the day to life in her imagery. The love that filled the room beautifully translates through her pictures.

Photography: Lauren Fair Photography | Event Design: Shannon Leahy Events | Event Planning: Shannon Leahy Events | Floral Design: Bows and Arrows | Reception Venue: Fairmount Park Horticulture Center

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Sun-Drenched 1940s Inspired Micro Wedding at River Oaks Charleston

Today’s micro wedding inspo is celebrating all things petite! From an understated bouquet by Margaret Kelly Weddings to the most adorable individual cakes from The Tenacious Tart. The small but mighty elements of this editorial just go to show, you don’t have to go big to make a major impact with your wedding décor. To see all the dainty details and pin your faves, head on over to the full gallery – all captured by Amy Mulder Photography & Kelsey Halm Photography!

From Amy Mulder Photography… Micro weddings are such a beautiful and intimate way to celebrate a marriage. I am so happy to see them becoming more and more popular and be a part of them! When Lacy and I began talking about the feel of this wedding we both loved the idea of the 1940s. Simple, understated, timeless, and oh so very romantic. River Oaks is the absolute perfect venue to be transported to a different place and time. With its beautifully secluded yard with only the waterway flowing behind it. And perhaps a few baby alligators. It lends itself to creating so much effortless ambience. Marianne always makes sure every detail is thought through and staged just right.

Lacy drew her inspiration for the florals from lilies of the valley and european walkways lined with flowers. She envisioned all whites florals with greenery lining the aisle for the ceremony site, and Margaret Kelly Designs brought that vision to life. The bouquet was an understated bouquet that was absolutely in line with the romance of the vision. It’s petiteness was perfect. The Tenacious Tart made individual cakes for everyone in attendance for the day. Again, more petite details to fit the style of the day. Ooh! Events provided everything for the reception table.

A beautiful simple floral patterned on the side of the plates was so complimentary and stunning for the settings. Wild Ivory Beauty provided Shelby with perfect, timeless, romantic makeup and hair that complimented the style and theme so so very well. Plume Calligraphy created a suite that took us back in time and was so delicious to photograph. Shelby and Gibrelle were amazing. From beginning to end. They were a complete delight to be around and every single one of us vendors felt as though we were spending the day with our dear friends. Their appreciation for life, love, people is in everything they do. And I have to give so much credit to my friend Kelsey Halm Photography. She was my film loader, helped set up ceremony and reception, and worked so hard for every person involved with the day. And all with a smile and eagerness to help the whole time! The entire day was filled with joy, laughter and new friendships.

Answered: Experts give their top tips for finding your dream dress

Finding your dream wedding dress is no easy feat! Mermaid or ball gown? Sweetheart neckline or scoop neck? With almost endless options, it’s hard to know where to start. Diane Sotero Photography teamed up with a bevy of experts to help you find your perfect fit, with a lot of beautiful inspiration along the way. Styled and produced by Sofia Nascimento Studios, style lovers everywhere are in for a treat. Popular consensus? It’s less about the dress you choose and more about how the dress makes you feel. Be sure to visit the full gallery for even more darling dress ideas.

1. Discovering your Style and finding the perfect dress

It’s important to find a dress designer that is a good match. You can consult with your wedding planner or stylist to find the perfect designer for you. Ask your wedding planner to create a mood board to help you visualize your day in one big story and choose the style of the dress in accordance with the defined storyline.

Shella – Owner and Head Designer at Tanzilia

2. Something Unique

Choosing the perfect wedding gown doesn’t mean white is mandatory. Your wedding dress (and your entire look) should be as personal and loyal to your own identity as you desire it to be. There’s so much fun in combining fashion elements into your look, like some bold colored shoes and earrings in order to bring an unexpected pop of color or even going a bit further by choosing a colorful dress! The sky is the limit here, so dream big and have fun!

Sofia – Creative Director at Sofia Nascimento Studios

3.. One Wedding Dress is good, Two are even better!

Most brides can’t decide which silhouette to have on their wedding day. Some choose to cover up and appear elegant during their blessing ceremony and then go bold and glamorous during the dinner reception. That is why having two gowns is the best option. You will look totally different at your dinner party and pleasantly surprise your guests.

Mia – Owner & Stylist at Her Maid Of Honor

4. Don’t forget the Hair & Makeup

Be authentic and play around with styles. You don’t want to look like a different person than you really are. Especially because of weddings, it is always wise to choose a timeless look. It’s crucial that the bride feels comfortable right away with a hair & makeup test. Nothing guarantees a satisfied and beautiful client better than good communication, pointing likes and dislikes during the trial!

Tom Perdigao – Hair & Make Up Artist

5. Make sure you feel gorgeous and comfortable on your wedding day

Make sure you feel gorgeous on your big day! Try the entire look together and make sure you feel like the best version of yourself. If the dress is not fitting well or the makeup & hair is not your style, the chances of you not being happy with your wedding photos afterward are HUGE! Remember that it is your wedding, and you deserve to feel beautiful and comfortable on your day!

Diane Sotero – Luxury Wedding & Editorial Photographer

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A Florist’s Southern Wedding Bringing Her Texas Roots to Kentucky At A Private Residence!

When you work in the wedding industry and it’s your time to tie the knot, the pressure is on! But, for this floral designer of Lovely Leaves, her southern wedding came together, easy as pie with a little help from her (vendor) friends! Her MOH event planner, Taylor Bible Weddings, and friend Zach Brady Designs assisted in planning and coordinating the day from floral installations to backdrops, and hair and makeup were done by her friends at Southern Belles Beauty, all based out of Texas! The stunning floral wedding cake was even transported from the Lonestar state created by Lily’s Cakes and Dani Cowan Photography captured it all. Check it out below and read on to see how the day all came together!

From the Bride…Of all the wedding days I have ever been a part of, I love my own the most. Marrying into the event industry is not for the faint of heart, so my husband Aleks gets all of the gold stars. My husband is a saint. In reality, he is a surgeon, but he doesn’t bat an eye when he walks into a house filled with flowers and never fails to be by my side every wedding-filled weekend, even working up until our own wedding week. I am basically the luckiest girl in the world.

We knew that we would be married in the Catholic Church, and it was important to Aleks’ parents that we be married at their church, the church that he grew up in, the Cathedral of Christ the King in Lexington. I am originally from Texas, but moved to Kentucky with Aleks when he finished residency; the priest who married us, Father Martin, was from our Elizabethtown parish, Saint James Catholic Church. While we had set the date aside years in advance, we were rather late in choosing a reception venue. Late October is prime wedding season in Kentucky, so we were thrilled when his sister and her husband, Alicia and DB Kazee, offered to host the rehearsal dinner and wedding reception at their historic home in downtown Lexington. The boxwood gardens designed by Jon Carloftis were perfect for portraits and the house itself seems to have fallen out of the pages of an interior design magazine. We opted for a clear tent on the front lawn, so as not to take away from the scenic locale.

As a florist and event planner, it was so important to me that my wedding stood out from all of the others that we’ve designed over the years. That year alone, we had had over fifty other weddings. Selecting a color palette was probably the most difficult part of the planning process for me. Classic black tuxes and floor-length black bridesmaid gowns allowed for endless possibilities. Choosing linens, flatware, glassware, has never been more fun, nor more last minute. I chose velvet linens as velvet really popped that year and mauve as a neutral base—mauve goes with all other colors. I love seeing new decor as it comes in, so committing to rentals didn’t happen until the month prior when the white and gold flatware arrived at Bryant’s Rent All. Florals two weeks before when I placed the order with my wholesalers. My favorite flowers are peonies, anthuriums, dahlias, and orchids. Southern smilax is a staple at Lovely Leaves; you’ll find it sprawled throughout photo galleries of weddings I have designed, so it was only natural that my own wedding would be overflowing with the dreamy green vines.

I could not be more grateful for the contributions of some of my closest friends. Teresa from Studio W Designs and I have been working together since 2012, and she designed the most perfect stationery suite. My BBF and Maid of Honor Taylor Bible (event planner Taylor Bible Weddings) in addition to throwing me the most amazing mid-week Austin, Texas, bachelorette party, flew into the Bluegrass State early in the week to prep for the wedding. I hired my friend Zach Brady to coordinate; best decision ever. A floral genius in his own right, Zach didn’t even know what I ordered until two days before the wedding. The tent entrance was a bit of last-minute magic; Zach built exactly what I imagined though while Taylor and I built photo booth backdrops and set place settings.

We had the most professional DIY wedding ever. The wedding cake shown came all the way from Texas from my dear friend Lilian Halabi of Lily’s Cakes. We did serve local Kentucky cake as well from Batter & Buttercream. Hair and makeup came all the way from Texas as well: Years ago I planned both bridesmaid Victoria Taylor’s and her sister Allison Cooke’s weddings before they launched Southern Belles Beauty. Even my dress came from a hometown bridal salon, Georgio’s Bridal, in the Lonestar State. Our wedding was truly a mesh of Texas and Kentucky melded together, not just us, but our closest friends and family plus vendors from across the South.