I have one very serious case of shoe envy this morning and it’s all thanks to a pretty pair of fabulous (plus sparkly) flower-adorned heels.  Yes, I am in love.  Even better, they happen to be just one part of a Sarasota affair simply brimming with darling details, including gorgeous blooms by MMD Events, beautiful bridesmaid frocks and a vintage meets French countryside theme.  Swoon.  Thankfully, Pezz Photo was on hand to capture every last ounce of pretty… and that means an entire day of gallery gazing for me.  So, join me there for even more lovely and then stay tuned for an amazing video from Tampa Wonderworks Films below!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

And just when you thought you couldn’t adore this wedding any more than you already do, we have one very fabulous film from Tampa Wonderworks Films to make you fall even more in love.  Enjoy!

From Pezz Photo… Paige and Matt were all about the details with a touch of whimsy. Their French Countryside wedding took place in June at the historic, waterfront Powel Crosley Estate in Sarasota, Florida.  As guests arrived, they were greeted with the Old Ball and Chain Gazette whose headline read, “You Made It!”.  This newspaper was created by the bride and groom outlining the day’s events along with hilarious bios of the wedding party.

For the ceremony a variety of vintage mix-matched chairs and church pews were incorporated into the estates natural beauty. Above the bride and groom hung a simple yet lovely garland of ivy and tree fern.  The ceremony furniture was then transitioned around the property for a non-traditional reception.

Adding on the uniqueness of this event, guests who grew moustaches for the wedding were treated as VIPs all night.  Dark mahogany bars with bakers racks and artisan breads added to the French countryside feel. In lieu of a traditional photo booth the bride and groom opted for a vintage set-up of a small dresser which held an instant camera, a scrap book, and a chalkboard as a back drop for personalized messages.  As the sun set a pre-arranged fireworks display kicked off the party as a surprise to the bride and groom.

Wedding Photography: Amy Pezzicara of Pezz Photo / Second Shooters: Stephanie Smith + Michelle Fader / Wedding Venue: Powel Crosley Estate / Event Coordination: Elan Event Studio / Floral Design + Décor: MMD Events / Vintage Furniture Rentals + Specialty Bars: I Heart Vintage via MMD Events / Chiavari Chair + Table Rentals: Signature Event Rentals / Wedding Cinematography: Tampa Wonderworks Films / Paper Products: Seaside Invitations / Catering: Good Food Catering / Linens: Connie Duglin + Cloth Connection + BBJ Linens / Wedding Invitations: Oblation Papers & Press / Fireworks: Creative Pyrotechnics / Croquembouche: Small Batch Bakery / Favors: Blue Bottle Coffee / Music: Breezin’ Entertainment

A wedding like this is so easy to love. It’s chic and glamorous in the most perfect of New York ways and a venue like the Essex House adds a dash of grander that kind of leaves a blogger breathless. James Abel Events whipped up about a million beautiful details and 4Eyes Photography snapped about a million beautiful images. That’s a whole lot of beautiful and we haven’t even mentioned the crazy gorgeous that is the Bride’s Pnina Tornai dress. Bellissima! See it all here.

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From 4Eyes Photography…Phil has always made an effort to make Valentines Day a very special day.  Starting in 2008, Phil took Kelly out to a fantastic dinner in NYC and reserved a hotel suite full of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries for after dinner.  In 2009, the couple went to Paris, and had the most wonderful and romantic mini vacation.  Then in 2010, the Friday before Valentine’s Day, Phil told Kelly they were going to dinner, but first they would grab drinks at a bar near the restaurant.  When they walked in, Kelly was both annoyed and surprised.  This was not the intimate lounge Phil described, but rather a dive bar near Union Square—one that she realized she had been to before.  This was indeed the spot that Phil had first asked Kelly to “go steady” on a random Wednesday night in New York City.  Phil acted totally surprised, but equally annoyed by the alleged poor recommendation of  a co-worker.  He had Kelly completely fooled that he did not remember this unexpectedly significant place.  When Phil insisted they try the upstairs bar for a better scene, Kelly was skeptical.  As they climbed the stairs however, Kelly was greeted with a  beautiful display of roses and champagne.  Kelly gasped as she realized Phil did remember this place!  Before she could say a word, Phil was down on one knee, and Kelly could barely make out the word yes through her excitement and tears.  What followed was a whirlwind of limos, dinner, and celebrating with family.  The evening could not have been more special!

Choosing the venue is often  the first and arguably the biggest decision in wedding planning, but they were lucky  because as soon as they walked into the Essex House, with its magnificent painted murals, sky high ceilings, and glamorous chandeliers, the decision was an easy one!  They had lived near the Essex House for nearly 3 years after graduating from Cornell, and so the area, including Central Park. Columbus Circle and Fifth Avenue, had a special significance for the couple. Upon meeting with Jason Kwintner at the Essex House, Kelly easily pictured herself strolling down Central Park South in a fabulous wedding gown, elegantly posing with her new hubby while leaning on a statue in Columbus Circle, and then parading into the magnificent ballroom at the Essex House to celebrate their marriage with all of their family and friends.  And one year later they did just that!

From the Bride…I don’t pretend to know the first thing about flowers, decorating or wedding styles.  And here is where we were lucky enough to work with James Abel of James Abel Events.  All I did was give James adjectives – “formal”  ” elegant”  “glamorous ” “dramatic” – to name a few.  And boy did James deliver!  He understood exactly what I was looking for, guiding me where I needed to make decisions and taking the reigns when I confessed ignorance.  I’m not sure how someone in the industry might describe my wedding style, but I think the pictures speak for themselves…this was one fabulous event!

My husband is Jewish and I am Catholic, and it was a big deal to us to equally incorporate and feature both religions in our ceremony.  We had both a Priest and a Rabbi marry us, and incorporated elements of both traditions, as well as adding some practices of our own, including the reading of notes written to each other months before the wedding.  The ceremony then became a celebration of both of our religious traditions, as well as the personal commitment and love we share with each other.  It was so special, and had all 200 of our family and friends both laughing and crying throughout the ceremony .

I have many favorite moments! The entire day was amazing and  every moment was more special and unforgettable than the next!  I can think of some outstanding moments — the arrival of my bridesmaids to my hotel suite at the Essex House in the morning filling the room with excitement (and nervousness!), painstakingly tying the strings to my amazing Pnina Tornai corset dress, strutting down Central Park South with my sister carrying my train (very Pippa Middleton!), and that doesn’t even get us to the ceremony or reception!  My favorite pictures are those of me and my new hubby in Central Park and Columbus Circle. Other amazing moments include doing the Horah — a first for me and my family but a wonderful and fun tradition! — tearing up during my Dad’s speech, Phil getting a cold, scented towel to cool down after dancing  too much, a dear friend whispering in my ear that the wedding was so “us.”  And likely a hundred others that still occasionally pop in my head in the middle of a work day or while running on a treadmill, and that always make me smile.

Wedding Photography: 4Eyes Photography / Wedding Videography: Bryan Sarkinen / Planning, Event + Floral Design: James Abel Events / Invitation Design: James Abel Events / Venue, Cake + Desserts: Essex House / Wedding Gown: Pnina Tornai / Bridesmaid Dresses: Jim Hjelm / Lighting: Stortz Lighting

Oh Massachusetts do we have some lovelies to introduce to you this morning! Just another reason Saturdays are so fabulous, don’t you think? To start, any New Englander knows the wonder that is the magical seaside town of Newport, and anyone who knows Newport knows there isn’t a place quite as special as Castle Hill. Am I right? Then get ready to be blown away by some beautiful bouquets by Dogwood Floral Design – I could stare at them all day, and I very well just might. And then we have the take-your-breath-away-it’s-so-gorgeous bridal bouquet that is Everthine. If you can walk in there and not swoon, well I just don’t know if we can be friends. Long story short, we have some of the best of the best to introduce you to this morning, so I highly recommend sticking around for awhile!

From Castle Hill…Vast ocean views of a golden horizon with naturally elegant surroundings, stunning in their simplicity; a one-of-a-kind historic estate aged with the warmth of old-world charm; privacy of a forty-acre peninsula, a white sand beach and wooded walking trails; world-class accommodations, individual and unique; eye-catching, award-winning cuisine and our service team, welcoming and ready to host with grace. This is the legacy of Castle Hill- an inspiring array of unique possibilities guided by the seasonal beauty of the New England year. Classic summertime lawn parties and glowing galas beneath the open sky; gourmet lobster bakes on the beach in the cooling autumn eve; fireplaces warm while snow glistens and intimate promises are made…this is your day at Castle Hill. A member of the prestigious Relais &Chateaux, Castle Hill remains one of Newport’s most iconic landmarks- the epitome of the luxurious 19^th century New England seacoast life.

From Dogwood Floral Design…We are are boutique floral design studio focusing on weddings & special events in Boston and throughout Southern New England. Genuine passion and creative flair combine to create designs that are unique and sophisticated. We take pride in our relationships we forge with our clients and bringing their visions to life is our goal and greatest satisfaction. Tell us about your favorite flower to win a chance a FREE bridal bouquet (valued up to $150)! What is your favorite flower you’d like to include in your bridal bouquet? Leave a comment below with your favorite flower and your wedding location and date and Dogwood Floral Design will select a winner by December 9th.

Photography: Michelle Gardella

About Everthine…Everthine was created with the unique and modern bride in mind. Upon entering, you will feel a vintage nostalgia that will make your heart flutter. Our designers portray vintage details, soft elegance, and bohemian spirit. From Jenny Packham to Sarah Seven, we carry high-end designers large and small. At Everthine, our dresses are hand selected with the unique bride in mind. We choose our gowns so that each bride feels special, different, and one-of-a-kind. From unique headpieces to vintage jewelry, we pride ourselves on offering brides a chance to personalize their wedding style from head to toe with the one-on-one attention every bride deserves. We are centrally located on the Connecticut Shoreline in Madison, CT.

We hope you love our newest advertisers as much as we do and make sure to stop by their sites and show them some SMP support! Welcome aboard everyone, we’re happy to have you join our Style Me Pretty Massachusetts family! xoxo

 

Happy weekend lovelies!  We’ve had an exciting week here at SMP Illinois with a beautiful urban Chicago wedding, a romantic garden ballroom celebration and an awesome inspiration board challenge winner!  We can’t forget who makes it possible for us to bring you such fabulousness every week and that’s our advertisers.  We have a couple phenomenal vendors to spotlight today.  With her sweet style and eco-conscious products Amanda Hein Photography is a Chicago photographer you’ll surely want to check out.  And get ready to have your breath taken away by the beautiful couture creations by Justina McCaffrey.

From Amanda Hein Photography… Ever since I was a little girl I have loved photography, capturing the world around me as it is.  Ordinary details seen in a different way all of a sudden come alive to me.  Light, atmosphere, relationships, and emotion are my driving forces behind my work.  Staying in tune with the environment is also important to me – not only observing changing light and the beauty of textures, colors and shapes but also giving back.  I offer a variety of eco-conscious products including albums, bamboo mounted prints and art prints printed on recycled materials with soy-based inks.  I work with my clients and their families from start to finish, every meeting, every shoot, every email and every phone call.

I’ve been in business since ’05 and opened our boutique studio location in River West (Chicago) this year.

From Justina McCaffrey… Justina McCaffrey is a wedding dress designer. She is currently According to CTV sheis “Canada’s most celebrated wedding dress designer.” The Globe and Mail describesher as a “Rising Star, The hottest designer in the country.” She brings over 20 years ofindustry experience in almost every area of wedding dress design and business.

Kleinfeld president, Mara Ushal describes Justina as a “trendsetter” and statesthat “Many of Justina’s styles have been bestsellers, and one specifically has beennumber one in our company for several seasons. That’s quite an accomplishment sincewe have over a thousand samples.”

Welcome to the SMP family!  We are so happy to have you!  Make sure to stop by their websites and show them some SMP love.

Happy weekend everyone!  There has been so much inspiration packed into this week from romantic barn weddings to chic garden weddings.  Today we’d like to give a very special thanks to one of our advertisers who helps make it possible for us to inspire week after week.  The florist extraordinaires at Flower Talk are masters at creating lush, romantic, works of art out of flowers.  Make sure you spend sometime today on their website today…you will not be sorry!  And check out their amazing giveaway below!

From Flower Talk… Flower Talk provides flowers for weddings, corporate functions and special events. Flower Talk is a Western Australian owned and operated company, which has prided itself on delivering high quality, unqiue, and personalized service for over 10 years. Jappalin Manning is the the owner and her team of bloom stylists has built a reputation as one of Perth’s leading wedding florists.

As a special one off offer for the next 2 months if any brides mention ‘SMP Australia’ when they book & confirm flower talk will provide a complimentary throwaway bouquet.

Now make your way on over to their site to show them some SMP love and support.  Believe me, there is a whole lot of pretty to be seen!

Happy weekend everyone!  Thanks for hanging out with us during another fabulous week at the SMP Georgia blog!  We’ve seen so many gorgeous Southern soiree’s lately and we’d love to give a special thanks to our advertisers who make all the pretty possible!  Today we have the fun photographers from Fixed Focal Photography who deliver incredible, light and love-filled images that are sure to steal your heart.  Please join me in giving them a big SMP Georgia welcome!  Make sure you check out their giveaway below too!

From Fixed Focal Photography… We are Ashley and Jon, best friends and soul mates, who discovered our passion together as story tellers – telling love stories through the lens of our cameras.  Our style is colorful, emotional and genuine.  We love natural light, natural laughter and are in love with all kinds of beautiful, awesome, adorable love!

To celebrate us joining the amazing Style Me Pretty family, we are offering a free engagement session to the first 5 SMP readers who book a wedding with us!  Just mention Style Me Pretty when you reserve your wedding date!

To see our latest work, more about us or to just say hi, visit our blog.

We hope you love our newest Advertisers as much as we do and make sure to stop by their sites and show them some SMP support! Welcome aboard everyone, we’re happy to have you join our Style Me Pretty Georgia family!

Planning your wedding. It’s the best, isn’t it? You’ve been dreaming about this since you were in Kindergarten. With all the love and details and laughter, good food, great friends and family, dancing, cake. Your dreamy new husband. The downside to all the fun and excitement of planning your dream day? Well, money seems to start flying out the window at every turn. And try as you may, you just can’t get that darn money tree in the backyard to start sprouting $100 bills. What’s a bride to do? Well Your Dream Dress has you covered, at least on your gown and all the fashion trappings that go along with it. But how, you ask? At Your Dream Dress, you can find genuine, new, couture wedding dresses by some of the best designers on the planet such as Vera Wang, Badgley Mischka, Oscar de la Renta, Reem Acra, Monique Lhullier and more. And here’s the kicker… they’re all listed at up to 90% off!

Can you even believe that dresses and accessories like these can be found at up to 90% off? It’s true! And we have bridal expert, Kimberly Hoffman to thank for all this prettiness and savings. Kimberly founded Your Dream Dress in 2004 as an online bridal store with the ambitious mission of bringing the finest quality, top designer, couture bridal gowns (new gowns, directly from designers, overbuys, samples, canceled wedding gowns without alterations, etc) and accessories to brides everywhere, even those without a functional money tree. And yes, besides gowns, they also have sashes, veils, jewelry, shoes and more! Best of all, all gowns and accessories are new and 100% authentic. Can it get any better, you ask? It sure can. Your Dream Dress offers a No Risk Return Policy which allows buyers to try on one or more dresses in your own home without any pressure. You can try it on and think it over with the help of friends, family, your seamstress before any final decisions are made. Keep the dress for three days and if you don’t fall in love with it, send it back. All you pay is the shipping cost!

And since this is your lucky day and Your Dream Dress loves SMP Readers so much, they are offering a Giveaway and a discount!! One super lucky reader is going to win a $450 Gift Certificate to Your Dream Dress! To enter, simply go to their website, browse through both the Gowns and Accessories and then comment below, telling us your favorite gown and accessory. One bride will be chosen at random and announced on Friday, December 2nd. AND from now until December 2nd, everyone can enjoy an EXTRA 20% off everything on the site by using the Discount Code: PRETTY20. Thank you Your Dream Dress!

Good morning New York! Rise and shine because we have some oh so pretty people to introduce to you fine folks today! From gorgeous gowns to pretty pictures to stylish stationery to beauty – today we have it all covered. First up is the every so lovely bridal boutique, Everthine. I don’t think I’ve seen a more picture perfect place in quite some time! Then we have the talented Jennifer Davis Photography – whose images are priceless keepsakes to say the least. Intima Press Letterpress Design Studio follows in their pretty foot steps, and if you know how much I swoon over stationery, you know I am in love with this little shop. Last, but certainly not least, is Jackie Schneider Beauty. Oh how I am thankful for those in the industry that can make my tired eyes look perfectly perky (you know what I’m talking about!). There is a lot to cover this morning, so settle in, pull those blankets up and get to know some of our favorite friends! And don’t forget, there are deals lurking below!

Photography: Michelle Gardella

About Everthine…Everthine was created with the unique and modern bride in mind. Upon entering, you will feel a vintage nostalgia that will make your heart flutter. Our designers portray vintage details, soft elegance, and bohemian spirit. From Jenny Packham to Sarah Seven, we carry high-end designers large and small. At Everthine, our dresses are hand selected with the unique bride in mind. We choose our gowns so that each bride feels special, different, and one-of-a-kind. From unique headpieces to vintage jewelry, we pride ourselves on offering brides a chance to personalize their wedding style from head to toe with the one-on-one attention every bride deserves. We are centrally located on the Connecticut Shoreline in Madison, CT.

From Jennifer Davis Photography…I’ve been documenting weddings for six years now and I have to say I have the best job.. I get to be around people on the happiest day of their lives! I get to capture all of that emotion and beauty of the day. I’d like to offer a free lifestyle shoot in New York City to one SMP reader. Just leave a comment below with your proposal story  and Jennifer will pick a winner next week!

From Intima Press Letterpress Design Studio…Letterpress printing continues to excite with the most readable, elegant text available, as 3-dimensional letters or a relief plate is pressed into a lush, high quality cotton paper. At theLetterpress Designs Studio, located on Union Square in the heart of  Manhattan, we have been printing letterpress for over 15 years.  We honor the labor and elegance of past traditions and approach each design with the greatest care and attention to detail.  Our designs are a union of art historical traditions and modern sensibilities. We work with you to provide you with custom handmade invitation suites as unique as you are.  Our vintage letterpress renders beautiful impressions of your text and images.  Everything we do is crafted by hand and custom designed. Our high-end Artistic Printing reflects the importance of your special day, as the crisp, deep impression of Letterpress sets the tone of your wedding while making a lasting impact with your guests. We are pleased to offer 50 free thank you notes with every wedding invitation set ordered.  Simply mention SMP in your e-mail or call!

From Jackie Schneider Beauty…From weddings and events, to pin-up, to editorial and headshots, any opportunity to help transform someone’s look (however subtle or extreme), is an exciting prospect for me. I love getting to know my clients and take extra time with each of you to make sure you’re comfortable. My bridal consultations are extremely thorough and personalized. However long it takes, I work with clients until they feel confident and comfortable so that they go into their big day without any stress about beauty services.

Though I started playing with my mom’s makeup as a kid and haven’t put the brushes down since, it’s taken me a while to figure out that my beauty skills could be more than a passion I pursued on the side. I received a BA in English at Cornell University and an MA in Journalism at NYU. I’ve worked as an editor, researcher and fact-checker for several top glossy magazines (In Style, Harper’s Bazaar, House & Garden, Shape, to name a few), but I spent my weekends building Jackie Schneider Beauty and taking makeup jobs. In Fall of 2010, I decided to pursue the beauty biz full-time, and enrolled in ARROJO Cosmetology School run by the “What Not to Wear” television hair guru Nick Arrojo. Having added hairstylist to my list of skills, beautifying people is my career. From now through the remainder of 2011, SMP readers will receive 15% off of beauty services. Fill out the contact form at jackieschneiderbeauty.com and mention SMP to receive this discount.

We hope you love our newest advertisers as much as we do and make sure to stop by their sites and show them some SMP support! Welcome aboard everyone, we’re happy to have you join our Style Me Pretty New York family! xoxo

 

There’s really nothing better than a Saturday morning spent curled up on the couch with a pumpkin spice latte in hand (my fave Autumn treat) and an entire day of wedding gorgeous on the agenda.  And today is an especially lovely Saturday here on SMP California, because we have one very fabulous advertiser to introduce you to… and that means a day filled with even more pretty, pretty inspiration to peruse.  I know, right?!?  We’re excited, too.  So, without furtho ado, let me introduce you to the amazing Lace and Likes… the brand new (plus fantastic) member of our SMP family and the very talented planning and design team that will blow your mind with their breathtaking soirees.  Seriously, when you take one look at all of the lovely below, you won’t be able to contain yourself.  So, join me in giving Lace and Likes a big SMP welcome… and then head on over to their website and show them some love!

From Lace and Likes… Lace and Likes is a wedding and event planning and design business based out of Southern California. Specializing in handcrafted events, we create events that are centered around the couple and their unique personalities.

L&L is all about the little details of your wedding and works to make each part of your day stand out. We craft, create, design and organize, all with the goal of making your day absolutely stunning while still assuring everything goes smoothly. We strive to put as much thought and intention into your day as we would our own.

Lace and Likes began in August of 2010. After planning my own wedding, I was totally taken with the whole process and decided I’d love nothing more than to work helping other couples with their big days!

Lace and Likes is offering the following special to the SMP audience: 15% off any one of our packages if you book in the next 30 days!  Please email Rachael directly at contact@laceandlikes.com with SMP Promo in the subject line.

Gorgeous, right?!?  Not to mention one very awesome promotion just for SMP readers!  It’s a wonderful Saturday, indeed!  Welcome to the family, Lace and Likes!  We are so happy to have you!

Good morning, SMPers and a very happy Saturday to you!  We’re so glad you stopped on by this lovely Fall morning, because we have three brand new spectacular advertisers to introduce you to and they are about to pretty up your weekend with a whole lot of gorgeous inspiration and awe-inspiring moments that are sure to make you swoon.  And, really, what better way to spend a Saturday than with the geniuses of Varese Wedding, the oh-so-amazing Ana Lui Photography and the uber-fabulous Mon plus beau jour?  Honestly, it just doesn’t get much better than this.  So, join me in giving these wedding pros a big SMP welcome, take in every ounce of lovely below (There’s a lot of it, including a fabulous giveaway!) and then head right on over to their websites, where even more pretty awaits!  It’s going to be a wonderful day!

From Mon plus beau jour… Since its creation in 2003, Mon plus beau jour has specialized in the planning of prestigious weddings.  To this date, we are proud to have designed and organized many sumptuous weddings and events in France and around the globe for a refined clientele.

Mon plus beau jour offers a second agency at your disposal in New York; thus, should you wish to get married in France, you will be able to meet with a dedicated and trustworthy representative in New York to assist you.

Mon plus beau jour helps craft a wedding day to satisfy your imagination.  Your requirements and desires are studiously met and exceeded.  Talent, creativity, professionalism and attention to detail combine with sophistication and style into a splendid occasion, an event that suits you perfectly.

From Varese Wedding… Varese Wedding is a wedding design and planning company based in Italy, near Lake Como and Milan.  We love helping couples living abroad to arrange a beautiful and stress-free wedding in Italy at the best value.  Living here enables us to have unlimited contacts and resources, so we can create a personal and unique wedding for every couple.  As every couple is different from another, we tailor-make every wedding.  From Intimate Elopements to a big party, our effort and passion is the same.

Italy is the most beautiful country in Europe for having a special event.

Here you will find old history, beautiful nature, romantic places and great food.  All the right ingredients for a fairytale wedding.  A wedding in Italy is suitable in every season: a winter wedding in the Italian Alps, under the snow, a spring wedding on the Italian Lakes, a summer wedding on the Italian beaches and a fall wedding in the Italian countrysides.  Varese Wedding can help you arrange your unique event in the most romantic locations in Italy.  Are you dreaming about an exclusive event or just a simple ceremony with amazing views?  We have many venues to suggest.  You have only to choose the date and we can arrange everything.

From Ana Lui Photography… We believe that your photographs have to make you happy. We also believe in celebrity treatment of every single bride and groom! We believe that Ibiza is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, that’s why we are based here on this magical little island. We believe in modern, relaxed and fun style when it comes to wedding photography.  We LOVE what we are doing and we are really good at it! That’s what makes us unique…

I started shooting in 2007 after graduating from Plymouth University in the UK (Media Arts) and I haven’t stopped since!  Beginning of this year I’ve opened my photography studio in the heart of Ibiza’s Old Town and now our team consists of myself (Ana Lui), my second photographer Eva Kruiper and the best videographer in the world Giacomo Gex. We shoot, film, edit, run workshops and travel. It’s truly unbelievable how much we’ve achieved in 3 years time and now we can’t wait till summer 2012 to shoot weddings in South Africa, France and UK.

Because we LOVE Style Me Pretty so so much, we will be giving away Simple Photography wedding packages for FREE to the first THREE readers who’ll contact us.  Simple package includes 4 hours of photographic reportage on your wedding day, unlimited images shot within the time frame, all picks retouched in colour and black & white and copyright free discs that you can share with family and friends. We are based in Ibiza but if you are planning your wedding anywhere else in the world we can come to you!  Please email me for more INFO – ana@analui.com and say I LOVE Style Me Pretty to win!

Amazing, no?!?  Make sure to visit each of their websites and show them some SMP love!  Welcome to the family Varese Wedding, Ana Lui Photography and Mon plus beau jour!  We are so happy to have you!

Oh my goodness, hasn’t this been the most wonderful week of inspiration here on Style Me Pretty?!?  We most certainly think so.  In fact, we are loving this week so very, very much, we couldn’t say goodbye to all of the gorgeous just yet.  No, we have one last dose of pretty for you wedding lovers out there, all courtesy of this uber-fabulous boho-inspired photo shoot and the stylings of NLC Productions.  Trust us, you’ll want to be sure to soak in every last ounce of eclectic goodness before you head off into your weekend festivities, because this seaside session is just.that.good.  Click here for every last brilliant image captured by Lacie Hansen Photography and then have yourselves a spectacular weekend, lovelies!

Click here to see the entire image gallery!

As a designer, Nico felt a little stifled by the spring trend that focused on tight, monochromatic arrangements and wanted to style a shoot that allowed him to let his floral design flow a little more free.  He wanted to focus on a more handpicked feel as shown by the wildflower sprays and loosely arranged floral he designed for this shoot.  Nico was also inspired by the boho trend whirling through fashion and wanted to translate it into the wedding world.

The color scheme we focused on featured colors that would pop off the ocean landscape featuring fresh yellows, and greens.  We wanted the shoot to feel like a setting that our couple just happened upon during a romantic walk on the beach.  The lost and found items including the vintage trunks, depression glass, and wrought iron gates all contribute to the boho theme.

All the couples we use for photoshoots are real couples which makes the photos more romantic and intimate.

Photography: Lacie Hansen Photography / Event Designer, Floral Designer, and Stylist: Nico Cervantes of NLC Productions / Hair and Makeup: Mar from TEAM Hair & Makeup / Models: Veronika and Torin Goodnight

If you missed any, here are all of our pretty posts from the week:

a beautiful Bald Island affair
a romantic Brooklyn fête
a breathtaking Seattle soiree
a stunning Australian affair
a fabulous rehearsal dinner inspiration shoot
an eco-friendly Palm Springs affair
a day filled with eight gorgeous weddings
a blush colored Rhode Island stunner
a vintage Camarillo affair
a beyond gorgeous Santa Barbara soiree
a succulent-filled California fête
a charming Vermont affair

Some fabulous links from around the web:

one very sweet proposal via A Cup of Jo
oh-so-fabulous DIY glittered flatware via Oh Happy Day
yummy baked pumpkin and sour cream pudding via Smitten Kitchen

We’d like to extend a warm welcome to our newest Little Black Book members…

CW Designs
Noria Jewelry
Signature Invitation by Silvana Misantone
A WHITE ORCHID WEDDING, INC.
Krystle Akin
Paper Damsels
LYNDSAY UNDSETH PHOTOGRAPHY
Artistry Designs Group
Lisa Proctor Airbrush Makeup Artist
Invitations & Company

To apply to become a member of our LBB click here. We’d love to hear from you!

And, last, but certainly not least… we have a winner to announce!

Bridal beauty services company, Under Her Veil, selected one lucky winner on Style Me Pretty New York to receive a complimentary hair and makeup trial, along with a Luxe beauty survival kit. Congratulations to Dana M.!

Have a pretty, pretty weekend! See you back here Monday morning. xoxo

Can you believe the holidays are just about upon us, LBBers? We’re all in a frenzy over here at the SMP offices getting ready for our rad turkey days. Luckily, as at least I know I’m not quite ready for Thanksgiving just yet, we’ve got one weekend to get our gourds out, practice our pie baking, and warm up our stomachs for a day of feasting. Before I send you off to prep, however, I do have a feast for your eyes – this fantastic engagement shoot courtesy of Scobey Photography. So take it in for a moment of calm before the wonderful holiday festivities begin, and we’ll see you here next week! xoxo

Photography: Scobey Photography / Styling: Melanie, Lucky + Lovely / Venue: Serenbe

The week of weddings all tied up in a pretty bow:

a contemporarily purple highlight film from Atlanta with a sweet and sassy couple at the center
a fantastic fresh Oregon vineyard affair with the most adorably in love bride & groom
a Los Angeles ballroom wedding full of grandeur and love
a romantic Roman holiday intimate affair
a beyond amazing floral design in a wedding to match in Hawaii
a California winery fête fit for romancing rockstars
a modern and clean Minnesota soiree with gorgeous, gorgeous flowers
a chic Oregon soiree with the most beautiful couple
a heaven on earth affair in a lovely New Jersey garden

A few of our favorite things, courtesy of the web:

a warm & rustic bit of Thanksgiving inspiration to get you ready for next week via Design*Sponge
a sweet soiree strait from Georgia filled with simple inspiration via Once Wed
a few coppery deets perfect for any soiree, fancy pants or not via The Ritzy Bee Blog

Okay all you New Jersey area brides – I’ve got good news. I have found heaven on earth. Or the Garden of Eden. Or something completely different, but equally as amazing, gorgeous, and breathtaking – and it’s in the Garden State. This gorgeous love-filled soiree takes place at my new favorite place, Grounds for Sculpture. And on top of that, it is filled to the perfect brim with absolute jealousy-inducing details. And a couple who could give you a toothache. Captured by the utter talent that is mk Photography, this affair is an instant favorite. To see what I mean, visit the gallery here.

Manny and Tara met while working at Bloomingdale’s in NYC. They had worked together for over a year but it was never more than a friendly hello. Then one day a mutual friend asked them to go to her wedding. Neither one of us had a date, so she said you don’t live far from each other just go together. So Manny and Tara went to the wedding and had an amazing time. That night they made plans for a date the following week.

Manny and Tara had gone through their share of ups and downs. Manny was promoted to a Senior position at Bloomingdale’s and moved to Orlando while Tara stayed in New Jersey. They spent every few weeks trying to see each other for nine months. Then one day when Tara was visiting Manny in Florida he was offered another promotion in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Manny came and told Tara and asked her if he should take it, and if she wanted to go? Tara always loved the area around Washington DC, and her roommate had just gotten engaged and was moving out. So she figured why not, I have to move anyway — so that’s what she did. Tara followed Manny down to Alexandria.

After five years together Manny popped the question on the Fourth of July while watching the fireworks at the Chart House in Alexandria, Virginia, since that was the first place they shared a home.

It took Manny and Tara five months to find a venue for the wedding. Tara’s worst fear was to have a typical wedding, she wanted it to feel different and special. Tara’s Mom and Dad took Manny and Tara there as an engagement celebration, and Tara knew this was it! The ceremony took place on the Grounds for Sculpture at the nine muses, cocktails and dinner followed at Rat’s restaurant. It could not have been more perfect.

Venue: Rat’s Restaurant at Grounds for Sculpture / Cake: Design Cakes / Flowers: Dee’s Flowers and Gifts / Hair & Makeup: Valina Salon and Spa / Photography: mk Photography

This vintage inspired wedding is chock-full of pretty colors and some of the sweetest DIYs you ever did see. Right now we’re totally loving the white tent lined with vintage handkerchiefs, the tea tins turned floral vases, and the picturesque Vermont setting including a sweet, little love chapel. Dreamlove Wedding Photography captured all the details perfectly and if you’re like me and love a pretty, outdoor New England fete, you can click here for even more.

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From Dreamlove Wedding Photography…Andrea and Joe had one of the most quintessential New England weddings we’ve photographed yet.  They incorporated some very cool DIY ideas into their day, had fun lawn games for guests, and happened to get one of the most beautiful sunsets we’ve seen in a long time.  But, what struck us about their wedding was that they somehow managed to have everything in balance on their wedding day.  What I mean is, they didn’t over-do it with the decorations.  They had their ceremony in a church that fit roughly the same number of guests they invited, and they didn’t sweat the details.  I feel like, as photographers, we see so many couples who want to incorporate tons of decoration ideas into their wedding.  Sometimes, I feel like this can work depending on the venue and number of guests, but more often than not, I feel like the amount and variety of decoration can overwhelm guests.  And when there is so much to take in, I think in the end, lots of folks miss the details that couples put so much work into!

Andrea and Joe did a great job of picking a simple decoration theme (colorful cardstock paper circles and hearts sewn together) and using that theme to tie their wedding together. Andrea was able to get a room at the Wildflower Inn in Lyndonville, Vermont to get ready in, and it happened to have the most gorgeously “classic” Vermont backdrop ever!  Before Andrea and Joe met for their first look photo, they exchanged love letters.  It was such a sweet idea, and really seemed to keep things in perspective for the day.  After shooting some lovely rustic portraits of Andrea and Joe (including one where we were surprised by a crew of bicyclists!), we headed to the Newark Union Church for their ceremony.

Andrea and Joe had worked together to create several garlands of paper cardstock hearts and circles which they strung up around the alter of the church.  The simple garlands really added a romantic shabby-chic feel to their ceremony.  They also designed simple paper cones for guests to scoop dried flower petals and toss as they exited the ceremony.The tent reception was just a short walk from the church, and it was held in Joe’s parent’s backyard.  Again, they had strung up garlands of cardstock circles from all corners of the tent, and decorated the tables using tea tins as flower vases.  They hung old family photos on a vintage bird cage, and handed out adorable porcelain bird salt and pepper shakers as gifts!  Andrea hung vintage handkerchiefs that belonged to both of her grandmothers along one wall of the tent, and also wrapped one around her gorgeous rose bouquet.  After dancing and toasting, the evening was topped off with one of the most gorgeous sunsets we’ve seen all summer.  This was truly a perfect Vermont wedding.

Wedding Photography: Dreamlove Wedding Photography / Ceremony Venue: Newark Union Church / Reception Venue: Private Residence / Bride + Groom Portrait Location: The Wildflower Inn / Wedding Dress: Inspired by Monique Lhuillier / Bride’s Shoes: Bouquets / Groom’s Suit: J.Crew / Groom’s Shoes: Cole Haan / Bride’s Jewelry: Nadri / Rings: Blue Nile / Bride’s Hair Flowers: Lucia Bella / Groom’s Ring: Rings by the Fox and the Bird / Catering + Cupcakes/Cake: Market Cafe / Music: Val Davis / Floral Design: All About Flowers / Tent: Northern Vermont Tent Rental / Stationery: Andrea Martucci

Being an interior designer, this bride knows a thing or two about creating a memorable and aesthetically pleasing space and that’s exactly what she did for her sweet, vintage-inspired, garden wedding.  Giving into her love of flea market scouring and antique treasure collecting she put together a pretty as can be package of white and green details with mismatched vases and romantic, lacy touches.  David Nget Photography photographed all the lovely details and Naumann Studios captured the day with their vintage chic film that you can check out below.  See all the details in the full gallery!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride…My name is Hillary, and when my husband Ryan and I envisioned our wedding we wanted something that felt vintage, intimate, unique, handmade, and had the comfort of home.  My husband and I also wanted incorporate our shared Irish heritage in the wedding especially since we went to Ireland for our honeymoon.  I am an interior designer, so I love the design process.  Since neither of our families had the kind of home that would accommodate our guests for the reception, we found an amazing property called the Jones Victorian Estate in Orange, CA.  This family owned and operated venue was the perfect setting for our vintage inspired home wedding.  On the estate there is a beautiful white Victorian house built in 1881 with beautiful gardens and property surrounding the home.

As an interior designer I love to shop for treasures and really love old, timeworn items.  I found some beautiful things at local flea markets for the centerpieces, and various decor throughout the wedding.  Each table was unique using a mixture of antique vases, teacups, vintage books, handmade doilies, Velvet ribbon, and vintage silver teapots.  We selected florals that were old fashioned like garden roses, gardenias, peonies, ranunculus, and waxflower.  The bouquets had velvet ribbons and lace, fastened with cameos.  For our DIY projects my mom and dad helped me to build a custom vintage crescent moon photo backdrop, and a old fashioned camera with tripod which had a Polaroid camera attached for guests to take pictures with fun props!  Other handmade items were our welcome sign, suitcase with sign for cards, and my absolute favorite item was the cake topper that my mom handmade which is truly beautiful.  Our cake was also designed to look homemade even though we had an amazing gourmet baker make it.  It did not have frosting on the outside, but had lots of yummy whipped icing layers and fresh flowers. We felt it had a soft warmth adding to the home feel of the wedding.

To add the Irish influence we played some Irish instrumental music during the ceremony, served Murphy’s Irish Stout (Murphy is my new last name) and incorporated the ancient Irish “hand-fasting “ ritual in our ceremony  in which a handmade cord of ribbon is tied around the couples hands uniting them in marriage.Our music selections were mostly from the 30’s and 40’s.  The band that played during the cocktail hour was my Dad’s band Riff Raff (minus my Dad) which is a vintage string quartet who plays a lot of Django Rinehardt songs from the 30’s. The entire wedding felt like you had stepped back in time!

The photographs were taken by David Nget Photography, and we feel he really captured the day and just love his aesthetic.  We also had an amazing videographer from Naumann Studios who put together a wonderful short video of our special day, I love to watch it and remember how lovely it all was.

Venue + Catering: Jones Victorian Estate / Wedding Photography: David Nget Photography / Wedding Cinematography: Naumann Studios / Event Designer: Hillary Nichols Interiors (Bride) / Event Coordinator: Michelle Gregory of Jones Victorian Estate / Make-up: Noel Nichols Make up Artistry / Hair: Janine Jarman of Hairroin Salon (Celebrity stylist from Shear Genius TV Show) / Wedding Cake: Missy’s Devine Desserts / Floral Design: Flower Allie Weddings / Officiant: Ty Woolworth / Ceremony Music: Sascha Nichols + Eric Nichols (Father of the Bride) / Band: Riff Raff / DJ: Dolce Entertainment / Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal Collection / Wedding Jewelry: Nadri Collection via Nordstrom / Bride’s Shoes: Dyables (flower details added by the Bride) / Bridesmaid Dresses: Jasmine Bridal / Groom’s Suit: Custom / Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Friar Tux / Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas / Wedding Cake Topper: Dawn Nichols of Coronation Cake Toppers

When it came to the biggest day of their lives, these high school sweethearts knew just what they wanted: a fun party where all their guests could be free to mingle and enjoy each and every moment. And that’s exactly what they got. And they also got married at one of the cutest chapels I’ve ever seen. Matthew Evans Photography was there to capture all the details of the day including the bride’s fun and flirty dress that she designed all by herself. Click here for even more!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride…Chris and I are high school sweethearts!  We met in high school in Sydney at a shy 12 years old, were good friends throughout our school years, then started dating at age 16.  We both studied in Sydney, and then I completed my university degree and was offered a job in Cairns, while Chris remained in Sydney to finish his study.  Chris says the one year of long distance relationship made him realize he wanted to spend his life with me, and he surprised me by flying up to propose on a beach near Cairns!  We knew it would be lovely to have a Spring wedding in far north Queensland, so started planning the wedding at Port Douglas.

Using a cute personalized ‘love heart’ motif by Cairns designer Bonni Barker, Chris & I hand created all of our stationery- invitations, church booklets, menu’s, signs. It felt like we were back in primary school cutting and gluing, but it was fun to prepare these together in the lead up to our special day and well worth the effort. Our church booklet cover also featured a photograph from our amazing engagement shoot with photographer, Matthew Evans.

I designed my own wedding dress and had it made by Irene Costa of Devine Bridal, Cairns.  I always loved the idea of a short wedding dress and it was important to me that I was able to party and dance in it! I also had a special pair of glitter party shoes to change into for the reception which was my favourite accessory.

Our ceremony was held at St Mary’s by the Sea Chapel, Port Douglas, which is a gorgeous, intimate chapel in a beautiful climate. And having our wedding in North Queensland gave our family & friends from Sydney a great excuse for a holiday.

Chris & I had a clear vision of the fun, party vibe that we wanted for our reception, and the Sea Temple Golf Club allowed us to fullfil this idea! We started the night with a selection of cocktail food served at our indoor cocktail bars and lounges, as well as a playful chipping competition onto the golf course. Then an amazing buffet of food was served, with dinner tables arranged along the veranda overlooking the golf course and in the courtyard around a fig tree, decorated with beautiful outdoor lights and lanterns.  We did not have a bridal table and allowed our guests to choose their own seats for dinner, which encouraged everyone to eat at their leisure, go back for seconds, mingle, dance, or sneak off to the photo booth! Chris has a big sweet tooth, so a lolly bar was a must.  We filled it with chocolates, classic lollies, and lots of sour sweets (Chris’s favorite!).

One of our favorite moments was the dance off between Kate and new sister-in-law Rikka, which got all the guests dancing and doing the “dougie!” Another favorite moment was listening to the beautiful, heart-felt speeches from our parents, Best Man and Maid of Honor. My older sister and Maid of Honor, Amy Jane, surprised us by organizing fire lanterns for all the guests to release and make a wish. It was a lovely gesture and they looked beautiful floating off into the night, too.

Wedding Photography: Matthew Evans Photography / Wedding Dress: Irene Costa of Devine Bridal / Bride’s Shoes: Zu Shoes (Blush + Glitter Pair) / Floral Design: Blush Floral / Ceremony Location: St. Mary’s by the Sea Chapel / Reception Location: Sea Temple Golf Club / Music: Millennium Weddings / Photobooth: Foto Fun Booth / Suits: Gibson Clothing / Groom’s Shoes: Jeff Banks / Stationery: DIY / Wedding Cake: Passion for Cakes / Rings: Michael Muratore / Transportation: Our Own Car with DIY Decor / Hair: Rikka Perry / Make-up: Gabby De Celis

We’re bidding adieu to a wonderful week of inspiration here on Style Me Pretty Canada with a sweet as can be Vancouver affair by Mathias Fast Photography that’s sure to brighten your weekend with its lovely pink hues, breathtaking setting and adorable bride and groom.  Plus, when you take a peak at those uber-stunning bridesmaid dresses, believe me, you’ll be smiling all the way through Monday.  So, sit back, relax and prepare to soak in every last ounce of pretty… and then have yourselves one very fabulous weekend, lovelies!  Click here for even more.

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride... We chose to have a long engagement so we had two years to plan our perfect wedding day. Securing our venue was the biggest factor in our planning as we were both completely in love with Cecil Green with its stunning backdrop and homage to the history of Vancouver. After the venue was secured all other details fell into place. We were both very set on having an outdoor ceremony and reception and Cecil Green’s garden and terrace granted both these wishes and thankfully we were blessed with perfect sunny weather for our late July wedding. The wedding didn’t start until 6:30 pm so we were able to enjoy the ceremony with beautiful sunshine and enjoy a breathtaking sunset during the reception.

The theme of our wedding was “romance” and we portrayed this through our choice of pastel pink and off-white accents, soft flowers and use of natural and candle lighting. I chose pastel pink BCBG bridesmaids dresses because the color fit our theme and complemented the various skin and hair tones of my bridesmaids. I absolutely adored my strapless lace overlay dress from Lisa’s Bridal – to the point where I would wear it every day if I could. I found my extended veil to be the perfect complement to my dream dress.

One of the highlights of our wedding was walking down the aisle to the sounds of a live pan flutist. The music was beautiful and truly added a touch of class to our ceremony. We didn’t want to overshadow the beauty of our venue with too many details so we took a simplistic yet thoughtful approach to our décor. Our reception took place on an outdoor terrace with sweeping views of Vancouver and the ocean. Our table arrangements varied between steel lanterns filled with thick white candles and glass vases with floating white flowers and candles. The only other décor on the terrace were a number of white tea lights placed along every ledge. For wedding favors we set up a candy bar using apothecary jars and a variety of candies in our wedding colors: pink and white. Guests were invited to scoop candy into Chinese style take-out boxes labeled with a “W” monogram.  Hair and make-up artist, Ashleen Cara, did an impeccable job of making myself and my bridesmaids look our absolute best yet keeping the make-up looking natural and at a minimum. I was also extremely happy with the way she styled my hair as I didn’t want my hair too look too stiff. Overall we had a true fairy-tale wedding – one that my husband and I continue to talk about and re-live to this day.

Wedding Photography: Mathias Fast Photography / Make-up + Hair: Ashleen Cara / Wedding Dress: Lisa’s Bridal / Bride’s Shoes: Steve Madden / Wedding Venue: Cecil Green Park / Catering: Westcadia Catering

We are ever so excited this morning to share the winning board for the Inspiration to Invitation Challenge by Sarah Drake. A couple of weeks ago, we put a call out to all of you wedding gurus who have a flair for fabulous board building to design an inspiration board that would be the muse for a totally unique, never been seen before invitation design by Sarah Drake. Out of ALL the gorgeous entries that came our way, Sarah chose this amazing Mexican beach-inspired beauty by Taylor Jayne!

Sarah will be back in a couple months to reveal her brand new invitation based on this board!  Stay tuned!

If you are in the mood for some romance this lovely Friday morning, then you most certainly came to the right place.  This breathtaking Galveston soiree is delivering a big ol’ bundle of romance and then some with its stunning seaside location, muted tones and beach chic meets elegant style.  Not to mention that the uber-gorgeous bride also happens to be a DIY genius and crafted almost every detail of the day all by herself, including that fabulous bouquet.  Talk about inspiring.  Luckily, Julie Wilhite Photography was on hand to capture each and every breathtaking moment, which means there is an entire gallery of brilliant images just waiting to be adored.  Join me there for even more!

Click here to see the entire image gallery!

From Julie Wilhite Photography… After 11 years of being together and creating a beautiful family of four, Nicole and Jack were married on the beach in Galveston, TX.  Surrounded by the most important people in their lives, in a sand-shaped heart, they tied the knot.

What I love so much about this wedding is that almost everything was made by the bride herself – her bouquet, her garter, her hair piece, the boutonnieres, her daughter’s dress… all made lovingly with her wedding in mind.  Everything was so unique and personal, it made the day even more special!

Wedding Photography: Julie Wilhite Photography / Bouquet, Boutonnieres, Daughter’s Dress, Garter: The Lovely Bliss (The Bride) / Preparations: Hotel Galvez / Wedding Ceremony Location: Beach in Galveston, TX / Wedding Dress: Kathy Ireland by 2be / Wedding Hanger: Wisconmon / Jewelry: Vintage / Wedding Shoes: Allure / Groom’s Suit & Son’s Suit: Ralph Lauren

I’ve seen this wedding before. Many times. The gown, the gorgeous estate, the timeless elegance, the love, the bridesmaids in tulle tutus with ballet slippers – I’ve seen it before, but not on a blog or a magazine or in a book. How you ask? Well this, my darlings, is the wedding that I dreamed of as a little girl. It reappeared in my dreams over and over and over again, and now I get to see it with my eyes wide open through the gorgeous, breathtaking images by Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography. It’s a dream come true, literally, and there is even more in the full gallery of absolutely perfect images…

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography…I’m excited to share with you the gorgeous wedding of Aude and Gilles, a couple from Los Angeles who got married in France this summer.

I think you will like their destination wedding which has a lot of style and personal touches.  The bride Aude designed the whole event and made a beautiful garden party.  She is very crafty so she handmade a few details herself.   I loved her ballerina wedding gown and her bridesmaids’ tutu dresses.  During the day, Aude also wore a gorgeous traditional pink sari, to honor her husband’s sri lankese heritage.  And last but not least – I’ve rarely seen such a handsome groom and such a graceful, gorgeous bride!

Wedding Photography: Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography / Second Shooter: Leila Brewster Photography / Cinematography: FIRR Paris / Floral Design: Le Jardin des Fleurs / Event Planning: Blanc Blanc Prune / Ceremony + Reception Location: Chateau de Montplaisant / Invitations: Paper Source / Bride’s Shoes: Steve Madden / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier / Catering: Pignol / DJ: Organicus / Jazz Band: Djoukil / Groom’s Suit: Zegna via Saks Fifth Avenue / Groom’s Shoes: Bexley Lyon / Bridesmaid Tutus: BCBG Maxazria / Bridesmaid Shoes: Gap