All it takes to create a bridal look that will last for the ages is that one perfect accessory that will pull the whole ensemble together. Well we’re telling you, we get all love-at-first sight over accessories, especially ones that make a Statement with a Capital S, which is why we just can’t tear our eyes away from Andria Bird’s 2011 Bridal Collection. It’s modern. It’s vintage. It’s bold and charming all at the same time and it will add a big dash of glamour to your wedding day…If you’re up to the challenge!

There is a little bit of just about everything in Andria Bird’s collection of wedding day accessories, from voluminous to demure and everything in between, including clips and headbands adorned with flowers, tulle and feathers to veils of each and every sort. And if you’re looking for something with a pop of color to spice things up, well, there’s a bit of that in here too. Accessories are a bride’s best friend, so head on over to Andria Bird’s Look Book to see more of why brides everywhere are lining up to become bff’s with Andria Bird.

Lush florals, jewel-toned hues and great wine is definitely the makings of a perfect Napa Valley wedding.  This beautiful celebration by Suzy Berberian Weddings & Events has all of that and more complete and utter gorgeousness.  Elegant and classic don’t even begin to describe the chic details that make this event something seriously spectacular.  Kara Pearson Photography’s images are the icing on the already delicious cake.  See them all in the full gallery!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride…We took at trip to wine country when we first moved to Colorado, even though Chad did not like wine at all before we went on the trip!  We were at a pivotal point in our relationship, and wine country became symbolic for us – it was the place we reconnected and learned to compromise, and Chad really ended up loving wine.  We saw the beauty of the land and it made us feel so grounded…something about those vines!  Chad and I wanted the intimate wedding because we wanted to share it with those who have seen us through all of our years together. By having it with only our nearest and dearest, it allowed us to focus on each other because we didn’t have to worry about tons of people to greet, thank, etc. You could really feel the love… we couldn’t ask for anything more. We chose the Vintage Estate, because I loved the fact that there were different “vignettes” within one space that allowed us to move about, not have to trek to. I also loved the fact that Yountville had lots of options for our guests to stay and be able to walk to our event.

Also, I wanted a long processional walk.  Despite not having our ceremony in a church with the aisle, The Vintage Estate provided me the aisle/pathway for me to have that moment and take it all in.  From the beginning, I envisioned Chad in a blue suit…not the traditional black, gray or tan.  I wanted a jewel-tone palette and the girls looked great in the purples/pinks and voilet…the colors were set!

I also knew that I wanted a unique bouquet but keep with tradition of all white.  I loved that bouquet; it’s what made me feel like a bride. I guess that was my main focus: respecting tradition but really switching it up to make it as much about us as possible.  We found a hurricane glass candle holder at the NapaStyle store in the Vintage Estate, and had everyone sign that as our guest book (it is perfectly shaped like a large wine bottle).  It was really important to us to have the king’s table for all of our guests to sit at and to feel like one big family dinner.

We will celebrate with all of our loved ones in our home state of Ohio, with a 400-person bash on New Year’s Eve!  It will be modern with a white color scheme and very different from our intimate Wine Country Wedding.  The best of both worlds!

Wedding Coordination: Suzy Berberian Weddings & Events / Wedding Photography: Kara Pearson Photography / Location + Catering: The Vintage Estate / Officiant: Kimberly Thompson, A Beautiful Ceremony / Hair + Make-up: Hair and Make-up by Julie Morgan / Wedding Videography: Wing Hon Films / Floral Design: Valley Flora / Wedding Cake: Laurie Lucov Wedding Cakes / Music: Sutherland Entertainment / Linens + Rental Equipment: Classic Party Rentals / Wedding Dress: Vera Wang via Anna Be’ / Bride’s Jewelry + Veil: Sara Gabriel Veiling & Headpieces / Bride’s Shoes: Platinum BP via Nordstrom / Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew + Melissa Sweet / Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas / Calligraphy: The Bride / Engagement Ring + Wedding Bands: The Groom + The Jeweller’s Shop / Groom’s Suit: Ben Sherman via Nordstrom / Groom’s Tie: DKNY via Nordstrom / Groomsmen’s Shirts + Ties: Tommy Hilfiger

Ok Australia – it’s that time again! You knocked our socks off during the last Inspire Me Pretty Australia and now it’s time to get back to board building and do it again! For those of of you new to the board building contests, don’t worry a bit…it’s easy peasy. Just head on over to our Inspiration Board Builder and explore the SMP galleries to create your dream Australian shin dig! I decided to whip one up for fun to get this party started inspired by a vintage chic beach bash. What do you think? Well it’s your turn lovelies! Get to building and don’t forget to TAG your board Inspire Me Pretty AUSTRALIA! I’ll pick a board on Friday!

How could you not love this Scottish wedding set on a rustic Canadian farm captured perfectly by Rowell Photography? We’re loving how the bride infused her mother into her special day by incorporating daises (her favorite flower) and served tea in her gorgeous vintage tea cup collection. And don’t even get me started on the vibrant kilts that the men rocked! The bright colors mixed with the rustic backdrop of the miniature horse farm all combine to make for one special celebration! See even more here in the full gallery!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From Rowell Photography…Tara & Gary were married on July 3rd 2011 on her parents farm in Innisfil, Ontario. For their wedding they really wanted to bring to life the memory of Tara’s mother and Gary’s Scottish heritage. Every floral display had daisies which was Tara’s mother’s bouquet that she carried on her wedding day. Gary and his groomsmen wore kilts from their clans and after their traditional ceremony which involved a Celtic hand tying ceremony, and the pinning of Gary’s tartan on Tara, their guests were ushered to the balcony for tea and refreshments served in both their mother’s tea cup collections.

For their photos Tara & Gary really wanted to capture the rustic nature of her father’s farm, home to about 30 miniature horses. The landscape could easily pass as Scotland. Scottish elements were used throughout the entire wedding, even the invites were adorned with Gary’s tartan and on the stationery, the “rose”  that you see on all the printed materials (and place cards) is by Charles Rennie Mackintosh a Scottish architect and designer from the early 20th century. Tara’s hat was a custom design that incorporated pieces of her Aunt’s wedding hat. Gary’s wedding band says “Love Forever” in Ogham (ancient Gaelic).

Hats: Custom from Le Petit Chapeau / Invitations: The Paper Merchant / Floral Design: Opulence Floral Design / Wedding Photography: Rowell Photography / Make-up: John Linkert Salon

We’re totally loving this garden inspiration photo shoot by Aric + Casey Photography for so many different reasons but our fave has got to be the fact that they infused this shoot with so many cute and easy DIYs that any bride can re-create on her own. Talk about creative geniuses! From the recycled glasses to the cute-as-pie jelly bean favors, we’re in l-o-v-e! Click here for even more!

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From Aric + Casey Photography…We first photographed Garrett and Laura last fall and thought they would be the perfect couple to fit our style shoot! The main inspiration for this shoot was to create something that hasn’t really been done here in Lubbock, Texas. We wanted to highlight the fact that couples can create a classy and sophisticated wedding, with a twist of vintage details. We also wanted to show another option for venue, other than the traditional church setting. It’s important for us to show brides that they have options, the inspiration-possibilities are endless (thank you Style Me Pretty!), and that putting your own personal touch in the details really goes a long way!

We wanted to create a Charming Garden theme shoot, with color pops of pink and red. We love encouraging brides to experiment with new and unique color schemes! Having this shoot at the Gafford Estate helped us achieve the cozy/charming goal. We loved the large fenced backyard, with all the greenery and lush landscaping. One of our favorite details was styling Laura with a vibrant pink lipstick and Garrett with a cute (but very manly of course) bow tie.

We also wanted to include some DIY projects that could be recreated by anyone. Starting with the framed prints, those were designed by Casey (the frames were recycled and spray painted to coordinate), and the birdcage veil was made by Aric. Creating little labels for the food and beverages was easy for us, we just printed on and cut up fancy scrapbooking paper and then cut the edges of some wood “pegs” (were not really sure what these are actually supposed to do, they were found in the wood working section of Hobby Lobby) to serve as the label holders. We used recycled little glasses and an old wine jug to make the drinks a little more fancy. The zig-zaggy fringe attached to a tree was made by cutting up fabric and tying it to a strand of ribbon. Super easy! Another little detail, the pink jelly bean favors, was made by recycling little jars and then filling them up with the beans and tying vintage ribbon around the top. We loved the idea of incorporating vintage furniture into the outdoor setting, so we made sure to include a couple of pieces that would enhance the garden-feel. All in all, it was a joy putting together this style shoot and capturing just one idea in a million of wedding-possibilities!

Wedding Photography, Design + Styling: Aric + Casey Photography / Venue: The Gafford Estate / Models: Garrett + Laura Newsom / Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal / Bride’s Shoes: BCBG Max Azria / Jewelry: J.Crew / Hair Accessories: Custom by Aric of Aric + Casey Photography / Flowers: College Flowers / Wedding Cake: Mrs. Camp’s Bakery / Cupcakes: Cake by Distinctive Details / Stationery: Hodgepodge Design

The bride wore white, and so did the rest of her Nashville wedding. She bedecked the whole affair in a gorgeous blanket of white, burlap, and bling, and oh. my. goodness. It is perfect. The whole day was planned, coordinated, flora’ed by (and took place at) Historic Cedarwood, and looking through all the fantastic images from Mary Rosenbaum Photographs, I can just tell it was a day built for total romance. I’m loving every single little detail, but the thing I can’t get past? All the white. I love a brave bride, and this bride’s bravery paid off – the color palette is beyond amazing. Dreamy. Perfect. Click here for more!

Cedarwood has a historic Old South look and feel (it was built in 1835). Since moving to the south, Chris and I have fallen in love with “Southern Culture” and we wanted our guests (mostly northerners) to ‘feel’ the south at our wedding.   Cedarwood was perfect, and they are also amazing wedding stylists and designers, so we knew we could rely on them to help us create a memorable affair with a mix of southern comfort, shabby chic décor with a touch of glam.

I knew right off the bat I did not want a lot of color present on our wedding day.  I love white, how the color conveys bridal and all things wedding.  Plus white is simply classic.  I felt I would never look back on my wedding pictures with disgust about my color choices if I kept my look classic with a twist.  Adding bling as a primary décor theme to the wedding made sense as well, I absolutely love sparkle.  In my wardrobe, home décor, jewelry choices… the more bling the better.  Around that time, I began to see burlap showing up in more décor stores and the Cedarwood design team helped me build this concept of burlap and bling – a mix of the natural burlap element and bling to dress it up a bit.  This established our styling and I began to get really excited about our décor choice.

The venue and flow of the evening truly defined our wedding day as unique.  Hosting a non-traditional, outside garden ceremony, cocktail hour in a barn, toasts on the front lawn of an antebellum style home was different.  I wanted there to be surprises for guests, such as finding their seat card on yarn hanging in the barn.  Providing a “shabby chic photo booth” set up as guests arrived to have their picture taken in lieu of guest book will hopefully be remembered as a unique experience.

There are so many wonderful memories from our wedding day.  In retrospect the heat of the day and the cicadas (although somewhat bothersome the day of) provided memories we will cherish forever.  Being that over half of our guests came down from northern states, the southern heat and cicadas were interesting talking points for guests after the big day.  We was so worried about the cicadas upon hearing they were taking over Nashville during the spring/early summer of our wedding however they provided nice background noise to our ceremony and one even landed on my dress!  Chris did a great job removing the cicada without worrying me. We also cherish the memory of our first dance under a beautiful chandelier with all our friends and family looking on.

Photographer:  Mary Rosenbaum Photographs / Ceremony and Reception Venue:  Historic Cedarwood / Floral Designer: Cedarwood Weddings / Event Designer/Planner/Director: Cedarwood Weddings / Invitation Designer: Designs in Paper / Cake/Desserts: Patty Cakes / Limo: Matchless Limo / Catering: A Dream Come True Catering / Wedding Gown Designer: Marisa, Faccio Bridal / Hair and Makeup: Angelica Smith, Style Kitchen / Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Joseph A Banks / Bridesmaid’s Dress Designer: Jim Hjelm, Faccio Bridal

If you ever found yourself scratching your head wondering what in the world “garden party glam” might mean – well this my friends is your answer wrapped up in a pretty little bow. You can thank Event Creative and Bliss Weddings and Events for the tutorial. Overflowing with florals and style, the picture perfect soiree allowed Fandl Photography to capture LOADS of pretty. See for yourself in the full gallery of images!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride…Brian and I wanted a feeling of comfortable elegance to permeate throughout our wedding, so there was never any doubt that we would be married in my parent’s garden. Their house is nestled amongst the woods with grand old oak and maple trees surrounding the property. With the backdrop of lush green trees and blooming flowers, it was important that the beauty of our venue be the focal point of our day. We started the theme on the invitations which were adorned with beautifully simple purple and green flowers. Devon at Cheree Berry Paper created the perfect prelude to our wedding day.

On May 21, in the late afternoon sun, my father walked me down the aisle of our ceremony tent which was decorated beautifully in shades of green and white to mimic our natural setting. Jesse at Event Creative was the mastermind behind all of our decor. He captured the mood Brian and I wanted to convey to our guests, and he seemed to do it with great ease and precision. Jesse incorporated our natural surroundings into the event while keeping it comfortable and elegant. Brian and I were married under a fairytale like mahogany arbor that Jesse had decorated with flowers of white and green, including hydrangeas, grapevines, and viburnum. With birds chirping in the background, it was perfect.

The reception tent was like something out of a dream. I cried when I walked in and saw the atmosphere that Jesse had created. There were hanging floral arrangements with hydrangeas, grapevines, and various blossoms in white, green and lavender. Votives hung down over the dance floor, casting a warm glow. The table arrangements were simple, consisting of various shades of white, green, and lavender. While sitting at the beautifully appointed tables, guests enjoyed an amazing meal featuring halibut and grilled tenderloin provided by Jewel Events Catering. After dinner, the guests danced the night away or headed over to the lounge area for drinks and dessert. It was such a special day from beginning to end. Brian and I loved every minute of it, and from what our guests have told us, they loved it too.

The beauty of our day was captured perfectly by our wonderful photographer, Cindy at Fandl Photography. She was able to catch so many special moments that we missed. Brian and I will be forever grateful. As we grow older and some of our memories fade, we will always have Cindy’s pictures to remind us of that special day. Last but certainly not least, we know our day would not have been possible without our wedding planner extraordinaire, Renny at Bliss Weddings and Events. We did not have a single worry on our wedding day. Her guidance and patience were unwavering. Renny coordinated and executed every moment with grace and finesse. We are still trying to figure out how she did it all. We will always hold a very special place in our hearts for Renny and everyone who worked so hard to make our dream wedding a reality.

Wedding Photography: Fandl Photography / Event + Floral Design: Event Creative / Event Planning: Renny Pedersen of Bliss Weddings and Events / Ceremony + Reception Location: Private Residence / Stationery: Devon at Cheree Berry Paper / ewell Events Catering: George Jewell / Band: Ron Bedal Orchestra / Cake: Ambrosia Euro American Patisserie

I am beginning to develop quite the obsession with all things Salvage One and its wonderful eclectic garden party vibe.  Seriously… With a beautiful garden ceremony space and a rooftop overlooking the Chicago skyline, it pretty much had me at hello.  And when you combine this urban chic paradise (yep, its part that, too) with all of the fabulous that is this stunning affair captured by Jen Lynne Photography, well, let’s just say that Salvage One isn’t the only thing I am obsessing with today.  Overflowing with succulent-filled florals by Asrai Garden Florist, a soft gray and yellow color palette and one insanely gorgeous wedding cake courtesy of Tipsy Cake, I just bookmarked this wedding as “awesome.”  So join me for every ounce of amazing in the gallery and for even more lovely from the Windy City and the entire state of Illinois, head on over to Style me Pretty Illinois!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From Jen Lynne Photography… I have been waiting all year for this day, hoping a praying that it would be a sunny day for Rachel and Chris! Salvage One is a salvage shop in Downtown Chicago. What makes it unique is the furniture and items on the 3 floors of this shop plus the rooftop view of the entire Chicago skyline! Rachel and Chris are probably one of the coolest couples I have ever worked with.  They planned this entire wedding themselves and they were so organized about it! The sweets on the sweets table were made by all of their family members… combining candies with each family members favorite sweets recipe, it was a HUGE hit at the wedding! From a photography standpoint, this is the perfect location. The ceremony was held in the back garden of the building on the “ski slope.” I love that there is no real need for a lot of decor in this place because the couples are allowed to use everything in the store for their wedding, including the table, chairs and chandeliers.

Wedding Photography: Jen Lynne Photography / Beauty: Martiza + Milian of Bride Style Beauty / Florist: Elizabeth Cronin of Asrai Garden Florist / Catering: Kitty Koster of The Hearty Boys / DJ: Erica Schwanke of Toast and Jam / Day of Coordination: Amy Stockbridge of KKR Studio / Wedding Ceremony + Reception Venue: Salvage One / Cocktail Hour Mariachi: Edgar Garcia / Ceremony Music: Kyle Sowash / Prep Hotel: Hotel Burnham / Wedding Cake: Naomi Levine of Tipsy Cake / Sweets: Family / Bride’s Shoes: Calvin Klein / Wedding Dress: Novia D’Art

There is nothing quite like a sweet, Southern soiree to start the day off in style.  And when that Southern soiree also happens to be a Savannah garden party meets traditional ballroom affair, complete with mason jars wrapped in twine, cotton-filled florals by Harvey Designs, a Melissa Sweet gown that has me just now picking my jaw up off the floor and an outdoor lounge area, well, that’s a win-win in my book.  All planned by Caroline Carter Events and captured by Donna Von Bruening Photographers, this wedding is simply brimming with the pretty, pretty details.  Join me in the gallery for every last one!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From Donna Von Bruening Photographers… Both Southerners by birth, Adrienne from Georgia and Brandon from Alabama, they wanted to their wedding reflect all that is fabulous about the South and honor Adrienne’s father who had passed away.

The the theme of the wedding was built around Brandon’s surprise proposal to Adrienne.  He took Adrienne to Palmetto Bluff, a place very close to Adrienne’s heart because it reminded her of her father. Brandon pulled out the ring and asked Adrienne to be his wife under a stately Live Oak tree on the property and then the couple cruised on the May River with champagne to celebrate.  Ever frustrated with finding the perfect monogram, Adrienne finally decide on their initials under a Live Oak tree, a nod to her proposal, their Southern roots and Adrienne’s father.   The gorgeous and very personal monogram infused every part of the wedding from the invites and papers suites to the ice sculpture and cake.  To honor her father, Adrienne gave Brandon her father’s watch and Brandon surprised Adrienne with a locket with her father’s pictures to pin to her bouquet.

With a mere six months to plan, they chose the beautiful Westin Savannah Harbor to accommodate out-of-town guests as well as showcase the Savannah cityscape as the backdrop to the event.  They married on the lawn with the banks of the Savannah River and the Tallmadge Bridge in their view.  The reception moved from the ballroom to the lawn where lounge seating had been set up to be sure guests could enjoy the river view as well as the exceptional live band who threw in a little beach music every now and then.

Then, the mastermind work of Caroline Carter began.  Caroline infused every moment of Adrienne and Brandon’s wedding with touches of the South and the perfect oak tree monogram, from Arnold Palmer signature drinks served in mason jars, to mac ‘n’ cheese appetizers to raw cotton in the florals.  Adrienne chose hydrangeas and cotton for her florals wrapped in burlap and ribbon and keeping with the cool greens of the Southern landscape.  The outdoor seating was made up of old trunks and tables surrounded by white couches.

They took full advantage of their location, leaving to a parade of sparklers down the dock to board the “Last Call.”  They sailed away to the cheers of their guests and champagne toast.

Wedding Photography: Donna Von Bruening Photographers / Event Planner: Caroline Carter Events / Wedding Ceremony + Reception Location: The Westin Savannah Harbor / Wedding Dress: Melissa Sweet via Bleubelle Bridal / Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Florist: Amy Harvey of Harvey Designs / Band: Anita / Wedding Cake: Savannah Custom Cakes / Officiant: Rev. Steven Schulte

This sweet-as-can-be e-session by Robbins Photographic totally has me dreaming of romantic trips across the pond with my huz. I’m loving the casual yet flirty vibe of this shoot and think this couple is super duper good looking and oh-so-hip. Oh, and that face to face, laying in the grass pic? To die for! Click here for even more.

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From Robbins Photographic…Gemma is a TV producer and Joe is a camera man. I shot their engagement session along the Southbank by the Thames. We walked around the book stalls, across the bridge past Big Ben & the London Eye over to a park next to Embankment station.

Photography: Robbins Photographic

A big thank you to Joshua Zuckerman Photography for sending this pretty as can be rooftop bea-u-u-u-ty our way! And I mean a BIG thank you! I don’t think I’ve stopped swooning over all the details since the moment I saw the very first picture. Actually I know I haven’t because that first picture was of the stylish bride’s snakeskin loubies she wore to marry her handsome hubby. SO fabulous. It’s New York rooftop done oh so right and there is even more in the full gallery of images!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From Joshua Zuckerman Photography…Erica and Craig wanted a fun New York style party for their wedding. They chose Center 548, a new venue in the trendy meatpacking district of Manhattan. (Their wedding was the first one at Center 548). The rooftop made for a dramatic urban backdrop for the ceremony while the all white loft interior was a calming light-filled refuge for the reception with big windows to take in the city views. To keep the décor soft and pretty, they kept the color-scheme white but used soft green accents to make the room feel fresh and spring-like.

To add variety to the couple’s portraits, we took pictures at The W hotel where they got ready, and then on the streets for a gritty city element and then a few in the gardens near the West Side highway. Immediately after the ceremony, the couple took a few minutes inside the reception area for a few more photos. Erica’s gorgeous dress by Junko Yoshioka was a dream to photograph with its rich textures, details and softness. Later in the evening Erica changed into a chic gown by Ralph Lauren. The cake, a mad hatter theme, was one of the best I’ve seen. Their wedding was definitely a party – with everyone dancing from the start of the reception till the end of the night. Erica’s parents were very involved with planning the details of the wedding and they did a fantastic job.

Wedding Photography: Joshua Zuckerman Photography / Bridal Gown: Junko Yoshioka / Bride’s Second Dress: Ralph Lauren / Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Headpieces: Basia / Earrings: Garraud / Groom’s Suit + Bow Tie: Ralph Lauren / Groom’s Shoes’s + Shirt: Paul Stuart / Invitation: Arzbberger / Hair: Ana Cruz / Make-up: Keri Berman / Lighting: L&M Sound & Light / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Flowers: Chestnuts in the Tuileries / Caterer: Great Performances / Wedding Cake: Sugar Flower Cake Shop / Music: East Coast Band of Sam Hill Entertainment / Wedding Videography: Fred Marcus / Venue: Center 548

There are few things I love more than a lazy day at the park with my honey, strolling about or just lounging around in the sun with a good book in hand, so it’s no surprise that I fell head over heels for this charming Coconut Grove engagement session captured by 13:13 Photography, which is simply brimming with one beautiful image after another of all of those everyday moments that make love so grand.  Yes, whether it’s walking down the street or just laying in the grass, these two cuties make the entire world seem lovely.  And I just can’t help but smile.  So join me in the gallery for every last ounce of pretty and then meet us back here tomorrow for some wedding goodness from the adorable lovebirds.  (I know.  I can’t wait, either!)

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From 13:13 Photography… I met Mallory and Ricky down in Coconut Grove one evening with the intentions of shooting at Barnacle Park, but found out earlier that day the park closes at 4:00 (bummer)… But it didn’t matter, because Mallory and Ricky can look gorgeous just about anywhere. (Especially in front of a blue condemned building.) They were so great in front of the camera, it really was such a joy to get to photograph them and spend the afternoon with them! I look forward to their wedding day!

Photography: 13:13 Photography / Location: Coconut Grove, Florida

Megan Davies + Amy Hawkes of Click Imagery Photography have stolen our hearts with this number. It is a breath of fresh, Massachusetts air and filled with so many lovely details along with the perfect smidgen of bright yellow. Fino Fresh Floral Design added their flare for gorgeous floral arranging and rounding up the package of all out pretty is the loveliest stationery courtesy of Paper Moss. Yes, this is what we like to call a natural beauty and it’s all yours to devour in the full gallery.

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride…Nate and I have been together since high school (set-up for a town dance, true story), and were married on a Sunday afternoon in our hometown almost nine years later. After months of preparation and a week of chaotic details, head colds and thundery forecasts, June 5, 2011 unfolded as one big, beautiful, blue-skied gift. My husband and I are both Masters of Divinity students at Yale, pursuing careers in ministry and the arts, so we were super excited to design the ceremony ourselves, finding ways to mix tradition with funky liturgy and personal touches. My mother, an ordained minister, officiated along with our home church pastor. Children rang chimes, and our friends played violin, piano, guitar and drums, including a gorgeous version of “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” Nate and I each walked down the aisle, given to one another equally by all four parents. My nephew carried our rings in the secret compartment of an antique book. The vine leaf pattern on our custom programs and invitations was designed to match the lace pattern on my dress. My “something old” gold bracelet belonged to my great-grandmother and namesake. We had four readings: two scripture (Ruth & 1 John), one poem (Whitman), and one selection of rap lyrics (“The Light” by Common). To express both our unity and individuality, we wrote half our vows together, half on our own. Celebrating communion was the first thing we did as a married couple. My father-in-law baked the bread, and Nate and I served the elements, allowing for some of the most miraculous, intimate moments of the day.

At the end of the service, everyone followed the wedding party outside, where our band surprised guests with a jazzed up version of “He’s Got the Whole World in his Hands.” Flower girls passed out bubbles, and everyone surrounded us in one giant circle for the final blessing. This is my favorite memory, standing there with my new husband, literally encircled by love, support, and pure joy. Our reception was just down the road at Elm Bank (home of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society)—cocktails in the gardens, dinner and dancing in an old carriage house. The flowers were soft, simple, and whimsical: yellows, soft pinks and ivories, lots of peonies and ranunculus in fun containers. Our family friend helped mastermind the garden-party vision, finding wire plant stands, which we spray painted white and filled with potted plants that doubled as favors.

My craft-ambitions tend to surpass my actual skills at makin’ things, so my lovely bridesmaids came to the rescue to tie twine and stamp escort cards (which were clothespinned to a garden trellis). My dad took the prize for unexpected DIY extraordinaire, helping with bookmark favors I’d designed with favorite quotations (half I chose from Shakespeare, the other half from poems picked by Nate). The food was a big hit—seasonal veggies, family style sides like mac and cheese, passed mini-ice cream cones along with a traditional cake (gold with raspberry jam and lemon buttercream). Little bird salt-and-pepper-shakers I’d had in college became cake toppers. It was magical seeing all the details breathe themselves into life, but what sticks with me most is the whirl of faces, words of wonder, happy-tears and bear hugs. Nobody wanted to stop dancing, so we got the band to stick around for one more rocking set. Nate and I were the last ones to leave.

Wedding Photography: Megan Davies + Amy Hawkes of Click Imagery Photography / Ceremony Location: Wellesley Hills Congregational Church / Reception Location: Elm Bank at Massachusetts Horticultural Society / Floral Design: Fino Fresh Floral Design / Caterer: MAX Ultimate Food / Wedding Cake: The Icing on the Cake / Linen: Table Toppers of Newton / Cake Linen + Welcome Table Linen: BHLDN / Band: Theodicy Jazz Collective / Transportation: Christopher Limousine, Le Limo + Sunshine Taxi / Invitations: Paper Moss / Bookmarks: The Bride (image motifs by Paper Moss) / Potted Plants: Fino Fresh Floral Design / Make-up: Makeup by Aly / Hair: Kate Sibilia from Lisa James Salon / Wedding Gown: Kelima K / Veil: Twigs and Honey / Bride’s Shoes: Something Bleu / Wedding Bands: Sarah Perlis / Suit: Hugo Boss via Nordstrom

Do you fancy a little nautical infused wedding for your Monday perusing pleasure? How about one that is also boasting stripes galore (oh how we love a great stripe), modern decor and punches of coral all crafted by the darlings of design, Katy Carrier Events. And just so you know an ombre wall of coral clothespins is in your immediate future. Oh the fabulousness. Speaking of ombre clothespins, one can’t go without mentioning the awesomeness that is the accompanying dessert table. Cake Goodness gets all the credit for that beauty. So sit tight because there are many a gorgeous photograph shot by the vondys to ogle and when you’re done, the party continues on in the full wedding gallery. Enjoy!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride…Steve and I met at the airport terminal in Chicago Midway while both waiting to catch flights back to Los Angeles. I had flown stand-by that day and had been bumped from several flights, so I was passing my time by people watching.  I noticed a cute guy and somehow mustered up the courage to sit next to him and strike up a conversation.  Time flew by as we chatted, realizing that ironically we both lived and worked in the same neighborhood in Los Angeles. I remember thinking how sincerely nice he was. Before we had to begin boarding the plane, Steve asked for my number.  He called me and asked me out to dinner and we’ve been inseparable ever since.

When we first started planning, we knew we wanted to do a beach wedding as it has been a central part of our relationship. We’ve shared so many happy evenings at the beach walking our dog and enjoying the sunset.We contemplated a destination wedding but realized that there are so many gorgeous beaches right here in Los Angeles; the same place that we know and love as home. We also knew that we wanted our wedding to be both casual and intimate. We were thrilled when we found Sunset Restaurant. It is located on gorgeous Zuma Beach in Malibu, the food is delicious, and the venue has a charming Cape Cod feel that is rare in Southern California.  We knew immediately that this was the location for us.

One of the aspects of the venue itself that appealed to me is the nautical flair in its decor. I liked the classic theme so much that I decided to use it for our wedding decorations as well. The navy color lends itself to the nautical theme, plus I have always loved blues. We decided rather than using solid navy, that we would introduce various navy and white patterns into the decorations. For the flowers I wanted a color that was both fun and unique, but would also compliment the navy. Our wedding coordinator suggested shades of peach and coral, and I loved the idea.

I was really surprised how emotional the actual ceremony was. I have always been very close to my Dad, so walking down the aisle with him and looking up to see Steve, the love of my life, smiling at me as I walk toward him was such a joyous moment. I will never forget it. I felt truly blessed that day to have the people we love around us to share such a special occasion in our lives.

Wedding Photography: Shannon Lee Images / the vondys / Event Design + Coordination: Katy Carrier Events / Venue: Sunset Restaurant / Other Photography Locations: The Georgian Hotel + Viceroy Santa Monica / Make-up + Hair: Briana of Artistry by Briana / Wedding Cake + Desserts: Cake Goodness / Wedding Cinematography: New Classic Wedding Films / DJ: Martin of Waveform Events LLC / Wedding Dress: Elizabeth Fillmore / Reception Dress: Miss Tashina / Floral Design: Enchanted Garden Floral Design / Officiant: Eric Schwartz / Stationery: Katy Carrier Events / Musicians: Rebecca of Subito Strings / Rentals: Versatile LA / Men’s Suits: Kenneth Cole / Bridesmaid Dresses: Bari Jay / Menus + Programs: Krystle Parabot / Bracelet: Nadri / Ring + Earrings: Mother of the Bride / Bride’s Shoes: Nina / Ring Bearer Pillow: Edgar Aguilar Heritage

Every wedding dress has its story. Hearing how that oh so important gown was chosen always has my full attention, and this lovely gown has a darling story indeed. Custom made and inspired by the bride’s grandmother’s dress, it just proves that timeless elegance is just that – timeless. Not to mention that bow just tied itself around my dress-loving heart! Swoon! The entire affair is just as perfect and captured in a way that only The Nichols can. I am in love, and I am pretty sure you will be too after spending some time in the full gallery of images!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride…Chad and I are both proud TCU Horned Frogs and met in Fort Worth. We love all things Texas, and decided we wanted to get married in the heart of the Lone Star State, Austin. When we first saw Laguna Gloria, we knew right then it was the place. We loved the history of Laguna and its past owners, and the Italianate house on the ground reminded me of my time studying abroad in Florence.

After a long day of wedding dress shopping with my mom and grandmother, we had still not found “the one,” and we started discussing my grandmother’s dress. My late great-grandmother, Dan Mommie, made the dress in 1948. They bought the French cotton eyelet-type fabric, and created the dress from a Vogue pattern. The dress had not been out of its box in decades and, much to our excitement, it was in fabulous condition. I contacted Patti Flowers Design Studio, and after almost a year of work, she was able to create exactly what I had envisioned in my head. My Aunt Lu gave me a diamond necklace she had made for me from my late paternal grandmother’s wedding ring. She also gave me a handkerchief to wear pinned inside my dress that belonged to my paternal great-grandmother (dad’s mom’s side) that has her monogram in navy blue–my something blue. My paternal great-grandmother’s cameo (dad’s dad’s side) was given to me weeks before the wedding and worn around the stem of my bouquet for the ceremony.

We incorporated a lot of DIY projects and were all about using vintage and recycled finds. All of the milk glass used on the tables was collected by family members over the last year at flea markets and antique shops all over Texas (and some from Virginia). The milk glass cake plate that was used as the centerpiece of our table belonged to my maternal great-grandmother. I have many fond memories of her coconut cake resting on it. We found antique glass dishes with a gold “P” on them that held the gold leaf- and chocolate-covered almonds that were on each table, along with various other sweet treats for our guests to enjoy during the evening. My uncle and I spent countless hours making the garland for all of the handrails. We used rope and twine, and created flower cutouts from antique Collier Dictionary pages (Collier also being my middle name, my mother’s maiden name) and recycled paper. My Uncle Greg used many yards of DanMommie’s hemming tape to wrap the stems of all the bouquets and boutonnieres.We used crepe myrtle branches collected from all over our neighborhood to make the altar. My mom and I spent late nights stenciling and, along with the help of my Aunt Susu, made the linen runners for all of the concrete benches. The large antique iron chandelier above our table belongs to family, and we stenciled the “P” on the sides for a personal touch. Chad and I made our programs from recycled paper and printed them at home. I hand painted the menu on a large canvas, and although it wasn’t very easy to read.

Chad and I did a “first look,” and loved having a private moment together before the ceremony. The ceremony was conducted by the Rev. Nancy McCranie, who was fabulous. One of our favorite moments was exchanging our vows that we wrote together. Our first dance was the Wilson Pickett’s “Something You Got,” and started the reception off with a bang. We ended the reception with a sparkler send off surrounded by our close friends and family. Despite the record-setting Texas heat, we had a breezy getaway ride in a ’61 Buick Electra while being serenaded by the Swingers soundtrack, and headed for the Driskill Hotel Bar for our after party. On the drive away we had a great view of downtown Austin and the Texas Capitol. The stars at night truly are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas.

Wedding Photography: The Nichols / Venue: Laguna Gloria / Catering + Wedding Cake: Word of Mouth Catering / Floral + Event Design: Greg O’Neil / DJ: Byrne Rock / Hair + Make-Up: Laura Wyrtzen / Exit Car: Frank Frericks / Wedding Dress: Bride’s Grandmother’s redesigned by Patti Flowers Design Studio / Wedding Videography: SilverTree Austin / Minister: Nancy McCranie / Water Bottle Labels: Oh Louise! / String Quartet: Quartetto Lirico, String Quartet / Calligraphy: Laura Hooper Calligraphy / Letterpress Invitations: William Arthur

Having about the blackest thumb one can have, I am always so very, very impressed with floral design. I swear it’s magic – what these designers can do. This Connecticut wedding from Datura –  A Modern Garden, brings me to another level of floral-awe with it’s completely different, completely cool designs. And I suppose Datura HAD to bring it to the table, because the rest of this love fest? Well, let’s just say it’s amazing, and that’s an understatement. The glamour, the style, the ambiance, the ring bearer – every single little detail captured by JAGstudios has got me giddy with the cool-ness factor. Can one be giddy over cool? I guess I should play it off an say, I’m down with the cool-ness factor. But I just can’t help it. I love this wedding. Click here for the full image gallery.

We selected the beautiful and breathtaking Winvian property in Morris, CT to be the site of our wedding on June 11, 2011.

The style of our wedding was whimsical, romantic, and with a touch of elegance. We couldn’t have asked for a more talented team of vendors to help craft our perfect wedding.

Our florist did an amazing job of using flowers that were in season and local to the surroundings. The centerpieces were all unique works of art that mirrored our color palette and became a great conversation piece for our guests

Our wedding cake was the best cake we ever ate.  It was a chocolate cake with hazelnut and raspberry filling with handcrafted edible orchids running down the side of the cake.

The chef at the Winvian made a fabulous selection of using organic and seasonal ingredients form their garden to create wonderful food for our guests.

The color palette for the wedding was to use earth tones colors with bursts of yellow, blue and purple to compliment the rustic charm of the Gordon Brown House. We added pin spot lighting to the tables, up lighting to the barn house to attain a romantic mood.

We had so many wonderful moments from of our wedding. One moment was hearing the raindrops against the roof of the tent during the exchange our vows. The sound was so peaceful and calming to us. Another favorite moment was our first dance to Andrea Bocelli & Celine Dion’s “The Prayer.”

Our wedding day was filled with love, unity and spirituality. Above all, we could not have got married without the support and love from both our family and friends. For that we are truly thankful and blessed.

Floral Design: Datura – A Modern Garden / Photography: JAGstudios / Venue: Winvian / Wedding Cake: City Cakes / Invitation Design: An Invitation Studio / Band: Franklin Wayne Music / Lighting & Sound: Rob Alberti / Table Setting: Party Rental Ltd. / Transportation: Gateway Limos / Party Favors: Sara Beth Kitchen / Tuxedos: J. Lindeberg / Tuxedo Shirts: Valentino & Hugo Boss / Bow Tie: Paul Smith & DunCan Quinn / Shoes: Calvin Klein / Make Up: Diego Salazar / Hair: Kanna Masatani / Wedding Ring: David Yurman & Family Heirloom / Cufflinks: Swarovski

Nothing screams ” hop on a plane NOW and indulge in a south of the border fiesta” like a gorgeous wedding weekend in Sayulita. And Villa Amor just might be the perfect place on the planet for such an event. (Really, the name says it all)  This Modern Romance Photography captured all of the festivities and their images are not only artistic and downright gorgeous but chalk full of color and other festive details right down to those perfect shoes. Wait, I really think we need to have a moment for those shoes. Take a moment or thirty with all the gorgeous images you could dream of in the full wedding gallery. Still destination dreaming? You can catch more lovelies over on our Destination Weddings Blog.

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride…We wanted our wedding to feel as personal as possible. Having a destination wedding in Sayulita was the perfect fit for our vision of an intimate and casual wedding. We approached the wedding as a vacation for our friends and family with a wedding thrown in.

We tried to include as many personal touches as possible. Our cake topper was custom-made for us by Etsy seller “Garden 4 Arts” and is our pug Todd and his favorite toy, a stuffed hedgehog we named Angelina. Rather than print paper programs for the ceremony we worked with Etsy seller “The Little Bells” to have our programs printed on vintage handkerchiefs. We had two signature cocktails to honor our moms, a Tequila Sheila margarita and a Mary Mojito. On each table we had a classic novel and a list of questions and asked our guests to write in the books in lieu of a traditional guest book. Our table numbers were paintings done by Nick’s mom and showcased different places that we have traveled to together.

We decided early on not to choose a “wedding color” but instead just chose to use light colors. We also wanted to include pieces of Mexico in our décor. We used pink, peach, and ivory flowers native to Mexico for the bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces, and we had white papel picado hanging over the patio where we had our reception. For our escort cards we made miniature books with bookmarks. Hanging from the bookmarks were silver Milagros and the text of the book explained the meaning and use of Milagros in Mexican culture. For the escort card table the bride sewed a tablecloth of vintage handkerchiefs. The centerpiece flowers were held by mason jars that we brought from San Francisco and sat on lace doilies that the groom’s mom collected, some had been made by the groom’s great grandmother and were already in her collection and others were collected by the groom’s mom over the year of our engagement.

Wedding Photography: This Modern Romance Photography / Venue: Villa Amor / Coordination + Florist: Karen Ruezga / Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew / Groom’s Attire: J.Crew (suit) + Burberry (tie) / Groom + Groomsmen Shoes: Custom Converse / Table Arrangements: Groom’s Great Grandmother / Guest Favors: “Milagro” Heart Charms / Necklace: All Things Tinsel / Cake Topper: Garden 4 Arts / Program Handkerchiefs: The Little Bells / Wedding Dress: Vera Wang

We have a super awesome treat for you today!  Remember this dream of a wedding draped in pastel hues and absolutely breathtaking details?  We went a little gaga over all the gorgeous when we saw Pobke Photography‘s romantic images so you know we are beyond ecstatic to share the equally as stunning video by Cinecraft Australia!  We not only get to relive all the pretty again but also the hard work and preparation that went into making such a lovely day!

From Cinecraft Australia… Alanna’s passion for art and detail meant this wedding film was going to be different.  Different in a good way. Her wish was for us to capture all the fine details along with all the effort that went into the preparation of hand made decorations/settings which created a warm rustic atmosphere (despite a bit of rain before the ceremony). We set out to capture ‘the behind the scenes’ of all the preparation as well as the ceremony itself. We had a blast working with Emily from White Room Events who was enthusiastic to help us capture the right shot despite her very busy schedule. In the end, we’ve produced a very personal film of a very beautiful wedding that is benchmark of our work. Cinematographers on duty that day were: Kamil Rauf, Lukasz Bebnowski and Gabriel Rivera. Edited by Kamil Rauf and Lukasz Bebnowski. Music is licensed With Etiquette.

Wedding Venue: Carrick Hill / Catering: Red Jam Catering / Wedding Photography: Pobke Photography/ Cinematography: Cinecraft Australia / Event Stylist: White Room Events / Wedding Coordination: OnCue Events / Flowers: Lotus Flowers / Chairs & Ottomans: Elegant Event Management / Wedding Dress: Custom by Annette of Melbourne Couture / Bride’s Shoes: Shoes of Prey / Groom’s Suit: Tailors of Distinction / Flowergirl Dress: Custom by Eliza French Couture / Pageboy Suit: Fred Bracks / Bridemaid Dresses: Forever New / Groomsmen Suits: Joseph Uzumcu / Groom’s Cufflinks & Bride’s Bouquet Pin: Paloma’s Nest / Letterpress Stationery: Twin Ravens Press / Transportation: Jag-It In Style / Balloons: Balloons Galore / Sparklers: Lombard Paper / Desserts: Sweet Treats Cakes and Cupcakes / Cookies: Spoon & Fork / Cakes: Sugar & Spice Cakes / Celebrant: Richard Lawley of I Do Forever / Makeup: Dale Dorning of D&D Solutions / Bride & Groom’s Hair: Tania Lonardo / Bridesmaid’s Hair: Kabuki Hair Studio / Groom & Groomsmen Preparations: Destination For Men / Bride & Bridesmaid Nails: Polished On Greenhill / Ceremony Music: L’amour Vocal Ensemble / Reception Band: Tania Savelli of Melodies by Tania / Wedding Rings: DDS Diamonds / Accommodations: Medina Grand Adelaide Treasury Hotel

Good morning west coast brides-to-be! We’ve got the sweetest and most romantic San Luis wedding to get your Monday morning started off right. And it’s full, and I mean FULL, to the brim of gorgeous images by the talents over at We Heart Photography. This wedding is so chic and effortlessly beautiful that it will no doubt fill your heads with inspiration galore. Like how amazing are those florals by Festive Designs? We’re loving that the bride’s beautiful besties all wore different dresses in the same shade of gray and how relaxed yet handsome all the groomsmen are. And how cute is it that Grandma Betty baked all the goodies on the dessert table? And I bet they were delicious! Click here for the full fete.

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From We Heart Photography…Samantha + Peter are a photographer’s dream. They are gorgeous, creative, and they smile constantly! Their wedding was so special for so many reasons. First of all, their wedding was on what would have been Peter’s parents’ 34th wedding anniversary. But, sadly, his father passed away a few years ago. They wanted to honor Peter’s dad by having their wedding on that day. Not only that, but Peter’s grandfather, who married Peter’s parents, also did the ceremony. He even incorporated different parts of Peter’s parents’ ceremony into Peter + Sam’s. The ring that Samantha put on Peter’s finger was also Peter’s dad’s ring. Needless to say, it was an emotional day.

The details were all so elegant and glamorous. Sam carried a bouquet of beautiful white flowers, the reception room was adorned with pearl and diamond-encrusted candles, and Sam’s Vera Wang dress and belt combo was to die for.  It was a gorgeous day with perfect light and beautiful emotions.

Wedding Coordinator: Bill Mortimer / Venue: San Luis Obispo Country Club / Florist: Festive Designs / Wedding Cake: Homemade / Entertainment: Kramer Entertainment / Men’s Formal Wear: Banana Republic / Wedding Photography: We Heart Photography / Wedding Dress: Vera Wang

Remember way back in July when we teamed up with Dior to bring you three picture perfect bridal beauty looks? The Beachy Chic, Garden Chic, and City Chic? Well the time has finally come to announce the lucky bride-to-be that will get a Dior Make-up artist at her door on the day of her wedding to flawlessly apply her make-up. I know, dream come true! Oh, and did I mention that this lucky girl will also get a feature on SMP?! But before we announce, we wanted to take a moment to thank the true unsung heroes behind the Dior spread…Eric Laurits, photographer extraordinaire (and seriously one hot cookie) and Kristine Collins, my cousin and possibly the chicest girl, most talented hair artist on the planet. After all, it wasn’t easy turning this mommy of two into a Dior bride for a day, so we are beyond grateful.

Okay! Drum roll please! We are so excited to announce that Ashleigh, from New York City is the lucky, lucky winner! Her fiancé Ian sent in the sweetest email and we just had to share it with all of you…we’re total suckers for love at first sight here at SMP. Plus, isn’t Ashleigh the cutest!?

From Ian: Friday morning, September 18th, 2009, I saw her. We were both medical students at the time, though our paths had never crossed before.  But before we start at that point in our story, please allow me to provide some context. In the final two years of medical school doctors-to-be receive “hands on” training, termed rotations, in the hospitals under interns, residents, and attending physicians.  I was in my final year of medical school doing a surgical rotation at a hospital in Queens. I had just finished an overnight call. Tired and exhausted, I bussed 40 blocks to visit some friends at a neighboring hospital. On arrival, I immediately started wandering the halls hoping to run into one of them. But before I knew it, my day would take me in a direction I had never could foresee, I saw her.

Who I found wasn’t an old friend, she was better. She was with the surgical team. How did I know she was on the surgical team? Because everyone around her had on green scrubs and looked way too tired, except her. She dazzled. She glowed. She stole the room. I stopped in awe of such a strikingly beautiful girl. I caught myself staring. She melted my heart. I felt silly for standing there and feeling that way, but I couldn’t stop staring nor did I want to look away. I wanted to remember her face in case I never saw her again. I wanted her to glance my way in hopes we could make eye contact. But she never saw me, and the team disappeared to visit the next patient. I was far too star-struck and shy to chase….

I eventually found a friend in the library. I obsessed over this girl I had just seen and gabbed on and on like a pre-teen girl at a sleepover. I didn’t even know her name and my friend was no help. It seemed hopeless for seeing her again, so I left my friend and headed to the cafeteria. I nibbled my food, sulked about my missed encounter, and stared at my shoes as I sauntered back to the elevator. While I waited, I looked over at the pair of shoes that just pulled up to the elevator. “Sweet Tigers” I thought. Then I saw those sweet shoes were attached to. . . her! Fast-forward through my awkward first meeting where I became tongue-tied and made a fool of myself. Two years later we are back to NYC and engaged. And I couldn’t feel more serendipitous to have been in the right place at the right time that Friday morning in September.

Congrats Ashleigh! We literally can’t wait to see the beautiful images of you on your wedding day! xoxo