Whenever I speak to photographers about the kind of photos we like to see, I talk about the white space. The quiet, simple images that give us a chance to breathe through the wedding so that we can really appreciate every moment. Every detail. This wedding is the quiet that every one of us needs. Photographed by utter perfection by TheCabLook Fotobook and designed Bianco Bouquet in beautiful Tuscany, it is the tiniest wedding with the grandest heart we’ve ever seen. Full gallery here.

From THECABLOOK FOTOLAB… The San Galgano Abbey was the suggestive backdrop of this intimate and romantic wedding. Allen and Vivian, a young couple from Los Angeles, flew to Tuscany together with 10 closest friends and relatives to realize their dreamy Tuscan wedding. Immediately, they got in touch with our planning team at Bianco Bouquet, Florence, sharing their love story and their wishes…and we were super happy to work with such a special couple, so in love since forever.

They were looking for a ceremony location with an authentic Tuscan vibe, and when we proposed the San Galgano Abbey, they immediately fell in love with this place! This is an ancient in-ruins church, with no ceiling, in the middle of the Tuscan countryside – a perfect place for civil and symbolic ceremonies.

Here you can breath the history and you can live the incredible feeling of being in a church, surrounded by centuries of history – looking at the sky at the same time. And on that September day, the sky was incredibly pure and light!

The bride always dreamed about her wedding and was attentive to every single detail. The chosen color palette was green, blush and white, and the style was a perfect mix of Tuscan country romance and pure elegance. The flower designer – Il Giardino delle Fate – designed a romantic bouquet that fit perfectly with the bridal gown by Tara Lauren, and all the wedding decorations were made with english roses, peonies and greenery.

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The civil ceremony was cozy and intimate and immediately after, the newlyweds had a couple photo session with Darya as it was important to eternalize every single moment and every emotion. The reception took place in the close by Borgo Santo Pietro, a stunning resort surrounded by the quiet of the Tuscan hills. Here, everything is a perfect balance of relaxation, luxury, charm and authentic country architecture. And in one of the gardens, under the pergola, a spectacular reception table was set up for impress the guests: a small table for 10 people, under a ceiling of chandeliers and hanging candle boules, decorated with a greenery garland with roses, peonies, candles and vintage tuscan candleholders.

Photography: Thecablookfotolab | Event Planning + Design: Bianco Bouquet Weddings | Floral Design: Il Giardino Delle Fate | Wedding Gown: Tara Lauren | Reception Venue: Borgo Santo Pietro | Hair + Make Up: Lidija Malinovskaja | Wedding Venue: San Galgano Abbey

After graduating from “Shenkar”, the leading fashion design school in Israel, Lihi Hod went to Paris to work at Dior, alongside fashion designer John Galliano. When she returned to Israel, and after working in many fashion brands, Lihi established her own signature studio in 2010, specializing in designing wedding dresses. These are her most beautiful gowns…ranging in price from $7,000-12,000.

Lihi Hod's Most Beautiful Gowns

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Lihi Hod's Most Beautiful Gowns

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Austinites Kate and Chris were self-proclaimed “not the marrying type.” It took eight years and an unforgettable trip to South Korea and Japan for them to decide that they did indeed want to make it official. When they got home, with the help of Lauren Field Design, they planned an intimate wedding filled with meaning and purpose. Stunning floral design by Clementine Botanical Art added to the modern yet natural vibe of the celebration. Katie Webb captured the excitement and joy of this special day. Don’t forget, there’s always more to see in the full gallery!

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From the Bride… We were never the “marrying” types. We were together eight years before we decided to get married and we certainly weren’t going to let our nuptials be traditional, either. We took our first international trip together to South Korea and Japan four months earlier. We weren’t really planning on getting married, but spending two weeks together, bonding over a lot of language barriers, missed trains, and an unforgettable experience staying at a buddhist temple with monks, we fell in love all over again. It felt new and fun and exciting, and we couldn’t wait to get married when we returned home. We wanted our wedding to be as meaningful and purposeful as possible. One of our best friends married us, our friends played the music as we walked down the aisle, our friends arranged the balloon release and our wedding planner and stylist is a close friend. Our moms were our wedding party. We wanted everything to be about us and our life’s journey that landed us in Austin. We got married on Mt. Bonnell, a famous look out point in Austin, among all the hikers, with no permit, guerrilla wedding style. We had a beautiful lunch at Olive and June, where they allowed us to create our own menu, and it was the first time they had made any of the dishes, and they were all incredible. We had chicken and waffles, quiche, and rather than serving cake, we chose our favorite dessert, beignets.

As Austinites, we could finish the day only one way, partying the night away at Austin City Limits with our friends and family and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. We wanted our day to be casual, but beautiful and timeless. Our palette was inspired by Austin’s lush foliage, and contemporary architecture. Everything was white, black, gold, and offset with rich greens. Some of my favorite details were the hand-made invitations by a local Austin artist, Chris’ Austin themed socks, and our portrait guest book. We wanted our flowers to feel natural and a little wild to embrace the outdoor venue. Everything was Texas themed down to our gift bags, including mini bottles of Tito’s vodka, cans of High Brew coffee made in Austin, Texas shaped chocolates from a local chocolatier, Texas teas, and a custom nut mix from Austin Nuts. Every detail was considered down to the gold linens, green velvet ribbon coordinating with a green velvet ring box, the gold striped on the gift tags playing off the stripes in the bride’s dress, and the bride’s vintage brass candlesticks and green glass bottles in the tablescapes. I’m a Commercial Interior Designer, and my friend decorated the get-away car, my Fiat, with hand made banners, and poms made out of Interior Design practice tests.

I found my dress with my best friend, my aunt, and my mom two years before the wedding! I never thought I would like a ball gown, but it was perfect. I love the simple but flattering cut, and the stripes were so modern and unique. As established professionals, we also had the opportunity to make our registry meaningful. We got married only six weeks after Hurricane Maria finished its devastation of Puerto Rico. We chose to register with Global Giving’s Puerto Rico Recovery fund to help the hundreds of thousands of people still without power. One of my favorite moments was as I was walking up the stairs to the ceremony with my dad, a little girl said “mommy, look, it’s a princess!” I’m not much of a girly girl, but every woman wants to feel like a princess on her wedding day.

From Katie Webb… Kate and Chris had their hearts set on a fun and relaxing wedding day, which led them to plan an intimate celebration with their dearest friends and family in their home city of Austin, TX. Kate is herself an interior designer, so the visual and emotional aesthetic were highly important as she planned each detail with care and help from Lauren Field Design. Throughout the day, Chris and Kate wanted to curate the best possible experience for their wedding guests – from choosing their ceremony site at one of Austin’s most beautiful vistas, releasing big white balloons after the ceremony, providing guests with an incredible brunch at a local restaurant, and sending them off with individualized gifts, their wedding day was a true celebration inspired by the city of Austin.

From Lauren Field… We chose a chic palette of emerald green and gold metallic paired with classic black and white inspired by vintage botanical prints. We layered natural elements and soft contrasting textures throughout the design to create a rich yet subtle vibe with wood, velvet, satin, and mixed metals.

Kate and Chris’ style was very modern and elegant, with a few fun twists on traditional details. For instance, Kate wore a pair of stunning gold Keds during the ceremony since the park requires a short hike up to the top lookout point. Also, in lieu of a wedding cake, Olive and June served the most delicious beignets to guests to showcase Kate and Chris’ love for New Orleans as the sweet ending to their brunch. Everyone who contributed to this wedding did a phenomenal job, and the combination of Clementine’s centerpieces in Olive and June’s top floor room with floor to ceiling windows was breathtaking. Whites, creams, and beautiful green florals blossomed around the natural wooden chargers, emerald green velvet bows on the menus, and the gold-foiled glasses – each of them a different design. Chris and Kate had actually already taken their “honeymoon” before the wedding. They took a trip to Japan, which is where they found the designer of Kate’s wedding ring. For them, their wedding was about curating as many beautiful elements as they could to give their friends and family an incredible day of celebrating, and every detail came together with grace and beauty.

Photography: Katie Webb Photography | Event Planning: Lauren Field Design | Floral Design: Clementine Botanical Art | Wedding Dress: Anne Barge | Ceremony Venue: City of Austin | Reception Venue: Olive + June | Shoes: Keds | Shoes: Vince Camuto | Ring: Yoshinobu Kataoka | Hair + Makeup: Callie Driskill of Third Space Salon | Band: Terra Vista Strings | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Bridal Boutique: Unbridaled | Day-Of Coordination: Ashley Voda | Gift Bags: Kate Aspen | Hair Accessories: Blue Bridal Boutique | Rentals: Loot Vintage Rentals | Rentals: Premiere Events | Ring Box: esselle SF

If you’ve been following along with my journey, you know that I chose to redesign my office space (see weeks 1-5 here!) for the One Room Challenge since I work from home. You probably also know that we were set to close our doors at the end of April. Well, thanks to Abby, Style Me Pretty Living is here. to. stay. Clink, clink! And I’m writing my first post for our relaunch sitting here in my newly designed space. Thankful for this little ol’ blog. Thankful for the talent that pours from it every single day. Thankful to be a part of it all. And 110% excited for what’s to come. Now, let’s take the tour, shall we?

First up, one of my favorite pieces (and the workhorse of the room) is my new Colette Desk from Ave Home. It’s from their RAW collection which is just so incredibly gorgeous. I’m already eyeing a few more pieces from the collection!

With the subtle tropical vibe I had in mind, this beauty reminded me of driftwood and I knew it would be the perfect touch of character to my neutral palette. The intricate detailing is just so pretty and one tangible detail that can’t be achieved in these images is how smooth the wood is. So although it’s raw, it’s perfectly finished and lovely as ever. I look forward to starting every day now seated at this very spot—a big upgrade from my toggle between our kitchen island and an old IKEA desk!

If you remember back in my first couple of ORC posts, I talked about incorporating some really fun coastal blues. When I spotted the Calypso Lamp from Boston ceramics designer, Jill Rosenwald, I had a little “squeeee!” moment. It had beach vibes written ALL over it and it pairs beautifully with the raw wood.

I had the pleasure of meeting Jill at her studio when I went to pick up the lamp a few weeks ago and she is equally as lovely as the pieces that she crafts. I even got to see a bit of their process and how my lamp was made! Each piece is handmade, hand-painted and perfected with passion and love, it’s truly a sight to see. If you’re in the Boston area I highly recommend popping in to her studio and showroom for a first hand look.

A couple of ways I stay organized are with my Sugar Paper weekly planner and this fun acrylic memo tablet from Russell + Hazel for daily to dos.

To bring a bit of texture to the scene, I went with the stunning Montego Fringe pillow designed by Arianna Belle. Give me all. the. fringe! This is by far the most luxurious pillow I own. Whoever said white was boring?

The big inspiration for this room was the resort my husband and I stayed at on our honeymoon. I wanted to channel that relaxed vibe. One of the first impressions when we walked into the hotel lobby and our room were the Haiku ceiling fans. They were sleek and stunning and surprisingly quiet, all while producing the loveliest breeze. And isn’t it just the most gorgeous fan you’ve ever seen?! Having it in my office brings me back to paradise in an instant.

We went with the Haiku L series with a built-in LED light. Talk about modern… not only does this baby look the part but it also syncs up with our Amazon Echo Dot. Haiku is offering $50 off any fan (no limit, every fan on the order) for all of you! Use code BISOU18 for the discount, active through May 25th.

Before we move on, I just want to remind you of the before situation. Painful, right? Thankfully Farrow & Ball came to the rescue with a fresh coat of ‘All White’ paint. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect white, this one is so, so lovely! The entire room was instantly transformed and felt so much more spacious after a wash of white. But I knew a healthy dose of pattern would be fun, too. This statement wall behind my desk is one of my favorite details of the room. I went with the Feather Wallpaper from Serena & Lily, featuring a herringbone pattern.

To top it off, I went with open weave linen drapes from Restoration Hardware and classic black and white framed photography from Minted. The print to the left is ‘Palm 3’ by Kamala Nahasand the print to the right is ‘Diverge’ by Jessica Cardelucci Nugent.

You may remember that my goal with this room was to make it multi-purpose and workable for a guest space when we have visitors. We haven’t gotten a sleeper sofa yet (and I’m still not sure if we can fit one ip the stairs!), but I wanted to incorporate a seating area for starters. It’s the perfect spot to unwind from the workday, too. Glass of rosé in hand, of course.

To bring more of those beachy blues to the space, I went with the Washed Indigo Tray from St. Frank. She’s the party starter in the room! The tray is created by woodwork artisans in the Philippines with St. Frank’s Washed Indigo fabric. Fun fact: The indigo color, or “gold blue,” is a symbol of the link between heaven and earth. I love pieces with stories and meaning behind them.

Sitting on the tray is Gray Malin‘s limited edition (and signed!) Beaches book. No stress ball needed when you can flip through pages of Gray’s gorgeous work.

The Braided Jute Rug from eSaleRugs is the piece that really ties the whole room together. The biggest challenge with this room was working with the angled walls. I chose to focus everything toward the center of the room and the rug really tied it all together! Not to mention, it brings a bit of warmth to the space and it’s super comfy on the toes.

For seating, I finally splurged on these insanely pretty cane chairs I’d been eyeing for well over a year. Cane is so timeless and these beauties remind me of cane-backed chairs that my great grandmother used to have. I topped them off with these luxe Ravi Handblocked pillows from Pom Pom at Home. I love those sweet little tassels!

Also, no space is complete without loads of linen in my opinion—so I went with the Montauk Throw in ‘Ocean’ below, from Pom Pom at Home.

When you’re a lifestyle blogger, having a bar cart is just part of the job description and I figured it was about time I fulfill that duty. I went with this beauty in black.

Remember that IKEA hack from week four? Here she is all styled up!

There’s no debating that the showstopper of this shelf is the Gray Malin print sitting pretty at the top. I went back and forth on which one to go with (because all of Gray’s prints are SO good!), but ended up deciding on the St. Barths Nude Swimmer print. I love how the angle of the waterline runs parallel with the angled (attic) wall in my office. The same is true for the statement wall with the herringbone wallpaper!

Lastly, I incorporated a small play area for our little boy, Chase. He’s just entering toddlerhood and is now 100% on the move, so making sure he has a space in every room of the home was very important to us. The table and chairs are from Target and he already loves climbing up in them!

Thank you all for following along as I transformed this space! It was quite a roller coaster, but SO much fun. I hope it’ll inspire you to transform a space of your own. If you have questions about any sources I didn’t list or anything at all, feel free to reach out! xo, Melissa

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Now, I insist you check out the final reveals of the other ORC participants! So many gorgeous spaces!

Apartment 34 | Beginning in the Middle | Coco & Jack | The English Room | The Gold Hive
Gray Malin | Jenna Sue Design | Jojotastic | Kelly Rogers Int. | Linda Holt | Marcus Design
Michelle Gage | Natasha Habermann | The Painted House | Rambling Renovators
Sacramento Street | Shannon Claire | Sketch 42 | Stephanie Kraus
Media Partner House Beautiful | TM by ORC

Blogging Event: One Room Challenge | Media Partner: House Beautiful | Photography, Design & Styling: Bisou Style

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So many of the vendors behind today’s post have been a part of the SMP family for many, many years. I’ve had the sheer privilege of watching them push their styles, develop their craft, grow and inspire and change this industry in ways that has had such a meaningful impact. While I’ve listed them all below (as there are too many to list here) – Photographer, Braedon Flynn | Planner & Designer XOXO Bride | Floral Designer, Cody Floral Design | Beauty, TEAM Hair & Makeup – continue to do what they do best with this absolute stunner of a wedding. Full gallery here!

From the Kandra & Gerard… We met through a mutual friend while watching football on a Sunday afternoon. There was an instant connection, to say the least. Gerard texted his friends the next day saying he had met “the one.” We went out on our first date a week later and, we know it sounds cheesy, but we knew then that we were meant to be together.

Over the years we had celebrated multiple anniversaries and special occasions in Santa Barbara and we knew we wanted to get married in the area. Kandra had always envisioned the wedding taking place at a private property with a home for her family to stay in, surrounded by gardens and greenery. Villa Sevillano was the first venue we saw and we were sold immediately.

After picking our venue we began the planning process by making a list of descriptive words that we wanted to define our wedding day. We used words like “warm,” “intimate,” and “timeless.”

We chose not to do a first-look and saw each other for the first time on the aisle, which was an emotional but memorable moment. We wanted the ceremony to be short and sweet, but still heartfelt and meaningful. We wrote our own vows so that each promise was personal.

After saying “I do” and sealing our marriage with a kiss we walked straight into the Villa where we took 10 minutes to be alone. We had a glass of champagne, one of each of the appetizers our guests were served during cocktail hour and shared our mornings with each other. Without a first look, it was important for us to be alone and share a quiet moment together before going back to our guests.

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We chose a darker color palette with simple gold accents to give it a deep and romantic feel. Given that the reception was taking place in the garden, we imagined string lights and an abundance of candles to create a warm atmosphere. We also relied heavily on the beauty of the property, which served as an incredible backdrop.

After the ceremony we wanted the rest of the night to be a celebration filled with music, food and drink. The food was served family style to create a more casual feel, and wine and cocktails flowed all night long.

During dinner, a live band played the classics and ultimately kicked off an epic dance party. An hour before the night ended, we surprised everyone with a cover band to play all of our favorite 80’s rock hits. It was the perfect way to cap off the perfect wedding day.

Photography: Braedon Photography | Videography: Cloudless Weddings | Event Planning: XOXO BRIDE Events | Florist: Laura Sangas, Cody Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Lihi Hod | Shoes: Stuart Weitzmen | Shoes: Steve Madden | Rings: Janvier Diamond Concierge | Rings: XIV Karats | Catering: Duo Catering & Events | Lighting: Bella Vista Designs, Inc | Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss | Ceremony Music: Bob Gail Special Events | Alterations: Ludmila Couture | Bartender: Flair Project | Bridal Salon: LOHO Bride | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Makeup/Hair: TEAM Hair and Makeup | Private Estate: Villa Sevillano | Reception Music 2: Wayward Sons | Reception Music I: Bob Gail Special Events | Rental Company I: Town And Country | Rental Company II: borrowed BLU | Veil: Daphne Newman Design

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

TEAM Hair and Makeup

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Sarah + Matt met about three years ago at Detroit’s St. Andrews Hall during a show Matt was playing in. Sarah was on a date with another guy and when Matt set eyes on her, he did everything he could to get her attention. Their relationship was long distance for much of their time dating and August 2016 Matt proposed in a hot air balloon ride. Their winter wedding was on another level!

From Erin Schmidt Photography… Her vision was described as wild romance, candlelit and tons of flowers and greens and it was exactly that and so much more. Sarah had thought of every single detail down to having hankies in every chair for the ceremony for guests to cry in!

Her dress was honestly the most stunning gown I’ve ever seen – horse hair skirt with a sheer long sleeved low back top by Hayley Paige. The girls started the day poppin’ bottles of champagne in their hotel room and ended the night under the stars of Planterra’s greenhouse. It was just perfection.

The King Proteas on every table wer breathtaking, hand-lettered place cards in every seat, and a seating chart with roman numerals made by the groom’s brother. Their ceremony began just after sunset with personal vows that had the room weeping. Followed by a swanky cocktail hour with their yummy signature cocktail. Lots of laughs, hugs and tons of people “cutting a rug” as the bride says. Just so many intimate details and so much love and design in their day.

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Photography: Erin Schmidt Photography | Floral Design: Planterra | gown: Hayley Paige | Cake: Sweet Heather Anne | Invitations: Minted | Ceremony Venue: Planterra Conservatory | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Weddington Way | hair: Christa Lee | calligraphy: MB Calligraphy

How do you choose a single wedding to start this new chapter for Style Me Pretty? Amidst all of the beautiful celebrations out there, how do you find the one that feels just right, the one that represents who we are and who we hope to become? It’s easy. You go back to the basics. You don’t think too hard. And you go with the wedding that makes you feel. That makes you laugh. And maybe cry. The one that pulls you in and keeps you there, right there. And when I opened this wedding – photographed beautifully by Michael and Carina and planned by Amore Events – I just knew.

From the photographers, Michael and Carina…Jerome and Floriza had such fantastic energy and their style was nothing if not refined. Jerome is an up-and-coming designer for Usurp Worldwide, and Floriza is a talented makeup artist. Their story began in high school. They have since started a family and finally, their paths led to their perfect September union in Charlottesville. Amore Events and her team styled the wedding and brought their vision to life. A white vintage car made for the perfect backdrop. 

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From the beautiful bride and groom, Floriza and Jerome…We wouldn’t do anything differently for our wedding. It was such a beautiful perfect day that went perfectly. We still can’t believe that day has come and gone. The bliss is still in the air! Everyone enjoyed themselves which was important. And Michael & Carina took such amazing photos. We can’t wait to see them again in June for our family photos. We have a new addition to the family, so we can’t wait for Michael & Carina to do what they do best. 

Oh but guess what…there was one more really special detail. Floriza was pregnant and they did a smoke bomb gender reveal as the night came to a close. And baby girl makes four!

Photography: Michael And Carina Photography | Event Planning & Design: Amore Events by Cody | Floral Design: Blue Ridge Floral | Dress: Mori Lee | Cake: Cakes by Rachel | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Lulu's | Catering: C&O Restaurant | Makeup Artist: Rachelle Carreon | Hair Stylist: Timothy O'leary | Hair Stylist: Anastacia Jimenez | DJ: TJ Layman | Groom's Attire: Suitsupply | Venue: Trump Winery | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab | Paper Goods: DIY

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Petit Bouquet

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There are some wedding planning tasks that are equal parts fun and difficult. Settling on the perfect signature cocktail to concoct for your wedding is often one of them. While I like to believe I’m an amateur mixologist, the options for a well-crafted wedding signature cocktail are endless and can feel daunting.

Whether you binge on seasons of British royal dramas or tween socialite flicks, we have the one stop shop guide to finding your perfect wedding signature cocktail, based on your current Netflix binge! From fruity and fun to brilliantly bitter, your guests are sure to love these quintessentially cinematic sips.

Gilmore Girls: Irish coffee

Bring a taste of Luke’s Diner to your reception by offering a fun twist on Lorelai’s favorite beverage.

2 2/3 oz (4 parts) Hot coffee
1 1/3 oz (2 parts) Irish whiskey
1 tsp. Brown sugar
1 oz (1½ parts) Fresh cream

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Moscow Mule

This zesty favorite is a must-have for lovers of TV’s favorite ginger. Plus, serving these up in quaint hammered copper mugs is the perfect on-trend decor detail your guests will love!

4 oz Ginger beer
1 1/2 oz Vodka
1/6 oz Lime juice

Black Mirror: Gin and Tonic

If you’re a frequenter of this British Sci-Fi anthology, then a gin and tonic appropriately garnished with black juniper berries is a perfect choice.

1 1/2 Oz Gin
3-4 Oz Tonic water
1 lime wheel
1 strip lemon zest
1 lemon verbena leaf
A few juniper berries
Served over ice in a rocks or highball glass

Master of None: Negroni

Aziz Ansari is often spotted on screen sipping Negronis in this comedic masterpiece and fans of the show will remember his girlfriend complaining about Ansari’s character leaving spilled Campari on the kitchen counter.

1 oz (1 part) Gin
1 oz (1 part) Campari
1 oz (1 part) Sweet red Vermouth
Garnished with an orange peel

The Crown: The Twinkle Elderflower Cocktail

Preferably served in a vintage coupe, this cocktail is the perfect royal-inspired l’apéritif. With Meghan Markle’s royal wedding on the horizon, one has to wonder whether royal wedding guests may find themselves sipping a similar cocktail.

1 oz vodka
.5 oz elderflower cordial, such as St. Germain
Topped with Champagne
Lemon peel twist, for garnish

Mad Men: Old Fashioned

Nothing says Don Draper more than an Old Fashioned.

1 1/2 oz Bourbon or Rye whiskey
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 Sugar cube
Few dashes plain water
Garnish with an orange peel

Stranger Things: Maple Bourbon Smash

If you love Eleven, then waffles obviously have to make an appearance at your wedding! Serve up a late night snack of chicken and waffle sliders accompanied by a crowd-pleasing maple bourbon smash!

1/4 oz Lemon juice, fresh
1/2 oz Maple syrup, pure
1/2 oz Orange juice, fresh
1 1/2 oz Seltzer
4 dashes Angostura bitters
2 oz Bourbon
1/2 orange wheel

House of Cards: Southern Peach Mint Julep

Perfect for TV’s darkest whiskey-loving southern politician. Or opt for a whiskey bar offering your favorite single malt scotch, if you want to pack a punch with Underwood’s favorite.

8 to 10 fresh mint leaves
1/2 peach, sliced
2 oz sweet tea vodka
1 oz bourbon
6 oz club soda

Narcos: Prickly Pear Margarita

If you spend your Friday evenings chronicling the rise of the Colombian drug trade then consider a festive twist on a south of the border cocktail classic.

2 oz Silver Tequila
5 oz Triple Sec
1 oz Fresh lime juice
1/2 oz Prickly pear syrup
Coarse pink salt for rim
Lime wedge for garnish

Gossip Girl: Grapefruit and Rosemary Mimosa

Perfect for a daytime wedding or in lieu of a champagne toast, consider serving up a reimagined take on this Van Der Woodsen brunch staple!

2 Tbsp. Rosemary Infused Simple Syrup
1/2 Glass of Fresh Grapefruit Juice
Top with Champagne
Spring of rosemary to garnish

Queer Eye: Whisky Ginger

Inspired by Queer Eye’s resident food and wine expert, Antoni Porowski, who makes ‘Whatever Whisky Punch’ in episode six, a whisky ginger is the perfect signature cocktail!

2-3 Oz whiskey
Top with Ginger ale
Garnish with Lime wedge

How To Get Away With Murder: Sangree

This cocktail, often referred to as the grandfather of Sangria, is perfect for people hooked on one of TV’s bloodiest primetime dramas.

4 cherries, muddled
¼ oz. simple syrup
1½ oz. merlot
1 oz. bourbon
1 lemon slice for garnish
Served over ice in a rocks glass

Grey’s Anatomy: Spicy Paloma

An ode to TV’s favorite tequila swigging surgeon, the Paloma is a fun option for a tequila cocktail that isn’t a margarita.

1 oz. Tequila
3 oz. Fresh grapefruit juice
1 oz. Jalapeño simple syrup
1 Tbsp. Freshly squeezed lime juice
Splash of grapefruit soda water (Pamplemousse La Croix works great!)
1 jalapeño slice for garnish
Sugar and sea salt mixture for rim

Friends: White Russian

What better way to pay homage to your favrotie Central Perk regulars than with an espresso laced signature cocktail?

2/3 oz (2 parts) Coffee liqueur
1 2/3 oz (5 parts) Vodka
1 oz (3 parts) Fresh cream
Served over ice in a rocks glass

The best part about selecting your wedding signature cocktail is that you get to test out each contender with your fiancee while binging your current Netflix obsession! Cheers!

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Hannah Nowack is a freelance writer, calligrapher, and event designer living in the Midwest. When she isn’t working, you will find her decorating her Danish Modern-inspired apartment, frequenting the gourmet cheese counter, or enjoying a glass of Cabernet with friends.

With Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s wedding firmly set in history, we are all feeling a little royal inspired. The good news is that there are many regal British traditions you can incorporate into your own wedding, no matter how American it is. From the type of cake you serve your guests down to the invitations, incorporating these little details into your big day will have you feeling like royalty every step of the way.

FANCY HATS
One of the biggest things royal weddings are known for is the hats. In fact, as the day begins, the focus will be more on the hats women show up in then their actual gowns. You may not want to include hats into your wedding day attire, but what about your bridal shower? Have a tea party and have all your best girls wear an over-the-top hat—the pictures will be priceless! On your actual wedding day, consider a headpiece in lieu of a wide-brimmed cap.

THE WEDDING CAKE
It is traditional for royal weddings to serve fruitcakes instead of the fancy, four-tiered cakes we often see here in America. Meghan and HArry appear to be taking a mixed approach to this. Kensington Palace has announced the royal wedding cake will be “a lemon elderflower concoction incorporating the bright flavors of spring.” It’ll be covered with buttercream, and adorned with fresh flowers.

Take this tradition head-on by asking your venue if they offer this, or pick one up yourself at a local bakery. If fruitcake isn’t your thing, have one as a grooms cake or extra dessert in addition to the traditional wedding cake you’re used to, or pass out mini versions during the dessert course.

AN EMPHASIS PUT ON THE MEAL AND SPEECHES
Royal weddings can sometimes last a full day (up to 12 hours!) and focus mainly on the meal. The speeches are given traditionally by important groomsmen. If this sounds like your type of wedding, follow suit! Instead of five hours on the dance floor, choose to have a sit-down, formal meal. Ask your loved ones to recite longer-than-average speeches.

TRADITIONAL VOWS
Royal weddings do not include their own vows—in fact, it is customary for the bride and groom to recite the traditional vows that have been spoken by every king, queen and so on for centuries. You can find the vows spoken by royals, or similar ones that match your style, and speak them at your wedding, saving the personal vows for later on in private.

RING BEARERS (OR PAGEBOYS)
This is a tradition we share with the British, although many have forgone the ring bearers and instead, given the rings to the best man or a trusty brother or family member. Keep the tradition alive by incorporating this back into your ceremony. Ask your best friend’s son or your baby cousin to step in for this important task.

DESIGNING YOUR OWN WEDDING STATIONERY
It seems a bit unusual, but it’s actually up to the royal couple to design their own stationery. Since Meghan is a talented calligrapher herself, many speculate that she will do this on her own. Here in the states, we often hire a professional to do this for us. If you have the skills (and the patience!), consider taking this task on—just like the royals do.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Jessica Tzikas is a freelance writer, editor, and content manager from South Florida, who recently moved back to the sunshine state after living in Philadelphia for the past few years. When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading by the beach, spoiling her black lab, and exploring nearby towns with her new husband.

We’re already in week two of the One Room Challenge and while it might seem like there’s still plenty of time before reveal day—it’s only 28 days away. Time to hustle! In case you missed it, I shared the inspiration for my office redesign here last week. Today, I’m talking design selections, layout and my progress list. Plus, tips for how to tackle a layout and create a seamless flow in your room. Here we go!

I have to say I’m quite pleased with the progress so far but in all honesty, I’m still nervous about the final result! I suppose the anticipation is what makes designing a room (in six weeks) so exciting. This past week has been a busy one. I made the wallpaper selection, hired a wallpaper hanger, met with our contractor, ordered nearly all of the furniture and painted. Whew! Pulling together my design plan was super helpful and reassuring for some of the final furniture decisions I was going back and forth on. Let’s take a peek, shall we?

Progress

Step one in transforming the room was new paint and flooring, and boy did that make a HUGE difference! I knew I wanted a fresh white canvas to work with for my coastal casual vibe and I’m so glad I went with Farrow & Ball’s ‘All White’. It radiates the softest white glow without the blue undertones of a brilliant white—basically, the perfect white!

For flooring, I went with a hardwood laminate which is actually very impressive. It looks like the real deal but it’s actually more durable than real hard wood and it’s actually less expensive than carpeting, which surprised me! Definitely something to think about if you want the look for less. Take a peek below—can you believe the transformation already?! Let’s have a quick peek at the before again. Incredible, right? It just goes to show how a bit of paint and new flooring can instantly transform a space.

Layout

The layout was such a challenge in this room. Because this space is a finished attic, it has angled walls which don’t leave me much wall space to work with. For that reason, I decided to focus everything toward the center of the room, rather than positioning pieces up against the wainscoting like you see in the before shot. The room will be broken in 3-4 ‘areas’, which I wanted to flow seamlessly together:

• Desk
• Seating Area
• Shelving
• Kids Play Area

One of the most important (and overlooked) techniques to consider when designing a room is anchoring. You’ll want your furniture and decor to work together as a whole, rather than each piece competing for attention. Anchoring a room is a great way to create a visually pleasing flow. A few ways to anchor a room:

• Area rugs
• Lighting
• Statement wall

I’m using all three in this room, with the primary one being the beautiful Braided Jute Rug from eSaleRugs. This stunner will really help pull the space together and let each area flow seamlessly to the next.

The wall above is where the shelving and gorgeous Gray Malin print will go. That photo just transports me, isn’t it amazing?!

My desk will be facing outward from the far wall here, which I’m having wallpapered in this design by Serena & Lily. I’ll be getting rid of this old IKEA desk to make way for the beautiful Colette Desk from Ave Home. I shared it in my week one post here as well if you need a reminder of it’s loveliness! The desk will really be the focal point of the room, set against a fun statement wall. I’m topping it off with Jill Rosenwald’s Calypso Cylinder Lamp. This piece is so gorgeous, I can’t stop staring at it. Head to our IG stories (@SMPLiving) to get a peek.

In the center of the room, I’ll have a small seating area to tie it all together. Eventually I’d like to incorporate a sleeper sofa into the seating area for guest visits but for now, I’m holding off until I find the perfect one.

It feels amazing to have a solid layout and I cannot wait to layer on the decor! I’ve got a lovely Montego Fringe pillow from Arianna Belle in route and I’m also incorporating lots of fun coastal blues in the mix. More on decor in the coming weeks.

That’s it for this week! xo, Melissa

*As many of you may have seen in yesterday’s sad announcement, Style Me Pretty and Style Me Pretty Living will be shut down as after April 30th. Although this is incredibly devastating news, I am happy to say that I will be continuing the One Room Challenge (thanks to many of the generous sponsors) over on my personal blog, Bisou Style and my Instagram account @bisoustyle. I do hope you will follow along with this fun transformation. It’s going to be a good reveal!

Follow along with all of the other talented designers participating!

Apartment 34 | Beginning in the Middle | Coco & Jack | The English Room | The Gold Hive
Gray Malin | Jenna Sue Design | Jojotastic | Kelly Rogers Int. | Linda Holt | Marcus Design
Michelle Gage | Natasha Habermann | The Painted House | Rambling Renovators
Sacramento Street | Shannon Claire | Sketch 42 | Stephanie Kraus
Media Partner House Beautiful | TM by One Room Challenge

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Travel blogger J. Q. Louise gives us her tips for surviving long plane rides!

We all have a love-hate relationship with long plane rides. One the one hand we are excited to get to whatever fabulous destination we are en route to, but on the other hand, we are stuck in the same spot for 6 or 8 or even 15 hours! However, the best way to distract yourself from the elongated boredom that is bound to ensue is to do something productive. Here are my top 5 ways to make the most of a long plane ride!

Moisturize! It’s ok to be one of “those” girls doing a face mask on board

The first thing I always do when I get on board a long flight is some kind of skin care. Whether it’s just moisturizing my hands and arms or doing a full face mask, I always feel so much better throughout the whole flight when I do. One of my secret tips is that planes are the places where I use all those little skincare samples that seem to pile up my drawer. Think about it, they are tiny, one use only and slide right into your quart size plastic TSA approved bag! And I always bring at least one full-size face moisturizer with me as well.

Get some work done, especially if there is free or fast Wi-Fi on board

As a travel blogger, I try to utilize downtime by getting some work done. And honestly, a plane is the perfect place to really get down to brass tacks. Think about it, it’s quiet and there aren’t many distractions. If you are fortunate enough to be flying on an airline with free (and fast!) Wi-Fi, like JetBlue (domestically) you are really in luck. When I am on JetBlue I love to catch up on scheduling content for the week, so I can relax once I get to my destination!

Relax with a good book or catch up on some reading for class

And once you are sick of working and want to start relaxing, hit the books! Again, planes are the perfect place for reading. No distractions and the gentle hum of the plane is just perfect for diving into an amazing story. Fun fact: I got hooked on Harry Potter when I was in fourth grade by reading the Sorcerer’s Stone on a15-hour flight to Japan! The latest book I am working on is the Last Watchman of Old Cairo.

Write!

I love using plane rides as quiet time to get my to-do list in order or to just write in a journal about my trip (on the ride home). Think about it, when was the last time you actually wrote something—with a pen and paper? It can be very relaxing to just write down your thoughts, whether you are trying to figure something out for work or just writing a journal entry, use your plane ride to write!

Learn a new language

There are a bunch of language apps that work offline like Duolingo and the little quizzes will not only eat up the hours, but will also refresh your memory on all that high school French! And hopefully, when you get to your destination you will be able to say more than Bonjour!

Airplane: Jetblue | Article and Photos : J.Q. Louise

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You’ve poured over every detail of your big day… except for the morning after your wedding. Post-wedding brunches turn your event into a weekend-long celebration of you and your fiancé’s love. But from the budget to the food to the guest list, a send-off quickly turns into one more wedding shindig to pay for and plan.

While it’s certainly not mandatory for an impeccable wedding weekend, a morning-after brunch is the perfect way to show your guests a little gratitude and wrap-up the party before your honeymoon.

When to brunch
It’s a nice gesture to say thank you to all of your guests that have traveled miles to see you say “I do,” but is brunch really necessary? Ultimately, a send-off brunch is definitely not a must-do for every couple, but there are a few reasons why providing some morning munchies for family and friends might be a good idea.

If guest accommodations don’t provide breakfast, your visitors will be hungry after a night of dancing and celebrating. Plus, if you’re afraid that you won’t have enough time to greet and catch-up with each of your guests during your reception, then it might be fun to host brunch the morning after to personally thank them for attending. You’ll also get to relive all of your favorite moments and hear about some hilarious moments that you didn’t witness when the memories are still fresh with all of your loved ones. While it might be one more to-do on your list of things to pull together before the big day, a brunch is an excellent opportunity for close family members, such as step-parents, to contribute to your wedding and alleviate some of the financial stress, too.

How to brunch
If you do decide to host a day-after wedding brunch, remember it doesn’t have to be elaborate or complicated, despite the staged photos you see on Pinterest. From a simple coffee, juice, and donuts spread to an elegant buffet of foods and mimosas, what is served (and how it’s decorated) is up to you and, of course, how much energy and money you have left after arranging your nuptials.

Traditionally, the couple or the bride’s parents shell out the money for a post-wedding brunch. Some couples have smaller budgets than others to host a thank-you brunch after going all-out for the ceremony and reception, and that’s ok! Morning-after brunches can be a casual get-together and do not need to be over-the-top to impress your family and friends. A couple of ways to stay within your price range include capping your guest list to only out-of-towners or to only immediate family members and the wedding party; or utilizing free or cheap event spaces like a park, a backyard, or the parking lot at the resort for some french toast grilled up by family friends.

Your time may be limited, so don’t forget to assign tasks to those willing to help out with planning brunch. Delegate to groomsmen donut duties and to bridesmaids coffee pick-up from a local cafe. Close aunts and uncles may also offer to help pick up the slack and provide breakfast items to nosh on in the morning. You’ll find just about all of your guests are willing to lend a hand to make sure your day and morning-after is picture perfect if you’re able to delegate.

If you’ve decided to keep the celebration going by catering post-wedding brunch for family and friends, remember that it’s your time to finally relax. Be available for hugs, chit-chat, and a cup of coffee before everyone heads home. After all, you’ve just put on the biggest party of your life–enjoy the last moments of your wedding weekend.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Ali Struhs is a freelance writer, blogger, and mama in Denver, Colorado. When not typing away on the computer, she enjoys exploring the great outdoors, rocking out at Red Rocks, snuggling her new baby, and chasing around her toddler.

Now that spring is officially amongst us (even though the weather says different), it is the perfect time of the year to do a big cleaning and purge all the items that you haven’t touched in years. We’re talking about those shoes that are collecting dust by the day or the shirts that are clogging up the closet. Just like retail therapy, cleaning out your closet can give you instant satisfaction and have a positive effect on your stress levels!

To help you through this cleaning process, we sat down with Brielle Buchberg and Lindsay Segal of Luxury Garage Sale (LGS). LGS is a leading authenticated online luxury consignment that helps people clean out their closets and sell their items for money in return. Buchberg and Segal provided us with five rules to make this process as seamless as possible:

1.Tags

If the tags are still on it and it’s been more than a few months since you bought it, then let’s be real — you aren’t going to wear it.. Add it to the goodbye pile.

2. Unworn Items.

If you haven’t worn it in over a year, it is probably time for it to go. Yes, there is the occasional exception, such as that one gown that will definitely be worn again, but for the majority of your closet, this rule applies.

3. Damages.

If it has holes, stains or is over worn, then please just toss it!

4. Negative associations.

If there’s a bad memory attached to it, throw it away along with the memory.

5. Unrealistic Expectations.

You’re not a baby, and your body and height most likely won’t change dramatically. If you’re saving it for when you lose weight, gain weight, or grow five inches, it’s just taking up space.

At first, it might be frightening to see the number of pieces you have said goodbye to, but spring cleaning is a great way to start fresh and create new room in your closet. Luxury Garage Sale will even pick up your new or gently used items that you are getting rid of and help you sell them for money. Your closet and wallet will both win. Now there is no excuse to not go clean out your closet.

Tips: Luxury Garage Sale

Bold black and white stripes, monogrammed everything, bright and colorful florals, plus a dash of Southern charm – what is not to love about this Kate Spade inspired wedding? Dana Cubbage Weddings captured the darling féte planned by Ooh! Events, and with its sweet personality and happy vibes, this gallery is sure to make your day…It did, ours!

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From Dana Cubbage Weddings… If I were to ever get married again, I’m pretty sure that my wedding would look very similar to Maureen and Richard’s.  Classic black and white stripes paired with bright citrus-y florals and gold accents?  Yes, please!  I may or may not have been drooling over their breathtaking florals, carefully curated details, and how perfectly it all came together on their gorgeous wedding day. Maureen described her wedding vision to me as Kate Spade meets garden party, and that is exactly what she got!

We started their day with a sweet first look in the French Quarter of downtown Charleston. After portraits downtown, we headed to Hampton Park for more photos, then met up with the bridal party and the couple’s families for group photos.  Maureen and Richard said, “I do!” at Summerall Chapel at the Citadel, then headed over to Cannon Green for their beautiful reception. Guests were treated to a seated dinner then kept the dance floor packed all night. I have to say that Maureen and Richard know how to throw a pretty fabulous party!  It was an absolutely amazing day, and I’m so honored to have been the one chosen to document such a great day for Maureen, Richard, their family, and their friends.

From the bride… Our design aesthetic was “Kate Spade meets garden wedding.” We had lots of bold black and white stripes, pops of gold, and tons of bright flowers. We didn’t want all of the same old flowers either, we really wanted to use unique flowers and flower combinations. We wanted our wedding to be polished yet fun with tons of classic, Southern accents! I personally LOVE monograms – I love that quote about monogramming anything that sits still long enough! – so we incorporated lots of monogrammed details throughout the wedding. I had some cocktail napkins made with our monogram, koozies, a cake topper, etc. In particular at the wedding rehearsal and then to an extent at the wedding, we included pineapples as a nod to Charleston hospitality. We also made quite a few things for the wedding.

We wanted to keep our guest list smaller, trying to keep it intimate and let it really be about us and the wedding itself. My family is very important to me, so I invited all of them to be a part of our wedding. My sisters and sister-in-law were my bridesmaids, my brother was one of Richard’s groomsmen, my older nephews were our ushers, my three youngest nieces were the flower girls, the older nieces were our junior bridesmaids, and then my youngest nephew was the ring bearer.

Photography: Dana Cubbage Weddings | Event Planning: Ooh! EventHaus | Floral Design: Branch Design Studio | Wedding Dress: Essense Of Australia | Cake: ABCD Cakes | Stationery: Minted | Ceremony: Summerall Chapel | Reception: Cannon Green | Bride's Shoes: Kate Spade | Jewelry: BHLDN | Catering: Cannon Green | Hair + Makeup: Lashes And Lace Charleston | DJ: East Coast Entertainment

I bet you’ve never seen Himalayan Sea Salt used quite like this awesomeness made gorgeous at the hands of Laura Hooper Calligraphy. Mixed with copper, lush florals by Sweet Root Village and the best ever escort card display, this black tie celebration planned by Grit & Grace Inc, combines creativity and the most elegant Washington D.C. backdrop. Pore through the images by Abby Grace Photography and raise a pink hued shot glass to happily ever after.

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Erica and Kevin McQuade met while both were students of political science at the University of Connecticut. Erica, who works in government relations and Kevin, a consultant, were immediately drawn to each other’s affinity for traveling and rap music. They eventually moved down to Washington, D. C. After two years of long-distance dating and added a french bulldog puppy to their lives. In the spring of 2016, Kevin got down on one knee under the National Arboretum’s seasonal cherry blossoms, surrounded by close friends.

Erica quickly sought out Laura Ritchie of Grit and Grace to style an elegant black tie wedding in the heart of Washington, honing in on a moody luxe design with copper, marble, and Himalayan sea salt accents. To kick off the weekend for many out of town guests, the marble theme from the invitations was copied over for their simple and focused welcome gifts. Filled with custom coffee cups, cookies of their pup and a simple welcome notes this was the perfect way to explore downtown before the nuptials… Brew in hand.

Following a Catholic ceremony at the bride and groom’s DC parish – Holy Trinity Church in Georgetown – Kevin and Erica and their bridal party rode through M Street in Georgetown in an open air trolley waving to everyone along the way. Fitted with custom Stubbs & Wooten slippers, denoting their opposite political parties, they then joined their family and friends for cocktails on the portico of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution’s O’Byrne Gallery. Though their wedding day fell on the same day as the Insane Clown Posse Rally, A Pro Trump Rally, a 5K and a Latin Festival….. Everything went off without a hitch.

Ahh the joys of having a wedding in our national capital! Despite, the venue being surrounded by military and tanks, and after Grit & Grace sweet talked many a solider as vendors loaded in, the guests barely noticed a thing and they enjoyed the gorgeous weather as if nothing was amiss. The cocktail hour hosted a custom made bar on the veranda from Social Supply events made with a Japanese form of burning wood to create a black snakeskin like texture called Shou Sugi Ban and then lining it in copper. It was a statement piece against the white marble facade of the historical venue.

Touching on their love of good food, great drinks and rap music… They hosted not on an copper accent Old Fashioned Bar but also their Escort Card wall was a huge hit. Laura Ritchie from Grit & Grace used Himalayan Seat Salt Shot glasses filled with tequila and hand calligraphied with each guests name by LH Calligraphy. Their table numbers were written on the lime wedge and guests were simply tickled with the rapper T. I.’s quote outlining this interactive installation.

A food-focused evening didn’t disappoint with a dinner catered by Occasions and then draped in flowers by Sweet Root Village was divine. Copper, wood and black chairs adored the stark white gallery space where we continued the touches of Himalayan sea salt in votives, salt chargers for the Bride & Groom (to keep and use after the wedding!) and dramatic florals filled the mantle and head table.

By mixing textures, patterns and alternating chairs the traditional space went high end and more avante grade than normal downtown DC. DJ Dan then pumped up the jams and had guests dancing under the outdoor portico all night long. Rap battles, old school 90s hip hop and aggressive dance offs were enjoyed by all. By the end of the evening DJ Dan was hired by other couples on the dance floor for their future weddings… No joke! Guests left the evening by walking back across the Ellipse of The White House towards their hotels and some even to a after party at the top of The W Hotel. The next day, the bride and groom left for a two-week honeymoon, eating and drinking their way through Italy.

Photography: Abby Grace | Event Planning: Grit & Grace Inc | Dress: Hitched Salon | Cake: Buttercream Bakeshop | Invitations: Paperless Post | Ceremony: Holy Trinity | Reception Venue: DAR Continental Memorial Hall | Catering: Occasions Caterers | Hair and Makeup: Hair & Makeup Artistry by Claudine | Calligraphy: Laura Hooper Calligraphy | DJ: Premier DJ Services | Dog Cookies: Sweet Annalines | Floral: Sweet Root Village | Loafers: Stubbs and Wooten | Production: Jessica Marie | Signage, Coffee Wraps: Paper Daisies Stationery

The food at a wedding is one of the most important aspects of the big day. And while the main dish is the focus, it doesn’t have to be the only food element present. If you love snacking (we’re right there with you!), why not incorporate that love into your wedding day? Guests will love an extra something to much on and it’s a great way to make your day unique and memorable.

Here are a few delicious ways to snack on your wedding day.

Pretzel Bar
Pretzels are super easy and inexpensive, but they can make a big impact. Plus, pretzels are delicious dipped in so many things: cheese, chocolate, peanut butter, you name it! Set up a pretzel bar during cocktail hour for people to create their own concoctions, or place one next to the dessert table for the salty and sweet lovers.

A Midnight Snack
After a night of dancing and drinking, all you ever want is something to sink your teeth into. Since your wedding will have both of those things, why not provide your guest with a midnight snack? Have the venue pass out mini cheeseburgers or get a food truck for the last hour of the night. It will leave a lasting, yummy impression!

Party Favors
I got married in Philadelphia, so for our party favors, we passed out soft pretzels in custom pretzel bags as guests left our venue. It was a huge hit! Most party favors get forgotten, thrown out, or left behind, but food is something that all your guests will appreciate. Give something that fits your theme or your personalities: if you love homemade items, make DIY jam in custom jars; if you and your hubby are sweets lovers, give out custom candy bars! Whatever you choose, it’ll be a delicious ending to the night.

A Food Truck
Food trucks are becoming increasingly popular at weddings–and for good reason. Instead of having one stationed at your venue all night, hire a food truck to come during the last hour or so and park right outside the venue so guests can grab a bite as they leave. You can also incorporate a food truck into your cocktail hour or for outdoor weddings, near the dance floor so guests can cure their munchies throughout the night.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Jessica Tzikas is a freelance writer, editor, and content manager from South Florida, who recently moved back to the sunshine state after living in Philadelphia for the past few years. When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading by the beach, spoiling her black lab, and exploring nearby towns with her new husband.

Bring on the blues! I hadn’t even seen the pics but already knew this wedding right here was going to be a favorite as soon as I read the Bride’s description of her special day (think chinoiserie vases, long sky-blue runners with a dark blue flourished monogram). But then I looked through Hello Blue Photo’s gallery and well… it was all even better than expected. A fresh color palette, gorgeous blooms and a beautiful Bride and Groom. Start your week off right… right here!

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From the Bride… When I was in my early 20’s I was in my uncle’s wedding. His reception was in my now Aunt’s backyard which is a beautiful horse property in Denver, Colo. My cousin got married on the lawn of his family home in Connecticut. My parents were married on my grandparents’ property. A long velvet green lawn, a white tent with music and dancing under the stars pulled at my heart strings, perhaps for family reasons, when deciding on a location for my own wedding. Since homes with acreages are hard to find in Southern California, we decided to have our reception at Shady Canyon Golf Club. Its gorgeous outdoor space gave us the backyard feel we were looking for.

Although I like current trends, at heart I am a traditionalist. Silver chargers, beautiful glassware, and chinoiserie vases all spoke to me when styling my wedding. Long sky-blue runners with a large deep blue flourished monogram completed the look on our rectangular tables. For interest, we switched it up on our round tables and placed shear white embroidered overlays on white tablecloths. Those tables had only white flowers letting the blue and white chinoiserie vases make an even stronger statement. We chose periwinkle, lavender, mauve, white and light blue colors for our flowers on all the rectangular tables. It was a palette that married well with our Chinese vases and light blue table runners. I liked that the color palette has not been common for weddings recently, which made it seem fresh. We also didn’t want the flowers to look over arranged. Slightly more relaxed florals was the goal.

I looked at hundreds of dresses in many different styles. There was one Carolina Herrera dress that kept coming back to me. It was simple, elegant, timeless and my favorite part was the bow in the back above the dramatic train. When I showed friends some of my gown considerations they kept saying, “That one looks just like you!” In fact, my Mom pulled it from a magazine before I even started my dress shopping. I felt like me in it, which is exactly what I wanted.

My cake was super simple. A few flower embellishments was the only thing it needed. To me, wedding cake is all about how it tastes! SusieCakes Bakery is my absolute favorite. Of course, I only had one bite at my wedding!

My bridesmaids are everything to me. I have lifetime histories with all of them. If any of them were to have been missing on my wedding day, there would have been a hole in my heart with their name on it. They were unbelievably generous to me during my engagement. From showers, to parties, and a bachelorette weekend, they graced each event with their style, laughter and love. I asked them to be my bridesmaids during Christmas so I gave them an ornament of a gold dress that looked like a bridesmaid gown with a poem asking them if they would stand by my side on my wedding day.

I spent hours researching and interviewing many different photographers. I chose Christina at Hello Blue because we instantly clicked. Not only did I love her sweet, bubbly personality and obvious passion for photography, she immediately understood my wedding vision. It was also important that my photographer could shoot in both film and digital. Christina does both extremely well. Her photos are soft and ethereal. She captures the most precious moments in a beautifully natural way.

Photography: Hello Blue | Videography: Triptych Weddings | Coordination: Sugar Branch Events | Floral Design: Paul Fenner Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Carolina Herrera | Bakery: Susie Cakes Bakery | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Dessy Group | Make Up + Hair: Beauty By Melina | Calligraphy: Whitney Forbes | Band: Jordan Music Entertainment | Venue: Shady Canyon Country Club | Bridal Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Groom's Tux: Hugo Boss | Rentals: Signature Party Rentals

One of my favorite quotes is from Whitney Leigh Morris who says, “You don’t need to live large to live beautifully,” and that is absolutely true of this intimate wedding. The couple had just their immediate families in attendance at their Calistoga Ranch nuptials, but the team at Garden Party made sure it was everything they could have wished for and more. Every beautiful moment and each gorgeous detail was captured by Amanda Wei Photo, so scroll on and enjoy this so-sweet affair!

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From Amanda Wei Photo… Linda and Ilya’s wedding was very small and intimate with only immediate family in attendance at the spectacular Calistoga Ranch. Family members traveled all the way from Canada to celebrate these two. Linda wanted to experience all of the traditions that happen in a big wedding at there cozy style wedding. The whole day took place outside on an amazing rustic deck overlooking the Calistoga Valley. Beautiful tea lights hung from above, the ceremony was draped with rose petals, and the dinner table was set for royalty! The whole family got to stay together for the entire weekend in one of their best houses, so they could bond and spend more time together before everyone had to go their separate ways. The strong love between Linda and Ilya brought two wonderful families together, and forever they are strong! We were so appreciative to have captured such a breath taking wedding! Congratulations Linda and Ilya!

Photography: Amanda Wei Photography | Floral Design: Garden Party Floral | Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero | Shoes: Klub Nico | Hair + Makeup: It's A Date At The Powder Room | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Calistoga Ranch | Event Decor: Garden Party Floral | Getting Ready Venue: Chanric Inn

As the old saying goes, when you marry someone, you also marry their family. Royal bride-to-be Meghan Markle probably knows this better than perhaps anyone out there, and industry experts agree, she’s scoring wins across the board from her future in-laws.

“Meghan is immersing herself in all training procedures to become Royal,” says Amy Conrad, events and wedding expert. “She’s not assuming that an American-raised woman can become royalty overnight. She has dedicated herself to this man and his lifestyle by having their future wedding ceremony led by the Lord Chamberlain’s office. She also been baptized and confirmed before the Church of England.”

Displaying respect to one’s in-laws throughout the wedding planning process is key to sustaining and building a positive relationship says Amy. “Brides-to-be should avoid excluding in-laws during the planning process, and keep in mind that short-term appeasement can lead to a healthier relationship down the road.”

Here are cues the experts say you should take from her.

Accept your new family.
Your significant other is a product of people who raised him and who they grew up with. Welcome them for exactly who they are, says Gina Wade of Gina Wade Creative. “Do not put unreasonable expectations onto them or try to make them bend to your needs,” she adds. “Parents are who they are and they likely aren’t going to change. As the new bride, you should focus on all of the positives about your new family, and not waste time nit picking the negatives.”

Keep tradition alive.
Tradition is very important to some parents, especially when it comes to faith and religion says Jennifer Borgh of Jennifer Borgh Events. She recommends listening to both sets of parents identify the thing that matters most to them on the big day. “Remember that going against tradition can be devastating to some parents,” says Jennifer. “They truly believe you are destined to an unhappy marriage if you don’t follow certain traditions. Be open to listening to their concerns and desires.”

“What’s great about Meghan Markle is that she is effortlessly bringing in her modern approach, while still respecting her future in-law’s traditions and protocol,” says Paula Ramirez of Historic Mankin Mansion. “Yes, she wore a sheer top for engagement pictures, and trousers to a royal engagement, but based on what she wore to her first outing with the Queen, you can be sure she isn’t going to ruffle feathers when it comes to her wedding day fashion.

Often times, modern brides want to buck tradition, says Paula. But it’s important to be mindful of how their choices impact others and if there can be some sort of in between that satisfies all.

Have the money talk.
All the event experts agree: talking to your parents about what, if anything, they’re able to contribute to the cost of the wedding, will save major headaches down the road. If one set of parents is covering most or all of the costs of the wedding, they might feel like they have a larger say in the details. Iron this out in advance. Jennifer recommends meeting with each set of parents separately to have the discussion in order to avoid assumptions with the budget and their role in the planning.

Ashley Stork of Magnolia Vine Events says the process of listening and planning together for the future can lead to years of goodwill among these new familial relationships. “Approach it as something you want to work on together and as a way to spend time with one another. This will build your relationship while helping plan and execute.”

Set your in-laws up for success.
Get your in-laws involved in the process says Joan Wyndrum of Blooms by the Box. As a couple, you might decide on the big stuff like color scheme, but why not let your in-laws decide on the blooms by giving them your top three favorite picks? This is an ideal solution if you’re unsure or have a different style than your in-laws. “They’ll make an impactful decision and you’re guaranteed to like whatever they choose,” says Joan.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Ximena N. Larkin is a writer and publicist. She lives in Chicago with her husband and dog.

Summer nights are the perfect excuse for a festive soiree, whether you’re celebrating a wedding or not! We love the idea of bringing a unique twist to summer rehearsal dinners by infusing them with fun summer activities, in lieu of a more formal rehearsal dinner.

The best part about a welcome party or rehearsal dinner is that you’re free to do just about anything and need not feel constrained by the theme or level of formality of the impending wedding reception.

We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite summer rehearsal dinner ideas that are sure to wow guests and create memories for a lifetime.

Lowcountry Crab Boil

Whether you’re getting in married in Charleston, or a piece of your heart simply belongs to the Lowcountry, a crab boil is a wonderful way to kick off your celebration weekend!

Yacht Cocktail Party

Few things are better than an afternoon spent out on the water with charcuterie and wine flowing freely. A coastal wedding is a perfect excuse to host a yacht cocktail party and take guests on a tour of the harbor.

Oyster Roast

Perfect for a wedding in the Hamptons or on Nantucket, guests are sure to enjoy a traditional oyster roast. Mini hot sauce bottles or calligraphed lemons as escort cards are a fun way to carry the theme through the whole evening.

Upscale BBQ

Bring an upscale twist to a traditional BBQ by offering pulled pork sliders and mac and cheese fritters for guests to enjoy in a fun al fresco setting.

Poolside Soiree

A laid-back poolside soiree is a fun, and summery, way to welcome guests to your wedding weekend! What’s more, the pool is a perfect backdrop just begging to be decked out with floating flowers or balloons to complement the rehearsal dinner decor.

Wine Tasting

Did you travel as a couple to Napa early in your relationship for a wine tasting weekend away? Pay homage to your shared love of vino by hosting a rehearsal dinner at a winery with some of your favorite varietals for guests to enjoy.

Taco & Margarita Fiesta

It doesn’t need to be Taco Tuesday in order to enjoy your favorite fish or carne asada tacos with prickly pear or peach margaritas on the side!

Diner en Blanc Party

Nothing is more classic and summery than crisp white! While guests will steer clear of donning white at your actual wedding, a diner en blanc welcome party is sure to wow guests and make the most darling pictures!

How are you planning to welcome guests to your wedding weekend? We’re dying to know: what fun and unique rehearsal dinner ideas do we need to plan next?

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Hannah Nowack is a freelance writer, calligrapher, and event designer living in the Midwest. When she isn’t working, you will find her decorating her Danish Modern-inspired apartment, frequenting the gourmet cheese counter, or enjoying a glass of Cabernet with friends.