It’s nearly impossible to accommodate the personal needs of each and every one of your wedding guests, however, many people have serious allergies and dietary restrictions, and it’s important to consider their well-being when planning your food service! Fortunately, most caterers are well aware of and know how to handle various restrictions like food allergies, gluten intolerance, vegetarian or veganism, or keeping kosher and can accommodate without any additional headache or serious costs.

Here is how to deal with some common dietary restrictions, if you decide to at all. After all it’s your wedding!

Ask on the invitation
On the bottom of your RSVP card, you can add a space for guests to let you know of any special dietary restrictions. Most guests will appreciate your concern and will know to only mention serious issues, and not just put down any personal preferences.

Talk to your caterers
If you know a larger portion of your guests will have dietary restrictions, then it’s best to speak to your caterer early so they can accommodate their needs from the get-go. Most caterers should have no problem tailoring their menus to suit specific needs, and they will be able to provide helpful suggestions and options so that you won’t ever feel like you’re settling for something you wouldn’t have wanted anyways!

Keep food separate and label
If you’re having a buffet, make sure the food at your reception is separated and labeled appropriately to avoid cross-contamination. If you’re having a plated dinner, make your guest understands whether or not their meal contains any issue for them. You’ll need to coordinate place settings with the caterer.

Budget for cost
Hopefully, dietary restrictions won’t be an issue and most caterers should be able to accommodate at no additional cost. However, if you’re for example ordering an entirely separate cake for a gluten-free option, or using almonds vs. peanuts in your dishes, you might need to account for some cost differences. Understand what you are and are not willing to accommodate and then figure out the budget with your caterer accordingly.

Don’t forget about dessert
While having a gluten-free cake is most likely not an option, potentially ask your baker if they would be willing to throw in a couple of gluten-free desserts to offer on the side if any of your guests have a gluten intolerance. It would be a nice gesture that wouldn’t go unnoticed for these guests to also be able to indulge a bit too!

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Julia Hurwitz is a freelance writer and Marketing Manager based in New York City. Her interests include travel, global craft, healthy baking, entertaining and exploring the outdoors.

Whether you’re team “no kids at weddings” or team “the more the merrier,” we can all agree on one thing: they sure do make for some cute wedding photos!

Here’s some of our favorite impossibly cute photos of kids being, well, kids in weddings:


Leave it to the littlest flower girl to add a lot of sass to the photo!

We laughed out loud at this photobombing ring bearer. Strike a pose, buddy!

This girl is all of us who have been in a wedding, to be honest. We just want to sit down!

That pouty lip! The blue steel gaze! Yep, we’re definitely showing this to his future wifey.

You know he has been practicing his CHEESE face for weeks. Nailed it!

We can only hope this was taken after the formal portraits!

Thanks for indulging us! Here’s to more kids — and more outtakes — at weddings!

If your wedding falls during a very hot and humid time of year, or if you’re getting hitched somewhere that’s warm year round, there are a few fabrics you should consider while dress shopping. You don’t want to end up in something heavy and spend the day sweating in your gown! We’ve rounded up a few fabrics that work best for high temps.

Charmeuse
Characterized by its illustrious sheen, this fabric moves smoothly and seductively, which is great for your big walk down the aisle. It gives off the perfect amount of shine, while still looking sophisticated. If your warm-weather wedding has a more formal vibe, this would be a good way to go.

Chiffon
This lightweight fabric is sheer, which is why it’s usually layered or used as an accent on many gowns. It has an ethereal aesthetic to it and drapes beautifully. If your ceremony is by the beach, opt for a gown made of this; just picture how gorgeous you’ll look in a gown that’s blowing in the ocean breeze! It’s sure to create some stellar photo opportunities.

Crepe
This is one of the most durable (yet lightweight) silk fabrics and drapes beautifully. Its clean and crisp appearance is flattering in all the right ways. It’s perfect for soft silhouettes, so if you want to avoid something structured, this is a great way to go. It’s not typically layered with anything else, making it a great pick for a summer celebration.

Swiss Dot
For a summer bride seeking something a bit more playful, this breathable fabric is complete with a unique dotted motif. It’s extremely lightweight and is one of the best options out there if you want to stay cool all day long. It’s super feminine and adds some personality to your overall bridal look.

Illusion
A sheer net fabric that is often used as a unique detail or element on a gown. Illusion sleeves, necklines and backs are all popular uses of illusion fabric. This is a great option for a bride who wants to show a little skin while still keeping things classy and modest.

Organza
If you’re seeking something with a bit more structure without forfeiting a lightweight fabric, this is your go-to option. It’s has a glistening finish, giving off a romantic feel. It’s often used to enhance fullness on ball gown skirts or lengthy trains.

Tulle
It’s a sheer, open net fabric that’s often used for tutus. You may also see it used underneath a dress to add volume to a skirt. It’s relatively light and delicate and can be used in a variety of ways. Layers of tiered tulle create a romantic ball gown look, making it a great option for brides seeking that princess moment for their walk down the aisle.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Sarah Title is a travel & wedding writer and editor living in Washington D.C. She also works part-time at a bridal salon helping women find the perfect dress. When she isn’t working, you can find her at the closest oyster bar enjoying a glass of rose or catching up on the latest celebrity gossip.

This love story is so good, we have to start a bit before this film even begins to get the full picture. Our Groom bought his future Bride the ring of her dreams at Tiffany & Co., right then and there, and got down on one knee in Central Park immediately after said ring purchase. Crazy romantic, right!? Flash forward to this film by Zen Film Works, capturing their intimate wedding in Paris, surrounded by love and light and even more romance. When you start your happily ever after with an epic proposal, your wedding has a lot to live up to… and this one sure delivers!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/249058051 600 338]

From Zen Film Works… Shaun and Angie’s dream Paris wedding took place during Paris’s busy fashion week. First look was on the gorgeous roof top terrace of their very own private suite. The view from the roof top was sensational, with the famous Arc De Triomphe and all Paris’s magnificence just a stone throw away.

We escaped the crowded city by way of their beautiful outdoor ceremony that took place at the Pavillon de Musique de la Comtesse du Barry, surrounded by an intimate group of family and friends. This venue is only a 30 minute drive out of the city and it feels like you are at a Chateau in another village somewhere in France. It’s such a perfect venue for a wedding ceremony in Paris.

For the portraits in Paris we were limited to the locations because of fashion week taking over areas at all the famous monuments. We didn’t let that stop us finding some remarkable locations to get some dazzling shots.

After some gorgeous portraits around Paris we headed to the reception which was beautifully styled by Billy at Luxe Paris Events at the luxurious La Maison de Centraliens, the hotel had been redecorated by famous fashion designer Martin Margiela, which was a perfect nod to fashion week.

From the Groom… Paris, it’s historic, beautiful, and comes with that ‘city of love’ moniker that fits with a wedding more than another other location in the world seems to. There’s a prestige to it that makes the idea of a marriage there an alluring idea even before you add any details to it.

The idea fits well with the proposal. On a wintertime trip to New York we entered the 5th Avenue Tiffany & Co under the guise of window shopping, whereas I knew we’d be walking out with a ring in hand. It was always important to me to surprise her with the proposal. We’d been together for years and knew our lives would stay that way but I still wanted to be able to pop the question in an unexpected way. Sure enough, when we found the ring she wanted it surprised her to hear me tell the salesperson we’d take it.

Things became a very memorable blur of excitement after that. Central Park across the street was the perfect place to have the proposal and we went there with hands tightly together, my other one on the box in my pocket. We found a spot by the pond there and I went to one knee, the world fading away except for Angie in front of me as I received the answer to the most important question I ever asked.

Photography: Claire Morris | Cinematography: Zen Film Works | Event Planning: Luxe Paris Events | Styling: Luxe Paris Events | Celebrant: Luxe Paris Events | Photography - Assistance: Selina Gray

A wedding with peach pink peonies dotting the bouquets designed by Nancy Liu Chin, individual cheeseboards crafted by Jessica Lasky, AND rosé housemade by Gundlach Bundschu Winery…Am I dreaming!? No, this practically perfect celebration captured by Sylvie Gil Photography is real life – I just pinched myself to double check.

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From Sylvie Gil Photography… Candice and Matt’s wedding day was a dreamy, sunlit affair on the idyllic grounds of the Gundlach Bundschu Winery. The couple said their vows under a flowy, blush awning, beneath the warm summer sun, among the grapevine trellises. Bridesmaids matched in blush gowns, and peach pink peonies studded each delicate bouquet. Each guest received their own summery cheeseboard for appetizers, designed by Jessica Lasky. Gundlach Bundschu stocked house-made rosé at the bar.

Photography: Sylvie Gil Photography | Event Planning: A Savvy Event | Floral Design: Nancy Liu Chin | Cake: The Whole Cake | Catering: Jessica Lasky | Hair + Makeup: Maria Chang, Professional Makeup Artistry | Lighting: Illusions Lighting | Band: Entire Productions | Officiant: Peadar Dalton | Ceremony Music: Ivy Hill Entertainment | Transportation: California Wine Tours | Venue: Gundlach Bundschu Winery | Tent Rental: Zephyr Tents | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Paper Suite: Underwood Letterpress | Rentals: Encore Events Rentals | Rentals: Found Rental Co. | Rentals: Theoni Collection | Votives: Glassy Baby

Trends may come and go, but we’re not at all afraid to jump full-force on the separates bandwagon. That’s because these pieces are all about finding a bridge between sweet AND sexy – and no one does it quite like the talents at Val Stefani. Their Lookbook is brimming with styles that will make every bride’s princess dreams come true, but with a modern aesthetic you’ll love. In other words? These statement-making gowns are exactly what you’re looking for.

The One Trend in Wedding Gowns That Will Leave All of Your Guests Talking

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The One Trend in Wedding Gowns That Will Leave All of Your Guests Talking

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The royal wedding could not come soon enough, but if you’re having trouble patiently waiting like we are, here’s a little something to pass the time: the Moonlight Bridal Lookbook. Because this is a collection that will have every princess-to-be totally swooning (seriously) with enough royal-worthy designs to keep you busy until the big day rolls around. Check it out.

11 Dresses That Are Giving Us All the Princess Vibes

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11 Dresses That Are Giving Us All the Princess Vibes

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Finding the perfect dress to fit ALL of your maids is never an easy task, but we’ve got the solution if you’re in search of amazing gowns for your spring nuptials: Bari Jay’s Lookbook. From soft pastel hues to light, airy fabrics, your girls will love the figure-flattering styles… and you’ll love the easy ability to mix and match.

We’re guessing your spring affair will be filled with beautiful florals and season-inspired colors, and these gowns from Bari Jay are definitely the perfect complement. We’re all about the figure-flattering silhouettes and moveable fabrics which are so, so great for the season. Not to mention the matching junior bridesmaid and flower girl dresses.

To check out all of the beautiful spring options from Bari Jay, visit their Lookbook here.

Sometimes the most out of the ordinary venues provide the most stunning backdrops. The Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm is a shining example. With ocean views, flowers and plants at every turn and a greenhouse perfect for celebrating, this wedding is laidback elegance at its finest. With King Protea infused florals by Tyler Speier Events and image after sun-filled image captured by Jodee Debes, you will be hopping on the greenhouse bandwagon by the end of this post. Guaranteed.

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Sarah and Darren had a romantic wedding in their new chosen hometown of Santa Barbara, CA at the hidden gem, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm. The two met in San Francisco although Sarah is a Pennsylvania native and Darren is originally from South Africa. Both families traveled across the world to witness the joyful celebration of their wedding ceremony set on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The bride wore a form-fitting dress and carried a bouquet made by the talented Tyler Speier who incorporated the national South African flower, Protea. Tyler eloquently tied these flowers into the decor of the reception space as well as natural greenery, pears, cream linens and gold flatware. The reception held within the grand greenhouse was the perfect setting for these two to carry on the celebrations. The night was brought to an end with Darren getting up on stage and serenading Sarah with a song that he had written for her. This is still one of the most heartfelt moments I’ve witnessed at a wedding.

Photography: Jodee Debes Photography | Coordination: Erika Hopkins And Kristian Pacheco | Florist: Tyler Speier Events | Catering: Savoir Faire | Make Up: Lisa Bassler | Hair: Style Me Kristi | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Hale Koa phineas Estate | Rentals: The Tent Merchant

As the mom of a one-year-old, I’ll take any sleep advice I can get. If I don’t get my solid 7-8, I’m junk for the day. But, it turns out that getting a good night’s sleep goes way beyond hitting the sheets on time. From what you eat to how you decompress and even what you’re sleeping on, we should all heed these expert tips below.

From Andrea at Mattress Advisor… Few things can derail your day as effectively as a night spent tossing and turning. Rack up a few nights like this and you’ll begin to run a sleep deficit that can cost you physically, mentally and financially. But you don’t have to accept your ever-growing caffeine addiction as a part of your daily defense against fatigue. The best way to combat fatigue is to sleep – and sleep well – consistently.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than a third of all Americans are not getting enough sleep, which for most adults is seven to nine hours of sound sleep each night. About 20 percent report sleeping far less than that, averaging less than six hours of sleep a night.

You might think you can get by on less sleep with a few more cups of coffee or an energy drink or two. Heck, you might even think you’ll get more done during those extra hours of wakefulness. Think again. While that may be true for the occasional late-nighter, habitual sleep loss exacts a high toll on your body, mind, and spirit leading to a loss of productivity in the long run.

1. Become a Create of Habit

Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on the weekends. This will set your body clock so that your body is ready for sleep at the routine bedtime and ready to wake up at the same time every morning.

Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep. Determine how much is optimal for you then reserve the same seven to nine hours every night for sleep.

2. Decompress

You may not even realize how stressed you are until you give yourself permission to leave all your worries behind and get yourself prepared for sleep. Make winding down part of your bedtime routine, right after brushing your teeth.

• Read a book
• Write a to-do list to get those nagging tasks on paper and off your mind
• Listen to soothing music
• Do gentle yoga exercises
• Pray or meditate

3. Set the Scene

Create a relaxing environment in your bedroom for sleep. Your room should be dark, quiet, and uncluttered. Yes, that means dirty clothes in the hamper, not on the floor. Keep the temperature on the cool side, between 67° and 72° F to promote sound sleep. Turn out all lights and eliminate outside light sources with blinds or curtains. If noise from the street disturbs you, use earplugs or a white noise machine to drown out the sounds.

4. Invest in the Proper Tools

If you are kept awake or disturbed by tossing and turning, your mattress may be the culprit. The Better Sleep Council recommends replacing your mattress every seven to ten years. If you’ve reached the seven-year mark, you should evaluate the health of your mattress. Mold and mildew can grow on older mattresses, and once they take hold, it’s hard to get rid of them. These fungi can cause respiratory problems that can ruin a good night’s sleep.

A mattress in good condition will support your spine and keep it properly aligned. You may not even notice that your spine is misaligned while sleeping and think you are sleeping well enough. But if your mattress is sagging and unsupportive, it could be robbing you of the best night’s sleep possible. Morning aches and pains, lower back pain, and headaches are all signs of a worn mattress that you shouldn’t ignore.

5. Improve Your Mattress Hygiene

Keeping clean sheets on your bed can actually improve the quality of your sleep. Clean sheets regulate your temperature better, smell better, and feel better. You’ll want to add vacuuming to your list of seasonal chores as well. This may seem like a task only people with OCD do, but they are actually on to something. Not only will your mattress last longer if you keep it clean, but you’ll sleep better if it is free from dust and the uninvited guests it attracts. Even if you sleep alone, you are actually surrounded by millions of microscopic dust mites that feed on your dead skin and enjoy the warm, moist climate of your mattress.

Vacuuming your mattress every few months will remove the dust mites’ favorite buffet and cut down their population. That’s good news for people who are allergic or have asthma. Breathing in the dust mites’ waste (eww…) can cause allergy and asthma symptoms that make it hard to sleep. Even if you don’t have allergies, you will breathe easier and sleep better knowing there are no freeloaders in your bed.

6. Power Down

Eliminate electronic devices from your bedtime routine. The blue light emitted from TVs, smartphones, laptops, even lighted e-readers disrupts sleep by signaling to your brain that it’s time to rise and shine. It also suppresses melatonin, a hormone that helps to regulate your natural sleep rhythm.

Keeping your electronics away from your bed will also help you to resist the urge to check your text messages, email, or news feed that can overstimulate your brain just as you are trying to unwind.

7. Give Up Siesta Time

Babies do it; older people do it; people in other cultures do it. The afternoon siesta is not only a time-honored tradition; there is a physiological urge to shut down briefly in the afternoon in order to recharge and ward off the drive to sleep. And while that may be fine for people who generally sleep well at night, if you have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep, sleep experts recommend avoiding the afternoon nap.

8. Jump on the Essential Oil Bandwagon

Several essential oils have been known for centuries to promote sound sleep. Use in a diffuser or add a few drops to a carrier oil and apply to the bottoms of your feet or inside your wrists. (Most essential oils cannot be applied to the skin without being diluted. Be sure to test any oil for an allergic reaction before applying in quantity to your skin.) You can also dilute a few drops of essential oil in water and spray onto your pillow and sheets. Essential oils that will help you get the best sleep ever include:

• lavender
• roman chamomile
• cedarwood
• orange
• valerian

9. Skip the Hot Tamales

Eating spicy food at night (and especially close to bedtime) can keep you from getting a good night’s sleep. Studies show that eating a spicy meal increases body temperature, making it harder to fall asleep. This also disrupts almost all of the five stages of sleep.

10. Switch to Decaf

You wouldn’t dream of facing your day without coffee, but it may be keeping you from dreaming at night. If you must have a jolt of caffeine in the morning then go ahead and treat yourself to a cup, but switch to decaf after noon. And don’t forget, caffeine comes in a variety of forms including:

• coffee
• hot and iced tea
• hot chocolate
• soda
• energy drinks
• chocolate

Tips: Andrea Pisani Babich for Mattress Advisor

You may have spent your entire dating life eating out for every. single. meal, but trust us: the moment you tie the knot, nesting mode totally kicks in. That means saying goodbye to those nightly meet-ups at your fave restaurant and hello to home-cooked goodness in your new dining room. But you can’t channel your inner Martha Stewart sans the right tools, so we’re turning to Wayfair Registry to make sure your kitchen is on-par with the essentials. Plus, they have an amazing list of benefits, like free shipping, a 10% off completion discount, free returns, customizable lists AND registry specialists, so that’s extra awesome.

1. A Tea Pot

Every fabulous morning starts with a nice cup of tea or coffee, so investing in a really great tea pot is definitely key. Plus, they always make your kitchen look so, so pretty. Our pick? This one from kate spade will add a sweet pop of color.   

2. A Utensil Set

You can keep digging around in every drawer for the right spoon, or you can register for a utensil set that will make everything that much easier. We vote the latter. Our pick? You can never go wrong with a bamboo kitchen tools from Wayfair, friends.

3. A Utensil Crock

Once you have those utensils, you’ll need a place to store them and when it comes to choosing a utensil crock, the prettier, the better. (It will sit on your counter, after all.) Our pick? This one is marble, so you know it’s going to make a statement.

4. A Spoon Rest

And as long as we’re finding the perfect spot to store your utensils, let’s add in a spoon rest, too. You’ll never realize how much you needed one until you have it. Our pick? We’re all for the marble, and this one mixes in a little Acacia wood, too.

5. A Coffee Pot

We probably don’t need to tell you why this is important, because, well… coffee makes the world go ’round. We’re all for registering for an amazing coffee pot, so you and your love can take time to catch up in the am, rather than standing in line at the coffee stand. Our pick? This Cuisinart beauty is programmable, so you’ll have a fresh cup of jo waiting every. single. morning.

6. A Canister Set

Whether you’ve been baking your heart out since forever, or you’re just getting started, a great canister set makes all of the difference. It keeps that sugar, flour, etc. handy while whipping up that banana bread AND makes a pretty statement piece, to boot. Our pick? We said statement piece, and these ceramic jars from Wayfair are IT.

7. Measuring Cups

These might not be glamorous, but if you’ve been using a drinking cup to measure out your ingredients (been there, done that), it’s time to register for the real deal. Our pick? These Le Creuset beauts are so professional, you should have your own tv show.

8. Measuring Spoons

Ditto on the above, but this time with a table spoon. Our pick? This set is sleek AND stainless steel, so you can’t go wrong.

9. An Oven Mitt and Potholder

We’re big fans of a cute oven mitt and potholder set, because they always, always come in handy and are also a super sweet addition to your kitchen. Our pick? This set is all pretty florals and mint hues and we love it.  

10. A Dutch Oven

From cooking up roasts to baking up your fave dessert, a dutch oven will quickly become your go-to for all things in the kitchen. Registering for one of these babies is basically a must – and you’ll love the versatility it gives you for all of those dinner parties you and your love will be hosting. Our pick? The Le Creuset Cast Iron Dutch Oven, of course.  

11. A Vase 

We obviously believe that no room in the house is complete without a beautiful arrangement of flowers, and the kitchen is certainly no exception. Try it – it’s like a little ray of sunshine every morning. Our pick? This kate spade beauty from Wayfair for its simple, yet lovely aesthetic.

12. A Cutting Board

You can’t have breakfast or brunch without a side of fresh fruit, so we’re all for finding the perfect cutting board to get you through every meal with ease. Our pick? This sleek board has non-slip edges, so it stays in place while you prep.

13. A Knife Set

Newlywed life means giving away those mismatched cutlery item and really investing in some pieces that will last a lifetime. Our pick? This stainless steel set from Wusthof for its easy grip and maintainability.

14. A Serving Tray

Once you slice up those yummy treats, you need a cute way to serve them, because finding an amazing serving tray is always the first step to impressing your guests. Our pick? You can’t go wrong with pineapples, you guys, and this Lenox piece is all sorts of fun.

15. Kitchen Towels

It’s the little things that make a difference and having durable towels on hand will make everything that much easier in the kitchen. Bonus points if they’re absolutely stunning. Our pick? We mentioned we love pineapples, right?

16. A Pan Set

No one tells you just how amazing a “real” pan set can be, so we’re letting you in on the secret: scrap those mismatched ones from college and register for the real deal. Your kitchen life will change for the better, we promise. Our pick? This 5-piece stainless steel pan set from Wayfair is giving us all the feels.

17. Jar Candle

Seems simple, but once you create that amazing meal, you’ll want to set the mood with a little candlelight and a sweet scent filling your abode. Which means you’ll need some candles. Our pick? Gardenias for the win, y’all.

18. Salt Cellar

It’s one of those things you didn’t know you needed until you can’t live without it, but trust us on this one: a salt cellar will streamline your cooking life in ways you didn’t think possible. Our pick? Marble gets us every. single. time.

19. Lazy Susan

We know what you’re thinking – a Lazy Susan is for your parents. But you honestly couldn’t be more wrong. Add this to your registry for a convenient way to pass the condiments at dinner, or a beautiful centerpiece in your kitchen for herbs and such. Our pick? This one from Wayfair is amazing.

20. Salt & Pepper Shaker

It’s back to the basics with two tools you most certainly can’t do without – salt and pepper shakers. But don’t just grab a couple from the grocery store – we suggest registering for a pretty duo that will really impress your guests. Our pick? These kate spade pretties, because they are just that cool.

Whether you’re planning the next great dinner party or simply tackling breakfast for you and your hubs, registering for the right kitchen basics is key. These are the tools you’ll use on the daily, and you never, ever want to be lost without the right coffee pot. Wayfair Registry makes it so, so easy with their aforementioned benefits – and they literally have everything you’ll ever need for your kitchen (and more). Plus, you don’t have to be afraid of registering for those larger or more expensive items (we all deserve an upgrade, right?), because they offer Group Gifting. It just doesn’t get easier, you guys.

To check out all of our registry picks and even more kitchen essentials, visit our curated shop at Wayfair.

Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography

Fifty years from now, when this couple looks back on their wedding photos by Kayla Yestal, they won’t be able to tell if their big day took place decades ago or just a couple days before. Their rustic elegant touches and romantic details are absolutely timeless. They were beautiful on their special summer day in 2017 and will be in 2067, no doubt about it. Get ready to get inspired and jot down these stylish timeless notes right this way…

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From the Bride… Between the speeches, the dancing, and even the early morning swim in the pond our dog Simba took that messed up his blow-dry, every single part of our wedding day was beyond what I could have imagined.

When planning, my husband Josh and I tried to inject a little something special and keep things unique to us. Little did I know that all of these efforts would end up making it the absolute best day of our lives!

We wanted a classic, elegant and timeless wedding, and didn’t want anything trendy so we shied away from most colours and any sort of themes. Instead, we took cues from how we live as a couple. Josh loves hiking and the great outdoors so we knew we wanted to get married outdoors somehow. We also had guests flying in from Singapore who had never experienced a Canadian summer so the picturesque setting at Belcroft Estates was the obvious choice for us when we were searching for a wedding venue.

Playing off of the venue itself, we decided on whites, ivories, and greens as the colour palette for our decor. I grew up in Singapore so we had the bar serve Singapore Slings all night. Josh is Jewish and loves carpentry so he built the Chuppah that we got married under from scratch! It was beautiful and so special that we got married under the Chuppah that he built with his own hands. Even more special that our two fur babies walked down the aisle with us. Our golden retriever Simba helped with the proposal so it was only fitting that he was the official ring bearer for the ceremony!

There are so many things that we are especially thankful for while looking back on our planning process. If I could give brides any advice while they’re planning their day, I’d definitely emphasize how important it is to engage a skillful and amazing photographer like Kayla Yestal who can capture the beauty and essence of your wedding day that you may treasure in years to come. I cannot stress how important it is to pick the right photographer who shares the same style and aesthetic as you do. Do your research and don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions and meet with different photographers to get a sense of their style and work ethic!

We realized through the planning process that a few things were at the top of our priority list. Food and music were super important to us, so hiring the right catering team to leave our guests happy was one of our highest considerations. We also made sure that our talented band entertained us the whole night and the dance floor was never empty! I wanted to make sure that neither of us were running around keeping things in order, so I definitely recommend to hire a wedding planner or a day coordinator at the very least. It felt so nice to be able to relax and enjoy everything that we worked so hard to plan for!

Besides all of the carefully planned details, by far the absolute standout of our day was enjoying the reception with our family and friends. My Singaporean family has been friends with a dear 92 year old lady (we call her Dolly) and her family for over 30 years. This long distance friendship spanning over three decades is remarkable given the lack of high speed communication and technology in those days! They were of course invited to the wedding and knowing that Josh’s favourite dessert is pie, Dolly baked fruit pies and other goodies that we could serve as late-night dessert. Finally, one of my bridesmaids sang one of her parents’ favourite classic Mandarin songs, accompanied by the band, during the dinner reception as a tribute to my parents and family members who flew in for the wedding.

But if we really had to pick a favourite part it was probably our first dance where we danced to “Love Me Tender” and our friends and family danced around us in the courtyard under the stars! We both love that song. We used to play it for each other at night before we went to bed and it was so meaningful to us as our first dance song.

Enjoy the day and don’t sweat the small stuff. Even if something doesn’t go according to plan – laugh it off! No one will even notice – trust me! Your wedding day is probably the only good excuse for you to gather all of your loved ones together in one place for one day. Make good use of that precious time! At the end of the night, Josh and I drove back to our hotel deliriously happy that we got to spend one of the happiest days of our lives with our loved ones.

Photography: Kayla Yestal | Event Planning: Lustre Events | Floral Design: Patchouli Design | Cake: Sweet B's | Invitations: Minted | Shoes: Aquazzura | Catering: Wildwood Hospitality | Makeup: Fancy Face Inc. | Hair: CE Bridal | DJ: Keep Them Dancing | Band: Magen Boys | Groom's Suit: Indochino | Officiant: Rabbi David Cooper | Wedding Venue: Belcroft Estates | Bowtie: Bridgetown Bowties | Bridal Boutique: Kleinfeld Bridal | Ceremony Wedding Dress: Badgely Mischka | Envelope Calligraphy: Flourish Calligraphy | Linens: Linen Closet | Perfume: Candles By Maison Francis Kurkdjian | Reception Wedding Dress: Yolan Cris Haute Couture | Rentals: Lizlyn Floral and Events Company | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Rope Dog Leashes: Highland Hounds | Table Numbers: Minted

After attending the bridal shower, Jennifer Palpallatoc’s grandmother told the blogger that she should have just gotten married that day, because it was the most beautiful event that she’s ever seen. Looking at these photographs by Lance Nicoll, and we think Granny is onto something! Angela Maria Events crafted a gorgeous celebration at the White Magnolia Barn, including a flower crown station with Poppy + Mint Floral Company. From the centerpieces, to that work-of-art cake, to the ladies in their flower crowns, this is certainly one pretty event. Granny – and SMP – approved!

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From the bride-to-be, Jenn of Haute Off the Rack… My bridal shower was everything I had ever envisioned and more thanks to the amazing work of Angela Marie Events. The whole idea stemmed from a work trip that I attended last year at the MacKenzie-Childs headquarters in Aurora, New York, where we took pottery painting classes, floral arranging classes, and even learned how to make flower crowns. It was so much fun learning something new and getting to be creative while clearing my mind and enjoying snacks and rosé. I feel like that’s something we forget to do as adults. We get so caught up with work and daily life that we forget to take time for ourselves and create beautiful things just because we want to and not because we have to.

I loved the classes so much that I wanted to re-create the experience for my friends. What better time to do something new with your friends than when you have them all in the same place at the same time at your bridal shower!?

Angela loved the idea and put together the most beautiful floral themed shower that I’ve ever seen. The whole shower was perfect down to every little detail – from the dreamy invitations and vintage plates to the elegant, barn-style venue and the stunning floral centerpieces that literally cascaded over the tabletops. Not to mention the fact that Poppy & Mint provided us with most exquisite selection of flowers to decorate our crowns with, which we wore the whole shower.

In addition to the refreshing cocktails and arts and crafts, my friends know that I would never associate myself with a party that didn’t serve plenty of delicious appetizers and desserts. In fact, for dessert, we served three different cake flavors. Why have vanilla when you can have carrot, lemon, and strawberry!?

Last but not least, I sent each guest home with a pretty pink bottle of Flowerbomb Bloom perfume by Viktor & Rolf to serve as a little reminder of our fun, floral-themed day together. I made sure to keep a bottle for myself, which I spritzed on just before the party started. The sweet floral scent complemented my lace, open shoulder dress perfectly.

Photography: Lance Nicoll Wedding Photography | Cinematography: Lonely Eskimo Productions | Event Planning + Design: Angela Marie Events | Floral Design: Poppy and Mint | Cake: Chasing Wang | Shoes: Bella Belle | Favors: Courtesy Viktor & Rolf | Venue: The White Magnolia | Catering + Beverage Services: The White Magnolia | Glasses + Silverware: Event Rental | Painted Urn: Upstairs Paper Studio | Photography Assistance: Eddie Marroquin | Plates: Capital Vintage Charm | Purse: Zac Posen | Rentals: Lovegood Wedding & Event Rentals | Stationery + Signs: The Little Blue Chair | Welcome Book: Gigi New York

If your summer celebration is more BBQ than five-course meal, we know that finding the right dress can be a little intimidating – for you AND your maids. But no worries, we’ve done all of the work for you. Because having a casual wedding doesn’t mean skipping out on your princess moment, so we have 12 dresses that are definitely bringing the wow factor, but still allow you to barn dance the night away.

We Found the Perfect Dresses for Your Laid-Back Summer Soiree

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We Found the Perfect Dresses for Your Laid-Back Summer Soiree

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Want in on a wedding planning style secret? Linens, all their pieces – runners, place mats, napkins, and more – are often the magic touch you need to take an ordinary wedding and bump it up several beautiful notches. Not sure where to start? Well, the folks at BBJ Linen were kind enough to share some insider info on what to do to boost the design of your big day. Read on for all their inspiring ideas!

Photography: Kearsten Taylor

LAYER IT UP
Use different decor pieces to create layered, rich, and textured looks. Think linens, runners, overlays, place mats, napkins, etc. Try out a solid linen as a base, then add a lace overlay, a metal or marble place mat, then finish the setting with a light and airy napkin.

Photography: Stephanie Brazzle

MORE IS MORE
Just like you layer accent pillows in your home decor to add character to a space, you can use multiples of the same items to create a unique look for your table setting. Experiment with two table runners, adding overlays over linen, or pairing patterned and solid napkins.

Photography: Mikkel Paige

MONOCHROMATIC STYLE
Try single-colored fabrics but in varying textures for a chic, streamlined look. We love faille linens with matching velvet napkins!

Photography: Heather Waraksa

MISMATCHED MAGIC
Mismatched patterns all the way! We’re all for pairing stripes with sequins, florals with polka dots, or marble with herringbone.

Photography: Tenth and Grace

FLORALS FOR THE WIN
Take advantage of centerpieces and garland to help elevate the look of your table with their colors and textures, too. A garland of greenery on top of an airy runner is so light and fresh while still feeling elegant!

Linens Advice: BBJ La Tavola

My beauty arsenal is a mixed bag—you can find a $55 bronzer sitting next to a $6 makeup brush. Whether a splurge or a save, every single product in there works beautifully and that’s the point, isn’t it? If it feels luxe and you love it, it’s a win. Today, I’m sharing five of my favorite beauty finds from Target that’ll fool you into thinking they’re way more expensive than they are.

Kristin Ess Soft Shine Beach Wave Spray ($14)

I always get suckered into drying the newest sea salt spray for my hair—but I’m usually left disappointed, with crunchy hair that looks nothing like I just walked off the beach and more like I was struck by a wave and left out on the beach to dry. Not this one though! Kristin Ess’ Beach Wave Spray is actually made to use after you style your hair and leaves a much softer finish. If I could describe it, it’s like a perfect mix of a sea salt spray and hairspray that will finish off your look. Plus, it smells amazing.

Sonia Kashuk Powder Makeup Brush ($12)

You know those drugstore makeup brushes that leave little hairs all over your face when you use them? This one isn’t one of those. Sonia Kashuk’s brush line at Target is my favoriteeee. They are so well built and last through washings and years of use. I recently upgraded a few I’d been using for years, for these pretty gold ones. They’re SO affordable, too. All around win!

Botanics All Bright Radiance Concentrate Serum ($11.99)

If you’re going for the dewy look, this is your serum. For someone with combination skin, I can go from dry to oily in a matter of hours. This stuff does the trick and helps to balance my skin out by keeping it moisturized without feeling greasy!

Milani Baked Blush – Luminoso ($6.39)

This blush has the perfect peachy hue with the slightest hint of shimmer for a beautiful glow. I decided to try it off of the reviews alone and I’m actually loving it more than my expensive blush.

Sonia Kashuk Slant and Point Tipe Tweezers ($10)

Clearly Sonia Kashuk is my go-to for beauty tools. These tweezers work just as good as competing brands that can run you 3 or 4 times the cost of these. I love that the set comes with two options; the classic slant tip and the point tip, which is great for getting those teeny tiny, fine hairs!

Grand total: all five products together would cost you just over fifty bucks. You can’t beat that! What are some of your favorite Target beauty buys?

Photography: Bisou Style

This romantic white wedding comes with a bohemian twist. That twist would be bridesmaids in mix and match ikat dresses. It’s stunning and only adds to the tropical, cultural vibes of this Bali affair designed by Flying Bride, along with planning by Luxury Weddings Indonesia. From layers of white florals, to that bold bridesmaid style and a cameo from the couple’s beloved pup who couldn’t make the festivities, there’s more than meets the eye with this celebration. Get cozy with the all the stunning details plus a welcome party to remember in the full gallery photographed by Angga Permana.

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From the beginning, the bride Bianca had a clear idea of what she wants. A traditional style welcome dinner and an organic white wedding for the wedding day.

Welcome dinner
To create a totally different ambiance to the classic white wedding, we designed the welcome dinner to be bold and beautiful with color such as red, purple and lavender as inspired by the tenun ikat (traditional fabric) which we hung on the bamboo structure. The color of the flowers and the cushions were within these shades and created a very beautiful tone for the event. Since Bianca is a foodie, I decided to combine flowers with various tropical fruit to decorate the table on top of a green table runner made from woven banana leaves. To be truthful to the traditional culture, we used “kendi”, a traditional vase made from clay as vases for the flower arrangement. Some of the tables were low so people could experience sitting in the rattan carpet to eat, just like traditional villagers do. Cluster of bamboo lampshades in various sizes were hung to create extra drama overhead.

Wedding Day
Both Bianca and Kevin loves the nature and Kevin propose when they were having a walk in a botanica garden. Hence, we wanted the white wedding that Bianca dreamy of to have that organic, part of nature feeling with greeneries decorating the tent as if they gree there. We also added preserves butterflies on some of the flower arrangement. Bianca has a frenchie dog (soba) that she loves very much, and would love her to come to the wedding. So a statute of her dear frenchie dog was decorated with flower wreath and the writing “soba wishes she were here” near the registration table. An even smaller statute of soba were put as part of the decoration table which was so cute it became quite a hit with many guests taking picture of it and gushing about it. The final touch we added was the ikat pattern that Bianca loves. If for the welcome dinner the ikat pattern was in bold color decorating the bamboo structure, this time the bridesmaids wore various modern pattern of ikat in the shades of grey. It feels really special to incorporate your culture into your wedding.

Photography: Angga Permana Photo | Videography: Elleui Project | Event Design and Styling: Flying Bride | Event Planner: Luxury Weddings | Wedding Dress: Ines Di Santo | Wedding Cake: Butter Bali | Invitations: Pemberley | Stationery: Pemberley | Wedding Shoes: Nicholas Kirkwood | Catering: Pemberley | Men's Attire: Pemberley | Wedding Venue: Pemberley | Bridal: Pemberley | Decoration & Lighting: Pemberley | Dress & Attire: Pemberley | Favor & Gifts: Pemberley | Hair & Make Up: Pemberley | Wedding Entreatment & Band: Pemberley

Whether you’re getting married close to home or have jetted off to tie the knot in some exotic locale, the ceremony serves as a welcome introduction into what is sure to be the culmination of months of hard work for the best celebration you’ve had yet. While the vows are undoubtedly the most important aspect at the altar, it’s also the perfect spot to create some beauty that will define the style for the entire wedding. And that’s not to mention the inevitable barrage of pictures of said altar you’ll have, capturing that “You may kiss the bride” moment!

The possibilities are endless for arches, arbors, and the like, but there’s also something to be said for letting nature take its course. Mountain views, towering pines, and even oceanside ceremonies will make 2018 the year that “alt altars” rise to the top–and with views like these, I can promise you won’t be disappointed.

Outdoor Ceremony Inspiration

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Outdoor Ceremony Inspiration

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Style Me Pretty Contributor — Francesca Barger is a wedding enthusiast, freelance writer, marketer, and PR professional in the Midwest, where, in the last several years she’s worked with companies coast to coast. She’s more city slicker than small town girl, a bon vivant with a penchant for celebrating life’s little victories, like a dry cappuccino or a good hair day.

People may dream of Napa Valley nuptials and long for sweet Southern celebrations but these regions better watch out; the North is amping it up. Specifically, Wyoming. They are pulling out the wedding works and delivering jaw-dropping results. Look no further than this Jackson Hole inspiration shoot from Simply Sarah Photography. The epitome of cozy, chic and crazy romantic, it is making us crave more winter weddings immediately. See all the details right this way!

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From Sami with Magnolia Ranch… It is always great fun to collaborate with fellow creatives and this was no exception! Inspired by the 2018 Pantone Color of the Year, we were excited to pull in the vintage glassware in similar colors. The Top Montana’s tabletop items combined with La Tavola’s gauzy table runner and velvet napkins created the perfect reception table. Of course the flowers are our favorite part, and the Japanese ranunculus in the perfect muted tone of ultraviolet just made our hearts sing! We wanted to keep the florals loose and organic without feeling messy or too wild so we chose to incorporate Lunaria which is delicate and has such an ethereal feel to it making it perfect for a snowy wedding day! We love keeping ceremonies intimate, and the roaring fire and candles en masse, seemed appropriate for Snake River Sporting Club’s cozy indoor location.

Photography: Elizabeth Lanier Photography | Event Planning: Hitched | Floral + Event Design: Magnolia Ranch Events | Wedding Dress: Rue De Seine | Cake: Buttercream Cake Design Co | Shoes: Bella Belle | Rings: Susie Saltzman | Hair + Makeup: Athena Beauty Artistry | All Tabletop Rentals: The Top | Bridal Boutique: Bash Bozeman | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Paper Suite: Lazywood Lane | Processing + Development: PhotoVision Prints

Spring is here and dreamy summer nights are just around the corner. Create an inviting outdoor space for catching rays with modern patio furniture, a fun pool for the kiddos, and fantastic blooms. Check out these accessories to turn your backyard into a fun and stylish oasis.

7 Stylish Finds To Turn Your Backyard into an Oasis

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7 Stylish Finds To Turn Your Backyard into an Oasis

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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.