We’ve all seen them – the excited posts on social media of brides-to-be asking their closest friends to be part of their special day. As a new bride yourself, you have probably imaged the scenarios of asking each of your closest friends to join you in all of the wedding festivities as a bridesmaid. Did you imagine any of them saying “no, thank you.”?

In the moment, and probably a little while after, the feeling of rejecting may linger a little and that is okay. Just remember you are human and being invested and feeling hurt by someone as close to you as someone you’d ask to be in your wedding is a normal feeling.

Here are a few tips to guide you through these emotions as delicately as possible to keep your friendship intact:

Try Seeing it From Her Perspective
As hard as it may be to hear, sometimes people are not willing to be part of weddings, especially if there is a high price tag attached. Destination weddings, grandiose celebrations that require a lot of travel, and the general cost of being a bridesmaid adds up in the money department and some people may not be able to participate.

Other common reasons are: work schedules, family reasons (recently had a baby or is expecting soon), or the fear of being in front of people. Whatever it may be, keep in mind that it isn’t an easy thing for your friend to decline and there is most likely an underlining reason why. Sitting down with your friend to better understand her reasoning will soften the blow to you as well as maybe strengthen your friendship.

Include Her in Other Aspects of Your Wedding Journey
If she is choosing to not join you as an official member of your wedding party, respect her decision. Try to include her in other aspects of your wedding planning process that she feels more comfortable with like asking her to get ready with you and your maids the morning of and including her in all the parties leading up to the day.

Enjoy the Day and Process Regardless
Even though one of your friends, for whatever reason, declined to be part of your day, it is still a wonderful day that should be celebrated to the fullest. Along with the love of your life, your closest friends and family will be there to surround you with love and excitement and that is something in itself to celebrate.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Erica Chambers is a freelance writer and blogger at Styles by the C. After living in New York City, she has made her permanent residence along the white sandy beaches of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida with her husband, Michael, and fur child, Maxwell. When she isn’t working, you’ll find her exploring local brunch spots or designing a nursery for her and her husband’s first child, Leo.

An elegant wedding in one of our country’s most classic cities, Chicago. At the University Club. With bridesmaids in burgundy. And lots and lots of fabulous florals. We could go on and on but you get where we’re going… this fall fete is perfect through and through, thanks to the planning and design expertise of Christine Janda Design and Events. Annie Parish captured all the moments, details and sweet kisses and this gallery right here proves that traditional bashes are never boring.

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From Christine Janda Design and Events… The iconic University Club of Chicago is located in the heart of the city’s Loop – mere steps away from landmarks such as the expansive Millenium Park, the infamous “El” train tracks and world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago. So full of rich history through its 130 year existence, the Club has so eloquently preserved a timeless and classic romance, one perfectly matched by the marriage of Janelle and Tom on September 16, 2017. From colorful and elaborate floral bouquets for the bride and her maids, a first look on a stunning balcony overlooking the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, bridal party pictures at the South Gardens at the Art Institute, to a ceremony officiated by Janelle’s childhood friend, and an intimate dinner highlighted by tall floral centerpieces, hand calligraphed place cards wrapped in velvet ribbon and vintage glassware for toasting, the magic of this wedding could only truly be captured through film cameras by Annie Parish.

Photography: Annie Parish Photography | Videography: Robert Cawthorne Wedding Films | Event Planning: Christine Janda Design And Events | Catering: The University Club Of Chicago | Makeup Artist: Morgan Marie Beauty | Hair: Shaun Lewis | Ceremony Music: Dolce Strings | Wedding Venue: The University Club Of Chicago | Chairs: Tablescapes Event Rentals | Floral Design + Event Design: Christine Janda Design And Events | Invitation + Paper Design: LBrown Design & Paperie | Reception Music: Fig Media | Specialty Linen + Chargers: BBJ La Tavola | Vintage Glassware: Nimblewell

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France will always hold a special place in this photography duo’s hearts. It’s where they renewed their wedding vows and now it’s serving as a source of inspiration for a gorgeous garden shower to welcome their baby boy. Step into this floral filled celebration with blooms by Sarah’s Garden, photographs by Amy & Jordan and the prettiest dessert cart by Ruze Cake House. It’s sweet, sweet and more sweets right this way.

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Jordan and I will be welcoming our very first child, a baby boy, this spring and we were so overwhelmed by the sweetest and most thoughtful shower thrown for us. Our baby shower felt like one big dream!! It’s a surreal day when you walk outside to the most beautiful baby shower and then you realize it’s YOURS!

Jordan’s little sister, Caelen, brought me to tears with all she planned and the waterworks kept flowing as we got to celebrate our son’s nearing arrival with our sweet family and friends. The incredible creative team blew me away with the thought behind every detail. Every few minutes I had to remind myself that I wasn’t photographing someone else’s baby shower, but my own!

The inspiration for the shower was a French garden with gorgeous blue hues and touches of blush for this soon-to-be boy mama. France will always hold a special place in our hearts because we renewed our vows in Provence for our seventh anniversary. It was so special that Caelen and the rest of the incredible creative team brought France to us as we celebrated this momentous occasion.

Photography: Amy & Jordan Photography | Floral Design: Sarah's Garden | Dessert : Ruze Cake House | Linen: BBJ La Tavola | Paper Products: Victoria York Design | Rentals: Tremaine Ranch | Rentals: Glamour And Woods

When the bride just so happens to be one of the industry’s top planners, her sister is a creative floral genius (and her business partner!), and she calls Mike Larson, Mar Bridal Stylist, and La Tavola Fine Linen Rental friends, the wedding is guaranteed to be unforgettable. So without further ado, start your Monday off right with this intimate, boho beauty of a celebration…

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Jill La Fleur of La Fleur Weddings and Events has been a local wedding planner and event designer for the past 16 years and was recently named one of the top wedding planners in the world by Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine. Although she has planned large and lavish weddings in destinations around the world, when it came to her own wedding, she preferred to keep it local and intimate.

She and her husband Gokhan, an athletic trainer in Santa Ynez specializing in training addicts in recovery, met years ago and became very good friends before eventually falling madly in love. They had originally planned to elope, but their dear friends, Alain and Kathy Clenet, offered to host the wedding at their beautiful home, Long Meadow Estate in Santa Ynez, which is one of the most stunning locations in the valley and is set up perfectly for weddings and events. Jill and Gokhan could not think of a more beautiful, perfect venue where they could feel at home and have those closest to them be part of their day! Another dear friend offered her Santa Ynez vacation rental home for Jill’s family to stay all together for the weekend, so for their family rehearsal dinner the night prior, they decided to stay in and cook homemade pizzas in the beautiful outdoor pizza oven and serve them with local Santa Ynez Valley wines.

Jill had her eye on a couple of gowns that she had fallen in love with immediately and could not decide between the two, so she wore them both! For her bridal shoot on the rehearsal day, she wore a dusty blue, romantic gown by Claire Faye, and for her wedding day, she chose a stunning, bohemian-chic gown by Rue De Seine which she found at one of her favorite Central Coast boutique bridal salons in San Luis Obispo, Moondance Bridal. Her hair was done in a matching style with a soft, side braid by her longtime friend and hairdresser, Kelly Trumble of Mishay Salon and Spa, and her makeup by another longtime friend and colleague, Mar Romero of Team Hair and Makeup.

The wedding was officiated by a wonderful, local officiate, Miriam Lindbeck of Weddings Santa Barbara, in front of a beautiful oak tree as they stood on a custom Turkish rug (Gokhan is originally from Istanbul), which they now have prominently displayed in their home. Jill’s dad is also a deacon, and he lovingly said a special blessing over Jill and Gokhan and the custom combined cross and tasbih that Jill created and wrapped around her bouquet just before they walked down the aisle together. Jill’s son, Jake, carried the rings, and a seat was saved up front for her mother, whose ashes were placed in a beautiful bud vase with an olive branch.

Jill and her sister, Colleen La Fleur of Atelier de La Fleur, recently teamed up and joined their businesses to offer both full planning and floral design services locally and in destinations worldwide. Colleen is an extremely talented and renowned floral designer, and their businesses now have offices in both Santa Barbara, California and Tucson, Arizona. Given they have a very similar style and aesthetic, Jill and Colleen were able to work together seamlessly, coming up with the design elements for this wedding day, which included a romantic, organic display of locally sourced plants and floral in soft peach, ivory, and champagne mixed with soft greys, creamy whites, and gold accents.

Jill loves to cook and Gokhan loves to eat, so they brought in Luca Crestanelli of Sky Kitchen because they wanted to treat their friends and family to their favorite dishes from his acclaimed Santa Ynez Valley restaurant. The two-tier wedding cake was created by Christine Dahl of Santa Barbara Cakes and was served with Turkish Delight and Turkish Coffee. Jill and Gokhan also gifted a set of Turkish towels to each of their guests as a special thank you gift. The vintage goblets, crystal, plates, and gold flatware were all from Otis and Pearl, and they mixed in beautifully with Atelier de La Fleur’s crystal compotes, vases, and brass candleholders and the linens La Tavola. The custom paper goods (invitation suite, menus, thank you notes) were created by Jill using the services of Honey Paper in Los Olivos. She incorporated the design of the Turkish rug and the Fleur de Lis family emblem with writings in English, French, and Turkish for their families. All of this was photographed beautifully by the talented Mike Larson, someone Jill has worked with for many years. He and his wife, Rachel, are also dear friends of Jill and Gokhan’s, and were of course included as guests at their wedding as well!

Photography: Mike Larson | Event Planning + Design: La Fleur Weddings & Events | Floral Design: Atelier De LaFleur | Wedding Dress: Rue De Seine | Cake: Christine Dahl Pastries | Invitations: Honey Paper | Caterer: SY Kitchen | Makeup: Makeup by Mar | Hair: Mishay Salon & Spa | Groom's Attire: Michael Kors | Officiant: Miriam Lindbeck | Angel Wing Necklace: Enchantress Boutique | Bridal Boutique: Moondance Bridal | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Paper Goods: Honey Paper | Place Settings: Otis + Pearl Partywares | Private Estate: Longmeadow Estate | Rehearsal Dinner Dress: Claire La Faye

I could spend endless amounts of time pouring over the history of engagement rings. I am, however, slightly partial to a classic, Art Deco design (and “This ring is vintage!” definitely makes me swoon.). Rings during the Art Deco period saw any manner of colored gemstones, like onyx, emeralds, and even rubies, in settings with sharp angles, dazzling cuts, and brilliant patterns.

With such serving as hallmarks of an Art Deco pièce de résistance, these confident, geometric rings are timeless beauties for the bold bride are light on the subtlety and heavy on the pretty!

Art Deco Rings

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Art Deco Rings

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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 from 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.

Adding texture to your wedding details is a trend that isn’t going anywhere soon. Luckily for you, these nine unconventional materials can be easily incorporated into your invitation suite and are sure to inspire you when you’re planning for your special day.

Wooden Invitations
Set the tone for your fairytale ceremony in the woods with an invitation carved out of real wood. These invitations are “letterpressed” out of birch wood and accompanied by an illustrated map and floral print-lined envelopes.

Metallic Cut-Out
Inspired by the French influence in New Orleans, this couple’s wedding invitation was wrapped in a golden cut-out that matched the envelopes, which were addressed in calligraphy of gold as well.

Natural Details
If you’re inspired by the location or season of your special day, consider incorporating a dried leaf or flower to your stationery. This beautifully simplistic invitation suite was a perfect nod to the couple’s autumn nuptials, as it featured a dried leaf tied with copper string.

Glassine Paper
When paired with white letterpressed invitations on specialty paper, glassine paper elements give a feminine touch—especially when they feature soft floral patterns, as seen here.

Nautical Twine
Twine is a notoriously popular wedding design material, but using a striped version creates serious nautical vibes. Adding knot design elements certainly helps to tie it all together as well!

Linen Envelope
Sending invitations enveloped in linen is any unexpected choice that will get your guests excited about what’s to come! Soft and natural, these beige envelopes set the tone for a more feminine, organic affair.

Pop-Up Portrait
Create a vision of what your wedding day will look like for guests by including a pop-up portrait of you and your future spouse in your chosen venue. This design is perfect for the couple getting married in a romantic place, like a European castle, as it will evoke memories of the beloved pop-up fairytale books you read throughout your childhood.

Linen Paper
Linen invitations bring a classic touch to an unconventional choice, and make for wonderful keepsakes! Frame your invitation to display in your home, or encourage guests to bring it to the ceremony in order to dab at their tears.

Wax-Sealed Ribbon
Although they are far from new to the wedding scene, wax seals and ribbons can make for an exciting and unexpected pairing when used on your invitation together. The pink ribbon’s femininity is balanced perfectly by the masculine seal, making for a beautifully balanced stationery choice!

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Morgan Chamberlain is a freelance writer and social media consultant for wedding vendors in New England. She believes weddings are all about sentimental details, cohesive décor, and a well-chosen playlist to keep the party going!

These two cuties met serendipitously at a mutual friend’s birthday party in Vegas. Six years later, they returned to the city where Tuan proposed in one of the most breathtaking moments – during the Rise Lantern Festival. Clearly, this duo knows how to make a romantic statement, and their Tuscan-inspired wedding coordinated by LVL Events and captured by Ether and Smith follows suit. Get lost in all of the beautiful images, waiting for you in The Vault.

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From the bride… The saying goes, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” but for me and Tuan, nothing could be further from the truth. In the spring of 2010, a chance encounter at a mutual friend’s birthday party in Vegas changed our lives forever. Six years later, we came full circle, returning to Las Vegas last fall for the Rise Lantern Festival where Tuan proposed. It was one of the most incredible and breathtaking experiences of our lives! I couldn’t have asked for a more romantic proposal.

We started planning the wedding immediately after. Although we both love our hometown of San Francisco, we wanted an outdoor wedding, so we looked to Wine Country. We fell in love with Ramekins’ intimate Tuscan charm. And, since we are foodies, it being a culinary school was a plus. Unfortunately, most dates were booked through 2018. Weeks later, serendipitously, there was a cancellation for October 7th, which happens to be the date that we got engaged!

After locking in our venue, all the big-ticket items fell into place pretty quickly. I really just went with my gut as there are so many talented vendors out there. I was also lucky to have my friend Ashley Tucker from LVL Events as our wedding coordinator. She gave me great planning advice and was available whenever I had questions. Otherwise, I’d say I was a pretty hands-on bride, from wax-sealing each invitation to DIY-ing all the acrylic wedding signage and table numbers. I wanted the wedding to feel romantic and timeless, yet reflective of my own personal style.

The day of our wedding was sheer bliss! Mother Nature graced us with the perfect fall day. Poppystone did a gorgeous collection of hanging flowers to accent the ceremony arbor. Marcus Cappellazzo performed on his acoustic guitar during cocktail hour and dinner as guests were served California-inspired, farm-to-table fare. Hundreds of candles lit up the cobblestone courtyard. In addition to Branching Out’s gold-leafed wedding cake, our friends at Churn Urban Creamery served our guests organic ice cream. We could tell all our guests had a great time, and that was really important to us. We’ve never felt as much love and support as on our wedding day with our dearest friends and family who came to witness our vows to each other.

What I learned is that no matter what you do, it’s easy to go crazy while planning your wedding – especially if you are a control-freak perfectionist doing everything on your own, like I did. But at the end of the day, you are marrying your best friend, and none of those little details will really matter in comparison. Everyone says your wedding day will pass by in a blink of an eye, and it’s so true, so our advice is to savor each moment! Luckily, we can relive the day with the beautiful pictures captured by Ether and Smith.

Photography: Ether & Smith | Cinematography: Daniel Chae | Coordination: LVL Weddings & Events | Floral Design: PoppyStone Floral Couture | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Branching Out Cakes | Invitations: test | Stationery: No.103 Creative Studio | Hair + Makeup: Chau Nguyen | Lighting: The Lux Productions | DJ: Capellen Entertainment | Venue: Ramekins Sonoma | Bridal Boutique: Bridal Galleria | Ice Cream Cart: Churn Urban Creamery | Rentals: Encore Event Rentals

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I think we can all agree that weekends are just too short, and when you’ve got too much on your plate—they can feel even shorter and much more stressful. That’s where having a Friday game plan comes in! From getting to inbox zero to writing out your grocery list for the week ahead, here are five quick to dos that will make your weekend siesta free of stress.

Prioritize your email inbox.

No one likes a full inbox on a Monday morning! Make an effort to sort through all new incoming emails on Friday and prioritize for the following week. Labels and ‘multiple inboxes’ are great tools to use to stay organized. That way, you aren’t bombarded by Friday’s email load AND the incoming weekend and Monday morning batch.

Write out your grocery list.

First things first, get ahead for the upcoming week by meal planning on weekends. Then, take it a step further and write out that grocery list on FRIDAY. It can be challenging to implement a meal planning routine, but if you already have your list set that means you’re ready to head to the grocery store whenever you need on the weekend, without having to write that list out.

Take care of business.

Need to drop a package at the post office? Schedule an appointment for the following week? Take care of anything that requires a business that is only open Monday through Friday 9-5. Because really, weekends shouldn’t be spent doing business-y things anyway.

Map out your weekend.

Staying one step ahead with weekend plans takes the stress out of the process and lets you enjoy the experience that much more! It’s as simple as making reservations for your favorite restaurant, so you don’t have to wait—or mapping out the route for the concert you’re heading to so you know when you have to leave the house (and how long you have to get ready!).

Ease into the weekend like…

Try to avoid stacking your plate full of to-dos on Fridays. After all, the weekend is too short anyway, right? Ease into the weekend with casual Friday workwear or plan a fancy lunch outing with a co-worker or friend.

This gorgeous oceanfront celebration all starts with a special essential oil wedding blend tucked inside lucite and watercolor invitations by Wiley Valentine. And it makes perfect sense when you hear that the Bride’s family founded Saje Wellness. Using that as inspiration, LVL Weddings & Events designed an elegant nod to all things wellness with all white florals by Oak & the Owl, stunning imagery by Ryan Ray and a wall full of champagne for good measure.

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From LVL Weddings & Events… Daughter of Kate Ross and Jean Pierre CEO and Founder of Vancouver based company Saje Wellness wed last September in Laguna Beach. Kiara spent her childhood vacationing in Laguna from Vancouver with her parents as they were building their company so it has always been a special place to them. So when it came time to get married Surf and Sand was the perfect spot. All the guests came in from Canada so this was a true destination wedding for them. The guests first impression of the wedding was their acrylic custom wedding invitations wrapped in custom tissue paper and then tied with a wooden monogram with drops of a special essential oil wedding blend that they would also use at the wedding.

It was important for Kiara to incorporate the Saje family traditions into the wedding so we set up ceramic nebulizers outlining each space and had and hand dropped their custom made essential oil in them.

Florals were beautifully crafted by Oak and The Owl to create a natural romantic arrangement in white, ivory and touches of green. We also used Saje wellness candles to dress the tables as well.

If it were up to Kiara and Tim they would have danced the night away under the stars but due to noise restrictions we had to move it into the ballroom but the guests wouldn’t have known any different as the entire walkway was draped with chiffon fabric and twinkle lights by Amber Event production. Guests felt as though they were walking into a magic wonderland.

A fun detail was Kiara and Tim’s love for rollerblanding so we had the team and Sweet and Saucy make a custom rollerblade for them.

Kiara and Tim’s Love Story

Every couple’s love story is unique, and serves as a touchstone for the life they are creating together. Today I’d like to share the version they have made public. Some of you may know some parts of it, but perhaps not all of what you’re about to hear…

If this story had a name, it might be “Some Enchanted Evening(s)” with a twist.. They met on line and had corresponded in an easy way, agreeing on roller blading and pickles as 2 things they had in common.

The first enchanted evening was at Buffalo Bill’s in Whistler, where they both ended up with some friends. Squinting across the room, Kiara spotted the guy she had met on Tinder. He had already picked her out and came towards her. They hugged… then they danced…and there wasn’t much talking…just a LOT of chemistry and a sense by Kiara that he was easy to be around.

The second enchanted evening, their first real date, happened when she texted to ask “What are you cooking me for dinner?” He went into master chef mode, producing a spectacular meal of steak, scallops and every vegetable know for human consumption. She turned up all sweaty on rollerblades with a bottle of wine in her back pack. Sounds perfect don’t you think?

Almost, until the word got out to their families, when a little bit of Shakespearean drama began. The families knew each other – very well in fact. Kate and his sister Leah had been part of the same business mastermind group for years. No one thought to introduce the two of them because no one thought it was a good idea! Mostly Kiara got warnings about Tim- from his family. He was a playboy, he would break her heart, etc..

Like some famous Shakespearean couples, that kind of advice just fans the flames…anyone who knows Kiara would not be surprised that the advice was wasted. Besides they were both smitten.. badly…and had other plans.

Photographer: Ryan Ray Photography | Wedding Planner: LVL Weddings & Events | Floral Design: Oak And The Owl | Cake : Sweet & Saucy Shop | Invitations: Wiley Valentine | Hair and Makeup: Design Visage | Calligraphy: Heidi Davidson Design | DJ: Elevated Pulse Productions | Ceremony Music : Ryan Heflin | Hotel: Surf And Sand Resort | Bridal Gown : Monique Lhuillier | Draping and Lighting : Amber Event Production | Gluten Free Rolls: Twice Baked | Guest Favors : Saje Wellness | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Photo Booth : Focus Photo Suites | Rentals : Found Rental Co. | Rentals : Signature Party Rentals | Video : Elysium Productions

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As you delve into wedding planning right after your engagement, it is easy to get wrapped up in the impending wedding plans and let your season of engagement pass you by. Sometimes engagement photography sessions end up serving as a bit of an afterthought or only take place because you need imagery for your save the date.

While an at-home engagement session is especially intimate, and a session in around your city may bring back fun memories, we absolutely love the idea of a destination engagement session!

Here are five ways to know if a destination engagement session is right for you.

In Lieu of a Destination Wedding

Maybe you’re pining to satisfy your wanderlust but a destination wedding is out of your budget. A destination engagement session is a perfect compromise that will allow you to celebrate your union in a fun locale while having a wedding closer to home.

Your Current City Doesn’t Feel Like Home

Maybe you both recently moved and the city where you’re currently living doesn’t quite feel like home. If you don’t have an emotional connection to your local area and you don’t feel the need to have pictures capturing life in that environment then why not travel someplace new? This is the perfect way to remember an adventure to a destination that’s always been on your bucket list.

Celebrate Your Anniversary

If you’ve been planning a fun and monumental birthday or anniversary trip you have the perfect excuse to sneak in a destination engagement session while you’re away! Why not commemorate that trip, and your engagement, with pictures together during your vacation?

Couples sometimes struggle to feel at ease in front of the camera. However, if you’re kicking back on vacation you’re sure to feel more relaxed and joyful, which will certainly shine through in the timeless images captured.

Capture Memories of a Cherished Place

Did you travel together to Portugal early in your relationship? Did you meet while studying abroad together in Greece? If there is a certain destination that is integral to your relational history then a destination engagement session is a wonderful way to pay homage to that aspect of your story!

Just Because!

Honestly, who needs an excuse to travel? We love the joy and excitement that comes from traveling and you are sure to cherish the images from a destination engagement session for years to come!

So, where do you start?

If you’ve already booked your wedding photographer, reach out to them and see if you can work it out to have them capture a destination session. Chances are, they may be doing some traveling over the next year and it could work to meet them in a destination they’re already going to visit!

If it doesn’t work to have your wedding photographer do a destination engagement session then consider a local photographer. Consult the Vendor Guide for reputable photographers are available in your chosen locale! After that, all you have to do is pack up and go!

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.

These two shine bright amid the winter chilliness of New York City, from the Seaport to the busy streets of the Big Apple. Their smiles kept each other warm – and make our hearts giddy with love! Alison Conklin braved the cold weather with them and we’re mighty glad she did – these engagement pics are too cute to miss!

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From Alison Conklin… Thank you so much for featuring this fun cold weather engagement session! My favorite image from this session is the one of them in the steam on the streets of NY!

Photography: Alison Conklin Photography

This bohemian affair planned by East Made Event Company was held at the apple orchard owned by the bride’s family. One word: cute! What’s even cuter is the way they incorporated apples throughout the decor, from the unique gold foiled slices at each place setting to the rich red hues used throughout the day. Take a bite out of this free-spirited fête, courtesy of Love by Serena.

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Alex’s style is free-spirited and bohemian, so their wedding was designed with that in mind (with help from Elizabeth at East Made Event Company)! Alex’s gorgeous, flowing dress from Leanne Marshall was simply the perfect fit with her beautiful floral bouquet by Flowers Unlimited. Apples were in full bloom at the orchard, which was perfect for their wedding design with red and burgundy hues. All of the apples included in the designs were picked fresh from their orchard property. Slices of apple were cut, dried, and gold foiled to create beautiful and unique place setting decor. Originally, their wedding ceremony was to be held outdoors, but, with a scheduled forecast of rain all day, a backup plan was created to host their ceremony in the dancing tent. Everything turned out beautifully and we were able to step outside for some photos when the rain calmed to a light drizzle.

Photography: Love by Serena | Event Planning: East Made Event Company | Floral Design: Flowers Unlimited | Wedding Dress: Leanne Marshall | Cakes: Frosted Fantasies | Stationery: Shotgunning for Love Letters | Bride's Shoes: Sam Edelman | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu | Catering: Kim James - Six Star Events | Hair + Makeup: Sas Studio And Salon | Calligraphy: Shotgunning for Love Letters | DJ: GS Productions | Officiant: Pastor Bill Ball | Transportation: Formal Express | Venue: The Barn at York Hill | Groom's Shoes: Aldo | Musician: Sam Rizetta | Rentals: Jefferson Rentals | Vintage Rentals: White Glove Rentals

If we’re being honest, finding the right wedding venue can be a little tricky. It takes time, patience and maybe a lucky break or two. That’s why we are so excited for the 5th annual Wedding Show Weekend happening on March 10th and 11th. Hosted by the venue-finding geniuses at Country Club Receptions, it features over 35 country clubs and golf courses across the country (including three in New York and one in New Jersey). In other words? It’s your chance to find that perfect venue all in one weekend – for free.

We know there are a lot of wedding shows out there, but Wedding Show Weekend is different. It’s stress-free, convenient and free – and with two fab country clubs in New York and one in New Jersey, you’re sure to find the right venue for you and yours. Like one of the Wedding Show Weekend’s coolest venues, the Dyker Beach Golf Course. It’s a historic Brooklyn icon that opened over 100+ years ago and the elegant decor + 6,000-square-foot patio are awesome. Also on our love list? The Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Courses, aka, two Bronx treasures that originally opened in 1901. If you love anything and everything Art Deco, the ballrooms will floor you. Oh, and speaking of ballrooms – the Beaver Brook Country Club in Hunterdon County, New Jersey is a one-of-a-kind venue that can host 180 guests. Plus, the views are insanely gorgeous.

Whether you’re planning the celebration of a lifetime in New York or New Jersey, the Wedding Show Weekend is your one-stop venue shop with four country clubs and golf courses that are perfect for hosting your big event. Also perfect? Not taking weeks upon weeks to find that venue of your dreams and literally filling one amazing weekend with all of the locales you’ve been eyeing, so you can start planning. Not to mention the amazing vendors, on-site directors and tasty cuisine for you to sample.

Ready to meet the venue + vendor team that will make your dream day happen? RSVP for free on the Wedding Show Weekend’s website and start planning your two days of venue hopping. And be sure to visit their Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for even more inspiration.

Photography: Cherryville Photography | Photography: Matthew Sowa Photography | Photography: George Street | Photography: Photography By Alfonso | Photography: Ricky Restiano | Venue: MountainGate Country Club | Venue: MountainGate Country Club | Venue: MountainGate Country Club | Venue: MountainGate Country Club | Bridal Show: Wedding Show Weekend

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I may be a bit biased (I was a semi-sleeved bride myself!), but I feel confident in saying that sleeves are sexier than ever in the wedding fashion world. From off-the-shoulder styles to embellished numbers to lace-wrapped beauties, here are a handful of dresses that stun with sleeves.

Off-the-Shoulder

An off-the-shoulder style sleeve is flirty, yet still classy.

Elegant Embellishments

Take your sleeves to the next level with patterning and embellishments like this geometric, beaded number below.

Laced in Love

A sheer layer of lace wraps this bride below in elegant style.

A hint of lace takes these sleeves below from modest to magnificent.

Timeless in a Two-Piece

Keep a modern style like this two-piece classy with sophisticated sleeves!

This beautiful celebration – and this darling duo – are the epitome of pure romance. Every image in this gorgeous gallery is picture perfect, from the stunning venue views to the looks of sweet love between these two – and we have Natalie Bray Studios to thank for that. All in all, we have a wedding that pretty much demands you get into a good mood from it – so soak it all up and enjoy! You can thank us later!

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From Natalie Bray Studios… On a beautiful summer day, Kate and RG wed in the golden California sunshine with the Pacific Ocean as their backdrop. It was a stunning celebration planned wonderfully by Jenna of Dive D Day Wedding Planning. Jenna designed a celebration that was full of life and elegance and culture. It was a true joy to be a part of this love story. The florals were full of vibrance with peonies and touches of lavender. Each detail was well thought out and reflective of Kate and RG’s love story. Kate glowed with joy every time she looked at RG. You can feel the happiness from all who attended.

Photography: Natalie Bray Studios | Videography: Natalie Bray Studios | Event Planning + Design : Divine D-day Wedding Planning | Floral Design: Floria | Cake: Grace & Honey Cakes | Ceremony Venue: Ole Hanson Beach Club | Catering: Giracci Vineyards Farms | Hair + Makeup: red Kelly make up | Entertainment: soulmate events

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Natalie Bray Studios

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Wanting to showcase the best of California for their International guests, this Bride and Groom landed on the iconic lavender fields of San Ysidro Ranch to host their big day. The result planned by Joy Proctor, with florals by Camellia Floral Design, can be likened to an insanely chic secret garden wedding. But our favorite part? It’s a tie between the holy cute flower girl and the Dog of honor. Get lost in all that cuteness and more so perfectly captured by Michael Radford and a film by 618 Studios below.

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Mandy and Jason chose the iconic San Ysidro Ranch to exchange their vows. With half of their guests coming from China, it was important to them to choose a location that reflected the best of their home state of California. From its iconic lavender lined driveway to its lush, herb and rose gardens, the Ranch served as the perfect backdrop for the day.

Guests were welcomed with passed drinks, as they explored the gardens serenaded by music. After taking their seats in front of a flower filled arch, the bridal party entered, accompanied by the couples dog, Malu. The bride entered accompanied by her parents, carrying a lush garden inspired bouquet in tones of white and green. As the couple was pronounced man and wife, guests threw rose, lavender and rosemary petals from small linen bags. Guests were invited to cocktail hour on an adjoining lawn where they took photos in a photo booth and wandered the gardens before dinner.

Walking through the Old Adobe, one of the oldest structures in the Santa Barbara area, guests found their seating assignments on hung from the beams of the building before entering the reception. Greenery hung from the chandeliers and over the fireplace brought the charm of the gardens into the reception, lit by heavy candle light and a wood fire. Each guest received a box of herb garden flavored truffles, with their name in calligraphy, indicating their seat assignment.

The evening began with toasts from both the bride and grooms families before a three course dinner was served. After dinner the couple cut the cake and invited guests to the outdoor patio to dance. The grooms parents who were unable to attend, had recorded a beautiful video that was played as a surprise to the groom, to whom it meant the world. The guests continued to dance under the stars and celebrate the beautiful day.

Photography: Michael Radford Photography | Event Planning: Joy Proctor Design | Floral Design: Camellia Floral Design | Cake: San ysidro Ranch | Hair & Makeup: Makeup By Sung | Calligraphy: Leslee Sipress | Transportation: Gold Coast Limos | DJ / Guitarist : Gavin Roy | Linen: BBJ La Tavola | Paper Goods: Lazaro Press & Design | Truffles: Jessica Foster Confections | rentals: The Tent Merchant | videographers: 618 Studios

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Joy Proctor Design

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You’ve said yes. You’ve asked your bridesmaids. But there’s still one important ask to be made. If you have a little girl in your life who you’d love to see as your flower girl, make her day by asking her to be part of your wedding in a special way!

Here are a few ideas to get your wheels rolling. Don’t forget — always ask her parents first!

Gift Her A Piece Of Jewelry

If she’s the type of little girl who loves to play dress-up, she’ll feel incredibly grown up. Bonus points if you give her something she can wear on the big day! Etsy has tons of great options.

Curate A Fun “Will You Be My Flower Girl?” Box

Similar to the bridesmaids trend, you can create a box for your flower girl with things like sunglasses, hair ties, and other fun accessories.

Write Her A Letter

Go the sentimental route by putting into words why exactly she means so much to you and how honored you’d be to have her by your side on the most important day of your life.

Create A Personalized Puzzle

This would be such a sweet way to make the ask! Plus a wooden one like this one makes such a perfect keepsake.

Take Her Out For A Special One-On-One Ice Cream Date

If she’s someone you’re incredibly familiar with, like a cousin you’ve babysat since her birth, treat her to a special dessert and make the ask in person.

Ask Her And The Ring Bearer Together

If they’re in the same area, see if you can snag both the little girl and little boy for the big ask. It will be so cute to see them get excited together for their big moment!

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Claire Swinarski is a writer and podcaster based in Wisconsin. When she isn’t writing, she can be found obsessing over football, eating a burrito bowl, or hanging out with her husband and son.

Donuts? Check. Cute pup? Check. The love of your life? Check! We have it all right here folks, in this adorable morning engagement shoot captured by Heather Cook Elliott. Chicago may be blustery and cold but these two kept each other warm and smiling from start to finish (though we’re betting the caffeine and sweet treats helped too!). Start your day with these cuties and their furry friend right this way!

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From Heather Cook Elliott… Sometimes things just click… into place, into a place, in A place with A person. For Whitney and Aaron that person is each other and the place is Chicago. They work downtown (across the street from one another), live within view of the iconic skyline and it’s been that way for awhile now. When they met they both lived close to the Blue Line stop at Damen & North and they’ve worked their way south and east over time, adding a sweet (and adorably energetic) pup named Ella to their family. So on a cold but sunny Chicago day – dare I say a classic Windy City day? – we took a meander through the past right into their now, often talking about their future. It started as any good day should: with coffee and donuts at Stan’s and then on to meet Ella at home with a final stop by the river. It was romantic, sweet and full of love and laughter. It was the best kind of morning for the best kind of love story.

Photography: Heather Cook Elliott Photography

If I had seen this room completely empty and you were to tell me that it would eventually be a kitchen, dining and living room all in one, I wouldn’t have believed you! But with Marie Flanigan behind the design helm, this guest home captured by Julie Soefer soars above it’s small footprint and makes a statement, with a few designer secrets Marie is sharing with us today.

Keep it Light and Bright

Lightening up your walls instantly makes your space feel larger! I chose Benjamin Moore Cloud White for the spaces in this modestly-sized guest home and love the bright, welcoming canvas the hue provides. It offers the eye welcome moments of rest while allowing a sophisticated combination of raw and streamlined elements to shine!

Embrace the Multi-Purpose Space

When you’re designing within a smaller footprint, square footage is at a premium. Make the most of every inch by creating versatile living spaces that are defined by furniture groupings in lieu of walls. I combined the kitchen, dining room, and living space into one open concept area tied together through architectural detailing. The transom window further delineates each space while still allowing for fluidity and a steady stream of natural light.

Great Heights

If long drapery is appropriate for your space, use it to your advantage! Be sure that the panels are installed from the floor to just below your room’s ceiling to create a long line that draws the eye up, making the entire space feel more impressive.

Don’t Fear the Scale

Most clients fret over using large-scale art and accessories in a smaller space, but when combined properly, these items can actually help your space feel bigger! In particular, lighting has a tremendous impact on every home, especially within a smaller space, where fixtures that feel unexpected in size and grandeur can really dial in on the drama.

High Function Furnishings

No matter how you decide to furnish your smaller space, keep in mind that versatility is key! Maintain a minimalist vibe by incorporating less items that are capable of doing more, such as this dining table that also serves as the kitchen island or seating arrangements that also boast storage.

Clutter-Free Counters

Maximizing functionality in a kitchen with limited square footage is an exciting challenge because every nook presents possibility! Areas that are typically designated as “wasted space” are perfect for optimizing storage; install functioning drawers, corner cabinets, and upper cabinets when possible so that you can easily stash away all of those kitchen gadgets that quickly clutter up counters.

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About this home… A Houston couple in the midst of remodeling their 1940s River Oaks home decided that guest quarters for visiting family and friends should be added to the back of the property. They wanted the home constructed over a fully operational garage and were adamant that the structure share the same traditional River Oaks style they fell in love with. They enlisted the help of a local builder to make this new construction with classic style a reality and a design team to ensure that the interior details of the guest home were flawlessly aligned with the details they treasured in their main home.

Modestly-sized spaces were fitted with interesting architectural details, a color story that remains soft with brief bursts of bold color, and tailored décor featuring bold textures and industrial accents. The entry features handsome grid paneling, integrated stairway downlighting and a sleek custom handrail, creating an inviting space that sets a well-edited tone for the rest of the spaces to come. Once up the stairs, grid paneling gives way to shiplap paneling which is integrated throughout the majority of the living spaces. Superior functionality and lighting were essential to the success of the home’s design and these were achieved through the use of creatively hidden storage, multi-purpose furnishings and the addition of varying light forms. Paneled walls hide closets, cased openings and doorways were accented with shelves for storage and the kitchen table serves as both an island and the perfect spot for guests to dine. The home’s main windows were installed facing north and transom windows separate the living areas, allowing the home to embrace all the natural light Texas has to offer. A generous mixture of lighting sources combine beautifully with the home’s architectural elements and furnishings, creating the perfect getaway for guests.

Photography: Julie Soefer | Interior Design: Marie Flanigan

As much as I adore weddings, there is a special place in my heart for anniversary sessiona. Marriage is hard work, ya’ll, and each year a couple goes through hand in hand, through the beautiful moments and the painful moments, is something to be celebrated and documented! Which brings me to today’s Washington DC anniversary session captured by Novaes Photography. Yes, this is one good looking and super stylish duo, but what brings me chills is the expression of love and respect in each of their eyes when they look at each other and their touching words below. They get it.

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From the couple… After our marriage in October 2016, Krishaun and I spent the next year planning and navigating our life to promote love, hope, and joy through our love as husband and wife. We spent the year working towards building a foundation for our future family and worked tirelessly to become the best versions of ourselves with these new found roles. As newlyweds, we focused monthly on our vision as a couple. The 15th of every month finds us having what we call “navigator’s conferences” – moments when we take the time to remove ourselves from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and focus on our marriage – physically, mentally, and spiritually. During this time we reflect on what’s working in the marriage, what can be improved, and what aspirations we have not only for our marriage, but also most importantly for each of us as individuals. Although being husband and wife are our first and foremost roles, we understand that we are individuals who yearn to grow. We act as one another’s personal cheerleader, pushing one another to continue to strive for excellence. The first year of marriage was a phenomenal time of growth and love. We traveled, we laughed, we lived, and we loved. We developed a deep partnership focused on building a legacy and look forward to the years to come.

Photography: Rudney Novaes | Floral Design: Fleur de Charme | Dress: Rent The Runway | Dress: Cathy Ebrada | Hair + Makeup: Samara Weiss Makeup Artist | Groom's Attire: ASOS | Venue: Union Station Washington DC | Brut Champagne: Korbel California Champagne | Champagne Flutes: Le Creuset | Event Planning + Styling: Luisa Rodriguez | Film Processing: The Find Lab | Film Stock: Fuji Film | Tie: Calvin Klein