You’re engaged! Now what?

As I began my planning process I was overwhelmed with the advice I received from family and friends, but on looking back there are a few things I am so happy I did, and would recommend to every new bride.

Krista Fox

Create a Separate Email Address

I cannot tell you how much easier this made my life. I created the address right at the start of planning and used it to sign up for planning website, coupon codes, to contact vendors, sending wedding event info to guests, and to manage all planning communications. That way I didn’t have to sort through my regular emails for anything wedding related, and everything I needed was in one place.

Use Multiple Books and Websites for Advice

There is so much planning information out there – you’ll find everything from the height of etiquette, high society planning guide, to the DIY backyard blog. In the early days of planning I read it all, picking and saving only the things that felt like us. We went more formal on the invites, more DIY on the guestbook. Everyone has a different amount of time to plan, a different style – so there’s no need to rely on only one source of truth!

Choose One Method of Information Storage

I’ll totally admit – in the early days I went all in on all things bride. This includes all those planning binders, notebooks, Pinterest boards, apps and websites you’ve heard of. And within a few months I was overwhelmed, looking all over the place for that one detail I needed. Things got a lot easier when I consolidated, so whether you’re old school or super tech savvy, choose the method that works for you and stick to it.

Krista Fox

 Save Keepsakes and Odds and Ends from Planning

Now that I’m on the other side of our wedding, I can tell you that all those months of planning seem like an absolute blur. That’s why I’m so glad I saved a few odds and ends – I have box of cocktail napkins, fabric swatches and engagement cards that bring the memories of that time right back!

Ruth Eileen Photography

Take a Night Off.

It’s so easy to let wedding planning become a third person in your relationship. Especially as that date got closer and closer it felt like every conversation my fiance and I had found it’s way to flower arrangements, bills that were due, guest list issues, you get the picture. I think the healthiest thing we did was take a night now and then to talk about anything but wedding, and do something fun. After all, your wedding is all about preparing for your life together as a couple, so you shouldn’t abandon that in the engagement!

Still55 Photography

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Chloe O’Sullivan is a freelance writer and sales director based in Washington DC (soon relocating to Northern New Hampshire). When she isn’t writing, she can be found trying new restaurants, planning her next trip, or hiking with her husband.

The Bridesmaids’ printed boho dresses by Show Me Your Mumu, the Bride’s lace gown by BHLDN, and the delightful pop of pattern on the gentlemen’s ties all perfectly incorporated the the floral inspiration for this California wedding. Add in the pretty arrangements by the ever-talented The Flower House, and you’ve got one absolutely beautiful wedding. Kristine Herman Photography and Eagleye CQS Cinematography captured all the blooms, and they’re waiting for you right here.

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From Kristine Herman Photography… In the middle of wine country in Livermore, Ashley and Jeremy got married in a beautiful olive grove at The Purple Orchid. With flowers inspiring the entire wedding party’s attire, from the Groom’s tie to the beautiful hint of floral print on Ashley’s BHLDN dress. The colors stayed on theme with the name of the venue, with hints of purple scattered throughout the day. The reception was held in the olive orchard behind the resort. The hills and the trees made for the perfect backdrop for this couple’s day.

Photography: Kristine Herman Photography | Cinematography: EaglEye CQS Videography | Floral Design: The Flower House | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Cake: Cake Delight | Reception Venue: The Purple Orchid Inn | Shoes: Steve Madden | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu | Catering: Valley Catering | Makeup: Lisa Teller Makeup Artist | Hair: Krysta Little | DJ: Amos Productions | Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss | Film Processing: PhotoVision Prints | Rentals: Pleasanton Rentals | Signage: Lefty Lady Lettering

There’s so much to love about this wedding, but first and foremost, it’s Kathryn + Arun’s contagious sense of joy captured in the images by Nicki Metcalf. These two brought together all their people for a multicultural celebration at The Cloisters Castle and East Made Event Company planned each moment to perfection. Scroll below for a closer look with even more waiting right here!

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Kathryn and Arun’s wedding was full of personal details and sentimental touches, encompassing all of the elements that make a wedding truly meaningful. Held at a unique venue in Baltimore, a 1932 Gothic revival mansion, Cloisters Castle was also the site of Kathryn’s parents’ nuptials some 40 years earlier. As a touching tribute to her late mother’s memory, Kathryn knew she wanted to marry Arun at the Cloisters to continue the sentimental family tradition, and this grand location did just that.

Juxtaposing their own more minimal, relaxed style with the grandeur of a medieval castle, Kathryn and Arun chose farm tables, wooden cross-back chairs, and all white flowers with lush greenery to decorate their reception space. When rain threatened their al fresco dinner plans, they kept calm and still held the ceremony and cocktail hour outside on the patio, with the castle facade in the background. Kathryn’s two bridesmaids wore light gray Jenny Yoo dresses, and the bridal party processed to “Somebody to Love” by Queen.

Guests enjoyed Maryland crabcakes for dinner from Rouge Catering, and later snacked on Frito pie (Texas chili poured over Frito chips), a nod to Arun’s Texas roots. The dance floor was packed until the end of the night, with the groom and the father of the bride hugging and stomping to the beat of the music.

Guests departed with maple syrup favors, homemade from the bride’s family’s farm in upstate New York. It was truly an emotional and memorable evening.

Photography: Nicki Metcalf | Event Planning: East Made Event Company | Floral Design: Sophie Felts Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Garnish Boutique | Cake: Sugar Bakers Cakes | Bridesmaids Dresses: Joanna August | Catering: Rouge Fine Catering | Hair + Makeup: Ariel Lewis | Calligraphy: Charley Whiskey Design | Lighting: Event Dynamics | DJ: Chi Dr. Productions | Transportation : Viennas Transportation Inc. | Venue: The Cloisters Castle | Film Lab: PhotoVision Prints | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals : Select Event Group

We can all appreciate a good ceremony arch, and this one wrapped in olive branches and accented with white, fluffy hydrangeas is a total showstopper. Phosart Photography Cinematography captured the stunning arch along with the rest of the impressive blooms created by Chlorofilli for this wedding in the gardens of a Greek castle, and we’re digging the simple combination of natural greenery and white blossoms.

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From Phosart Photography Cinematography… This is a wonderful May wedding that came out of the pages of a fantasy book. Samia, who we had the opportunity to meet months before her wedding when searching for the perfect location, and her love, Khalil, had their natural, garden wedding at Petreza Castle. Living in Dubai, they felt that Greece was the perfect destination, and they were right!

Greece is an amazing place to celebrate love, like the love of Samia and Khalil that has been blossoming for 11 years, believe it or not. They met in university and have been together ever since. Khalil was on the football team, and Samia was on the dance team. They met at a bar on campus and kept seeing each other at sports games and events. The result you can see through this lovely photographic collection.

Their wedding style was natural in white and greenery, our favorite combination this season, which highlighted the beauty of the venue. We loved every detail of this event, from the mint ties of the Groom and his party, to the white balloons that were released to the sky, to the lovely decoration by Chlorofilli flowers, to, of course, Samia in her Monique Lhuiller wedding dress!

Photography: Phosart Photography Cinematography | Event Planning: Bright Blue Weddings And Events | Floral Design: Chlorofilli | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Aliki Mordo | Ceremony Venue: Pyrgos Petreza | Hair + Makeup: Teo Hair Design | Sound + Lighting: Galakteros Event Production

With a traditional and refined celebration in mind, Jessica and Billy set out to plan a day inspired by the royal wedding. They chose a polo club outside Chicago as the setting and opted for a romantic tented reception beneath the stars. The result was a wedding that’s totally Will + Kate approved and you can see it all with photos by Natalie Probst.

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Jessica and Billy drew inspiration from the royal wedding but wanted their wedding to feel anything but traditional. Their Arranmore Polo Club wedding did not disappoint one bit. They wanted to give their guests an all-around incredible experience appealing to all their senses – from décor to food to music. Fleur brought life to the tented reception with black tapered candles, lush magnolia trees, and accents of honed metallics. It was an intimate and oh-so-chic affair.

Shannon O’Brien and AJ Palace are the dream team when it comes to hair and makeup – Jessica and her ladies looked flawless. Jessica wowed in her stunning Carolina Herrera dress and carried a Princess Kate-inspired simple bouquet wrapped in leather, our favorite detail incorporated all throughout the day. Sarah Drake Designs provided the most beautiful paper goods: leather accented invitation suite and custom wax seal menus at each place setting. A seating chart hand lettered on leather and set in the lush ivy of a polo pitch farmhouse led guests to their seats.

And let’s not forget about the food from Boutique Bites! Coming from an Italian family, Jess knew an abundance of delicious food was a must. Preset charcuterie boards at every table and a super fun late night snack – cotton candy served on silver platters left guests ending the night on a good note. We could go on, but you get it, this wedding was absolute perfection.

Photography: Natalie Probst Photography | Videography: Mirar Productions | Wedding Planning: Estera Events | Floral Design: Fleur Inc | Wedding Dress: Carolina Herrera | Cake: Vanille Patisserie | Stationery: Sarah Drake Design | Ceremony Venue: St. Peter and Paul Church | Reception Venue: Arranmore Farm Polo Club | Catering: Boutique Bites | Makeup : Shannon O'Brien MUA | Hair : Your Stylist AJ | Music: Chicago Players

NYC may be a thoroughly modern city but there is something classic, something old school New York about this shoot. The glamour, the romance, we love it all. The only way to make it even better? Infuse it with a bit of fun, and that’s exactly what Rebecca Yale did (I mean, how adorable are these two!?). Add in Face Time Beauty Concierge helping this bride-to-be shine her brightest, and this gallery is absolutely picture perfect.

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From Rebecca Yale… Paul and Dakota were introduced through their roommates at Penn State in the summer of 2011. After dating throughout college, they moved to Manhattan together so Paul could work in finance and Dakota could work in entertainment. Through busy schedules, they always made it a point to go back to Penn State for football games. Paul proposed on Penn State’s campus a few hours after the Penn State victory over Ohio State in 2016. They chose to do their engagement session on the top of New York City, Top of the Rock, that is. With magnificent views of the city they’ve come to call home, they enjoyed a beautiful summer morning on the roof of 30 Rock followed by a walk through Central Park.

Photography: Rebecca Yale Photography | Dress: Betsy & Adam | Hair + Makeup: Face Time Beauty Concierge | Venue: Top Of The Rock

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Rebecca Yale Photography

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Maria Isles, the mastermind behind Isles Interiors, has the secret sauce to crafting a gorgeous space. Her interior design shop in Newport Beach not only shows off her signature style and affinity for the prettiest curated wares but it’s also just the kind of place we would die to call home. If people want to move into your interior design shop, you know you’re doing something right. Take the full tour captured by Lane Dittoe right here.

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Isles Interiors is a full service interior design studio and shop located in Newport Beach, CA. We create custom residential interiors that are carefully curated to reflect the personalities and visions of our clients. We source from local artisans to support our community as well as travel the world for one-of-a-kind pieces. Husband and wife team Max and Maria Isles combine their talents to create inspiring and thoughtful interiors that reflect the personalities and visions of their clients. Their philosophy is a home should be well designed, well loved and well lived in. The combination of a relaxed atmosphere with an understated and timeless yet modern aesthetic sets the tone for their design sensibility. “Whenever a client walks through the door they say they love our shop and would like to live in it! This is the best compliment! We love to create interiors that tell the stories of our clients through our carefully curated and collected designs and we feel our shop stands as a reflection of our own story”, says owner and designer Maria Isles. Maria Isles was born and raised in Los Angeles and has a degree in interior design from Interior Designers Institute and an MBA from Pepperdine University. Having lived in Pasadena, Santa Barbara, Laguna Beach and Singapore and travelling back to Europe and England every year, Maria gets her inspiration from her travels as well as her roots. 

Max Isles originally from England has a dual degree in Economics and Environmental Science and was trained in woodworking and furniture design at Palomar College. Max is a true craftsman and his attention to perfection and detail rivals his clever English wit and charm. Maria and Max live with their teen-age son, Brandon and their dog, Izzy in their eco-friendly cottage in Laguna Beach.

Photography: lane dittoe | art : shop Lane Dittoe art | interior designer: Maria Isles

When it came to planning their big day, Malory and Philip knew one thing for certain. They wanted to bring all their favorite people to Colorado for the celebration of a lifetime. To help orchestrate all the moving parts, they brought on amazing vendors like Calluna Events and Plum Sage Flowers to work their creative magic and it paid off, big time. Have a peek at the images by Winsome + Wright and get inspired for rustic chic nuptials of your own.

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From the Bride… Our wedding in April could not have been more perfect. From the unexpectedly warm weather to having our family and friends from all over the country in Colorado to celebrate with us – it was, hands-down, the best day ever.

Our wedding planning team at Calluna Events helped tremendously in bringing our vision to life – from choosing the perfect venue, the cake, the flowers and all of the rentals. Every decision we made felt like a perfect match for us and each of our vendors strove to make sure any final decisions were easy for us to make.

My favorite part of the day (besides finally marrying my best friend for the past 7 years) was seeing that every detail in my head was finally real and I could see just how gorgeous and breathtaking it all was. From the mismatched bridal party dresses to the cake, the flowers from Plum Sage and the massive wooden rings that hung above us for our ceremony and reception, everything turned out better than I had ever imagined. Faith with Winsome + Wright captured every detail so perfectly. I wanted our photographer to shoot on film and once I found Winsome and Wright, I completely fell in love with her work. She took our engagement photos last summer in one of our favorite places and I couldn’t imagine having anyone else shoot our wedding. She made us feel so comfortable and I couldn’t be happier with how our photos turned out — she did an incredible job!

My advice to future brides is to trust the process. You won’t be able to see your vision come to life until your big day, so it can be easy to overthink things and wonder if your choices will all make sense together. Trust that your vision for your wedding will be perfect on your day and it will be more wonderful than you imagined!

Photography: Winsome And Wright | Event Planning: Calluna Events | Floral Design: Plum Sage Flowers | Wedding Dress: Leanne Marshall | Cake: Tee & Cakes | Rings: Todd Reed Designs | Catering: Devil's Thumb Ranch | Makeup: Alchemy Face Bar | Hair : Tina Garbe | Calligraphy: Bride | DJ: DJ Jahsonic | Suit: Suitsupply | Groomsmen's Suits: The Black Tux | Officiant : Nick Kruskamp | Venue: Devil's Thumb Ranch | Bridal Boutique: Emma & Grace Bridal | Ceremony + Cocktail Hour Musicians: Trading Post Productions | Rentals: Colorado Event Productions

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Calluna Events

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Florals

Plum Sage Flowers

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When stylish couples like Alex and Jon tie the knot, really cool weddings tend to happen. Think classic Southern charm with a modern twist and organic-style florals designed in the hands of Jessica Zimmerman. They capped off the celebration with dinner at an epic king’s table lined with ghost chairs for a look that took the whole day to another level. Erin Wilson Photography captured the design goodness and it’s all waiting right here.

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Alex and Jon are the kind of couple who are cool but love that southern style. Their wedding was very classic southern but full of modern details which was such a beautiful blend. Their day was gorgeous, fun and sentimental. Hearing family and friend toasts around the huge king’s table had everyone in tears. The details were stunning, the created a cozy environment for a more intimate wedding feel and danced the night away under the lights of the patio. It was such a gorgeous day.

As a photographer, I was in love with the way they planned the day full of details, gorgeous dresses, and stunning florals. They are two kind souls and their wedding was absolutely styling. The mixture of the modern chairs, sleek design, and organic florals mixed with the southern backdrop was just perfect!

Photography: Erin Wilson Photography | Dress: a&be bridal shop | Shoes: Designer Shoe Warehouse | Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew | Catering: Catering Concepts | Hair: Adrianne Jobe | Barn: The Barn at The Springs | Cake + Donut Favors: Rick's Bakery | Floral Design + Paper Goods: A Southern Tradition | MU: Ashley Howard | Rentals: KFB Events | Signs : Koglo Kreations

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Erin Wilson Photography

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When it comes to your engagement session, don’t overthink it. Plan to do something that you’d normally enjoy doing, and then just invite your photographer along! If you’re still having some trouble, try one of these ridiculously romantic ideas (that would also make for some seriously dreamy proposal ideas, too).

Rent a Boat

What’s more romantic than being (happily) stuck on a boat with your other half? Rent a boat for golden hour for the dreamiest engagement shots ever.

Picnic

Pack up the picnic basket and head to your favorite spot. This idea may be simple, but it’s quality time that’ll have a huge impact on your love in front of the lens.

Visit a Local Estate

There’s something so romantic about an idyllic setting woven with rich history. Especially when lovers layered in time shared sweet moments at that very same spot.

Love at Home

Most of us feel the most comfortable in our own homes. So why not keep the romance there for your e-sesh? Have your photographer capture you doing one of your favorite things that you might do every day or week, like making breakfast, reading books together, strumming the guitar or just snuggling in bed.

Be Tourists in Your Own City

On the contrary of staying at home, get fancy and be a tourist in your own city!

Walk on the Beach

What is it about the crashing of waves that calls us to the sea? I suppose it doesn’t matter, but it sure does make for dreamy captures.

Be Adventurers

Romance doesn’t mean dressing up fancy. Put on your favorite jeans, baseball cap and head out for an adventure, whether your love hiking, camping or surfing (in that case you’ll need a wet suit!).

Book a Flight

Are you due for a much needed vacation? Take this opportunity to book a flight to a favorite location or one you’ve been dying to visit—even if it’s just for a weekend!

Let’s jump to it, because there’s no time to waste. You got the ring and you know you want to tie the knot in less than a year. So where do you start? Wedding planner Kisha Barner, founder of K. Barner Events, who has worked with celebs like Kevin Hart and Rev. Run, is here to guide us through the process. Let’s begin.

Sophie Kaye Photography

Put a plan in place

Sit down as a couple, and with pen and paper, jot down what you envision your nuptials to look like says Kisha. This should include descriptive words reflecting the vibe, guest experience and overall concept of your wedding. Each person should also list their top three, non-negotiable parts of the wedding (for example, great food, flowers or venue), in order to identify what each person prioritizes. Don’t aim for perfection. Approach this exercise as a download of everything wedding related for you both to sift through in order to identify common themes. This creates a roadmap for your big day.

“You’ll soon learn that without a plan, there’s no organization,” says Kisha. Take the time to lay a foundation. It’ll make the planning process easier to execute.

Natalie Bray Studios

Minimize multiple meetings

With a plan in place, you can (and should) eliminate back and forth with vendors says Kisha. Send ideas and photos prior to meeting with vendors. Your meeting with the florist is the perfect example. By doing the legwork ahead of time, you can walk into your first appointment seeing full samples and receive a price quote ahead of time. This cuts down on the need for scheduling, commuting and attending multiple meetings.

Avoid Pinterest

“Stay away from Pinterest and all other wedding related pics for a few days,” says Kisha. All those wedding ideas can easily become overwhelming and before you know it, your wedding is no longer yours – it’s a miss mosh of random ideas you love from everyone else’s wedding. In order to make sure your wedding is uniquely yours, refer back to the plan you hand wrote. Find ways to bring those ideas to life. Search for specific images, rather than pulling up everything wedding related. Don’t let your wedding design be decided by others (unless you’ve hired an event designer to come up with something based on your vision).

Krista A. Jones Photography

Pay For Help

Ask your stationery designer or planner what the additional cost to stuff and mail your invitations is. Time is of the essence. If you can avoid waiting to receive the invites (and then having to stuff and mail them yourself) it’ll be a great time saver. The best part? A new study reveals paying for tasks that save you time, increases your happiness.

Trent Bailey Studio

Decide on a ‘decision maker’

Too often, decisions take longer than they should, and conflict arises because there’s multiple people weighing in on the wedding. Avoid this by designating one or two trusted family members or friends to provide counsel on anything that requires a tie-breaker. You’ll save a lot of time (and headaches) this way.

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

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Natalie Bray Studios

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From the moment you get engaged to the minute you walk down the aisle, every day might feel like the best day of your life. And for good reason! But with all of the happy tears and priceless moments also could come a few mishaps.

Koman Photography

Have no fear brides, wedding insurance is a sure-fire to make sure you’re protected from the get-go. Greg Schaefer, owner of Schaefer Enterprises, shares a few of the top wedding-related insurable items you should make sure you have for your big day. Because everyone will agree, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Wedding Venue
If your venue doesn’t already offer this, then this is a must-have! “It protects for accidental property damage or bodily injury,” Schaefer said. “One time we experienced a bridesmaid leaving a candle burning in the dressing room. Sure enough, the facility caught fire, but at least they had insurance!” And with most individual insurance items costing no more than $350, you’re bound to be thankful if anything accidentally happens.

Katie Lopez Photography

Liquor Liability
It’s the least bit romantic to talk about, but accidents really do happen. And making sure you’re covered, especially if your venue is in a backyard, will protect whomever is hosting the big day. “We all know it’s very easy to have a few drinks at a wedding—it’s a time to celebrate! But if someone drives away after your wedding and causes an accident while intoxicated, you could feel repercussions.”

Julie Mikos – Photographer

Jewelry Insurance
For most brides, your engagement ring is the most priceless piece of jewelry you’ll own. But don’t forget about the wedding bands—yours and his. God forbid something happens or you lose them, make sure you’re covered so you can get a replacement. And while you might not ever think this could happen to you (you’re both so careful with your rings!), knowing you’re covered will only ease any stress you might have. Just beware of coverage you don’t need – like for synthetic diamonds that have no real appraisal value – it’s unlikely insurance carriers will even offer coverage.

Isabelle Selby Photography

Insurance for deposits
Almost every part of planning a wedding requires deposits to secure and hold your date. “We strongly suggest a policy that will include the deposits you make, especially if someone cancels,” Schaefer said. That way, if you need to find a new photographer or even a new wedding dress at the last minute, your initial deposit will be back in your pocket—and that’s one less thing to worry about!

Bethany Erin Photography

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Briana Charlotte is a freelance writer residing in Brooklyn, New York. When she isn’t writing about all things bridal, she can be found on the dance floor at a wedding or bachelorette party.

Before I was pregnant with our son, I remember thinking how in the world do parents do it?! How is this already-busy life going to be do-able (or enjoyable) with this huge new responsibility? And the truth is, it’s hard, but virtually nothing that is truly rewarding is easy. Now that I’m a mama I can attest that life with a mini is all SO do-able and beyond enjoyable at that, especially when you can stay organized. Here are some ways to stay ahead of the game, so you can soak in all those baby snuggles with zero stress.

Meal Plan

We’ve all had the days where 5pm rolls around and the question arises: “What are we going to eat for dinner tonight?” The fridge is empty and the belly rumbles set in, inducing further panic, especially when little bellies need to be fed. Say goodbye to those moments of meal stress and say hello to the ultimate meal planning guide that will make your life infinitely easier!

Prep, prep, prep

Staying one step ahead of the game is essential when you become parents. There will be plenty of evenings when you just want to crash after your little one falls asleep (or maybe binge watch your favorite series), but taking the time to prep for the next day will save you morning headaches. Make this a team effort, too. If mom is breastfeeding, dad can help out by folding that load of laundry in the dryer and vice versa, if dad does the bedtime routine, mom can wash and prep bottles for the next day. More time for you catch some zzz’s in the morning—that is, if your baby doesn’t wake you too early!

The Power Clean + Hiring Help

Your mother-in-law calls and says she’s in the neighborhood and would love to come by for a visit. You’ve got 10 minutes, what do you do? Put on your power cleaning gloves and go to town. And then you think, well why didn’t I do that sooner? My house looks amazing now! Practice the 10-minute cleanup every day, maybe even a few times a day. If you’ve got the mindset that guests could come at anytime (which let’s face it, happens more often when you’ve got a cutie little babe), your house will be a lot shinier on a regular basis.

If you’ve got room in the budget, hiring a cleaner is SO hugely helpful when you’ve got little ones. Maybe that’s once a week, once a month or just once every season for a deep clean. Because really, who wants to spend hours cleaning each week when you can be snuggling that ball of cuteness?! This sweet stage goes by way to quickly to be missing out because the windows need washing.

Do Laundry Daily

Don’t let the laundry beast sneak up on you. Weekends should be for family fun, not for sorting never-ending loads of laundry. Aim to do a load every day or two to stay on top of things. Also, don’t wash what you don’t need to! Items like jeans and sweaters don’t always need to be washed with every single wear.

Split Up Big Projects

Becoming a parent rarely means you’ll have whole, uninterrupted days to yourself to accomplish big projects. So, break them down into little chunks of time. Do you need to tackle a closet update? Chop away at it each night for 10-15 minutes and by the end of the week it’ll be done! That way when you DO get an uninterrupted day you can treat yourself to that spa day you’ve been dreaming of.

Whenever the ladies of Face Time Beauty offer to share their bits of beauty wisdom, we always say a resounding yes. They’re no stranger to must-know beauty hacks and today they’re showing us how to work a faux bob. Think all the fun of a fresh haircut without any of the commitment that works for any upcoming special occasion. Grab your bobby pins and get ready to work a cute little bob like nobody’s business.

1. Prep hair with waves using a 1-inch curling iron and alternating curling direction

2. Create a tight, small ponytail at the nape of the neck

3. Drop remaining hair down and create 5-8 ponytails securing the elastic on the ends of the hair. When wrapping the elastic, wrap until it is tight and on the last loop only pull half tail into the elastic as to create a loop at the end of the hair.

4. Insert a bobby pin into the loop you have created and twist up to secure into the tight pony at the nape. Repeat this step until all of the hair is secured up to a faux bob.

5. Finish with hairspray and pull hair out to balance out the look where necessary.

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Photography: You Look Lovely Photography | Makeup: Face Time Beauty Concierge | Hair: Face Time Beauty Concierge

Some things are better left in the past (we’re looking at you meringue wedding dresses of the 80s), but these romantic old-world details belong in the present and the future. Inspired by the Spanish architecture and natural beauty of this Santa Barbara villa, Kingsley & Co Events used neutral tones and classic details — from Plenty of Petals‘ gorgeous florals to the beautiful Christos gown from Lovely Bride — to create a romantic inspiration session you’ll totally swoon for. Don’t believe me? One look at all the beauty, captured by Valentina Glidden, and you’ll get it. Promise.

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From the planner… When I think about the beauty of Santa Barbara, with its timeless Spanish architecture and its gorgeous natural landscape – old world nostalgia, romance, and charm all come to mind. With the backdrop of a stunning Spanish villa nestled at the foot of the Santa Barbara mountains, the composition and beauty of the area really became the source of inspiration behind this shoot. With the lush grounds of the villa, we opted for neutral tones and classic details to complement the existing hues and land. For the tablescape, we combined a very soft palette with touches of ornate texture for an elegant, yet natural feel. The florals were inspired by simple romance and the blooming season, with a muted bouquet of beautiful spirea and pops of spring color and freshness. From the dress, to the suit, to the beautiful calligraphy, to the gorgeous hair and makeup – all of these elements were designed with a timeless and nostalgic feeling in mind. The villa is a perfect space for an intimate and private event that’s beautifully reflective of the rich Santa Barbara culture and the incredible history of design.

Photography: Valentina Glidden | Florals: Plenty Of Petals | Wedding Gown: Lovely Bridal Shop | Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Hair and Make up: Danielle Ryan Beauty | Suit: Zara | Hair pieces: Veiled Beauty | Paper Goods: Mon Voir | Planning and Design : Kingsley and Co | Rentals: Archive Rentals | Ribbon: Bellame Ribbon | Ring box: The Mrs Box | Robe: Veiled Beauty | Veil: Veiledbeauty

Destination weddings don’t always mean you’re traveling around the world to some tropical or foreign location to say “I do.” Sometimes the destination is in your home country of the US of A but miles and miles away. Such was the case for this darling duo, who traveled from their home in Colorado to where family and friends were in beautiful Michigan to become Mr. and Mrs. And so, their dreamy destination wedding was planned from across the country, but no detail was forgotten, from the fantastic florals at Planterra Conservatory to a pretty perfect cake by Sweet Heather Anne. Kelly Sweet, with assistance by Jen Lynne, captured it all so you brides-to-be planning parties from afar – take note, this is how you do it.

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From the Bride… When Nick and I began looking for a venue for our wedding, we both knew that we wanted to find something unique and special. We didn’t know exactly what we were looking for, but had a feeling that once we found the perfect location, we would know. Although we live in Colorado and would have loved to get married in one of the quaint mountain towns, we knew that getting married closer to where we grew-up would be more suitable for our family and friends. The majority of Nick’s family and friends live in Michigan, so we decided that Michigan would be the place. Upon making this decision, I quickly began researching popular venues throughout the entire state. It wasn’t long before I came across Planterra Conservatory in West Bloomfield.

I knew immediately after seeing Planterra’s website and skimming through photos from past Planterra weddings, that Planterra Conservatory was it. Nick was equally captivated by the photos and testimonials written by past brides and grooms. Without even visiting the venue in person, Nick and I contacted the wonderful staff at Planterra, picked a date, and put down a deposit to reserve our date. Although we were a little nervous about making such an important decision so quickly, Planterra was that unique and special place we had been looking for.

It wasn’t long before Nick and I planned a trip to West Bloomfield to visit the venue and meet with David DiVincenzo, the event director at Planterra. Our initial meeting with David helped to elevate any worries that Nick and I had previously. He was extremely professional, friendly, and helpful. He provided us with a list of recommended vendors for us to choose from. This list was extremely helpful being that we were planning a destination wedding.

Having been a part of multiple weddings over the years, I knew that finding a talented photographer to capture our day was extremely important. David provided me with a list of about ten different photographers, all of which seemed talented. However, I knew that after seeing photos taken by Kelly Sweet, she was the photographer for us. It was apparent after looking through her gallery and blog that she has the ability to capture a moment in a very intimate and magical way. Kelly took the time to meet with Nick and I a couple of months before the wedding, allowing us to get to know each other. It was during this meeting that we established a friendly and comfortable relationship with Kelly. It was because of this relationship that I believe Kelly was able to capture our personalities, our love for each other, and the fun we, as well as our guests, had at our wedding.

In addition to photography, Nick and I also spent a good deal of time researching the other vendors that Planterra recommended. It was extremely easy when selecting someone to design and make our wedding cake. We chose Sweet Heather Anne from Ann Arbor, MI. Heather is a very talented cake designer and baker, and we couldn’t be happier with our decision to have Heather and her team bake our cake. During our cake tasting, Nick and I provided Heather with an inspiration board. Heather used our inspirations to design the wedding cake of our dreams. In addition to our wedding cake, she also made macarons that paired very nicely with the cake flavors we selected. The final product – our wedding cake with the combination of macaroons was perfect.

Nick and I are very thankful for all of the vendors we worked with. We thoroughly enjoyed working with our officiant, Stephen Hulbert. He made our ceremony extremely special by including details about how Nick and I met. He also provided Nick and I with a good deal of time to read our own vows. Although Nick and I were hesitant about writing our own vows and reading them during the ceremony, we were very happy with this decision. Our DJ, Pro DJ Services, did a wonderful job playing music for our ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. The music played helped create that romantic and fun atmosphere that we were hoping for.

Nick and I decided to splurge when renting a vintage car to transport us to the venue. The 1949 Packard “Hugo” rented through Motor City Vintage Rentals added that extra special touch that we were looking for. The photos with the “Hugo” came out fantastic and our ride in the car was very memorable.

It was because of the amazing staff at Planterra and our wonderful vendors that planning a destination wedding wasn’t at all challenging. Planterra provided Nick and I with all of the necessary tools, timelines, and overall design ideas. Planterra’s beauty helped Nick and I identify what we envisioned for our wedding. We were hoping for a whimsical and romantic garden party, which is exactly what Planterra provided. The plants and flowers already present at the venue helped us select our color palate – different shades of green and pink tied in beautifully with the setting. The staff at Planterra successfully translated our vision through the flowers, table settings, and overall ambience. Nick and I added our own special touches through the many custom signs, table numbers, frames, and favors that were scattered throughout the reception area.

Nick and I, as well as all our guests, were blown away by the entire day. Planterra Conservatory is beautiful and our wedding was an absolute dream. It was unique and special, exactly what we were hoping for.

Photography: Kelly Sweet Photography | Floral Design: Planterra | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Cake: Sweet Heather Anne | Invitations: Minted | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Suits: Men's Wearhouse | Transportation: Motor City Vintage Rentals | Wedding Venue: Planterra Conservatory | Film Processing + Scanning: The Find Lab | Makeup + Hair Styling: Sara | Photography - Assistance: Jen Lynne Photography | Signage: Sweet Carolina Collective

This wedding editorial brought a little bit of Italy to Pennsylvania, and every photo is oh-so-yummy. I don’t even know where to start – the perfectly lit images captured by Erika Brown Photography, the swoonworthy long sleeve Hayley Paige gown (the same one the designer wore to her own nuptials!), the perfectly rustic tablescape provided by Paisley & Jade, or the abundance of lavender and olive branches in the florals by Porter & Ives. Every single thing about this editorial will make you feel like you’re in the Mediterranean, so I can’t think of a better way to start your weekend than to grab a glass of wine and get lost in this gallery.

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From Erika Brown Photography… The inspiration for this editorial shoot came from the beauty and romantic nature of the Italian coast. Olive leaves, architecture, flair, and wine (mostly wine) helped us to re-create a shoot filled will all of the things that make Italy exceptional. There wasn’t a better place to host the shoot than The Inn at Grace Winery. The estate design resembled Italian construction, and the winery addition was definitely a perk! It was a picture-perfect backdrop for the story we had envisioned.

Our models (and real life couple), Vincenza and Matt, are both Italian and fit the role perfectly. Not only is Vincenza a former pageant girl, she is also the owner of a fabulous Italian family bistro, V & M Bistro. V&M Bistro embellished the shoot by providing authentic Italian cuisine – a heart shaped pizza pie, Italian bread, Italian sub sandwiches, and cannolis.

Vincenza donned two dresses during the shoot, both by designer Hayley Paige. The A line, fuller Hayley Paige gown was unique in that Hayley Paige wore the same design on her very own wedding day! Custom jewelry pieces made by Lindsay Marie Design added delicate detail to Vincenza’s entire bridal look. To top it all off, the shoes that Vincenza wore were by designer Sergio Rossi, and they were absolute show stoppers!

The two tiered cake was created by the talented The Master’s Baker and was inspired by classic Italian stucco found in a lot of architecture around the country. Topped with grapes and petite flowers, the cake was the perfect blend of rustic and ethereal.

Porter and Ives dreamed up the whimsical floral design for the entire shoot. Lavender and olive branches were two “must haves” – not only did they look great in the design, but they also smelled wonderful and created an atmosphere that made us feel like we were actually in Italy! The bridal bouquet was one of our favorite details of the shoot and absolutely blew everyone away.

This Italia-inspired shoot came to life right before our eyes thanks to all of the talented vendors who participated. The venue was gorgeous, the models were iconic, the food looked and tasted great, the flowers were flourishing – and, for a split second, in the midst of all the shoot chaos, we had to pinch ourselves to remember that we weren’t actually at a villa in Italy.

Photography: Erika Brown Photography | Floral Design: Porter & Ives | Wedding Dress: JLM Couture | Cake: The Master's Baker | Engagement Ring: Susie Saltzman | Makeup: Kelley Unthank Makeup | Hair: Pretty Weird Hair & Makeup Artistry | Calligraphy: Allison Dee Calligraphy | Venue: Grace Winery | Artisan Gifts: Marigold & Grey | Bridesmaids' Dresses Boutique: Jennifer's Bridal | Event Planning+ Design: Kelsey Ann Events | Hair Adornments: Lindsay Marie Design | Model: Vincenza Carrieri-Russo | Painter: Larkspur and Laurel | Rentals: Paisley & Jade

The morning of your wedding day is so surreal, exciting, and emotional. When you open your eyes and wake up and think to yourself, “this is the day that I’m getting married” – you almost don’t know what to do with yourself.

Eric Kelley Photography

You partially want to jump up and down and blast Meghan Trainor, but you also want to be calm for a second and soak it all in. There will be 30,000 things you’re excited to do when you wake up, but here are the first 5 things you should do.

Ruth Eileen Photography

Drink Water
Drinking 16 oz of water with lemon is the quickest way to boost your metabolism for the day. It will leave you feeling fresh and clean inside. Also, the lemon will give you the boost you need instead of a big cup of thick hot coffee. It’s tempting to go straight for your routine coffee drink, but that can easily leave you bloated and add to your bridal jitters. Try water first and let it give you a boost before you go for the caffeine.

Text Your Future Spouse
If you didn’t stay together the night before, you’ll want to take advantage of the ability to send a cute text before you see your future spouse later. It’s so cute to look back on your texts that you said and remember your bridal emotions. You could hint at the day ahead saying, “I can’t wait to walk down the aisle to you!”.

Isabelle Selby Photography

Air Out Your Dress
Air out your wedding dress by pulling it out of the bag it came in from the bridal shop. Hang it up on a hanger and set it up on a door hook or on the top of a window sill. This will keep it from getting wrinkly in the bag and it will allow your dress to breathe before you get in it.

Turn your phone off
After you’ve sent your cute texts to your future spouse, turn that electronic device off! You’re the bride, you do not need to take calls from anyone. That’s what the MOH, wedding planner, aunts, and bridesmaids are for. Turning your phone off will keep you from answering random calls or texts but it will also help you be present on your wedding day and not be distracted by social media. If you want to keep it on, hand it to a bridesmaid and just ask her to take care of it if it rings or buzzes.

Be Still
Take a moment (even if it’s just one whole minute) to be quiet and look around. Take in your surroundings… your bridesmaids in various stages of waking up, your mom quietly drinking coffee, the weather, the room you’re in, and everything in between. Your wedding day is the most important day of your life and you’ll want to remember that morning when everything was on the brink of becoming the craziest most exciting day of your life.

Winsome And Wright

From the moment you wake up as a bride on your wedding day to the goodnight kiss from your new spouse; it’s all so magical, emotional, and exciting. You’ll be eager to jump out of bed and get going with your day but it’s so special to be intentional with a few things before you get sucked into the blur of getting ready.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Kylie Thompson is a freelance writer, blogger and marketing professional from Grand Rapids Michigan, where she resides with her husband. When she isn’t working, you will find her exploring Grand Rapids’ newest culinary establishments with her husband, or traveling up and down Lake Michigan’s coast.

Can we all agree lakeside weddings are always a win? Maybe it’s something in the air – all we know is we can’t stop smiling at this boho chic soiree by the water, executed to perfection by DPNAK Weddings, Femina Photo + Design, and Buttercup by Jeffrey A. Miller Catering. Scroll on to see the pretty details, like the Bride’s off the shoulder gown from Lovely Bride and cascading bouquet, and you’ll be smiling, too!

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Inspired by a romantic classic (“Notting Hill”) and a beautiful song, Ideias de Veludo created this dreamy scene before us. With flowing fabrics, gorgeous blooms, candles and more, it’s a room we could get cozy in for quite awhile, and so, luckily for us, Momento Cativo captured it all, from top to bottom. So if you’re looking for us this weekend, well, this gallery is where we’ll happily be.

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From Vera of Ideias de Veludo:

“She
May be the reason I survive
The why and wherefore I’m alive
The one I’ll care for through the rough in ready years
Me
I’ll take her laughter and her tears
And make them all my souvenirs
For where she goes I’ve got to be
The meaning of my life is
She”

This session was inspired by the most romantic love story of all times, “Nothing Hill” and the music “She” that eternalizes the importance of a simple woman in a simple man’s life.

Although the focus is on her, the visual inspiration was definitely the final scene of the story, the couple on the bench in the most perfect English garden. On that note, the idea was to transport nature, innocence and pure love to the indoor session, but exploring a more elegant, intimate and feminine essence. That’s why the chosen color palette was pastel tones with shades of pink, and the floral design is flowing and organic. Also, the bridal styling and accessories are very delicate and romantic to match this intimate moment.

The woman on the session is loved for what she is, so she feels particularly beautiful, serene, and grateful to marry this man. The love letter he dedicates to her with the lyrics of the music, means what she represents in his life and this kind of love gives her the beauty and the confidence to be herself. And who doesn’t want to feel like this?

Photography: Momento Cativo | Coordination: Ideias de Veludo | Event Planning: Ideias de Veludo | Floral Design: Ideias de Veludo | Stationery: A Pajarita | Make Up + Hair: Daniela Reis Make Up Artist | Decor: Ideias de Veludo | Lab: Carmencita Film Lab | Model: Carolina Ramos