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Turning an Industrial Space Into a Lush Indoor Garden

Even a rainy exit couldn’t dampen this Texas celebration. The industrial backdrop of Brik Venue was turned into a lush indoor garden at the hands of Query Events. It is all out romance filled with candles, florals and a muted color palette. See this gorgeous day unfold (including that memorable and oh so cute exit) through the lens of Stephanie Brazzle.

From the beginning, Rachel’s pureness and joy guided us through the planning process. She was so thrilled to be able to share this moment with her family and friends that we relished in curating each detail. This couple made each decision with intention from the hand written personal vows to the family favorite signature drink. It was important to the bride, with a family full of boys, that the overall design not be too feminine. We created an indoor garden feel with a muted color palette and nothing too pink. Simply adding pops of mustard yellow and deep, almost black burgundy allowed for a sophisticated color story to really complement the industrial features of the venue. From the thoughtful ceremony performed by the Groom’s father to the rainy courtyard exit, each moment was personal and raw. Stephanie Brazzle Photography did a beyond amazing job capturing the feel of the day!

Photography: Stephanie Brazzle Photography | Videography: When It Clicks | Wedding Planner: Query Events | Floral Design: Query Events | Cake: Cakeaholics | Invitations: Pink Champagne Paper | Caterer: Reata Alpine | Hair and Makeup: Beauty And The Blush | Lighting : Le Force Entertainment | DJ: Rod Baker | Vintage Car: Eagle Crest Limo | Ceremony & Reception: Brik Venue | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Posh Couture Rentals | Rentals: Bella Acento | Rentals: Beautiful Event Rentals | String Trio: Versa Strings

2018 Engagement Ring Trends We Can’t Wait To See

2017 brought us gorgeous rings, with everything from vintage style to classic diamonds decorating the hands of brides-to-be around the world. But, as the year comes to a close, we’re looking forward to the engagement ring trends we’ll be seeing in the new year. James Allen shared with us the trends we can expect in 2018.


ROSE GOLD
This trend first came about last year, and with rose gold dawning the fingers of favorite celebs (hello, Lauren Conrad!), it’s only fitting that the trend is not only sticking but gaining in popularity in 2018. The “pinkish metal has a timeless feel and gives off elegant, vintage vibes,” says James Allen. So it’s perfect for the classic bride that wants a little bit of pizzazz.


HALOS
When you have a diamond surrounded by more diamonds, you have a halo. While this trend has ebbed and flowed throughout the years, James Allen insists that it will be seen everywhere in the new year. “The shine that halos exude is irresistible to any sparkle lover, so there is no doubt that these will make the top trends,” they say. “The only thing better than a diamond is tons more diamonds surrounding it.”


PEAR
Pear-shaped rings are classic. In fact, as a recent bride, I can say that pear-shaped rings were found mostly on my mother’s friends than my own. But in 2018, brides will be taking a nod from past generations and asking for pear-shaped rocks. “Pear-shaped diamonds are here to stay in 2018,” says James Allen. “Social media influencers agree: YouTube star Tanya Barr upgraded her ring to a pear-shaped rock and Instagram star Amrezy recently got hitched with a pear-shaped beauty.”


CUSHION-CUT
It’s been a while since cushion cut has been on the trending list, but in 2018, they will come back in full force. “The cushion cut was popular in old-time Hollywood, and it’s back with a dazzling vengeance,” says James Allen. “Somewhere in between a round and princess, cushion cut diamonds combine classic simplicity and traditional feel.”


EMERALD CUT
If you stay up to date with famous names like the Kardashians or even the royal family, you are probably familiar with emerald cut diamonds. “From Kate Middleton to Kim K, celebs love to don emerald cut engagement rings,” they note. “Oval shaped diamonds trended in recent years, but emerald is now the most adored among the glitz and glam that is Hollywood.”

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

A Magically Golden NYC Engagement Shoot

Golden hour, a beautiful bouquet, lots of laughter, love and even a celeb sighting; the perfect ingredients for a stylish and successful engagement shoot if we do say so ourselves! With all of these elements in place, we dive into Emily Jane’s shoot right here and fall in love immediately, leaving us feeling inspired and pretty giddy. What more could we ask for!?

From Emily Jane Photography… Just to be around Jackie and Danny is a real treat. They are a team in every sense of the word. They met while in school in Michigan and both moved to NYC to start their careers after graduating. 

I met up with Jackie and Danny in NYC at their cute apartment. As we drove around the city they both pointed out spots they loved to spend time together. One of their favorites was Central Park.

 We started the shoot in Greenwich Village as golden hour approached. We walked through the charming neighborhood and even stopped to buy fresh flowers. 

As we got closer to golden hour we took a cab into Central Park (we even saw Ben Affleck on the way!) The light this evening was just beautiful. 

I love when the light hits the top of the buildings from inside Central Park. It’s a really beautiful sight. All of the sudden harsh, hot sun becomes this soft creamy light. It’s the perfect time to walk around to park and that’s what we did.

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Photography: Emily Jane Photography

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We’re OHB-SESSED With This Yarn Installation

Inspired by a DIY yarn project she made for a friends’ birthday a few years back, Vanna of Blue Sparrow Events envisioned a wedding day with a bold yarn installation, modern lines, and soft colors. The Prospect House offered the perfect blank backdrop, and The Flower Girl saw Vanna’s vision and brought it to life! Dive right in to this unique inspiration session, captured by Breanna McKendrick and Ian Van Alan.

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From Blue Sparrow EventsBack in 2014, I DIY’ed one of the best birthday presents for one of my VERY best friends. The project was ALL over Pinterest at the time, and absolutely nothing new in the world of DIY, but it was new to me. I excitedly made a trip to Home Depot to gather supplies wearing a little floral summer dress. While walking back to the lumber department, I felt apprehensive and out of place in my surroundings. Soon enough, a nice male employee was quick to offer me some assistance. When I explained my small project, he assured me I didn’t need to pay for any wood and showed me the free scraps (that floral dress was paying off!). So I left Home Depot with my free scraps of wood, cut into 6×6” squares, and a box of small rose gold nails. My next stop was Hobby Lobby for thin yarn (you know, the kind we used to make braided friendship bracelets back in the 90s). When I got home, I printed out the state of Texas, taped it to the wood, and traced! I then hammered in the nails along the perimeter and used pink yarn (my bestie’s favorite color) to loop from nail to nail in a criss-cross fashion. I bet you remember this popular little project now.

Fast-forward three years later, and my small-scale, state of Texas yarn project (and birthday gift) inspired my next move for Blue Sparrow Events. When I started brainstorming the vision for this shoot, I knew it was going to be difficult to get others on board. When my sought-after venue, Prospect House, welcomed our modern-romantic vision with open arms, our next hurdle was to find a florist and designer who saw our vision, too! Kari, The Flower Girl, jumped for joy over the idea of doing something different. The built-in grommets at Prospect House worked to perfect the design. I let Kari and her team take it away in terms of pattern, and I gave only a little direction on color. The larger than life yarn-art installation guided the vision for the rest of the shoot. We combined light and bright shades with dark features and pops of faux fur which resulted in a ton of dimension. I love the look of layered rugs and a mixture of textures and fabrics. The faux-fur throw blanket and velvet couch added an elevated touch of luxury, while the cane-back chairs at the dinner table gave the modern shoot a touch of vintage elegance.

Get ready to feast your eyes on real-life Cinderella in her modern, 20th century “castle” paired with sharp lines, pretty pastels, and tons of soft textures. Our bridal model, Madeline, had the most beautiful porcelain skin and blonde hair. The blush colored dress, called Ophelia by Ivy and Aster, complemented her complexion perfectly! To keep trending with our need to be different, I requested the bridesmaids hold something more unique than a bouquet, so you’ll see the geometric gold structures filled with flowers and greenery.

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Photographer: Breanna McKendrick | Cinematography: Ian Van Alan | Cake: Feathers & Frosting | Invitations: Elizabeth Kayde | Makeup: YoMakeup | Hair: Katelynn Johnson | Calligraphy: Averi With an Eye | Vintage Car: Four Leaf Limo | Venue: Prospect House | Bridal Boutique: Unbridaled | Bride Model: Madeline Foster | Event Coordination + Styling: Blue Sparrow Events | Floral Bridesmaid Dress: Jenny Yoo | Floral Design + Yarn Installation: The Flower Girl | Furniture + Tableware Rentals: 10th Collections | Wedding Dress + Grey Bridesmaid Dress: Ivy And Aster

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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This Wedding is the Most Beautiful Fusion of Garden and Sea

I’d imagine if you took a classic garden wedding and transplanted onto the beaches of Oregon, it would look just like this gem. Infusing the best of both worlds, fresh garden blooms by Hart intermingle with the prettiest seaside views and a tented celebration under the stars coordinated by Bridal Bliss. Have at the insanely stunning images from Maria Lamb and get lost in this beach wedding with a twist.

From the Bride… In planning our wedding one thing we knew straight off the bat was that we wanted to get married in Gearhart, OR. Marie’s family had grown up going down to the beach for years and when we started dating our first couple of vacations, which later became annual trips/traditions, were going down to Gearhart. From there the rest of the planning just fell into place based off of the venues recommendations, Pinterest and Instagram discovery and family friend referrals. We went on our first date nearly 7 years ago and had this instant connection, it was almost as if we had known one another for years. As Walt Whitman famously said, “We were together, I forget the rest.”

Photography: Maria Lamb | Coordination: Bridal Bliss | Floral Design: Hart Floral Design | Cake: Simply Cakes by Jae | Catering: McMenamins Edgefield | DJ: Event Team Entertainment | Ceremony and Reception: Gearhart by the Sea | MUAH : Blossom And Beauty | Rentals: West Coast Event Productions | Rentals: Something Borrowed Portland

Once in a Lifetime Honeymoon Experiences You Have to Splurge on

We know you’ve meticulously planned every detail of your upcoming honeymoon, down to the exact outfits you’ll wear to breakfast, lunch and dinner, but if you’re looking at your itinerary and seeing the last day is just being spent relaxing at your leisure, then may we suggest you make time for one last bucket-list worthy adventure to make this a true getaway of a lifetime?

We asked Black Tomato to share their top five honeymoon splurge ideas. They know just the special experiences to add on to help amplify your time away so that you’ll remember the honeymoon far beyond the flight (or drive) home.

Castaway picnic in the Maldives

The Maldives are a sand-swirled paradise stretched across emerald blue seas with rich and colorful heritage. How could you top the natural environment while you’re there with hikes along the sandbanks, long walks under the stars and jaw-dropping bungalows right over the wide-open ocean? We may have just the idea.

Set sail to your own private sandbank with just a picnic hamper, a snorkel, and a mask. Dine on the beach with cushions on the sand instead of chairs with just the moon and candles to light your table. You’ll be set up with quite possibly the most romantic dinner of your life set far into the blue emerald isles of the Maldives. Insider tip: If you’re planning a destination wedding this might just be the perfect place to have the ceremony.

Crossing the border in a heli ride over Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is undoubtedly the most instagrammed waterfall… ever. The only thing is few have the time to see it (and we’re not just talking about the long flight to get there). For the adventurous couple wanted to spend their time away, this is an experience tried and tested by Black Tomato’s travel experts, who are sure you’ll be talking about this for years to come. Imagine flying over the falls themselves with views of far-stretching rugged cliffs just after the crescent of the sunrise peeks above the clouds in a vintage fixed wing light aircraft. Top this experience off with a romantic dinner under candlelight on your way back to your villa as the blazing African sun disappears behind the bushes.

Gorilla Treks in Rwanda

Staying in the Virunga Lodge is an experience in itself, but for us adventure seekers, we’ve paired it with an outing to track an endangered gorilla family. The lodge will be your base camp for a few nights as you take in the remote region and perfectly-peaked volcanoes that extend along the border of Rwanda and Uganda. You’ll get an early start and get up-close and personal with the apes by lunchtime. Keep your camera in hand, this is one photo opportunity you won’t want to miss out on.

Complete Spa Treatment in the Deep South, USA

The Deep South: There’s nothing like it from the music, the finest whiskey, thrill of the races, or stunning rural beauty. The best part? Having this all at the tips of your fingers staying right around the corner of the Blackberry Farm Spa. Take in the rolling hills and fresh air of this idyllic country estate with a wellness program that will surely have you relaxed after your big day.

Insider tip: Work with the staff at the Wellhouse to tailor make your treatment from head to toe. Afterwards, head to the Herb Garden and clip a sprig to infuse in your steam shower before heading to a wine tasting and cooking course from the chef with your other half.

Private tours and tastings, Italy

Year to year, Italy is one destination that always comes up top on our list of honeymoons it’s because of its endless sunshine and cuisine like no other. Add some flavor to your honeymoon in Italy with a foodie experience that will have you drooling with anticipation. Our favorite? Starting off with a private tour of the Vassario corridor (usually closed off to the public) then driving in a deluxe supercar through the Chianti wine region for private tastings.

Insider tip: Stay at the Castello del Nero amongst the vineyard and olive groves of the Tuscan countryside. This is sincerely a fairytale come true.

Bonus: For those who really want to remember this trip forever, Black Tomato will set you up with a Hollywood videographer to travel with you on your trip and film every last detail. There’s no need to rush for that last minute photo op or selfie stick moment when you have a specialty curated video that will give you the chance to never miss that special moment.

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This Glamorous French Riviera Wedding Is A Feast for the Eyes!

When you literally can’t stop staring and it’s only photo #1, you know you’re in for a treat ahead. And that’s exactly what we have here. From Greg Finck’s gorgeous pics to all the beauty that Haute Wedding crafted at Villa Ephrussi De Rothschild, it’s a feast for the eyes. Oh and we can’t forget Airsnap’s film. Give yourself a gift today and indulge in this gem immediately – and thank me later :)

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From Greg FinckSaint-Jean Cap Ferrat is the perfect location to tie the knot on the French Riviera. Ideally located between Nice and Monaco, this small peninsula just calls for summer laziness, turquoise seas, and an easy breezy lifestyle. That’s the location that had been chosen by Sherry and John, for their glamorous and chic wedding. A fabulous spring day, perfectly planned by Haute Wedding at the splendid venue La Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.

The day started with bridal preparations at Le Grand Hôtel de Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat, a fabulous palace hotel on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. An elegant stationery suite had been designed by Ceci New York, reflecting the glamorous mindset of this wedding. A stunning Galia Lahav gown and some René Caovilla heels perfectly enhanced Sherry’s natural and effortless beauty, while the groom had chosen a black tuxedo and a bow tie for timeless elegance.

Sherry and Kohn’s first look occurred on the hill overlooking the reception area at Villa Ephrussi, before a moving ceremony surrounded by their closest family and friends. The cocktail hour then took place in the gardens of La Villa, with fine food and wine by Helen Catering. The day finally ended with an elegant outdoor dinner and a splendid table design. The culmination of a fabulous summer day on the French Riviera.

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Photography: Greg Finck Photography | Videography: AIRSNAP | Event Planning: Haute Wedding | Floral Design: Herve Frezal | Wedding Dress: Galia Lahav | Stationery: Ceci New York | Bride's Shoes: Rene Caovilla | Jewelry: Arazi Diamond | Catering: Helen Traiteur | Hair + Makeup: Olga Stylist | DJ: Jamie L. Stout Photography | Groom's Attire: Black Lapel | Wedding Venue: Villa Ephrussi De Rothschild | Live Music: Capella String Quartet | Rentals: Deco Flamme

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A Balloon Release Guaranteed to Bring a Tear to Your Eye

It always brings a tear to my eye when I read about how a couple honors a departed loved one at their ceremony, and this wedding had me pulling out the jumbo tissue box. In honor of the bride’s late father, the bridal party passed out white balloons during the ceremony, which were released to the tune of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. As you can imagine, not a dry eye remained, and with the beautiful captures by Elizabeth in Love and the film by AMV Productions, we have a feeling you’ll be shedding a few tears, too. Catch all the sweetness that is this wedding in The Vault.

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From the bride… I grew up in the wedding industry as my father and uncle owned a catering company in our hometown. They catered a lot of different weddings that I would sometimes tag along to growing up. I naturally loved the excitement of events, so after college, I went on to work for an event planner in LA. She was pretty well known, and I helped to plan a lot of A-list celebrity events and weddings. All were crazy and exciting to say the least. I took my knowledge and experiences back home with me after a few years and joined the family business. With this behind me, it was safe to say that I had a vision of what my own big day would look like when it actually was time.

In comes my now husband, Aaron. Aaron and I met through a mutual friend, and we went on our first date on August 5, 2014 (which ended up being the day we got married on 3 years later!). The wedding bells started ringing when Aaron proposed on the beach in Hawaii. He buried treasure boxes in the sand all over the island of Waikiki that I had to find. Each one contained special photos/notes and gave clues to the next box. The final step of the treasure hunt was an engagement box. It felt like a dream come true…and also made me really impressed with his planning/sand burying skills. He was a keeper in every way!

We decided almost immediately that we would get married at the lakeside venue, the Harbour Banquet Center in Oakville, Ontario. We wanted good views, a big enough space for 200 people (that still felt intimate), and a venue that my family operated so we could work alongside a great team with great food that we trusted. We are huge foodies, so wanted a big focus on that. In terms of decor and design, we wanted a simple, classic vibe with modern punches here and there. We went with a clean white and gold palette with greenery. Being by the water, we did subtle hints of blue on our invites, place cards, the groom’s suit, and two of my maids of honor dresses. Aaron works in interior design and renovations, so he had some ideas as well to add to the table. He created a custom backdrop for our photobooth, created our seating chart which we called “Our Favorite People”, and did all the acrylic signage.

In addition to the decor, we wanted to incorporate as many personal touches as we could, and one of the biggest ones (and my favorite) was doing a balloon release in honor of my father who passed away just before Aaron and I met. Our officiant (Aaron’s uncle) opened our ceremony with a special mention of our beloved ones who have passed away, specifically my dad. My “Bridetourage” walked down the aisle with balloons for us all to release. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” was being played by the violinist as the balloons released and when the tears were the heaviest in the room.

On a lighter note, we also incorporated our French Bulldog Finn into our day. He wore a little tux collar and posed for photos. We didn’t trust him enough to be our ring bearer (he’s naughty), so we left the rings with Aaron’s brother and best man. We did however name one of our signature cocktails after him – “Finn’s Frenchie 75” and named one of the other ones after our niece Paloma, “Infinity Paloma”. Other personal touches included using View Finders (a favorite thing from our childhood) to showcase baby photos/photos of us, personalized aprons with our wedding logo, and had our favorite guilty pleasures McDonalds and Momofuku Crack Pie served on trays as late night snacks!

The night, as they all say, went by in a flash, but it was magical nonetheless. We felt like we were living in a fairy tale every single second of the day, and there were so many special moments that it was hard to pick a favorite. From getting ready with my girls, to walking down the aisle with my mom, to driving into our first look in Aaron’s dad’s vintage bug, each piece completed the day. Seeing Aaron at the end of the aisle made me the most emotional and the most happy, and I knew how happy my dad would have been that I was marrying a man like him. It was our version of the best day ever.

Photographer: Elizabeth In Love | Videographer: AMV Productions | Wedding Dress: Essense of Australia | Cake: Sweet Celebrations Wedding Cakes | Bridesmaid Dresses: Name of Love | Catering: Edge Hospitality | Make Up: Makeup Worx | Hair: Vibrant Beauty | Bridal Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar | DJ & Violinist: DJ Emporium | Dance Floor& Aisle Runner: GTA Dancefloors | Draping: Designs by Dina | Furniture & Chairs: Detailz Chair Couture | Groom's & Groomsman Attire: Suit Supply | Grooms Shoes: Del Toro | Lakeside Venue: Harbour Banquet Centre | Maid of Honor Dresses: Brideside | Personalized Hangers: Dark Horse Engraving | Photo & Boomerang Booth: Picture X Photobooth | Ring Box: The Family Joolz | Shell Place Cards: GreyBerry Design | Stationary, Napkins & Coasters: Wedding Paper Divas | Stir Sticks: Jen and Jules Designs | Table Numbers: Z Create Design | Vow Books: Seniman Calligraphy

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See the Homes That Nailed 2017’s Best Design Trends

Is it just us, or was the home decor game especially strong in 2017? From pretty in pink sofas to mastering the art of the indoor outdoor space, this year’s home tours were unforgettable with their strong sense of style and ingenuity. So go ahead and grab yourself a drink, because we’ve rounded up our 10 favorites for you right here. Trust us, you’re going to want to spend all day long with this inspiration.

Blending Indoor + Outdoor

Inspired by their beautiful water views, this couple enlisted the help of Town Lifestyle + Design to create a lake house retreat as calming as their surroundings. Think soothing blue hues and lots of natural elements.

Photography: Laura Alexandra

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Millennial Pink

A blush colored statement couch sets the tone for this mid-century meets millennial pink space. Designed by Joss & Main, this Santa Monica abode should be the poster child of 2017 design.

Photography: Nicole Photo

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Small Space Living

With urban dwellings and tiny homes on the rise, learning how to live large with minimal square footage is key. This apartment makes it look easy with its chic decor and expert organization.

Photography: Yasmin Sarai

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Pops of Pattern

Think you want to try out wallpaper but don’t want to make it look like your grandma’s house? Look no further than this home designed by Banner Day Consulting. Think of it as your guide to incorporating patterned walls into your home in a sophisticated and elegant way.

Photography: Colin Price Photography

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Barn Door Bathroom

One peek behind the minimal barn door shows natural light, a to-die-for soaker tub, and more of the classic style Greige Design infused throughout this home.

Photography: Aldous Photo

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Color Play

We’ve never before seen so many delightful colors incorporated so effortlessly throughout a home. Leave it to the experts at Decorist to achieve that perfect bright yet cohesive blend.

Photography: Julia Sperling

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Covetable Kitchen

We can’t get enough of this home’s kitchen designed 25:40 Love & Co. with its navy custom cabinetry, Carrara marble countertops, trendy brass hardware, and clean square subway tiles… #ThatKitchenThough. The rest of the house is equally as enviable.

Photography: Alyssa Rosenheck

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Modern Farmhouse

This California home designed by Mindy Gayer has the recipe for modern farmhouse down to a science, from its shiplap ceiling to its rustic farmhouse table.

Photography: Jeanne Stewart

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Coastal Cool

This beachy beauty courtesy of Greige Design is a vacation home dream with its natural palette and casual vibe. Weekend retreat, anyone?

Photography: Taryn Grey

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Curated Collections

Step inside the stunning home of designer Janna Brown and be instantly transported to different times and locales with its collection of antiques and one-of-a-kind finds.

Photography: Janna Brown Design Co.

See all home tours right this way!

Pick the Perfect Wedding Date With These 3 Tips

You’re engaged! One of the first and most-asked questions you’ll get is, “when’s the wedding?” Selecting the perfect date can seem overwhelming but there are a few key ways you can narrow it down.

Here are three things to consider before you can design those save the dates.

Start with the season.
Have you always pictured yourself a spring bride? Does your hometown look positively stunning in winter? Maybe the fall is the perfect season to visit your preferred destination wedding spot. Or a summer dinner under the stars sounds like a wonderful way to celebrate your wedding. Once you figure out the season you’d like to have your big day, you can narrow it down from there!

Look at meaningful dates.
Once you decide on a season, try to pick a few dates that might fall on a weekend. Perhaps either of your grandparents or your own parents were married during the season you’ve picked! “Borrow” their wedding date for a special tribute to them. Or, maybe your favorite holiday holds special meaning to you as a couple and you can create a wedding weekend surrounding that date.

Meet with your preferred vendors.
Ultimately, your date might be solidified by the availability of your favorite vendor. Whether you’ve had your eye on that special photographer or you’ve picked a can’t-live-without venue, you may need to have some flexibility depending on their availability. Decide your one or two must-book vendors and check their schedules before you pick THE date! You may need to put down a deposit to ensure the date you want is locked in.

Remember, the further out you plan, the more likely you are to secure the date you want that everyone (friends, family and vendors) can work with.

Merry Christmas from Style Me Pretty Living!

Of all the holidays, Christmas is the truest time to embrace a home is where the heart is kind of attitude—surrounded by the ones we love in cozy spaces brimming with all things merry. Now that the day is here, it’s time to unwind from the hustle-bustle mode and soak it all in. That’s exactly what this shoot from Kate MurtaughRobbin Mangano and K.Engel Photography embodies, in their sweet New England coastal town. Wherever (and whoever) home is for you, from all of us at Style Me Pretty Living, we’re wishing you the most magical of days. Merry Christmas! xoxo

From Kate Murtaugh Events & DesignIn the busy rush up to the holidays, it’s important to stop and smell the sea salt (or roses) and continue to enjoy the memories of sand and waves and sunshine, even as the gray clouds of winter threaten us with their gloom. With that in mind, we decided to venture into our community to find the beauty of the holiday season surrounding us in our quaint, little New England coastal town. Partnering with Kendra Engel of K. Engel Photography and lifestyle blogger and influencer, Robbin Mangano, we created some simple, yet delightfully New England vignettes exemplifying the beauty of a true, New England holiday. We hope that this gallery can serve as inspiration to those looking to celebrate the holidays surrounded by simplicity, raw elements in nature and classic, New England charm. We also took the time to feature some great New England brands including Shit That I Knit, Sara Fitz, Hey Blue Handmade, Crane & Lion, LL Bean as a reminder that you don’t have to travel far or shop a big box store to find unique, high-quality and locally made gifts this season.

Photography: K. Engel Photography | Model + Contributor: Robbin Mangano | Stylist + Planner: Kate Murtaugh Events & Design

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Celebrating This Merry Holiday With the Coziest Winter Inspiration

Merry Christmas all! We are celebrating with the prettiest wintertime inspiration planned by Arielle Fera Events, with florals by Belovely, beauty by True Beauty Marks and images by Lauren Fair. It brings elegance to the tree farm without even an ounce of red. Instead you’ll find a warm white and green color palette and the sweetest getaway ride. Get inspired to throw the perfect winter celebration and from all of us at Team SMP, wishing you and yours the merriest of holidays. xoxo

A warm holiday setting without using the color red? That was our inspiration when designing this beautifully cozy holiday shoot, held at the always-amazing Terrain at Styers in Glen Mills, PA. The bespoke gowns from Lovely Bride NYC and BHLDN set the tone with their intricate beading and long sleeves, and Belovely Design crafted a warm white + green color palette to tie in with our vintage VW Beetle stacked high with Christmas presents. John was styling in his green suit from ASOS and Brianna’s red hair combined with her BHLDN hairpiece was so dreamy! A cozy sweetheart table was set up among the Christmas trees at Terrain, and the night ended with twirling under the twinkle lights.

Photography: Lauren Fair Photography | Floral Design: Belovely | Cake: La Linea Desserts | Ceremony Venue: Terrain at Styers | Rings: L. Priori Jewelry | Hair & Makeup: Gina Kay - bespoke beauty | Suit: ASOS | Venue: Terrain at Styers | Accessories: BHLDN | Caliigraphy: Charlie Whiskey | Gold Wedding Dress #2: BHLDN | Modela: Brianna + John - johndimedio and briiduffield on Insta | Paper Goods: Penn & Paperie | Planning: Arielle Fera Events | Tabletop: Anthropologie | Wedding Dress 1: Lovely Bridal Shop

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How to Convince Your Mom to Love the Wedding Dress You Want

You put on a gown, fall in love with it, and once you step out of the dressing room to show your mom, she doesn’t have the same affinity for it. As a bridal consultant, I see this happen all the time. This moment can be a bit discouraging and can lead to a tension-filled appointment, but it doesn’t have to!

If your mom needs a little convincing as to why this is the perfect gown for you, here are a few ways to get her on board.

Make sure she knows you like it
Speak up! Let your mom know how much you love the dress before she has the opportunity to shut it down. Take a moment in the dressing room with your consultant to see how you feel in the gown and think about how you’re going to express that it’s a favorite. If you feel confident in the dress, it will show in your demeanor, so don’t wait for her reaction to give your opinion. If you tell her you feel confident and happy in the gown, it’ll be hard for her to ignore that! Remember- this is your dress and at the end of the day your mom wants you to feel beautiful, so show her that you do!

Explain why you love it
Think about why you love the dress so much. Is it the fit? The fabric? The silhouette? Think about what it is you love about the gown. Do you love the way it elongates your waist or does the color flatter your skin tone? Have a few compliments in your back pocket in case mom has some less-than-kind feedback. You can counter what she says, for example, if her reaction is “this silhouette isn’t what I was thinking for you” reply with something specific like, “I love the way it contours my body, I think really flatters my figure.” Focus on how you feel versus telling your mom that her feelings are wrong.

Try on something she picked out
Chances are your mom is going to pick something for you to try on that you know you’re not going to like. She’s only eager to help so I recommend just doing it to please her. She probably won’t pressure you to do anything further if you tell her it doesn’t feel like you. It will make her happy to see you in a gown she picked out, so throw it on just for fun, it’s not worth fighting over.


Let the consultant know how much you love it
A good sales consultant is focused on finding something you love, not your mom, so use us to your advantage. Let us know you really love the gown and that you’re not so sure how mom feels about it. We know all the right talking points for gowns that are occasionally met with apprehension and are trained to handle situations like this when the bride and the mother don’t see eye to eye. Don’t worry, we’re on your side, so let us know and we’ll be there to help!

Put on a veil
I usually see the emotional wall come down when a bride puts on a veil with her gown. Any negativity the mom feels toward the dress usually washes away when she sees her daughter wearing a veil. It becomes more “real” to her and her thoughts travel to the excitement of the wedding day and away from the dress. Tugging at mom’s emotional heartstrings is a great way to settle a debate over a dress.


Go to a trunk show
If you find a dress you like that mom isn’t totally sold on, see if there is a trunk show for the designer coming up at the store. Trunk shows are when the designer or a rep for the designer come to the bridal store with the latest gowns from the collection. You’ll get the chance to meet with people who interact with the designer and/or the gowns on a daily basis and they can answer any super specific questions you may have about alterations or anything else. The consultants can do this as well, but the designer or a representative for the brand might make your mom feel at ease. Plus, trunk shows usually come with discounted prices on gowns.

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

5 Tips for Planning a Wedding with a Long-Distance Fiancé

From the moment you got engaged, you’ve been dreaming about how much fun you and your soon-to-be would be having as you carefully planned out the wedding of your dreams. But what happens if it’s just you attending appointments, picking out stationary and choosing your cake? What do you do if you’re planning a wedding through a long-distance engagement? Here are five things to keep in mind when your fiancé is away:


His opinion still matters
Just because he’s not here to express his opinion, you should still reach out and discuss as many aspects of the wedding decisions as possible. What might be your favorite flavor of cake might be his least favorite. Just remember to keep the WE in wedding.


Find THE DRESS while he’s gone
Go and try on all the dresses! Twirl around the bridal salon and find the absolute dress of your dreams. You don’t need to worry about scheduling dress shopping every Saturday for a month. Take this time to really fall in love with your look.


Rely on those closest to you
If wedding planning wasn’t stressful enough, now you’re faced with the added stress of missing your fiancé. Don’t coop up with Ben and Jerry and watch Netflix alone, surround yourself with those you love! Whether it’s your mom or your ‘maids, make sure to enjoy this time and celebrate!


Write love letters
It could be a simple text message in the morning, or a journal filled with daily love letters that you’ll give to him on your wedding day. Make sure to express your love for one another every single day.


Daydream
While the distance is one of the hardest things the two of you will ever go through, it will only make you stronger in the end. On days you feel sad and alone, just think back to the day he got down on one knee or daydream about walking down the aisle. In the end, it will all be worth it when you are announced the new Mr. and Mrs.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Maureen Cromer is a wedding planner, blogger and public relations professional from Baltimore Maryland, where she lives with her fiancé and kitten. When she isn’t working, you will find her running through the scenic trails of Maryland or sailing around the Wye River with her water-loving family.

Festively Romantic Winter Wedding With Stunning Red and Green Florals

This Austin bride and groom show you can have a red and green December wedding without looking too Christmas-y. Let’s start with that bouquet! The deep red trailing bouquet expertly features varying shades of red, green and white without feeling like a holiday centerpiece. Boxwood wreaths, magnolia leaves and touches of gold and candlelight round out the romantic experience.

Planned by Highland Avenue and photographed by Sophie Epton, this is the perfect wedding to kick off your holiday weekend.

 

 

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Margaret & Cole are one of those couples that truly exude beauty both inside and out. The way they love each other and all of those dear to them is exceptional.

I knew this wedding was something special the first time I met the bride and she began telling me about her priorities for the day. She started with their dog, a great dane named Roman. She talked about his rides in the groom’s backpack as a puppy and sleeping curled up in their bed (despite taking up most of it) over the last seven years. She spoke of their worry that he wouldn’t make it until the wedding day due to his old age. He was seven years old, after all, and his anticipated lifespan was only 6 years. Thankfully he made it and what a gorgeous sight he was!

Next, she talked of visiting her grandparents in the summer and helping her grandfather plant two magnolia trees side by side in the yard. Every summer she would help water the trees and eventually climb them as they grew larger. When she and Cole met, she was surprised to learn that his family, too, had a strong connection with Magnolia leaves. His mother, an artist, often incorporated them into her work. It seemed only fitting when they decided to purchase their home together that it serendipitously had a magnolia tree in the front yard.

She continued on with stories of picking strawberries with her sister as a kid and wanting to honor her sister by serving her delicious strawberry jam as a gift for the guests at the wedding. What struck me about this wedding, and this couple, was the nod to all those around them who make their lives full and complete, and their desire to honor the memories that have shaped them into a couple.

Needless to say, when they asked Highland Avenue to design their December wedding, incorporating these elements became a priority, as was a focus on family. They dreamt of a romantic day that embraced the season in a warm and celebratory way. We incorporated the family’s history of magnolia leaves throughout and provided warmth with deep velvets, touches of black, beautiful golden patterns and lots of candlelight. The bride’s bouquet, beautifully created by Gypsy Floral, was full of dreamy texture and vibrant colors.

The bride’s sister owns a canning company and she gifted the couple the delicious jam favors that served as the guests’ escort cards. Their Great Dane, Roman, stole the show as he pranced down the aisle and mingled with guests. It was truly a memorable day full of family, warmth, and love!


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Photography: Sophie Epton Photography | Cinematography: Spinning Leaf Films | Event Design: Highland Avenue | Floral Design: Gypsy Floral | Invitations: Minted | Reception Venue: Barr Mansion | Catering: Barr Mansion | Calligraphy: The Boarding School Collective | Lighting: Filo Productions | Band: Groove Knight | Beauty: Lavish Beauty | Furniture Rentals: Birch And Brass Rentals | Planning: Highland Avenue | Rentals: Marquee Event Rentals

This Sporty Celebration is Rife With Holiday Spirit

What do vintage sports memorabilia and the Holidays have in common? This Los Angeles celebration masterminded by Simply Sera Events. Combining a shared love of all things sporty with a Christmas time affair, you’ll find everything from a dazzling tree and ornament favors to weathered baseball gloves and sports ticket seating cards tucked inside. Get cozy with the full day captured by Ether & Smith Photography right here.

From Simply Sera Events… Kimberly Kweon and Kenneth Lee met through mutual friends and bonded over their mutual love of sports. They’re known as the sports-loving couples and Ken’s friends are all envious that his girlfriend (wife now!) loves sports just as much as he does and would never get on his case about watching too much sports or hogging the tv. Their favorite pastime activity is to attend any sports games, especially baseball and basketball, and they’re always participating in some Fantasy sports. Given their love for sports, it was a natural decision to design their wedding with a sports theme in mind. Though Kim considers herself more of a tom-boy, she wanted an tasteful and beautiful wedding with subtle sports elements. She wanted a bit more masculinity rather than the pinks and golds she’s seen everywhere and she wanted to make it truly special and memorable by incorporating Christmas as well. Some of the details include a real Christmas tree with three burlap banners with the phrases “Merry Christmas”, “Joy to the World”, and “Faith, Hope, Peace” wrapped around the tree. Guests were encouraged to sign an ornament with marriage advice or well wishes and then decorate the couple’s first tree as Mr. & Mrs! Cinnamon sticks, cedar garlands, and pinecones were displayed on the gifts table, seating cards display, and sweetheart table as Christmas decorations. A personalized clear ornament filled with either a eucalyptus leaf, mini pine cone, a mini bell, or red berries was placed at every place setting. Kim’s favorite sport is baseball and Ken’s favorite sport is basketball. They didn’t want to pick one particular sport for their theme, so we used general sports elements such as trophies for flower vases and incorporated wood, leather, and burlap. We did, however, rent vintage baseball balls, gloves, and large leather balls. The individual seating cards were designed to look like sports ticket and they were displayed in a vintage cubby. Kim and Ken also chose to include their Korean culture and participated in the Korean tea ceremony called “pae-baek” during cocktail. Kim and Ken changed into the traditional garments called “han-bok” and greeted each side of the family, then caught chestnuts and walnuts after toasting with them and receiving blessings.

Photographer: Ether & Smith | Planner: Simply Sera Events | Florist: City Flowers | Cake: M Cakes Sweets | Catering: Four Seasons Catering | Hair & Makeup: Jackie Su | DJ: Dart DJ | Churros: Salinas Churros | Coffee Bar: Cappuccino Man | Photobooth: Triumph Photo Booth | Rentals: MTB Event Rentals | Tacos: Paulina’s Catering | Urban: Marvimon | Valet: White Rabbit Valet | Vintage Rentals: Found Rental Co.

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The One Thing I Would Have Done Differently When Planning My Wedding

Wedding planning is filled with shoulda, woulda, coulda’s, but the beauty of any and all Big Day celebrations? They always seems to work out, no matter what. But, if there’s one thing I regret when planning my very own nuptials, it’s that we didn’t register with Zola and take advantage of their thousands of gifts + experiences, not to mention cash funds. It would have been super simple to set up – and our registry would have been awesome, plus we would have received a $50 credit towards all the goodies we love.

My hubs and I had been cohabitating for awhile before we tied the knot, so we honestly didn’t see the need for a registry – but, we were so wrong. Every single one of our friends + family wanted to buy us a gift to celebrate, and honestly? Our good intentions left them scrambling. Registering with Zola would have given them a lot of amazing options, and been nice for us, too. Because, while we didn’t need that extra toaster or stand mixer, we really would have loved the fun excursions, classes or cash funds that we could have put towards virtually anything, like that guided fishing trip on our honeymoon. It would’ve been nice to upgrade some of the everyday items we already had, too. To top it off, Zola’s registries are super gorgeous, and you can even add items to your registry from anywhere, making it so, so easy for your guests. They even have amazing items like Airbnb gift cards and Blowouts at Drybar, plus everything you’ll need to get that newlywed home started if you are unlike me and need the traditional essentials – gorgeous kitchenware, bedroom everything and more.

I’m typically one of those people that shy away from gift receiving (“Don’t get us anything” is always my go-to answer), but hindsight is definitely 20/20 and registering is NOT something you should skip out on. If you’re feeling unsure about where to begin, Zola is where it’s at, because it’s a registry that also makes it easy + personal for your guests – the most important part, in my opinion. I love that you can add pics of you + yours and little notes to your loved ones to thank them in advance. They even offer Group Gifting options for your more expensive items, free shipping AND price matching – something your nearest and dearest will really love. Not to mention that their customer service team is always on hand to answer any questions, so no one will feel lost when navigating your page, or confused on what to buy.

I may have skipped out on one of the coolest parts of wedding planning, but you don’t have to. Don’t make the same mistake we did and be sure to register on Zola for a stress-free experience that is just as pretty as it is useful. With over 50,000 gifts, cash funds and experiences from 500 top brands, you’ll find what you’ve been looking for, whether you’ve been living together for years OR are just starting your new home together. And bonus: Zola offers a free suite of planning tools for stress-free planning AND free wedding websites. It’s basically the end all, be all of wedding registries and I insist you check out!

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Ready to begin that registry of your dreams? Head to Zola and REGISTER NOW to receive a $50 credit! Yep, a $50 credit towards all of their amazing gifts and experiences! Head there now and don’t miss out!

*The credits will be available when you set up your wedding registry at Zola and receive $500 in gifts; other terms & conditions apply.

Unique Wedding Bar Designs for Every Aesthetic

Prioritizing your wedding budget is certainly a hard task. However, I’m of the opinion that emphasizing the areas where guests will spend a lot of the celebration is a wonderful way to prioritize where and how you invest. To get the party started you certainly want your friends and family enjoying a few drinks, so why not dress up the bars they’ll be visiting all night?

I’ve gathered some of my favorite bar designs for any couple’s decor aesthetic. From fresh and modern to light and whimsical, there are a million ways to incorporate beautiful bar designs into each and every stunning wedding celebration! Cheers!

Woodsy
Classic elements of rustic iron and aged wood make for the perfect accent to rustically charming day. If you’re celebrating on an upscale ranch or in a refined barn venue, a bar like this could be perfect for you.

Modern
Crisp, clean, and inviting lines and fresh color palettes are beyond welcoming. From locations like Palm Springs to Cabo, a bright and simple look is the way to go. Reinforcing your wedding aesthetic throughout all the little details is the best way to create a distinct look, without seeming as though you’re overwhelmingly clinging to a trite theme.

Classic
If you’re the type of couple that’s burying bourbon or putting a sixpence pence in your shoe, a classic, bright, and southern look is the way to go! I love how some shapes, colors, and looks are simply timeless and don’t go out of style.

Parisian
I wouldn’t mind ordering a signature drink like a French 75 from a stunning bar, or rather decor statement, like this one. With an inviting pathway like this one at your venue, a welcome station to offer guests a glass of sparkling rosé would be a fun way to kick off the party.

Whimsical
For the jet-setting couple that wants to simply pull up their Airstream and host a party, a whimsical bar is the way to go. With nods to your travels to places like Iceland and Peru tastefully incorporated throughout your whimsical day, guests will admire the wanderlust vibes at your wedding.

Organic
Sometimes fresh and simple greenery is the most stunning way to bring the organic, farm to table feeling to your wedding day. Guests would enjoy sipping on craft brews and herb-infused cocktails at a bar as gorgeous as this one.

At the end of the day, no matter what, grab a glass of champagne and enjoy celebrating your special day. Cheers!

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Hannah Nowack is a freelance writer, calligrapher, and event designer living in Atlanta, Georgia. 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.

A Romantic Winter Wonderland Came to Life With This E-Shoot

I was in love with this couple before I even saw their engagement snaps. One read of their story and I couldn’t adore them more (it’s all below; we’re talking the airport, a flirty Southwest flight, and the rest is history). But then came the photos – and holy moly are they gorgeous. Simply Sarah outdid herself capturing these cuties surrounded by the stunning snow-sparkling Lake Louise; it’s basically the epitome of a winter wonderland. Read and see more beauty below!

From the Bride-to-be… Ty and I met in February of 2015. We were both in the Dallas–Love Field Airport waiting to board a flight to DC. A friend of mine had just moved to DC so a group of us from Dallas were going to go visit and surprise him for his birthday, everyone else was on an earlier flight than me but because I had a late afternoon meeting, I was flying solo. Ty was with his friend, Chase and they were flying up to DC to visit Ty’s older brother. Because I had just come from an all day meeting, I was feeling a little behind on emails so I planned to get a lot done on my flight. Ty noticed me working away in the airport and when Southwest called for the A boarding group to line up, I quickly packed up my computer and the rest of my belongings and waltzed up to the front of the line, needless to say I was in the zone and was a woman on a mission.

The next thing you know, I hear “um, excuse me… do you think you can just cut in front of us?” I turned around to find two guys my age standing there and replied, “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry! What boarding position are you guys?” Ty then replied that he was just kidding and told me to go ahead. I boarded and found a window seat and immediately pulled out my computer to start checking items off of my to-do list.

A few minutes later, those same two guys came and asked me if anyone was sitting next to me. We spent the next several hours talking and getting to know each other and it turns out that Ty and I had been going to the same young adults ministry at church and that we all had a lot in common. I am not from Dallas originally, so in my mind I thought we were all going to be great friends, that we could go to church together and merge friend groups, etc. (I actually had a boyfriend at the time) but what I didn’t realize and what I wouldn’t find out for over a year, was that Ty was actually interested in me and wanted absolutely nothing to do with us just being friends.

For the next year, we were acquaintances, I think I ran into him a couple of times but we didn’t really keep in touch. About a year later, I was newly single and I got a call from Ty asking if I would be interested in grabbing a drink. I still wasn’t sure if we were just grabbing drinks as friends, or if this was a date but I said that I would love to and was looking forward to getting to know him better. That night, we talked for four hours and had a great time. The rest is really history.

Our first date was in April of 2016, we got engaged that December and then married on May 14, 2017. So many times I’ve looked back and wondered what I possibly could have said on that flight to peak Ty’s interest and how I’ve kept his interest all this time. To be honest, I don’t think it has anything to do with me and I truly believe that since day one, God has really just given Ty eyes for me and I couldn’t be more thankful. He is my greatest gift and it is my greatest honor to be his wife.

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Photography: Elizabeth Lanier Photography | Event Planning: LP Events | Dress: BHLDN | Venue: Fairmont Chateau at Lake Louise | Film Lab: PhotoVision Prints


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A Dreamy Italian Bridal Inspiration Shoot Bathed in Golden Light

You can just feel the warm Florence sun on your shoulders as you peruse this bridal inspiration designed by Kylee Yee and photographed by Anneli Marinovich. The bride’s dreamy, flowy dresses by Katya Katya would be gorgeous for summer brides either stateside or abroad.

Enter this Italian daydream with us, won’t you?

 

From the photographer:

Inspired by the romance of Florence and golden tones of the sun setting over Ponte Vecchio, our “Gilded” bridal story takes place in Boboli Gardens, overlooking the city.

As fine art wedding photographers, myself and Kylee Yee wanted to create bridal inspiration which would appeal to brides looking to get married in Florence, Italy. The beautiful golden light in the gardens and feminine dresses were the perfect combination for the soft images you see here. Surrounded by 16th century sculptures and beautiful Italian architecture our ethereal bride wears a silk tulle gown by Katya Katya Shehurinha.

Delicate Italian lace detail bathed in golden light, a soft updo and an unstructured wedding bouquet by Fluida Design completes the picture. As the breeze picks up her cape floats in the wind, little strands of hair framing her face beautifully. Cascading earrings by Bride La Boheme and her ornate engagement ring by London Victorian Ring Co, glimmers in the late afternoon light.


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Photography: Anneli Marinovich Photography | Floral Design: Fluida Design | Wedding Dress: Katya Katya | Engagement ring: The London Victorian Ring Company | Make up: Sara Onori | Calligraphy : Judy Broad Calligraphy | Venue: Boboli Gardens | Concept & Design: Kylee Yee | Concept & Design: Anneli Marinovich Photography | Hair design: Frank Giacone | Jewellery : Bride La Boheme | Model: Gianina Genovese | Silk Ribbon: Seidenband