Matching their holiday decor to their preppy coastal style, the ladies of Palm Beach Lately added their signature spirit to this bright and happy party. Think garlands and wreaths meet fresh oranges and pops of pink cabana stripes. It’s bucking tradition (i.e. no red in site) and is giving us major Florida vibes instead. See even more of this pretty celebration captured by Thompson Photography Group right here.

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This holiday season, we incorporated our state fruit, the orange, into our holiday style because we love what it stands for – joy, happiness and hope. We always decorate our homes for the holidays with a variety of greenery like centerpieces, garland, trees and wreaths, so it was simple yet stunning to weave fresh oranges, lemons and limes throughout our usual decor. And because we love entertaining, we couldn’t wait to host a Christmas Brunch in true Florida style! For the brunch, Carla Tavolacci with The Event Group created the most beautiful floral and citrus centerpiece and citrus tree and also adorned our wreath by One Kings Lane and new pineapple sconces by Ballard Designs with florals, fresh fruit and greenery. We then set the table with straw placemats, bamboo chargers and gold silverware from our favorite tableware company, Juliska. And our tablescape wouldn’t be complete without our signature pink color, so we used whimsical pink and white plates from HomeGoods, pink cloth napkins, and pink wine glasses by Anthropologie! For a playful twist on the place setting, we included a menu card by Little Lovely Party and set a clementine and magnolia leaf on top. Our brunch menu featured yummy comfort foods, but the vanilla lemon cake with lemon buttercream icing that our good friend Jamie Fago of The Southern Bakery made stole the show!

Photography : Thompson Photograph Group | Styling : Palm Beach Lately | Floral Design : The Event Group Design and Decor | Cake : Southern Belles Cakery | Brass Palm Taper Candle : anthro | Gold Mirror: Frontgate | Menu Card : Lovely Little Party | Photo Editing: Iris Moore Photography | Pineapple Chandelier: Frontgate | Pineapple Sconces : Ballard Designs | Pink and White Plates : Home Goods | Pink and White Striped Awning : Hoover Architectural | Placemats, Bamboo Chargers and Silverware: Juliska | Wine: Notorious Pink | Wreath : One Kings Lane

Blurring the lines between outdoors and in, this downtown Austin wedding brings romantic garden vibes to the industrial loft backdrop of Brazos Hall. The result is a lush, greenery-filled garden reception masterminded by The Nouveau Romantics and beautifully captured by Ryan Ray, with a film by Filmstrong. It’s so pretty, you’ll forget it didn’t take place in the great wide open.

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From The Nouveau Romantics… From the very first meeting, Kathleen and Michael had their hearts set on an outdoor wedding, but as the bride’s hometown, with a significant amount of guests from out-of-town, they wanted to capitalize on a location that was convenient and minimized travel. Enter Brazes Hall, with our promise that we would do just that – bring the outdoors in to soften the industrial appeal of brick walls and upper deck’s modern styling. We developed a palette that was grounded in shades of green, with touches of white, cream, soft lemon yellow, and touches of lavender — the perfect compliment to the spring season of their May wedding. The day’s flow was an important consideration, as the late afternoon ceremony at the downtown St. Mary’s church linked into a cocktail hour on Brazos second floor open-air deck, downstairs for a lush, garden-inspired dinner, and then back upstairs for a enthusiastic dance party compliments to The Flashdance. Kathleen’s request for a lush, greenery-filled dinner experience in the indoor first floor came to life via dainty twinkle lights draped lightly across the wooden beams, greenery hanging atop the central Bridal party table, and an escort card “wall” of nude floor-length fabric surrounded by lanterns, florals, and even more greenery. Upstairs was designed around the idea of a “speak easy” and “living room” feel, as we surrounded the dance floor with 8 separate, unique, and coordinated seating vignettes from a variety of local Austin vendors that completely transformed the space. Adding in some 14’ draped curtains to the steel beams helped to create that intimate feel. The Flashdance delivered an epic dance party that was fueled by late night Whataburger snacks and a full-sized Amy’s Ice Cream sundae spread that guests are still talking about!

From the Bride, Kathleen… Originally from Austin, I had always wanted an Austin wedding and Michael was kind enough to agree! My dream had always been to dance underneath the Texas stars with our family and friends. As most of our guests were from out of town, we wanted them to experience Austin as we loved it. We picked St Mary Cathedral, across from the Capitol, for its gorgeous architecture. We later chose Brazos Hall, just a few blocks away, for the amazing rustic feel downstairs and upstairs rooftop. We wanted to have a the causal feel of Austin but with a touch of elegance. I fell in love with greens, ivory, and maudes because of their muted tones but wanted gold touches to add some elegance. Liz and the team somehow made everything come together with ease. We were so fortunate to have the most experienced and kind wedding planners, The Nouveau Romantics, who made our dreams come true. I had a unusual request of dancing on the rooftop patio (to accomplish that dream of dancing underneath the stars). Liz and the team made it the most gorgeous setting with lounge areas, candles, and lights to set a casual but elegant tone I was hoping for. They also had the best recommendations for vendors, which I think fulfilled the whole weekend. From the perfect weather in Austin during May, to our amazing photographer, videographer, DJ, and other vendors, we literally could not have asked for a more amazing day. The most wonderful part of the whole weekend was the love we felt from all of our guests. Our family and friends traveled all over the country to celebrate with us in Austin and we were so fortunate to be surrounded by such loving people. Its cheesy to day ‘it was the best day of our lives’, but it really was.

Photography: Ryan Ray Photography | Videography: FilmStrong Productions | Cake: Coco Paloma Desserts | Church: Saint Mary Cathedral Diocese Of Austin | Reception Venue: Brazos Hall | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Royal Fig Catering | Make-Up: Nisa Nicole Makeup Artistry | Hair: Janet St. Paul | Lighting: Ilios | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Groomsmen's Attire: The Black Tux | Transportation: Transportation Consultants | Bridal Gown: Anna Maier | Bridal Salon: Warren Barrón Bridal | Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mishka | Draping: Shelly Bounds | Event Planning, Event Design, Florals, Papergoods: The Nouveau Romantics | Getaway: Easy Rider Pedicab | Late-Night Snack: Amy's Ice Cream | Late-Night Snack: Whataburger | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Music - Dinner: Chris Story Band | Music - Reception: THE FLASHDANCE | Rentals: Marquee Event Rentals | Rentals: Whim Hospitality | Rentals: 10th Collections | Rentals: Loot Vintage Rentals | Sound: The Big Sound House

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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When we heard Vow to be Chic was teaming up with Monique Lhuillier and one of our favorite brides-to-be, Rachel Lindsay from ABC’s The Bachelorette, to create an exclusive bridesmaid gown to rent – we were sold! The dress designed by Monique Lhuillier and carefully curated by Rachel is ultra elegant and feminine and let’s just say not your average bridesmaids’ dress! Oh, and did we mention we saw this beauty in person on Rachel herself? So, yeah we can attest! Browse more images of the Rachel gown below.

Call your gals and tell them you found a chic dress they can rent that comes in 8 different colors!

Photography: Grizz Lee | Bridesmaids' Dress: Vow To Be Chic

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Beautiful blues, gorgeous views and an equally stunning Bride. This is what we’re all about folks. Julie Livingston and Video Film Productions captured this seaside wedding on Seabrook Island and we’re ready to skip our to do list today to just spend some quality time in this gallery of pretty pics. Post Petals and Pearls outdid themselves with this one and we’re mighty glad they did because we just can’t get enough – see all the beauty right this way!

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From the Bride… After meeting at the SEC Championship in December of 2011, Court and I “courted” for just over five years when he surprised me in my hometown of Louisville, KY to pop the question in front of my parents and lifelong friends (also a surprise)! With Court’s parents having a residence in Seabrook Island, South Carolina, it wasn’t hard to make the choice to be wed there because it is our favorite destination both for a couple’s vacation and extremely special for our families.

Our engagement was just under six months, but I wouldn’t have it any other way, because I was forced to make decisions quickly and my amazing wedding planners at Posh, Petals & Pearls knew the best in the business. Court and I ended up getting married the weekend of June 3, 2017. We had a weekend full of activities, from a welcome party at Red’s Ice House in Bohicket Marina on Thursday, to a full day of golf for the guys and beach games on Friday followed by an amazing rehearsal dinner in downtown Charleston, to the main event on the stunning Ocean Terrace at Seabrook Island. The whole weekend was perfection and our photographer Julie Livingston captured the most stunning photos. We were surrounded by palm trees, the Atlantic Ocean and friends and family. We each had 11 attendants, but we each only had one other person on the altar – his sister was my MOH and his Dad served as the Best Man; everyone else was in the second row behind our parents. I told my bridesmaids to wear “shades of true blues” that could reflect the feel of the Atlantic Ocean, so they were happy to have the freedom to go baby blue, royal, navy, long short and/or slit!

Because Court and I both went to the University of Georgia, everyone had red and black pom-poms to shake for the exit to the 1965 Bentley, which was really special since we could not use sparklers due to them being a fire hazard. I also gave Court UGA cufflinks for my gift to him.

Our special day was truly a special weekend and as everyone says – the evening flew by and we couldn’t believe it was time to go when the band played “Shout” and the drinks stopped flowing. We had the time of our lives and would not change a thing…. Can we do this every year?! #LauraGoesToCourt

Photography: Julie Livingston Photography | Videography: Video Film Productions | Event Planning: Posh Petals and Pearls | Floral Design: Charleston Flower Market | Wedding Dress: Mikaella Bridal | Cake: Wild Flour | Makeup: Pamela Lesch Makeup | Hair: Hunter Gray | Venue: Seabrook Island Weddings | Bridal Boutique: The White Magnolia | Getaway Car - 1965 Bentley: Charleston Style Limo | Print Designer: Jaime McQuilkin | Shoes - Blue: Nina | Shoes - White: Ted Baker London | Weekend Schedule Calligraphy: Alexandra Green

Wanting to introduce their friends and family to the State they now call home, this couple – originally from New York City – chose the Merrimon-Wynne House for their North Carolina garden wedding. With the help of A Southern Soiree, they put on a truly beautiful, Southern affair. Both Twenty-One Films and Theo Milo Photography were there to capture the pretty as a peach day, so scroll on and then press play!

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From A Southern Soiree… Having recently moved to North Carolina from New York City, this sweet couple dreamed of a wedding day where their family and friends could enjoy a taste of the place they now call home and have grown to love. In search of southern history and charm, the Merrimon Wynne House proved to be the perfect location for Blair and Danny’s southern, garden chic vision to come to life. Beautiful blooms in a palette of dusty blue, peach, and ivory paired with luxurious furniture and linens enhanced the beauty of the Merrimon Wynne House, creating an intimately warm space for loved ones to celebrate. A custom removable sheer train enhanced the bride’s stunning Vera Wang gown and added the perfect amount of fluttering romance to a magical affair. A Chilean three legged pig, a sweet gesture of love and friendship, welcomed guests to their seats as they dined a la fresco under a sea of greenery and market lights. A locally inspired and sourced meal from the amazing team of Snap Pea Underground and Catering followed by an evening of live music and even more delicious treats left guests departing a night to remember with their stomachs and hearts full.

Photography: Theo Milo Photography | Cinematography: Twenty One Films | Event Planning + Design: A Southern Soirée | Floral Design: Meristem Floral | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Cake: Cinda's Creative Cakes | Invitations: Maria Scheel Invitations & More | Stationery: Paper Buzz | Ceremony Venue: Market hall | Reception Venue: The Merrimon Wynne House | Shoes: Gucci | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Catering: Snap Pea Catering | Hair + Makeup: The Makeup Culture | Band: The Voltage Brothers | Officiant: Perry Hardison | Ceremony Music: Triangle Strings Quartet | Transportation: Royal Parking | Transportation: Eco-Style Transportation | Bridesmaid Dress Boutique: Alexia's Bridal | Cocktail Hour Music: Gigmaster | Furniture, Chargers, Bars: Cottage Luxe | Linens, Chairs, Napkins: CE Rentals | Tent, Lighting, Staging: Party Reflections

Take it from brides who know: a lot of factors go into choosing your perfect wedding gown – from finding the right silhouette for your body type to choosing a style that will keep you feeling comfy all evening. (It’s a science, really.) But if you think that you can’t have glamour AND that cozy feeling, Paloma Blanca’s Spring 2018 Collection is here to prove that they can co-exist.

Guys, looking elegant and sophisticated on your wedding day doesn’t mean spending your entire night uncomfortable. You can definitely wear a dress that will make a statement and still have you dancing the night away. That’s because Paloma Blanca’s Spring 2018 Collection is known for their high-quality designs AND craftsmanship – with each of their gowns being made right in their Toronto home base. That means this family-owned company can be certain that their beautiful designs pass every quality control test and there’s absolutely no question as to how they were crafted. Not to mention that every design uses only the highest-quality fabrics and all of the those accents you love are hand-detailed and embroidered. And we all know that higher-quality everything means a better fit. And a better fit means a more comfortable wedding day.

Paloma Blanca’s Spring 2018 Collection is filled with gowns that are both stunning and easy to move in, which will def be your number one priority when the Big Day finally arrives. Trust us on this one, you’ll want to feel like YOU when it’s time to say those vows, cut that cake and take your first dance. But you’ll also want to feel like the princess you know you are. Paloma Blanca has that covered, too, with an entire collection of dresses that will show off your curves and showcase the latest trends with details that really stand out.

From beautiful lace appliqués to removable belts to figure-flattering silhouettes (you can even choose a gown with a colored lining!), Paloma Blanca’s Spring 2018 Collection has a little something for everyone. We’re obsessed with all of the modern, yet classic designs and can’t wait to see YOU, the real brides, wear these beauties well into 2018! Find a retailer here.

Your invites are the first impression of your wedding and the first thing people will see in regards to your nuptials. Picking out your design is the fun part, but there are few not-so-fun things that you can’t forget before sending out your invites.

RSVP INFORMATION
Your invites let your guests know all the details of your big day, but they also serve as your guide to the number of guests you are having. Plus, if you are planning a sit down meal, the invites will let you know what each guest is ordering for dinner—so don’t forget to add the RSVP information to your invites! A simple, separate RSVP card is the most popular way to go, but you can also lead guests to your website to RSVP to save on paper. If you do go the traditional route, though, just be sure you include a pre-stamped envelope as well.

POSTAGE
This one is so important! Go into the post office and weigh your envelope before adding any stamps. Different shapes and sizes will affect how many stamps you will need and if you don’t put the right amount of postage, the invites will be sent back to you with a ton of markings all over them, causing you to re-do the whole bunch.

HAND CANCELLING
Ever get a birthday card in the mail that is beautiful on the outside yet ruined by a ton of black stamps all over it? Prevent that from happening to your wedding invites by bringing them into the post office and asking them to hand cancel them for you. This is a free service that the post office will do for you—just ask nicely, especially if your guest count reaches into the 100’s!

HAVE EXTRA
Let’s face it: mail gets lost and the chances of one of your hundreds of invites getting misplaced in the mail is unfortunately quite high. Because of this, always keep extra invites on hand. Should a family member not receive theirs, or a friend moves without informing you, you will have extras ready to be sent as soon as they let you know.

PROOFREAD!
The last thing you want is to have 200 printed invites in that gorgeous gold foil only to find that they misspelled your mother’s name. Be sure to proofread the proof of the invite as many times as you can. It is also a good idea to send copies to your mother or maid of honor for review, too.

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, practicing yoga, and exploring nearby towns with her new husband.

You can never go wrong with a destination wedding in Italy, so today’s sweet affair will undoubtedly pull you in with the charm of Borgo Petrognano, the beautiful lace and tulle gown, and the so-in-love couple captured by Rossini Photography while walking down the most quaint cobblestone streets. Head to the Vault to see the whole, lovely affair planned by Original Tuscan Wedding.

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From the bride… We visited Italy in 2013 and fell in love with Tuscany, so when Mark proposed, we knew instantly that we wanted to get married there. Having a destination wedding also meant we could have the small wedding that we always wanted. We started out the planning by writing our five most important elements of the wedding down. These included – the photography, food and wine, reception and ceremony venues, my dress, and the styling. We found our wedding planners, Original Tuscan Wedding, on the internet., and after a couple of phone calls, we knew they were the ones to help us plan our dream wedding. We couldn’t have wished for better planners – they helped us with every element and had the best suppliers that understood our vision.

We picked our photographers, Luca and Claudia of Rossini Photography, with the help of our planners. The photography was one of the most important elements of our day to us, so we picked very carefully. Luca and Claudia captured the relaxed nature of our day perfectly and were such fun to work with. They put us immediately at ease even though we are not naturals in front of the camera. And we couldn’t be happier with the final result!

We visited Italy twice before the big day to meet our planners, visit venues, and choose our food. We knew that we wanted all our friends and family to stay in one venue and have one big weekend party, so Borgo Petrognano was the perfect choice. We had the most amazing weekend. The day after the wedding, we had a big BBQ and spent time with our nearest and dearest by the pool.

I couldn’t decide on one color for our scheme, so decided to have a palette of pale nudes with a stand out burgundy color that Mark picked up with his bow tie. My dress was not what I had originally planned as so often is the case. I had intended to buy a slim line destination dress, but when I tried on this dress, I knew it was the one. The dress however was not so practical for dancing, so I had a cute short dress so I could dance the evening away.

We wanted the day to have a relaxed, Italian feel, which the flowers really captured with a loose hand tied bouquet for me and loose greenery bridesmaid bouquets. The long wedding table had a sumptuous garland which draped over both ends.

On the wedding day, we got married in the medieval hilltop town of Certaldo, which was like a dream. I walked down the aisle to Canon in D performed by a string duet. After the ceremony, we went on a walk with the photographers, and we were greeted with cheers and applause from the locals – it ended up being one of the favorite parts of the day. Once we returned to the venue, we joined our guests for aperitif hour by the pool where we were serenaded by our string duet. Our wedding breakfast of 5 delicious courses was on the terrace where we looked out on the Tuscan hills. One of the surprises for our guests included a gelato cart outside on the terrace during the dancing – a great way to end an amazing day.

Photography: Rossini Photography | Photography: Rossini Photography | Event Planning: Original Tuscan Wedding | Floral Design: Violamalva | Wedding Dress: House Of Mooski | Stationery: Seahorse Bend Press | Ceremony Venue: Certaldo Town Hall | Reception Venue: Borgo Petrognano | Rings: Goldsmiths | Catering: Class Ricevimenti | Hair + Makeup: Pamela Leti | Bow Tie: Mrs. Bow Tie | Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss | Transportation: la vettura | Music + Lighting: Music & Co

It may seem like a minor detail… but I noticed. This Bride is wearing her hair up in a beautiful braid and I just love it (all you brides-to-be out there, take notice! It looks fab!). But this was just one pretty detail among many that make this classic wedding stand out. From start to finish, we have a story as sweet as can be and Bear Hands Media Group captured it all, from braids to blooms. Take a little break from all that holiday shopping and enjoy some love and laughter right this way!

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From Bear Hands Media Group… When Maggi was referred to us, we were already a fan of her art (maggidunwoodyart.com) and we were very excited about taking on the project of shooting her wedding day. We knew this was going to be an especially fun and creative couple. Maggi and Eric and everyone who surround them are so fun and funny, just so amazing to be around. We’re so lucky to have met them and we’re so grateful they chose us to be with them on their big day!

We started the day at a beautiful old church in Westheimer called Saint Anne where the ceremony was traditional, but had the occasional touches from the priest that kept their family and friends laughing. Then we all boarded busses back to Houston Country Club where, let us tell you, this group partied like no other. We have so much ridiculously awesome footage of the dance floor going nuts, we could have made an entire video of just that. Maggi and Eric danced with their guests all the way to the very end. They never stopped. It was such a blast. Maggi and Eric’s big day did not disappoint and will certainly go down in history as one of our favorites.

Cinematography: Bear Hands Media Group | Event Planning: Houston Country Club | Floral Design: Houston Country Club | Stationery: Papellerie | Ceremony Venue: Saint Anne | Reception Venue: Houston Country Club

Putting on your Santa hat can be sooo much fun—but holiday shopping can also be quite a daunting task! Even the closest of family and friends can be challenging. A little trick I like to use? Shop by room! By putting yourself in your gift receiver’s shoes (and in their home), you’ll spark ideas that are sure to have their eyes light up. Below are some of our faves by room—fair warning, you might find yourself adding two of each to your cart!

Great Room

From game nights to cozy evenings by the fire, these gift ideas work for just about anyone. How cute is that black marble and gold tic-tac-toe set?!

Kitchen

I myself love being in the kitchen! It’s truly the heart of a home and a great place to start when you’re stumped with gift giving. I may or may not have snagged one of those marble cookbook/tablet holders above.

Dining Room

Have an entertainer on your list? The friend who loves to host parties? From cute flutes to fancy cake stands there’s plenty of pretty items you can gift for sprucing up the dining room or bar.

Bedroom

Shop for someone’s bedroom you say? Well, maybe you’re not going to buy them bedding—but there are plenty of goodies that pertain to all things cozy and comforting. I’ll take one of those cute sleep shirts, please!

Bathroom

The bathroom is another area that you wouldn’t think to gift for, but there are actually some really cute options! Everyone loves a fresh set of luxe bath towels and that ladder above? Such a unique touch for a powder room.

Office

Chic office accessories are always a win in my book and make things like paying the bills or taxes, so much less daunting.

Even more than the eclectic and colorful lounge stations from Found Vintage Rentals, even more than the fabulous blue patterned linens from La Tavola Fine Linen Rental, even more than Ojai’s Red Tail Ranch’s rustic charm and insane view, I love love love the moment of pure joy Michael + Anna Costa Photography captured when this couple said “I do.”

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From Michael Costa… What’s better than shooting for a ridiculously fun, hip, chill client? Shooting for a ridiculously fun, hip, chill client who ALSO happens to be an amazing wedding associate of Mindy Weiss. This is our second wedding shooting for one of Mindy Weiss’ incredible associates, and it’s a complete honor for us to do so. The details and styling were absolutely impeccable! Duh. But what’s even better about this couple is that they are SUPER in love. I mean, talk about being in the moment and relishing in their wedding. A bomb could have exploded nearby, and they probably wouldn’t have even noticed! Their eyes were locked the whole day in a giddy-type trance of pure happiness. With the outdoor setting of Red Tail Ranch in Ojai that has a serene, far away feel and the amazing details with pops of color like the deep royal blue, velvet couch we used for creative photos, this wedding had that magical feeling that can only be experienced but not fully described. Thanks again to Rachel and Jeff for including us in such an epic day!

Photography: MICHAEL + ANNA COSTA PHOTOGRAPHY | Cinematography: Vidicam Productions | Coordination: Rachel Honig & Eden Lavi | Floral Design: Gilly Flowers | Cake: KNEAD Baking Company | Catering: Omni Fresco Catering | Makeup: Jillian Gregory | Lighting: Launch | DJ: Red Shoe LA | Band: Danny | Transportation: Dutch Details | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Ranch: Hale Koa phineas Estate | Rentals: Found Rental Co. | Rentals: Ventura Party Rentals

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This gem is about to throw all preconceived notions of Hawaiian weddings right out the window. Mixing the bride’s Sicilian roots with the beauty of an olive farm, this celebration is in a category all its own. We’ll call it tropical upcountry without a beach insight. Or gorgeous. That works too. Planned by Belle Destination Weddings & Events, with vibrant florals by Mandy Grace Designs and images by Dmitri & Sandra, get cozy with this pretty olive grove affair.

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From the Bride, Anna…Tyler and I met five years ago on a summer evening in Sacramento. We happened to sit by each other at an otherwise empty dive bar on a Friday evening – I was waiting for my friends and he happened to be walking by and decided to stop in. We both felt very unlucky and fed up with the dating pool at the time, but when we struck up a conversation instincts told us we wouldn’t have to look any further for our soulmate. We exchanged numbers and he called and asked me out on a date the very next day. Two years later we moved to Oregon together where we built a home (literally and figuratively – he’s a contractor!) and a year and a half after moving Tyler proposed to me. It was very low key – he simply asked me after I came home one day and took me to a romantic French dinner in Portland. For us, it was perfect.

We had recently been to Maui and I asked Tyler if that is where he’d like to get married because he grew up there. He shot it down at first! He used to make and sell leis at Mama’s Fish House to newlyweds and wedding guests on the beach and thought a Maui wedding could only be that one style. I thought it would be the perfect place though – Maui is gorgeous and it has so much history for him and his family. I found pictures of an upcountry wedding and immediately knew that was what we would do, and when I suggested the upcountry idea to Tyler his whole outlook changed. When our event planner, Lena of Belle Destination Events, shared her personal wedding venue of Calasa Olive Farm in Kula we fell in love. I have Sicilian heritage so it was a perfect representation of the two of us.

Our vision for the day was for it to be outdoor, romantic, and colorful. Sicilian tiles, the color of the venue and the natural beauty of Maui were the big inspirations for me in terms of the colors. I wanted the colors to be saturated to capture the heat of the summer and the lush surroundings. We wanted the furniture materials to be organic – a lot of wood, stone and metal because that’s what Tyler works with everyday. We bought tiles online used them as name settings and coasters. Tyler liked the tiles so much he used them for our invitations, which he designed himself. Mandy from Mandy Grace Designs did a wonderful job of bringing our vision of flowers to life. We were married during Dahlia season and I told her to go wild with the Dahlias – they’re my favorite flower. The deep red flowers are a particular favorite and were the inspiration for the accent color throughout the floral and table arrangements. I was especially enamored with the hanging installation over our dance floor, which was something I wanted from day one.

My dress is Yolan Cris and is two layers of hand made Spanish lace with a silk shell underneath. It is gorgeous and I’m still in awe of it. The train is reminiscent of my grandmother’s dress when she was married in the 1920’s – my sisters remarked that I did pictures “Adele style” when I wrapped my train in front of me. I grew up adoring my grandmother’s wedding dress from their wedding photo so that was a very special feeling for me that day. I had unfortunately sprained my ankle badly a month before my wedding so although I couldn’t wear the high heels I had originally planned, I wore beautiful embroidered sandals instead. My bridesmaids dresses are Show Me Your Mumu. I gave everyone their choice of dress design and the option of a print or solid. Everyone chose the print! I was super excited about that. I love colors and patterns and it was awesome that my girlfriends naturally gravitated towards the pattern.

Photography: Dmitri and Sandra Photography | Coordination: Moana Belle Events | Floral Design: Mandy Grace Floral & Event Design | Gown : Yolan Cris Haute Couture | Ceremony Venue: The Villa at Calasa Olive Farm | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu | Catering: Sugar Beach Events | Hair + Makeup : Maui Makeup Artistry | Calligraphy : Miss B Calligraphy | Entertainment : DJ Del Sol | Officiant : Pia Aluli | Ceremony Reception : The Villa at Calasa Olive Farm | Cocktail Service : Garnish Craft Cocktail Catering | Pies : Sugar Beach Cake Shop | Rentals: Signature Boutique Event Rentals | Tabletop Rentals : Set Collections | runners, napkins, ribbon, silk fabric for ceremony backdrop: Adorn Company

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Dmitri and Sandra Photography

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The royal engagement news is all anyone here at SMP can talk about and – ohmygosh – we can’t wait to see THE dress. We’re putting our money on a classic with a twist style gown that will completely wow, just like the breathtaking designs from the geniuses at Rebecca Ingram. From figure-flattering silhouettes to stunning embellishments, we’re counting down nine of our faves below. And, bonus: they’re also budget friendly.

Dresses Shown (Clockwise, Top to Bottom): Olivia, Helena, Kaitlyn

Dress: Olivia 

Why We Love It: Guess what? You don’t need to find a real-life prince to have that fairytale wedding of your dreams, and the Olivia is proving that point whole-heartedly. From the illusion bateau neckline to the flowing layers of tulle, you’ll be channeling your inner Grace Kelly in no time at all.

Dress: Helena

Why We Love It: We’re never one to argue with the comfort of a spaghetti strap design and the Helena makes it so, so easy to dance the night away in absolute style. We can’t decide what we adore more – the crystal, pearl and bead accents, the gorgeous lace trim or the ruching detail that is sooo flattering. We’re going to go with all of the above on this one.

Dress: Kaitlyn

Why We Love It: You know it’s all in the details and the lace appliqués on the Kaitlyn are most definitely a stand-out feature. We’re also loving the keyhole back, the off-the-shoulder neckline and covered buttons. This one definitely screams princess.

Dresses Shown (Clockwise, Top to Bottom): Bernice, Carrie, Hope

Dress: Bernice

Why We Love It: When it comes to show-stopping ballgowns, it honestly doesn’t get much prettier than Bernice. Think a voluminous tulle skirt, a strapless neckline and a Swarovski crystal belt. This one is a show-stopper for sure.

Dress: Carrie

Why We Love It: We can always count on Rebecca Ingram to deliver the romance. Case in point? The Carrie gown. With a lace bodice and ball gown skirt, it’s all about the amour.

Dress: Hope

Why We Love It: Fact: you don’t have to rock a ball gown to look like a princess… sometimes a fit-and-flare in allover-lace will do the trick. We’re obsessed with Hope for its double-keyhole back and scalloped edging. It’s a little bit fairytale, a little bit vintage and all sorts of gorgeous.

Dresses Shown (Clockwise, Top to Bottom): Juniper, Debbie, Nancy

Dress: Juniper

Why We Love It: Soft and simple, the Juniper seamlessly combines sweet AND sexy. From the Aria Chiffon skirt to the beaded lace top, it’s perfect for a garden wedding or an “I do” in your neighborhood church. We love, love, LOVE it.

Dress: Debbie

Why We Love It: Did we mention that we can’t get enough of spaghetti straps? The Debbie rocks one of our fave necklines, plus textured tulle, lace motifs and covered buttons down the back. Oh, and there’s a detachable train. So awesome.

Dress: Nancy

Why We Love It: You know we love ourselves a sleeved gown, especially when it comes to the Nancy. This cap-sleeved beauty also boasts an illusion scoop back and a fit-and-flare silhouette that will show off all of your curves in all of the right places. Plus, it shimmers, you guys. It shimmers.

You don’t have to compromise style or quality to find that classic dream gown. Just head to Rebecca Ingram to find a retailer near you to peruse all of the lovely designs in one of their three collections – Olivia, Kaitlyn and Juniper. “The One” is waiting.

Like many other engaged couples, my fiancé and I want our wedding to be unique. More specifically, we want it to be unique to us. Our hope for our wedding (aside from cooperative weather, of course) is that our relationship and love for each other shine through in a way that is so clearly us.

However, bringing that vision to life can be baffling at first. We found ourselves asking exactly how we could create a wedding all our own. It can be easy to fall into loving what’s popular now instead of staying true to your heart and designing a day around your blended styles. Trends are trends, well – because they’re popular. It’s tough to find what you truly love without getting swept up in what everyone else is doing.

Here’s how we’re ditching what we like to call the “traditional” wedding with a few simple changes.

The ceremony

Rather than hiring an officiant based on reviews and word of mouth, we’re opting for a more personal feel for our ceremony. We both thought we’d feel more comfortable with someone we know officiating, so we asked my little sister to officiate. Not only do we feel more comfortable, we also have the opportunity to include my sister in the ceremony in a special way.

Nixing the traditions

Neither my fiancé nor I have the desire to partake in the typical garter toss tradition, so we’re nixing that from the wedding day schedule, amongst a few other typical wedding day traditions.

No Maid of Honor or Best Man

You heard that right, we opted to not choose a Maid of Honor or Best Man. Quite frankly, we don’t want two of our friends (in particular) to feel stressed in any way about our big day. I’ve been a maid of honor once and it wasn’t the easiest walk in the park. We simply want our wedding party to have fun with the planning!

Incorporating our friends

We’re so lucky to know some folks who work in the wedding industry, which means that we get to hire some of our very talented friends! What that means for us is that we don’t have to worry one bit that the food won’t be up to par or that the photographer will miss important pieces of the day. We know and trust our friends’ talents and can’t wait to have them join in on the wedding festivities!

Hello, Atlanta

We’re planning an upside down destination wedding – if that makes any sense. Most of our friends and family are back home in Massachusetts, but we moved to Atlanta this summer. We’ve loved the city for years (Tim even lived here back in 2014!) and are using our wedding weekend as a grand opportunity to show everyone why we love it so much. In fact, we love the city so much that we had a full afternoon shoot with photographer, Kelley Raye, (featured here!) before Tim moved back to Boston in 2015 to capture moments in our favorite Atlanta spots. Long story short, while it’s not a destination wedding for us, it is for the majority of our guests. More on this later, all.

Adults Only

Another way we’re changing things up is by hosting an adults-only ceremony and reception – don’t worry, we’ll be setting up childcare options for our guests! We’ve also got a few more surprises up our sleeves, but don’t want to spoil it for our guests, so hopefully, you’ll stay tuned to see what we come up with!

Fellow brides-to-be, how are you putting your own spin on your big day?

With the Puerto Rican sun shining bright, these two said “I do” in front of friends and family and got ready to dance the night away. Their smiles never faded and Love & Light Photographs captured every beautiful moment, from the Bride and her merry maids getting ready earlier in the day to endless sweet moments between the new Mr. and Mrs. Let’s kick off the week in a wonderful way with this gorgeous gallery and you can thank me later for that grin that just won’t go away.

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From the Bride… After my husband and I got engaged in Greece, we didn’t really have an idea as to where we wanted to get married; all we knew was that we wanted to plan the best party to celebrate our love with our favorite people. Finding the ‘perfect’ venue was probably that hardest part, and after endless searching, my husband was actually the one who suggested we go back to our favorite courtyard in Puerto Rico, which was at the Hotel El Convento. And then just like that Puerto Rico seemed the obvious choice for many reasons but the main reason was that it was the first place we traveled to together, fell more in love with each other, and fell in love with the island. Old San Juan was the perfect place to encapsulate our vision for our wedding which was: timeless, romantic, and a day you’ll never forget!

There was so much love that went around all weekend, between our friends and our family. From the ceremony at La Rogativa – my mom walking me down the aisle while my cousin sang the acoustic version of Empire of the Sun’s, “Walking on a Dream” (it was so hard to hold back tears); Will and I sharing our own written vows, to the reception at El Convento – both of us sharing special dances with our moms; Will’s family belting out the German toast, Ein Prosit, every hour; everyone letting loose and ripping up the dance floor; being thrown up in the air more times than I can count; surprising everyone with a five person Puerto Rican band called, Pleneros, to liven up the party, and the vejigantes to dance the evil spirits away, AND last but not least everyone belting out Bohemian Rhapsody (from memory) even after the DJ was gone! It was a complete whirlwind and we both wish we could re-live it again and again. Puerto Rico will always have a special place in our hearts!

More recently it’s hard to look back without crying because of the devastation Hurricane Maria caused to everyone on the island, including our friends and family. We ask that everyone please help our fellow Americans by donating in any way possible.

Photography: Jessa Schifilliti, Photographer | Floral Design: Angel Vasquez Vega | Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero | Invitations: Marlie Vodofsky | Hair + Makeup: Unik Stuio | Band: In-Sync Wedding DJ Cuquitin | Wedding Venue: Hotel El Convento

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What does it take to create an alluring, Provence inspired elopement without leaving the States? A delicate Truvelle gown with a hint of lace, foraged florals expertly arranged by Finding Flora, Melanie Osorio Photography behind the lens, and the keen vision of HauteFêtes Fine Weddings and Design. See that certain je ne sais quoi for yourself – it’s all in the Vault.

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From HauteFêtes Fine Weddings and Design… Provence is one of those places that, when visited, captures the heart and mind and never fully leaves the soul. The light, the dusty colors, the time-worn patina of its architecture, even the food has a way of staying with you long after the last morsel. For our elopement, we were inspired by the simple, rustic elegance of Provence which we brought to southern California. Melanie Osorio Photography has such an authentic way of capturing beauty that we transported our bride and groom to a French bastide on a late summer afternoon to start a new life as a couple. The rose lined driveway and wisteria clad walls of Bastide de Bonheur made for a beautiful backdrop for our intimate affair. Our wonderfully talented florist, Finding Flora, used a combination of hops and branches foraged from the gardens, and the vine motif became a central design element for our stationery suite with By Priscilla Lee’s beautiful, French-inspired calligraphy.

For our color story, a dusty fall palette of rose, ochre, and persimmon were complemented by warm wood and brass tones. Handmade dishes, simple wine, water goblets, gold flatware, vintage brass candleholders, and stone-washed linen from La Tavola completed our French farm table top. No elopement would be complete without some kind of French pastry – a decadent croquembouche, perfectly imagined by The Crimson Cake and accented with tiny flowers, was really hard to resist. The cream walls provided the perfect canvas for our vision as all the pretty details came to life.

Styling the couple, we knew we wanted a youthful, romantic look, which Jess Steingard so wonderfully captured. A chiffon and lace dress from La Truvelle was the perfect balance of the effortless elegance and allure the French are so well known for. We completed her look with Bella Belle shoes, her hair casually swept up in a romantic chignon, loose tendrils escaping in the wind, and a sprig of flowers gently tucked in.

This shoot was incredibly easy, relaxed, and fun to create. We laughed so much – it shows in our real couple’s faces. It was so lovely to spend a day with likeminded creatives, playing with design, walking through the garden, and taking beautiful pictures. I hope these images show how much we enjoyed putting it together!

Photography: Melanie Osorio Photography | Event Design: HauteFetes | Event Planning: HauteFetes | Floral Design: Finding Flora | Wedding Dress: Truvelle | Invitations: By Priscilla Lee | Ceremony Venue: Bastide De Bonheur | Shoes: Bella Belle | Hair + Makeup: Jess Steingard | Candles: Creative Candles | Dessert: The Crimson Cake | Dishes: Crate & Barrel | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Silverware: West Elm

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A one-year wedding anniversary is a special time when you can relive the big day. Get your spouse a gift that will bring fun, relaxation, and a dash of memories as you look back on the vows you made to each other. Here are 10 one year wedding anniversary ideas!

For Her:
Spa Day
This is the perfect gift for a day of relaxation and rejuvenation. Go together and get a relaxing couples massage, or let her go to enjoy a few hours of peace and quiet before an evening out on the town together. This is a great way to show your appreciation and give her a chance to happily reflect on the first year you’ve spent as a married couple.

Down Comforter
Is there anything more magical than making your bed the coziest place on earth?! It’s the place where you spend about half your time so you’ll want to make it as comfortable as possible. Spruce it up with a new down comforter. You may find yourself spending extra time in bed… but what’s wrong with that?

Photobooks
There are so many companies that have gorgeous custom made photo albums. You can choose everything down to the gold foil on the cover. Order one with photos of your first year as a married couple, or if you’re a mega procrastinator like me, pick out 50 of your favorite wedding photos and buy it as a wedding photo album.

Weekend Getaway
A trip up north or along the coast may be the perfect little getaway you need to relax and celebrate your first year as a married couple. Spend two nights somewhere where you can go wine tasting or antiquing. Enjoy a quiet day together and then spend the evening out to enjoy a fun dinner together. It will give you time to reconnect and reminisce about your wedding day.

A Puppy!
Okay, hear me out! I understand that not everyone has a lifestyle that would allow them to get a dog. Totally understandable. But if you’re trying to get rid of baby fever, or find yourself wanting a dog to play with and take care of together, a puppy could be so fun. If you are in a lifestyle where it makes sense, surprise her with a puppy and a bow on your anniversary or go together to adopt one!

For Him:
Rayban Sunglasses
I have yet to find a guy who would turn down a nice pair of sunglasses. It’s one of those things that they may not buy for themselves, but would LOVE to get as a gift. In my experience, Rayban sunglasses are of great quality and last through camping, beach trips, everyday life, and misplacing them in your car. Treat your guy after one year of marriage.

Concert Tickets
Concerts are such a blast. Turn it into a fun date night and go see the band that you danced to at your wedding. It will be a perfect way to reminisce about your wedding day and first dance as a married couple. Spend the night out on the town. Check out a new restaurant, maybe stay at a hotel, and enjoy the concert together.

Google Home
The first year of marriage can typically involve a lot of saving, and learning to budget as a new married couple. Perhaps you completely decorated your place when you got married or maybe you’ve slowly been doing it throughout the year. A Google Home is a great gift that can tie any home together and make it your own. If you’re guy has a techy side, this is the perfect gift for him… and your place.

Craft Beer Tasting
While similar to a wine tasting, but yet totally unique and different, a beer tasting can be a blast. Go to a local brewery and try a flight of their top beers. Or find a brewery that does tours of the facility and tastings on site. Even if you’re not a beer drinker but just he is, there are tons of flavors and options that appeal to everyone’s pallet.

Boudoir Photo Album
I’ve seen this trend done many times when brides give this to their grooms on the wedding day. This is also a cute idea for your one year wedding anniversary. The nice thing about this is you can make it your own. If you want to be in a sexy black dress, or if you want to throw caution to the wind and go completely undressed – you can customize the style of the shoot however you want. This is a sexy gift that adds another wave of zest after the first year.

Your one year wedding anniversary is such a special time to relive your wedding day. No matter what you do, make sure you take time to relax and reflect on the most magical day of your life.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Kylie Thompson is a freelance writer, blogger and marketing professional from Grand Rapids Michigan, where she resides with her husband and golden retriever. 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.

It’s no secret that planning a wedding is a lot of work that involves shelling out a lot of cash! But after spending months creating a perfect day and trying to please everyone around you, don’t you think you and your new husband deserve a magical honeymoon? Instead of breaking the bank on a costly getaway, here are some ideas for cost-effective honeymoons to help you recharge and celebrate your new nuptials!

Thailand
A classic tourist destination, and for good reason, Thailand is a stunning destination for any couples hoping to soak in another culture and explore nature. The weather in Thailand is fairly warm year-round, despite the rainy season, which varies between regions but occurs between May/June to October. Typically, flights tend to be cheaper in the winter months (November-March), and conveniently, this lines up with the best weather in Thailand, with temperatures lingering in the 80s. This will still feel hot to most visitors, however, these are the coldest months in the country. Look into common destinations like Bangkok and Phuket to visit temples and museums, as well as islands such as Koh Samui, Koh Samet, and Ko Phi Phi to have your relaxing, beach experience!

Tulum, Mexico
Mexico is well-known for being a more affordable honeymoon destination, as it’s so close to home, and Tulum is perfect if you’re trying to avoid getting swept up by all the spring-breakers. It is full of fun, affordable activities such as snorkeling and swimming in some of their spectacular beaches. Choose a smaller, boutique hotel as opposed to a larger resort, as they can charge upwards of $500 a night. If you’re looking for somewhere to de-stress from your wedding planning and give your bank balance a break, Mexico may be the spot for you!

Iceland
If you’re a well-versed traveler, you know that it’s always cheaper to travel during the off-peak season. Often, this means that you’ve ended up in Europe in the middle of winter because you got a great deal on flights. But in some cases, this can really work out! Iceland, for example, is one of those destinations where the colder is better, so you may want to go in the middle of February! Flights will be far less expensive than if you were to go in June, when most people travel and most honeymoons occur. In Iceland, you’re sure to get some amazing photos and experience some otherworldly scenic views. Plus, the colder it is, the more you get to snuggle with your honey, right?

Big Sur California
Keep it low-key, and definitely cost-effective, and take a road trip to Big Sur! This beautiful location is perfect for easy-going couples who want to camp for their honeymoon! Campsites in Big Sur are typically around $20 a night, far less expensive than any Air BNB or hotel will get you. Take a few days to explore the town, lounge on the beach, hike, or any other of the numerous activities the location can offer. This could be a great option for a mini-moon immediately after the wedding as well, while you take some time to save up for a bigger vacation!

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Goli Parvinian is a bridal enthusiast and masters student living in Melbourne, Australia. Over the past few years, she has worked for bridal brands in her hometown of Chicago, New Zealand and New York City. You can typically find her in a cafe, face-timing her nieces or out on a long run.

Dreaming of a destination wedding in Italy, Lindsay and Mike stumbled upon The Hummingbird Nest Ranch just outside of Los Angeles and never looked back. With its mature olive trees, cobblestone patio, gorgeous fountains, and Spanish architecture, Hummingbird Nest embodies that romantic, Mediterranean vibe. Finished off with glam arrangements by Unique Floral Designs, this al fresco wedding captured by Love by J. Tori Photography and Triptych Weddings is bellisimo!

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From the Groom… On my way to a lacrosse game, I stopped in the Cal State Fullerton school cafeteria to grab a quick bite. On my way back to the bus, I had no idea I just met the love of my life. While on our way to the game I couldn’t stop talking to my teammates about the girl I had just met. Later that night, Lindsay and a couple of her friends came over to our house where we instantly hit it off. I’m not one to believe in sayings but “being in the right place at the right time” couldn’t have worked out better in this case. Through the next year, I would slowly realize I was dating the women I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

From the Bride… When I saw Mike walk into the Cal State Fullerton school cafeteria, all I could think was, “Wow, what a cutie!” I instantly knew I wanted to get to know him better. Mike and I had several mutual friends, and as he walked over to our table, I had butterflies in my stomach. He started talking about his lacrosse game. I knew absolutely nothing about lacrosse at the time, but I was eager to talk to him, so I blurted out, “Oh, is that the game with the horses?” thinking it was polo. He smiled and invited me to an upcoming game. Obviously, I had a lot to learn. That same night, Mike and his friends had a party to celebrate the game they just won, and I knew I had to go. Mike and I talked for hours that night, and my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. From that moment, I knew I had met the love of my life…and now I’m a lacrosse professional.

Six years later and we could not be more excited for our wedding day – the day we would begin our lives as husband and wife! I woke up that morning surprisingly feeling stress-free and relaxed. Mike and I had put all of our time and energy for the past eight months into planning our dream wedding; we just wanted to focus on the day ahead of us and not let one moment pass us by. I told myself that I didn’t want to cry, but I may have broken that rule around 100 times! I just couldn’t hold back the tears when I saw the look on my mom’s and bridesmaids’ faces when I finished putting on my dress and veil. I completely lost it when my dad saw me for the first time and could only mouth the word, “Wow.” I cried again when I saw the gorgeous reception area, lit up by chandeliers and hundreds of candles, with crystals hanging from the trees, gorgeous lavender and pink flowers, and lush garlands. I could have stayed in that spot for hours. And the moment I’ll never forget, when I tapped Mike on the shoulder and he turned around to see me at our first look. He looked at me the same way he looked at me the night we met, as if it was love at first sight, but when we embraced, it was the most intimate hug we ever had. There was so much love between us, I will never forget the feeling I had in that moment!

The Hummingbird Nest Ranch was a dream. The inspiration for our wedding was to create a glamorous but extremely romantic vibe, as I believe these styles represent us as who we are as a couple. We were considering a destination wedding in Italy, because what could be more romantic than Italy? But when we saw the Hummingbird Nest Ranch, with the mature trees and cobble stone steps, it felt like we could have an Italian wedding right in California… Romantico!

Although the venue is already beautiful, Unique Floral Designs took it to a whole new level! There were countless rose petals as I walked down the aisle, and the ceremony arch was straight out of a fairy tale with lush garland and gorgeous florals. The bouquets my bridesmaids carried looked so gorgeous against their sequined rose gold Jenny Yoo dresses. My girls looked absolutely stunning – they made the ceremony even more gorgeous as they stood up there with me at the altar! Everywhere I looked, there were florals, and they really completed the romantic feeling we were going for.

During the first hour or so of the reception, it started to lightly drizzle – my biggest fear throughout the whole wedding planning process. Rain + outdoor venue = Bride’s worst nightmare! Luckily, what could have been a major downer turned into something magical. The rain caught onto the trees, barely hitting the ground, and creating a beautiful mist that made the night even more fairy tale worthy. Mike and I, with our friends and family, danced for hours under the drizzle – it was romantic and dreamy, yet it was also the most fun party we had ever been to! It truly was the wedding of our dreams!

Photography: Love By J.Tori | Cinematography: Triptych Weddings | Coordination: A Blissful Soirée | Event Planning: Bride and Mother of the Bride | Floral Design: Unique Floral Designs | Wedding Dress: Marisa Bridals | Cake: Skiff's Cakes | Invitations: test | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bracelet: Nadri | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Command Performance Catering | Makeup: Hair & Makeup by Naz | Hair: Sydney Felix - Hair and Makeup by Sydney | Calligraphy: test | DJ: DJ Kamayo Entertainment | Ceremony Music: Atlantic String Trio | Venue: Hummingbird Nest Ranch | Bridal Boutique: Panache Bridal | Bridesmaids' Pajama Sets: Plum Pretty Sugar | Earrings: Nadri | Flower Wall: Wonderwall Paper Flowers | Place Cards: UrbanFarmhouseTampa | Rentals: A Rental Connection | Seating Chart: Houzz | Signage: From Kelly With Love

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The bride is from Chile and is Catholic. The groom is from Australia and is Jewish. They met in South America and now call New York home. Brilliant Event Planning – along with a fantastic team including Face Time Beauty Concierge, Alicia Swedenborg, and Generation Events – brought all those influences together, and the result is this bright and beautiful, totally personalized botanic garden wedding! Before checking out the full gallery, be sure to read all the details below – there are so many thoughtful touches you won’t want to miss!

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From Brilliant Event Planning… Romina and Alexander wanted their wedding to feel happy and to be a celebration with their family and friends, many of whom had to travel from around the world to be with them. They merged Alexander’s Australian and Jewish heritage with Romina’s Chilean and Catholic roots, and the result is this bright, colorful wedding that is packed with personal touches!

The day started with Romina getting ready with her family and Alexander with his at his parent’s home. Our favorite detail from the morning is their invitation suite by Ellen Weldon. It was done completely in hand calligraphy and paired with a hand-drawn map of NYC containing little icons for all of the places important to the wedding weekend! As soon as everyone was dressed, they headed to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for photos. They lucked out – the weather that day was incredible!

After a teary first look and lots of pictures in the garden, it was time for the ceremony. A cello and piano duo played as Romina made her entrance. During the ceremony, the couple merged Jewish and Catholic traditions. There was a chuppah and, of course, breaking glass at the end of the ceremony, as well as a unity candle. The ceremony was completely bilingual and officiated by two of their closest friends. Romina really wanted the flowers to be bright and colorful, but still elegant. Denise Fasanello, the florist, couldn’t have gotten this more perfectly!

Romina designed and created a massive escort display to represent Chile, which is not only where she is from, but it’s also where she met Alexander. Each guest received a card that placed them at a table named after a different city in Chile. The display was accented with custom NYC taxi cabs, a nod to the city Romina and Alexander call home. Each cab had their names and wedding date, written in hand-calligraphy. Later in the evening, the couple surprised their guests with a sala performance! After a standing ovation, their DJ, Jason of Generation Events, took over the dance floor with a hybrid music performance – a DJ paired with drums and a sax. The trio kept the dance floor on fire until 1am! At the end of the night, guests gave Romina and Alexander a sparkler send-off, and the newlyweds drove off to the Brooklyn Bridge in a vintage NYC checker cab.

Photography: Alicia Swedenborg | Cinematography: Kiss The Bride Films | Event Planning: Brilliant Event Planning | Floral Design: Denise Fasanello Floral Design | Invitations: ellen weldon | Hair + Makeup: Face Time Beauty Concierge | DJ: Generation Events | Wedding Venue: Brooklyn Botanic Garden | Photo Booth: Hipstr Photobooth | Salsa: Casa Brazilia