As I write this, I’ve just dropped off my partner, Jack, at the Skybus to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. He was here for five days, two days of which I spent working, and one afternoon I had to spend in class. It was one of the quickest, most packed trips we’ve done. I recently counted, and this was our seventh goodbye.

Brit Solie

Since we met in New Zealand in 2015, I’ve lived in NYC and Melbourne, while he’s stayed in Auckland. We have traveled to four different countries together, including seven different cities. One of the reasons I moved to Melbourne was so I could pursue a Masters’ degree closer to him. I like to think this is the definition of ‘love knows no bounds’.

The Biggest Questions:

Whenever I explain our situation to others, I get a few responses:

“That must be SO hard!”
Honestly, it was never really that difficult, the hard part comes when you miss them.

“That’s amazing, I could never do long distance!”
Sure you could! You’d be amazed what love can encourage you to do!

“I get it, my significant other lives two hours away and it’s so tough”
(Cue my suppressed eye roll). Definitely, everyone at some point has probably experienced some semblance of a long-distance relationship. Being away from the one you love is hard.

“How do you DO that?”
Strangely enough, I’ve never questioned why he and I have stayed in our long-distance relationship.

It’s been so long at this point that it nearly feels normal. We fall into our routine whenever we’re together and now we even have a routine when we’re in separate countries, time zones and even days. For context: New Zealand is 17 hours ahead of New York, and just an easy 20-hour flight.

Mekina Saylor Weddings

Why We Started Long Distance

When Jack and I first started dating while I was interning in New Zealand, we knew that I would have to leave eventually (visa’s run out, new jobs in NYC are offered). It never occurred to us not to pursue a long-distance relationship. We both had the mentality that we should give it a shot as long as we’re still happy and in love, and realistically, when that runs out in any relationship, no matter the distance, it should end.

Why We Still Live Apart

At this point, we both have big goals we’re working on in our respective cities and as much as we want to be together, we’re not about to put our dreams on hold just yet. The way I see it is this: we have the rest of our lives to be in the same place, but at the moment, we’re making it happen in two different countries, and we will be better for each other because of it.

Stewart Leishman Photography

Normal Couple Goals

We have to work a bit harder to meet typical relationship milestones but we’ve met them just as other couples have. We’ve both met the parents, we’ve traveled together, cared for each other in sickness, and argued over what to watch on Netflix. The things we miss are the day-to-day aspects of relationships that most couples take for granted. So next time your significant other picks you up from work, hug them a bit tighter.

So, my answer to most when they ask why I bother with long distance is this: I would rather be with him in any capacity, in any spot on the globe, than to not be with him at all.

Katie Grant Photography

P.S.
Oh, and to all those who like to say that long distance never works? It only never works if you’re lazy. It’s 2017, if you can’t find time to Face-Time for ten minutes or shoot a quick text, I don’t think the distance is to blame!

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.

If you’re worried a ballgown is a little too much for your Big Day: don’t be. That gorgeous gown you’ve been dreaming of since you were a little girl can be glam and understated all at the same time. Still need convincing that a ballgown is right for you? Scroll for a lineup of beauties from Maggie Sottero that will prove you can look still look like a princess without being overdone.

Guess what? You don’t need to be planning a grand cathedral wedding to wear that ballgown of your dreams. Choosing a dress that is equal parts romantic and whimsical can work with any style or venue. From the lace bodice and pearl buttons of the Aracella to the handmade rosettes of the Bianca to the illusion sleeves of the Berkley, we love that each Maggie Sottero design is figure-flattering and completely chic, without being too heavy.

Another bonus of ballgowns? They’re flattering on every body type. Which means that cinched waist and flat tummy you’re after is totally covered. Think an elongating v-neckline (hey there, Meryl), Swarovski crystal belts to highlight that waist (we’re looking at you, Sybil) and a touch of shimmer to really make you stand out, like in the Irma. Yep, that jaw-dropping entrance you’re aiming for is right at your fingertips… all with a side of modern princess.

Whether it’s the shoulder-highlighting Iris, the Lisette with its dance-the-night-away spaghetti straps or the handmade 3D floral motif of the Meredith, you’ll most definitely love all of the little details that go into a Maggie Sottero ballgown. Details that are perfect for your garden party, rooftop celebration or sweet church ceremony. We promise.

From the convenient pockets of the Verity to the flowing tulle of the Montgomery, Maggie Sottero will have you kissing those ballgown doubts away in a heart beat. Find a retailer near you today, then get ready to make your very own fairytale ending.

Happy Tuesday, ladies! Can you believe it’s already September?! I have no idea where the summer went! Luckily, we’re moving out of swimsuit season, which means that the pressure is off workout-wise — we can all just eat right and work hard without worrying about how we look on the beach, and then, come next summer, just surprise everyone with our incredible married-lady bods! Sounds fun, doesn’t it?!

We’re going full body with our circuits this week, full of intimidating-sounding exercises like “atomic” sit-ups and “axe chops,” but fear not, my dears, because we’re nearly halfway through the program! I am SO proud of you all (and myself!)!

This week I wanted to chat with you briefly about essential oils — and why you should be using them! There are endless reasons to use essential oils, but there are two that are particularly relevant to this program: first, the right blend can do wonders for sore muscles, and second, because they can help you sleep — and you all know from last week how important quality sleep is to the success of this boot camp.

For recovery from your workouts, a combination of the following oils will change your life: chamomile, for its anti-inflammatory benefits, clary sage, for achy muscles, eucalyptus, for any pain relief, and peppermint, to reduce tension. Mix a drop of each with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba, and rub on sore areas to relax your body and get ready for the next day’s workout!

Then, when you want to go to sleep at night, put 2-3 drops of lavender oil on your pillow for the most incredible night of rest you’ve ever had. You will not regret this.

For dinner this week I’m giving you guys my all-time favorite salmon recipe. It’s insanely simple but wildly delicious, and of course, boot camp-approved. Between your intense workouts, essential oils, amazing sleep, and healthy eating, you’re going to feel better than ever!

 

View Whole Bridal Bootcamp Here!

 

See you next week!

XO,

Molly

Molly Winding is a freelance writer and health coach who splits her time between Vail and Denver. She is a foodie, health nut, and lover of books, movies, and meditation. When she isn’t working, you’ll find her spending time outside with her fiancé and their goldendoodle. Follow her @windmol!

Taylor Swift attended the wedding of her high school best friend, Abigail Anderson, over Labor Day weekend 2017 in Martha’s Vineyard. She wore a burgundy bridesmaid dress with halter straps, a sweetheart neckline and matching dark lips.

But it was Abigail’s dress that stole the show! The beaded, strapless bodice is accentuated by a full, ruffled, light PINK skirt and we are obsessed, to say the least!

Taylor was ever the dutiful attendant, holding Abigail’s train and roasting her in a speech leaked on Instagram by a wedding guest. Check out all the pics from the destination wedding weekend below!

 

A post shared by People Magazine (@people) on Sep 2, 2017 at 4:51pm PDT

A post shared by @the.swiftie.tag on Sep 2, 2017 at 3:50pm PDT

Another bridesmaid posted this shot, showing more of Abigail’s gorgeous gown. Looks like she opted for color-coordinated ‘maids in mismatched styles.

A post shared by HARPER GRAE (@harpergraemusic) on Sep 2, 2017 at 9:47pm PDT

Further proof that Tay is one gorgeous bridesmaid—check her out as MOH in childhood BFF Brittany Maack’s wedding last year!

A post shared by Emblem Weddings (@emblemweddings) on Feb 22, 2016 at 8:10am PST

Getty

Style Me Pretty Contributor

Ahhhhh I’m crushing hard on this Dallas wedding. From the colors to the stylish simplicity, it hits the right notes, over and over and over again (thanks to Grit + Gold’s planning perfection). And the icing on the cake? This dress and it’s gorgeous details. And thanks to Apryl Ann’s pretty pics I can stare at it all day long. Join me in our gallery right this way!

From Grit + Gold… Jolene and Kevin’s romantic City Garden wedding at Nasher Sculpture Center. Even though they were New York natives, the couple set their sights on the beautiful garden museum for their very cool celebration.

Photography: Apryl Ann Photography | Event Planning: Grit & Gold Event Co. | Cake: Sugar Bee Sweets | Catering: Wolfgang Puck Catering | Venue: Nasher Sculpture Center | Paper: Bella Figura | Rentals: Shag Carpet Prop Rentals | Tabletop Rentals: Posh Couture Rentals

Sometimes it is just about the ‘gram. It’s okay, we get it. We’re in a constant stream of scrolling too, and for your honeymoon, you should expect nothing less.

Imagine the most dreamy and romantic views from your saved collections on Instagram, but better. We’re talking about swimming through turquoise waters, trekking through the jungle, and bike riding through the rice fields of Indonesia.

Inspired? We’ve created 12 ultimate honeymoons with Black Tomato taking you through the most awe-inspiring properties and locations. To see all 12, click here. Want more dreamy inspiration? Head on over to BT’s Instagram for the full run-down.

Style Me Pretty Contributor

After one quick glance at this wedding, I dare you not to will fall in love with the gorgeous and unexpected colorful details wrapped into this couples’ big day. From the vibrant florals perfectly curated by Botanique Flowers to the bright  wedding favor display table, the bold use of reds, pinks, and purples make this wedding a true work of art. Trust me, you will want to take longer than a quick glance at this gallery all captured by the talented Anna Peters!

From the photographer…Daisy and Johnny planned an elegant and relaxed spring Delille Cellars wedding with vibrant pops of color in Woodinville, WA with their closest family and friends. The day dawned warm and clear, as the bridal party arrived at the beautiful grounds of Delille.

It was such an honor to witness such a community driven wedding, Daisy and Johnny thoughtfully designed each detail of their wedding day to reflect their unique personalities and brought their guests along for the ride with the perfect favors. Floral design from Botanique Floral highlighted the most stunning blooms of peony, ranunculus; soft and organic shapes complimented the European garden feel of the grounds. The table numbers were designed as a nod to the couple’s love of travel, each table named after a city that played a significant role in their relationship. Guests were gifted individual Pineapple Cake favors – a traditional Taiwanese treat – and engraved Glencairn glasses for a late night scotch tasting.

Photography: Anna Peters | Event Planning: Jubilee Event Engineers | Floral Design: Botanique | Wedding Dress: Calla Bridal | Invitations: Minted | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Catering: Herban Feast | Hair and Makeup: Pacific Brides | DJ: Magnolia Rhapsody | Groom's Attire: Samuelsohn | Wedding Venue: DeLille Cellars | Cake + Desserts: Trophy Cupcakes | Custom Glencairn Glasses: Etched Laser Art

Temecula is easily one of the prettiest spots in Southern California so it’s no wonder Rebecca and Tim chose it as the backdrop for their wedding celebration. They linked arms with LVL Weddings & Events to bring their dreamy inspiration to life and the result was pure magic. Think dinner al fresco with wine a’flowing and the amazing Esther Sun Photography on hand to capture every bit. See it all right this way!

From the bride… My husband, Tim, and I had dated for 4 years and were engaged for a whopping 2.5 years. The long engagement definitely gave me an insane amount of time to do my research and plan our big day! I collected massive amounts of inspiration and information on Pinterest and wedding blogs. I even had an entirely comprehensive list of all the top vendors in Southern California, their contact information, quotes, and availability! All my friends thought I’d become a bridezilla but thanks to my amazing vendors, planning was a breeze.

I can’t describe my wedding with any other word besides magical. I was so nervous- I had butterflies in my stomach all through hair, makeup, and getting dressed. But as soon as I saw Tim, everything melted away and was replaced by excitement and happiness. We all had so much fun with our family and friends! It was the most unforgettable and happiest day of our lives!

Photography: Esther Sun Photography | Videography: Le Reve Films | Event Planning: LVL Weddings & Events | Floral Design: Carla With Enchanting Blooms | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Cake: Sweet Layers Cakes | Stationery: Judy Dao | Ceremony Venue: Temecula Creek Inn | Reception Venue: Temecula Creek Inn | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Temecula Creek Inn | Hair & Makeup: Ting Makeup Hair | Calligraphy: Evelyn Aguon | DJ: Shine Entertainment | Groom's Attire: Express | Rentals: Madam Palooza

It’s not every day I actually attend the weddings featured on SMP, but lucky for me, I had the pleasure of experiencing Dez and Dom’s special day firsthand. The winning couple of this year’s charitable wedding showcase, Styled For Good, these two received their dream celebration from some of the Twin Cities’ most talented vendors…looking at you, MAVEN, The White Room, Blush & Whim, and so many more. Read on for their amazing story and watch the whole day unfold thanks to Laura Rae and Narrate Studios.

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FROM STYLED FOR GOOD… Dez & Dom were the winners of the 2017 Styled For Good Wedding Giveaway. The mission of Styled for Good is to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to see their dream event come to life. Our goal is to provide meaningful event services for those in need through our matching services. Styled for Good vendors consist of the crème de la crème and are all seeking to provide free or reduced services that will make a big impact for one special couple. We couldn’t be more ecstatic to have met Dez & Dom and are so grateful to them for sharing their story and getting married in front of 500+ people at our Spring 2017 showcase at Machine Shop, Mpls!

DEZ + DOM’s STORY

14 years in the making, Dez & Dom have a love story that truly stands the test of time. At their first “meet cute” where a very nervous Dom awkwardly fumbled Dez’s name (more than once), the pair already knew in that moment that they could fall in love.

Young love is often challenged by what the future holds and all the hopes, dreams and aspirations that inspire us to venture out and make our mark on the world. It was Dez & Dom’s time and they were both being called to explore that great unknown in a new business venture for Dom in Minneapolis, MN and enrolling in Parson’s School of Design for Dez in NYC. As time rolled on, the distance and hardship of making a relationship work over multiple state lines and time zones challenged the couple more than ever. Both were unsure of whether or not they should be together until they received the news that they were pregnant with their son, Dash.

Even with all the excitement and joy that comes with bringing a new life into this world, at a time when a couple often feels closer than ever, Dez and Dom knew that unresolved issues in their relationship were pushing them further and further apart. After giving birth to Dash and moving in together, the couple decided that marriage was the final step to save their relationship.

As the wedding day crept closer, Dom made one final attempt to tell Dez that he wasn’t the man he wanted to be for her- that he wasn’t a whole version of himself worthy of being a husband. In that moment, Dom made the heartbreaking decision to call the wedding off.

Devastated and utterly alone, Dez worked through months of loss and tears, attempting to pick up the pieces of her broken heart. Praying for the strength to take care of herself and her son, she eventually found new hope started to move on. At the same time, Dom was doing some soul searching of his own, finally letting go of and releasing all the hurt and baggage that he had been carrying with him all those years. Dez and Dom were both becoming whole again- something they both believed in to truly come back together.

Forgiveness and friendship returned to their lives and they both knew it was finally time to share their story and become husband and wife. Through the nomination of multiple family members and close friends, Dez and Dom were introduced to Styled For Good. Inspired and truly touched by their love story, Styled For Good gifted the couple with a free wedding ceremony and reception valued at over 50K in donated services.

Photography: Laura Rae Photography | Videography: Narrate Studios | Event Planning: Styled For Good | Floral Design: Maven | Catering: Create Catering | Hair + Makeup: Cristina Ziemer Beauty | Calligraphy: Shasta Bell Calligraphy | Lighting: Phos Events | Suit: Atmosfere | Officiant: Positively Charmed | Transportation: Total Luxury Limousine | Venue: Machine Shop | Venue: Machine Shop | After Party: Create Catering | Bridal Salon: The White Room | Day-Of Coordination: Tiny Wedding | Music: Rock With U | Paper Goods: Printerette Press

My husband’s dream vacation destination has long been the Faroe Islands, and one look at Holly and Kalani’s adventure anniversary session in the islands and the Scottish Highlands photographed by Christine Clark has me ready to book us a couple of tickets ASAP. Could there be a more dramatic and romantic landscape for this sweet couple celebrating their years of love!? Each and every photo will take your breath away – they did mine – so block off some time this morning to explore this gorgeous gallery.

From Christine Clark… Holly and Kalani’s adventure anniversary session took us from the haunting beauty of the Scottish Highlands to the jaw dropping grandeur of the Faroe Islands. As the weather ranged from dripping skies to blazing sunshine, we wandered the landscape of Scotland, driving down roads that wound endlessly between green, grassy mountains and fields that stretched into quiet lakes. The countryside was dotted with crumbling castles and an array of fluffy sheep that expressed little concern with our presence. We eagerly used them as our landscape models anyhow. The Faroe Islands was a magical fairytale land full of lakes hanging above towering cliffs, and waterfalls tumbling into the ocean. The brightly painted, grassy topped houses clustered in valleys and inlets, providing bright patches against the green mountains that spread across the ocean and into the sky.

Everywhere we went, I always could keep tabs on where Holly and Kalani were by listening for the sound of their giggles. These two never stop laughing and having fun together. Their energy is at once intimate and light and is an absolute pleasure to photograph. Our time exploring these northern lands was magical and utterly breathtaking.

Photography: Christine Clark

Excuse me while I leave reality behind and escape to the beauty that is this charmingly chic chateau shoot. Captured by Gert Huygaerts, with assistance from Palermo Photo, these pics are what my day dreams are made of, from the gorgeous florals by Laetitia Fleurs d’Atelier to the La Tavola linens, all orchestrated perfectly by The Romanticist Studios. Simply put, it’s paradise in Provence. How can you resist!?

From Gert Huygaerts… Escape to beautiful Provence with a vow renewal planned by The Romanticist Studios and captured by fine art photographer Gert Huygaerts.

From The Romanticist Studios… When the couple is set on a destination wedding it is always important to combine both ‘worlds’ for an authentic vision. To create this vision, we carefully selected the location and a ‘home’ and ‘local’ teams that could bring together American trends and the natural beauty and warmth of Provence.

The logistics of any event abroad can be overwhelming for couples and planners alike so we partnered with Coco from Travellur to scout a unique venue (Chateau des Alpilles) and manage the ins and outs of our trip.

To compose the modern details, I chose a trendy color palette of ‘greenery’ and almond that enhanced the natural elements at the Chateau and the bride’s look. The romantic minimal dress by Alexandra Grecco was paired with custom jewelry crafted by Sara Golden specially for our bride.

Using foraged grasses and roses, Laetitia Fleurs d’Atelier created a bouquet that was both organic and feminine for the occasion. Silk and Willow watercolor ribbon infused the bridal look with the green and almond shades in a sophisticated way.

The head table was designed to stand out at the location. We chose pillar candles and long café au lait tapers from Creative Candles along with a dramatic fern velvet tablecloth from La Tavola Linen for a modern touch of color. The place settings were adorned with local grasses and handwritten name cards from Tara Spencer. The florals were wild and asymmetrical in shades of almond, green grass and soft rose.

All other tables were kept simple with the Chateau’s own garden tables and simple flower arrangements.

Tara Spencer designed a textural and bold invitation suite to give guests a little glimpse of all the moments to come in Provence. Luxury handmade paper from her company Idyll added subtle almond color to the suite.

Photography: Gert Huygaerts Photography | Event Planning: The Romanticist Studios | Styling: The Romanticist Studios | Floral Design: Laetitia C. - fleurs d'atelier | Wedding Dress: Alexandra Grecco | Invitations: Tara Spencer | Jewelry: test | Venue: Chateau des Alpilles | Candles: Creative Candles | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Logistics + Travel: Coco Kliks | Photography - Assistance: Palermo Photo | Ribbon + Napkin: Silk and Willow | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Tabletop: Petra

Destination weddings come in all shapes and sizes and this Scottsdale gem is proving you don’t have to travel all the way to Europe to capture that old world charm. With the help of Imoni Events and Sarah’s Garden, the Silverleaf Country Club was transformed into a bright, floral filled celebration with major Tuscany vibes. Take a peek at the full day so beautifully captured by Rachel Solomon, plus a film by Bright Bokeh below.

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From the bride…Because we are both born and raised in Oklahoma, Colby and I were always asked a lot, “So why Scottsdale?” Since the beginning of our relationship, the two of us have always visited Scottsdale with my parents. I remember we were at an outdoor spring concert at Silverleaf in April 2015, and I was absolutely sold on that venue after that night (even if we did have to wait 18 months for the perfect wedding date). The venue is absolutely stunning, and the breathtaking views don’t hurt either.

When it came to the planning of the big day, we took full advantage of the 18 month engagement and we planned in stages. We made a handful of visits out to Scottsdale from Oklahoma throughout the process and each visit was so productive, thanks to the amazing team at Imoni Events. From the first meeting sitting down with Jenni, she absolutely NAILED my vision. She had collaborated with my Pinterest board and created a vision board that nearly had me in tears it was so perfect. Every single vendor they recommended was perfection and helped to make the day as dreamy as I had imagined. I can say that I had little to no stress during the entire process, and I couldn’t be more appreciative of that.

The beauty of Silverleaf Country Club speaks for itself, so I knew I wanted to stay away from any “bold” colors or decisions. Gold, rose gold and greenery are just so timeless, and that is what took precedence when making all of our decisions. I think it also helped to accentuate the stunningness of Sarah’s Garden’s floral arrangements. I also had so much fun selecting all of the eclectic cocktail furniture from Prim Rentals, it was almost like building my own little dollhouse garden.

Another popular question I got throughout the process was “As a photographer, how do you choose one for your own wedding?” The answer to this question was so easy–just take a look at Rachel Solomon’s body of work. I randomly found an image of hers on Pinterest before we even got engaged and the Monday after he proposed I had an email out to her. I thought she might think I was a little cooky booking her so far out, but I knew what I wanted! We flew out about one year before our big day to shoot our engagement photos and the turnout just solidified my decision even more.

Colby and I can both confidently say, it was THE best day of our lives. I am just in awe from the photos from that day and I will absolutely cherish them forever.

Photography: Rachel Solomon Photography | Videography: Bright Bokeh | Event Planning: Imoni Events | Floral Design: Sarah's Garden | Gown: Watters | Cake: Ruze Cake House | Invitations: Smock | Reception Venue: Silverleaf Country Club | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Makeup: Courtney Montes | Hair: Emily Hughes | DJ: Desert House Productions | Mens Attire: The Wardrobe Modern Menswear | Bridesmaids' Dresses Store: Prim | Gown Boutique: The Bridal Boutique | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Paper: Celebrations in Paper | Rentals: Prim Rentals | Rentals: Glamour And Woods

Although Labor Day weekend isn’t technically the end of summer, it often feels like the fall season appears only days later. Summertime is synonymous with parties, al fresco happy hours, and other social events, making fall the perfect time to recommit to a healthy routine.

Photography: Erin McGinn | Styling Abby Capalbo

Try utilizing this season as a way to reset after summer, or to experiment with new flavors to add to your healthy routine. From homemade soups and chilis, to including pumpkin and squash into your weekly routine, this season is the perfect time to fall back into a healthy lifestyle.

Follow along for my favorite ways to get the most out of autumnal eats.

Milou & Olin

Think Beyond the #PSL
Whether you are a pumpkin spice devotee or can’t stand the idea of pumpkin mania this time of year, I often encourage clients to think beyond the sweet side of pumpkin. This fiber-rich vegetable can be used in many savory dishes to increase nutrient content, including beta-carotene and vitamins C and E. Plain, unsweetened pumpkin can be stirred into pasta dishes for a thicker sauce, used in hummus as a veggie dip, or sliced and roasted as an easy side dish.

Choose More Plant-Based Protein
Cooler weather pairs well with cozier meals. Grilling season may be ending, but fall favorites like soup, chili and stews are on the menu and make for easy vegetarian options. To take advantage of the cooler temps, try to incorporate at least two vegetarian meals each week. Not only does opting for plant-based protein often result in healthier choices, but forgoing meat also means decreasing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions compared to those from meat-based meals.

Look for easy recipes like slow cooker vegetarian chilis and bean-based soups, or try using black beans in place of beef for recipes like stuffed peppers or tacos. However you choose, incorporating more plants results in leaner protein choices, extra fiber, and a more environmentally friendly meal.

Brumley & Wells

Enjoy a Healthier Treat
Who doesn’t love the comfort of autumn dishes like pecan pie, caramel apples, or cider doughnuts? However, instead of overindulging all season long, try working those classic fall flavors into lighter dishes. Pecans boast plenty of plant-based protein, along with heart-healthy fats. Toss them into salads for extra crunch or try using them in oatmeal with a swirl of maple syrup for a pecan pie-inspired breakfast.

Baking apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon brings out their natural sweetness and can be paired with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a fall parfait. Or, try this recipe for a healthier, RD-approved caramel dip. Get creative by experimenting with new dishes and save those truly indulgent treats for a few special occasions throughout the season.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Amanda Baker Lemein, MS, RD, LDN, is a Registered Dietitian and writer from Chicago. She works in private practice, helping both pediatric and adult clients find healthy lifestyles. Follow her for nutrition tips @amandalemein_rd.

You’ve decided you want to wait until the walk down the aisle to see each other, yet you wouldn’t mind a special, pre-ceremony moment for just the two of you. May we suggest a “first touch”? This Bride and Groom were guided to each other, with eyes closed, by the Bride’s father so that they could share an intimate prayer before their nuptials and reception at Oxford Exchange. Luckily for us, PSJ Photography captured the sweet moment, and it’s waiting for you in the Vault!

From PSJ Photography… My favorite thing about this wedding was how relaxed the Bride and Groom were throughout the day. I adored the way that Adam looked lovingly at Kari, and together they savored every moment. Living in Italy (the Groom is a professional Italian basketball player), they spend many of their dinners around a table for hours just soaking in good times and good people. Their wedding was much like this, including a two hour dinner that was unfussy and full of laughs and great food. The Groom’s ring was also made of the melted down metals of his grandparents’ rings and had his wife’s fingerprint imprinted on it! Another special moment was the “first touch” where the Bride’s father guided the Groom across the room, and they shared a prayer over the lives they were about to promise to each other.

From the Bride… We love greenery and natural beauty and wanted simplicity, yet classy, elegant, and timeless. We always envisioned our wedding to have a garden feel. However, the heat and rain of summer made this idea somewhat impossible… Until we found Oxford Exchange. The indoor garden feel, natural beauty, and elegance of Oxford captured our hearts from the first moment we walked in.

Our unique elements included olive branches to bring in a touch of Italy, a sign in globe to represent our love of travel and how all of our guests mean “the world to us,” and a remembrance table to remember those who couldn’t be with us but who are forever in our hearts.

It is really tough to choose a favorite moment! The Groom’s father was also a basketball coach, and the image of the two of them leaving the church and sharing a basketball handshake gives me so many chills! One of the most special moments for us was just prior to Adam’s thank you and blessing. We took a moment, looked around the entire room, and saw that every single person we love was all in one place, and they were there to celebrate our love and our marriage. How amazing a feeling that was! It warms our hearts thinking about this moment, and it will be a memory we will cherish forever. 

My gown was was by Maggie Sotterro and the name was Lisette. I never envisioned having a princess style gown until putting it on. It was classy, elegant, sexy, and I loved it! Our cake was made by Kim Yelvington at Chocolate Pi. It was a champagne scented strawberry cake with mimosa cream. DELICIOUS! We created welcome bags when our guests checked into the hotel including water, snacks, Advil, and a thank you cards for our guests. 

Our advice to couples is to do a last dance with just the Bride and Groom. That was another one of our favorite moments because it gave us one more chance to soak it all in! It was so special and so memorable.

Photography: PSJ Photograpgy | Cinematography: Alvaro Misericordia Films | Floral Design: Botanica International Design Studio | Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero | Cake: Chocolate Pi | Ceremony: St Lawrence Catholic Church | Reception: Oxford Exchange | Hair + Makeup: Rachel Reumann | DJ: Impulse Entertainment | Bridal Boutique: Lily's Bridal Of Orlando | Robe: Homebodii

I love this Bride’s determination. She reminds me a bit of myself in my early wedding planning days. I too, was all over the map in search of the perfect venue for our Big Day and opted for a longer engagement in order to find that gem. This duo finally found their dream setting at Gallaher Mansion and it sure is something out of Tuscany. Kelsey Combe Photography captured every moment so beautifully and you can soak it all up right here in the full gallery!

From Kelsey Combe Photography… I knew this was a special wedding from the first second I set foot at the venue. It was an overcast day, threatening rain, and the luscious greens of the park, combined with the light pebble walkways, made it feel as though this park in Connecticut was actually an estate in Tuscany. The venue was stunning, and Jess had a vision that absolutely came to life. She filled the tent and mansion with overflowing greens and hundreds of DIY touches, to tie it all together. Her mother and father performed the first dance song, adding an extremely personalized touch to this special day.

From the bride Jessica… From the moment Tom and I got engaged, I had mostly feelings of excitement but a little bit of anxiety about creating the perfect wedding… for us. I am exhaustingly particular but also terrible at making decisions. I had a vision in mind of a special day and night which sent me and my now husband on a search (both online and in person) from lofts in Brooklyn, to a beach wedding in Turks and Caicos, to an estate wedding in Charleston back to the northeast. At this point I admittedly began driving my husband, family and friends crazy.

We started out eager and excited and ended a bit discouraged. Nothing felt like what we envisioned, and within the budget we hoped for. Luckily, we agreed on a longer engagement (22 months) mostly because we couldn’t make up our minds. All that we knew for sure is we wanted three things; great food, live music and someplace unique that we could make our own.

After a weekend of looking at more venues, we stumbled upon the Gallaher Estate at the center of a green and lush public park in Norwalk, CT that felt as if we were in Tuscany. The space was an ornate but empty 1920s mansion with an empty tent outside and that was exactly the blank canvass we were looking for. What we truly loved about it was the option to customize every last detail, and add as little or as much as we desired. Despite our enthusiasm, our families were apprehensive (though supportive and happy we were finally making a decision!) as the space was barren and a bit tired looking. Tom and I immediately had the vision of a beautiful garden party and we knew the Gallaher Estate was perfect.

We started with the things we knew we wanted done right, and researched like crazy to find the best of the best in our price range. Having a long engagement really gave us that opportunity. I felt like I had the dream team of vendors and I stayed within my budget. Choosing Kelsey as a photographer was a no brainer to me. Her style was natural and truly beautiful. Next came choosing the florists (a mother daughter duo), who became the most amazing assets to the wedding design. I knew I wanted lots of greens, so that when our guests walked into the tent it felt like an extension of the natural beauty surrounding the mansion, I also wanted soft peach hues, and tons of gold. They recommended the beautiful Hanoi ranunculus, and the impeccable combination of greens that adorned the tent. They were my go-to girls for all design related questions and I trusted their every suggestion. I also rented beautiful vintage furniture from them which added that unique and special touch. My friends and I spent countless hours curating items (signs, table numbers, hand painted bottles and vases) which added that last touch of vintage garden glam that I was envisioning.

Despite a rain scare, the night turned out so beautifully, and I couldn’t have asked for a better photographer than Kelsey, she captured every detail and every happy memory with an artful eye and a personal touch.

Photography: Kelsey Combe Photography | Floral Design: KLW Design Co | Wedding Dress: Kelly Faetanini | Invitations: Pretty Polite | Ceremony Venue: Saint Aloysius Church | Reception Venue: Gallaher Mansion and Cranbury Park | Shoes: Nine West | Jewelry: Heirlooms | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu | Catering: David Alan Catering | Makeup: Erica T. Martell | Hair: Gugliotti Salon | Lighting: Vivid Events | Band: Silver Arrow Band | Groom's Attire: Black Lapel | Acrylic Sign: Cat Wilcox Watercolor and Calligraphy

Cue the tears and those lovey-dovey, warm feelings: With so many beautiful words written about love, including a reading or two during your ceremony to express your devotion for each other will definitely have your guests grabbing their tissues. From movies and books to poetry and lyrics from your favorite songs, here are 15 of the most romantic passages to include in your wedding ceremony.

 

 

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Ali Struhs is a freelance writer, blogger, and boy mama in Denver, Colorado. When not typing away on the computer, she enjoys exploring the great outdoors, rocking out at Red Rocks, and chasing around her toddler.

 

Nothing is quite as synonymous with weddings as a long, white veil. And while the traditional headpiece is breathtaking, it isn’t for everyone. Today, we see brides dawning veils with everything from embellishments and crystals to color and lace, and many even ditching the tradition altogether and opting for something a bit more modern.

So how do you choose what veil, if any, is right for you?

Michael and Carina Photography

THE TRADITIONAL BRIDE
There truly is nothing quite as stunning as a cathedral-length veil for a traditional bride. These veils are the longest option and trail behind the bride as she saunters down the aisle. If the length seems overwhelming, a chapel or floor-length veil will give the same dramatic effect without the extra effort.

Jose Villa Photography

THE EDGY BRIDE
If you’re going for an edgy look for your big day, but still want that bridal feeling you get from a veil, consider a blusher. Blushers give an instant vintage vibe to your whole look and add a touch of romance. If vintage isn’t your thing, ditch the veil altogether, instead opting for a crystal headband or nothing at all—you can make a statement with your hairstyle alone.

KT Merry Photography

THE BOHO BRIDE
Bohemian brides often choose dresses that scream effortless, so keep that vibe going throughout your whole wedding day look. Add flowers to a messy braid or pull your hair back with a gold leaf headband. It will enhance your look and make you feel like a boho princess as you walk down the aisle.

Cassidy Carson Photography

THE IN-BETWEEN BRIDE
Do you have a bit of a taste for all of the above? Consider an elbow-length veil with a sparkly silver trim. The length will give you that instant bridal feeling, but won’t take away from you or the dress, plus the trim adds that little bit of edge you may be looking for. It’s traditional and unique all sewn into one gorgeous piece.

No matter what veil or headpiece you go for, be sure to try it out ahead of time. Bring a few different options with you to your hair and makeup trial to test out what feels right. It’s also a good idea to bring the pieces with you when you go for your dress fitting so you can get the full picture of your gorgeous wedding day look.

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.

 

Wedding venues range widely in how they look and how much they cost. There’s factors to consider like how many guests will be attending, what the weather will be like during the ceremony and what theme the wedding will have. Thankfully, there are some easy ways to help you narrow down your venue list so your day ends up being in the perfect place.

Josh Gruetzmacher

Work with A Wedding Planner

You may think you can look at the description of a space online and figure out if it’s right for you or not, but a wedding planner will know exactly how much space is needed for each part of your ceremony. They’ll be able to guarantee that when you pay for the venue, you’ll be getting exactly what you need, and that reassurance is worth getting a little extra help.

Corbin Gurkin Photography

Consider Religious Traditions

Most of the time, brides-to-be already know the basic location of where their wedding will be. After all, 80 percent of weddings take place in religious institutions, so figuring out if you want your wedding to have an emphasis on religion or not will help you cross venues off your list. Once you know if you want your big day to happen inside, outside, anywhere at all, you’ll be one step closer to securing a place.

Ryan Ray Photography

Think About Your Guests

You may have always dreamed of having an outdoor wedding for aesthetic reasons or personal ones, but now you’re planning for a July wedding. Will being outdoors be a practical decision? Take a second to think about your guests. Weather, parking, accessibility and comfort are all decisions to factor in. Will your venue make them feel welcomed, comfortable and help them enjoy the ceremony? It may be a day to celebrate the love you share with your fiancé, but you still need to think about the well-being of the other people in attendance.

Nicole Bass Photography

Stick To Your Budget

It’s tempting to look around online, fall in love with the seemingly perfect wedding venue and decide to spend extra cash to have your wedding there. Don’t do it! Spend some time figuring out how to make the best wedding budget for yourself, and then stick with it. Weddings will always have future, unexpected expenses that you need to be prepared for, even your own.

Finding the wedding venue of your dreams can be difficult if you do it on your own. There are plenty of ways to make a tiny mistake that could affect your ceremony in big ways, so before you book anything, make sure you know what you’re getting into. Talk with a professional to get help and be mindful of your money. And don’t forget your guests! If you’re smart, you’ll be hanging flowers at your dream venue in no time.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Kacey is a lifestyle blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine.  Follow Kacey on Twitter and subscribe to her blog to keep up with her travels and inspiring posts!

 

A welcome bubbly bar and insanely cute fur baby are just the beginning of this Best Day Ever. It’s a Lombardi house wedding that mixes dapper with alfresco and two incredibly stylish grooms. These Messrs. set out to host an elegant celebration with a backyard feel and with the help of Alfred House Productions their vision because a reality. Get a front row seat to this happy, happy day with imagery captured by Kristina Adams and a video by Theater 10 Films.

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From the Groom…We really wanted to get married in Los Angeles and the Lombardi House was the perfect mix of old Hollywood Elegance and a casual estate affair. Neither of us are from here, but Los Angeles is where we began building our lives together and have established our careers. (Taylor is a singer songwriter (http://www. Taylorjahn. Com/) and Adam runs the west coast operations for the Trevor Project’s (www. Thetrevorproject. Org) suicide prevention and crisis intervention services). Trying to pick a best memory of the day is like trying to decide which Adele song is the best (Adam says All I Ask; Taylor argues Hello). Getting ready together was incredibly special. Never once were we nervous, but we were so filled with love and excitement and anticipation that we were on a total high. A close second was when we walked into the barn, hand in hand, and the crowd just collectively screamed and cheered and cried (probably helped that we had a welcome bubbly bar as people arrived). You could tell how happy our friends and family were after being key players in our own self-discoveries, having seen our relationship grow and find true happiness in one another, finally coming out on top. Also Granger in that bow tie was pretty darn perfect. We wanted to go for an elegant backyard feel for the entire day and night, because one of the cornerstones of our relationship has been our amazing house parties with friends and family. We wanted everyone to feel like they could dress in their best, but also feel comfortable to be who they are in a relaxed setting. The result was an excellent combination of peak fashion choices, great food and drinks, and even better dance moves.

Photographer: Kristina Adams Photography | Videographer: Theater 10 Films | Floral Design: Alfred House Productions | Cake: Viktor Benes | Catering: Sky's Gourmet Catering | Lighting : Samson Sound and Lighting | DJ: Bow Tie Events - DJ, Emcee | Groom's Attire: Kenneth Cole Reaction | Groom's Attire: Calvin Klein | Groomsmen's Attire: The Black Tux | Wedding Venue: The Lombardi House | Bowties: Tie the Knot | Planning & Design: Alfred House Productions | Rentals: AAA Rentals