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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Calluna Events

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Florals

Plum Sage Flowers

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

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

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

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

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Erin Wilson Photography

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

Rent a Boat

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

Picnic

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

Visit a Local Estate

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

Love at Home

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

Be Tourists in Your Own City

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

Walk on the Beach

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

Be Adventurers

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

Book a Flight

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

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

Sophie Kaye Photography

Put a plan in place

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

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

Natalie Bray Studios

Minimize multiple meetings

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

Avoid Pinterest

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

Krista A. Jones Photography

Pay For Help

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

Trent Bailey Studio

Decide on a ‘decision maker’

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

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

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Natalie Bray Studios

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

Koman Photography

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

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

Katie Lopez Photography

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

Julie Mikos – Photographer

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

Isabelle Selby Photography

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

Bethany Erin Photography

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

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

Meal Plan

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

Prep, prep, prep

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

The Power Clean + Hiring Help

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

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

Do Laundry Daily

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

Split Up Big Projects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eric Kelley Photography

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

Ruth Eileen Photography

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

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

Isabelle Selby Photography

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

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

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

Winsome And Wright

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

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

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

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Jenny Yoo

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

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From Vera of Ideias de Veludo:

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

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

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

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

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

It’s not surprising that summer and fall are almost tied when it comes to favorite season, making this time of year quite bittersweet for most of us—especially the party-throwers who enjoy a comfy al fresco soiree. I’m betting most of you fall into that category if you’ve come this far. If so, you’ve come to the right place because Nastia Liukin and Back Bay Bride are giving us the recipe for THE cutest end-of-summer shindig, complete with loads of lobsters. Does it get anymore end-of-summery than that? Ruth Eileen snapped up all of the goodness for your feasting pleasure, right here in the full gallery.

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From Ruth Eileen… American sweetheart and new New England resident Nastia Liukin and her fiancé Matt Lombardi hosted the perfect backyard dinner party to celebrate the season and make use of their brand new patio! Designed by Kelsey of Back Bay Bride, the gathering was created to be the ultimate al fresco dining experience. Bright and colorful tones of green and blue made for a vibrant and summery tablescape perfect for a seasonal meal. Navy and white striped linens provided a hint of classic coastal vibes to compliment the seafood menu. Pops of yellow in the floral arrangements and a lemon motif on the paper goods by POPPYjack Shop were a fresh and fun accent. Beverages included a refreshing Prosecco and Limoncello cocktail, a nod to the couple’s upcoming trip to Positano! For dinner, the group dined on lobster, mussels and corn on the cob to celebrate this Texas gal’s first New England summer!

Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography | Event Design: Kelsey Kneeland | Paper Goods, Drink Stirrers, Menus: Poppyjack Shop | Patio Furniture: Joss & Main | Table Runner: Williams Sonoma | Table Top Decor: Crate & Barrel

The vision for this inspiration shoot? A thoughtfully planned proposal set on Figueroa Mountain. It begins with a handwritten letter plus a dreamy custom dress and ends with a picnic celebration and a champagne toast. Of course, it takes an incredible stylist like Kelly Oshiro to pull off this kind of pretty and we’re thanking our lucky stars Koman Photography captured every bit. Just forward this link to your significant other and consider it a gentle *hint hint* for your dream proposal brought to life.

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From Kelly Oshiro… Who doesn’t love a good proposal story? For this inspiration shoot. I imagined an elaborate and personalized proposal on the top of Figueroa Mountain in Santa Ynez. First, the bride-to-be finds a gorgeous custom dress by Musat enclosed with a beautiful calligraphed love letter by Susan Silverberg. The letter directs her to meet him at “their spot” at the top of Figueroa Mountain and to wear the dress. They meet under their favorite oak tree, and it’s here he drops to one knee and pops the question with a stunning ring from 33 Jewels. Then, they enjoy an intimate picnic with lavender lemonade, a cheese plate, and of course champagne!

Photography: Koman Photography | Dress: Musat Bridal | Jewelry: 33 Jewels | Hair + Makeup: Chateau Belle | Male Wardrobe : The Black Tux | Paper: Susan Silverberg | Photo Lab: Richard Photo Lab | Props + Bracelet: Porch | Stylist + Production : Kelly Oshiro

Choosing a hairstyle without your dress is nearly impossible. Maybe you’ve always envisioned an updo for your Big Day, but your dress of choice might pair even more beautifully with beachy waves. So, we’ve put together five stunner combos that complement each other to a T, from an undone bun and button-back to swoon-worthy side swept and long sleeves.

Laced Button-Back

If ever there were a time to do an updo, it’s with a gorgeous dress back. Let those buttons be seen with a low, undone bun.

Long-sleeved Loveliness

Lengthy sleeves pair beautifully with a lengthy curls. Sweep your hair to one side to show off your dress’ shoulder detailing.

Sweet + Strappy

With a simple strap dress, try going a bit more dramatic with your hairstyle. This side braid adorned with a shiny floral headband brings this two-piece dress to life.

Pretty in Pants

Sure, this one’s not a dress, but it’s just as stunning! For a pantsuit bride, try a clean bun or chignon for a crisp, clean look.

Off-the-Shoulder

Boho beach waves and off-the-shoulders were just meant to be. There’s nothing quite as romantic as soft curls gracing a bride’s bare shoulders.

We’ve unofficially deemed today a celebration of NYC. Beginning with this morning’s real wedding set in Central Park South and ending with an inspiration shoot at the Four Seasons downtown, we’re deep-diving this modern take on a hotel affair all designed by Classic Events NYC. Think clean lines, garden blooms, and moments of quiet romance amongst the bustling city captured by the incomparable Judy Pak. Get your city wedding fix with even more this way in the gallery.

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From Classic Events NYC… When the venerable Four Seasons Hotel opened its new downtown location, we just knew it was a perfect match for our classic and timeless style. Our vision for this shoot was to complement the venue, featuring a modern garden-inspired table setting.

We called in expert floral designer, Belle Fleur NY, to create a floral-scape of dreamy whites and crisp fresh greens with soft delicate accents of pale periwinkle that softened the look of the contemporary ballroom and celebrated the beautiful spring season. The table design incorporated formal footed crystal vessels with potted Myrtle topiaries and faceted tumblers with a bevy of mixed florals including fluttering Sweetpea, Muscari, Patience Garden Roses, button Ranunculus, white Lilac, Parrot Tulips, and Hellebores.

Although the look felt very much as if we cut from the most exquisite European garden, we stayed true to a more refined and controlled silhouette to embrace the juxtaposition of a city-country style.

Photography: Judy Pak Studio | Event Design: Classic Events NYC | Floral Design: Belle Fleur | Wedding Dress: Marchesa | Cake: Ron Ben-Israel Cakes | Invitations: Fourteen-Forty | Reception Venue: Four Seasons New York Downtown | Bride's Shoes: Valentino | Hair + Makeup: Face Time Beauty Concierge | Groom's Attire: Sene | Bridal Salon : Gabriella New York Bridal Salon

Your wedding day is an indescribably exciting day, but it is often a marathon, not a sprint, especially for the ladies. It’s important that the celebrations begin with good food and a few libations to both get some nourishment in the system and kick off the party!

Sean Cook Wedding Photography

As the bride, the last thing you want to do is burden yourself with another time-consuming task on the big day, but it is understandable to want everything about your morning to feel special, including breakfast. Send this to your planner or MOH for a little wedding morning magic!

Build Your Own Bagel Buffet
Whether it’s everything or cinnamon swirl, sesame seed or asiago cheese, it is hard to find a lady who doesn’t love a good bagel. The famous carb can also be the centerpiece for an amazing spread on your wedding morning. Not only can you cater a variety of bagels, there are endless spreads and toppings to be offered so that your bridal party can build their own personalized breakfast! Start with the carbs, then add pairings until your heart is content- plain and flavored cream cheeses, jams, peanut butter, Nutella, sliced berries and even sprinkles! No topping left behind makes for an epic bagel buffet that will start your big day off right.

Caroline Tran Photography

Yummy Yogurt Parfait Station
Food stations have become the go-to for unique, laid back wedding receptions, but are also the perfect solution for feeding you and your squad while you’re getting all gussied up on the big day. While yogurt doesn’t have much appeal on it’s own, it’s a shining brunch star when paired with bowls of granolas, berries and honey for a make your own yogurt parfait station. The prep and set up are super simple- picking up a few flavors or yogurt, toppings and cute bowls and spoons is a cinch- but the end result is fancy, delicious and easy to enjoy in between primping.

Fanciful Fruit Skewers
Fruit is a common component of breakfast, especially on wedding morning while getting dolled up with all the girls. Yet, it often just gets tossed together in a bowl or placed on a platter. Rather than serve up your fruit in salad form, choose skewers or kebobs- fruit on a stick is easy to pick up and enjoy while having your hair done or socializing with the bride tribe. Plus, the cute combinations are endless! Various colorful fruits can be stacked on one stick or you can pair berries, apples and grapes with cheeses for a more substantial snack in kebob form. You can even create an especially sweet treat by alternating strawberries and sugared donut holes! Cut into heart shapes or combined with other favorite foods, skewers definitely give your breakfast fruit a fancier feel.

Gemini Photography Ontario

Delightfully Whimsical Donuts
Ladies, donuts have always been delicious, but over the last couple years they have gotten seriously gourmet with Instagram-worthy decorations and fabulous flavor combinations. As such, a dozen donuts has become the ticket to easily turning your wedding morning hair and makeup session into a party. With creative flavors from s’mores to roasted peach and basil and whimsical decorations ranging from edible glitter and multi-colored marbled frosting to donuts made to look like unicorns, our favorite childhood pastry is ready for the party.

Lorely

Bubbles
Sure, snacks are super important the morning of the big day, but sips are an exciting part of the wedding morning too- it is the start of a much-anticipated celebration after all! Mimosas and champagne are often the staple, but why not spruce these traditional drinks up a bit? Making morning mimosas picture-worthy can be as simple as serving your orange juice out of a glass dispenser and placing your champs bottles in a container filled with edible flower ice cubes.

The main rule for wedding morning- keep it simple. Fancy and delicious don’t have to be complicated if you look at traditional staples in a new way. Here’s to starting your big day off right with all the festive and none of the hassle!

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Katie Patton is a merchant and freelance writer from Ohio, currently residing in Celebration, Florida with her fiancé. When she isn’t working you can find her sipping and snacking on a patio, traveling to see her friends and family, endlessly scrolling Instagram or Pinterest and, of course, planning her own upcoming wedding!

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Sean Cook Wedding Photography

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You put a lot of thought into your engagement photos: where to go, what to wear, who your photographer will be. And for most couples, this photo session is the first time you’re having a professional portrait done of you and your to-be. Engagement photos give you a chance to feel comfortable in front of the camera, to feel confident in your wedding photographer, and they give you beautiful pictures to treasure.

Here’s how to showcase them for years to come.

O’Malley Photographers

Create a holiday card
Post-wedding, you will probably opt for a wedding photo to display on your holiday card. But if your wedding falls after the holidays, or you want to mix it up, using your engagement photos here is a great way to showcase them to your family and friends. Plus, having a picture of the two of you up on their refrigerator is a surefire way to get them excited for your “I do’s.”

Make a coffee table book
There’s truly nothing like having a tangible photo album for you and your guests to flip through. You’re likely to create an album with wedding photos, so for your engagement photos, put them together in a smaller-sized book (you can even do it yourself on sites like Shutterfly). It will be a nice memento for future generations to look at.

Jose Villa Photography

Display them at your wedding
“There are lots of great way to showcase your engagement photos on the day of your wedding,” says Adam Gilbert, creative director for Blueberry Creative. “My personal favorite is to use the images to create a custom guestbook that your friends and family can flip through and write sweet messages to the two of you. I’m a big proponent of all-things-tangible, so to have an additional wedding album coupled with the loving words of your wedding guests is a win-win!”

Tamara Gruner Photography

Gift them to your parents & grandparents
While everyone is sure to love your engagement photos, it’s your parents and grandparents who will treasure them the most. Consider creating a photo album for them or printing out their favorite and framing it in a beautiful frame. You can also use these as gifts for the actual wedding day!

Use them as home decor
Your home is a great place to showcase your favorite photos. Frame a few around your house or get creative: “Other great options for highlighting your engagement photos include gallery wrap canvases and matted fine art prints to display in your home,” says Adam Gilbert.

Hello Blue Photo

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.