Style Me Pretty: Wedding Blog for the Style-Obsessed Bride

When an Art Director + Brewery Owner Tie the Knot

You might not immediately think of a brewery as a dream wedding venue, but for Kim and Scott, it perfectly fit the bill. As co-owner of Triple Crossing Brewery, Scott wanted to give his bride the ultimate blank canvas to bring her modern design vision to life and the result was a black and white lovefest with lush greenery woven into every detail. Thanks to Kim Stockwell for the photos that prove brewery weddings just might be the next big thing.

From Kim Stockwell… Nestled near the heart of the city, Triple Crossing Brewery is home to craft beers, modern vibes, and Neapolitan brick oven pizzas. When Kim and Scott were planning their summer wedding they decided the brewery would be the perfect spot for their ceremony & celebration. Scott, co-owner of the brewery, gave his bride the freedom to customize their wedding to fit the space as well as her modern-meets-romantic dreams. Kim, an art director by trade, had a vision for the space that she spent months developing.

Their ceremony was industrial yet utterly romantic. The aisle was lit with candles & greenery as the bride & groom pledged their love for one another in front of a custom arch built by the groom’s father and executed perfectly by their floral designer Stephanie Murtaugh. The florals were modern with structured bouquets complemented by romantic, loose greenery. The Vera Wang invitation suite set the tone for their elegant yet contemporary black and white wedding.

After their first kiss as husband and wife, Scott surprised Kim with a barrage of little paper airplanes tossed by the guests as an ode to their love story. When the two first started dating, Kim confessed she didn’t know how to make a paper airplane, in which Scott spent their date teaching her how. From that moment on, every chance Scott had he would put a little paper airplane somewhere for Kim to find as a sweet reminder of their first date. Scott incorporated the paper airplane into his proposal and then spent days before the wedding making little paper planes for the guests to toss at the conclusion of their ceremony.

The celebration continued with an evening of dinner and dancing, followed by a sparkler farewell as the couple set off to their honeymoon in Dubai and Bali.

This Colorful Twin Nursery Was Inspired by a Vacation in South Africa

For Ozzie and Bart, the inspiration for their twins nursery came from none other than a babymoon trip to South Africa. The colors, the culture, the animals…it was all so inspiring, they scrapped their plans for a neutral oasis and turned to vibrant hues. Tour this sweet space shot by Maria Harte, catch a glimpse of little Nadia and Jacob and be sure to carve out some time for the video of the twins arrival. There won’t be a dry eye in the house!

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My husband and I decided to travel overseas to South Africa for our babymoon to unwind before the twins arrived. I won’t bore you with the details, but let’s just say the trip left quite an impression on us. We were mesmerized by all the life, the view, the animals, and the people! As we started to plan for the nursery, our first thought was to create something in a neutral color palette. It wasn’t until we visited a local coffee shop and saw this colorful image of a giraffe with a bird on its nose. That’s where we had our A-HA! Moment. We wanted to bring all the color and life we saw in South Africa into the nursery. We contacted the local Chicago artist of the painting and commissioned two other pieces, an elephant and a hippo. From there I started to splash color everywhere! We tried to DIY as much as possible to make feel even more connected to the room. The ribbon art was custom made using old ribbon I had in my studio. The colorful numbers and pompons on the wall were an interesting hot glue project. The cactus garden gave me a prick or two, but it was all worth it. The last piece to go into the room was the rug which we are absolutely in love with. I know the twins only recognize shapes and patterns as newborns, but I cannot wait for them to feel the joy and happiness we feel when we enter their room every morning.

Where to Go for a Fall Bachelorette Party

September and October are some of the most beautiful times of the year nationwide. Leaves start to change, temperatures cool off, and autumn activities abound. After peak summer travel months, the fall can also be a more affordable time for destination bachelorette parties! Particularly if you and girls don’t all live in the same place or get to see each other very often, this is the perfect excuse to escape and celebrate together.

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Vermont
Is there honestly anything more spectacular than fall in New England? For the crew that is looking for a more relaxing and low-key celebration, Vermont has everything you could need for an idyllic escape. Either rent a farmhouse or stay at a quaint inn and spend the weekend exploring the “Green Mountain State” while it bursts in shades of oranges, yellow and red. Take scenic road trips to tour the breathtaking fall foliage, visit farms to pick apples, drink hot cider and eat doughnuts, and then wind down by relaxing at an area spa. Check out the picture-perfect towns of Woodstock or Stowe, visit craft breweries in Burlington or hike or bike around Lake Champlain.

San Francisco and Napa
Want wine + culture? First, start in San Francisco during their “Indian Summer” when the city emerges from a summer-filled fog and comes alive during September and October. Do a walking tour of the Mission and Marina districts, see the Golden Gate Bridge and the painted ladies, and then sip rosé outdoors at some of the best restaurants in the country (make dinner reservations as far in advance as possible). At night, check out the bars and clubs in Soma or the Castro to dance the night away!

After your fill of the city by the bay, Sonoma and Napa Valley are just a quick hour-long drive away. Check in at the scenic Carneros Inn where you’ll get free bikes from the hotel which is the best way to explore wine country. Make sure you book your winery reservations a couple months in advance, as it’s harvest season and one of the most spectacular times to visit the area! Pace yourselves during the day because the valley has some of the best restaurants in the country for a yummy post-wine dinner!

New Mexico
If you want your bachelorette party to be centered around arts, culture and spectacular desert scenery, then look no further than New Mexico. Head to Santa Fe and spend your time relaxing at spas and resorts, touring art galleries, hiking rock formations and shopping at artisan flea markets. Be sure to save room in your suitcases for all the turquoise jewelry, folk art, and Native American home accent pieces! If you can, plan your trip to be there in early October, where you will witness the International Balloon Fiesta in nearby Albuquerque. A festival full of music and art, the main attraction is the dreamy sight of over 500 hot air balloons brightening up the soft desert sky.

Charleston
Visit Charleston for the best the south has to offer: amazing food, nearby beaches, a historic downtown, and tons of southern charm. In the fall the weather will still be warm but not oppressively hot, and you can rent a house either downtown, on Folly Beach or Sullivan’s island or stay in an adorable boutique hotel like Zero George. Charleston is a big foodie town, so make sure to plan ahead for group brunches and dinners to indulge in the southern fare. During the day, take a walking tour of the Holy City and see the adorable houses on Rainbow Row or at Battery Park, or hit the beach and then get ready for a fun night out. Charleston has a lively nightlife scene with tons of bars and clubs perfect for you and your girlfriends to have fun until the wee hours of the night!

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Julia Hurwitz is a freelance writer and Marketing Manager based in New York City. Her interests include travel, global craft, healthy baking, entertaining and exploring the outdoors.

And the Award for Most Charming Reception Spot Ever Goes To…

Not only is this couple insanely stylish but their choice of wedding venues is equally as fabulous. From a beaded BHLDN gown set against the stunning marble backdrop of San Francisco City Hall to a reception at the sweetest flower shop, Ampersand, who also crafted the bouquet, this wedding day is a mix of style and charm all captured by Taralynn Lawton.

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A sweet and stunningly stylish couple tie the knot at the gorgeous San Francisco City Hall with a handful of their friends & family. The location was so fitting for the two, after living and dating long distance for a year they are finally reunited in San Francisco and together forever! Huong’s beautifully embroidered wedding gown from BHLDN and Derek’s dapper J Crew suit were the absolute perfect match for the stone architecture and golden embellishments of SF City Hall. We spent time before and after the ceremony exploring all the different floors, halls, and grand staircase before we headed for portraits at their reception venue (which was the floral shop that did their florals for the day!) A tiny and super cute floral shop in a San Francisco alley not only crafted their blooms but also hosted their intimate reception after the wedding and made for an amazing backdrop for more couple’s portraits! It was the perfect tie-in for their day and made for a celebration filled with San Francisco elegance and charm!

Photography: Taralynn Lawton | Floral Design: Ampersand | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Ceremony Venue: San Francisco City Hall | Portraits: Ampersand

Shouting all the Je t’aime’s for this Parisian Wedding Inspiration.

If Parisian blue, chateaus and all things elegance are your jam, then this one is for you my amours. That Paris wedding you’ve been dreaming of could look like this. With impeccable design and florals by Sarah Park Events and Floraison, it’s a story of love that starts with graceful getting ready moments and closes with a quaint dinner scene, snapped to perfection by Esther Sun. Once you’re done soaking in each and every detail, make sure to view it in motion with Josh Gooden‘s film below!

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From Esther Sun Photography… Located in a small town, Chateau du Grand-Lucé, is the perfect venue for a celebration outside of Paris. Inspired by the beautiful architecture and landscape of Chateau du Grand-Lucé, we wanted to set an intimate wedding for the couple who appreciates old world charm. Every room in the Chateau told a story and the gardens took you back in time showing off its rich history. We chose a color palette of blue, gray, and white to balance the natural surroundings. We set the dinner under the trees that lined a path leading to the lower gardens. This set up was perfect as the guests could enjoy the view of the Chateau as well as the surrounding gardens.

A Destination Wedding That Totally Embraces Tropical Flavors

Talk about embracing the local flavors. This destination wedding coordinated by VOWS went far beyond your typical Maui celebration and opted for a backdrop at Punakea Palms, a Hawaiian coconut farm. The views are magnificent and the refreshing coconut sips are too. Take a mini island vacay through the pretty, pretty images by Jana Dillon.

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From the Photographer… After meeting through mutual friends, Cristina and Peter found a connection through their adventurous spirits. In celebration of their connection through travel, food and memories, they found Maui to be the perfect location for their wedding to share some of their favorite activities with their friends and family to enjoy together. The couple enjoyed a traditional catholic service at the Maria Lanakila Catholic Church, ending with a beautiful night under the stars at a local coconut farm where they were surrounded by ocean views and the majestic West Maui mountains.

6 Ways to Stop Stressing and Start Having Fun With Wedding Planning

If you’re already in the midst of wedding planning, you know that sometimes it can be quite stressful. Between the constant decision making and the endless to-do lists, you may feel like you’re in over your head more than once throughout the wedding process. But planning a wedding should be fun! Here are six ways to make the planning just as exciting as the main event.

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Reward yourself for completing tedious tasks
Finally book your florist? Pop that bottle of bubbly! (Note: always have a spare bottle of champagne during the planning process). Or treat yourselves to your favorite take-out while putting your invites together. Having something to look forward to after not-so-exciting tasks will make them much easier to enjoy.

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Focus on things you love and delegate the rest
“If picking out music stresses you out, assign it to your soon-to-be spouse,” says Leigh Pearce, owner and creative director of Leigh Pearce Events. “If you don’t know a peony from a petunia, ask your mom to tackle the flowers.” Delegating tasks that you’d rather avoid will not only make you happier but let you focus on the things you actually love doing.

Make it a date night
Instead of picking your music selection at home in your PJ’s, head to a restaurant with live music to get you in a harmonious mood. Making decisions in a happy, upbeat environment will make it easier and may even give you some inspiration.

Get your friends and family involved
If your family is involved in the planning, Leigh Pearce recommends setting a dinner to go through logistics. “Have a seating chart dinner party with your soon-to-be spouse and parents so you can knock it out in just a few hours vs. a million text messages,” she says. You can also enlist your bridesmaids to help with DIY projects during a girl’s night—just don’t forget the wine and pizza!

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Turn it into a competition
Challenge your fiancé to a “stamp off” and see who can stamp the most envelopes. Or invite friends over and challenge your besties to a centerpiece-making competition. Whatever you decide to do, there are endless ways to turn the planning into a game, making it more fun for everyone involved.

Remember what it’s all about
Any bride or bride-to-be can attest to the fact that planning a wedding isn’t easy. If you start to feel frazzled, a wedding planner is always a great option. “Having someone to guide you through the whole process will leave room for way more fun,” says Pearce. But, whatever way you choose to organize, never fail to remember you’re planning the best day of your life—and it will be so worth it.

Feather & Twine

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.

Re-create this Color Palette for Your Summer Wedding

If I’m being completely honest? Yellow has always been my least favorite color—up until today, that is. I might not be a fan of this hue solo, but when it’s paired with mauve, blush and peachy orange, it’s a winner in my book—and perfect for summer soirees if you ask me. With Sweet Emilia Jane at the design helm and J. Lee Photos behind the lens, I challenge one of you to re-create this gorgeous palette for your warm weather day!

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This Summery Texas Wedding Knew What Mattered Most

This couple, who have been friends since junior high, knew exactly what mattered most for their wedding weekend. First, they chose a special venue, Perkins Chapel, where the Bride’s parents married 27 years prior. Second, they asked one of their close childhood friend to officiate the ceremony. Finally, they wanted the reception to be enjoyable for their guests, many of whom had traveled all the way from Taiwan and Argentina for this weekend. Stephanie Brazzle Photography was behind the lens during this pretty and summery nuptials, so head on over to the Vault to see the rest of the photos!

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From the Bride… Josh and I have been friends since junior high, and I always knew our wedding day would be special because we have shared so many experiences with our mutual friends and family members over the years. When planning our wedding, we weren’t too keen on sticking to a theme. However, we knew a few details would make the day truly memorable – getting married in Perkins Chapel like my parents did 27 years ago, having one of our close childhood friends officiate the ceremony, and making the reception one that would be worth the many hours our guests that had traveled from Taiwan and Argentina.

Since both of our venues (Perkins Chapel and The Room on Main) had a very classic and airy feel to them, I wanted our color scheme and decor to reflect the season and my love for all things summer. Shades of pink and peach popped in our vibrant green florals, and aqua and cobalt were picked up in our Jenny Yoo Bridesmaids’ gowns and the ginger jars that adorned our tables.

While our vendors did a wonderful job of making everything a total vision, I have to say our biggest joy was simply the experience. No detail went unnoticed, and we were able to breathe and enjoy every second of the day we had waited so long for! All of the moments I will forever remember are a perfect reflection of the things we enjoy as a couple. From my giddy grandmother sharing her wonderful jewelry collection with me as I got ready, to Josh being able to relax with his friends and uncles at the Hotel Lumen pool before the wedding, to being able to laugh with my friends as we were pampered by our amazing hair and makeup artists. It truly was the happiest day ever. Both Josh and I agree that there was no better feeling than watching all of our friends and family members break it down on the dance floor, many with silly glow in the dark accessories on their heads and Steel City Pops in hand.

Our summer celebration was everything I could have ever wished for – our favorite people together in one place, enjoying good music and laughing as we started our new life together.

This Might Be the Best Dessert Table of All Time

Where to even begin with this absolutely gorgeous gold and blush destination wedding planned by Italia Celebrations in Rome? The ceremony took place in an ancient cathedral dating back to 340 A.D., the reception was held at a superb castle from the 1300s, and the Bride looked spectacular in her Vera Wang gown. All of this! was expertly captured by Sandra Åberg Photography and Evergreen Film. But the pièce de résistance was the dessert table, featuring a custom designed cake and many decadent confections, all set in front of 24 feet of hanging orchids and beneath two chandeliers.

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From Brenda Babcock of Italia Celebrations… I met Jessica and Joshua over Skype one year before their wedding, and in that time, they never came to Rome. We planned the many details, large and small, over the internet and Skype. Jessica had a color palette at the ready that she was very excited about, and it was a driving factor in the planning of almost everything having to do with the wedding. From the photos you can see how cohesive and coordinated everything was around blush pink, rose pink, rose gold, yellow gold, and ivory.

Jessica and Joshua were married in one of the most spectacular cathedrals in all of Catholicism, Santa Maria in Trastevere. The church is one of the oldest in Rome, and the foundations date back to the year 340 A.D. although most of what you see now is from the 1200s, including the jaw dropping mosaics. The wedding was officiated by Cardinal George Pell from the Vatican, which was a great honor. After the ceremony, the couple made their getaway in a 1960s Jaguar convertible two seater with a vintage Vespa escort leading the way.

The reception was at Castello di Torcrescenza in Rome. It is a beautifully preserved castle from the 1300s where the Count and his family still live today. The castle is already beautiful, but we took it up a few notches. All the dinner and buffet tablecloths were sequined in shades of blush, rose gold, and yellow gold. The favors were small, hand-painted ceramic boxes wrapped in custom made blush pink sateen pouches, which sat beautifully on rose pink colored Richard Ginori plates.

The pièce de résistance was probably the stunning dessert table. A 24 feet wall of hanging strands of orchids, two chandeliers, a fabulous custom designed cake, cake pops, cookies, and all sorts of fancy confections came together in a way that would have made Marie Antoinette proud.

Blush pink and twinkling lights were the inspiration and order of the day. And what a day it was! Tanti auguri (best wishes), Jessica and Joshua. May this be the beginning of a very happy lifetime together.

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Why it Pays to Travel for Your Engagement Session

There are several key factors that come into play when you’re trying to achieve dreamy e-sesh captures… finding a photographer you love and feel comfortable with, curating your style, and scouting that perfect location. The latter being what this sweet couple made the trek for, from Texas to California. They of course, nailed the fashion and beauty with TEAM Hair and Makeup and chose to work with the incredible Rebecca Yale to boot, so the results are dishing out all the heart eyes.

From Rebecca Yale… Alex and Chris came all the way from Texas to California to photograph their beautiful Spring engagement session in the beautiful rolling hills of Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez. Alex chose four incredible outfits, a mix from casual to gowns to perfectly suit the gorgeous backdrop of Central California. We began the session in the Santa Barbara botanical gardens exploring the redwood grove and fields of white flowers. Next we headed over to Santa Ynez to photograph in the beautiful Sycamore Allee among the giant live oaks at Kestrel Park.

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Tips For Styling The Perfect Patio for Summer Nights

Summer’s in full swing but maybe you’re like me and you haven’t gotten around to fully setting up your outdoor space. It may be mid-July, but there’s still enough time to create a dream oasis to enjoy the remaining long, warm summer nights.

For guidance, I tracked down Liz Klafeta, Founder and CEO of BANGTEL, after attending a party at one of her properties where guests couldn’t stop talking about the uniquely styled backyard. Here’s what she has to say.

Begin with a theme.

“Choosing a theme will help you pinpoint a certain style,” says Liz. “It’ll also help you fill in the design blanks more easily.” Liz explains how choosing a Southwest Style for her Logan Square location in Chicago created a space where guests wanted to hang out in (a must if you love to entertain). Picking a theme allowed her to choose statement decor pieces that includes a real teepee from an Indian reservation that guests can’t help but Instagram.

Can’t settle on a theme? Think of what you have in your home and consider your patio as an extension of that look. Still stuck? Guide yourself by color. “You can never go wrong using black and white with pops of red,” adds Caitie Smithe Jisa, Walter E. Smithe designer. “It’s a timeless, stunning look.”

Esther Sun

Next up is the lights.

Globe string lights are a favorite for Liz. “It totally transforms the yard and mood,” says Liz. “Lighting is everything, especially at night.” Be cognizant of the distance from the outlet to the connection. If you want to avoid a running line of extension cords or don’t have an outlet nearby, consider battery-operated lights.

Don’t forget the floor.

Add dimension to the space by livening up the flooring (which pulls your eye to a different part of the space) says Liz. An outdoor rug (like this one) does the trick but consider something more creative like a design painted right on (think Aztec motif, colorful geometric shapes or keep things simple with alternating lines of color). If you’re looking for something that’s all weather, a vinyl rug is a great option.

When He Found Her

Plan for plants.

If you want to avoid continuously buying plants year round, consider buying fake ones. Cactus and agave plants look great and the plastic option frees up your budget to spend on decor. They also hurt less than the real thing, should you bump into the prickly plant. They look amazing and last a long time says Liz.

Let your personality dictate your furniture choices.

When it comes to buying outdoor seating, Caitie recommends asking yourself ‘how do you like to entertain?’ If you prefer large gatherings then maximize seating. Outdoor sectionals are perfect option for this she says. For intimate gatherings with a small group of friends, pick up something circular like a cocktail table or fire pit to bring everyone together. If you love a table and it’s too small, don’t be afraid to buy two pieces and assemble as you see fit. It’s what Liz did to create seating for 12, and according to the experts, the following weeks are the perfect time to snatch up marked down items.

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The most important part is to have fun mixing and matching items that fit your style and how you entertain. The perfect place is wherever good friends and laughter gather.

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

The Bride Wore a Showstopper Dress for Her Outdoor E-Sesh

If you want engagement photos that stand the test of time, take cues from Erin and Will. They worked with photographer Jake Anderson for classic portraits in a lush, garden location and Erin’s showstopper white dress tied it all together. Find even more right over here!

Erin + Will are an instantly classic couple and wanted their engagement session to reflect exactly that. Erin is the Editor of Virginia Living Magazine and exudes a wondrously stylish combination of elegant + classic. The combination of this stunner of a dress and the romantic garden location made this couple’s session one to look back on for generations to come.

Photography: Jake Anderson

For the fashion-forward bride, have a peek at this year’s hottest trends!

A Tropical Wedding With Color Galore!

If you’re in the market for an amazing wedding location, allow me to introduce you to the island of Roatan, Honduras. It’s the setting of this vibrant tropical celebration featuring white sand beaches, crystal blue waves, and a couple who couldn’t be more in love if they tried. D’Arcy Benincosa came along to capture their special day and the gallery is chock-full of ideas every beach bride needs to see.

From D’Arcy Benincosa… Welcome to this beautiful seaside wedding off the unparalleled island of Roatan, Honduras! Unlike other islands in the surrounding area, Roatan is quite intimate and free of tourists. This beautiful wedding featured a family from Honduras (though the bride now lives in Portland, Oregon) who put everything into a truck, drove it to the ferry and crossed the water to create the dream wedding for their only daughter and new son in law. With vibrant colors to play off the calm of the blue water and white sand beaches, this wedding was a celebration from start to finish!

We Are Getting Major Grace + Audrey Vibes From Miranda Kerr’s Wedding Look

Supermodel Miranda Kerr wed Snapchat founder Evan Spiegel back in May, but we are just now getting a look at her gorgeous, custom Dior gown!

She gave all the details to Vogue and posted a handful of photos on her Instagram. Her headpiece was reportedly designed by a royal milliner, which explains the major Grace Kelly vibe!

A post shared by Miranda (@mirandakerr) on Jul 16, 2017 at 10:40pm PDT

Check out her stunning bridal beauty look—we’re obsessed with her center part and strong brows. Doesn’t she look just like Audrey? We’d expect nothing less than bold and stunning from this supermodel!

Her long sleeved wedding gown featured a full skirt and was adorned with flowers.

A post shared by Miranda (@mirandakerr) on Jul 16, 2017 at 10:34pm PDT

Miranda thanked Dior’s Artistic Director, Maria Grazia Chiuri, for making her “dream wedding dress.”

A post shared by Miranda (@mirandakerr) on Jul 16, 2017 at 10:45pm PDT

The wedding took place at the couple’s California home with just 50 guests in attendance. Evan, as well as Miranda’s son, Flynn, also wore Dior—how sweet is that?

P.S. Check out Miranda + Evan’s honeymoon here and check out her engagement ring here!

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Classic Garden Romance Like You’ve Never Seen

Tucked into a little corner of San Juan Capistrano lies Serra Plaza. A perfectly serene backdrop also known as the setting for Carina and Sonny’s wedding day. Think muted hues and garden blooms plus a stunning paper suite designed by our friends at Pirouette Paper. It doesn’t get more romantic than this and Mallory Dawn’s images will leave you inspired in a serious way.

From Mallory Dawn Photography… Carina and Sonny were high-school sweethearts who fell in forever love and are now starting their beautiful life together as husband and wife. Surrounded by their closest friends and family, they said “I do” under the beautiful archways of Serra Plaza.

After meeting Carina and Sonny I knew their kind hearts and love for one another would make photographing their wedding day such an honor. Flower Allie created floral magic by adding an abundance of flowers to the fountain in the center of the venue. I absolutely loved the soft color palette mixed with the rich, plush greenery in the table arrangements. The pop of live mint really added a unique aspect to the florals as well.

Pirouette Paper designed a simple yet elegant invitation suite with the personal touch of a custom gold wax seal and the elevated embellishment of a hand tied and sealed vellum pocket. With other beautiful touches such as place cards by In Loft Calligraphy and a tasty cake by Sweet and Saucy Shop, this classic wedding was nothing short of wonderful!

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Infusing Black-Tie Elegance With Tropical Beach Vibes

For a couple with a shared love of Mexico, getting married at this dream Cabo spot was a definite must. It’s a celebration that has all the makings of a glamorous black-tie affair planned by One and Only Palmilla and florals by Pina Cate Design, but with some seriously gorgeous tropical beach vibes. From Dom Pérignon to fireworks on the beach, watch this Mexico celebration unfold through images by Chris + Lynn and a film by Pink Palm Weddings too.

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This California couple had their destination wedding at a place dear to their hearts for the past 12 years: One and Only Palmilla. One of Los Cabos’ most exclusive luxury resorts, the oceanfront property’s Turtle Beach, historic Chapel, and Agua by Larbi Restaurant were the settings for the bride and groom’s classic black-tie event. The 150 guests enjoyed ocean views, tequila tastings, mariachis, and fireworks to celebrate the couple’s love at this Mexico destination wedding.

From the Bride… John and I had always dreamed about getting married in Cabo since it holds such a special place in our hearts. John and his family have been going to their home in San Jose del Cabo since he was born. Their home shares the same beach as One and Only Palmilla – probably the prettiest stretch of sand in all of Los Cabos! Over the past 12 years, we’ve been fortunate enough to travel down there multiple times a year, building many, many amazing memories. We know that it is a place we will continue to visit and hope to make it as special for our family one day as his family has for us. Everything about the resort is perfection. The expansive views, the beautiful setting, the decor, the food, and most notably, the people – the staff at Palmilla are the most genuinely delightful people I have ever met! One time we walked up to the chapel and I was in awe over how beautiful it was. When we were walking back to the house after, John mentioned to me how he’d love to get married there one day. From that moment, I dreamt of us there with our closest family and friends, making it official – and that’s exactly what we did. It was literally a dream come true. The scenery at the Palmilla is so stunning, I didn’t want to overpower it with too much decor and color. I wanted to keep it traditional, authentic, and real. The ceremony was elegant with the classic chiavari chair setup and floral lined staircases leading up to the chapel. Just enough florals to enhance the already gorgeous chapel setting… When I saw the restaurant Agua by Larbi at Palmilla, I knew I wanted my reception to be there. The indoor area completely opens up to the outdoor area, which is surrounded by palm trees. I fell in love just envisioning twinkle lights above the patio where I’d have a dance floor set up. I don’t think I have ever seen a vision come to life so seamlessly and perfectly as this one did. It was perfect. Make sure you find an amazing planner that is local to the location. If you’re getting married in a different country with a different language, make sure she/he speaks fluently in both language (and well!). I can’t tell you how much more amazing my experience was due to the hard work and efforts put forward by Samantha {my planner at the One and Only Palmilla). She did an incredible job at bringing our dream wedding to life!

6 Simple + Special Bachelorette Party Ideas

A bachelorette party is a chance for a bride to let loose with her best girlfriends and make some amazing memories before she embarks on the newest chapter of her life. Maybe each of you can’t afford a weekend away, are on a budget or all live locally anyway—these top picks are great options if you’re planning an easy + affordable bachelorette party!

Ainsley Rose Photography

Dinner/Drinks + Mani/Pedi’s

Check out a few of your local salons to see what packages they can offer for a group for the ultimate pamper session! Afterward, round up the gang and head to dinner! Choose a spot with some great ambiance, stunning views, and most importantly: delicious cocktails. Usually, tacos and margaritas will never lead you astray!

Movie Night into Mimosa Brunch

Take a trip back to high school and have all the girls over for a movie night and slumber party! Complete with a rom-com, junk food and plenty of wedding gossip. In the morning, whip up a relaxed at-home brunch of pancakes, waffles and even a mini-omelet station. And of course, no brunch is complete without mimosas with the golden ratio- 90% champagne and 10% orange juice.

The Fashionable Hostess

Cheese Plates + Charcuterie Dinner Party

Potlucks are a classic and super easy to put together. Have everyone bring over a cheese and cracker combination they love, or even just a spread of choice. No need for a full-blown dinner party, all you need is an array of charcuterie and cheese. Pair with a few really great wines or ciders, a good playlist and settle in for a killer bachelorette!

Pinot + Painting

Generally no more than $50 per person, painting classes are always a great way to spend quality time with friends as well as super therapeutic. Somehow I feel the BYOB component really helps with this! All materials are supplied by the venue so all you have to do is show up. Minimal planning required! The best part is each of you gets to come away with a piece to remember the night and the bride with!

Prosecco 5K

Stay with me on this: fitness and drinks. Maybe not at the same time, but they can totally go together, I swear! 5K’s can be taken lightly, and are a lot of fun! They’re usually not very costly and do not take much training. Dress up with tutu’s, feather boas, bride sashes etc. and run, walk, skip to the finish line with your squad! Just remember to hydrate before and during the run before dashing over to a Prosecco after-party.

Carmen Santorelli Photography

Rosé All Day

Rosé can happen alongside most activities, but I personally think it could be an epic pool party idea. Set up a rose bar poolside, with some tasty sweet treats. It couldn’t hurt to include a few inflatable flamingos and pool floats to make for some perfect Insta shots and some great memories!

Audra Zaba

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.

This Wedding Makes Cactus + Succulents Ridiculously Cool

If you fancy yourself a modern bride, then this Palm Desert wedding is totally for you. It plays on some of the hottest trends of the moment like cactus, succulents, greenery, and geodes, making this day anything but boring. See Sari and Daniel’s “I do” through the lens of Nicole Clarey Photography and discover for yourself why we can’t get enough.

From Nicole Clarey Photography… When you think of a destination wedding in Palm Desert you immediately think of sunshine and cactus. Although it was a rare rainy day in the desert, you can bet there were a ton of cactus and succulents incorporated into this gorgeous day! The chuppah that Sari and Daniel married under was definitely a showstopper and created a beautiful centerpiece for their “I do’s”. During the ceremony, as they were saying their vows, the sun broke from behind the clouds for the first time that day and a giant smile came across each of their faces. It was magical.

The reception was covered with cactus, succulents, orchids, and geodes and glowed with candlelight. Sari and Daniel are two laid-back people who love to have a good time and those vibes definitely carried over into their entire day. Along with their guests ate, they drank and danced the night away with the amazing West Coast band keeping the party going.

One of my favorite moments of Sari and Daniel’s wedding was during the ceremony. After announced husband and wife, without thinking, Daniel started to make his way down the aisle. However, he has left Sari at the alter. Being reminded by all the guests he forgot something, he turned back around to grab his bride. Although it was funny, it was also very cute. He was so excited to finally be married to his wife that he couldn’t wait to get the party going!

A Life Size Crest Is the New Wedding Arch

Dionne of Nib and Pixel dreamed up this “Love Is Alive” themed wedding inspiration based off of her most popular request for wedding invitation suites – floral laden crests. To pull it off, she brought in a rock star team of vendors – including Dana Fernandez Photography, Kelly Doonan Events, and Hey Lovely Makeup – who helped her create a life size crest, the perfect ceremony arch alternative or way to frame the Bride and Groom in photos. The gorgeous ideas didn’t stop there; she also created and invitation suite using actual flowers. Run, don’t walk, to this incredible gallery.

From Dionne of Nib and Pixel… As a wedding invitation designer, I have been seeing that crests and monograms are really popular with today’s couples, and I had an idea to bring those wedding crests to life – literally. I knew I couldn’t do it on my own, so the first person I turned to was my friend Dana of Dana Fernandez Photography, who is not only a talented photographer, but also always has creative ideas, so I knew she’d be able to help bring my ideas to fruition.

There were three main ideas that I had for this “Love Is Alive” themed shoot, and it all began with a large, life-sized wooden crest laced with flowers (just like the wedding crests I’ve been designing for my invitation clients). I wanted something that would make a statement backdrop to frame the wedding couple.

The next component was having live-flower invitation suite. Normally I paint flowers around crests on invitations, but for this one, I wanted real flowers to play on that “alive” concept. So together with the amazing Maggie of Bramble and Bee, Dana and I assembled live flowers over a crest outline I created and then Dana shot it so that I could then incorporate that into the invitation design.

The third concept came during watching Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (not your usual wedding inspiration source, ha!). During the dinner scene of the movie, I was completely focused on the flower pattern flat lay, lining the center of the table. I knew I wanted a romantic, modern update of that, and that Bramble and Bee alongside Kelly from Sparkle & Shine Events would make it even better.

The rest of our amazing team fell into place with cake artist Lisa from Maple and Love, who totally ran with the “Love Is Alive” theme. She incorporated fresh fruit and even used real leaves from a lime tree to bring it all together! Post Studio Houston, who manufactured our amazing wooden crest, did an amazing job, and I loved the fact that only a minimal amount of florals were needed since the crest was so ornate on its own! To tie everything together, Hey Lovely Makeup did a fresh bridal look that perfectly completed the Noel and Jean two-piece gown from Unbridaled alongside the unique emerald engagement ring by Trumpet & Horn.

I couldn’t have asked for a better team and I think everything came together perfectly! I hope some of these elements will start to show up in the spring 2018 wedding season!

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