Where to even begin with this Moroccan wedding inspiration, planned and captured by Stefanie Kapra Photography? Inspired by the models, a recently engaged French couple who relocated and opened a guest house in Morocco, Stefanie and a small team of talented vendors created a light, airy, and natural looking elopement that effortlessly combined Western details with the magic of Morocco. You should probably head straight to this gallery, because you’re going to want to pin every insanely gorgeous.

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From Stefanie Kapra Photography… Gaby and Alice fell in love with each more than 10 years ago, and as Alice puts it, they “are meant to be together.” When this adventurous French couple first visited Morocco, they were immediately drawn to the unique country and its people. To them, “Morocco is a special country where magic happens in every corner and in every way.” They decided to follow their hearts and dreams, and two years ago they opened a guest house in the Medina of Marrakech.

During their Moroccan journey, they met another inspiring young woman – American born Anouk. She, too, left behind the glam of New York and Paris, where she worked as assistant editor for French Vogue, to follow her dreams in Morocco, where she created Villa Anouk. It can best be described as a magical sanctuary between wild olive trees and stony country roads and is tucked away at the end of a dirt road near the coastal town of Essaouria. Anouk purchased an old and somewhat neglected country house with massive stone walls and turned it into the most beautiful villa you can imagine. Her love for detail and great sense for natural elegance shows in every corner of the fully remodeled villa. Enchanting and brimming with an earthy, boho vibe, the villa embodies tranquillity and is a perfect location to celebrate intimate weddings of nature-loving couples.

When Gaby proposed to Alice, they started planing a full sized wedding in their home country (France) with family and friends. But it was also important to them to celebrate their love and capture some romantic pictures in their new home, Morocco. What place could have been more perfect than their friend’s villa?

This shoot and the beautiful details are a result of great teamwork and an inspiration that truly came from the heart. It was important to everyone to include the magic, soul, and spirit of Morocco, its unique arts, lovely decor, and amazing food, while steering away from the so often seen “One Thousand and One Nights” vibe. Details included the handmade wedding blankets which have a long tradition in Morocco purchased in the Souks, the refreshing fresh mint tea served in a brass teapot, the typical pastries that can be found in every market, and of course the many artisan details of the Villa.

But while it was important to incorporate traditional Moroccan details, this magical Moroccan elopement still has a Western twist. Western elements were effortlessly combined with traditional Moroccan pieces, and so we see Alice in a flowing, traditional white wedding dress with delicate lace details and an open back, and she is carrying a bohemian wild-flower bouquet. Her hair is styled in a loose, soft, and natural yet festive way, perfectly matching the vibe of the Villa. And the swoon-worthy invitations are designed and hand-written by the talented calligrapher, Ana of The Meaningful Script, using natural papers, a golden seal, and brass colored ribbon. This elopement is a perfect example how Moroccan tradition can be perfectly combined with western elegance to create an airy, stylish, natural look for a wedding in this stunning country.

Photography: Stefanie Kapra Photography | Event Planning: Stefanie Kapra Photography | Floral Design: Stefanie Kapra Photography | Wedding Dress: Elbbraut | Calligraphy: The Meaningful Script | Venue: Villa Anouk | Ceremony Set Up: Ivan Kapra | Decor: Villa Anouk | Film Processing: Carmencita Film Lab | Hair and Table Styling: John Quinn Salons

It should come as no surprise that I think life should be captured along every step of the way… engagements, weddings, babies—but why stop there? Anniversary sessions are such a sweet way to capture your love throughout the years. When my husband and I decide to do one, I’m keeping Greg Finck‘s number in my back pocket. Oh, do I get all the heart eyes every. single. time. he sends something our way, and this anni’ sesh is no exception. Just look at that dress flowing in the desert wind!

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From Greg Finck… This is Kristin & Brandon’s anniversary session at Red Rock Canyon, in the Nevada desert. Kristin & Brandon are a couple of wedding photographers from Orange County, and you will not contradict me on the fact that they both look like models… On our way to WPPI, the yearly wedding photography conference that happens at Las-Vegas every year, they asked me to photograph them for their anniversary. Kristin had a stunning Show Me Your MuMu dress, with neutral colors, that perfectly matched the overcast mood of the day. The day was very windy and cold, but we still had a great session, walking around the red rocks of that beautiful National Park!

Photography: Greg Finck Photography | Dress: Show Me Your Mumu | National Park: Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center

This wedding photographed by Lance Nicoll is like a love letter to New Orleans. It’s the city where the bride, Molly grew up and she couldn’t think of a better spot to begin her forever with Matthew. From their classic church ceremony to the botanical garden reception, Molly and Matthew’s special day is what timeless elegance is all about.

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From Lance Nicoll... Molly is passionate about her home where she grew up and wanted her Fall wedding to be inspired by its location. The oyster shell ring dishes and pearl invitations with custom illustrations fit seamlessly into the violet and cream color scheme. The bride and bridesmaids spent the morning at Molly’s childhood home and were adorned in violet gowns. The Church ceremony was downtown at the Immaculate Conception, a beautifully ornate and classic New Orleans Church. The day wedding continued at the Botanical Gardens where guests were invited to spend time in the lush gardens, enjoying music, food, and time with friends and family.

Photography: Lance Nicoll Wedding Photography | Floral Design: Adrian's Florist | Cake: Sweet Life Bakery | Ceremony: Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church | Reception Venue: City Park | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab

Greece is one of the most magical spots that blends weathered white architecture with the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea and this inspiration is a direct reflection of its surroundings. Designed by Mazi Event, this intimate elopement pulls from the colors of the ocean, and folds in elegant details for a look both easy and glamorous. Captured by Anna Roussos, get inspired by the true beauty of the Grecian landscape and this intimate wedding by the sea.

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From the planner… Starting to draw the canvas for an inspirational photo shoot in such a regal destination, Spetses, was a creative spring time journey. This intimate elopement had an aery style, a mix of vintage and contemporary elements, with a feel of earthy opulence. Inspired by the natural aura of Spetses we created a color palette composed of grey, clean white and dusty green hues. Our conceptual mood board, was based on one of the Circles of Life: That of marriage. Beginning and completion, wholeness, diversity, fertility, regeneration, strength and balance are essential for a couple to endure the test of time, to flourish and relish the greatest gift given to them: their love. All preparations were made in the historic Poseidonion Grand Hotel with the highest standards. Inspired by the power of the circle we created the invites, envelopes, a map, menus, flower arrangements, even treats for the guests and the wedding cake, to accentuate the strength of this perfect form of nature with no start, no end and no imperfections. The Seed of Life mandala pattern -the universal symbol of creation- applied in selected details with respects to the concept, made everything come together. A traditional horse carriage drove the couple to the beach where everything was ready for an ethereal wedding. The couple barefoot, equal and united, whispered their meaningful vows under the tones of the violin. The beachfront family table was already set up for an intimate dinner. All the decorative details radiated a royal beauty with al fresco flower arrangements composed with greeneries and white flowers, calligraphy menus with sealing wax on water colored handmade papers, marble sous-plats, tasteful silver cutlery and glassware. Silk wedding favors with silver calligraphy engraved details were personalized for each guest. We were so content to work with such a talented team of professionals for this, our debut project, and see our vision come to life. Anna Roussos captured every detail with the most creative eye. Enjoy!

Photography: Anna Roussos | Event Design + Planning: Mazi Event Design and Production | Floral Design: Hale Koa phineas Estate | Wedding Dress: Katia Delatola | Catering: Poseidonion Grand Hotel | Venue: Poseidonion Grand Hotel | Cake + Desserts: Pavlov's Lab | Calligraphy + Sketches : Chirography | Carriage: Jamie L. Stout Photography | Grooms’s Attire: Dimitris Petrou | Hair+ Makeup: Frantzeska Koukoula | Model Agency: The Legion | Photography Assistance: Vasilis Kouroupis | Violin: Polina Koumi

The ladies of Austin Bean Design Studio always have me at hello. Hello fabulous spotted wallpaper, hello bright and happy rug, hello dream office with a view… I could go on and on. But seriously anything they touch goes right into the “Someday I want a House Like This” pinterest board. Tour their latest and greatest project that includes the aforementioned dream office, the perfect blush colored bath and a laundry room that I would probably give up my first born for. See it all captured by Kacey Gilpin right here.

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It’s always a treat to work with friends and I was thrilled when this family asked Austin Bean to design the master suite addition. The architectural design was focused on tying the master suite into the living spaces and taking advantage of the amazing views toward the backyard (and small chicken coop – cutest ever). Lucky for us our client, Kate, has impeccable taste and a flair for flirty.

Sources

Tub | Bathroom Paint Color: Sherwin Williams 25% saturation of Dusty Rose | Office Wallpaper: Thibaut Tanzania in black and cream | Bathroom Vanity Chair

Photography: Kacey Gilpin | Design: Austin Bean Design Studio

Creating your guest list can be one of the most fun – or most dreaded – tasks when planning your wedding. Between keeping your parents happy and managing your budget, who and how many people you invite will have a major impact on your big day. That’s why the experts at Cristen & Co. are here to help! From b-lists to plus ones, they share the dos and don’ts of putting together your guest list.

1. Establish Your Budget First

Think about your total wedding budget before you create your guest list because the more people you invite, the more you will be spending. The average cost for a wedding here in New England for 150 guests is between $60,000 – $70,000. You have to choose – and pay for – a venue with the capacity to fit your total guest count, and you’ll have to pay for food and beverage, invitations, stationery, rentals like place settings and chairs, florals for centerpieces and more based off of the number of people you invite. The cost of a wedding adds up quickly, and you need to be realistic about how many people you can afford to have attend.

2. Begin With Your Nearest + Dearest

After determining your total wedding budget, begin writing down your immediate family members and closest friends. The be mindful who is footing the bill of your wedding – if your parents are gifting you the budget for your wedding, make sure you give them the opportunity to invite some guests, too. If you have the budget, then feel free to add more guests after that.

3. It’s Okay to Be Exclusive

You don’t have to invite everyone under the sun! Remember, you don’t necessarily have to invite work colleagues – you may or may not be at the same job forever, and if you aren’t super close with them, then don’t spend the additional money to invite them. Ensure all the important people are there first!

4. Should You Have a B-List?

I get this question quite often from my couples, especially if we are working within a certain budget but they have super large families or friend groups. You can definitely expect roughly 10-15 guests that won’t be able to attend, so if you are going to have a b-list, create it early on. Don’t put close friends or immediate family on a b-list, instead think acquaintances, colleagues or extended family members. Have a second set of RSVP cards printed with a later date for your b-list group. Remember, don’t send a save-the-date to your b-list.

5. The Rules of the “Plus One”

If you’re inviting a family member or friend that is engaged to be married, it is expected to give them a plus one. If your friend or family member has a very serious boyfriend or girlfriend and you know their significant other, it would be proper etiquette to give them a plus one as well! However, if it is a single guest, and they aren’t dating anyone, you do not have to give them a plus one. Most single guests tend to expect a plus one and can sometimes be a little upset if they don’t get it, but it is up to you and your wedding budget if you want to allow it or not. However, be mindful of your single guests and seat them around mutual friends so you know they will have a good time!

Photography: Kim Lyn Photography | Expert Advice: Cristen & Co.

A huge part of the proposal is that big sparkly engagement ring! Women spend hours pinning dreamy rings on Pinterest and scouring the web for the perfect cut…. or at least we thought! According to a recent study conducted by WP Diamonds, 76% of women surveyed would rather spend money toward the down payment of a home or a car over a traditional diamond engagement ring. That’s not to say we are seeing the traditional engagement rings going away, but there is a shift happening in what millennials are deeming important. Of the surveyed women, over 50% were millennials (ages 18-35) who indicated less desire to have an expensive engagement ring. We’ve noticed some celebs are onto this trend as well. For example, Amanda Seyfried’s engagement ring is a simple gold band and Mila Kunis rocks a simple wedding band from Etsy while keeping her original ring in a safety deposit box.

We love this trend as well, so much so that we’ve pulled together gorgeous yet modest engagement rings all under $1000! Click through the gallery below and let us know what you think!

15 Engagement Rings You Won’t Believe Cost Less than $1,000

Engagement Rings Under $1,000

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Engagement Rings Under $1,000

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With friends and family traveling from Texas, Lindsay and Whit knew a “mini-destination” wedding in Arizona would be just the escape their guests needed. They set to work planning a lush, colorful, vibrant celebration while playing on Paradise Valley’s natural scenery of desert and mountain beauty. Rachel Solomon and Something New Media came on board to document the day and you can watch it all unfold from beginning to end.

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From the bride… Whit and I met at a SuperBowl party in February of 2012. Our conversation was fun and effortless and we learned that we had several mutual friends, but the spark was just not initially there for me. We lost touch for several months after that and went our separate ways – he moved to Nebraska while I stayed in Texas – but thankfully, we reconnected in September of 2012 when I learned that he was a groomsman in a wedding that I would be attending the following February. Since we lived in different states, we began texting all day long, talking on the phone every single night, and spent as many weekends as we could to visit each other. We survived a two-year long distance relationship and after we both finished graduate school, we decided to settle down in Texas in the summer of 2014.

Whit and I got engaged at the Camelback Inn in Paradise Valley, AZ on December 27th, 2015. I was hoping Whit would propose when we were visiting my family for Christmas that year. Many of my friends were beginning to get engaged and married, and I was just dreaming about when it would finally be our turn. Little did I know, Whit had taken a day off work and flew to Scottsdale a few weeks prior to the proposal. During his quick 12-hour visit to my hometown, he picked up my engagement ring at Oliver Smith Jeweler and started hunting for wedding venues with my parents and grandmother! Whit also scouted out the perfect spot to propose to me, in front of Camelback Mountain.

Whit and I stayed in Scottsdale through New Year’s Eve and began planning our springtime wedding in Arizona, the most beautiful time of year. Although we had a 15-month long engagement, we had most of our wedding vendors and details planned out by March of 2016. We felt lucky that we had tackled all of the “big stuff” pretty early on because that March also happened to be the same time we learned that we were expecting a baby flower girl in November of that year. We welcomed our beautiful daughter into the world a week before Thanksgiving, and she quickly stole our hearts and the hearts of all of our guests as my mom carried her down the aisle on March 18th, 2017, our wedding day!

When the wedding planning began in late December of 2015, Whit and I decided that we were going to have a “mini-destination wedding” in Arizona (considering most of our guests would be traveling from Texas). We chose to have our ceremony at Brophy Chapel since I graduated from Xavier College Preparatory in 2008, and we just knew our reception had to be at El Chorro! The desert landscape and breathtaking mountain views were the perfect scenery for our wedding.

My vision for our wedding theme was a romantic garden with some Arizona desert flair. My mom, Karen Hoffman, worked an endless amount of hours tying all of the details of our theme together, with the help of our planner, Christine Southerland. Randi Eshelman of Carte Blanche Design made my floral dreams come true, from the greenery that dressed the ceiling pipes in Casa Paloma to adding blue thistle and succulents into my hot pink bridal bouquet! The bright floral arrangements accompanied by the blue table linens from La Tavola Fine Linen added so much life and color to Casa Paloma at El Chorro.

Other details that made our wedding unique were our custom floral invitations and monogram designed by Jacki Miller of Foil & Ink; a special song (“Isn’t She Lovely”) dedicated to our daughter during the reception from Shining Star Band; Whit’s Death Star groom’s cake and the cactus cookie favors for our guests (with gold embossed monogram tags done by my mom) from Ruze Cake House; our wooden welcome sign, which was created by Autumn Matney; the groomsmen’s baby blue dotted bow ties from The Tie Bar; and my “something old”! Oliver Smith Jeweler designed all of the jewelry that I wore on our wedding day, except for my ruby cross, which was my something old passed all the way down from my great-great-grandmother.

I recently learned that my great-great-grandfather found this beautiful family heirloom on the ground in a park in Poland in the early 1900’s. The cross was given to my Babcia (my grandma), who wore it on her wedding day. She passed it down to my mother, who wore it on her wedding day, and now I got the privilege of wearing the cross on my wedding day. I am so looking forward to the day when I can place this cross around my own daughter’s neck just like my mom did for me!

Everything about our wedding day was absolutely perfect, and I am so thankful we chose the amazingly talented Rachel Solomon to photograph our wedding, as well as Something New Media who filmed our special day. Both Rachel and Something New Media have allowed us to relive our special day over and over again through the truly beautiful images they captured. We feel like we hit the jackpot with our wedding vendors and we wish we could play our wedding day on repeat, but for now, Whit and I will just enjoy watching our wedding film with our baby girl!

Photography: Rachel Solomon Photography | Videography: Something New Media | Event Planning: Christine Southerland | Floral Design: Carte Blanche | Gown: Paloma Blanca | Cake: Ruze Cake House | Ceremony Venue: Brophy College Preparatory | Reception Venue: El Chorro | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Rings: Oliver Smith | Bridesmaids: BHLDN | Makeup: Maureen Cosovich | Hair: Meaghan Gingrich | Band: Shining Star Band | Ties: The Tie Bar | Groom: Calvin Klein | Bridesmaid Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar | Gown Boutique: Schaffers Bridal | Groom's Ring: Qalo Rings | Invitation Calligraphy: Pretty Paperie | Invitations & Paper: Foil And Ink | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Reception Calligraphy: The Letter House | Ribbon: Frou Frou Chic | Strings: Allegro Quartet

When it comes to wedding gifts, more and more guests are giving cash. Considering many brides would rather have a boost to their bank account than fine china, this is a great problem to have! But when you walk away from your big day quite a bit richer, it can be tricky to resist the temptation to splurge on a fun vacation or the latest phone. Does it make more sense to spend or save wedding cash?

Jeremy Walter, the founder of Fident Financial, gave some great tips to brides and grooms who aren’t sure what to do with the cash burning a hole in their post-wedding pockets! He suggests breaking the money down into four categories and putting together a plan that makes the most sense for you and your new groom.

Live:
Although spending smart will pay off in the long run, it’s also totally valid to want to use some of your wedding money for enjoyable activities. “Using some wedding cash to enhance a honeymoon, buy some new heirlooms for your family, or simply spend time doing something together can create invaluable memories,” said Mr. Walter.

Give:
Your friends and families just gave a lot of time and money to your big day, whether it was traveling a long distance or writing you a significant check. Giving custom-designed thank you notes, while a bit pricier, can be a great way to show your appreciation. Another idea from Mr. Walter is to solicit votes from wedding guests on a charity to donate a portion of your wedding money to.

Owe:
“If you financed a chunk of the wedding via credit card or other means of debt, then I’d give strong consideration of using some of the wedding cash to pay off that debt,” said Mr. Walter. “Also, if you have other lingering debt such as student loans, car loans, or other ongoing credit cards – using the cash can be a great way of getting a fresh start.” While it doesn’t sound glamorous, anyone with loans or debt can speak to how great it feels to have fewer monthly payments.

Grow:
If you’ve got your finances under in control and have already spent a bit of dough on fun memories or a charity, consider putting money into either a Roth IRA or a Traditional IRA. “Invest in a diversified portfolio of either low cost mutual or index funds or a basket of exchange-traded-funds and don’t plan on touching it for a long time,” Mr. Wagner said. “Putting a chunk of change into investments when you’re young will go a long way as you allow the power of compound interest to work for you.”

At the end of the day, you and your groom need to decide what works best for your family and your situation. But these four categories are thoughtful ways to get started!

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Claire Swinarski is a writer and podcaster based in Wisconsin. When she isn’t writing, she can be found obsessing over football, eating a burrito bowl, or hanging out with her husband and son.

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again – if I was given a wedding re-do, an intimate elopement is most definitely the way I’d go. Just an utterly romantic day without all the big wedding fuss and only our very dearest along to celebrate. It’d look exactly like this inspiration shoot captured by Emily Fuselier and there’s so much more to see right here in the gallery.

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We wanted to start the day off with an intimate session of the couple to really set the mood for the rest of the day. You can tell how much in love and affection they have for each other. We really wanted the different sets of images to showcase the different settings and emotions that go into the wedding day. Even during a small intimate elopement, we wanted to capture it as if you were really there and you could feel the excitement and joy from the couple.

We designed their wedding to compliment what the south has to offer; lush greens, soft whites, lace and plenty of sunshine was key. The bride loves white florals, so we decided to make them pop a little more to accent them with the brass candleholders and flatware. We wanted to really emphasize the emotions that go on during a wedding for the bride and groom, from the moment they wake up all the way to the reception.

Photography: Emily Fuselier | Coordination: Sara Lasher | Event Design: Emily Fuselier | Floral Design: Maggie Cook | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Cake: Cake Love | Invitations: Shop Aurea | Ceremony Venue: Walnut Grove | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu | Hair and Makeup: Blush | Men's Attire: The Black Tux | Mens Attire: JCrew | Accessories: The Little Pearl | Bed Linens: Anthropologie | Brides Jewlery: J.Crew | Film Lab: PhotoVision Prints | Rentals: Pure Vintage Rentals | Ribbons: Nettle Textiles

Channeling the aesthetic of rustic Greek villages, Vasia Han Photography and the team of vendors behind this workshop in British Columbia styled a casually elegant reception using soft blues and golds. Their goal was to inspire destination Brides-to-be by creating a simple and obtainable – yet still beautiful – look. Between the mismatched chairs, the casual and romantic tablescape, and the the Bride’s effortless french braid, they nailed it.

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From Vasia Han Photography… This Mediterranean destination wedding inspiration shoot was styled for our workshop which we hosted in beautiful British Columbia a few weeks back. Real couple Nate and Kira were our models, and Kira wore the incredible Dover gown by Rime Arodaky, which was borrowed from local Vancouver boutique, Union Bridal. The decor for the reception was inspired by rustic village weddings in Greece. We wanted to style an obtainable design that real Brides could create for themselves for a destination wedding. After the shoot, our group dined at the tables!

Photography: Vasia Photography | Event Planning and Design: White Event Studio | Floral Design: Celsia Floral | Wedding Dress: Rime Arodaky | Catering: Joy Road Catering | Hair and Makeup: Jenny McKinney | Venue: Gods Mountain Estate | Bridal Boutique: Union Bridal | Chairs: A New Leaf Floral Design | Hair Accessory: Naturae Design | Menus: Flourish Calligraphy | Model: Kira Stevens | Rentals: White Event Studio | Table Runner and Ribbons: Stella Wolfe | Workshop: Boheme Workshops

This darling couple planned to say “I do” in Italy, so they decided to have an engagement session just days before their nuptials. As their photographer Jen Huang says, “Why not when you have all your vendors in one gorgeous location?” Take note, destination Brides-to-be! The photos of this e-session at a historic Italian villa are sweet, playful, and all kinds of beautiful, so head to the gallery for more.

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From Jen Huang Photography… Playful, fun, and fashion forward couple, Lora and Eric, were photographed on the beautiful grounds of Villa Cetinale in Sovicille, Tuscany. An inspiration to any destination couple who might be considering a portrait shoot during their wedding week – why not when you have all your vendors in one gorgeous location? Loved their carefree style paired with their casual yet elegant attire, like those purple pumps and that powder blue dress from Net-a-Porter. Always plan to dress up a little if you’re being photographed at a historic Italian villa.

Photography: Jen Huang Photography | Film: Fuji Film | Suit: Suitsupply | Dresses: Elie Saab | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab | Location: Villa Cetinale

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From the palest blush to the brightest fuchsia, this Michigan wedding is layered in every shade of pink. Now top that rosy color palette off with a healthy dose of sparkle and a ballroom dressed to the nines by All Grand Events along with imagery by Studio 41 Photography and you get one insanely glamorous celebration. See even more right here.

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From the Bride… Scott and I were engaged for a year and half before we tied the knot. Living in Michigan, I had always known I wanted a summer wedding. It took us only one week to fall in love with our venue. We visited the Grosse Pointe War Memorial once before signing on the dotted line. It was everything we had dreamed of in a venue. It was unique, over looked the water, and had a beautiful landscape unlike any venue we had ever seen before. When it came to my vision, I had always dreamed of a princess fairytale wedding. I lack any and all creative genes and therefore knew the perfect person to hire; that is Emily Dawson with All Grand Events. I told her the colors I envisioned and she took care of the rest. Between the absolutely stunning centerpieces, the rose gold sequin table clothes, and the gorgeous floral bouquets, the décor was my dream come true.

The details left every guest stunned in amazement. Emily made it so easy, I never worried about a thing. Scott and I were left free to focus on what really mattered, our love for each other. The day was so magical I could not have asked for anything better. We had our marriage ceremony around 1PM with our family and friends. We took our bridal army (19 groomsmen and bridesmaids to be exact) and spent the afternoon taking photos at some of our favorites spots around Detroit before ending up at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. One of my favorite moments of the day was taking photos with our amazing photographers/videographers from Studio 41 Photography. Majority of our photos were just of Scott and I and in the chaos of the day it was some alone time we had with each other to just take in the day and the moments.

My secondary favorite moment of the day was when the DJ finished playing his last song and our friends and family took it upon themselves to sing “Hey Jude” to Scott and I in synchronized fashion to keep the celebration going. It was such a magical day that I will never forget.

My advice for future brides is to take a deep breath and take in the excitement of the day. The day goes by so fast and things are likely to go wrong but at the end of the day none of the little things matter. I had always dreamed of doing a flying lantern release (like in the movie Tangled) at my wedding. I had everything ready to go, 50 lanterns in total. There happened to be a slight wind on the evening of the wedding and very few lanterns made it up in flight, and the ones that did caught trees on fire! At first I was disappointed things did not go as expected but it provided for some serious entertainment for the guests. I had 100+ guests chasing down these lanterns that were more so dangerous fireballs flying into trees and bushes. (For the record, no one was injured and all fires were quickly put out.) Most guests were laughing so hard they were in tears. It wasn’t the magical release I envisioned but it sure gave us all a laugh and still continues to this day. I wouldn’t have wanted any other way.

Photography: Studio 41 Photography | Cake : Mannino's Bakery | Ceremony Venue: St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church | Reception Venue: The Grosse Pointe War Memorial | Makeup Artist : Shayna Paric | Hair Stylist: Andrew Marke Salon | DJ: NightBeat Entertainment | Groomsmen's Attire: Baryames Tuxedo | Transportation : Metro Party Bus | Floral Design & Styling : All Grand Events | Wedding Dress Boutique : The Wedding Shoppe

A pretty detail can inspire a whole event, but nothing like a good love story sparks a smile and reminds us why this little ol’ blog keeps us coming back on the daily. Case in point? This sweet tale of a couple brought together by the Brooklyn Bridge, which in turn inspired their Big Day. Valerie Barnes Film captured it all beautifully and don’t miss the Bride’s full story below!

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From the Bride… I think our priest says it best: Vincent and I are cut from the same fabric, just different ends. When we were dating, Vincent had to drive many, many times from his home in New Jersey, over the Brooklyn Bridge (often sitting in traffic), to my home in Brooklyn. So when it came time for planning our wedding, we thought that the Brooklyn Bridge needed to be a part of it somehow.

We were each raised in traditional, Italian families, where our family gatherings and weddings pretty much all take place the same few catering halls. The thought of doing something different and gasp, a Manhattan wedding, seemed out of the question, and the budget. Luckily, I have an event production background and Vincent is a whiz at crunching numbers.

In my obsession with New York City architecture, I learned of the Surrogate’s Courthouse, which is a familiar building in a very obvious location right over the Brooklyn Bridge at 31 Chambers Street in Manhattan that many New Yorkers, including myself, have passed by thousands of times without knowing its history or its breathtaking interior. To me, finding something unknown in a city so populated, where everything has already been discovered, makes the hidden gems that much more special.

As the NYC.gov site describes, the Surrogates’ Courthouse, built in 1899-1907, is a New York City Landmark, originally designed for use as a Hall of Records, it’s original name. It’s considered a major example of the early twentieth century City Beautiful movement. The idea behind the “City Beautiful” movement was to transform cities with spectacular, imposing classical buildings and monuments to provide an uplifting experience for the community. That description fit perfectly for what Vincent and I wanted our wedding guests to experience.

Because the Surrogate’s Courthouse is used for local government events and corporate holiday parties, they were less thrilled about hosting 300 of our closest family members but we somehow convinced them to agree to our big fat Italian wedding. I later learned that the Surrogate’s Courthouse was often used for filming Law & Order, which is Vincent’s favorite TV show. Once I told him about that, there was no turning back. I just needed to find a caterer that was up for the challenge of working in a completely raw space with no kitchen on-site.

In our culture, food is everything. I met with several caterers but didn’t find the right fit. So, I returned to my roots in Brooklyn and connected with Gargiulo’s, an old-school Italian restaurant, a Coney Island institution circa 1907. They do not typically agree to off-premise events but they were so interested in our story and the venue, that they fell in love with our idea and signed up for mission impossible. Gargiulo’s was amazing to work with and created such an elegant experience from the catering, tuxedoed wait staff, full bar service, furniture, to the candle centerpieces, that our guests thought that the Surrogate’s Courthouse was a restaurant.

The venue’s marble covered interior and ornate design did not need additional décor elements and I knew that I simply wanted to enhance its existing beauty through lighting. Funktion DJ designed and produced the lighting throughout the space and DJ Vitale, who grew up in the same neighborhood as me, and is the most talented and reliable DJ I know, ensured that our guests enjoyed a memorable dance party all night long.

Valerie Barnes artistic eye captured it all on film and most of the time, I forgot she was even there, and that is the highest compliment. Our wedding film speaks for itself. Our photographer, Nick Gagliano at Studio Uno, captured the surrounding architecture and special moments throughout the night.

Days after our wedding, the Surrogate’s Courthouse will be indefinitely closed for renovations. Our wedding was the last event there which makes our memory of that night feel like it’s frozen in time.

Photography: Studio Uno Photography & Cinematography | Cinematography: Valerie Barnes Film | Floral Design: David Shannon | Ceremony Venue: Sacred Hearts St. Stephen's | Reception Venue: The Surrogate's Courthouse | Catering: Gargiulo's Restaurant | DJ: Anthony Vitale | Vocalist: Garrad Perry

For the bride with a never-ending list of “to do’s” on her task list, finding the time to shape up that booty may seem like a daunting task. But getting fit for your Big Day should be fun and stress-free and that’s why we teamed up with the experts at boldrfit to narrow it down to five simple steps. Guys, this really is the easiest way ever to achieve those fitness goals just in time for that walk down the aisle – we promise.

ONE: KEEP YOUR WORKOUTS CONSISTENT

We totally get that running from dress fittings to cake tastings can take up a lot of your free time, so squeezing in trips to the gym can seem like a never-ending battle. But trust us – consistent workouts are key. So if you’re running out of time for the gym, breathe easy. boldrfit uses cutting edge video tech to bring a personal trainer to you. You see, speak and interact with your trainer in real time, which means you can work out in YOUR space (hello, home or office), so you don’t have to battle the parking, sweaty machines or clock to get your fitness on. Yep, all you’ll need is a device, high-speed internet and 45 minutes. Seriously.

TWO: STAY CLEAR OF STARVATION DIETS

Whether you want to lose a few pesky pounds or simply tone up those arms and legs, it’s easy to fall prey to fad dieting. But your body isn’t meant to go without the right nutrients, so keeping your diet clean is actually the best way to do it. Which means making fitness goals for yourself AND using a personal trainer to give you that extra boost of will-power when that pizza is calling your name. But don’t think that you have to restrict everything you eat. This is a fun-filled time in your life, and you should enjoy every moment. Just make sure to make smart choices when you can AND stay hydrated.

THREE: KEEP THAT MIND HEALTHY

You know what they say: healthy mind, healthy body. Your boldrfit personal trainer can walk you through everything you need to know, plus you can even invite your besties, so you can workout together. It’s the perfect way to relieve stress + release those endorphins that will actually help with planning. And we mentioned it’s all online, right? A healthy body and mind also means setting aside some time on your weekly schedule to practice yoga, meditate or simply take some minutes to really, really stretch. Not not sure where to even begin when it comes to restorative practice? boldrfit also offers a library of On Demand videos including yoga.

FOUR: GET ENOUGH SLEEP

There isn’t a problem a good night’s sleep can’t solve and that’s especially true when it comes to your fitness. So put down that binder, turn off that computer and cozy on in for a night of rest and relaxation, so you can bring your “A” game to your workout regime in the morning. Because being well-rested keeps you from overeating, overthinking AND stressing out over all of those details pre-wedding. In other words? Zzzz’s are where it’s at.

FIVE: HAVE FUN

It goes without saying: you should be enjoying every. single. moment. leading up to your Big Day. And that includes your daily workouts. Because, honestly, getting fit alone is never as much as with a partner and with boldrfit, you’ll have those friends + motivator you need in an amazing online personal trainer and up to five other participants. And it all costs up to 90% less than personal trainers at the gym. Sooo smile-worthy.

If you’re ready to tackle your wedding booty with an online training system that is all kinds of awesome (do it!), boldrfit can help you get started with affordable packages (think $99 a month for unlimited sessions), two free sessions and a pay-as-you-go option. You can’t beat the convenience OR cost. You’ll LOVE it.

What: boldrfit is giving one lucky reader two (2) free unlimited months for you and your fave friend or bridesmaid! (Value $400)

How: Leave us a comment below telling us your fitness goals before the Big Day! (Example: I really want to tone up my arms and legs!)

Who: One lucky reader, chosen completely at random, will be announced on July 5, 2017. Good luck!

Official Rules: Click Here

boldrfit is giving SMP readers 20% off their chosen package! For the discount, use one of the following codes: SMP59, SMP99, SMP549 or SMP849. Offer is valid until August 31, 2017.

If walking into Anthropologie gives you all the heart eyes, you’re going to want to spend some solid time with this dreamy Texas fete coordinated by Heavenly Day Events and designed by Gypsy Floral. I mean, can you EVEN?! And let’s just drop our jaws for this seriously beautiful Bride and her ‘maids. I mean, come on, does it get any prettier? Lauren Peele made sure to snap up every single inch and her images have happily consumed my morning. Join me right here.

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From Heavenly Day Events… Hiring the best that Austin has to offer certainly paid off for Kate and Wes. Just look at these stunning details… a timeless palate flawlessly combined with modern and Anthro touches that just somehow worked due to the meticulous design efforts made by Gypsy Floral. Wisely, they partnered with Loot Vintage Rentals, Birch & Brass and Premiere Event Rentals to bring all of these fabulous details to life. Building backdrops, creating displays and styling is something these designers clearly mastered. Of course, Prospect House is a dream that affords the best of natural light that can be chased all day against it’s crisp and white walls. A blank canvas for the best of all creativity to run wild. Photographer, Lauren Peele captured it with top level talent.

To provide a unique guest experience, Kate and Wes opted to hire Vannagram for memory making photos and chose to incorporate Voodoo Doughnuts in their dessert set up, alongside a cake from Sweet Treets Bakery. And yes, that’s with two E’s. Of course, part of the experience was having Peached Tortilla bring it home with an amazing menu. Known for their fusion, they wow’d guests with droolworthy awesomeness such as peach bbq sauce.

And can we talk about how stylish Kate is as a bride? I keep finding myself drawn to her look- that hair and makeup are breathtaking. Hint of Shimmer really brought out her natural beauty with a loose up-do and soft skin. As expected with a stylist of this caliber, Kate’s look managed to survive a night on the dance floor, courtesy of DJ Mark Warren, whom had guests on their feet all.night.long.

What does every wedding need to bring this all together? An event manager! Heavenly Day Events swooped in alongside Kate in the last six weeks to reconcile and tie it all in a bow. Having a fabulous team is on Heavenly Day’s “must have” list when considering clients and this was no exception in the fabulous team department.

Photography: Lauren Peele | Event Coordination: Heavenly Day Events | Event Design: Gypsy Floral | Floral Design: Gypsy Floral | Cake: Sweet Treets Bakery | Catering: The Peached Tortilla | Hair and Makeup: Hint Of Shimmer | Calligraphy: Lithesome Lettering | DJ: Exodus Sound Company | Ceremony and Reception: Prospect House | Donuts: Voodoo Doughnuts | Photo Booth: Vannagram & Co. | Rentals: Loot Vintage Rentals | Rentals: Premiere Events | Rentals: Birch And Brass Rentals

When it comes to Save the Dates, wedding invitations and elopement announcements, finding stationery that is well-designed AND unique is key. So today we’re helping you achieve those #invitationgoals by teaming up with a community of designers that will totally deliver on that gorgeous paper goods promise. Skipt Paper Co. takes a bold (+ stunning) approach to invitation design that is perfect for those of you who want something a little outside the box. Scroll for 15 must-sees (and a discount) below.

We all know (and love) Skipt Paper Co. as the place that totally rocks an elopement announcement. Since 2015, they’ve been helping couples like you share THE big news with designs that are respectful, cheerful AND unapologetic. So to say we were excited to hear they were launching a new wedding invitation line that would take those beautiful standards and weave them into awesome Save the Dates, invites and more (!) is an understatement. And guess what? We weren’t disappointed… each design is as amazing as we thought.

Gathering a community of independent designers and bringing them to the masses is a genius idea, and Skipt Paper Co. brought together some of the most talented individuals ever to help with your wedding stationery needs. Think wedding invitation suites, Save the Dates, elopement announcements, custom address stamps, notecards, newlywed holiday cards, envelope printing and FREE revisions, all crafted with your unique story in mind. Guys, Skipt Paper Co. honestly has you covered.

If you’re looking for top notch wedding stationery designers with many, many years of experience and an eye for the bold and unique, Skipt Paper Co. will be your happy place. Head there now to peruse the beautiful options… and be sure to order a sample kit to really help you narrow down which design is for you. (It’s a hard choice.) Trust us – Skipt Paper Co. will take care of every last stationery detail while #youdoyou. Don’t wait another minute to start the process.

Enter code JUNESMP10 at checkout and save 10% off your entire order. Offer valid now through July 31, 2017 at 11:59 EST.

One of the best ways to prevent pre-honeymoon stress is to give yourself a week or two to make your packing list and check it twice. You’ll, of course, want to think through the clothes you’ll need for the weather, the fancy outfits you’ll pack for your romantic dinners and the items from your lingerie shower that should make an appearance (ooh la la)! But don’t forget to think through the random items that might make your trip more comfortable and memorable. Here are five items not to leave off the list!

Medications
You probably have a mini first aid kit, but if it’s not already in there, Pepto Bismol is a definite must. Wherever you go you might encounter some different kinds of foods, and you never know how you’ll react. Taking Pepto tablets preventatively before a meal can prevent any discomfort – which is awesome because an extended visit to the bathroom isn’t, ahem, romantic. Also be sure not to forget any prescription medications or items you regularly take for any known conditions.

Sunscreen
You likely are hoping for some sun on your trip. Don’t get sunburned, just don’t do it. Besides the fact that it’s terrible for your skin, you don’t want to spend your honeymoon wincing every time your new hubby brushes your arm. It’s worth noting that sunscreen can be a lot more expensive in some countries, and can get marked up at many resorts, so if you have space, throw in a few travel sized bottles.

A notebook
Pack a small journal or your phone/tablet equipped with your note-taking app of choice. This will be an experience to remember for a lifetime. You’ll surely take hundreds of pictures, but there is also something special about remembering the names of the restaurants where you ate, the song that was playing at the bar, the type of pastry you couldn’t get enough of, what made you laugh so hard you cried on the train. As a bonus – when you get home you can use one of the photo-printing websites to compile your shots into a keepsake book with detailed captions.

A collapsible tote bag
Give yourself permission to gather a few souvenirs of your special trip. Pack a collapsible tote bag or duffle that takes up little space in your suitcase but gives you some extra real estate on the way back. A lightweight tote also doubles as the perfect beach bag, or bag to sling over your shoulder as you wander a local market.

Blister BandAids
Right now you’re likely mostly focused on deciding how much of your lingerie and new outfits you can cram in your suitcase. But don’t forget that more than likely you’ll end up wanting to take an impromptu stroll and spending some time exploring your destination on foot. You’ll want a comfortable pair of walking shoes, and I’ve found there is nothing better than the band-aids designed for blisters to help a new pair of shoes feel old and worn in (they even stay put in the water). You don’t want to cut any adventure short because your feet can’t cut it!

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Chloe O’Sullivan is a freelance writer and sales director based in Washington DC (soon relocating to Northern New Hampshire). When she isn’t writing, she can be found trying new restaurants, planning her next trip, or hiking with her soon to be husband.

Having a wedding at a far-off destination, either underneath tropical palm trees, in a quaint European village or on top of a mountain, can be beautiful and unique—but it’s not right for everyone. Here are some things you should consider before officially deciding to jet off with your wedding dress in tow.

Your Guests
Whether you have five guests or 100, the most important part of the wedding is who is there with you. Are your loved ones willing and able to travel to your destination? And will you be okay if there are a few who ultimately can’t attend? Make sure you are fully confident with your decision before moving forward!

The Communication
When you get married close to home, you have the luxury of seeing, and meeting, everyone and everything in person. You have the chance to become friendly with your vendors, and you get to see certain decisions come alive long before the day. But, with a destination, this isn’t always possible. Understand that you’ll be making a lot of choices via phone or email, and will have to be flexible when planning.

The Dress Code
If you envision your guests in tuxedos and floor-length gowns, you may want to rethink a destination wedding to a tropical island. If breezy and casual is more your speed, a wedding in the mountains may not work. This is also true for your own look: you want to look beautiful and be comfortable! Considering all of these little details will help you further decide if a destination is truly right for you.

Scheduling Events
If you are having your guests travel for your wedding, they most likely will be in the area for more than just one or two days. To accommodate them, you’ll need to schedule weekend events, whether it’s sit-down dinners, daytime activities, or simple gatherings to keep them entertained throughout the weekend (or week), not just the day of your wedding.

The Size
Circling back to number one, there may be some guests who won’t be able to attend. This means that if you imagined dancing the night away with your work BFF’s, second cousins and well, everyone you know, a destination may not be right for you. Even if the guest list is large, most destination weddings don’t accommodate huge groups, and you always have to be ready for a handful of guests who won’t be able to make it simply due to the travel.

While there are things to consider (and sometimes things to give up) when choosing a destination wedding, the pros often outweigh the cons. If you’re okay with all of the above, and your dream nuptials have you imagining sand in your toes at the beach or wrapped in a cozy blanket in the woods, it’s time to start planning that destination. Next step: plane tickets!

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.

Hi readers, it’s Ali from A Dash of Details and former SMP Blogger Bride here to share our first anniversary in Maui, plus a few things I learned during our first year of marriage. After our honeymoon in Costa Rica, we knew we wanted to create a travel tradition for each anniversary and this year we were lucky enough to celebrate in Hawaiian paradise.

When we arrived at the Four Seasons Maui resort, we were greeted with traditional leis and ginger lemonade! It felt like we were right back on our honeymoon! From relaxing on the sandy beaches to beautiful dinners, this anniversary trip was the perfect time to reconnect and relax.

One of my favorite experiences during our stay was The Ultimate Dinner private dining experience. It was a unique and memorable way to reflect on the day we said “I Do.”

3 Lessons From Our 1st Year of Marriage

Compromise: My mom always said, “don’t sweat the small stuff” and oh, was she right. In the first year of marriage, I learned that compromise is the key to happy life.

Communication: While this seems simple, this can be the most difficult to learn. We have been together for almost ten years, and we have learned that spending the time to talk about our personal and relationship goals has created a strong foundation for our marriage.

Making Time for Each Other: With busy schedules, it can be tough to carve out time for each other. We started a tradition in our house to have a date night at least once a week. Whether it is dinner our favorite neighborhood restaurant or cooking a meal together at home; taking time for just the two of us have been so important in our growing relationship.

To keep updated on our life as a married couple, follow along over on A Dash of Details.

xoxo, Ali

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Photography: A Dash Of Details | Black Dress: Everything But Water | Black Swimsuit: Everything But Water | Blogger Bride: A Dash Of Details | Hat: Indego Africa | Resort: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea | Resort: Four Seasons Maui | Swimsuit: St. Bernard Sports