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

5 Years and 4 Kids Later, They Planned a Vow Renewal to Remember

When Kim and Shiloh tied the knot five years ago, it wasn’t exactly their dream wedding. Fast forward to their life four kiddos later, and Kim decided it was high time for a vow renewal that felt a bit more “them.” She enlisted the help of some of her amazing colleagues in the wedding industry, including BBJ Linens, and surprised Shiloh with a celebration set in coastal Rhode Island. It was a day chock-full of special moments, including the couple’s four boys who came along to cheer on mom and dad.

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From the bride, Kim.. When my husband and I were first wed, we had no budget, threw a wedding together very quickly, and it wasn’t ideal. Since then, I entered the wedding industry as a wedding photographer and I realized what I would have done differently if I had the chance to do it all over. That thought gave me an idea. Since our five year anniversary was coming up I decided to enlist my favorite vendors and surprise my husband Shiloh with a vow renewal.

We planned for months, I enlisted the help of my dear friends Mollie + Julianna along with my photographer friends Kearsten + Tiffany. Together we planned out every little detail. I knew I had to host with my favorite Events Team – Longwood. We went back and forth between Belle Mer and Newport Beach House but since I’m such a beach girl at heart we went with Newport Beach House.

Shiloh was completely surprised and soaked up every moment of it. I even had our four boys read a few scripture verses during the vow renewal. I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. I can’t wait to hang these photos on my walls for years to come. I hope to throw an even bigger vow renewal for our 10 years and this time includes our family and friends.

An Epic Engagement in the Santa Ynez Mountains

Dreamy doesn’t even begin to describe this lovefest set in Santa Ynez. Of course, it comes as no surprise when the amazing Jose Villa is behind the lens, with Janet Villa rocking her talents on hair and makeup. Take a peek into Dani and Aaron’s photo session and consider this your virtual escape to the mountains of California.

Photography: Jose Villa Photography | Hair + Makeup: Janet Villa

Tour A Blushing Pink Office with Just a Hint of Edge

For blogger Rachel Parcell of Pink Peonies, a pretty pink office is exactly where we imagine her spending her days. It’s a seamless extension of her brand but this blushing space has a definite edge. With a marble floor pattern that slays to a pop o’ fuchsia rug, tour this oh so girly HQ perfectly captured by Nicole Gerulat.

From Rachel… I would say my personal style is feminine and classic with a little edge, and my office space completely embodies that. It’s a very feminine space (hence the pink), but the marble flooring and black accents give it the right about of edge.

There’s something so timeless and classic about a marble floor. Originally, I was going to lay the marble in a checkerboard pattern, but when I started playing around with the sample pieces, it looked plain. I decided I wanted a more intricate and unique pattern, so I started looking for inspiration to draw from. My floor was inspired by one of my favorite designers, Kelly Wearstler, and her entryway, which was featured here.

The very first item I selected for this room (aside from the flooring) was the fuchsia pink rug from Lulu & Georgia. I designed the entire room around the rug, and I love the bold statement it adds to the space. When I’m decorating a feminine space, I always love to add a few pops of fuchsia pink. It instantly adds so much to the color palette of the space.

Photography: Nicole Gerulat | Office: Rachel Parcell

This Couple Said “I Do” Exactly 10 Years to the Day They Met

Cedarwood is such a magical spot in Nashville and home to some of the most romantic weddings on the planet. From that stunning outdoor chapel to the gorgeous family-style tablescapes complete with wood menus by Designs in Paper, see how this couple celebrated 10 years (to the day they first met) with rustic elegant I Do’s. Pore through all the beauty captured by Julie Paisley right here.

Where do I even begin to tell you all about my favorites from Meghan and Troy’s most amazing day. From getting married on their “10 years from when they first met” to the special private first dance that Troy surprised her with after their first look, to all the pretty details, I mean, did you see those wooden table menus? So unique! And the outdoor chapel, just the loveliest! It truly was a joy to capture their love and I am so excited to share this day with you. I’m also secretly hoping I have more perriwinkle blue in my future.

Chic NYC Wedding With Skyline Views + Lace Jumpsuit

This couple wanted an unconventional reception with views of the New York City skyline to celebrate after their City Hall nuptials, and Ang Weddings and Events sure did deliver! The Central Park Zoo was the perfect location for their vision, offering the guests a chance to explore and mingle with the animals. From the Bride’s chic DVF jumpsuit to a Batman inspired cake topper, Moss + Isaac Photography captured the details of day, and we have them all waiting for you here.

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From Ang Weddings and Events… Carly and Xavier had their marriage ceremony at City Hall and threw a fantastic reception at the Central Park Zoo to celebrate with their closest friends and family. Before everyone arrived, we arranged for a photo session for the couple at the Zoo and around Central Park. Carly looked so chic in her DVF white lace and sequin jumpsuit and her bouquet of striking peonies.

Guests were welcomed to the Zoo with cocktails around the sea lion pool, watching April the sea lion swimming and playing in the water. The tropics zone and the penguin and seabird building were also open during cocktail hour, so everyone had the opportunity to explore. We brought in a New Orleans jazz band that played some of their favorite tunes. Creative Edge served New Orleans Hurricanes and a Bloody Marys as their signature drinks.

Dinner took place under a tent, which was decorated with what seemed like a million hanging lights and touches of greenery. To create some dimension, we combined round tables with some long tables at an angle to the length of the tent. I loved the black escort cards and menus against the crisp white linens and the beautiful black vases that Verde sourced for the long tables. The flowers were lush and soft, evoking a garden like atmosphere perfect for an outdoor reception. For dinner, guests enjoyed grilled peach and burrata followed by pan seared bass or beef tenderloin wellington. Xavier, being French, had to have a cheese course, so Creative Edge provided a beautiful table of a selection of cheeses for guests to enjoy. The simply elegant cake by Nine Cakes was adorned with an adorable cake topper of batman and batgirl getting married, one of the costumes that Carly and Xavier had dressed up in for halloween one year! We also passed around mini desserts, banana split drumsticks, boozy milkshakes, strawberry whoopie pies, and chewy chocolate caramel tartlets. Being lovers of chocolate, their favors were two dark chocolate truffles from La Maison du Chocolat.

The Central Park Zoo was the perfect space for a couple that wanted something different and unconventional. Carly and Xavier wanted to have their reception outside and ideally with a view of the New York City skyline. This was no easy feat to find a location in Manhattan large enough for their guest list, but we found it at the zoo, and it was perfect! I will always remember that gorgeous spring evening with guests eating and drinking around the sea lion pool and the dramatic view of the Central Park South skyline.

The Dreamiest Beach Wedding With Dinner on the Ocean Pier!

Imagine the softest, prettiest, most ethereal beach celebration of your wildest dreams and that, my friends, is this wedding. Set in Montego Bay, Jamaica, it begins with a ceremony on the island’s white sand beaches followed by dinner on a breathtaking ocean pier. Of course, behind every amazing wedding are amazing vendors and Meggie Francisco Events + Tracy Enoch Photography are two of the pros who made it happen. Follow your tropical wanderlust with even more this way in the gallery.

From Tracy Enoch… Mary and Mike exchanged vows on the white sand beaches of Montego Bay, Jamaica surrounded by an intimate gathering of their close family and friends. Using a soft pastel color palette, Meggie Francisco of Meggie Francisco Events succeeded in designing a warm and minimalistic event that emphasized the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Using locally foraged foliage to compliment the soft white and pink tulips that were shipped in from the states, Leslie Dupre worked her magic and created stunning floral elements used for the wedding day. Mary and Mike began their wedding day celebration on the beach exchanging rings and vows, and ended the evening with an intimate dinner under the stars and dancing at one of the Hyatt Ziva Jamaica resort clubs.

Photography: Tracy Enoch Photography | Floral Design: Leslie Wild | Invitations: Scribbles And Swirls | Ceremony Venue: Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall | Planning: Meggie Francisco

SMP Instagram Giveaway With CALPAK + BHLDN

Just to the sweeten the deal of our AMAZING honeymoon giveaway with Black Tomato, Style Me Pretty has teamed up with CALPAK and BHLDN to giveaway some incredible gifts that will have you honeymooning in major style. Head over to Instagram now to enter to win and check down below to see if you’ve been featured on Style Me Pretty!

How To Enter:

Follow @stylemepretty, @blacktomatotravel, @CALPAK, and @bhldn.

Post a picture of you and your love using the hashtag (#SMPxBTHoneymoons) and tell us where your dream honeymoon would be!

Easy right!? Head over to Instagram now and start posting! And if you haven’t already entered for the grand-prize honeymoon giveaway with Black Tomato — well what are you waiting for?

Rules:

Open to legal residents of 50 United States and the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older
To enter, post on Instagram and make sure you are following @stylemepretty, @blacktomatotravel, @CALPAK, and @bhldn ….entrants’ posts MUST include the hashtag #SMPxBTHoneymoons
Sweepstakes ends on Friday, June 30th, at 12pm eastern
Limit one (1) entry per person
5 Winners will be selected in a random drawing at the end of the sweepstakes
By entering, you confirm you have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions.

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@stylemepretty @blacktomatotravel @calpak I’m marrying the love of my life in 54 days… will you send us on our dream honeymoon to St.Lucia with Calpak’s pretty luggage?! ❤️ #SMPxBTHoneymoons

A post shared by Kristin Klein (@kristinklein) on Jun 13, 2017 at 10:48am PDT

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We’re just about 5 months away till I can stop abducting you and officially say you’re mine! Our dream honeymoon of seeing the cherry blossoms in Japan was foiled, so these almond blooms will have to do for now. #myfault #failedplanning #ijumpedthegun #SMPxBTHoneymoons @calpak @stylemepretty @blacktomatotravel #TMTjourneys #winterwedding #almondorchards #almondfields #engagementshoot #filmphotography #couplegoals

A post shared by Michael Ta (@tatime17774) on Jun 13, 2017 at 7:09pm PDT

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Oh darling, let’s be adventurers! @stylemepretty @blacktomatotravel please pick us!

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3 Tropical Destination Weddings—No Passport Necessary

When planning a tropical destination wedding, there are a ton of factors to consider. Climate, cost, and vendors are all a concern, let alone how your guests will get there! So sometimes, choosing a wedding locale where a passport isn’t necessary can save a bit of stress.

Starting your marriage on a beach is the perfect way to embrace the new chapter in your life and give your guests a bit of a vacation while you’re at it. The laws are constantly changing, so make sure you double check requirements before you book your dream venue!

The US Virgin Islands
The USVI are a stunning spot to say “I Do”. The islands, such as St. Croix, St. Thomas, or St. John, have gorgeous beaches, historic churches, sugar plantations, and oceanside villas perfect for bridal parties.

The marriage laws are also fairly simple; you can easily order a marriage license online and after a short 8 day waiting period, be good to go. The islands are also comparably affordable and have convenient wedding packages for peace of mind.

Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico serves as the perfect spot to tie the knot without the hassle of a passport. Get married with the ocean as your backdrop before dancing the night away in a gigantic beachside ballroom. Your guests can spend the weekend lounging poolside or adventuring through the rainforest. San Juan also offers multiple churches with gorgeous colonial architecture.

To get hitched in Puerto Rico, you need to visit the Demographic Registry Office with a medical certification, your birth certificate, a photo ID, and an Internal Revenue Stamp.

Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands creates beautiful wedding photos and can be a perfect vacation spot for wedding guests. Get married on the beach in front of the stunning blue water, on a fiery volcano with picturesque mountain views, or in front of a crashing waterfall. The Aloha State offers eight islands with a range of venues and wedding packages. It’s a popular location, so although Hawaii embraces a relaxed culture, booking far in advance is a must.

As a US state, traveling to the Hawaiian islands is simple and requires little paperwork. You can complete a marriage license in advance and bring it with you to the islands in person within 30 days of your big day.

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.

8 Colorful + Swoon-Worthy Wedding Brunch Dresses

After the wedding day is the day after brunch, and in the spirit of summer, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite colorful numbers that truly say “hello, I’m married!” There will be no better feeling walking into brunch, arm and arm with your husband, in a punchy dress that turns heads. Plue, they’re all under $100! Cheers to that!

8 Colorful Wedding Brunch Outfits

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8 Colorful Wedding Brunch Outfits

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

They Said “I Do” Literally Surrounded by Loved Ones

This sweet couple opted to say “I do” in an intimate ceremony in the middle of their dance floor, encircled by their nearest and dearest and captured by ART IS FOR LOVERS. We love their untraditional approach, literally surrounding themselves with love as they said their marriage vows amongst lush, garden-inspired florals by The Little Branch! Some of our favorite moments are below, and there’s more waiting for you in the Vault.

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From the Bride… From the beginning, our vision was to have a wedding as romantic and magical as our love for one another. We are both quite shy, so a small and intimate wedding was a must for us! The tablescapes were my absolute favorite part of the design – the stunning garlands, burgundy candlesticks, and golden chargers made us feel like we were in a fairy tale! Our ceremony was the highlight of the day! We said our vows in the middle our dance floor, encircled by our closest family and friends. While it wasn’t the traditional way, it was perfect. We could, quite literally, feel love all around us, and it was amazing.

An Elegant Santorini Wedding With Magnificent Views

With a cliff top location boasting magnificent views, the infamous white walls of Cycladic architecture, and a bright blue sky that faded into a pretty sunset, this wedding day in Santorini could not have been more idyllic. Betty Flowers Santorini added that extra special touch, and Phosart Photography Cinematography captured the beauty of the day. I know these photos will leave you wanting more – see the rest of the celebration in the Vault.

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From Phosart Photography Cinematography… We always say that every wedding is different, like every couple is. Even more so when the couple is so much in love and has spent time on crafted and DIY details to add so many personal touches. That’s heaven for the photographer!

Our dear Stacy and Gustavo had their destination wedding at Venetsanos Winery, famous for the magnificent view as you will easily find out through their wedding photos. Their preparations started at Volcano View Hotel. The name speaks for itself!

So many emotions were captured. So many authentic smiles! The light shades of colors of the decoration and florals by Betty Flowers highlighted the scenery, all perfectly arranged by Divine Weddings. The sky with the clouds and the Santorini sunset did us a favor that day and showed all their glory and beauty! The wedding reception took place at Pyrgos Restaurant, an elegant and cozy venue with the sweetest candy bar.

We wish this couple all the best from the bottom of our hearts.

13 Oh-So-Adorable Same Sex Couples Who Prove #LoveWins

At Style Me Pretty, we are firm believers that love is love, and all love is worth celebrating. But today, in honor of Pride Month, we’re sharing some of our favorite same sex weddings of all time as a reminder that love trumps hate, and in the end, love will always win!

Morgan + Maureen’s Timeless California Wedding

Donovan + Santini’s Glam Winter Bash

Liz + Shannon’s Colorful Desert Affair

Jon + Jason’s Rustic Vineyard Nuptials

Kim + Shannon’s Vintage-Inspired Affair

Sterling + Ron’s Intimate Thailand Elopement

Kelsey + Megan’s Sweet Seaside Wedding

Rade + David’s Showstopping Party

Pedro + Rodrigo’s Romantic Portugal Fête

Debby + Laura’s Oh-So-Romantic D.C. Affair

Chris + Andrew’s Intimate Fall Fête

Nicolette + Ali’s City Chic Celebration

Adam + Scott’s Tropical Hawaiian Nuptials

This Bridal Shoot Takes Greenery to the Next Level

There’s no denying greenery is having a major moment and finding its way into more weddings than we could ever count. But when you see just how stunning natural greens can be – from table runners to aisle decor to stationery motifs, cakes, bouquets, and more – it’s pretty easy to see why 2017 brides can’t get enough. *Enter* this inspiration shoot designed by the creative masterminds at Cedarwood Weddings with stationery by Design in Paper. It brings all our green-driven dreams to life, and the fabulous Julie Paisley snapped up every second.

Inspired by vintage drawings of botanical wreaths, our team used layers of natural vines and honeysuckle foraged from our historic estate to bring a magical, botanical feel to this garden wedding inspiration. Delicate and organic touches permeate event decor, with the addition of a few vintage touches like cloches, candlesticks, an aptly titled vintage novel, and a whimsical butterfly or two. The setting and styling are anchored in fresh green hues and pastel buds that make spring such a special season for weddings at our Nashville estate venue.

The timeless elegance of Historic Cedarwood encourages a blend old and new, for the ultimate Southern garden party. An elegantly understated tablescape using cool gray and dusty green hues is complimented by a loosely designed tabletop garland and soft, neutral florals for a modern garden aesthetic. The ceremony altar is crowned by a fresh green wreath and chair backs are connected by a fresh green garland to mimic the wreath motif. An ivy and honeysuckle illustrated botanical paper suite by Designs in Paper and a vine-entwined cake added cohesive detail to the organic, botanical wedding design.

We love the muted ivory tones of the bride’s tulle and lace gown by Hayley Paige from The Dress Theory. The bride (a wedding hair and makeup artist) did her hair in a wispy pull-up that looks as soft and natural as the setting. Her free form bouquet bursts with natural foliage and pops of garden roses, wrapped with the natural twining vine. The entire day was a wonderful collaboration with photographer Julie Paisley and the Cedarwood Weddings event team and vendors.

4 Tips For Going From Long-Distance To Newlyweds

The time has finally come! You proved all the naysayers wrong: your love could stand to be tested. After years of being across the country, across oceans or even across the globe, you’ve successfully closed the gap in your long distance relationship, and even tied the knot, too!

I know from personal experience just how difficult this can be and you should commend yourself and your partner on going the distance—literally! The days of tears in airports and heart-wrenching goodbyes are gone for good, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will all be unicorns and glitter. Read on for what to expect in this new phase of your already-seasoned relationship!

Have the Tough Conversations Early
This long-distance thing might work to your benefit since you’ll probably be planning this move well in advance! Use this time to have the conversations about money, bills, and chores early on, to avoid any possible obstacles in the future. Depending on your situation, one of you may be making a much larger move to join the other in their home. It may be worth considering looking for a brand new place to call home. Strive for a sense of ours and not yours/mine.

New Adventures Together
When you’re long distance, you’re constantly trying to make up for lost time, which means when you’re together it’s all about trying to engage in normal life and typical couple activities. You can learn a lot about a person when you travel with them and it can really help a relationship to grow when presented with new challenges! So whether it be your honeymoon to Thailand, or a quick road trip to a bed and breakfast, getting out of a normal routine will strengthen your bond.

Talk Schedules
The initial excitement might be a little overwhelming, and you may not want to leave each other’s sides ever again. But eventually, the novelty of having your person there every day will dull down (not that it should ever be boring, but you get what I mean). In the first few weeks, try and let each other know about key things you have to do during your day in order to be your best self.

It’s likely that you knew they like to do yoga on the floor every day at 6 a.m., but actually being there for it is a different story. Sorting out scheduling differences will allow you to find time in the day to be together and to find alone time to still have your own hobbies. Spending your time in a way you know you both enjoy will help solidify that this new life you’ve begun together is sustainable and real.

Embrace the Little Moments
One of the things you miss most when you’re long distance is the day-to-day, simple activities most couples would take for granted. It’s important to find new ways to get those warm, butterfly feelings that preceded each time you got to see your significant other. This can include, but is not limited to: making each other breakfast, picking them up from work, meeting up for lunch, going grocery shopping, or walking the dog. Find situations you used to spend on your own and turn them into shared activities you can treasure and look forward to every day!

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.

Emotional + Heartfelt Wedding Planned in Just 2 Weeks

For Danielle and Richard, their gorgeous wedding was not just a celebration of love, it was a celebration of life. The two had been together and had three handsome sons over the past 17 years before Richard was diagnosed with cancer. A reminder of life’s fragility, they decided to reinforce their commitment to each other through marriage vows. Their nuptials were planned in just two weeks with the help of wonderful friends, family, and vendors – an exquisite celebration of endless love – before Richard passed away shortly after. A. Fogarty Photography and Happy Camper Film & Photo captured this heartbreakingly beautiful day, and both the photographer and the Bride share touching words below.

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From A. Fogarty Photography… On March 8th, I received a call from one of my very best friends. She told me that she and her partner of 17 years were finally going to get married. She asked if I would be interested in capturing their day alongside our mutual best friend, Mackenzie Lamoureux. Of course I was filled with excitement for her and grateful to be a part of their day. She also told me it would be happening on March 25th, just a little over two weeks away, and that they would be surprising their three children the day of the event. With Richard’s diagnosis of stage four colon cancer, they were reminded with each passing day how truly fragile life is. That’s when they decided to embrace life and celebrate love with the ceremony their whole family has been dreaming of for 17 years.

If you know Danielle, you know her incredible capability to pull off an amazing vision. As a designer herself, she has exquisite taste and the impeccable skill to bring a vision together. She also has a magnetic energy that draws the most loving, passionate, talented people into her life, and her wedding vendors were no exception. Being a part of the industry, I reached out to my local network to see if anyone was available to help bring her vision to life in such a short amount of time. I was (and still am) overwhelmed by the generosity of this beautiful community I feel so grateful to be a part of. Countless talented and gracious vendors donated their time, services, and products to help Danielle and Richard make this celebration memorable.

I remember walking into the venue the day before the wedding, and Danielle turned to me and said, “Amanda, I always dreamed of this day, but I seriously never thought it would happen. This is what I’ve been dreaming of. This is my vision.” She did not compromise; she (with the help of so many) made this wedding day a perfect reflection of who they were as a couple – a celebration to remember. On March 25th, 2017 I watched that 17-year-old dream come true. I watched a beautiful Bride see her vision come to life. I saw true love and heartfelt speeches about Richard and Danielle’s life together. So many friends and family gathered together to celebrate life in the now, and I will be forever grateful to have been a part of it.

From the Bride… Life can simultaneously be both so captivatingly beautiful and so immensely heartbreaking. Richard and I were very blessed in our lives together; we have three beautiful boys and went on adventures filled with joy and excitement. We also encountered our fair share of trials and tribulations. On September 16, 2016, Richard was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. After several months of chasing treatment options and grasping for faith, staring face to face with fear and uncertainty, we chose to rise in faith and love.

After 17 years of convincing ourselves that we were perfectly content with being permanently engaged, suddenly nothing felt more right than to cement our love with vows of marriage. It was close to “impossible” – a word we heard too frequently. But our amazing community rose boldly to the challenge. Quite seamlessly, venues, vendors, and friends offered services, time, and energies. The outpouring of the human spirit was overwhelming.

As a designer and wedding planner, I have collaborated on and implemented many nuptials. I have scoured inspirations, layouts, and wordings with a soft heart tug toward styles and textures that appealed to my personal style. I knew in my heart that if I was going to do this, I wanted to execute it in a way that captured us. I did not want a structured ceremony, but rather a celebration of life and love, a reflection of our story, and a heartwarming memory to share with all of those that have supported us along the way.

The day arrived so quickly and unsurprisingly yielded little to no worry. I was quite simply enraptured by the love and generous souls of those that executed this day, constantly spellbound with the largest of emotions. I have so many special memories – the quiet moment in solitude before our first look while staring out into the vast horizon of ocean water; the embrace of my handsome groom as the reality of the day sunk in deeper; the sweet surprise of telling our children that we would be getting married, and they would be our best men; being walked down the aisle together by my unconditionally loving parents; catching sight of my 92-year-old grandfather who was the first love of my life and who has the unfortunate disease of dementia; grasping the hands of my best friend with no intention of every letting go. The love and the emotions that filled the brick walls of the historic Portland Co. was enough to warm even the most bitter early spring Maine day. Words don’t quite seem to capture the essence of what it was and what it will remain forever. My heart is just so full of gratitude to each and every individual who was a piece of it. It was a beautiful blessing amongst the storm, a union of hearts, and a reminder that love conquers all.

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Bringing the Beauty of Tuscany to this Hill Country Wedding

For this Bride, a wedding built around romantic, organic details was the plan from the very beginning and with a team of experts in tow, her and her love’s Hill Country celebration checked off every single one of those boxes. It’s an elegant, alfresco day designed by Wild Sky Events and draped in greenery and garden blooms by Petals, Ink. From the film by Brad & Monica to the images by Feather & Twine, prepare to get lost in the classic beauty of this Austin affair.

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From the Bride… I have always been drawn to romantic, soft, and organic details, so I knew early on that I wanted a wedding that encompassed all of these aspects. For our venue, Will and I discovered Hotel Granduca and absolutely fell in love. The hotel is set in the gorgeous Texas Hill Country and has the most beautiful, Tuscany-inspired courtyard– perfect for the elegant but also relaxed feeling we were aiming for! On top of that, the team at Hotel Granduca are absolutely amazing and really put us at ease.

Because the venue was filled with striking Italian decor, we wanted to compliment the space with greenery elements and a soft color palette of light gray, cream, and pale blue. We were a little nervous about using pale blue as our accent color, but we were incredibly pleased once we saw the end result!

Will and I have THE BEST dog in the world, and we feel so lucky to have her in our life. Since our wedding was in Austin, and we were living in Philadelphia at the time, we could not bring her to celebrate with us. To fill the void and dedicate part of our day to her, we knew we wanted to do something that would show our guests how important our pup is to us. With the help of our wedding planner and an incredibly talented baker (Mindy’s Bakeshop!), we were able to get custom sugar cookies made to look just like our cute pup. The cookies were adorable, and our guests absolutely loved them as favors! It was definitely one of our most memorable moments from the night!

From Kate with Wild Sky Events… From our first design call I knew Jamie and Will’s wedding was going to be romantic, ethereal and lovely. Classic dove grey with a hint of periwinkle blue paired mixed metallics and lots candlelight is a winning combination. The goal was to create an alfresco reception under the stars and the patio at Hotel Granduca was perfect for this. Soft lighting, lush white and ivory florals and glowing lanterns set the scene for dinner and dancing. My favorite part of the night was Jamie and Will being announced on the grand staircase walking down to the romantic reception, with all of their friends clapping and cheering in excitement. The cake display table with 5 weddings cakes and macaroons was absolutely the centerpiece of the ballroom!

An Al Fresco Wedding Under the Malibu Sun

The premise for Nick and Jennifer’s wedding day? Gather their people from across the country for an unforgettable night in Malibu. The oceanside setting made for a dreamy locale, while the details – including each guests’ gold lantern – tied it all together. Ether & Smith told the story through her lens, and this West Coast love affair is bound to be your new favorite.

From the bride, Jennifer… Nick and I envisioned an intimate wedding with our family and close friends, and we wanted the mood to be light and fun for our guests. We wanted to be outdoors by the ocean so the Adamson House was the perfect fit. One of Nick’s best friends, Ryan was our officiant, and he struck both heartstrings and laughter during our ceremony. Each of our bridesmaids and groomsmen came from out of town and we were so happy to have them by our sides. Seeing our friends and family from many different places, together in one place, was incredible. Dancing and singing the night away with them under strings of lights is something we’ll never forget.

For planning brides, if you are on a limited budget with limited time, get help! I was lucky to have great friends and family who helped DIY much of the decor, my friend Charles was our DJ, and my friend Lisa managed the delivery of all of the cakes for our dessert bar. Emma from Ether & Smith was phenomenal – I cannot say enough good things about her; not only was she an amazing photographer but she helped us plan, had great recommendations, coordinated seamlessly with the other vendors, and made us feel like we were in great hands from the very beginning of the process. Even guests and the wedding party shared the positive sentiments.

Jennifer from Kelly Zhang Studio went above and beyond and made me feel so at ease, and Centia from Petal Floral swooped in last minute and wowed us when it came to flowers. Timothy at Flat Iron Catering was a true partner, not only in delivering a great meal, but also in providing candid feedback on the food choices, and total willingness to assist on the big day even outside of the kitchen.

We feel so thankful for the love and support of our family and friends and the great help from everyone involved in putting together our special day and could not imagine a more special and memorable experience.

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Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2015

Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids Fall 2015

Spring 2016

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The Wedding Makeup Every Single Bride-To-Be Needs

If there’s one day you want to look absolutely flawless, it’s your wedding day. So we’re partnering with the foundation experts at Dermablend Professional for a little intro to a lineup of beauty products that you honestly can’t live without. It’s three makeup-artist approved methods for that seriously stunning look you’ve always wanted, tested and approved by us. Guys, in the world of wedding makeup, these are total game changers.

START WITH FULL-COVERAGE FOUNDATION

It all starts with a fabulous base and when it comes to choosing the right foundation, trust us, Dermablend really hit this one out of the park. It’s packed with high-performance pigments that provide twice the coverage of typical foundation, but instead of leaving skin cakey or tight (like other beauty products), it gives skin a natural finish. We’re sort of crazy for the ultra-light feel on your skin (read: we love it), and the redness reduction is beyond awesome. In other words? This foundation is ready for its close-up.

MAKE IT LAST ALL DAY (AND NIGHT)

So you’ve booked your makeup artist for the morning, but need your look to stay put for pictures all night. Ladies, we’ve all been there. That’s why a setting powder is key for making sure your look lasts. Available in three shades to disappear into any skin tone, Dermablend’s cult-favorite Loose Setting Powder is a little slice of wedding makeup heaven that locks in your foundation, so you can wear it from photos to the last dance and not worry about smudging or transferring to your dress. Keep it on hand to fix any shine issues for photos without having to worry about flashback or messing with your makeup. Now you can cry those happy tears during your vows. (Seriously – it doesn’t. move.)

DON’T NEGLECT THE NECK DOWN

With all of the hustle and bustle that surrounds your Big Day, it’s easy to forget that your face isn’t the only place that needs a little beauty treatment. Take it from the professionals – if you’re wearing anything strapless or skin-baring, you’ll want to extend your face coverage to other skin-exposed areas. So when we tried Dermablend Professional’s Leg & Body Makeup, we were blown away by all of the awesome things it can do. Cover blotchiness and imperfections – and enhance those features you love – in no time at all. Yep, you can conceal those stretch marks, hide sun spots and even cover up tattoos (!), so the only thing your guests will notice is your smiling face and gorgeous smile. Oh, and those accidental tan lines? Gone. Pro beauty tip: Get a slightly darker shade to accentuate your collarbones, bust or arms with a subtle body contour. Trust us, you’ll thank us later.

Do yourself a favor and check out the lineup of amazing beauty products that Dermablend Professional has to offer. With multiple shades, easy application and skin-friendly ingredients, you honestly can’t go wrong when it comes to your wedding makeup. You’re just a few steps away from the perfect look – we promise.

Can’t wait to try out this amazing wedding makeup? Head to Dermablend Professional to receive your three FREE shade samples of Dermablend’s Cover Creme. Click here now for yours.

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

3 Ways to Ensure You + Your Wedding Hair Stylist Are On The Same Page

Every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day and communication with your hair stylist is key for getting the look you want. Read on for three ways to ensure you and your hair stylist are on the same page:

Observe Styles Together
“Showing your hair stylist photos of what you like and do not like is very helpful. Include photos to show what you mean by ‘boho’ or ‘sophisticated’,” says Megan Garmers, Founder and Director of NYC-based MG Hair and Makeup. After over twenty years of experience, she knows what it takes to work well with a bride and achieve the look the bride wants and needs for her big day.

This will ensure you do not have any misunderstanding about the terminology you are both using. Showing photos will also give your stylist the ability to advise you on your choices and let you know how that style will look with your hair color, length, and texture.

Begin Planning Early
Meeting with a stylist months in advance will allow you to look at many photos, and try out a few styles to narrow down what is working for you, and what is not.

“One of the biggest mistakes brides make are usually related to waiting too long to meet with a stylist and begin hair trials. Rushing at the last minute can be very stressful and may lead to you making a decision that you later regret,” Garmers says.

Be Honest & Realistic
You may have seen a beautiful hairstyle on Pinterest that you want to recreate but it could be unrealistic for your hair length, color, or texture. “Unfortunately brides will try to use specific accessories or hair extensions to make the hairstyle a reality and it becomes frustrating for the bride,” Garmers says. Being honest about your hair and having an open dialogue about what needs to happen to create that hairstyle will lead you to the right decisions.

With the help of a hair stylist you trust, you will have the beautiful hair style you envisioned for the big day. Garmers encourages brides to stay true to who they are. “Some brides do not fit into one box of a wedding theme and that is okay. Today you can be an individual and show off your personal style. A good stylist will be able to marry your wants and your needs to help you pull off the look you envisioned for yourself,” Garmers says.

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

What a Bride Needs to Know Before Hiring a Wedding Stylist for Her Big Day

You’ve spent hours on Pinterest, creating a mood board for your wedding, but now you don’t know where to begin to take that idea of what you want your wedding to look like and how you want the day to feel and make them into a reality. That’s where a wedding stylist comes in, but many brides aren’t sure what exactly a wedding stylist does. So we asked Kiss From Fleur to break it down for you. She covers everything from a stylist’s responsibilities and how to know if you should hire one to what to look for when choosing your stylist and how to work together with them.

Photography: Cornelia Lietz

Difference

So what exactly is a wedding stylist, and how is this different from a wedding planner? Your wedding planner organizes, sources, manages, checks, controls, and trouble-shoots everything that needs to be done before, during, and oftentimes even after the wedding. A wedding stylist, on the other hand, should have a background in design and is much more like the makeup artist of your wedding – responsible for everything that makes you and your guests feel amazed and carries you away into another world. The stylist will match your wedding aesthetic with your personal style, from choosing the colors and fabrics, arranging the flowers (or working with the floral designer to execute their vision), creating the ambience, styling the tablescape, and more.

Photography: In Love by Bina Terré

Advantages

Engaged couples often do not have the time to plan and organize the small details of their wedding, yet these details are what make the difference in the event! Some couples do not know much about – or may not enjoy – choosing color palettes, acquiring stylish decorations, or putting together exceptional designs. Hiring a wedding stylist will make your life so much easier, because stylists create a bespoke concept to fit your personal style. A great stylist will ask you about your vision, wishes, tastes, and preferences, taking the time to really get to know you. They will then use this information to match you with the perfect vendors to make your wedding dreams come true. Just choose a venue that you love, and the stylist will treat it like a beautiful, white canvas which they will personalize for you. Hiring a wedding stylist will take away so much stress, allowing you to be sure that everything – from the ceremony to the reception, from the stationery to the tablescape, from your wedding dress to your florals – will create a harmonious look and experience.

Photography: In Love by Bina Terré

Responsibilities

Some couples allocate responsibilities to their family members or friends to save the money they’d spend hiring a stylist. But that also means not everyone will be able to enjoy and experience your special day to the fullest, as they will have to fulfill certain tasks during the wedding day. Handing over the full responsibility to the stylist will allow you, your friends, and your family focus on what’s important during the day, to not be stressed, and to enjoy your celebration while you rest assured that everything visual will be just the way you wanted it to be.

Photography: Cornelia Lietz

Concept

With passionate creativity, artistic aesthetics, and a unique appreciation for fine arts, your wedding stylist will approach your wedding concept with the goal of reflecting you as a couple and to encapsulate your distinct style and character – whether you are having a lavish feast or an intimate elopement.

Photography: Cornelia Lietz

Individualism

Just like each couple, every wedding is different from another. That´s why a great stylist will focus on composing visually engaging, signature style elements that mirror your personalities. Furthermore, stylists are “mood makers” evoking emotions and setting the scene for your individual vision. You should seek out a stylist who will design a bespoke wedding for you, without forcing upon you a ready-made style package full of non-negotiable elements.

Photography: Cornelia Lietz

The Single Source

It’s important to hire a wedding stylist with experience in design, so that he or she has the ability to understand what it takes to execute the concept. The stylist will choose the right vendors who will be able to achieve the requested design and who will understand the vision and process to guarantee you the perfect overall look. From flowers to cake, from stationery to venue decoration – you´ll get all that and even more from a single source – your wedding stylist!

Photography: Cornelia Lietz

Personal Connection

Make sure to research your wedding stylist thoroughly, asking for recommendations from friends or other vendors and then meeting with the stylist in person. You want to look for someone you feel connected to! It is very important that you are on the same page and feel comfortable working and spending time together while planning.

Expert Advice By: Kiss from Fleur

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