First comes wedding, then comes…happy honeymoon times! This post-nuptial trip is a time of connection and celebration (and, hopefully, several afternoons spent in cabanas with some cocktails). Since so much of your focus is on the wedding, it’s easy to let the honeymoon slip to the back of your mind. However, with a little thought, you can ensure that this special trip is filled with memories you’ll treasure forever.

Choose Your Adventure

The key to a blissful honeymoon is picking the right place. Now, the right place will vary couple to couple. Think about your tastes and follow your passions to the perfect locale. Are you Anglophiles who love history and strong cups of tea? Say “cheerio” to England! Do you both love sunbathing and drinks decorated with umbrellas and pineapple wedges? Embrace the island life in Ibiza or Hawaii! Of course, your vacation preferences may diverge but don’t worry. Mixing it up on a trip leads to real adventures and may expose you to things you didn’t know you loved. So if your partner is dreaming of Oktoberfest in Germany but you have your heart set on a cruise, go for a compromise, like a riverboat trip down the Danube. It’s fun to see each other in different elements so consider it all part of the experience!

Plan the Itinerary

It’s a good idea to plan ahead to minimize stress and that “how do we get to the hotel??” feeling. You’ll want to figure out transportation ahead of time and buy tickets for some of the we-must-see-these attractions (oftentimes, they’re cheaper online). But once you have those things squared away, feel free to relax and keep your agenda a little, well, open-ended. When you arrive, you might learn about some hidden gems from locals or feel like you want to relax more than hit a ton of sights. This attitude will keep you and your partner from feeling pressured. After all your wedding planning, the last thing you want is stress!

Think Outside the Box

Tradition dictates that the honeymoon immediately follows the wedding. I say, forget tradition! Maybe you want to save up some money before going on a big trip. Maybe you’re still in school or your partner can’t get enough time off from work for a honeymoon. Maybe the idea of heading out town right after the wedding is way too overwhelming. Don’t feel compelled to do anyone else’s version of your honeymoon. I’ve worked with many couples who’ve waited a year to save up for their ideal trip and some who even opted for staycations. No matter what you decide, the only two opinions that matter are yours and his.

Unplug From the World

Set down the phones and leave the computers in the hotel suite. Enjoy walking hand-in-hand down the beach and staying up late with a bottle of local wine, sharing your dreams and secrets. These are the days you’ll be missing and that’s the beauty of life together.

xoxo,

Desiree Hartsock

[dotted]

Sea side towns on the East Coast have a very distinct vibe. Think shingled gray ladies and hydrangeas galore set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s so quintessential and pretty and when your family has a backyard in the Hamptons just begging for a wedding? You hop on that! Pore through this day captured by Kelsey Combe that embodies all the things we love about a DIY beach celebration.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride… One early fall morning Kurt proposed on Wainscott Beach where we had spent the past several summers falling in love. Not only had Kurt been planning our engagement, he had also put together another proposal – a wedding on his family’s property in the Hamptons.

Kurt and I both love to plan surprises, parties, and other celebrations so we were beyond thrilled to take advantage of planning a DIY wedding the following summer. From designing my dress with Modern Trousseau, creating our wedding crest with Betsy from Lemontree Calligraphy, wedding paper with Sandy from Roseville Designs, and laying out the reception details—we enjoyed putting our personal touch on everything.

Our vision of a romantic garden wedding was easy to accomplish on his aunt and uncle’s property; it didn’t require much to enhance the natural beauty. We paired classic Hamptons white hydrangeas with white and blush garden roses to complement the green landscape. We strung bistro lights inside the tent, hung paper lanterns from the trees, and placed candles everywhere to create the romantic vision we had in mind.

We also wanted to incorporate our families and their traditions. Looking back, we are so happy to have done so. My mother and her sisters had my grandmother’s engagement ring made into necklace which I wore throughout the day. I also pinned a pendant that she had worn, on her wedding day, to my bouquet. Kurt’s mother made my gorgeous lace veil that perfectly complemented my dress. During our ceremony, we were able to light the same unity candle used in my parents’ wedding 35 years prior. We wrapped family photos that documented weddings from past generations around “Our Family Tree,” a focus point during the cocktail hour.

After the ceremony, we toured our favorite places in East Hampton with Kelsey Combe who captured the day with our bridal party and parents. One of our most memorable moments was taking our wedding portrait photos on the very spot where Kurt proposed. The lighting Kelsey captured on the overcast beach was magical.

The reception site was an absolute dream and would not have come to life without the assistance of our dedicated family. Our morning was stress free knowing that Gina, our day of coordinator, was also there making sure all the details we had planned were executed perfectly. Dancing under the stars, (and surprise fireworks set off by a neighbor!) with music from the talented Silver Arrow Band, was exactly how we wanted to spend the night with our guests. I look at the photos nearly every day, and pinch myself that this was how we celebrated the start of our lives together.

Photography: Kelsey Combe Photography | Coordination: Details Wedding Coordination | Florist: East Hampton Flowers | Wedding Dress: Modern Trousseau | Cupcakes: Two Little Red Hens Bakery | Invitations: Roseville Designs | Ceremony Venue: Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church | Reception Venue: Private Residence | Bride's Shoes: Dune | Engagement Ring: Heather Fletcher at Bespoke Fine Jewels | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Azazie | Catering: East End Events Catering | Hair & Makeup: Erica Does Makeup | Calligraphy: Meaghan Donlon | Band: Silver Arrow Band | Tent: The New York Tent Company | Crest Design: Lemontree Calligraphy | Signage & Dessert Table: DIY | Watercolor Artist: Lemontree Calligraphy & Illustration | Wedding Rings: Lauren B Jewelry

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Silver Arrow Band

View Portfolio

Petit Bouquet

View Portfolio

Sapphire Events – you deserve a standing ovation for this work-of-art wedding. Inspired by the idea of a lavish secret garden party, you pulled off some incredible design feats, including an inverted garden made up of 24,000 (!!) white tulips suspended upside-down above the dance floor. And if that’s not enough to leave you speechless, just wait until you see the cake by Melissa’s Fine Pastries or carefully crafted menu from Joel Catering. This opulent soiree is one we’ll surely never forget thanks to the captures by A Bryan Photo and Le Cape Weddings.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Sapphire Events… Haylie and Bradley are high school sweethearts with a love for travel and entertaining. The couple fortified their long distance relationship while Bradley attended Georgetown. Bradley and Haylie reunited in South Bend, Indiana during Bradley’s law school studies at Notre Dame, where he proposed marriage on a Christmas tree farm to an unsuspecting Haylie. The couple immediately celebrated with a bottle of champagne and a night out with friends. Now they call New Orleans home and teamed up with Sapphire Events to pull off a spectacular soirée in the historic French Quarter.

Inspired by the bride’s parents’ intimate garden wedding, Sapphire Events planned a regal affair inviting guests to enjoy a ceremonious and meaningful formal garden party with charming details, traditional flair, and majestic sensibilities.

The guests’ first touchpoint for this event was a delicate and beautifully designed save-the-date with an image of the couple superimposed with the date of the event in a gilded folder encasement designed by Lehr and Black, announcing the impending nuptials in New Orleans. To follow up the grand save-the-date, guests will shortly receive a lavish suede-lined boxed invitation featuring ivory 8-ply, engraved, gilded beveled-edge invitations for events occurring over the four-day weekend celebration. 

The wedding day started with a mid-afternoon Catholic mass at the St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter followed by cocktails, dining, and revelry in the evening at the Old Ursuline Convent, the oldest building in the Mississippi River valley. The decor consisted of creamy white, ivory, verdant greens, patina, soft hues, natural wood tones, and gilded details.

Inspired by the notion of a secret garden party, the dancing tent revealed itself as an unexpected and imaginative continuation of the motif with an inverted garden composed of 24,000 white tulips suspended upside-down over the dance floor. The center of the installation featured an oversized, crystal chandelier, and the entire suspension was enhanced with pin spotting and directional lighting from both overhead and underneath to maximize the impact of the statement piece.

As the focal point of the dining tent, the bridal cake was served as a dramatic statement piece anchoring the celebration space. A European-style confection in dramatic scale, layers covered in delicate buttercream with a smooth finish, interspersed with layers of dense, textural florals in neutral tones, using hydrangea, roses, garden roses, spray roses, gardenias, peonies, and dendrobium orchids. 

A custom dessert display was inspired by the flagship Ladurée boutique in Paris, both in scale and structure. One solid wall featured a custom built 8’ tall by 16’ wide by 1.5’ deep Ladurée dessert display. The Dessert Suite also featured Bradley’s cake, a realistic model of Tolkein’s castle city Minas Tirith. The five-foot scale model was placed on a 60” round table draped in a sage linen. 

This was a luxury garden party to remember!

Photography: A Bryan Photo | Cinematography: Le Cape Weddings | Event Planning + Design: Sapphire Events | Floral Design: Kim Starr Wise Floral Events | Wedding Dress: Inbal Dror | Cakes : Melissa's Fine Pastries | Stationery : Lehr and Black | Ceremony Venue: Old Ursuline Convent | Reception Venue: Old Ursuline Convent | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Joanna August | Catering: Joel Event Catering | Hair and Makeup: Flawless Bride | Calligraphy: Lehr and Black | DJ: DJ Jacob Towe | Groom's Attire: Strong Suit | Beverage Service: The Grand Bevy | Custom Rentals: Luminous Events | Desserts: Sucre | Glassware: Casa de Perrin | Lighting & Projection: DJ Jacob Towe | Linens: I Do Linens | Reception Band: Elan Artists | Rentals: Revelry Event Designers | Rentals: 12th Table | Rentals: Perrier Party Rentals | Welcome Boxes: A Signature Welcome

Looking absolutely fabulous on your Big Day is always #weddinggoals numero uno, but tackling the style department AND staying on budget is easier said than done. That’s where The Tie Bar and their selection of premium neckwear + accessories comes in to play. With chic ties, colorful pocket squares and everything in between, their price points are the opposite of budget-blowing. Do yourself a favor and scroll to start saving.

Outfitting your guy in neckwear that starts at $19? That’s a pretty amazing thing. Especially when you’re knee-deep in wedding planning costs that are, let’s be honest, totally stressing you out. So now you can finally breathe easy, because The Tie Bar has you covered with a lineup of luxury neckwear and accessories that will fit any budget, big or small. Think pocket squares at $10, tie bars at $15, socks at $8 and accessories at $5. Not to mention you can honestly find any color you could ever dream up (from blush pink to mint to sage to opal and burgundy), so your entire bridal party will look gorgeous and cohesive. Looking lovely doesn’t have to cost a fortune, you know.

Whether you’re looking to outfit your entire bridal party or simply want to gift your man the best wedding day present ever (and all for under $50), The Tie Bar is the place to go. They even have a selection of awesome + cost-effective dress shirts and, starting in April, will be adding new lines perfect for weddings. Chat with one of their in-house wedding stylists for some much-need guidance and be sure to ask about their newest BHLDN collection, beautiful ties that coordinate with BHLDN’s gorgeous gowns. Enough said, right? We know.

Contact The Tie Bar today at 877-888-TIES, their fab chat tool or by emailing weddings@thetiebar.com.

This springtime wedding doesn’t shy away from color and that’s exactly why we love it. Punchy shades of red made for a statement springtime palette and the images by Lori Paladino speak for themselves. Dive right in and let the inspiration begin.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride… I envisioned a spring wedding that is beautiful and breathtaking yet feels comfortable like home. We wanted to make sure that all our family and friends had fun in a beautiful setting, which is why we paid extra attention to selecting a perfect venue.

I had wanted a rustic feminine romantic style. I love the dusty blue and champagne gold color palette from the beginning because of its romantic feminine feel but the venue calls for warmer colors so we added the cranberry red. It turned out to be perfect – the red made the whole place alive and was the perfect addition to our color palette.

The flowers were designed by Fleurs de France. We wanted to incorporate the colors cranberry, blue and white along with my favorite flower, peonies. My gown was from Amsale, a simple heart-shaped A-line. We did candies in a milk jar as favors, and our “naked” cake was provided by Crisps and had three flavors. They were simply divine.

My advice for other brides is to enjoy the process and don’t worry about what others think. Leading up to the event I used previous weddings that I’ve seen either in blogs, magazines, social media as a measure to plan for our wedding and as a result, I had stressed on trying to make our perfect. But after the event, although things were not perfect, I realize that no matter what, our wedding was going to be the most special simply because it is ours. And invest on a fantastic photographer because those photographs will last you for a lifetime!

Photography: Lori Paladino Photography | Event Design: Table 6 Productions | Floral Design: Fleurs de France | Invitations: Simply Personal | Ring : Tiffany & Co. | Makeup + Hair: April Foster Bridal | Ceremony Music: Andy Kong | Venue: St Francis Winery Vineyards | Bride's Attire: Amsale | Cake Artist: Crisp Bakeshop | Caterering: Park Avenue Catering | Photo Booth: Close Cut Production | Reception Music: Close Cut Production

Chasing that magic light is a skill that Emily Jane knows all too well. For this wildly gorgeous engagement, not only did she chase it, but she absolutely captured it. From glowing fields to a cozy afternoon at home, pore through all the pretty images of these soon to be Mr. and Mrs. right here in the vault.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

On the day of Katie + Peter’s engagement session it was supposed to rain. Katie + Peter came from over an two hours to photograph their session so we made quick changes to shoot inside, but when the sun came out we rushed outside to capture the golden hour we were hoping for. This entire session is shot on film.

Wedding Photographers: Emily Jane Photography

I’m voting for Edison lightbulbs to be the next big thing in wedding decor; one look through this gallery and I have a feeling you’ll be on board as well. Industrial yet super chic, these details are one of many for this Southern California celebration designed by Bliss Productions. Jeremy Chou captured it all, leaving us breathless and in awe of all the beauty – see more in our Vault right this way!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/189381284 600 338]

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Jeremy Chou… Christian and Tina got married at one of the most spectacular wedding venues in Southern California; Casa Romantica in San Clemente. The venue features a sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean and sits right on top of a cliff; truly a breathtaking place to get married! The reception setup by Bliss Production was an utter dream. Edison lightbulbs were hung from custom structures specifically built for the wedding, and succulent details adored the reception banquet tables. Tina and Christian celebrated with some of their closest friends and family, and Tina looked absolutely amazing in a Berta bridal gown!

Photography: Jeremy Chou Photography | Videography: Yours Truly Media | Event Design: Bliss Productions | Floral Design: Nisie's Enchanted Florist | Wedding Dress: Berta | Catering: Giracci Vineyards Farms | Hair + Makeup: Dial M Style | DJ: SoundWave Productions | Wedding Venue: Casa Romantica | Linens: Luxe Linen | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Signature Party Rentals

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Event Planning

Bliss Productions

View Portfolio

Hi SMP readers! Blogger Bride, Nicole here and I’m excited to reflect back on our wedding now that we have been married a few months. Even though I’m a wedding photographer, I have to admit that I underestimated just how much goes into planning (peek back at my entire journey!) We wanted our wedding to be elegant but unfussy, joyful and intentional.  And since we love to travel, no one was surprised when we chose to have a destination wedding.

[dotted]

And a look back at the entire wedding weekend!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

We welcomed our 30 guests to Villa Petrolo in Tuscany with the most Italian of welcome cocktails, an Aperol spritz, followed by an informal pizza and prosecco gathering. It was a fun, low-key kick off to wedding festivities and the perfect opportunity for old friends to reconnect and new friendships to begin. Our goal was to create a relaxed weekend in a beautiful setting and for the wedding to feel more like being hosted at an intimate and lively dinner party. We invited all of our guests to stay with us at the villa and surrounding farmhouses. The next day we all hopped on a shuttle bus to explore Pienza, a charming hill town in the Val d’Orcia known for its delicious pecorino cheese and Renaissance architecture. That evening we got on the shuttle again to Castello di Meleto in Chianti for our rehearsal dinner, with wine flowing and hilarious and sweet informal toasts from friends. Hosting our rehearsal dinner in a frescoed room of a medieval castle was one of the most memorable events of the weekend.

Our wedding day was even more emotional than I expected. The ceremony took place on the steps in front of the villa, led by our dear friend who crafted a beautiful testament to our understanding of love, culture, and marriage. Our chuppah was decorated with olive branches, and the top was graced by a tallit (prayer shawl) brought from Israel by Daniel’s grandfather, while beneath our feet was a Moroccan handira (marriage blanket) we had purchased while traveling in Marrakech. We stood under the chuppah and committed to choosing each other that day and every day forward. Short ceremonies have become more popular, but we were happy to have a 45 minute ceremony that included circling each other, the seven blessings read in Hebrew and a modernized English interpretation, long weepy personal vows, three poetry readings, and a slightly less conventional “science reading” (Daniel was a biology major in college after all).

At the end of the ceremony, Daniel stepped on a glass and together we jumped over a broom! There are many explanations for why the groom breaks a glass, traditionally to remember the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem or to acknowledge the fragility of life and brokenness in the world even on such a happy day. We embraced the idea of a symbol that connects one generation to another. Jumping the broom is an African-American wedding custom that dates back to slavery. Slave marriages were not legally recognized but this act granted dignity to seeking love and domesticity within the confines of bondage. Much like breaking the glass, this is both a joyful moment and a powerful reminder of cultural memory.

We tried to make decisions for details that reflected our aesthetic and our budget. One thing I was excited about was investing in decor that could also be used in our new home since we bought a house just before our trip to Italy! The copper candlesticks and Silk and Willow table runner are now on our dining table at home, for example. Instead of hiring a florist, we chose to use olive leaves as decor, with me and my bridesmaids carrying olive leaves gathered in bunches for bouquets tied together with Silk and Willow ribbon. Working on our invitations gave me the inspiration to finally study calligraphy in order to do the calligraphy design for our invite and hand calligraph the addresses on each envelope! I used handmade paper with its luxe organic feel and found a wonderful and affordable letterpress printer. One of my favorite moments during wedding planning was when I had a minor melt-down to Daniel, saying that I should have just hired someone because my calligraphy didn’t look professional, and he told me that it looked beautiful but more importantly, that it was more meaningful since it was created by me. Our invitation felt more like a handwritten letter.

I was certain I would choose a colorful untraditional dress before I went shopping, but I ended up choosing a white lace dress. The moment I put it on I felt like a bride, so in the end, I wasn’t quite as daring as I thought I would be! Thanks to Rent the Runway, I had fun gowns for the welcome reception and rehearsal dinner, and on our wedding day I slipped into a stylish reception dress just after cocktail hour. I wanted to invest in accessories that fit with my style and that I could continue wearing after the wedding, so I found simple brass earrings at an Oakland boutique, a brass bangle at Marisa Mason, and dusty pink heeled boots from Anthropologie.

We were so lucky that two of my dear wedding industry friends made the trip to Italy with us! The weekend would not have been the success that it was without Nira of Amber Events making everything happen and Kristina Adams behind the camera. I still don’t know how Nira managed everything she did, with friendly composure and grace throughout! Kristina documented the weekend so organically and made sure that taking photos didn’t take us away from the party for too long! Her luminous film style captured the moments of our wedding in a way that we will cherish for years to come.

The following day was warm and sunny and we had a leisurely post-wedding brunch in the courtyard where dinner was meant to be the night before. In the afternoon guests went on walks on the property amid olive groves and vineyard-covered hills, and Villa Petrolo hosted a wine tasting for us. On our final evening my sister, who is a private chef, cooked a delicious farewell dinner.

As a wedding photographer who has seen so many different kinds of weddings, I think it’s important to note that the most important tip about wedding planning is to be authentic to you and your relationship. Don’t feel you have to abide by every tradition or unsolicited opinion! Throw “must” and “should” out the window. At least that’s what guided me, and I already wish I could go back and do it all over again.

Happy Planning!

xo,

Nicole

Photography: Kristina Adams Photography | Wedding Planning: Amber Events | Wedding Dress: Reformation | Wedding Bands: Cat Bird | Catering: Catering in Toscana | DJ: DJ Francis | Venue: Villa Petrolo | Bridal Jewelry : Marissa Mason | Bridal Shoes : Anthropologie | Bridal Shoes : Manolo Blahnik | Groom Suit: J.Crew | Grooms Shoes: Novocas | Letterpress Printer: Reb Peters Press | Rentals: Happy Days | Ribbon + Table Runner + Invitation Paper: Silk and Willow

There is nothing more romantic than a wedding ceremony on top of a mountain with breathtaking views! And that’s exactly what this couple decided to do with their closest friends and family and an incredible backdrop — Whiteface Mountain in New York. One of the most important factors to the couple was photography as they wanted images that told a story that would last a lifetime. After just one glance at this gallery, all captured by Alexandra Meseke Photography, this couple undoubtedly got their wish!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the groom… Prior to actual wedding planning, we discussed what type of wedding we thought we would want. Initially we intended on a larger sized wedding with all our friends and family as most people tend to do. Not only did we have to decide on the size of the wedding, but also the location as we were living in Texas and Brittany’s family is from Texas but my family is from New York. Because I have a larger family, we decided to have the wedding in New York with a separate reception party in Texas when we returned. While visiting family in New York, we began our wedding venue hunt. We had found a venue that we liked and were planning on that site; however, because of poor communication with the venue’s coordinator and not being able to hear back from her in a timely manner we decided not to go with that venue. So the hunt continued.

One factor of utmost importance to us was the photographers. We wanted to have our magical day captured in a way that told a story and not just still images pulled out of moments in time. While researching photographers in the New York area, we noticed some venues that appealed to us in their pictures. We were thinking about alternative solutions, when we remembered seeing a wedding that was shot on the top of some mountain while we were researching photographers. We went back and looked at those pictures and saw that they were done on Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, New York. From that point on, our idea of a big wedding completely shifted. We decided that we would rather have a small intimate ceremony with only our closest family along with groomsmen and bridesmaids. When we brought this idea to our parents, none of them thought it was a good idea, but we decided to do what made us happy and what we wanted. We wanted our wedding to be relaxed, not overwhelming, and most importantly centered on us. We had the wedding in the middle of the week in order to better coordinate with the photographer. We planned a private dinner with music after at the banquet hall of the Hotel Northwoods, which is where we were staying. That weekend we had a “reception” in my home town with all my family and friends. A month later, we had the “Texas reception.”

We went for a neutral color pattern focused around grays, browns, and blush in a simple style. One unique element to our wedding was rather than having a unity candle or the sand pouring, we decided to plant a tree. We researched different trees and decided on a scarlet red maple, which we would later plant at my parents’ house so we could watch our tree grow as our relationship does. We brought soil from Texas and soil from New York to pour into the pot at the ceremony. Brittany loves classical music and jazz. We used a Beats Pill Bluetooth speaker for the entrance songs and did our own music on her father’s PA system using Spotify for the dinner. 

One of my favorite moments of the wedding was when my wife’s vail took flight in the middle of the ceremony. Luckily the vail did not completely blow off the mountain and was able to be retrieved. Brittany’s favorite moment was after the rest of the wedding party and guests had departed the mountain and only we and the photographers remained. Our photographers had us dance together on the top of the mountain, and they took pictures while I spun, dipped, and embraced my wife. Collectively, we really enjoyed our photographers. They were the best people we coordinated with throughout the entire planning process and really made the entire wedding experience so much better.

The flowers came from Lake Placid Flower and Gift Company. Initially my wife wanted peonies; however, at the time of our wedding, they were out of season and would have been quite expensive to get. She decided to go with garden roses instead and could not have been happier with that decision. The dress came from BHLDN in Houston, Texas. The dress fit my wife’s simple yet elegant style. In addition to the dress feeling right, her experience at that shop far surpassed any other shop. She felt like her wants and needs were being addressed, which was not the case at other shops.

Advice to Future Brides: Do what makes you and your husband happy. Forget everyone else, after all this day is about you two. That often can get lost in the planning and coordinating and the feeling that everyone else has to have what they want. In the end it is about you and your husband.

Photography: Alexandra Meseke Photography | Floral Design: Lake Placid Flower & Gift | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Ceremony Venue: Whiteface Mountain | Bride's Shoes: Betsey Johnson | Jewelry: Kendra Scott Jewelry | Bridesmaid's Dresses: David's Bridal | Bridesmaid's Dresses: Asos | Bridesmaid's Dresses: Francesca's Collections | Groom's Attire: Calvin Klein | Groom's Attire: Cole Haan | Groomsmen's Attire: The Tie Bar | Groomsmen's Attire: The Suspender Store

Take an English-inspired wedding design to Rosemary Beach, Florida and this is what you get. A day anchored in classic design with regal touches for that Downton Abbey vibe the bride sought to capture. Of course, her vendor crew including, Myrtie Blue and Shelby Peaden Events worked their magic behind the scenes and Lauren Kinsey didn’t miss a single moment.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

When your bride describes her vision for her wedding as “‘Downton Abbey’ meets Rosemary Beach”, you know it’s going to be lovely. And when your bride and groom are as wonderful as Sara Kell and James, it’s even more lovely.

Sara Kell and James came to Rosemary Beach seeking a paired down version of what they imagined as a classic, English inspired wedding. From the creeping vines and other greenery foraged by Myrtie Blue to the classic Rolls Royce getaway car, every element of the day was thoughtfully planned and executed to perfection!

Photography: Lauren Kinsey | Event Planning: Shelby Peaden Events | Floral Design: Myrtie Blue | Cake: Sweet For Sirten | Catering: Townsend Catering | Venue: Rosemary Beach™ | Beauty: Deana Kale

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Event Planning

Shelby Peaden Events

View Portfolio

We know that sifting through the sea of wedding gown options can be a little daunting. Especially when it comes to finding the most figure-flattering style for you AND your body type. So today we’re teaming up with Rebecca Ingram for a little lesson in choosing the dress that’s right for you, because, well… no two brides are alike. Find “the one” with some seriously important tips below.

HOURGLASS

Have a beautiful hourglass figure? Then choose a corset-back gown that will flatter your natural curves AND show off that stunning shape. And if you love ballgowns (and honestly, who doesn’t), try an embellished bodice with an inner or outer corset and a breathtaking, voluminous skirt… and don’t forget the sweetheart neckline. Rebecca Ingram’s pick: The Vernice… for a little bit of all of the above.

PEAR-SHAPED

Calling all pear-shaped beauties. This one’s for you. Because if you are looking to show off that ultra-slim waist, then head straight to Rebecca Ingram’s lineup of gorgeous beaded belts for a gorgeous accent… then check out their floaty, voluminous ballgown skirts to hide anything you don’t want seen. Rebecca Ingram’s pick: Arden… it’s perfect.

ATHLETIC

For all of you ladies with an athletic build, creating a sexy silhouette is key. Try a fit-and-flare or A-line strapless gown with a fitted waist that will show off your toned arms and then work those angles with unique embellishments, tiers and ruffles to add visual interest. Rebecca Ingram’s pick: The Isabelle. It’s just the dose of sass you need.

TALL AND SLENDER

The best way to show off that tall and slender frame? With a gown that is simple and elegant and not too showy. Think a flowy sheath style that is the epitome of grace and sophistication with simple lines that let you and your stunning shape do all of the talking. Rebecca Ingram’s pick: Linda. It’s all sorts of awesome.

BUSTY

Showing off your curves in a classy way is key when you are a little heavier on top than most. A sweetheart neckline will show off those curves, while an inner and outer corset (we love those things) will add much-needed support. Rebecca Ingram’s pick: Darlene… it will hug your shape in all of the right (+ sophisticated) ways.

SMALL-CHESTED

Don’t need to worry about that extra-support on top? Then focus on adding a little texture to your look with ruching, pleating and embellishments that will help play up your décolletage. In other words? Go all out with the details, loves! Rebecca Ingram’s pick: Shelley, one of our all-time favorites.

[dotted]

Known for creating figure-flattering gowns for brides of all shapes and sizes that are equal parts elegant AND affordable, Rebecca Ingram’s lineup of beautiful gowns will blow your mind. Find an Authorized Retailer in your area today and be sure to let those insecurities go when trying on new styles. You got this, you guys.

Believe it or not, ten years have gone by since Style Me Pretty first hit the blogosphere. And in that time we’ve grown from a small but mighty wedding blog to a website serving millions of readers per month and inspiring tens of millions across social media. We knew there was no better way to celebrate such a milestone than a fresh, new experience for you – our beloved readers and vendors. So let us introduce you to the new face of Style Me Pretty.

What’s New?

Enhanced Design

We’ve replaced our old blog roll feel with a modular design, highlighting more content at once which equals more weddings at your fingertips.

New Navigation

We’ve shaken things up with new navigation to better serve you during every step of the wedding planning process.

Smarter Vendor Searching

Incredible vendors are the secret sauce behind every wedding which is why we’ve implemented a callout that showcases vendors close to your current location.

The new Style Me Pretty is ready to hit the ground running and we know she’ll be everything you need to plan your best day EVER.

xoxo,

The Style Me Pretty Team

Fully embracing the native island traditions, this couple invited their closest family and friends to Hawaii for a destination wedding in paradise! The reception was located on the sand under flowing white canopies and Flowergirls enhanced the romantic ocean setting perfectly with soft blush and white floral designs. After enjoying local cuisine, the guests got to experience island performances including hula dancers and live musicians. LVL Weddings & Events helped bring this all to life and every last detail was captured by Derek Wong Photography. Trust me, the photos will have you dreaming of a destination wedding yourself!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the event planner… This sweet couple from Virginia invited friends and family to their small destination wedding in beautiful Hawaii on January 18th, 2017. Their wedding embraced beauty, elegance, and luxury. They had a gorgeous white chapel ceremony at the Akala Chapel in Waikiki located on the Hilton Hawaiian Village property. After the ceremony guests were treated to a luncheon reception at the beautiful ocean front property at Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute. A long, intimate table placed under canopies flowing with white drapery and crystal chandeliers set the mood for romance. That bright blue ocean view didn’t hurt either!

Honoring their Chinese heritage, the couple made sure to perform the traditional Chinese tea ceremony that symbolized the coming together of both families as one. After a wonderful lunch with fresh island fish and Kalua pig food stations, guests were treated to a 45 minute hula performance which included hula dancers, fire dancers, live musicians, and guest participation! What a blast to see these guests get up there and try out some native Hawaiian dances. It all ended with an array of desserts from a gorgeous three tiered wedding cake with the bride’s favorite fruit fillings to freshly made malasadas and chocolate covered strawberries!

Photography: Derek Wong Photography | Videography: BCM Studio | Floral Design: Flowergirls | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Cake: A Cake Life | Ceremony Venue: Akala Chapel, Hilton Hawaiian Village | Reception Venue: Lanikuhonua | Catering: Island Fusion Catering | Entertainment: Tahiti Mana | DJ: N-D Mixx Productions | Groom's Attire: Tommy Hilfiger | Planning: LVL Weddings & Events | Rentals: MOOD Event | Rentals: Accel Rentals | Rentals: The Wedding Linen Company | Rentals : Les Saisons

Who doesn’t dream of saying “I do” in Paris? It’s the city where all romantic fantasies come true and to start your happily ever after there is what wedding wishes are made of. But for these two, it wasn’t just a dream; it was real life. Zen Film Works captured it all as it unfolded, from the balcony of their Parisian hotel to the special moments all over the city of light, photographed by Claire Morris (see those all in our gallery right here). It may only be Monday but with a film like this, champagne is needed. So pop a bottle and enjoy!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/202239921 600 338]

From the Bride… Marc and I both grew up in South Jersey but it wasn’t until we both relocated to Bucks County that we actually crossed paths. We met at his restaurant, La Stalla located in Newtown, PA in November 2012. We got engaged one year later. Marc proposed on the anniversary of our first date in the same location of our first kiss, Rittenhouse Square Park in Philadelphia, PA.

Marc is the owner of a family style Italian restaurant that hosts special events and weddings almost every weekend of the year. I am an event planner at the restaurant and a amateur photographer. We wanted to do something different and outside of the box. Not the typical cookie cutter wedding that we so often plan/attend. We wanted our wedding day to be about us. We knew that if we had a wedding at home, we would have a huge guest list and it wouldn’t be what we wanted. We wanted it to be intimate, romantic and picturesque.
I fell in love with Paris when I visited twice before in years prior. Marc had never been to Europe but I knew Marc would fall in love with the City of Love as soon as he arrived.

I searched on social media sites to find the perfect vendors for our special day. Instagram, mainly, led me down the right path. I used hashtags to find the perfect place, photographer, videographer…..HASHTAGS….lol only in 2016!

I emailed Billy from Luxe Paris and he replied immediately suggesting that we do a FaceTime consultation. I knew within minutes that he was the right fit for us. English speaking and originally from New York, he understood exactly what we had envisioned. I had already picked out the photographer, Claire Morris and film maker Chris from Zen Film Works and I knew that Billy worked closely with them. That made me feel more comfortable. It gave me assurance that I was in good hands and that they all worked together well.

Billy was going to be out of town the day of our wedding so he sent Annouck to oversee the day. She was an angel. She was our officiant for the ceremony and my best friend for the day. We had a FaceTime meeting with her a week before the wedding to get to know one another. Sami was my hair and makeup artist. We also had a FaceTime meeting to go over the details and visions I had.

The day went so smoothly thanks to this amazing team. You would think that being so many miles away from home and not having any family and friends with you on the most important day of your life would feel lonely and uncomfortable. Not with this crew. They were so warm and friendly, we truly had a great day. Billy had arranged for everyone and everything be delivered to my hotel room. I had a handful of pictures that I knew I wanted to mimic from Pinterest. So Billy had arranged for all of the ‘props’ be delivered. The best champagne France had to offer, a tray of macaroons, ribbons and a mini Eiffel Tower. I also pre ordered a “we eloped” sign from Etsy.

The ceremony was held on the balcony of our suite overlooking the Eiffel Tower, just as the sun set, the lights of the Eiffel Tower went on. The ceremony was followed by a champagne toast and some delicious cake!

Then off the an amazing dinner at a 3 Michelin star restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel, George V.

And we rented a Rolls Royce to chauffeur us around Paris to take pictures at various locations!

Photography: Claire Morris | Cinematography: Zen Film Works | Event Planning: Luxe Paris Events | Celebrant: Anouck Mugnier | Venue: Shangri La

There is nothing, and I mean nothing, that a huge grouping of candles and an abundance of florals can’t solve. Together they are a power couple for adding all out romance to your wedding day. A gorgeous backdrop like Vibiana doesn’t hurt either. Take notes from this stunning inspiration crafted by Smith + James, with florals by Plenty of Petals and images by Valentina Glidden. Plus even more right here!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

For this shoot, we were inspired to put a delicate, romantic Old World vibe into the gorgeous white-marbled architecture of Vibiana. Vibiana is an event space that used to be a Catholic church in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. We used soft pastels in the floral, tabletop, and even the bride’s dress to compliment the candlelight and a bit of European charm.

Valentina Glidden really knows how to work with film in the most delicate, beautiful way. It’s difficult to create such clear, perfectly-lit photos with low lighting and Valentina was not held back by shooting indoors. She always makes brides (or in this case, models) feel so comfortable and captures their most gorgeous moments on film.

We love the idea of a slight rebellion in Carol Hannah separates instead of the expected white dress. The vanilla and blush colors together in this combination felt like soft candlelight.

Kasia with Plenty of Petals always knocks our socks off. She finds the most beautiful things at the market and turns them into magic. We love the dreamy soft pinks and white she chose for this shoot. Danielle Keene of Sheila Mae made the prettiest cake and styled it so beautifully. It’s one of my favorite parts of this shoot. Kara Anne with Kara Anne Paper does such beautiful calligraphy and paper design. I really love the details she creates in each piece. Rachelle from the Halcyon Agency totally nailed the model’s hair and make-up look based on the inspiration we gave her.

This shoot day was so fun, working alongside a great team. I hope it shows through the photos how happy we were to put this all together!

Photography: Valentina Glidden | Event Planning and Design: Smith + James Events | Floral Design: Plenty Of Petals | Wedding Dress: Carol Hannah | Cake: Sheila Mae | Hair and makeup: The Halcyon Agency | Venue: Vibiana | Paper goods: Kara Anne Paper | Rentals: Found Rental Co. | Ribbon: Bellame Ribbon | Table runner: Tono Co | Tabletop: Casa de Perrin | Veil: Veiledbeauty

This cool abode designed by Mindy Gayer has that whole modern farm house feel down to a science. With a neutral, calming palette, more shiplap than your heart can probably handle and a super clean and elegant style, this California gem will inspire you to rethink bright color and instead welcome the warm neutrals and pop of navy woven throughout this enviable space.

The newlywed owners of this home reside in Dover Shores – a unique coastal community in Newport Beach, CA. The community offers stunning panoramic views of Newport’s Upper Back Bay. With a community like this, Mindy knew their home had to be equally as unique with a freshness that matched their newlywed love.

The coastal theme throughout the home reflects the original vision that Mindy and the owners dreamed up. The exterior showcases the original 1960’s siding, along with a custom dutch door and filament sconces. The millwork continues into the entry way with a shiplap entry wall and Darlana sconces. The space is decorated with abstract artwork to add a modern flair.

As you move into the family room, you’ll notice the custom built-in shelving unit that holds the couple’s collected artifacts. It is here that the couple will make many memories with family and friends. 

The layout of the family room has an open design to host their many guests. It is accented with spindle chairs and navy custom pillows using Walter G. Textiles, paired with striped linen and vintage kilim textiles.

 The kitchen area offers extraordinary design. Mindy designed a custom built-in dining nook which included a farmhouse table and mixed media artwork. In the kitchen, custom cabinets were built for the client. The white cabinets and navy island brought in the maritime theme to the kitchen flawlessly. 

Next, Mindy picked quartzite countertops and Moroccan Zellige backsplash for the stone work. Quartzite offers unsurpassed durability and, paired with the Moroccan Zellige backsplash, offers an original, elegant, and sophisticated look. To finish off the exquisite kitchen, Mindy chose nothing but the best for the faucetry. Rohl Faucetry was used throughout the kitchen.

 The guest bath showcases a beautiful reclaimed vanity to offer a unique look. Reclaimed wood gives the bathroom character. It’s accented with woven textures and matte black bath faucetry.

 Last but not least, the Master offers a relaxing feel for the newlyweds to unwind as the end of a long day. The neutral bedding and custom Walter G pillows create a unique and calm atmosphere. The Macrame Handwoven Rug brings a modern flair to the bedroom with the pretty popcorn stitch adding fabulous texture. The bone inlet nightstands bring an instant sense of style to the room and the vignette atop adds a classic designer flair.

 The Master Bath beholds a custom his + her navy vanity with custom mirrors and brass maritime sconces and hardware. The Carrera Hex marble flooring adds a striking touch. Woven accents were added to the master bath to tie in the theme of the whole house.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

Photography: Jeanne Stewart | Artwork: Lorraine Pennington | Designer: Mindy Gayer

With an impressive list of celebrity clients like Sofia Vergara and Kelly Ripa, Oscar Blandi certainly knows all the secrets to a perfect hair day. Whether you’re looking to fake your way to voluminous waves or planning that pre-wedding hair routine, he’s got you covered with insider tips of the trade. Go ahead and bookmark this for your big day (and every day!)

[dotted]

What’s trending right now in bridal hair?

The updo for brides is a classic that I don’t think it will ever go out of style. However, I’ve noticed brides want updos that are more relaxed and romantic.

Favorite products to get hair wedding day ready?

Using a good shampoo and conditioner is key, especially if you have color-treated hair. Make sure that you’re using a good quality deep conditioner to keep your hair moist for the big day. Similar to the way you moisturize your skin to keep it looking supple under makeup, do the same thing to your hair.

Also, continue to get regular cuts leading up to the day. Even if you want your hair to be long, you want it to be healthy! My recommendation is every 4-6 weeks for a healthy look.

[dotted]

Any tricks for faking your way to voluminous hair?

Mousse and hairspray are always the best product to the lift the roots and create the illusion of thicker hair – that’s what they are created for. I also incorporate a bit of oil in the mix when working with a mousse to soften up the look and make it less rigid so as the day goes on, the hair will fall in a natural way.

The go-to styling tools you swear by?

Rollers or a curling iron, both give the hair good body.

To hairspray or not to hairspray?

Use a mousse or hairspray that doesn’t contain too much alcohol (which can result in hair looking “crunchy”), and again mix a little oil with the mousse. The hair will still hold but will have a softer appearance. Trust me, it works!

–Oscar Blandi, Celebrity Stylist and Founder of Oscar Blandi Salon, New York City

We’re always a little skeptical when designers claim that their latest collection is the “most beautiful ever.” After all, they say it every season. But we’ve seen the Atelier Pronovias 2018 Collection and we can confidently say that it really is the most beautiful collection ever. Exquisite lace, dazzling jewels and statement silhouettes take the 2018 Collection to crazy new levels of pretty!

As the models walked down the runway at Pronovias’ flagship New York City boutique, each dress seemed to be prettier than the last. With elegant lines and a fresh take on our favorite silhouettes, each handmade gown is dreamy as can be — plunging necklines, accentuated backs and leg-revealing slits play with proportions. But one of our favorite parts of the new collection? The stunning details, like draped sleeves, gemstone embroidery and convertible dresses!

Pronovias is known for the magic they make happen with lace, and the new Atelier Pronovias 2018 Collection didn’t disappoint. Romantic lace and sheerness combined with silk thread and gemstone-edged floral motifs to create some major wow moments. Delicate gold and silver embroidery add the subtlest hint of color with seriously beautiful results.

Seriously, darlings, we could not be more in love with the Atelier Pronovias 2018 Collection. And now that we’ve seen these gorgeous gowns, we’re counting down the days until Barcelona Bridal Week when the full Pronovias 2018 Collection will be revealed, because based on this sneak peek, it’s sure to be the prettiest collection ever!

Photography: Gerardo Somoza | Wedding Dress: PRONOVIAS | Makeup: Marina Christine | Hair: Kelly Tomasso Using Aveda

Jet setting to Umbria is now at the tippy-top of my travel list and it has everything to do with this destination wedding. It is an easy, elegant yet totally un-stuffy celebration crafted by the Bride herself, who just so happens to be a destination wedding planner and it shows! Al fresco tablescapes, the most perfect Umbria-esque rattan chairs, bright blooms and a day filled with Italian beauty… these are just a few of the details to be found in the photographs by Rachel Gomez and Sposto Photography.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride… It was my dream to get married in the Italian countryside; it’s my favorite place on Earth. My fiancé and I decided on Italy for the wedding (my heritage) and to tour Scotland (his heritage) for our honeymoon! I am a destination wedding planner and produce weddings mostly around Telluride, CO. I have planned pretty much every type of event.. but for my wedding I wanted to take our family and closest friends on vacation to celebrate life, eat great food and drink wine!

Our main focus was to highlight both of our personalities with unique touches to create a completely custom event. We hosted 52 of our family and friends for a week in Umbria, Italy. The guests stayed onsite at Casali Cole San Paolo a family-run olive oil estate with three guest farmhouses and a historic chapel built in the 13th century! This was the venue’s first wedding and I was lucky enough to work with the bilingual owner of the property to secure local Italian vendors in the area.

The setting of Umbria served as color inspiration, we used dusty peach, light sage, creams and taupe with rose gold and dark gray accents. We wanted to set the tone with custom invitations and worked with Whimsy Design Studio, based in Denver, CO. Whimsy incorporated a watercolor of one of the farmhouses my artist friend painted into the design of the invitation. She added watercolor touches, custom wax seals and plant-dyed silk ribbon to complete the look.

Upon arrival, guests were greeted with baskets of local wine, Turkish pool towels from Positano and chocolates from Perugia. We spent the week exploring the Umbrian countryside, visiting little hamlets and relaxing at the property!

Our ceremony was set at the top of Mount Solare at Fontanelle Farmhouse, a stone house surround by fruit trees and lavender. We used natural wicker furniture and kept it very organic. My brother-in law married us and my brother played acoustic guitar was I walked down the aisle with my father. It was truly a family affair! We set a black-tie dress code, the groom and groomsmen wore tuxedos, the bridesmaids chose their own dresses based of the watercolor painting and my wedding dress I fell in love with because to me it was elegant- classic with European glam.

The reception was hosted just down the olive tree-lined dirt road at the pink farmhouse named Poderaccio. The surroundings very natural, it was important to me to create a “black-tie garden party” and the ladies at Puscina Flowers made my dream a reality. The three sisters and fine art floral designers grow everything they use. Their attention to detail was a dream come true for a wedding planner bride.

We continued the theme of art/watercolor on the table by including small paintings “of Italy” at each setting and used a custom crest designed on the menus. The table was lined with organic looking floral arrangements, herbs potted in rustic terracotta pots and accented with fresh picked fruit and taper candles. The look slightly eclectic yet polished and cohesive with the environment. We were served an elegant 5-course meal at a table set for 52 that was looking over the Umbrian countryside. We had an American-style three tier wedding cake and Italian millefoglie cake for dessert. The dance party continued for many hours after under the gazebo overlooking the pool.

Photography: Rachel Gomez | Photography: Sposto Photography | Event Planning: Polished Fun | Floral Design: Puscina Flowers | Wedding Dress: Casablanca Bridal | Cake: Eros Mariotti | Invitations: Whimsy Design Studio | Shoes : Badgley Mischka | Jewelry: Family Heirloom | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Azeeza | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Elizabeth & James | Catering: Eros Mariotti | Hair: Alex Cox | Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss | Hotel: Villa Monte Solare | Hotel: I Casali Di Colle San Paolo | Wedding Venue: I Casali Di Colle San Paolo | Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Azienda Agricola La Querciolana

It’s no secret every bride wants to look and feel her best on the big day. But no matter how many times you hit the gym, what you put into your body ultimately affects how you look and feel. But fear not, brides because we’ve rounded up healthy eats packed with antioxidants and vitamins that impact your body in all the best of ways. Add these to your daily diet and thank us later.

Beauty Packed Foods

View Slideshow

Beauty Packed Foods

View Slideshow