It would be impossible for me to choose just one favorite wedding dress designer. But oh, you can bet I’ve got my top ten and Oscar De La Renta is right up there at the tippy top. This stunning Bride just hits that statement home even further and completely sets the tone for this classic affair in Half Moon Bay. Jen Huang‘s delicate imagery gracefully takes us through the sweet journey from start to finish, and it’s all so, so good.

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From Jen Huang… I loved photographing this wedding – even on a foggy day in half moon day, it shines in its beautiful simplicity, despite the fact that the fashion is absolutely drool worthy – a gown by Oscar De La Renta and a suit from Armani, with Rolex bridal gifts and jewelry from Tiffany & Co and Van Cleef and Arpels, and the heels from Prada are to die for! But even with this enviable collection of accessories the bride kept it wonderfully simple. From the classic line of her gown, to the ceremony arch of white roses, I love her impeccable taste, and that she still focused on the most important moments, the love between her and her groom, which we captured on a windswept California beach. We left the rest up to the natural beauty at the Ritz Carlton.

From the Bride… I moved up from Los Angeles 3 years ago to the Bay Area to help out the family business (we have restaurants). Henry, who was born and raised in Indiana, had started his sixth year of residency when we met in August 2015. It just so happened that his favorite restaurant was my place of work and one fateful Friday, he came into eat. He visited the restaurant five consecutive Friday nights in attempts to talk to me, but I never noticed because it was too busy! Henry finally mustered up the courage to talk to me during his fifth visit but never asked me out. I was a bit curious why he had talked to me in the first place but left it at that. A month later, he came back and asked to meet me for coffee and the rest is history. Never in a million years did I imagine to meet my husband this way but it’ll be a great love story to tell our children one day.

After 8 months of dating, Henry proposed in Napa. We hoped to get married in Napa but felt that it would be too far for our guests to travel to. While visiting the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay for brunch, we knew this would be the most perfect venue with its old world charm. It felt like a destination wedding but still close enough for our local guests.
I had always envisioned my wedding to be romantic and classic. I chose white and green tones for my colors and wanted a garden inspired wedding with a warm summer evening feel. I only had three months to plan from the time of our engagement to our wedding day, so it was incredibly stressful but also rewarding knowing I was able to pull it off. I was extremely nervous because I couldn’t find a dress but after a trip to LA, I found the one from Oscar De La Renta. It arrived two weeks before the wedding but luckily I only needed one dress fitting. All the vendors I chose miraculously pulled through even with such a tight deadline. I really couldn’t have done it without my florist, Amy Burke for creating such a lovely space and photographer Jen Huang for capturing the moment.

On August 6, 2016, we were joined by 150 guests to celebrate our special day. I loved that it was intimate so that we could celebrate with all of our closest friends and family.

Photography: Jen Huang Photography | Floral Design: Amy Burke Designs | Wedding Dress: Oscar De La Renta | Cake: Studio Cake | Invitations: Written Word Calligraphy | Shoes: Prada | Hair and Makeup: Makeup By Sung | Groom's Attire: Armani | Venue: test | Bridesmaids Gowns: Fame And Partners | Earrings: Van Cleef Arpels | Groom's Ring: Tiffany & Co.

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There’s nothing like seeing your dashing Groom waiting for you at the end of the aisle. And while we love, love, love when the Mr.’s really let their personality shine through in their wedding uniform, there are certainly a few trends that we can’t wait to bid adieu. Sorry super hero undershirts and man buns, we’re looking at you.

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Wild socks

While we love a good pattern moment, those technicolor sock situations have got to go.

Baggy suits

There is nothing like a great tailored suit. Its ill-fitted cousin on the other hand, we’d gladly archive.

Superman shirts tucked under your collared shirt

While funny and quirky, this trend is best left to the 12 and under crowd.

Flip flops for a destination wedding

Put those toes away gents. Weddings aren’t the time for alfresco footwear.

Messy Facial Hair

There’s a certain way to do messy. Tailored beards or a little scruff are good but the regular old, forgot to shave look is a no, no. And man buns, we’re including you in this category too.

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We are in a Southern Weddings state of mind today. It started with a chat about the best Southern wedding traditions and now we’re diving into a Texas celebration that blows it out of the water in terms of elegance and grace. And all with a forecast that called for 100% chance of rain! Draped in florals by Bristol Lane Florals and all the pretty images you could possibly dream of by Michelle Boyd Photography, have a look at Southern elegance done so, so right.

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From the Photographer… Gabriella and Eric may have met by accident – she thought he was someone else at a party! – but their love grew immediately on purpose. They’ve lived and worked in New York for a while now, Gabriella a model and Eric a brand manager, but decided to return to Gabriella’s home state of Texas for the big day.

Here in Texas, we are no strangers to the fickleness of the weather. The happy couple planned their September outdoor ceremony and as the days grew closer, they never batted an eye- even though the forecast said 100% chance of rain! As preparations began for the day, the decision was made to keep with Plan A and just wait it out… And we are SO glad we did! It may have been a monsoon for the hours leading up to the ceremony, but neither Gabriella nor Eric showed any concern or worry. Their incredible florists worked – IN the rain – to prepare their ceremony installation, and just before the guests arrived the sun came out and dried the ground with a vengeance. Gabriella surrounded herself with the sweetest bridesmaids and “bridesmen”, and Eric’s family flew from across the world to celebrate their sweet union. What a sweet and wonderful day it was!

Photography: Michelle Boyd Photography | Floral Design: Bristol Lane Florals | Cake: Sweet Treets | Bridesmaid Dresses: Donna Morgan | Hair & Makeup: Makenzi Laine | DJ: Look No Further Entertainment | Ceremony Music: Terra Vista Strings | Venue: The Winfield Inn

Located in Palm Springs, this couple enhanced the gorgeous desert setting with vibrant florals and a bright color palette. In my mind, there is nothing more perfect than an outdoor ceremony and reception nestled inside the San Jacinto Mountains under a warm desert sunset. The entire day was captured beautifully by Randy + Ashley Studios. Dream of a warm weather escape while browsing this gallery in The Vault!

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Their love story is ten years in the making, after meeting in high school. Throughout college and early adulthood, these two were always together except for a brief time when they were on a break over a summer (and no, not the Ross-and-Rachel-kind of break), and it was actually during that time apart that they both realized each other was the One. In fact, Devin took a train all the way from Manhattan to Montauk to surprise him because she knew he’d be there on a vacation … all because she realized that she’s just a happier person when she’s around Kevin.

When it came time to pop the question, Kevin proposed during a weeklong trip with friends to Rhode Island, on the very last day in Narrangansett (how he waited that long with the ring in his pocket, I have no idea!). They took a walk to see the cliffs they’d been wanting to see all week, despite the impending rain, and he got down on one knee once they reached the highest point of the rocks. Devin has no idea what he said after he proposed (“it was all a blur!”), but knowing Kevin I’m positive it was something very lovely, well thought out and true from his heart.

Photography: Randy + Ashley | Florist: City Iris | Invitations: Smitten on Paper | Makeup: Kallen Knetzger | Hair: Just Blow Drys | DJ: Michael Capitanelli | Groom's Suit: Indochino | Officiant: Garrett Foster, Ceremonies By Garrettt | Officiant: Garrett Foster, Ceremonies By Garrettt | Bridal Gown: Pronovias | Planning: First Pick Planning | Rentals: Signature Party Rentals | Restaurant: Spencer's Restaurant | Signage: The Gilded Line | Wedding Rings: Wedding Ring Originals

Saying your I do’s at home not only means you have free reign with your creative vision, but that in the years to come you will be able to visit the very spot you said your vows. And what’s more special than that? That’s exactly what Moeko and Jan did for their Big Day with the help of White – Prague Wedding Agency. The results captured by Anezka Chudlikova are intimate, cozy and oh-so-pretty. See it all here!

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From White – Prague Wedding Agency… Moeko & Jan weren’t about to have a large glamorous wedding. Instead they chose to celebrate their day in their family country house in the West Bohemia. Even on the official site of the town, Prebuz is described as, “the town at the end of the world”. It’s a town with the lowest population in the Czech Republic surrounded with beautifully rough highlands. It turned out to be the perfect place for Moeko & Jan’s intimate family affair, just as they wanted it. The flowers & decoration were magical, boho & romantic with lot of natural material involved. Their day was nothing but relaxed with a funky yummy wedding buffet prepared by “Sweet & Pepper days” bistro & catering. The bistro is a lovely family run place and their “made with love” food and service just enhanced the family atmosphere of the day. It was wonderful to work with them on the concept of the wedding. We love to be creative and loved little touches at the wedding like family tree with old family photos. Moeko lived in the USA and wanted to share her passion for S’mores bars with her guests – it was a nice surprise for both Czech and Japanese guests. We just had to take a use of the original barn which belongs to the family house. It was decorated for the welcome cocktail, the DJ spinned the party here and it was a perfect spot for the photo corner. We used parts of furniture that we found in the attic that was years and years old. When the sun set, everyone wrapped themselves into cozy duvets. Moeko & Jan are total sweethearts and absolutely perfect together. We were so happy to be there with them on their special day. Love was literally all around!

Photography: Art Motion Media | Event Planning: White - Prague Wedding Agency | Floral Design: Inspirito | Catering: Sweet and Peppers Days | Band: Zeuritia | Stylist: Linda Chudomelova | Tent, furniture, lightings: Borovka

With the gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean all around them, along with their closest friends and family, Tara and Nick said yes to each other. And then when all was complete, they wined, dined and danced the night away with many more loved ones at the fabulous Hearst Ranch. Ashley Ludaescher captured both – the intimate ceremony and the fun fete after – all in our Vault right this way!

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From Ashley Ludaescher… Tara and Nick fell in love during their time spent at Hearst Ranch, so it made perfect sense for them to tie the knot there. They were very lucky to be one of the few special couples to have the chance to celebrate their weddings on the property surrounding Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California. I absolutely love that Tara and Nick were incredibly thoughtful while deciding how to celebrate their wedding day. They chose to have an intimate ceremony with just their families and wedding party and then have an incredible party to celebrate with all of their friends later in the evening.

The ceremony was beautifully decorated by Adornments Flowers & Finery in front of doors which led directly out to the Pacific – the view was incredible! Nick’s best friend married them and Tara’s two children walked her down the aisle, which made for an incredibly personal and beautiful ceremony.

After the ceremony, we drove through the ranch to a mountaintop for their portraits at the mile long pergola where the Hearst family used to ride their horses, which also had the most spectacular views of the entire central coast and Hearst Castle. It was an incredible and unique wedding celebration, focused on what matters most – dear friends, family and true love.

Photography: Ashley Ludaescher Photography | Coordination: ADORNMENTS flowers + finery | Floral Design: ADORNMENTS flowers + finery | Catering: Field To Table Events | Hair + Makeup: Mint Salon ~ Savannah | Transportation: Ride On | Wedding Venue: Hearst Ranch | Rentals: All About Events

The wedding planning process is full of decision-making moments. But the one question I got asked almost every time someone brought up wedding talk was “Have you found your dress yet?!”. So much attention is put around the dress that it can feel overwhelming before you even start shopping. Make it easier on yourself with these five tips to survive that big day before the real Big Day.

Don’t Feel Pressured

Don’t feel obligated to bring along everyone! I don’t know about you, but I get my best shopping done while alone or maybe with a very close girlfriend or my Mom. But never with a group of friends. You might be the complete opposite of this and actually have more success with more opinions. In that case, make it a party and bring on the bubbly! But the point is, don’t feel pressured to have your entire bridal party there for the day. Bring who you trust or even go alone if that’s what you feel best doing.

Don’t Let Mom (or MIL) Take Over

If your parents do happen to be helping financially with your wedding, that should never mean they have a final say in any big decision. Especially dress shopping. Don’t let your Mom or Mother-in-law pressure you to go for a certain style because they’re making a contribution. And even if they aren’t, they may still be vicariously living through you and try to sway you toward a design they love on you. If you do bring them along make sure to politely let them know opinions are welcomed. If you contemplate their presence being overwhelming, tell them you want it to be a surprise on the Big Day!

Do Your Hair + Makeup

Have you ever been in a fitting room and cringed at an outfit because you have zero makeup on and your hair is a mess? Don’t make this mistake when dress shopping. It can be challenging to envision a gorgeous dress’ full potential when you look like you just came out of the gym. This is a great time to have a hair and makeup trial done, or even just fancy yourself up a little extra to get the full look. Even considering bring some jewelry to test drive as well.

Don’t Limit Yourself

So you’ve pinned a million dresses from the same designer or same style to your wedding board, but you’re not quite loving how the designs fit on you when trying them on… don’t box yourself in to one or two designers or styles. That two-piece number might look gorgeous on that other bride, but it just doesn’t feel right on you. Be open, try on styles you never thought you would and most importantly, know what works best with your body type.

Start Early + Go with Your Gut

I’ve talked to brides who found their dream dress with the first one they tried on and others who went to several boutiques, or ended up buying a second or third dress because they didn’t love the original choice. There’s no magic number of dresses you need to try on. It might be one or a hundred. The key is to give yourself plenty of time to find the right one and go with your gut! When you know, you know.

You might remember when we first went behind the scenes with the ladies of Southern Weddings and fell in love with bright, sunny office space and impeccable sense of style. Lucky for us, they’re popping back today to share a few time-honored Southern traditions to incorporate into your wedding – whether your big day falls below the Mason-Dixon line or not.

From the Southern Weddings gals… Hi friends! We’re thrilled to be here on Style Me Pretty today chatting about one of our favorite topics: traditions! Though we specifically love to focus on wedding traditions that originated in the South, we’ve been tickled pink to see these Southern wedding traditions increase in popularity around the world. (Kind of like all things Southern right now: any Fixer Upper fans out there? :)) Whether you’re a Southern bride or not, consider adding one of these sweet traditions to your wedding day for an extra dose of charm!

Burying the bourbon

Legend has it that if a couple buries a full bottle of bourbon upside down one month before their wedding day at the location where they’ll say “I do,” they’ll be blessed with sunny skies on the big day. After covering up the bottle, don’t forget to mark the spot, as it should be dug up and enjoyed with the wedding party on the wedding day (usually after the ceremony), making this a win-win tradition, no matter the skies!

See the full wedding here!

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The second line

Leave it to New Orleans, where the motto is laissez les bons temps rouler, to be the birthplace of one of the most lively and fun Southern wedding traditions! The second line stems from an old tradition at African-American jazz funerals, where a brass band paraded to honor the life of the deceased while loved ones followed the band, dancing to add to the spirit and celebration of the procession.

Weddings with a NOLA connection have flipped this tradition on its head, using a second line parade to signify the beginning of new life for the bride and groom. A second line usually takes place between the ceremony and reception, with the newly married couple leading the way, and a brass band and wedding party following right behind. Though second lines begin with just invited guests, they often attract passers-by to join the fun! Make sure to pick up a black parasol for the groom, a white parasol for the bride, and handkerchiefs for each guest to wave.

See the full wedding here!

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A house party

Only so many bridesmaids can fit at the front of a church! But what to do if you can’t bear to leave any of your best girls out? Enter the house party—the South’s answer to big extended families, sororities, and more. Members of a house party are often assigned wedding day tasks, such as passing out programs or helping the bride get ready, and are invited to the bachelorette party and bridal showers. The only thing a house party traditionally does not do is stand at the altar with the bride–that spot is reserved for bridesmaids. HP gals can be seated in the first or second row, just behind family.

As for outfitting your house party, you have some options! For a more formal, coordinated look, some brides choose the same dress for all of the HP gals, in a color that’s different but complementary to the color of the bridesmaid dresses. Another popular option is to ask the house party to wear little black dresses, since most girls will already have an option or two in their closets. Finally, you can simply tell the house party your wedding color scheme and ask them to dress in something that coordinates.

See the full wedding here!

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The cake pull

If you’re looking for a fun and sweet activity for your bridesmaids’ luncheon or bridal shower, try the cake pull! It hails from the Victoria days, when charms of luck and good fortune (and sometimes not-so-good fortune) were set into the wedding cake by the bride to predict the future of her single friends. These days, pulls are often placed in a small cake at a pre-wedding get together, and bridesmaids and close female friends (not only singles!) are given the opportunity to pull a charm from the cake just before it’s cut. A few of our favorite charms and their meanings: a hot-air balloon (adventure and travel), the fleur de lis (love and prosperity), the four-leaf clover (good luck), and a diamond ring (next to be married!).

See the full wedding here!

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The groom’s cake

While many wedding details err on the feminine side, a groom’s cake is a fun and (literally) sweet way to do something extra special just for the gent of honor! Collaborate with your baker to get creative and surprise your beau with a cake that reflects his hobbies, favorite sports team, occupation, or alma mater, to be served alongside the wedding cake at the reception. Or, try a “cake” that isn’t a cake at all — instead, set out a tower of Oreos, a stack of doughnuts, or trays of his favorite childhood treats. Or, if he’s a Southern boy through and through, go with the classic: a bleedin’ armadillo cake, just like the one in Steel Magnolias.

See the full wedding here!

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Looking for more details on Southern wedding traditions, and wedding traditions in general? We’ve got lots more details and ideas in our e-book, All About Southern Wedding Traditions. And now, we’d love to hear: what traditions did you include, or are you planning to include, in your wedding?

xo, the Southern Weddings gals

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Photography (in order): Anna Shackleford | Arte De Vie | Eric Kelley Photography | Amy Arrington Photography | Greer Gattuso

Donuts and palms are the stuff that brunch dreams are made of. And along with day drinking and delicious cheat food, this brunch is also bringing insanely gorgeous tropical vibes. Designed by Pure Luxe Bride with big, bright blooms by Coastal Creations, laser cut names on palms that we have a slight obsession with by LH Calligraphy and all captured by Aaron And Jillian Photography, if you’re hosting a breakfast get together soon, this vault is a must see.

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From Drew Pond, the host of the brunch…For me, there are two things in life that are sure-fire ingredients to my happiness: I love entertaining and I love Sunday brunch. I mean come on, who doesn’t enjoy a little day drinking and cheat food from time to time, right? I first had the idea for a Dock House Digital-hosted friends brunch back in the early Summer. We collaborated with the incredibly talented ladies at Pure Luxe Bride to bring our vision to life and I couldn’t be more excited to share this with you guys!

Before even talking design, I knew from the start that we had to have this event take place at Cannon Green. The restaurant is incomparable to other downtown hot spots. The atmosphere is very modern and hip with a major Miami influence with its aesthetic. When building out the restaurant, the owners honored this 19th century beauty by creating an airy, garden-inspired dining experience. The brunch design began by selecting our dining space overlooking the courtyard. Being in the wedding industry, our brains are trained to always think of a rain contingency plan, so the covered balcony was the perfect spot. We wanted the floral design to play a major role in the overall impact of the design and Coastal Creations seriously went all out. The vibrant colors combined with the gold seating and palm leaves made for the perfect balance of style + elegance. Putting this together on my own during DHD’s busiest time of year would have been a nightmare, so it was more than a blessing to enlist Pure Luxe Bride to execute every little detail so perfectly. They are amazing.

Our guest list comprised of ten of our favorite people who also happen to be in the wedding industry. From photographers, florists, videographers, DJ’s and wedding planners, we had it covered with this crew! While some videographers love shooting B-roll, interviewing guests, speeches, so on and so forth, one of my favorite things to shoot on a wedding day are the details. It was this reason alone that I knew I had to pull out all the stops when it came to our invitation suite. We enlisted The Silver Starfish to create our invites and RSVP’s as well as our brunch menus and canapé cards. The design included elements that reflected the essence of the restaurant and we even hired an artist to sketch the venue’s storefront…so chic! Because this event was on detail-overload, which of course had me excited, I knew the perfect duo to photograph it all for us! We were so fortunate to have the insanely talented Aaron and Jillian Photography present to capture our event.

As our guests arrived they were greeted with the most delicious mimosas–we definitely gave our server a work out from all of the refills! We began by having a short cocktail gathering in the venue’s courtyard where we got a chance to catch up with one another and nibble on some scrumptious canapés that were worthy of writing home about. Some of these bountiful bites included Classic Tomato Bruschetta, Fried Green Tomatoes with Pimento Cheese, Lobster & Black Truffle Salad, Yellowfin Tuna Tartare with Avocado & Sesame and Chicken and Ginger Dumplings with Salsa Verde. YUM.

For our main entrées we had family-style courses of eggs benedict over asparagus and chicken and waffles. Our yummy sides were Cannon Green’s house-made sesame tater tots and crispy bacon. Is your mouth watering yet? The food was amazing and I think every one of us said how we are excited to come back to try out their dinner menu in the very near future. Cannon Green is a great option for your rehearsal dinner or wedding reception. I highly recommend!

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Best Brunch Cocktails

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Best Brunch Cocktails

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Photography: Aaron And Jillian Photography | Coordination: Pure Luxe Bride | Event Design: Pure Luxe Bride | Floral Design: Coastal Creations | Brunch & Donut Tower:: Cannon Green | Invitation Suite: The Silver Starfish | Rentals: Eventworks | Restaurant: Cannon Green | Wood Laser Cut Gold Place Cards:: LH Calligraphy

Spring is slowly beginning to make an appearance and this inspiration from Vitor Lindo, Scarlet Plan & Design, and a whole crew of great vendors has me counting down the days until it’s officially here. Inside the gallery you’ll find so many ideas for a springtime affair – from invitations to florals, fashion, cakes and more. But don’t just take my word for it, scroll below and see the pretty for yourself!

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From the planner + stylist, Scarlet Plan & Design…

What did you envision for the photo shoot?

This fabulous Summer in the Garden wedding shoot was held at a 200-year-old Charleston home called the Parsonage. The space was once home to the parsons of St. Johannes Lutheran Church as well as their families. We envisioned a bright, colorful, bohemian summer wedding held in the courtyard garden of a historic downtown Charleston home. We wanted to juxtapose a traditional setting with a very eclectic wedding design.

What was your color palette and your style vision?

Our color palette was made up of several shades of pink. I kept calling the shoot “Yes Way, Rose!” because there were so many shades of pink. We had a smoky rose, a deep raspberry, pale blush, peachy tones, rose gold, coral and more. I’d definitely say the style vision was fresh, whimsical and very romantic with tons of unexpected bohemian touches. From the vintage books, the mismatched couches and chairs to the fresh flower wall, it was an eclectic heart’s dream!

Any unique elements or DIY details?

I think my favorite elements were using my grandmother’s vintage ring on the model and the 3 wedding cakes from Vintage Soul Cakes. All 3 were so unique and perfect for the design! We also used mismatched vintage sofas and chairs to create the super fun ceremony seating design going down the center of the driveway.

Photography: Vitor Lindo Photo + Video | Event Styling: Scarlet Plan & Design | Floral Design: Wildflowers Inc. | Wedding Dress: Garnish & Frill via Fabulous Frocks | Wedding Cake: Vintage Soul Cakes | Stationery: Put It On Paper Stationery | Ceremony Venue: The Parsonage | Makeup: Wedding Hair By Charlotte | Fashion Accessories: Garnish & Frill via Fabulous Frocks | Rentals and Linens: Eventworks | Vintage Rentals: The French Eclectic

Let’s be real — the dress is the best part of the wedding (aside from marrying the love of your life, of course). So, there’s a lot of pressure to find “the one.” After all, no bride wants to look back on her wedding photos 50 years from her wedding and wonder, “What in the hell was I thinking?!” which is why wedding dress trends can be tricky (hello, puffy sleeves from the 80’s). Thankfully, this year’s hottest wedding dress trends are not only gorgeous, but they’re totally timeless. Take a peek below!

Flower Power

If you thought 3D floral appliqués were big last year, just wait until you see the garden of gorgeous flowers that blossomed across the 2017 Bridal collections. This dreamy Marchesa gown is just the beginning of all of the pretty to come!

Color Wonder

Bridal no longer means white, ivory, champagne or even blush. Next spring, you can expect to see brides rocking color—from lovely pastel hues like this Kenneth Pool gown to the bright, bold shades seen at Naeem Khan. If you really want to wow on your wedding day, there’s no better way than with one of these colorful beauties!

Big, Beautiful Bows

Bows are back and in a big way. From stunning statement bows like on this Viktor & Rolf to wispy, ethereal bows like at Carolina Herrera and structured, abstract bows at Oscar de la Renta, there’s a bow out there for every Bride, and they’re all beautiful!

Flirty Ruffles

Twirl down the aisle with ruffles that flirt for you with every step like with the all-over ruffles like on this Carolina Herrera beauty. Want something a little more subtle? Find one of the gorgeous gowns with ruffles at the waist or hem.

Incredible Capes

Why be a normal bride on your wedding day when you can be a super bride? A super stylish bride, that is. From dramatic capes that dance in the wind like on this Oscar de la Renta gown to flouncy capelets that offer an extra bit of coverage, wedding dresses with capes are the perfect way to get that two-in-one look with just one gorgeous dress!

Plunging Necklines

Make your groom’s jaw drop when you walk down the aisle wearing a sexy plunging neckline like on this Francesca Miranda gown. Balance the deep V with traditional bridal touches like romantic lace, full skirts or delicate beading. The finished look is sultry and sexy but still timeless and beautiful!

High-Low

Sexy can mean a lot of different things when it comes to your wedding dress — barely-there bodices, plunging necklines, curve-hugging silhouettes and now an unexpected hint of skin with a flirty hemline like this Rime Arodaky dress. Playful and fashion-forward, high low dresses are the perfect excuse to show off a new pair of fabulous wedding day shoes.

Chic Pants

Just because you’re a bride doesn’t mean you have to wear a wedding dress. This year, designers served up some seriously stunning alternatives like this fabulous Lela Rose ensemble. From stylish separates to playful jumpsuits to oh-so-chic suits and tuxedos, designers are redefining mix ‘n match separates with these gorgeous wedding dress alternatives.

Mixed Metallics

They say, “one is silver and the other is gold,” but this year all metallics are created equal. Think silver, pewter, gold, rose gold and so much more. As far as we’re concerned, the more sparkle and shimmer, the better, especially if it looks anything like this gorgeous Naeem Khan sheath.

Statement Sleeves

Strapless wedding dresses will always be in style, but for the bride who wants a little something different, there’s nothing quite like the romance and drama of a statement sleeve like on this Ines di Santo dress. The 70s-inspired silhouette is the perfect balance of boho-chic and vintage charm all with a dose of dramatic glamour!

Modern Minimalism

While beading, ruffles, appliqués and bows are all beautiful (and they so are), there’s something to be said for keeping things clean and simple like this gorgeous Amsale ballgown. Without the added details and distractions, it’s the bride that truly shines, not just the dress.

When you’ve got a stunning vision like these two and a rockstar vendor team including Bash Please, JL Designs, Found Vintage Rentals and Casa de Perrin, a next level wedding is bound to be in your future. See? SO next level. From the ceremony backdrop to the sweetest seating nooks, Elizabeth Messina unveiled the beauty with her always breathtaking images. Dive into this Bel Air bash in full right here.

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From the Bride… Ali and I were both pretty set on a few “MUSTS” while planning out wedding. We were NOT getting married in a ballroom. We were NOT ok with a curfew before 2am. The food and drinks had to be FABULOUS. And we had to be able to fit 160 of our nearest and dearest. Paige and Kelly were amazing at hearing us out and went over TONS of venue options with pros and cons and took us all the way from Malibu to Downtown LA. They alongside my father pushed us to lastly look at Hotel Bel Air (even though it consisted of a ballroom) before making any decisions. We walked through the hotel space and their vision and creativity and enthusiasm about the endless options the space provided us led us to lock it in. On that day, we actually felt like we could start envisioning our wedding day. 

Ali and I really wanted to create a space where people would be comfortable and relaxed. Your wedding day consists of all the feels. So walking down an aisle looking at our cool, calm, collected and comfortable family and friends in a setting that felt like home with lounges and benches and arm chairs and side tables did just that. We went back and forth with beautiful renderings including the flowers and furniture and flooring which really made it all come to life. I think my favorite part of this other than marrying my husband was the gospel choir that came out and started singing as we recessed down the aisle.

Ali and I are both foodies and grew up in Los Angeles where dining is so delicious and wanted to make sure that everything from cocktails to dessert and everything in between was a great experience for our guests. The cocktail area had such a great vibe (from what I saw in pictures – it kinda stinks you miss this whole part of the evening) and the food was just enough to keep everyone happy before we went into the ballroom. We loved creating our custom cocktails with Pharmacie, the bar setups were so beautiful and the drinks were delicious. It was a whole experience we really wanted to share with everyone. 

The ballroom at the HBA is such an incredible blank canvas and again, with Paige and Kelly providing endless ideas and renderings including the chairs and linens we liked and florals it all really came to life. We wanted to make sure that the flowers didn’t take over the night and that it was just to make the room pretty. They did just that. Not too many high pieces, but pieces you could see through and talk to the people sitting across from you. We had a mix of round and rectangle tables and it filled the room nicely and squeezed everyone in perfectly. The dance floor was just the right size, not too big and not too small and it was ALWAYS full thanks to the music from Elan.

Photography: Elizabeth Messina | Event Planning: Bash Please | Floral Design: JL Designs | Wedding Cake: Vanilla Bake Shop | Invitations: Bash Please | Lighting: The Lighter Side | DJ: Johnny Knight | Venue: Hotel Bel Air | Ceremony Rentals: Revelry Event Design | Ceremony Rentals: Found Rental Co. | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Music: Elan Artists | Rentals: Town And Country | Specialty Rentals: Found Rental Co. | Tabletop Rentals: Casa de Perrin

You could have the most beautiful wedding dress in the world, but if your wedding day hair and makeup isn’t perfect, your whole look will be off and no bride wants that, trust us. So, once you’ve said yes to the dress, it’s time to say yes to the hairstyle. Luckily, we’ve got 100 stunning styles that you’re sure to love. In fact, you may even decide you need a hair change so you can choose more than just one!

100 Drop-Dead-Gorgeous Hairstyles to Inspire Your Big Day 'Do

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100 Drop-Dead-Gorgeous Hairstyles to Inspire Your Big Day 'Do

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In the world of weddings, your stationery is the first impression and you want to make it a good one. But when you’ve got a venue to book, flowers to order and that perfect dress to find—you don’t want to blow your budget on paper goods, am I right? Thankfully, you don’t have to sacrifice stationery style. With Shutterfly at your side, save-the-dates and invitations (and even personalized thank you notes!) can still look totally luxe and have your guests thinking you spent big bucks. Here’s how!

Shown below: Simple Solid Frame Invitation

Choose a Design that Speaks to You.

I don’t think anyone wishes for a cookie-cutter wedding, or cookie-cutter wedding stationery for that matter. So, first things first, pick a design you love! Shutterfly‘s array of design options can be customized the way YOU want, to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re having an intimate backyard affair or an elegant seaside affair, the options are endless.

Utilize Shutterfly’s Custom Color Palette tool on specific designs (indicated by the color wheel on site) to customize your stationery further and match the hues you’ve selected for your Big Day.

Shown below: Special Celebration Save The Date

Personalize with Photos

My husband and I loved utilizing our engagement photos for our save-the-dates. It’s such a fun way to personalize and share those memories with friends and family before the wedding! Shutterfly’s Wedding Save-The-Dates also have a coordinating, customizable back of card design, at no extra charge. Don’t you love it when the bonus touches are free?

Shown below: Lavish Love Save The Date

Get Fancy with Foil

The easiest way to take your wedding stationery to the next level? Layer on the foil, my friends! Sure, faux foil can look lovely, but real foil is très chic and brings an elegant touch to your stationery.

Shown below: True Love Forever Invitation

From wedding invitations with rose gold foil to modern, gilded lines, Shutterfly’s foil options prove to be nothing less than fabulous.

Get Creative with Trims

Think outside the box with a variety of different trim options available as well. Whether you stick with classic square, clean and rounded, bracket, scallop or ticket—selecting a creative cut amps up the wow factor.

Shown below: Elegant Embellishments Invitation

Embrace the Extras

Last but certainly not least, go for the extras that tie it all together! We’re talking RSVP cards, enclosure cards, address labels, thank you notes, colored envelopes, and envelope liners. Shutterfly makes it easy to match with coordinating designs for each suite. So, whether you want to add on those matching directions cards, or make life easier with convenient address labels—you’ve got the tools at hand to help you share the big news.

The best part? You can test drive Shutterfly’s wedding invitations printed with your own Big Day details. Get five free samples of your choice today with promo code 5WEDINVITES. Amazing right? Head on over to choose your top five favorites today.

Shown above: Splendid Watercolor Invitation

The only thing more beautiful than committing your life to the one you love is making that very same promise in a vow renewal. Set in the snowy mountains of Jackson, Wyoming, Callie and Brad recreated their wedding day, complete with a cozy outdoor dinner celebration. Simply Sarah photographed the day and you won’t want to miss a single second.

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Callie + Brad’s Love Story

Brad and I met in January of 2011, however, our actual first encounter is up for debate. Brad says we were introduced by our good friend at a concert at The Mangy Moose. I remember our first meeting being a couple weeks later after skiing one snowy Saturday. A friend and I had just finished skiing and were walking towards Nick Wilsons for a beer when I heard someone call my name. I turned around to see a very handsome bearded man walking towards me. He smiled familiarly, said hello and reminded me his name was Brad. I excitedly nodded and smiled back. He asked for my number and after he walked away my friend asked, “Who was that?” I laughed and said, “I have no idea.”

Brad called me a month later (nearly too long) and asked me on our first date, and because of the ever-changing facial hair of men in Jackson, I didn’t quite recognize him when he came to pick me up. That night we had one of the best times dancing at a friend’s birthday party in Jackson and knew this was something special. We immediately enjoyed doing all the things that come so easily to everyone in Jackson. We spent most of our time together skiing, biking, camping and floating the river. Over July 4th weekend 2015, the two of us hiked the Teton Crest trail.

The Teton Crest trail traverses throughout the Teton Mountains and is an absolutely stunning 40-mile trek. On our second day of backpacking which happened to be July 4th, we found ourselves at the Alaska Basin, a beautiful, peaceful, subalpine basin scattered with tons of little sparkling lakes, ponds, and boulders. It is a magical place. After a long, hot day of hiking, I went down to the water to take a dip and Brad said he would set up camp. As I was sunning myself on a big boulder next to the water, Brad quietly came up behind me and surprised me. I honestly thought he was trying to throw me in the lake. When I turned around he had dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him. I said yes!

We both grew up on the East Coast, but we knew instantly that we wanted to get married in Jackson so all our friends and family from back home could come see this beautiful place. Jackson is where we fell in love with each other and the place we now call home. All the adventures we experience together here make our relationship and love stronger. When you are out in the mountains challenging yourself and pushing your limits, it gives you a deep sense of trust and admiration for the place and people around you.

Photography: Elizabeth Lanier Photography | Floral Design: Magnolia Ranch Events | Wedding Dress: Claire Pettibone | Shoes: Bella Belle | Jewelry: Trumpet & Horn | Makeup: Makeup by Stephanie Broom | Hair: Hair by Lela Hebard | Invitations + Calligraphy: Spurle Gul Studios | Venue: Open Meadows Ranch | Event Planning + Styling: Simply Grand Weddings And Events | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Plates, Flatware, Glassware: Montana Party Rentals | Rentals: Hunter Gatherer

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Breakups are never fun but one good thing that can come out of that heartache is reclaiming your bedroom. Say adios to that lame band poster or the hand me down nightstand you never liked and give your sleeping space a gorgeous and 100% you revamp. Online Interior Design company, Laurel & Wolf, is dishing 5 easy tips for a post breakup redo sure to mend a wounded heart quicker than you can say ice cream and a Lifetime Movie Marathon.

Buy New Bedding

“Invest in some high quality linens that you love. Not only will these smell fresh and clean, but you will want something soft to cuddle you while you cry yourself to sleep for the next couple of months.” says Laurel & Wolf Designer James Tabb.

Rid Your Room of Reminders

You can’t make a fresh start without first freshening up the spaces that you spend the most time in. “You’ll always remember the good times, but it’s time to clear your head by removing old mementos and replacing them with items that make you happy no matter what’s happening around you,” designer Kimberly Winthrop says. That means the framed photos and sweet gifts get stored out of eyesight and replaced with beautiful new art, photos of beloved friends and fam and pieces that remind you of all the things you love in your life.

Make “Me” Space

Now that you have some quality alone time on your hands, spend it doing the stuff that you’ve put off or always wanted to try. “Mark your territory by making a “me space” where you can read, journal, or plot your revenge,” says James.

Reclaim Your Style

One of the upsides to finding yourself newly single is not having to answer to anyone other than yourself, starting with the look and feel of your room. “Design using your favorite colors and indulge in soft textures and fabrics,” says Kimberly. Take advantage of the ability to make your room all about you. No compromises.

Give Your Bedroom a Fresh Coat of Paint

You don’t have to spend a lot to make a big change (save that for your wine and ice cream budget). A fresh coat of paint makes a big impact on a small budget. James recommends choosing a light and uplifting color, or one you’ve always gravitated towards.

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Photography: Laurel & Wolf | Design: Laurel & Wolf

I’m convinced onelove photography attracts some of the coolest clients in the world, and this couple is no exception. The bride rocked a unique Jim Hjelm ballgown featuring a floral design for a subtle, completely elegant statement. The dress set tone for their wine country wedding and the whole day is waiting right here.

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From the couple… We knew we wanted to get married in Napa/Sonoma (where Steve had proposed), and I knew I wanted to get married outside. My style is already rustic, so it was an easy fit. Our palette was pale pink, cream and greens. I wanted earth tones with a small pop of color.

Taking pictures with Steve was my favorite part of the day. The property had so many unique features that we just had a blast. And then just enjoying time with family and friends. It was an intimate setting in the barn, we only had 30 guests.

Steve got me pearl necklace shaped like a bunch of grapes since we got engaged and married in Napa. I got him cuff links, one with a map of Napa and the other of Bora Bora, to represent both our wedding and honeymoon.

Photography: onelove photography | Event Planning: Holliday Weddings | Florals: Aimee Lomeli Design | Wedding Dress: JLM Couture, Inc | Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas | Shoes: Betsey Johnson | Jewelry: Late Grandmother's wedding ring | Jewelry: Mother's Earrings | Rings: Tacori From Calvin Broyles Jewelers | Catering: ring of Fire food truck | Hair + Makeup: Just Jenni Style | Groom's Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Venue: Olympias Valley Estate | Linens: Encore Events Rentals

Backless gowns are best kept for indoor attire but with this gorgeous engagement, the Bride-to-be had her love to keep her warm. And it’s all set against a magical winter wonderland captured by Forage + Film. Get inspired to dress to the nines and romp in the snow with even more gorgeous imagery right here in the vault.

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We loved shooting this winter wonderland session with this sweet couple! The soft falling snowflakes, and the beautiful white historic estate made for such dreamy setting. Paired with this couples fabulous style, serious guts ( hello backless dress in freezing temperatures!) and tangible love, we walked away knowing it was a special day. This was the kind of session that can’t ever be recreated and is just as unique and special as this couple is, and that is the kind of experience we live for! We loved that this couple got to cuddle into each other for warmth as the snow rested on their hair and laugh with each other in these extraordinary circumstances! While we sometimes wish it snowed more often here in Raleigh, its rarity truly does make it that much more special when it does!

Photography: Forage + Film | Historic House: Merrimon-Wynne House

Vermont will always hold a special place in my heart (it’s where I said “I do”!) but when you have pics this pretty, it’s easy to fall in love with this state in seconds. Christina Bernales captured these cuties in all their fall fun, from apple picking to a romantic picnic by the lake – see it all here in our Vault!

From Christina Bernales… Sarah and Lenny wanted to celebrate their engagement doing one of their favorite fall activities: apple picking. We walked around Shelburne Orchards in Vermont and then headed to the waterfront along with Sarah and Lenny’s furry friend Piper to enjoy a wine picnic during the last bit of light of the evening.

Photography: Christina Bernales | Dress: Anthropologie | Blazer: Zara | Lenny's Shoes: House of Fraser | Sarah's Shoes: BCBG

Where, oh where do I start with this pristine Tuscan fete from Vasia Photography? It’s effortless with that old world charm in every way, yet with hints of modern beauty—did you see the Bride’s two-piece dress? Layered with stationery and calligraphy from Maurelle Calligraphy, olive branches and ivory blooms, and a family-style dinner reception for the books… I highly suggest you spend some quality time in The Vault.

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From Vasia Photography… Kat & Moreno planned an intimate destination wedding to host their closest friends and family in Tuscany. The villa was incredible, tucked away on the outskirts of Firenze and surround by rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves. The couple held the ceremony and reception outdoors and then danced the night away in the Green House. For decor, they kept things simple and rustic, with lots of olive branches, white candles and a long exposed kings table where dinner was served family style with fresh bread and local wine.

Photography: Vasia Photography | Catering: Galateo Ricevimenti | Makeup Artist: Emma Collins Beauty | Ceremony music: Chiara Trallori | Wedding Venue: Villa Le Piazzole | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab | Florals & Decor: Fiori Del Chianti | Planning & Design: Fluent Productions | Stationery and Calligraphy: Maurelle Calligraphy