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

Romantic Lakeside Ceremony With Peach and Moss Details in San Luis Obispo

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Moss green, peach and gold with maroon accents.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]An elegant and magical alfresco destination wedding unfolded amidst the picturesque wine country landscape, as moss green and peach tones elevated the ambiance. Surrounded by breathtaking views and lush greenery, the ceremony exuded enchantment, with a custom florals framing the romantic lakeside ceremony. The reception continued the enchantment, with tablescapes adorned with pink accents and bespoke printed menus, tying together the romance of the day.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]
In September 2022, during a trip to Mexico City, Brian proposed unexpectedly. Despite encountering challenges in finding the perfect spot, we ended up in a serene garden where he popped the question on a simple park bench, fulfilling my desire for an intimate moment. Following the heartfelt proposal, we celebrated with friends at a surprise brunch and enjoyed a memorable dinner at Quintonil, later incorporating its cookbook into our wedding plans, a cherished reminder of our engagement.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]When choosing her perfect wedding gown, Shannon knew she wanted something fairly form fitting, yet something light that wouldn’t restrict her when it came time to dance the night away. Her vision was feminine and romantic, and her v-neck, fit and flare with delicate floral details couldn’t have been more perfect.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]While keeping the color tone cohesive, Shannon wanted each bridesmaid’s personality to shine through by letting them choose the style and fabric of their dress. From satin to velvet, there was a beautiful mix of variety and continuity.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Brian chose a custom navy SuitSupply suit and even had the nickname he calls Shannon embroidered under the collar. He gifted each of his groomsmen a floral tie to wear on the wedding day.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]As we are big cooks and huge foodies, we wanted to make sure that translated to our guests. Our friend and family know us as always cooking or hosting elaborate meals with fun cocktails and enjoying the flavors of life! Our wedding planner made the wonderful suggestion of displaying our collection of cookbooks as if we were inviting everyone into our home. We loved this idea! We were able to rent a beautiful wooden hutch which housed all of our favorite cook books and framed photos of us, along with personalized small bottles of olive oil with everyone’s names and table number on them. We encouraged the guest to peruse the shelves for their name and take their bottle to their seat. We still have friends today text us photos when they are using their olive oil to cook. It’s been fun to receive updates from friends saying they used our wedding olive oil. Your wedding is over in a heartbeat, so having something to love and reminisce on beyond the day has been a welcome surprise to us. We hoped people would use it but every time we get a text or someone mentions it, it feels like reliving it all over again and that’s been a welcome gift that keeps on giving back to us!

When it comes to cocktails, we don’t mess around. Brian immediately took this as his first vendor task. He researched all over for top of line mixologists across the central coast and we were so lucky to meet the talented folks at Flair Project. Ivo and George immediately understood Brian’s passion for making memorable show stopper drinks and they exceeded our expectation. They even did a tasting with us two months before the wedding so we could test out of top options. We ended up with three signature cocktails: His drink, a spin on an old fashioned with coconut fat wash bourbon; Her drink, an herbal, fruity vodka cocktail with yuzu lemon foam; and an Our drink, with tequila as an ode to our engagement in Mexico City. We wanted fun cocktails: something you’d see at a speakeasy, not just any drink you could order. I’m happy to say everyone seemed to love them and we were over the moon with the response to our delicious cocktails. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]We wanted our wedding to be “elegant, magical”. We said that while we were on a ranch and there was a barn, we didn’t want the word “rustic” to be in the vocabulary of our wedding. She understood that, while we loved the outdoors and vineyard aspect of the ranch, we wanted to be sure to soften any hard edges and make the space soft and warm. With a November post-daylight savings wedding, your sun is setting at 4:45pm and we wanted to make sure to lean heavily into string lights, up lighting, and draping on the barn, and pin spotted disco balls to keep the party and the evening reception still lively and bright.
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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Brian and I are not cake people. We like cake but if you want us to indulge in a dessert, it’s ice cream. Now Ice Cream on a cold night in November didn’t exactly scream the best idea but we figured we’re only getting married once and we want ice cream at our wedding. We reached out to a local shop in Paso Robles, Negranti Creamery, they were able to accommodate our ice cream dreams and served up some delicious ice cream at our reception and everyone loved it after dancing the night away in the barn! [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]We were honored to have one of our best friends, who is an amazing writer and director, lead our ceremony as our officiant. She managed to put every detail she could into our ceremony. It was so thoughtful and personal. We were so grateful to be married by someone who has watched our love story unfold from day one and who has been a supportive pillar in our relationship.

In addition, we wanted to add a cultural piece as well to honor our heritage, so we decided to add in a traditional Scottish Quaich ceremony. Shannon’s family has deep Scottish roots, and Brian and Shannon both have Irish backgrounds. We found this ceremony in our research and quickly agreed it suited us. We had a quaich made for us – a small silver bowl with detailed handles and engraved etching with our family name and the date of our wedding accompanied with a Claddaugh ring engraving in the bowl. At the ceremony, we had our fathers pour whiskey into the bowl and then Brian and I both drank from it. A cultural communion of sorts, while also creating our first family heirloom. A beautiful piece for us to hold from our marriage and we plan to take a sip from it on every anniversary as tradition.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Choosing the music was a huge deal for Shannon. Music has the power to control every setting. The intention, the energy, and the memories. Shannon’s dad is a musician and had a live band for many years playing weddings across LA. It’s actually how her parents met – her dad was playing music at a wedding and her mom was a guest of the bride. She always wanted live music at her wedding and finding the right band was important. We interviewed a few different group, and even got Shannon’s dad involved. We found an amazing band that knew exactly what we were looking for. We also added in the DJ for the end knowing that some of the music we wanted to play wasn’t exactly band specific. We wanted to keep it timeless but also energetic as the night got into the later hours. It was the perfect blend of genres. They worked with us and had us make playlists to show them our style: what music we wanted at dinner; what music we wanted for early night reception; what music we wanted for late night. We spent a lot of time curating those playlists but it was worth it. We had the BEST band. We got so many compliments and people were packed on the dance floor. Our fear was always that people wouldn’t dance or the barn would be empty but we were wrong. The right music brings the right vibes and it got the people going! We couldn’t get people to stop dancing even when the night was through! One of the best parts of the night was getting up on stage and dancing in front of our guests while singing with the band under disco balls and twinkle lights. This moment we will always remember. A good band changes everything!! Don’t skimp on the music! We had three guys rip their pants at the wedding from dancing and to us, that’s a sign of a good time! [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]At our reception, we had a beautiful sweetheart table where we sipped champagne from the same Irish crystal champagne flutes that Brian’s parents drank from at their wedding. Brian’s parents are kind and giving people who have always supported us. They have a wonderful and loving relationship and have been married for 36 years. To share that tiny detail with them was very important to us.[/field]
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This Elegant Fall Wedding Will Have You In Your Feels

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The wedding colors were blush, burgundy, red, ivory and green.

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It’s hard to believe that Alexandra and Ryan’s St. Michaels Wedding was their Plan B, as it was so flawlessly and beautifully executed, full of thoughtful touches at every turn. We began the day at Alexandra’s family home, along a willow-lined drive with the bride’s mom, sister in law and maid of honor, and 3 sweet nieces as they helped the bride into her gorgeous Mira Zwillinger gown. Alexandra and Ryan tied the knot on a beautiful fall day, in a charming chapel in St. Michaels, later followed by cocktails and dinner at the Tidewater House. With seasonal blooms in burgundy, ivory, pink and touches of classic black, the dinner was elegantly designed by Kari Rider Events and made for a gorgeous candlelit backdrop for Alexandra and Ryan’s intimate reception. The couple’s closest friends and family toasted to their future over champagne and a gorgeous cake, a perfect way to end the celebration!

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The wedding gown was designed by Mira Zwillinger.

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Alex and Ryan hoped to create an elegant dinner party for their wedding reception, so food and drinks were top priority for their petite celebration. Greeted with cocktails and passed h’ordeuvres such as mini crabcakes and caviar outside at the Tidewater House, guests mingled in the warm October afternoon. Later they were escorted into the intimate dining room and served several courses of seasonal, locally sourced dishes inspired by the St. Michael’s coastal setting.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Sophie Felts Floral Design used a color palette of burgundy, blush, red mixed with ivories and green to create a stunning ombre bridal bouquet that set the tone for bride Alex’s wedding look. The fall tones were expertly crafted into a floral arch and large installations in the Tidewater House‘s petite dining room, making the guests feel as though they were still exploring the gardens outdoors.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]A simple yet modern wedding cake incorporated a brush painted red and gold leaf design. Alex and Ryan cut their cake in a private moment before serving it to their guests.[/field]
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Amie Decker Beauty

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Photography

Audra Wrisley Photography

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All-White Elegance With Nods to the Bride’s Italian Heritage

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Neutral, organic and natural with greenery, feminine colors and accents of light green, blush pink, ivory and white. [/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Vision was based on the goal of creating an elegant and timeless yet intimate celebration. European garden wedding inspiration and influence with a nod to the bride’s rich Italian heritage.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]After months of anticipation and planning, the couple were engaged after several years of long distance at Carlton Landing on Lake Eufaula – a place that the groom’s family visits frequently and holds special memories for the couple from the early days of the relationship.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride wore a dress from Lela Rose Bridal with a Vera Wang Veil. The bride’s something borrowed was a family heirloom, a lace bollero. The bride wore Manolo Blahnik shoes. [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids wore a mixture of unique and customized dresses from Ulla Johnson, Shona Joy, & AJE.
Flower girls/Junior Bridesmaids
Dresses: Hip Hip Hooray Dallas, custom. Hibiscus linens personalized bows to accessorize. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groom wore a custom tuxedo by Ted Baker, London
Shoes by Del Toro [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Abbey Road Catering: Guests were treated to a rustic italian flare-inspired plated meal: arugula salad, toasted hazelnuts, shaved parmesan and a lemon vinegarette. Guest choice of french-cut herb roasted chicken breast or ravioli.
Specialty cocktail hour – Aperol spritz & old Fashioned as a his and hers cocktail selection. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Poppy Lane Design: Simplistic white florals in petite bud vases, greenery. Mixture of ivories, whites. Bridal bouquet to include Lilly of the Valley, white jasmine, pearl bush. Bridesmaids carried a nosegay bouquet made of solid white. One larger arrangement that acted as a focal point at the center of a large circular bar during the reception.
Customized “J” Emblem, reflected on all reception signage, church programs as well as individual guest menus.
Hurricane Candles and small votives reflected a large portion of the glow and decor.
Tented name cards at a circular table at the entrance of cocktail hour. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Quincy Bake Shop: Almond cake with vanilla & raspberry filling and a buttercream frosting adorned with babies breath around the bottom tier. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]First Dance – Always be my baby by Anderson East
Entrance to Reception – This will Be by Natalie Cole
Stayed with the classics for the duration of dinner & reception: Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Stevie Wonder, Earth,Wind and Fire- ect.
Ceremony music:
(Prelude) “cello suite one”- bach

(wedding party processional) “air on the g string” – bach

(presentation of the bride) “canon in d” – bach

“ave maria,” instrumental played by dr. alvez barkoskie iv

(recessional) “allegro maestoso” – handel [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Strings duet at cocktail hour (Laura Naturally)[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Remembrance/ In Loving Memory Of – family members not able to celebrate the wedding. Designated in church program and at reception. [/field]
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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Embellished Weddings

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Ocean-Inspired Wedding at Florida’s Stunning Ca’ D’Zan Museum

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Pink, white, gold, blue[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Tara and Graham’s wedding melted their love of boating and adventure into a weekend of culturally significant ceremonies hosted at unforgettable locations. The couple held both a Hindu ceremony to honor Tara’s background and a traditional Western ceremony for Graham. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]While their first date was the outcome of an online match on a dating app, Tara and Graham first met in the trauma center at their local hospital. Graham worked as a paramedic and brought a patient into the hospital where Tara was the receiving trauma doctor. Even though Tara was wearing a mask that day, Graham vividly remembered her dark brown freckled eyes. During their time dating, the couple discovered a love for stone crabbing off the coast of Florida. Graham devised an elaborate plan to have Tara pull up a crab pot in one of her favorite locations with a crab-shaped box holding a replica engagement ring inside. However, on the day of the proposal, Tara got called into work at the hospital. Graham had to reroute his plan. Instead, he picked up Tara on their boat outside the hospital, which luckily happened to be right near the water. Even though she was in her scrubs, and the day was drizzly outside, Graham was able to pull off his surprise! [/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Tara celebrated the Indian ceremony in a magenta sari before changing into a lacy, robin’s egg blue lehenga for photos. Her western wedding dress was a white, off-the-shoulder ballgown by Reem Acra.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]A selection of pre-selected entrées for the wedding reception included roasted garlic and herb-rubbed chateau of beef, macadamia-crusted snapper, and eggplant with roasted red pepper and fresh mozzarella rollatini.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

For their mandap, the couple created a breathtaking altar constructed from driftwood, flowers, and an abundance of greenery to resemble a coral reef. While countless moments of their weekend were awe-inspiring, their final venue was a standout, creating unique photos for the couple that overlooked Sarasota Bay. Their final ceremony was held at the magnificent front entrance to the Ca’ d’Zan Museum. This building, built in the 1920s, showcased art with unique circus-bound history and Italian-inspired architecture. Windswept moments carried Tara’s timeless jacquard ballgown into dramatic shapes as the couple posed along many different viewpoints around the venue. An aisle, lined in peachy-toned florals, led to the ceremony, facing the stone building and its stained glass windows. A continuous motion of earthy pink floral arrangements moved into the evening with moments of ocean-inspired blues and decor. The museum’s pink-colored courtyard lent itself to a monochromatic blush-toned setup. Gold-rimmed oyster shells were used as place cards atop iridescent pink and gold plates, where soft blush and deep blue tablecloths worked in tandem. Vintage-feeling gold lanterns were illuminated by candles, and chandeliers strung from trees kept a glow about the evening.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]A small, turquoise-colored cake sat among an array of cupcakes, where guests could choose their flavor.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Instead of a typical Baraat where the groom rides in on a horse or fancy car, Graham and his groomsmen arrived on two large boats.[/field]
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An Intimate, Flower-Filled Chateau Wedding In The South Of France

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Harriet and Andrew chose a classic neutral color palette for their relaxed outdoor wedding in the South of France. Whites, creams and soft beige created the canvas for their abundance of white and green florals used throughput the design to complement the chateau setting.

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Chateau La Tour Vaucros was at the heart of their wedding design. Celebrating the beautiful outdoor setting amongst the rolling hills of Aix-en-Provence. The weekend started with a relaxed welcome party in the courtyard, with Mirabeau Rose and monogrammed cocktails flowing. Guests were treated to a delicious grazing table and Harriet and Andrew made the most of the gorgeous sunset for a few couple portraits. The festivities continued on Saturday afternoon with a beautiful outdoor ceremony beneath the conifer trees, followed by an al fresco wedding dinner beneath a canopy of festoon lighting. Harriet and Andrew wanted to create a ‘laid-back luxe’ celebration their guests could enjoy, while incorporating their love of rosé, flowers, good food, and fabulous entertainment. The weekend ended with a pool party on Sunday after which their guests returned back to the UK and further afield.

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Harriet was a vision in her crisp white Suzanne Neville gown with soft floral detail on the bodice. She kept her look quite simple and elegant, completing it with a flowing veil and delicate Christian Dior heels (a subtle nod to her love of France and fashion).

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The entire weekend was a celebration of delicious French food – from the grazing tables on Friday night at their welcome party, to delicate canapes during cocktail hour (some of the highlights included macarons with fig goat cheese and thyme and mini scallops with parsley butter. The Buckrider Bar was on hand for signature cocktails and Maison Mirabeau Rose, keeping their guests in high spirits throughout the evening! Dinner was a feast for the eyes – main course Beef rump steak with truffle mash & sauce, or Cod fillet with salted butter, veloute of favouilles and risotto, followed by cheese courses and lemon meringue pie for dessert.

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Harriet adores flowers so from her beautiful bouquet (peonies, roses sweet peas and more) to the stunning ceremony arch and meadow arrangements lining the aisle, to the floor and long dinner table arrangements, Lettre à Elise Events used an abundance of white flowers and foliage to add wow-factor to the day. A sparkling Mirabeau Stand Display served as the exquisite table plan where guests could find their place cards, tied to the stem of a chilled glass of Rose, before being seated at the table.

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The wedding cake was a traditional vanilla and caramel croquembouche.

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Chateau La Tour Vaucros

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This Couple Transformed A Parking Lot Into A Private Garden Ceremony

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Green was the grounding color, with lots of bold pinks and gold accents![/field]
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Bold, colorful garden party! The couple wanted to create a garden aesthetic for the ceremony site, so the planner transformed a parking lot using custom built trellis to give a private garden courtyard vibe. Custom bars were built in the reception area as well that were painted green.

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The wedding dress was designed by Valentini Spose and purchased from The White Room. It had a gorgeous and flattering cut, with the most unique lace detailing. It perfectly suited the bride!

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The bridesmaid’s dresses were from Jenny Yoo from Bella Bridesmaid.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]There were a variety of action stations including a southern inspired station, a sushi station, and a custom crepes and coffee bar. There was a cocktail bar and specialty bourbon and cigar bar.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Garden party was the main goal, and the venue was transformed into just that! The ceremony space was a parking lot turned into a custom built garden area that sat over 400 guests. The arches surrounding the bars were full from top to bottom with florals, which had never been done before at this venue! Custom seating areas, bars, bourbon bar, and crepe station![/field]
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The bride’s cake was a classic tiered cake by barbs cakes with beautiful florals! There were tree installs put in behind to really accent the garden party feel. The groom’s cake was a golf theme with his alma-mater mascot on top and him and Emily Wood’s two dogs at the bottom.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The most unique part of this wedding was the bride’s desire to get married outside. She loves flowers and envisioned her wedding ceremony taking place in a garden. However the country club did not have a space large enough for 400 guests outside, with the exception of a parking lot. With a trusting bride, the vendors were able to completely transform the parking lot to a garden inspired courtyard. The production started by flooring the parking lot with vinyl flooring, followed by custom trellis and live trees creating a barrier and courtyard feel. Lastly the florist completed the look with lots of bold flowers and greenery. You’d never believe you were in a parking lot. The transformation was absolutely amazing! [/field]
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The bars were built out by PropHouse Birmingham specifically for this wedding! Painted a two tone green, they were a huge design element that really tied the whole look together.

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The dance floor was a custom designed vinyl dance floor by southern event wraps. This was a real wow factor for the reception space. Many guests commented that it looked to be hand painted.

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The couple pulled away in an old Mercedes convertible with cold spark boxes that really added an ending wow factor to the night!

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BBJ La Tavola

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Al Fresco Wedding Inspired by Lake Como at Laguna Gloria

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Blush, blue, peach, sage green[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The Shurtleffs were after a laid-back, cozy, and blissful feeling for their wedding. With long tables and an al fresco dinner, they achieved the feeling of an intimate dinner party. The design theme was a floral garden party with butterflies and pastel hues of blush and blue.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Katy and Jared met while traveling to Boston for work. Katy was living in New York City and Jared was in Chicago at the time. A coworker set them up on their first date and they hit it off immediately. Three years and several cross-country moves later, Jared proposed in Florence, Italy and they tied the knot in Austin, Texas on September 8, 2023. [/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The peplum lace overlay that Katy wore made its first debut in 1987 on her parents’ wedding day. Katy’s Mom made her wedding dress by hand, where she stitched every pearl to perfection with patience and the utmost care. Katy’s Dad “preserved” the heirloom in an oversized pillowcase and 36 years later, it remained in impeccable condition. Katy thoughtfully sourced the peau de soie silk for the custom made gown worn underneath to match the ivory bolero that she inherited. It was a beautiful way to incorporate her Mom’s presence in spirit. The welcome table included photos of Jared and Katy’s parents on their respective wedding days, with Katy’s late Mother in the dress topper that she wore in honor of her Mom. The lace is now back in the pillowcase time capsule hoping to be passed down to the next special bride in their family. [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Katy’s vision for bridesmaids dresses was to appear effortlessly coordinated. She curated a collection of dresses in complementary pastels. Katy’s cousins, her Maid and Matron of Honor, also wore peplum dresses as a subtle nod to Katy’s Mom’s handmade lace. The bridesmaids and flower girl dresses seamlessly blended with her design and whimsical tablescapes with details like fresh pears and personalized menus tying to the theme of butterflies and florals.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The cocktail hour menu featured hand crafted “his and her” cocktails, Negroni and Spicy Ranch Water. The selection of passed hors-d’oeuvres included duck confit tacos, fried chicken sliders, and more! The vision for food was elevated while still being deliciously comfortable. Chipotle-peach glazed chicken and Shiner bock glazed short ribs were served al fresco under vintage festoon lights. Dinner was accompanied by a delicate string quartet and guests enjoyed sunset views overlooking Lake Austin and the gorgeous villa. Following heartfelt toasts and a surprise 70th birthday tribute to the groom’s father, the party transitioned to the tented lawn.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Guests were greeted with chilled champagne as they strolled through the garden grounds to find their seats for the ceremony. Ceremony was held at the Temple of Love, a historical replica of a classic gazebo sited at the original entrance to Laguna Gloria. Florals were installed along the gazebo columns and thoughtfully placed as extensions of the overarching trees surrounding them. This created an intimate and secluded atmosphere that the couple hoped to achieve as they exchanged their written vows. Florals continued throughout the venue including a feature in the terrace fountain and along the tables where guests dined. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Their wedding cake was a timeless white sleek cake accented by a sage green bow tied around. The tiered cake featured two different flavors – a deliciously crisp Lemon Raspberry and Almond Vanilla. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Katy and Jared had their recessional to Here Comes the Sun after their first kiss as newlyweds.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Katy and Jared valued intentional time with their guests and family members. Rather than spend all of the afternoon and cocktail hour taking photos apart from each other, they opted for a first look to take portraits before the ceremony and kept wedding party photos to a minimum, allowing them to enjoy cocktail hour with their guests and family.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]The Ashley Austin Band gave a spectacular performance after dinner, getting guests involved in singing and dancing and inviting the bride and groom on stage. Katy and Jared ended the night with a dirty-dancing style lift on stage! The guests went wild and cheered, a fitting finale for their incredible party.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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36th Street Events

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An Enchanted Autumn Ceremony at Old Edwards Inn and Spa

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]We paired bright creamy hues with select jewel tones. The colors selected included stone (a mid-grey), mushroom (warm beige), moss (true dewy green), and hearth (the deepest brown). In everything there was balance, hard wood and stone matched with soft velvet and linens, a deep color palette of blooms paired with delicate translucent glass. The start of the day was awash in sunlight, while the evening glowed dimly through lit candle tapers, open reception windows, and roaring fireplaces.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]In late-September, nestled in the Highlands of North Carolina, Rachel and Trey were wed in an intimate autumn ceremony. The pair recited their vows at The Farm at Old Edwards, a sprawling property full of lush trees, woodland mystique, handsome cottages, and a cozy lodge-style reception venue. We designed the wedding to symbolically and aesthetically match the dawn of a new season. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]From bride Rachel: “Trey and I got engaged November 19th 2022 and although I knew the proposal was coming soon, he completely surprised me that day. I had planned, or so I thought, a girls day with a close friend here in Houston. We had tickets to see Six on broadway and dinner reservations at one of our favorite restaurants later that evening. After the show, my friend somehow convinced me to stop at an art festival at a local park nearby. Well after arriving at the park I quickly learned there was actually no art festival, but rather Trey waiting by the lake with a bottle of champagne and a photographer ready to capture the moments. The proposal was so sweet and intimate and afterwards he surprised me with all of our friends waiting to celebrate at a nearby cocktail bar. “[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride Rachel’s dream wedding gown was designed by Anne Barge. She says, “I fell in love with the embossed floral fabric the moment I saw it at the first bridal boutique I visited. I love the chic and timeless shape of the gown with the floral detail that beautifully tied into the wedding design details and venue. I knew I wanted to wear my gown all night and this dress was not only beautiful, but it was perfect for dancing the night away.”[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]As for attire, the group was dressed to the nines, properly formal and fashion-forward. The groom Trey wore a custom Tuxedo by Festari For Men. The best man was in a classic tuxedo as well and the matron of honor wore a beautiful floor-length gown designed by Tom + Linda Platt and purchased at Tootsies. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]All were seated at a curated feast, featuring courses of seasonal ingredients and delectable treats. The place settings held a menu outlining the meal ahead. Food and wine were delicately paired for an incredible dining experience. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Notable design details included a floral motif in the wedding paper, an array of colored glassware, a bold linen print, embossed stationery, bursting floral moments rooted in moss, and an homage to the couple’s pup, Millie. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The wedding cake was tall and textural, decorated with a vine of greenery. The dessert featured lemon cake with vanilla buttercream and raspberry filling and traditional almond cake with vanilla buttercream. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The day began with a heartfelt wedding ceremony, a group of the couple’s nearest and dearest to play witness. Only one attendant stood on each side of Rachel and Trey, supporting their unity, but allowing for the newlyweds-to-be to be the focus of the day. The altar in the bright Orchard House was simply sculpted by a low floral meadow.
While some typical wedding traditions were intentionally skipped, Trey and Rachel included perfectly sentimental moments.

After dinner, came dancing with the magnificent live band, A-Town, A-List, lounging in front of the many hearths the venue boasts, enjoying an espresso martini or two, and toasting to the McClugages.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Following the ceremony, guests mingled on the grounds with cocktails in hand, escaping under the porches for shade or wandering the orchard to see the trees in bloom. A surprise second line band was heard approaching from the distance, a jubilant parade of brass marching the couple and their guests into reception in true New Orleanians-style. The couple held parasols and the guests swung napkins, a tribute to the groom’s hometown. This was an incredible way to kick off the reception.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]We asked the bride to name a favorite moment: “It is so hard to pick just one! Having my uncle marry us in such an intimate ceremony was so special and something we will never forget. Our second line entrance was such a fun and special way to honor Trey’s New Orleans upbringing while also getting the party started. The espresso martini bar, Estelle colored glasses, invitations inspired by my dress details, and details of our sweet pup Millie cannot be forgotten.”[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]We carried the floral motif throughout all of the design details of the day, all inspired by the wedding gown. The paper suite was crafted with blind-embossed blooms and hand illustrations. Special linens had flowers imprinted on theme. And in each centerpiece and tablescape, you could find not only live blooms, but bulbs and moss. [/field]
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A Charming Editorial Inspired by the Pastel Hues of Charleston

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”The Inspiration”]Inspired by the colors and history of downtown Charleston, we wanted to bring spring colors to this editorial as we bring colors and vibrancy back after a long stick season! The team aimed to bring colors and patterns to this newly envisioned space for Lowndes Grove’s River House![/field]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Hues of pink, orange, and yellow[/field]
[field title=”The Venue”]River house at Lowndes Grove[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The dress was from La Bella Moda and was designed by Paloma Blanca Bridal[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Party”]The bridesmaids wore dresses from Bella Bridemaids Charleston![/field]
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Our beautiful florals were sourced by Artisan blooms CHS![/field]
[field title=”Favorite Design Element”]My favorite design elements had to be the textured linens from stradley davidson as well as the “cocktail hour lounge” elements from the french eclectic![/field]
[field title=”Tips To Pull Off The Look”]Trust your planner! When talking to Loraine from Invitation Only Charleston, we collaborated and had a vision and she really brought it to life. She was so integral in making everything cohesive and beautiful![/field]
[field title=”DIY Moments”][/field]
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For membership information, click here

Petit Bouquet

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Lexi Jaice Photography

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A Laurel, Pear, and Artichoke Color Palette at Camp Lucy

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”The Inspiration”]This shoot beautifully harmonizes nature’s wild elegance with the sleek precision of modern design. From the luxurious velvet backdrop and intricately patterned tablecloth to the lush greenery and delicate florals adorning the cake, table, and couch, it seamlessly blends the organic with the contemporary.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

To go with the organic opulence theme, the colors in our palette are all those found in nature. The palette consists of these colors: pearl, mist, laurel, pear, and artichoke.

[/field]
[field title=”The Venue”]Camp Lucy’s Sacred Oaks wedding venue was chosen for the shoot’s location because it’s surrounded by nature. The venue’s natural aesthetic helped highlight the organic opulence theme.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Kinsley Couture Bridal provided our statement wedding gown. The dress, designed by ENAURA, featured laser cut and embroidered flowers and a romantic sweetheart neckline.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Party”][/field]
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The elegant white florals, designed by Emily Kaye, and were used to create luxe drama for the portrait backdrop, tablescape, and cake and escort card stations. White flowers, including but not limited to ranunculus, orchids, and roses, were chosen so that the greens and blues found in the table linens, napkins, and escort card display could pop.[/field]
[field title=”Favorite Design Element”]The tablescape is one of our favorite design elements of the shoot. It is both timeless and modern. It combines classic white dinnerware, gold flatware, and crystal glassware, with whimsically unique table linens and blue napkins provided by Nuage Designs Inc. [/field]
[field title=”Tips To Pull Off The Look”]To recreate our model’s bridal look, ask your hair and makeup artist for a neutral palette and a low bun with dainty loose pieces. Pair with designer accessories from Gucci, Chanel, and Cult Gaia.[/field]
[field title=”DIY Moments”][/field]
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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Detailed Touch Events

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A Whimsical Summer Wedding in Stowe Vermont Infused With North Carolina Charm

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

Summer citrus colors – Pink, Tangerine, and Yellow.

[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

This classic wedding with a modern twist was a true collaboration of the stunning Green Mountain backdrops and vibrant Coastal embellishments. From the bride “My mom, Julie, gets so much of the credit for the creative vision for the wedding. After retiring her first career in biotechnology to raise our family, she started a second career working for a floral design shop and later went on to own and operate an interior design business until she retired a couple of years ago. Evan is a native Vermonter, and his home is such a strong part of his identity and our life together. But it was important to me that our wedding could evoke a strong sense of place for both of us. I grew up near the coast in North Carolina, so I wanted to bring a bright, summery Carolina feeling to speak to where I came from, too. My mom and I have a shared love for the seagrass, coastal aesthetic and we were excited to incorporate the rattan elements throughout the design concept. The coral, sunshine, and tangerine shades have been my favorites since I was a little girl, and I wanted the guests to feel the same warmth, joy, and light that Evan and I feel about starting the next part of our lives together.”

[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]

From the bride “Evan proposed on a hike just outside Washington, DC on the Billy Goat Trail in Falls Church, Virginia. We love spending time outdoors together in DC as our schedules allow, and this felt like any other Sunday afternoon to me. It had been an extremely tense period at work, and Evan knew that some time unplugged would help me get out of my head and relax a bit. We were taking a water break on a cliff overlooking the Potomac River when Evan asked a passing stranger to take our photo (for the first time in our six years together up until that point), and it was then I realized that this just wasn’t any normal Sunday hike. Teetering on the cliffside, he pulled the ring bare from his pocket (brave!) and dropped to one knee. It was as much a surprise to me as it was to the stranger taking our photo–I am quite sure it was a memorable hike for him, too! The surprises kept coming, with a celebratory trip to the Inn at Little Washington planned for after the proposal. Evan had managed to pack bags for both of us earlier that day without me noticing. We had spent the years prior aspiring to someday visit the Inn when we drove past it for frequent and much more rustic camping trips in the nearby Shenandoah National Park. It was such a special place to mark the occasion with the most incredible meal I’ve ever had. I think I posted an instagram announcing our engagement with, “Scenes from a perfect day, featuring the man and the cheese cart of my dreams.” Still rings true!”

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Anna’s customized gown by designer Suzanne Neville was the perfect form-fitting silhouette. Ethereal floral sleeves were attached to add a playful summer time touch.

[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Bridesmaids were encouraged to choose their own dresses. The only guideline was that they encompassed the summertime fun-loving color scheme. The mix-matched dresses chosen were all bright fun and unique. The perfect compliments to the bride’s classic white.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

Topnotch Resort‘s Culinary team is well their use of fresh local ingredients and innovative dishes. Guests were greeted at cocktail hours with passed Hors d’oeuvres of Miniature Pork Tostadas, Spicy Scallop Ceviche, Berry Bruschetta with Chevre on a baguette and Fried Green Tomatoes. Dinner consisted of two courses, the first a fresh greens salad followed by a choice of Braised Beef Short Ribs, Pan Seared Salmon, or Cheese Ravioli with fresh Pesto. Three signature drinks kept guests in the dancing mood. They were created and named after the bride and groom’s personalities and consisted of: Evan’s Tequila Old Fashion (classic with an adventurous streak), Anna’s French 75 (bubbly with a sense of humor), and The Parkers’ Spritz (a refreshing marriage of bitter and sweet).

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Nancy and her team at a A School House Garden were ingenious in helping bring the couple’s vision to life with the gorgeous arrangements, bouquets, and tablescapes. All of the colors chosen worked off from the citrus palette and incorporated unique blooms. They even went to local farmers’ markets and grocery suppliers searching for fruits unique fruits that elevated the tablescape.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

Who needs cake? In lieu of a traditional wedding cake, Anna and Evan brought in Palmer Lane Maple Creemee Truck to serve up Maple Creemees to their guests.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

The couple’s close friend Drake Greer, who also introduced the couple and was a key component in getting them down life’s path to the alter, officiated their ceremony. Hariet Langley, another close friend, played violin in the ceremony.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

From the Bride “When we were conceptualizing the event and seeking ways to add color and individuality, my mom had the wonderful idea to ask a family friend, George Snyder, for some inspiration. He is an extraordinarily talented painter, muralist, and floral designer, and he and his wife Jill have been close friends of our family ever since he and my mom worked together at the floral design shop in North Carolina. We shared some of our inspiration photos for the florals and fruit, and he so expertly and intricately crafted the painting that was a focal point of our wedding design. We were blown away by his creation. My mom worked to have the painting printed on linen napkins to carry the color across the tent and ensure every guest had an up-close view. Both the painting and the napkins will be fixtures in our home and the perfect reminder of our special day in the years to come.”

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

The bride and groom hand-wrote meaningful handwritten notes to each guest. These notes created a colorful escort display and doubled as their place cards.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

To cap off an amazing family-forward day, the reception erupted in applause to a guest musical performance by the bride’s brother Adam Dietrich, groomsman John Dodds on the Harmonica, and close friend Hariet Langley on the fiddle.

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This Cool And Colorful Miami Wedding Is A Must-See!

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

For our Sangeet, we wanted to do vibrant and fun tropical colors that welcomed our guests to Miami to kick off our wedding weekend. The venue lended to a very tropical, Miami vibe, being at TThe Rusty Pelican in Key Biscayne, a laid back restaurant with a more formal ballroom on top that had sweeping views of the water and the downtown Miami skyline. The colors included bright oranges, mustard yellows, teals, pinks and more. The idea was to include some colors that would tie-in to our wedding day, but go on a brighter and more vibrant scale for our Welcome event, the Sangeet. The Colors: For our wedding, we went with an emerald green and gold thematic with lush florals throughout that brought a moody element to it. The florals hinged off the colors from Friday’s sangeet, but were a darker shade to bring a more moody vibe to the evening. We had stunning ombre florals wrapped around the Mandap for the ceremony in shades of purple, pink and red which complimented the stunning backdrop of palm trees and the ocean.

[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

We wanted to make this feel like a welcome event that was not serious – we incorporated lounge furniture to make people feel comfortable and relaxed, as well as a mix of high and low top tables. Our dance floor brought the entire vision together – a floral wrapped dance floor being the center of attention and embodying all the colors of the florals around the room. The dance floor lended to the center sofa where the bride & groom would sit, which was drenched in beautiful florals against the skyline of downtown Miami in the background. The dance floor is where much of the evening would unfold, from coordinated sangeet dances from friends and family to beautiful renditions of Indian songs by close family members, to an open dance floor for all to celebrate and enjoy the night with fun Indian pop culture music, as well as some American hits mixed in. For our Sangeet outfits, the Bride wore a beautiful, colorful and perfectly on theme Mayyur Girotra Lehenga that she purchased at the designer showcase at Ave Indian Collective. Mayyur himself was there when she tried on outfits, and the bride knew immediately when she tried it on that it was the one – so did Mayyur! The Groom wore a beautiful teal colored jacket from Ave Indian Collective that complimented the brides outfit – an Indo-western spin on what a groom would typically wear to a Sangeet. For the wedding day: Design, Vibe, Vision: We wanted to create a moody and cozy reception that was dripping in florals and felt unique from many of the weddings the couple had been to before. They infused lounge couches and chairs around the circular dance floor that was wrapped in gold and emerald green, allowing for those who were taking a break from dancing the night away to still feel close to the party. Tables were adorned with velvet green napkins, clear charger plates and vibrant colors that tied the entire room together. The bars were custom wrapped and infused the gold and emerald green elements. The groom also rode in on a horse to kick off the wedding day, which allowed guests to dance and proceed alongside the groom into the ceremony. It was an incredible experience that set the mood for what was to come. The couple hired Private Stock to perform at their reception, an incredible band that kept the guests on the dance floor the entire evening! The couple used The Event Factor to have a DJ for their after party, which was disco themed and in a smaller room nearby the reception.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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For our wedding outfits, the Bride wore a beautiful, ivory and gold lehenga from Seema Gujral with red elements that felt more traditional to the Indian culture. These red elements were infused through a red veil and red bridal jewelry from Reemat Designs. The groom wore a complimenting outfit that had pops of red as well to tie in their looks together. For the reception, the groom changed into a custom Suit Supply tuxedo, and the Bride changed into a shimmery ivory dress from Retrofete, which allowed her to move and dance throughout the night comfortably. It was also a great way for her to blend cultural elements, having her Lehenga for the ceremony and the more traditional white dress for the reception.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

For the Sangeet food, the couple worked with HC Collective, a catering company in Miami that specializes in Indian food, to bring to life some of the cultural elements through taste and sense. Stations set up across the room full with Indian foods, live Dosa stations, fun Pani Poori experiences as well as stations that leaned into the culture of Miami – filled with Red Snapper and empanadas. Speciality cocktails included Mojitos to also lean into the Miami culture. The food was catered by Ritz Carlton and included buttery sea bass and New York strip steak. The couple wanted something different than a traditional salad for the starter, so they went with a compressed watermelon and feta salad that was refreshing and beautiful. His and Hers cocktails included A Paloma and a Gin Gimlet. Custom napkins featured the couple’s dog Sophie.

[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The florals hinged off the colors from Friday’s sangeet, but were a darker shade to bring a more moody vibe to the evening. We had stunning ombre florals wrapped around the Mandap for the ceremony in shades of purple, pink and red which complimented the stunning backdrop of palm trees and the ocean.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

The wedding cake was also designed by Ritz Carlton and included gold detailing. The most special element on the cake was a small custom statue of the couple’s dog Sophie. The wedding cake was created in a chocolate chip cookie flavor and a strawberry chiffon flavor. Other desserts included a warm chocolate chip cookie skillet station, the bride’s favorite dessert, and additionally, mini key lime pies to lean into the Miami location!

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The wedding day was a beautiful day filled with so much fun and dancing. Between the groom’s baraat on the horse to the ceremony that was rainbow filled, followed by the stunning and timeless yet elegant reception, it was a day that blended cultures and was fun for all.
The wedding day encouraged guests to wear black tie or formal Indian attire so they could enjoy the Indian cultural elements of the Baraat and the Ceremony, but be comfortable to dance the night away during the Reception. From the beautiful ceremony with the ocean backdrop to the ballroom reception that was magical, emotional and fun, the guests were able to experience many things that truly felt like the couple throughout the day and the weekend.
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[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Timeless Yet Modern Chicago Chic in Napa Valley Wedding

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

Hannah and Marek chose shades of thyme green, dusty blue, crisp white, and stark black. They wanted something classic and elegant, but also some touches of modern contrast.

[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Hannah and Marek were looking for a sophisticated, elegant, well-edited, and effortless vibe for their wedding weekend. Marek is a fan of architecture, so we brought in touches of the Mont La Salle building details into the stationery design, constructed a custom seating display (in the style of one of their fav Chicago hangouts), and upgraded the reception chairs to something a bit more modern. We all had fun playing with the rentals and layering tone on tone pieces from the linen, to the china, to the paper in all of the big and little details. From the couple: Our wedding represented a huge milestone for both our families. Our vision for our wedding weekend was to honor our families and tradition, while also thoughtfully incorporating meaningful components that are important to me and Marek. It was also important that we created a good experience for our guests, who traveled from all over the country (and world) to be with us for a weekend. We wanted guests to feel included, taken care of, well-fed, and ready to have a good time! We’d describe our design aesthetic for the wedding as elegant and chic, yet understated and timeless. Our wedding colors and florals contributed to an overall vibe that felt fresh and crisp.

[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Marek proposed to Hannah on their seven year anniversary at one of their favorite spots in downtown Chicago, River Point Park, which faces the confluence of the Chicago River. Marek surprised Hannah by helping bring both of their families to celebrate their proposal that night. A dinner celebration at Gibson’s Italia followed. Marek also surprised Hannah with an arrangement of hydrangeas, a bloom that was special to them, and played a large role in the wedding design.[/field]
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From Hannah: I knew I wanted a dress with a timeless silhouette, sleeves, and a train. I fell in love with the “Love” gown by Eisen Stein Bridal as soon as I saw it on the mannequin at Mira Couture. It felt classic, timeless, romantic, chic, and a tad whimsical. I loved the combination of the A-line silhouette and sweetheart neckline. The sleeves also felt reminiscent of a Filipiniana dress. For a dramatic effect, I wore a 144” cathedral length veil from De La Rosa’s Bridal. I paired the dress with Jimmy Choo Sacaria 85 High Block heels. I wore an ivory, v-neck, art-deco inspired Adrianna Papell gown for the reception.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

The bridesmaid dresses were a mix of Vera Wang, Reformation, BHLDN, and ASOS. From Hannah: I let the bridesmaids pick the gown that they liked and found most flattering. The maid-of-honor, my sister, created a vision board to ensure a cohesive aesthetic.

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Marek work a bespoke tuxedo and cream dinner jacket, the latter inspired by the commencement attire at Georgetown Prep. The Groomsmen wore The Black Tux.

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From Hannah and Marek: Food is a big part of our relationship, and we wanted to share our love of food with guests. We had food at all of our weekend events. Chef Juan Zavala at Mont La Salle kicked off the weekend with an incredible rehearsal dinner featuring some of our favorite dishes — salmon and risotto. We worked with Chef Logan at John Anthony to customize our welcome reception appetizer menu. We loved working with Carneros to customize our cocktail and reception menu. We also had an open bar for our guests. One special request we had was to serve donuts at our reception, as donuts are one of our favorite desserts. The vanilla bean glazed donuts at Carneros Resort and Spa were a big hit!

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

From the couple: “White hydrangeas were the focal point for the florals. Marek gifted Hannah a stunning arrangement of white hydrangeas from La Salle Flowers at the proposal. Hannah wanted petite bouquets for her and the bridesmaids. Hannah had a classic Lily of the Valley bouquet. Mignon Floral Co. provided a fresh take on the bridesmaids bouquet – petite, crisp, yet modern. ” From Planner: How fitting that the engagement flowers were from La Salle and their Ceremony venue was Mont La Salle – kismet!

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

From Couple: We wanted our cake to be simple and elegant. Palette Cakes handcrafted sugar flower hydrangeas, which adorned a two-tier cake. The double-barrel base created a modern and chic aesthetic. From Planner: Palette Cakes also provided some lovely mini desserts for our display to add to the delicious donuts – vanilla bean creme brûlée, chocolate chip cookies, and fresh fruit tarts.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

From couple: We wanted our ceremony to be solemn and traditional. It was important to us that we had a Catholic Mass that incorporated Filipino wedding traditions – the cord, the veil, the unity candle, and the coins. Wine Country Entertainment did a phenomenal job with our ceremony music.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

From couple: The Church Exit. Our exit from the church after the ceremony was our favorite memory from our wedding weekend. Our photographer Sean Thomas Photography had a vision for the exit that exceeded what we could have ever dreamed of. We walked down the steps of Mont La Salle chapel, surrounded by guests throwing biodegradable white ecofetti. It was such a happy moment to be surrounded by our family and friends.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

From couple: The Wedding Weekend events. Many of our guests traveled from California, the West Coast, Chicago, the East Coast, and London to celebrate with us. With that in mind, we wanted to create a weekend experience for our guests. After our rehearsal dinner at Mont La Salle on Friday, we kicked off our wedding weekend with a Welcome Reception at The Mansion by John Anthony Vineyards. Our planner Kate recommended the venue – we fell in love with it for its historical charm, vintage design, and its location in Downtown Napa, where many of our guests stayed. It was also spacious – it had a large outdoor patio with a bar and multiple rooms inside. It was absolutely perfect – we welcomed guests on the patio, as the John Anthony team served wine, beer, and light appetizers. It felt like a house party! We also had a farewell brunch the day after our wedding at the Hilltop of Carneros Resort, overlooking Napa.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

From couple: Cocktail hour music. In addition to live music at our ceremony, we wanted live music at our cocktail hour to set the tone for the evening. Hannah’s dad loves jazz music, so Hannah requested some of her dad’s favorite songs and artists be played at the cocktail hour – George Benson, Wes Montogomery, Django Reinhardt, to name a few. The Jim Martinez Band did an excellent job honoring our requests! They also played live piano and guitar during our reception dinner, which created a romantic vibe.

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BBJ La Tavola

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Shimmer & Stain

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Black-Tie Florentine Wedding at Villa Cora

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Cream, White, Sage & Natural Greens[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The design of our wedding centered around the timeless beauty of Florence, Italy. We had spent a magical summer trip in Florence and fell in love with the architecture, history, and culture, especially since we both studied architecture in college. Myself, the bride, being Italian, had always dreamed of getting married in the land of my father, and we were able to make that happen when finding the gorgeous Villa Cora. The incredible nineteenth-century villa was built in pure neoclassical style, and is located just outside Florence, on the hill overlooking the Boboli Gardens, near Piazzale Michelangelo.

It was our goal to ensure our family and closest friends had a place to stay and enjoy the full experience of Florence, and truly just be together. Villa Cora provided that perfect setting for family, friends, laughter and taking in the beautiful sights Florence has to offer. As the famous Florentine, Dante said, Noi Non Potremo Avere Perfetta Vita Senza Amici – “We Couldn’t Have a Perfect Life Without Friends.”

The ceremony took place in the Mirror Room Garden with the majestic Villa Cora behind us. With a venue such as historical as Villa Cora, we wanted to let the architecture speak for itself, opting for natural greens, white and cream color palete, to showcase all the beauty of our surroundings.

The reception took place in the Mirror Room with ornate painted walls/ceiling, gilded mirrors and timeless elegance. We decorated the tables with candelabras and greenery stems along with small white florals to compliment the grandeur of the room.

Our love story is full of fireworks, so we had to surprise our family and friends with a special firework display on the grounds of Villa Cora. Hearing the laughter, elation, and pure joy from everyone we hold dear was truly magical.

Dancing continued into the night in the Il Pasha room with guests dining on late-night pizza and some guests enjoying a midnight cigar.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]After meeting during a global pandemic in San Francisco, we were fortunate enough to find love in close quarters. Many quarantine memories were spent enjoying homemade pasta, working from home together, taking bike rides and enjoying dining al fresco around town. We were lucky enough to purchase our first home in Danville, California a few years after dating. Having a strong tie to family and architecture we had been enjoying curating our home and making it ours. We were blessed to receive a unique piece of dining furniture which had been in my family for awhile. It took some effort to coordinate delivery to us and Diego helped coordinate it all to make it happen. He knew how meaningful this furniture was to me and how much I was honored to carry on the legacy. While my family was visiting during it’s delivery, and enjoying a lovely dinner, Diego proposed in the presence of those I hold most dear. After the tears, hugs, and shared joy, we were then surprised by a mariachi band in our home, dancing with family and popping champagne! We quickly went to work to plan an international wedding in 6 months! [/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]My gown was designed by Rita Vinieris. The Thyra gown was the perfect fit for our black-tie Florentine wedding. It had modern lines, but also balanced with a classic style and high neck lace top as a nod to Grace Kelly. [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]
My maid of honor and lifelong friend, Carly Clements, wore a beautiful sapphire jewel toned silk Banana Republic gown and styled it with a velvet ribbon.
[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groomsmen, of course, wore classic tuxedos and velvet bow ties. Cufflinks were in the style of the “giglio,” the symbol of Florence.

The groom wore an ivory tuxedo jacket, by J. Crew and classic tuxedo pants. His cufflinks were designed by a local Florentine artisan showcasing the Florentine Giglio.
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]What better way to celebrate in Italy than kicking off the party with prosecco, spritz’s and bellinis? After an elegant aperitivo hour in the garden, guests moved to the Mirror Room where Villa Cora chef’s designed a sophisticated menu to compliment the fall season. Guests dined on Crocchetta di Stracotto di Manzo, Raviolo di Ricotta e Gambero, finishing with a classic Filetto di Manzo all while listening to a string duo playing classical Italian songs. A special mela in osmosi was served as a pre-dessert treat.

The bride and groom shared a bottle of 2006 Dom Perignon the groom had been saving for many years in the hopes to open on his wedding day. They traveled with this very precious cargo all the way from California.
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]
We wanted the elegance of Villa Cora to speak for itself, so were lucky enough to find an amazing florist in Francesca Piras Of Franci’s Flowers Wedding Design. Not only was Francesa so lovely and wonderful to coordinate with from abroad, but she also truly understood our vision and vibe to create a timeliness, elegant look. We focused on traditional vessels, with urns and candelabras to accent the beauty that is Villa Cora. The flowers were cream, white, and incorporated natural greenery. My bouquet complimented my gown so well and I love that we will be able to look back at photos throughout the years with great joy.
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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The bride and groom opted for a vintage-inspired traditional 3-tiered cake, topped with an arrangement of white florals. The cake was filled with a refreshing Italian lemon Chantilly cream, completed onsite by the amazing pastry chef at Villa Cora. The Villa staff was amazing in meeting all our special requests, even arranging for a cake tasting two days prior to the wedding! [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Being from multi-cultural backgrounds, it was important we included various aspects of our heritage during our wedding. I am Italian & Greek and Diego is Mexican & German.

The Stefana ceremony is important in any Greek wedding. The Stefana, known as Greek wedding crowns, symbolize the glory and honor that is being bestowed to the couple. The bride and groom are crowned as King and Queen of their home, which they will rule with wisdom, justice, and integrity (how very Greek!). The ribbon that joins the two crowns should always remain intact for a lifetime as it represents the unity and eternal bond between the bride and groom. My Greek mother was able to perform this ceremony with us, which was extremely meaningful.

One of our groomsmen also read a passage inspired by Homer’s Odyssey and his love of Penelope.

We also incorporated a Nuremberg Cup for Diego’s German roots, drinking from a joined cup signifying harmony and love.

I walked down the aisle to the string duo playing Ave Maria. We performed the Stefana Ceremony to La Vita E Bella, and closed out with I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You. The classic sounds of the violin and cello made everything feel so elegant and touching.

Our first dance was to I Left My Heart in San Francisco. This was where we had our first date and spent the early part of our relationship falling in love.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Honoring family is everything to us. Being a single mother, my 7-year-old son was integral to our wedding day. Diego made him feel so special by incorporating him into his vows and giving him a special ring with the inscription “together as one.” There was not a dry eye during the ceremony!

As Diego’s father had recently passed away, we were able to honor him reserving him a front-row seat and placing a special framed photo so that he was there with us. As a groom’s gift, I named a star after Diego’s late father to ensure he is always watching over him from above.
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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Guests received almond candies, which are traditional Italian & Greek wedding favors known as confetti & koufeta respectively. To add more meaning, the confetti was specially delivered from the city of Sulmona, located in the province of L’Aquila in Abruzzo, Italy. The bride’s paternal grandparents were both from this province.

In addition to the confetti, guests received homemade ornaments showcasing Villa Cora as a special souvenir to always remember their time in Florence around the holidays. These were a bit tricky to get to Italy in one piece from California, but we made it happen!
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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]We are so grateful to our photographers Kir & Ira for capturing such timeless and memorable photos and we could not have picked a better duo!

We also were overwhelmed to watch our wedding video which felt like a movie, created by Ivan Caiazza and will be forever thankful.
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A “La Vie en Rose’ Wedding Overlooking the Ocean at Scripps Seaside Forum

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Bri and Joel’s wedding was a beautiful blend of rose tones and ocean blues. The rose colors added warmth and a garden feel, while the hues of blue perfectly captured the essence of the seaside, complementing the ocean backdrop of their wedding venue.
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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Bri and Joel envisioned their wedding day to be filled with heartfelt interactions, so they decided to forgo a formal seating arrangement. Instead, they set up outdoor tables on the lawn of Scripps Seaside Forum, providing panoramic views of the ocean allowing guests to enjoy the beach ambiance and watch the sunset over the ocean.

From the wedding planner, Molly: We really played off of the couples last name, “The Rosenbergs” to create a “La Vie en rose” vibe. Our bride really wanted to lean into the rose tones, garden vibes but keeping it clean and modern near the ocean.
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[field title=”Proposal Story”]From our bride, Bri: We had planned a going away party prior to moving to San Diego. The morning of the party, another couple asked us to get brunch with them. We all arrived a little early and went on a scenic walk through the city. As we were getting close to the restaurant, Joel asked Bri to get one last picture together in front of the Stone Arch Bridge and Minneapolis skyline. During the photo set up, he got down on one knee and asked her to grow old with him. Our families popped out of their hiding spots and we were able to celebrate the moment all together. And with one more surprise in his pocket, the going away party was a guise for an engagement party with many out of town guests flying in to celebrate us. [/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Bri chose a two-piece wedding gown, adding a touch of playfulness to her bridal look. Her attire complemented the relaxed beach vibes perfectly.
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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Bri gave her bridesmaids a color palette inspired by the garden beach ambiance set for the wedding. This included soft blue ocean tones mixed with delicate floral prints. Each bridesmaid was given the freedom to select a dress that resonated with their own style and the design palette.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The couple opted for a mix-and-mingle atmosphere as they preferred a more casual and interactive vibe rather than a traditional sit-down setting. This decision allowed their guests to freely roam, fostering a relaxed beach ambiance throughout the wedding day.

Their bar menu featured signature drinks: hers, a refreshing rose water margarita, and his, a classic whiskey smash. For dinner, guests enjoyed three stations showcasing Southern California favorites, including various taco options and fresh and flavorful poke.
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]From the wedding planner, Molly: We had originally started with a lighter color palette and then switched to include more rose tones and so happy that we did! The richness of the florals made all the difference. The colors were so beautiful against the ocean back drop. Our bride was also not afraid of patterns which was so fun to play with in the linens. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Bri and Joel opted for a minimalist approach with a simple, one-tiered white wedding cake. They offered various dessert options for their guests, including an array of cake pops and donut selections for everyone to enjoy.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]From our bride, Bri: When guests RSVP’d, we asked them to include their first dance song. We curated a playlist of these songs and played them throughout dinner. So many of our guests have relationships we admire and try to emulate. We wanted to honor them as they have shaped our own love story. It was so special to watch these couples recognize their song and enjoy it with their partner.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Bri and Joel kicked off the dancing festivities with a nostalgic nod, having a vibrant 90’s cover band. The music perfectly captured their fun-loving spirit and guests had so much fun dancing![/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Bri and Joel added a personal touch to their wedding by giving each guest a heartfelt handwritten note, a sweet gesture that made each guest feel appreciated, adding an extra layer of warmth and sincerity to their special day.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]From the wedding planner, Molly: We loved the brides outfit change and rose colored glasses and shoes, again playing into the overall “La vie en rose” vibe of the wedding.[/field]
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Pauline Conway Photography

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A Citrus Punch Soirée at Club Pelican Bay

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Citrus punch! Various shades of pink, yellow, and orange citrus inspired colors in bright hues.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The vibe was tropical destination feels! Citrusy FL fun, but make is classic.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Once upon a time, in Ridgefield, CT, two young hearts crossed paths in the most unexpected way. It was the year 2002, and Victoria was the new girl in school. She and Mike were in fourth grade at the tender age of nine.

Victoria was Mike’s first love. From middle school onward, they were inseparable. Unfortunately, life had other plans in store for them. In 2007, when Victoria was halfway through high school, her dad got a new job, which led her family to Oregon. Both Victoria and Mike were heartbroken, but they were determined to keep their love alive.

Despite the distance, Victoria and Mike made every effort to see each other. They planned visits between Oregon, Connecticut, and the bride’s family cottage in Muskoka, where they carved their initials in the wall – a symbol of their eternal love that still remains to this day! However, as college approached, they faced the harsh reality of growing apart and went their separate ways. As time went on, Mike never gave up on the hope of rekindling his love with Victoria. She was always in the back of his mind, and they remained friends, often crossing paths during Christmas in Vail.

In 2020, the stars aligned. Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, Victoria and Mike found themselves reunited once again – and this time, neither of them was in a relationship. While Victoria was living in Colorado, and Mike was in New York City, they committed to seeing each other as much as possible, and loved getting to know each other’s friends along the way.

As Victoria and Mike’s love blossomed, a decision needed to be made. Victoria took a leap of faith, packed her life up, and moved to New York City to be with Mike. They closed on an apartment in early 2021, ready to embark on the next chapter of their love story.

Mike surprised Victoria with the ultimate declaration of his love while on a bike ride in Vail. Despite Victoria’s initial reluctance to go on the bike ride, she was overwhelmed with joy as Mike got down on one knee and presented her with a ring. Mike had also carved their initials, “MG + VA” on a rock, as a reminder of their early days and precious memories made in Muskoka. The rest of the weekend was full of surprises and we loved having the opportunity to celebrate with close friends and family![/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride chose a gown from Mark Ingraham in silk with spaghetti straps and a long sleeve lace floral top overlay and chapel train.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids were encouraged to find fun patterned dresses they loved in shades of yellow, pink, and orange. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groom donned a Bonobos tuxedo, and all of the groomsmen wore black tuxedos to match.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The bride created her signature drink “The Spicy Tosh” with tequila, triple sec, lime juice, jalapenos, and spiced rum. The groom created his signature drink “Mikey Mojito” with white rum, simple syrup, lime juice, club soda, and fresh mint.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The bouquets were brightly colored with orange, pink, yellow, white flowers which coordinated with the reception flowers. The ceremony aisle flowers and floral arch were created with pink, purple, and white flowers. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The wedding cake was created by Sassy Cakes. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]There were two readings during the ceremony titled, what is a soul mate and wedding poem.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The couple met in middle school in 2007 and were immediately inseparable for years. Family job changes and moves separated the two in high school, but fate brought them back together in 2020. They reignited their love. The seating chart was created with matchboxes as a nod to that. The top of the seating chart read, “Reigniting the Flame”[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]The bride’s close friend Sam, served as both bridesmaid and officiant, which made for a very intimate and personal vow ceremony.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]In line with their bright sunny citrus theme, “Jade Strings,” coordinated in matching gowns as they played strings for the couples ceremony.[/field]
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Hunter Ryan Photo

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Bucolic Bliss: A Springtime Wedding Brimming with Rustic Elegance

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

Purple, lilac, blue, and white.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Lucy and Douglas found their slice of Tuscany nestled in the rolling hills of Los Gatos at Regale Winery, the perfect setting for their vision of a rustic and intimate wedding. With a desire for a laid-back, country garden atmosphere, their wedding planner transformed the venue into a ranch-style retreat that echoed the simplicity and charm of a bucolic life. Central to the celebration’s aesthetic were natural elements like rattan and stones, which mingled seamlessly with delicate small floral prints, enhancing the venue’s rustic appeal. The planners artfully turned the winery into a serene, country-style garden, creating an inviting space that felt both elegant and relaxed.

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Lucy took a unique and personal approach to her wedding attire by collaborating with a tailor she found online to create her own dress. The result was a stunning straight, long dress made from matte satin, a fabric choice that exuded simplicity and elegance. Her design featured a v-neckline and an oversized collar, adding a touch of modern sophistication to the traditional wedding gown. [/field]
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At Lucy and Douglas’s spring wedding, the menu crafted by Le Papillon was nothing short of spectacular. The celebration kicked off with an array of elegant hors d’oeuvres, featuring luxurious bites of lobster, duck, and king salmon that tantalized the taste buds. The first course was a delightful butternut squash soup sprinkled with crunchy pumpkin seed granola, perfectly capturing the essence of spring. The culinary highlight was the duet entrée: succulent roasted sea bass alongside a tender grilled medallion of filet mignon. Each dish was not only a feast for the palate but also a beautiful complement to the rustic, elegant theme of the day.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The floral arrangements at Lucy and Douglas’s wedding perfectly captured the essence of a rustic garden style. Smaller blooms in harmonious shades of purple and blue adorned everything from the ceremony arch to the bridal bouquet and the centerpieces on the dinner tables. The decor was further enhanced by white tablecloths featuring delicate blue floral patterns, complemented by lilac taper candles. This combination created a relaxed and fresh atmosphere.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

Lucy and Douglas’s wedding cake, crafted by Trizia Cake Artistry, was a stunning three-tiered design with a unique twist—the second tier was slightly shorter, creating a subtle, elegant effect. The cake featured sophisticated marbling and texture, adorned with large fondant waffle paper flower petals and delicate thin branches. Inside, the flavors were just as exquisite, with an Earl Grey tea filling and a refreshing hint of orange zest.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

In a unique and elegant touch by the planner from Frigga Events, white stone slices served as place cards for the reception. Each guest’s name was beautifully calligraphed onto these stones, adding a natural and sophisticated element to the table settings. This creative use of materials not only enhanced the rustic theme of the wedding but also gave guests a memorable keepsake from Lucy and Douglas’s special day.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Vintage Elegance in the Garden: An Intimate Celebration at Dunn Gardens

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

Earthy tone colors such as clay, sand, taupe, and caramel, plus blush, cream and deep salmon, and dusty pink.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Maggie and Bolun chose the enchanting Dunn Gardens for their special day, a location they described as a hidden gem within the city. They dreamed of an intimate garden wedding that felt both personal and secluded. To bring their vision to life, the planner from Frigga Events crafted a vintage garden wedding theme, utilizing a palette of earth tones. These colors—clay, sand, taupe, caramel—were chosen to enhance the garden’s natural beauty while creating a warm and soft atmosphere. The couple even gave the color palette a nickname – cappuccino.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]Bolun orchestrated a beautifully intimate and unexpected proposal that took Maggie completely by surprise. He transformed the trunk of his car into a romantic setting adorned with flowers, string lights, and balloons. The special moment unfolded in a quiet garage, where Bolun asked Maggie to retrieve something from the car. As she opened the trunk, balloons gently floated out, revealing the most important question: “Will you marry me?” This private, heartfelt proposal not only captured the essence of their love but also mirrored the intimate, personal celebration they envisioned for their wedding.[/field]
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Maggie chose an exquisite Monique Lhuillier strapless ball gown for her wedding day, featuring a romantic heart-shaped neckline. The gown was crafted from lightweight layers of tulle, which added an ethereal, almost dreamlike quality to its appearance. This design choice provided an uptown vibe that struck the perfect balance between elegance and approachability.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

The bridesmaids complemented the wedding’s aesthetic beautifully, each wearing a dress from Azazie in a cohesive dusty pink shade, yet each style was distinct. This approach allowed each bridesmaid to choose a dress that suited her personal style and comfort, while maintaining a unified look for the wedding party. One notable style featured was a long dress with a high waistline, which elegantly lengthened the silhouette.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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The transition from the ceremony to the reception was seamlessly enhanced by the couple’s choice of a refreshing signature cocktail aptly named “Key to My Heart.” This delightful beverage set the tone for a fun and lively party atmosphere. For the main course, guests were treated to a culinary delight with options of braised boneless short ribs and pan-roasted wild salmon, expertly prepared by Ravishing Radish Catering.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The floral arrangements and decor for Maggie and Bolun’s wedding were meticulously designed to capture the essence of their vintage garden theme. The florists from Callarose and Co chose a stunning palette of lilac, brown, and cream for the roses, which adorned the centerpieces and the majestic wooden arch at the ceremony. To enhance the rustic garden vibe, branches were also incorporated into the arrangements, blending natural elements with the floral designs. The wedding planner from Frigga Events complemented these floral choices with carefully selected linens, vintage furniture, and chinaware that harmonized with the overall aesthetic. A standout feature was the creation of a soft lounge area, which featured vintage sofas and furniture, providing a cozy and inviting space for guests to relax and enjoy the surroundings. This thoughtful combination of florals and decor not only reflected the themed colors but also added layers of texture and charm to the wedding’s atmosphere.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

The wedding cake, beautifully crafted by Honey Crumb Cake Studio, was a true highlight of the celebration. This elegant two-tiered, all-white cake featured a couple of unique and artistic touches. Notably, the top tier was extra tall, making a bold visual statement. The cake was adorned with fondant flowers so meticulously crafted they looked almost real, adding a layer of fun and creativity. Additionally, the cake was finished with a lightly textured buttercream, which gave it a delicate appearance.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]A delightful and artistic touch to the wedding’s dining experience was the use of mismatched dinner and bread plates, courtesy of Vintage Dish Company. These plates, each bearing distinct patterns dating from the 1920s through the 1960s, added a charming and eclectic element to the table settings. This choice celebrated a love for artistry and timeless elegance, beautifully reflecting the wedding’s vintage theme. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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BBJ La Tavola

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Classically Chic Black And White Celebration In Florida

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

The wedding colors were Cream, White, Gold, Champagne, and Ivory.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The design, vibe and vision of Brooke and Rhyse’s wedding day was timeless, elegant, and traditional. The couple was inspired by the Don Cesar Hotel’s 20s vibe and liked how this design choice complimented the hotel. The beautiful details selected for their decor, reflected their vision through and through.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Rhyse planned an elaborate, surprise proposal with his parent’s original engagement ring. Brooke said yes on Atlantic Beach and her entire immediate family was there to celebrate! The evening was spent in a tent under the stars with the two families getting to know each other while celebrating the couple.

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Brooke selected a stunning gown that complimented the elegance of her overall wedding style perfectly. Her gown was fitted with a heart shaped neckline and lace sleeves. The train her of her dress incorporated the same lace matching her delicate sleeves. Our favorite detail of her gown was the oval shaped open back, framed with the delicate lace details. The gown designer was Essence of Australia.

[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Brooke’s bridesmaids all wore floor length black gowns. This added to the timeless elegance in her wedding vision, and was the perfect color choice for the black tie affair! [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

Groom’s attire was purchased from Nic’s Toggery in Tallahassee

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]At cocktail hour guests were greeted with passed champagne, each draped with custom ‘B’ drink toppers. A lot of personalized details were utilized during cocktail hour and within the bar set ups through the event. The mirrored bar menus included the couples crest, as well as a selection of customized drink stirrers at each bar. For the passed appetizers, these were served on a acrylic tray that incorporated custom inserts of the couples crest as well.

For the reception dinner, guests were served a duo entree of grilled filet and grouper. Accompanying dinner, was wine service.

Brooke and Rhyse provided a loaded french fry bar and slider station for their guests to enjoy later into the reception! You can never go wrong with the addition of a late night snack!
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

MMD Events provided a beautiful elegant and timeless design for the overall event. Not a detail was missed with customization throughout the evening, really making this event unique to the couple. Raining Roses Production provided the most beautiful white floral arrangements. They embraced everything timeless, elegant, and traditional in each display which elevated the design to the next level!

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

The wedding cake was an all white 5-tier cake with florals cascading down into florals surrounded the base of the bottom tier. The selected flavors were vanilla bean and decadent chocolate!

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

One special detail this couple had at their wedding was the mix of a DJ and Live Fusion. They really wanted a DJ, but also having the option of live musicians.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]What better way to celebrate than with an 8 tier champagne tower? The couple brought more luxury into their day with this addition. The toasted with their first pour being Dom Perignon! [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]An addition of a live painter was included in cocktail hour. Brooke and Rhyse wanted her to capture the beautiful details of the cocktail hour as well as the hotel backdrop in the courtyard with them painted at the top of the stairs! [/field]
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Parties A' La Carte

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Cornelia Zaiss Photography

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The Greatest Wedding Exit Songs of All Time

Your wedding send-off should feel—there’s no other word for it—epic. As in, uncorking champagne bottles and setting-off-fireworks level of celebration. If there’s one way to make a fashionable exit, it’s with music, and we have just the wedding exit mixtape you’ve been looking for. Whether you need a song for a lighthearted recessional or a reception finale, it’s all here. So, slip into that sexy getaway dress and pass out the sparklers. You may have to book the limo, but we’ve got your playlist covered.

Photography: Sally Pinera

1. Precious Love – James Morrison

Soulful and triumphant, this song will send you out on a high. Some songs fill you with pure, uncomplicated happiness—this is one of those, elevated by James Morrison’s gorgeous voice and honest lyrics.

2. Love on the Weekend – John Mayer

A sexy little song that makes you want to drop everything, pack a bag, and take a trip with your love. We’re getting serious honeymoon vibes with “you be the deejay, I’ll be the driver, / you put your feet up in the getaway car.” You’ll have visions of driving along the coast, listening to music, and luxuriating in how totally in love you are with John Mayer.

Photography: Ether & Smith

3. We Belong Together – Vampire Weekend feat. Danielle Haim

A duet so full of sparkle and wordplay it’s feels like it was written expressly for the wedding of the hip(ster) couple.

Photography: Rebecca Yale

4. Fool For Love – Lord Huron

A folk-indie gem of a song about wanting to elope and leave town. The song opens with the sound of bells and organ music, which feel reminiscent of waking up on your wedding morning. As the song builds, you’ll feel just as much like running away with the one you love.

Photography: Jordan Galindo

5. Real Love Baby – Father John Misty

You’ll want to dance your way to the getaway car— maybe as (delightfully and) badly as Father John Misty dances.

6. Cosmic Love – Florence + the Machine

In recent concerts, Florence Welch runs barefoot across a stage full of meadow flowers, dressed in something ethereal, usually an ivory silk dress. The singer, the gown, and the flowers look like something out of a Pre-Raphaelite painting—or an SMP-approved styled shoot. Imagine recreating your own Florence moment as you walk down staircase adorned with flowers, to a Florence + the Machine anthem glimmering with harp music.

Photography: Sylvie Gil Photography

7. Dancing in the Moonlight – Toploader

A sweet little cover that will remind you of a scene straight out of—you guessed it—A Walk to Remember. Awww.

8. Stole the Show – Kygo feat. Parson James

For the dance music-loving couple, this song is the ultimate show closer. It’s the absolute perfect song to be showered with rose petals by with lyrics like “hold for the applause, oh / And wave out to the crowd, and take our final bow / It’s our time to go, but at least we stole the show.” (by the way, this *might be*—in fact it is—a breakup song. But song meanings were meant to be revised and reclaimed, right?)

Photography: Fontaine Photo

9. Love Me Like the World Is Ending – Ben Lee

“This is the first day of the future,” declares Ben Lee, “and all I want is you.” Could there be a more wedding-ready sentiment? For all its carefree vibes, the song contains a gorgeous message—to hold fast to the ones you love, mindful of this fleeting life.

Photography: Cathy Durig

10. Hold On, We’re Going Home – Drake

The wedding is over, and your new life is beginning—say it with swagger.

11. Beautiful Day – U2

Every U2 song is epic, and this one is no exception. Made for life’s most cinematic moments—like a kiss on the steps of the church.

Photography: Imaj Gallery

12. Duet – Rachael Yamagata feat. Ray LaMontagne

Duet- Rachael Yamagata ft. Ray Lamontagne Most brides and grooms opt for a big, joyful song for the send-off, and we can’t blame them—this is a dazzling moment. But if overly happy songs aren’t your thing, then set a gorgeous, reverential mood with your music. This song could, with its quiet beauty, cause a hush to fall over the entire crowd. We picture it working well for a candlelight send-off or a lantern release; picture the night sky, the stars, the flicker of candlelight, and this song bringing everything together in a charged way.

Photography: Jen Huang

13. Come Away With Me – Norah Jones

If you’re eloping, consider playing a song for just the two of you. Nothing will ever match the simplicity and beauty of “Come Away With Me.” It’s a song made for the couple who cherishes privacy, so stark and intimate you feel you’re reading a love letter. “I want to walk with you / On a cloudy day / in fields where the yellow grass grows knee- high”— beautiful words to close a private ceremony in the lavender fields or to seal a “kiss / On a mountaintop.”

14. Closing Time – Semisonic

A song that encourages so much 90’s nostalgia (and deliciously bad karaoke). You’ll create one of those moments you’ll always remember—with all of your friends singing off-key and sending you so much love. And anyway, you know who you want to take you home. *da dun dun*

Photography: Craig and Eva Sanders Photography

15. Always Remember Us This Way – Lady Gaga

We like to think that this was Gaga’s most gorgeous A Star is Born Moment—seated at the piano, wearing no makeup, and dressed like a folk queen, à la Emmylou Harris. But enough about that. You will always remember the two of you this way— newly married, in the flush of your love. You’ll always remember running away from the venue, kicking off your Jimmy Choos, and sharing a piece of cake in the back seat of the limo. Just the two of you, driving home, together at last.

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Photography

Jen Huang Photography

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Rebecca Yale Photography

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