You might find yourself saying the following sentiment out loud: “Moss? The new spring trend!? Have you lost your mind?!”. No we haven’t, and yes you can definitely incorporate this lowland greenery into your high style celebration. Want proof? Click below to see a few of our favorites and don’t blame us if you find yourself foraging in The Vault for more green inspiration.
[dotted]
The Southern Table, you just get us. Because this bouquet? Well, it’s beyond perfect. In fact, it’s so pretty that we’re dedicating our entire morning to looking at it, and we invite you to do the same below. We’re asked this powerhouse of petals to breakdown what makes up this pretty lil’ posy and we’ve got it all waiting for you to discover!
[dotted]
From The Southern Table… For this styled inspiration, I wanted to feature a look that was classically feminine, soft, and very romantic. What could be more feminine than pink? We are so excited to see this soft blush tone made one of two Pantone colors of the year for 2016! Here we paired soft florals with grey, both light, as in this gorgeous Watters gown from Bhldn, and in the dark, slate grey tone in the ribbon. Loose, organic bouquets are my favorite to design, so I opted for an asymmetrical structure with subtle movement. The gorgeous blush and white garden roses were the focus, while the smaller ranunculus and lisianthus added dimension. I am also a big fan of texture, so bouvardia, pieris, and jasmine were added. It’s always very important to take the bride’s gown style into account when constructing bouquets. When meeting with our brides, taking a look at their gowns is a must in the design process. Plus, my second favorite aspect of wedding design is the fashion, so I get very excited to be able to merge the two into one cohesive look! This pale grey gown was so light and airy, so this color palette, bouquet shape, and silk ribbon accents felt most appropriate in bringing such a romantic feel to life!
[dotted]
Floral Design: The Southern Table | Photography: Kayla Barker
[dotted]
We have pored through many a pretty home through the years but one that I come back to time and again is this Salt Lake City stunner designed by House of Jade. That lucite light literally haunts my dreams. Feeling this gorgeous home as much as I am? Have a look at 15 pieces you can add to your virtual cart to get the look; lucite chandelier included!
Wedding planners are the keepers of all the inside knowledge; they’ve seen it all. So who better to ask for input on finding the perfect fit when it comes to your photographer – and all vendors for that matter. Having worked with brides for the past 10 years, Danelle Elder of Classic Events knows what’s really important when making that decision so you’re guaranteed to smile looking back for years to come.
In this day and age anyone can wield a camera or hang up their “hat” online as a wedding photographer – but what you really need on your wedding day is a professional. Do your research. Look around and interview at least three vendors face to face if you can. They (beside your day of planner) will be the person you spend the most time with on your wedding day, so you have to make sure you like them personally. If you don’t feel comfortable with your photographer and their level of professionalism, you won’t feel comfortable on your wedding day – and it will show in your photos!
Photography is art – so like any medium you have to be attracted to it and it has to evoke emotion. Make sure the photographer you choose is producing work that speaks to you. Imagine yourself in their photographs; does it feel like how you want to look on your wedding day? Can you see yourself going through your album in years to come and seeing photos that feel timeless? Everyone wants that one perfect shot to frame for their home. Make sure the person you choose to capture your special day produces art that you will enjoy for years to come.
Clients sometimes make the mistake of choosing a photographer that doesn’t match their style. They feel pressured to make a decision and secure their vendors. So make sure to ask yourself: do you see the day captured in a more formal portrait style? Or do you want your photographer to do glamour shots? What about just downright casual and fun? Each photographer has their own unique style and it should match your sensibility. Remember: it is YOUR day!
After you find and hire the perfect photographer you still must ensure you get those images you really want so create a shot list. The photographer needs to know what, and more importantly, who is important to you on the wedding day. Spend some time two months before the wedding thinking about how you want your day to be captured. Do you want a single shot with each of your bridesmaids? Or is a group shot good enough for you? Do you want that big college photo with all your school friends at the reception? Your photographer needs to know and plan time for that.
And we can’t forget about showing all those details off, right? Remember when you were doing your research and poured over all the wedding blogs and magazines? Why not submit yours? In order to have the best chance of getting published, make sure your photographer knows to capture all the pretty. The must list: your invitation suite from the Save the Dates to the stamps, florals, food, shoes and accessories, and of course any special touches that make the wedding day your own. Every little detail. And don’t forget to get as many photographs as you can in natural light. Those always look the most beautiful!
As time passes and your memory fades, your photographs will be the most important heirloom you have. We always tell our clients that their photo album enables them to relive the magic of their wedding day. Your photographer is solely responsible for capturing those precious timeless memories – so choose wisely!
ONGOING GIVEAWAYS + DISCOUNTS…
We’re excited to share that Shine invitations is currently offering FREE SHIPPING on orders over $500 (US orders only) as well as a free sample kit featuring the invitation of your choice, color charts, paper samples, and an example Save the Date! Don’t miss out!
THIS WEEK’S DISCOUNTS…
For our California Brides… Discounts from The Ranch at Laguna Beach and Weddings by Susan Dunne
For our Tri-state Brides… Discount from Femina Photo + Design and don’t miss the Galia Lahav Trunk Show at Bridal Reflections (May 12th – May 15th)!
For our Destination Brides… Discount from Hitch’d Weddings & Events
For our Southeast Brides… Discount from Cassidy Carson Photography
For our Canadian Brides… Discount and giveaways for ReBash happening May 15th!
OUR WINNERS:
Congratulations to our Minted winner Alexis Chait!
Event Planning Advice: Classic Events NYC
Guys! The sun is shining after weeks of gray clouds and rain and we legit feel like new people! What a difference it all makes! Open those windows and let it all in because we’re officially in the mood for spring smiles and jumping for joy! But no matter if it’s downpours or dreamy days, our LBBers always deliver and this week was no exception. See our top 5 favorite moments below and let that sunlight in!
[dotted]
[dotted]
Featured Members: Photography: Laura Murray Photography | Event Planning: Bluebird Productions | Floral Design:Carolyn’s Flowers | Photography: Tenth & Grace | Calligraphy: Seniman Calligraphy | Photography: Jenna Bechtholt | Coordination: Cortney Helaine | Catering: 24 Carrots | Photography: SMS Photography | Makeup: Belle Mariee
Before we get carried away singing Disney lyrics we have to acknowledge that this duo planned one incredible celebration. From the Love in Vintage rentals, to the film inspired vignettes (can you guess which one pairs with which fables?!), to the Samba dancers , this couple officially had the Best Day Ever (all thanks to Beauty in the Making), and rightfully so since that was after-all their wedding slogan. See it all captured by Ozzy Garcia in The Vault!
[iframe http://www.youtube.com/embed/WAarWMieGvs 600 338]
From the Bride… Joao and I took a less traditional approach to life and decided to have our children before our wedding. We have always been big Disney fans and shared that love with our children. Joao proposed in front of Cinderella’s castle at Magic Kingdom just after the fireworks show. I knew then that I had to have a Disney Wedding but I still wanted it to be elegant and classy. I knew to pull it off we would need professional help and that’s when I found Eileen from Beauty in the Making.
Eileen helped me find focal words for our wedding so that whenever we decided to add something we had to ask is it organic? Was it thoughtful? Was it elegant? And was it Subtle? It really helped me from getting lost and going overboard. My favorite part of planning was finding all of the elements for the tables. I spent hours on the hunt in antique stores, art stores, and on Etsy. Each piece is really special to me and I’ve kept every one! Joao also made a lot of elements for our wedding. My favorite is an armoire that he painted to look like the one from beauty and the beast. We used it to hold scarves and sandals for our guests. I remember walking through the reception area of the Raleigh to take photographs on the beach prior to the wedding guests arrival. I was stunned. I started crying, like ugly crying. It was seriously like walking into a dream come true. It was everything I had imagined it to be and more.
Our slogan for the wedding was Best Day Ever! and it really was. It’s hard to pick favorite moments but I really enjoyed our wedding singer Lourdes Valentin. I gave her this never ending list of disney music and she and her band learned and played every one! It was so beautiful and really set the tone for the whole evening. For the kids we had bags made with things to help keep them entertained during the ceremony and dinner. It had items like a disposable camera and scavenger hunt and a coloring book and crayons. After dinner we had the kids go to a seperate area in the hotel exclusive to them with babysitters and a face painter to keep the kids entertained so their parents could relax and enjoy the night.We had a slow motion booth and guests couldn’t stop talking about how much fun they had with it! The videos are hilarious! The most fun though was the Hora Loca. Joao’s family is from Brasil so we surprised them with Samba dancers and drummers.
Everybody kept commenting that I was the happiest bride they had ever seen and I’m sure it was true! I think because for Joao and I our wedding wasn’t so much about new beginings but about celebrating the fast paced one we had and the people who had helped us be successful it took a lot of the pressure off. My advice to any newly weds is to not lose focus on what a wedding is really about and thats sharing a moment with the people you love the most. And find an amazing planner that gets as excited about your wedding as you!
Photography: Ozzy Garcia | Cinematography: Cool Coconut Studios | Event Planning: Beauty in the Making | Floral Design: Divine Design Flowers | Hair + Makeup: Carolyn Jones Makeup | Entertainment: Lourdes Valentin Quartet | Wedding Venue: The Raleigh Hotel | Photo Booth: The Foto Boyz | Rentals: Love in Vintage | Rentals: Wood That Works | Samba Dancers: Brazilian Carnival
This wedding is filled with stunning details. And I mean filled. From the drop-dead gorgeous florals from Peony and Plum to the exquisite rentals from Found Vintage Rentals to the design stylings of CCL Weddings, every.last.moment is absolutely breathtaking. But my favorite detail of all? A groom who literally can’t stop smiling… that, my friends, is true love. See it all captured beautifully by Valentina Glidden in THE VAULT.
From Valentina Glidden Photography… Michelle and Michael’s love was so evident on their wedding day. I knew it was going to be an incredible day the moment they saw each other during their first look and Michael lost it. He was so emotional and excited and it was hard for everyone around them to hold back tears. At some point during the photos I asked for them to give me a serious look, and Michael, with the biggest smile on his face, said he couldn’t help but smile. He was too happy.
From CCL Weddings…When Michelle and Michael began wedding planning, they wanted to ensure the wedding would not only be a reflection of their love story but their personalities as well. Michelle and Michael’s wedding embodied timeless elegance and could not have taken place at a more perfect venue – The Montage located in Beverly Hills, California.
The bride’s wedding inspiration began when she stumbled across a couple of garden wedding photos during the initial stages of wedding planning. She wanted to incorporate a garden feel on the hotel terrace for the ceremony. With the help of Found Rentals’ architectural pieces we created a focal point that portrayed an entrance to a secret garden. Peony and Plum adorned the entrance with an abundance of greenery and floral pieces while BTB Event Rentals created a dreamy aisle with their drapery and chandeliers.
Moving over to cocktail hour, guests munched on appetizers and sipped on specialty cocktails including the groom’s “Magic Mike Mojito.” During the couple’s first encounter, the groom cracked several crab claws for his future wife. Little did he know that crabs were Michelle’s favorite food. She was impressed by his chivalry and the rest is history! In memory of their first encounter, the couple decided to use metal crab claw crackers as their escort cards that were displayed on a custom installation reading the phrase “You Crack Me Up.”
The reception complimented the chic couple as guests dined in tufted, high-back chairs, chandelier centerpieces graced every dining table, and the cake from Sweet Lady Jane made an impression on all the guests.
During the planning process, the bride mentioned that she absolutely loved the style in which patrons brought out desserts at restaurants in Paris. Michelle wanted to somehow have her wedding guests also experience a memory she enjoyed. Three gourmet dessert carts were curated and assembled with Bottega Louie gourmet marshmallows, Godiva chocolates, Bouchon macarons, Sugarfina candy and much more!
The couple’s grace and style were definitely highlighted on the wedding day, but most importantly their genuine love for each other was the greatest celebration of all.
Photography: Valentina Glidden | Cinematography: The Cub Team | Event Planning + Design: CCL Weddings & Events | Floral Design: Peony & Plum | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Sweet Lady Jane | Hair + Makeup: Be.NYLA | DJ: Adagio Entertainment | String Quartet: OC Strings | Venue: Montage Deer Valley | Backdrop: Modest Peach | Ceremony Rentals: Best Of The Best Event Production | Ceremony Rentals: Found Rental Co. | Reception Rentals: TMMPRO | Reception Rentals: Revelry Event Designers
What’s better than a thoughtful gift? Nothing, absolutely nothing. Which is why we’ve asked Wish & Pink to share their favorite tips on ways to make said gift extra personal.The kind of gift that gets you an invitation to basically everywhere and earns you the title of Best Gift Giver EVER. Oh, and did we mention that they’re ALSO GIVING AWAY one SMP themed box below? Read on and enter for your chance to win!
[dotted]
From Wish & Pink … I am passionate about giving gifts. I have always loved celebrating, blessing and encouraging people around me through the act of giving. From grouping items together that create a theme to wrapping the gift using beautiful boxes, paper and ribbon… all of it brings me great joy. Over the years I had several friends tell me that they thought I should turn my passion for gifting into a business. This encouragement lead me to start Wish & Pink , an online gift-giving boutique filled with inspired and thoughtfully curated gifts. At Wish & Pink it is our desire to make both the giver and receiver feel appreciated, loved and indulged. We love giving gifts that tell a story, show appreciation and evoke emotion. So much joy is expressed when creating just the right gift and watching the recipient oooh and awe over your expression of love and gratitude.
Think about what they love, what they would actually use and appreciate. What do they find humor in? Consider their surroundings and what kinds of things they enjoy. Knowing these details will help you with your gift inspiration.
We think the packaging of the gift is just as important as the gift itself. A personal (hand written) note and the elements of the wrapping. The love and care you put into each part of the gift is an extension of your thoughtfulness.
Using marble and watercolors is a fun and creative way to create gift cards, gift wrap and even gift boxes. You can easily use these methods to give your gifts a touch of your own originality.
They are perfect for spring and will help give your gift a pop of color.
The use of fresh florals adds a “wow” factor to any gift. With the beautiful springtime blooms available it should be easy for you to create a lovely bouquet that makes the recipient smile with delight.
There are so many opportunities now to buy amazing gifts that will not only make the recipient feel the love, but also do good all over the world. Find what you are passionate about supporting and incorporate your gift with giving back to that cause. Wish & Pink is honored to partner with Kind Campaign and 20% from the sales of our KINDness gift box goes to support their cause of promoting healthy female relationships.
People love knowing the story behind the gift. Where did it come from, is it an antique, who made it….Knowing and sharing these details will make the gift feel special and more personal.
Gifting something that you created and is one of a kind gives the gift an extra special touch.
You can draw, paint and create with the recipient in mind. When I am packaging my gifts, I am thinking about the people I care about and what I can design that will make this gift extra special.
Generosity doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money. Generosity means giving your time, effort, concern and care.
Gifts are an extension of generosity and are a beautiful way to give something to someone that they may not buy for themselves. Being generous and gifting something they will love will feel extra special.
Looking to give the ultimate gift? Enter your chance to win a Wish & Pink Style Me Pretty box below! Follow the prompts and you’ll be entered to win!
Photography: Matthew Land Studios | Gift Box: Wish & Pink | Stylist: Sinclair & Moore
Entertaining with ease and grace is usually a learned behavior. One that I am most certainly still perfecting; especially when it comes to outdoor entertaining. There’s bugs, inclement weather and other such catastrophes to worry about on top of the usual suspects. Now enter The Rising Tide Society – a group of creatives who get together to wine and dine and talk shop. If anyone knows how to pull off a winning alfresco affair, it’s these masterminds. Megan Martin Creative is one of them and she’s dishing 5 tips to a successful outdoor party along with images by Bri Cibene Photography plus more here.
[dotted]
[dotted]
There is nothing worse than the stress of weather ruining a party, so don’t let it! As soon as you decide to host an outdoor affair, make decisions that can easily be transformed into an indoor event without all the tears! Pick a location that has space both inside and outside for the entire guest list and party details. We chose a venue that had a bright white indoor space with large windows, so if we had to move it inside last minute the design still would have shined! If you are hosting at home, just pre-plan any rearranging that may need to happen indoors, so you aren’t guessing on the day of.
Outdoor parties are made for casual mingling so give your guests different spots to get cozy and they will want to stay awhile. Separate spaces with small lounges, high top tables for chatting over cocktails and the main dinner table to gather together. And don’t forget lighting if your party will go into the evening! String some bulb lights over the dinner table to keep the conversation going!
Every time I host an outdoor party, I hire a caterer to cook the meal. This allows me to prep and set the details of the party without the fuss of timing the meal prep just right with things that are outside of my control like the weather. Ordering out is especially helpful for days where it may be raining only hours before your outdoor party and you can’t set everything up until the last minute!
You don’t need a ton of details to make an outdoor party a success. Choose to spend your money well by renting statement furniture and hiring a florist to make relaxed low arrangements surrounded by votive candlelight. You can bring in a few smaller DIY details like personalized napkins or boxed treats for your guests to take home, but don’t try to overload yourself or your party with too many things. My favorite go to details to include in my parties are pretty hand lettered signs, coordinating colored goblets, and a few throw pillows to make lounging comfy!
The bugs, of course! Don’t forget to prep for those pesky outdoor visitors with a basket of small bottles of bug spray or repellant wipes for your guests. And if you are itching to make something crafty for your party, you can whip up some homemade floating repellant candles with citrus, herbs and essential oils. Pretty and functional!
A bit about The Rising Tide Society... Two friends, Krista and Natalie (along with their husbands) saw a need in the creative industries to rise above and uplift each other in the spirit of building community over competition. The movement has spread like wildfire with thousands of creative entrepreneurs meeting together every second Tuesday of the month to connect over our shared journeys in business, learn from each other’s diverse knowledge, support each other through the eventual mishaps and celebrate the big wins.
For our December meet up, we decided to collaborate for one big editorial in hopes to stretch our creatives wings so to speak and celebrate another successful year’s end. The entire design was based off of the Rising Tide brand and mantra coined by JFK, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” Pretty amazing things happen when we start believing that we are far far better together than we could ever be alone, and this night just proved it.
Since The Rising Tide Society brand is all about earthy blues, greens, and neutrals, Megan used those colors as inspiration. Shea Hopely used ornamental cabbage, succulents, and other unique florals to tie into that earthiness, while still creating a sophisticated final product. Rose gold flatware sat atop blue watercolor plates and driftwood chargers. Hand lettered tea towels with encouraging phrases were given as favors!
The Ribault Club (located on Fort George Island outside of Jacksonville, Florida) was a stunning setting for this event. The green shutters on the historic building tied in perfectly, and beautiful string lighting hung from trees and created the perfect ambiance. Sounds of laughter, clinking forks, and popping champagne bottles traveled through the surrounding woods the entire night, and everyone left feeling encouraged with full hearts. Thanks to the Rising Tide Society, our local small business community is truly coming together for good, and this shoot exemplified that in every way!
[dotted]
Photography: Bri Cibene Photography | Cake: Alleycakes Bakery | Catering: Carrabba's Italian Grill | Artisan Boxed Gifts: Pemberley and Park | Chairs + Lounge Furniture: Beachview Event Rentals and Design | Event Venue: The Ribault Club | Florals + Design: Shea Hopely | Hand Lettered Tea Towel Favors: Drafts And Crafts | Inspiration: The Rising Tide Society | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Planning + Design: Megan Martin | Rentals (Farmhouse tables and blue sectional): Southern Charm | Rentals (Flatware, Plates, Chargers): Set Event Rentals | Rentals (Vintage Buffet): Handmade Rentals | Rentals (Vintage goblets): Emily Grace Design | Stationery + Wreath Banner: Ink Plus Paper | Tuesdays Together Banner: Sarah Purcell- Loba Design Co.
Grooms, take note — this is how you plan a proposal. Step one: involve amazing vendors like As You Wish Weddings and KJ And Co. to execute your vision. Step two: make it personal with meaningful details from your relationship. Step three: hire someone like Simply Lace Photography and Am Motion to capture the moment forever. Head to The Vault to see every second of this sweet proposal!
Photography: Simply Lace Photography | Videography: Am Motion | Event Planning: As You Wish Weddings | Venue: Corus Entertainment Building | Balloon: Sugargirlee & Co | Chocolate Covered Strawberries: Edible Arrangements | Cookies: Cakelaine | Gold Sequins: KJ And Co.
Grooms to be, take note. THIS is how you do a stylish proposal. Think a crazy fabulous trip to Barcelona, a fun-filled photo shoot, a pair of hot pink Louboutins AND the ultimate surprise, aka, a stunning ring on bended knee. I mean, seriously? This guy’s a keeper. See so much more of him and his breathtaking bride captured by En Route Photography in THE VAULT.
From En Route Photography… Handy contacted me a few months after he met Miranda in Florida…when you know you know and he couldn’t have been more certain that he has found the perfect woman for himself. Shortly after they started going out, their friends started preparing a trip to Barcelona and he instantly knew that it’s where he wanted to propose to his dream girl. Fast forward to last summer where he told her he arranged a photo shoot (AND video) to capture some memories of their first European trip together. But that’s not all, he also got her the cutest dress and a killing pair of pink Louboutins for the shoot. And then he got down on one knee…
Photography: En Route Photography | Bride's Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Venue: Park Güell - Gaudí
I love a pretty wedding dress, and this Bride’s lace gown definitely qualifies as pretty. But her handsome Groom ensured he was equally stylish with his unique bow tie made of feathers. And that’s just the start of this stylish day. From the custom family crest featuring the couple’s dogs to the bouquets full of dahlias, garden roses and pieris, this southern affair is as stylish and elegant as they come. See every pretty detail from Allison Kuhn Photography in The Vault!
From Allison Kuhn Photography… Leah Jane & Dustin were married September 19, 2015 at The Duke Mansion. Their elegant southern affair planned and designed by Katrina Hutchins of Come Together Events. Their wedding incorporated soft tones mixed with some bold colors to create a fresh color palette unique to Leah Jane and Dustin. The stationery included a custom family crest and includes images of Leah-Jane and Dustin’s dogs. The stationery suite designed by Elisabeth Rose was thoughtfully created to include elements of Leah Jane and Dustin’s life. The bouquets were filled with color florals and long, flowy silk ribbons. The bow ties that Dustin and his groomsmen wore are made of feathers. Leah Jane made and jarred her guests wedding favors of different jams which included the recipe and crest on a paper tag. The cake by The Wow Factor Cakes also included the crest and the details of their invitation suite.
Leah Jane and Dustin live in Charlotte, NC , but met in Raleigh. Dustin proposed in Charleston South Carolina while on vacation for the Fourth of July. He hired a horse carriage for a historic tour and they walked around the Waterfront Park, Dustin suggested they take a photo in front of a large pineapple fountain. He asked somebody to take the photo, but he wrote on the screen of his phone asking the man to record the proposal.
Dustin is also a former active-duty Marine.
Together this couple is kind, patient and leave headed and will have a beautiful life together.
Photography: Allison Kuhn Photography | Event Planning: Come + Together Events | Floral Design: New Creations Flower Company | Cake: Wow Factor Cakes | Stationery: Elisabeth Rose | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Joanna August | Venue: Duke Mansion | Draping: Couture Draping | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Party Reflections | Ribbon: Adorn Company
Dare I say it? Are poppies my new favorite flower? One look through our Vault and Oliver Fly’s pics and I’m obsessed. The only thing beating these beauties is this stunner of a ring. It screams chic style while still being oh so simply lovely. Kelly Oshiro worked her magic for this whole entire shoot, with the help of Casa de Perrin, Found Vintage Rentals and Nice Plume – join me fangirling over it all right this way!
From Oliver Fly Photography… As a big travel lover, I have always dreamt of visiting a desert and discovering suddenly, as if a mirage, a lush oasis amid arid desert. But, unlike a true mirage, this slice of heaven really does exist in the Oasis of Mara, a 9,000 year old oasis surrounded by the Mojave Desert and Joshua Tree. Inspired by the contrasting textures of these two environments, I sought to the capture the magic of the Oasis and the lush green palms of the oasis juxtaposed to the dry, spiky outlines of the Joshua Tree.
For the first bridal look, the bride donned an elegant, full wedding dress by BHLDN and carried a bright spring bouquet with ranunculus, tulips, jasmine vine, peach Juliet roses, and poppies.
For the table, I envisioned a desert sunset color palette to contrast against the greens palms of the Oasis. Hollyflora used glazed white ceramic containers to hold spring blooms like poppies, ranunculus, king protea, camelia and kalanchoe leaves. A clean, industrial feel came from the rose gold colored tolix chairs from Found Rentals and complemented perfectly the rose gold flatware from Casa de Perrin. Dinosaur Egg Geodes were mixed in the floral centerpieces of the table and added a hint of desert texture.
Tucked in the wild bushes of the Oasis, a bar cart doubled as the cake table. Bright poppies and greenery clipped from the location decorated the cake, and peach bellinis served as the signature drink.
For the second look, the desert, we moved to Joshua Tree National Park. Our sophisticated, ethereal desert bride donned a pale pink Jenny Yoo dress from BHLDN and wore a delicate Orchidée de Soie gold floral headpiece. A pale pink bouquet contained king protea, pincushion protea, tulips, kalanchoe and perfectly complemented her dress.
[dotted]
Photography: Oliver Fly Photography | Styling: Kelly Oshiro | Floral Design: Holly Flora | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Jewelry: Trumpet & Horn | Hair + Makeup: Studio MM&B | Bridal Boutique + Veil: BHLDN | Calligraphy + Stationery: Nice Plume | Candles: Creative Candles | Furniture Rentals: Found Rental Co. | Hair Accessories: Orchidee De Soie | Location: 29 Palms Inn | Location: Joshua Tree National Park | Luxury Tabletop Rentals: Casa de Perrin | Model: scout model and talent | Model: Melissa Ziegler | Ribbon + Linen Rentals: Orchidee De Soie | Ring Box: The Mrs Box
Remember the 90’s when neon barrettes and floral scrunchies topped our heads? My Mom had a whole drawer full of hair adornments. Thankfully the hair jewels of today are a little less extravagant and something as simple a few bobby pins will do the trick. Say hello to the sweetest arrow hairdo from Face Time Beauty and You Look Lovely Photography. Easy as pie and suuuper adorbs. Steps below!
Loosely curl hair and put it in a low ponytail, bun or half back pony (as shown).
Play with placement of arrows, by laying them on top of hair, to get desired look.
Once you have the spot where you want the first arrow, start by attaching the first pin and so on until you create the design. Note that this does take some wiggling and maneuvering to get it laying right.
We tried 3 arrows and 4 arrows but you can do as few or as many as you wish. Tame fly-aways and pull some strands down around the face for a soft, effortless look.
[dotted]
[dotted]
3 Ways to Style a Lob
5 Minutes to Perfect Party Hair
Romantic Side Braid
Photography: You Look Lovely Photography | Bobby Pins: Bando | Hair Styling + Beauty: Face Time Beauty Concierge | Robe: Plum Pretty Sugar
Modern design tends to be sleek lines, cool colors and the philosophy that less is more. Bohemian design, on the other hand, is all about rich colors, bold patterns and romantic whimsy. The two styles seem complete opposites, but this inspiration session from Clane Gessel and Linen + Lilac proves opposites attract. See how lush florals transform this concrete setting in The Vault!
Photography: Clane Gessel Photography | Event Design: Linen & Lilac | Floral Design: Bowerbird Atelier | Wedding Dress: La Soie Bridal | Cake: Ma Petite Maison Cake Design | Stationery: Bowerbird Atelier | Jewelry: Susie Saltzman | Makeup: Tylar Leonard | Hair: Taylor Cercone | Venue: Claremont Club & Spa | Furniture Rentals: Blueprint Studios | Glassware + Flatware: Billy Ella | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Place Settings: Billy Ella | Place Settings: Heath Ceramics | Social Catering Manager, Claremont Club & Spa: Claremont Club & Spa | Weavings: Maryanne Moodie
Pup lovers rejoice because this fur baby turned ring bearer is the cutest thing you’ll see all day. Mabelle, the couple’s shar-pei carried the rings down the aisle and took this Brooklyn wedding to a new level of fun. Sophie Kawalek captured and we’re hanging out here in the gallery.
From Sophie Kawalek Photography…From the minute I met Rachel & Patrick, I knew their wedding was going to be amazing. Both artists, they set out to create an event filled with gorgeous sunlight, an incredible ceremony + reception space in the heart of Brooklyn, and whimsical yet modern details – including a vintage-inspired Sue Wong dress and fresh greenery by Pamela Cravens throughout the event.
Rachel and Patrick planned the entire thing themselves, hand selecting each vendor to compliment their unique day. It was filled with touches of intimacy, as the couple read each other handwritten love letters during their first look, heard speeches from multiple close friends, and had the bride’s brother walk their shar-pei, Mabelle, down the aisle to deliver their wedding rings.
Everything was inspired by a lush and modern palette of white, classic navy, and fresh green – from the stunning vintage-inspired emerald velvet bridesmaids dresses to the eucalyptus and bay leaf garlands running the length of each dining table, to the bouquets – primarily greenery, with soft white flowers.
The ceremony was led by Patrick’s childhood reverend, who had traveled from Savannah, Georgia, to be part of the event. Interspersed with singing and guitar played by one of the groom’s close friends, it was filled with light and emotion as the couple exchanged beautiful custom rings and read short vows.
Rachel, a bride of Chinese descent, changed twice from her elegant white dress to something more traditional and spent her reception in two stunning red and gold cheongsams that her mother helped select for the big day. The night ended with cake decorated with rows of fresh blossoms by The Movable Feast and dancing for family & friends.
Photography: Sophie Kaye Photography | Cinematography: Nick Collingwood Vintage | Floral Design: The Flower Girls | Wedding Dress: Sue Wong | Bride's Shoes: Adrianna Papell | Rings: Barkev's | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amazon | DJ: Kyle Wukasch | Groom's Attire: H&M | Groomsmen Attire: H&M | Officiant: Reverend Brad Waller | Venue: Prospect Park Boathouse | Catering + Cake: Movable Feast | Cheongsam: Mount Tabor Park | Hair Accessories: Avigail Adam Jewelry
[dotted]
Let’s just say that this couple picked the coolest venue. Because when it comes to finding a unique space for your Big Day, it doesn’t get any better than a 10-acre floral farm blooming with romance. Mag & B Photography was on hand to capture it all and to say that it’s a show-stopper would be putting it lightly. From the freshly pressed carrot margaritas to the stunning views, see it all unfold in The Vault!
From the Bride… Sean and I are from two different worlds – well, Boston and San Francisco, respectively. We currently live in Boston, and as we are blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives – so many cherished relationships all over the world – we knew that no matter where we chose to celebrate our love that most of our friends and family would need to travel. If we were going to ask so many people to pack a bag, hop on a plane, deal with long lines and security, then we certainly wanted them to be welcomed with fun and a great party.
When looking for a venue, we wanted something to embody what’s special to us. Something drastically different from what we’d seen. We wanted something adventurous, a venue that burst with natural beauty, something vibrantly unexpected, and something that reflected the journey, not only of where we had been and where we are going, but something that reflected each and every one of our guests’ journeys as well. We searched high and low: Boston, Sonoma, Montana, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas and beyond before stumbling upon the magical Flora Farms. The research and detailed spreadsheets stopped there. We had found our place on the edge of the world with its boundless beauty, from the sunshine to the sea. Flora Farms is the best kind of farm: a working, 10-acre organic farm in the foothills of San Jose del Cabo, where the carrot margaritas are freshly juiced and the people’s smiles warm your heart. Make it over the hill and down the dirt road and you won’t ever want to leave.
It didn’t hurt that our favorite things were prevalent at the farm as well; the food and the drink are beyond compare at Flora Farms. We celebrate, we commiserate and we plan our future over margaritas – why should our special day be any different? We booked the venue sight-unseen (beyond lots of obsessive Instagram stalking of the lucky people who had been and ‘grammed about it). Then came Lauren, our wedding planner, who corralled the best vendors in Cabo. Planning from afar, each one brought their beauty to the day; we never even had to ask.
We tried to fit the wedding with our personalities: carefree and easy-going but with sometimes very specific attention to details – and, more spreadsheets (we blame our day jobs for those). With no specific theme to speak of, beyond a hint of romantic color, delicious cocktails and a good time, we were able to spend a memorable few days pre-and-post-wedding relaxing by the pool with those closest to us. Our families and friends bonded and grew to love each other over sunscreen, quesadillas and 3-5pm happy hours so that our wedding dinner, catch-of-the-day fish, garlic roasted chicken, house made burrata and pearl pasta, served family-style was a true testament to the new family that we all had become.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime event for us and we loved that our guests were able to make some special memories of their own, extending their vacations and spending additional time together. We wish we could do it all over again. We had so much fun!
From Mag & B Photography… This was a unique wedding in the setting of Flora Farms, an organic farm located in Cabo, MX. This couple was wonderful to work with and it was apparent how much thought was put in to all the details of the day. They truly embraced the farm setting. Emily and Sean had their “first sight” at the farm, and it couldn’t of been more special. The look on the grooms face said it all. Her dress was Vera Wang, and perfect for her surroundings. It was a warm, balmy night and as romantic as it was in true form it evolved in to quite the party. The love in the room was almost tangible. Congrats to these two, it was the perfect night and we absolutely loved celebrating your love in such a lovely place.
Photography: Mag B Photography | Photography: Mag B Photography | Coordination: Amy Abbott Events | Coordinator: Amy Abbott Events | Florist: Florenta Flower Design | Florist: Florenta Flower Design | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Stationary: tom wiklund | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Wedding Venue: Flora Farms | Wedding Venue: Flora Farms | Signs: Hello Tenfold
While we LOVE this celebration, it’s not the venue or the incredible details that set it apart – it’s the people. Because when your guests literally travel across the world to witness you say “I Do”, that says something special. And boy was the trip worth it. For halfway through the ceremony the Groom surprised his Bride by singing their song. Ambient Veil captured it all below and The Great Romance has it in The Vault!
[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/139618456 600 338]
From The Bride…I’m sure most, if not all, newlyweds feel that their wedding day was special, and rightfully so, because we do, too. But for me and my husband, it wasn’t because we had the most breathtaking venue, or a gorgeous color scheme, or swoon-worthy decorations and details. For us, because literally half of our close friends and family were far away across the continent or half way across the world, we were expecting to hold an intimate wedding and not make too much fuss about it. But come our wedding day, they travelled all those long distances and celebrated the day with us, way beyond the numbers we had expected, and there was no greater blessing and feeling of joy than being reunited with our loved ones. For having been gifted with their presence, now our wedding day holds a dear place in our hearts beyond just our union, but a union with all of them.
And for both my husband and I, our ceremony holds so many special moments in our memories. Before we got married, he and I dated for five years. Not just any five years, but long-distance five years, with him in California and me in South Korea. So for both of us, more than anything, we couldn’t wait to just simply be together, holding hands, making fun of each other, sharing something yummy, getting on each other’s nerves, and doing all the other stuff normal couples get to do. And during our ceremony, our pastor had us write short tidbits about what we like about each other, and they included dancing in the grocery aisles, no one laughing at my jokes, picking boogers, and me checking him out as a naïve little soul. I think emotions were already building up at this point, and more so as we shared our vows right after. Right then, my husband suddenly got the pastor’s microphone and started singing our “song”! Little did I know, he had planned it in such a secret that only the pastor and our wedding planner knew about it. I was already feeling teary, and as I listened to the lyrics about how we far we had come, he caught my eye and he started choking up, too, because the lyrics resembled so much of our relationship. Even to this day, our friends and family ask us if my husband wrote the lyrics on his own, haha.
The day of the wedding, everything will be in a whirl. You might wish you could have done something better or different, but at the end of the day, you realize that the small things don’t matter. For me, I was too busy focused on being thankful that now I could tell him he’s stuck with me forever!
Photography: The Great Romance Photo | Cinematography: Ambient Veil | Coordination: Chang Events | Floral Design: Green Leaf Designs | Wedding Dress: Mount Tabor Park | Cake: Patty's Cakes | Catering: Palace Catering | Hair + Makeup: Jenny O | DJ: Shine Entertainment | Groom's Attire: Ted Baker | String Quartet: Gig Masters - PartyPosh | Venue: Westridge Golf Club | Photo Booth: The Photo Booth Lab
With about about a million things to do before your Big Day, worrying about when to invite your guests shouldn’t be one of them. Enter Wedding Paper Divas and a little how-to for your stationery planning. Think a handy timeline that will keep you totally on track + completely stress free. It’s Stationery 101 from one of our faves and you’ll most definitely want to print this out for safe keeping.
SAVE THE DATES: 6-8 MONTHS
With Wedding Paper Divas, giving your nearest and dearest an oh-so pretty heads up has never been easier with an entire lineup of seriously stunning Save the Dates just waiting to announce your Big Day. From crazy cool coasters to beautiful heart-shaped cards to magnets that will stay with your guests right up until the wedding. Oh, and mailing those flawlessly crafted Save the Dates? You’ll want to tackle that six months before THE day, eight if you’re having a destination wedding.
INVITATIONS: 4-8 WEEKS
Nothing sets the tone for your Big Day more than a fabulous invitation, which is why we absolutely adore Wedding Paper Divas and their crazy gorgeous collection of pieces that are as unique as they are pretty. I’m talking everything from their breathtaking shimmer collection to classic letterpress to foil-stamped beauties that will showcase your fabulous personalities perfectly. Letting your guests know the when and where has never been easier… just make sure they receive your awesome selection at least four weeks before your celebration.
DAY OF: 2-3 WEEKS
You know that Wedding Paper Divas is THE place when it comes to awesome Save the Dates and invitations, but did you also know that they offer a plethora of paper goods that will keep your wedding day flowing seamlessly? Think everything from beautiful programs to gorgeous menus to place cards that will lead your nearest and dearest to the greatest ever party. Order these beauts with plenty of time to have them day-of ready, but when it comes to those RSVP’s, give your guests a deadline of at least two weeks.
THANK YOU’S: IMMEDIATELY
After all of the pomp and circumstance of your Big Day is over, letting your friends and family know just how thankful you are is sooo important. Wedding Paper Divas totally gets that, and their ah-mazing collection of Thank You cards are just what you need to send them your appreciation. Complement your invites with a matching Thank You… or mix it up with one of Wedding Paper Divas’ other awe-inspiring selections. Just be sure to start sending those notes of thanks out as soon as your feet touch down post-honeymoon.
[dotted]
From their insanely gorgeous paper goods to their customizable options in fonts and colors to their total expertise when it comes to planning, Wedding Paper Divas has everything you’ll ever need when it comes to your wedding stationery. Head there NOW to start perusing the pretty and don’t forget to download your Stationery Timeline HERE when checking out their awesome shipping options: Standard (8-10 Business Days), Expedited (5 Business Days) and Express (4 Business Days). Have sooo much fun, lovelies.
At Style Me Pretty, we’ve seen lots of beautiful beach ceremonies, but this beach reception is seriously something special. With wood beam cabanas adorned with greenery and romantic white flowers, this Bride and Groom created an intimate, cozy wedding next to the great Pacific Ocean. See all the pretty details from Bryan N. Miller Photography and Audrey Alba Films in The Vault!
[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/153681966 600 338]
From Luxe Events…Along the coast line outside the Hotel Del Coronado lies the sliver of beach that played host to this intimate beach wedding. With the request to make the vast beach feel intimate, the reception is grounded by wood beam cabanas adorned with greenery creating a very physical dreamy outline. Guests are greeted with a grand entry accented with lanterns and abundant flowers. Long clean family style tables are dressed with a “whisper-of-blue” linen, romantic white flowers, and an accent of navy in the menus and table numbers. The light and bright ocean view setting turns twinkly and magical as the sun sets and the market lights brighten the darkness.
Photography: Bryan N. Miller Photography | Cinematography: Audrey Alba Films | Event Design: Luxe Events | Floral Design: Blush Botanicals | Invitations: Brightly Designed | Hair + Makeup: The Hair & Makeup Box | Venue: Hotel Del Coronado | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Farm Tables And More
