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This Inspired Shoot Will Convince You To Have A Micro Wedding

This inspired shoot highlights everything we love about micro weddings. Just A Little Ditty planned a day that proves a more intimate guest list gives you free rein to play around with luxe touches that otherwise might have been out of budget, like extravagant welcome baskets. The florals in this feature are a feast for the eyes, all lovingly designed by Southern Blooms by Pat’s Floral Designs. Don’t miss the explosion of crisp color beautifully captured by Jen Fariello Photography. There’s even more pretty to see over in the full gallery.



From Just A Little DittyThe initial concept was for a winter shoot full of bright colors, whimsical details, and luxe touches. Taking inspiration from the Quirk Hotel’s artistic vibe we designed a seasonally appropriate shoot that was crisp, bold, and modern.



Building a collected palette using shades from Pantone’s colors of the year, gray and yellow, we accented this foundation with neutral, pink, and metallic hues while incorporating various textures of acrylics, crystals, velvets, and wood to create a moody yet vivid aesthetic.



This petite shoot featured a ceremony with wild yet structured florals framing the altar and modern gold wire chairs, then transitioned to cocktails and mimosas, wrapping up with an intimate dinner featuring a show-stopping head table and small guest tables for two where a bountiful brunch was served.



Photography: Jen Fariello Photography | Event Planning: Just A Little Ditty | Floral Design: Southern Blooms | Wedding Dress: The One Bridal Salon | Cake: Commonwealth Cake Company | Invitations: Rock Paper Scissors | Invitations: Jodi MacFarlan Calligraphy | Accents: Kiki Slaughter | Beauty: Top Knot Studio | Beauty: Rouge 9 | Location: Quirk Hotel | Rentals: Nuage Designs | Rentals: Festive Fare Event Rentals | Rentals: Emerson James Rental

Subtle, Sustainable Details Bring This Inspiration Shoot To Life From The Brides Jumpsuit To The Barware!

Sustainability isn’t always top of mind when it comes to wedding planning, but why not?! There are plenty of sustainable vendors out there that you can incorporate into your wedding day, and Katharine Phillips Event & Design shows you how with this beautiful inspiration shoot. Taking place at 500 Pearl, a repurposed venue with subtle details like home grown florals by Wild Blossom Hollow and biodegradable straws by Little Green Panda at the bar, Matt Genders Photography captured every little detail that can make you feel like you’re saving the world, even as you say ‘I Do!’

From Katharine Phillips Event & DesignWhile planning this styled shoot in Buffalo, New York, my intention was to showcase how to incorporate subtle yet sustainable details into a wedding. Now more than ever, there has been a large call to be ‘living more sustainably.’ Becoming a conscious consumer is something that takes time and research— which can also feel overwhelming. However, big change doesn’t happen overnight and our aim was to show that the small steps are worth celebrating!

One of the centering pieces of this shoot was the bride’s jumpsuit from Tangerine Rentals, which offers designer bridal rentals at a fraction of the cost. Not only is it more budget-friendly option, but there is also something to be said about a piece that will receive more than one use. She is matched by her partner who is wearing a tie from Repreve– a brand of recycled fiber used for various types of apparel.

The table is adorned by arrangements from local floral designer Christy Muck of Wild Blossom Hollow who is not only a talented designer but farmer as well. She takes pride in growing her flowers as naturally as possible not relying on toxic chemicals, synthetic fertilizers or wholesale distributors for her designs. This allows her to offer a unique experience for her clients who get to visit her fields to hand-pick their flowers two weeks prior to any event.

Our venue, 500 Pearl, was recently repurposed from the old Buffalo Christian Center and is part of Buffalo’s larger community revitalization, giving life to a historic building in an area where many have either been abandoned or torn down.

Finally, the couple grabs drinks at the bar where the mixologists can provide the couple and their guest’s drinks with 100% biodegradable wheat straws made by Australian brand Little Green Panda. All these small choices truly begin to add up and can help make couples feel more satisfied with the positive impact their wedding can have!

There were so many other talented vendors who contributed to this shoot that was expertly captured by Matt Genders Photography. Overall, I couldn’t be more pleased with how it turned out and hope it inspires couples to take those small steps towards sustainability.

Photography: Matt Genders Photography | Event Planning & Design: Katharine Phillips Event & Design | Floral Design: Wild Blossom Hollow | Cake: Sweet Dreams 716 | Invitations: Rust Belt Love | Makeup Artist: Glam Chair of Krista Lou | Hair Stylist: Rachel Rizzo Hair and Makeup | Groom's Attire: Zara | Groom's Attire: Repreve | Wedding Venue: 500 Pearl | Biodegradable Straws: Little Green Panda | Bride's Jewelry: Pegs Hardware | Hand Dyed Silk Ribbon: Honey Silks And Company | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Hank Parker's Tent & Event Rentals | Tableware: Anthropologie | Wedding Jumpsuit: Tangerine Rentals

When Hollywood Glamour Meets the Sea in a Blush, Rose, and Mauve Color Scheme

If you’re looking for a venue that couples Mediterranean charm with old Hollywood glamour – we may have just found your dream locale in La Valencia Hotel! Dressed in a blush, rose and mauve color palette, the talented team at Couture Events alongside Tularosa Flowers drew inspiration from the stunning venue to create a luxury, intimate garden inspired editorial. To see the full gallery of details, including the bride’s jaw-dropping gown and cape combo, check out the full gallery – all taken by Stephanie Lynn Co!

When dreaming up this luxury, intimate garden wedding editorial, there was no way the vendor team couldn’t draw inspiration from the location itself. La Valencia is a Mediterranean inspired hotel in Southern California, known and loved for its Hollywood Glamour style and rosey exterior.

For the ceremony, the vendor team chose alternative seating in all shades of blush, rose, and mauve. The same palette of pinks and neutrals was carried throughout the design from the invitation suite to the signature cocktails. Our favorite ceremony detail was the array of ranunculus growing up the sides of the aisle. It was like stepping into a secret enchanted garden overlooking the ocean.

Cocktails and tarts would then be served in the garden after the ceremony before heading into the terrace reception. His signature cocktail was a prickly pear mule, while hers was The Pink Lady from La Valencia (also the hotel’s signature drink), and they perfectly matched the wedding color palette. Guests would then head to the terrace where they would be greeted with the most gorgeous, graceful garden tabletop, filled with lush florals, fruit, and candlelight! The design was truly a garden romance dream come true. And we can’t not mention the bride’s style, one of our favorite elements of this editorial. She wore two looks – one for the ceremony and one for the reception – both so lovely and detailed, each having an overlay element that wowed. 

Photographer: Stephanie Lynn Co | Florist: Fifty Flowers | Florist: Tularosa Flowers | Stationery: Paper Ocelot | Jewelry: Fine Lines Jewelry | Makeup: Hair Styling and Makeup Artistry | Hair: HD Beauty | Venue: La Valencia Hotel | Arch Rental: Enticing Tables | Dessert: Michele Coulon Dessertier | Furniture: Adore Folklore | Styling & Coordination: Couture Events | Stylist: The Bold and Bridal | Tabletop Rentals: Catalog Atelier | Wedding Submission Services: Published Pretty

A Destination Wedding Venue in Paradise That Prioritizes Guest Safety Above All Else

As things start to get back to our ‘old’ normal, you may start looking into venues…destination venues and you’re going to want to take note of this Caribbean dream in Jamaica, Round Hill Hotels and Villas. Round Hill offers a variety of luxury amenities on its lush 110-acre peninsula from private villas with pools to an award-winning chef and spa for you and your guests to have quite the wedding weekend. With top-notch wedding vendors and planners who take care of absolutely everything, your venue search will end here. And, as the world works on getting back to where we were, your mind will be at ease as they have enhanced their protocols including rapid on-site COVID-19 testing, customizable PPE and, even have a new virtual wedding package! Read on below and check out all of the breathtaking views Round Hill offers.

Couples are assigned a Master Wedding Planner who will ensure every detail is flawless and beautiful but safe. Our team of seasoned experts will help create the perfect romantic experience for a variety of events – weddings, popping the question, planning a private romantic dinner, or celebrating an anniversary.

In addition to enhanced property protocols, our team can customize PPE gear and sanitation kits, stations and decals branded for the occasion to ensure the maximum well-being of all guests in attendance. Rapid on-site COVID-19 testing is available for all guests in the comfort of their own private accommodation. Arrangements can be made prior to arrival and tests are administered by a local medical practitioner to ensure a safe & hassle- free experience.

New virtual wedding packages allow for extended gatherings through a hybrid in-person/virtual format. By utilizing an array of high-tech amenities offered, couples can invite to 100 additional guests to virtually participate in the celebrations designed to make them feel as much a part of the festivities.

A variety of locations outdoor and open-air spaces – conducive the social distancing – are available to host contained groups for wedding ceremonies, dinners, receptions, and other events – couples can celebrate a lifetime of love amidst a backdrop of striking golden sky reflected off gentle turquoise waters or dance the night away under dimly-lit lanterns as palm trees sway in the evening breeze. All our venues provide a magnificent panoramic view of the turquoise Caribbean waters, enclaved in the verdant hillside rainforest. 

The Spa Lawn is a magnificent wedding venue with a lush lawn that stretches to the sea and an 18th Century Great House as the picturesque backdrop. Perfect for ceremonies and cocktail receptions. The Hanover Room is situated on the hillside just above the shoreline, banquet room features floor-to-ceiling French windows. This wedding venue onto the Hanover Terrace and connects to the Georgian Grille – providing the ideal opportunity to have an indoor/outdoor event. 

Our Round Hill Beach is sun-kissed with white sand creating an intimate, casual, natural setting for a rehearsal dinner, barefoot wedding ceremony, lively cocktail reception, or fun wedding reception. The Infiniti Pool Sun Deck is a beautifully stoned deck with sprawling open space surrounded by rugged rocks and tropical foliage. The stunning sunsets make this location perfect for a small ceremony or cocktail party. 

Throughout our package selection are thoughtfully crafted touches incorporating local vendors and artisans and ensure an authentic Jamaican experience from beginning to end including:
Food: The use of fresh vegetables and herbs from our on-site Organic Garden in your dinner menu. 
Local artisans: Custom décor options utilizing the beautiful tropical flora around the property; locally made personalized items including welcome amenities, gift items, and souvenirs. 
Service vendors: A- list of internationally recognized service providers including professional photography and videography services to capture every moment. 

Photography: Amanda K Photography | Photography: Saab Weddings Photography | Photography: Anne Rhett Photography | Wedding Venue: Round Hill Hotel and Villas

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
An Intimate Romantic Wedding at a Private Estate For These Two Essential Workers

Today we bring you the intimate nuptials of two essential workers at a private estate that is beyond romantic! What started out as a wedding of 250 guests, turned into the couples parents and siblings, which turned out to be oh so perfect. Blooming Wed listened to the brides wants of pale pinks, cream and white and incorporated that into the florals by The Flora Club and that beautiful dinner table with blush napkins and candles and the most darling plates. Sally Pinera photographed the day and boy, are we thankful for that!

From Blooming Wed…This couple Yen and Stanley are essential workers during this pandemic. Yen is a dentist and Stanley is a pharmacist. Originally they had planned on having 250 guests, but because of Covid -19, they had to trim down the guest count and celebrate with only their parents and siblings. 

It was a hard decision to make as they would have loved to celebrate with all their friends and families. That said, they made the decision together to have a more intimate wedding, which turned out to be just perfect.

Yen wanted a romantic and classic wedding mainly with pale pink, cream, and white colors. In the couple’s words, the day turned out beautifully and seamlessly.

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Photography: Sally Pinera | Videographer: Peter & Bridgette Weddings | Wedding Planning and Design: Blooming Wed | Floral Design: The Flora Club | Stationery: Blushtype Designs | Catering: Antonio Ayestaran | Makeup artist: Yi Bridal | Linen Rental: BBJ La Tavola | Private Estate: Private Estate | Rentals: Theoni Collection

The Perfect Balance of Natural Elements and Upscale Refinement at Holman Ranch

To say we’re obsessed with today’s wedding feels like the understatement of the century. The bride, from the Midwest and the groom, hailing from the East, decided to take full advantage of the opportunity to show their family and friends the place they call now home – sunny California! Holman Ranch was the perfect setting to host their special day, dressed in a romantic palette of blush, green and white. Oak & Ash blew us away with their floral arrangements that perfectly complimented the organic setting. See all the swoon-worthy details at the full gallery – captured by Dear Lovers!

From Dear LoversAmber is from the Midwest while Brian hails from the East Coast, so they wanted to give their guests an opportunity to spend time in a lesser-known territory: California, their home. 

“Because they’d be making such a big trip, we wanted to show them the absolute best of the land and give them a truly local experience,” Amber says. 

The couple planned a wedding weekend that kicked off with a rehearsal dinner at Folktale Winery and a wedding day celebration at Holman Ranch “Even though everyone was coming from out of town, the home-like setting made it feel warm and welcoming, as if we had convened in a family home,” the bride says.

They incorporated the theme of their wedding—ethereal—by striking a balance of natural elements and upscale refinement in the design details. 

Oak & Ash created exquisite, organic florals that fit the surrounding landscape of the venue beautifully.

Photography: Dear Lovers | Design: Amber (the bride) | Floral Design: Oak And Ash | Dress: Rita Vinieris | Cake: Edith Meyer Wedding Cakes | Bride's Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: PARADISE CUISINE CATERING | Makeup: The Hair And Makeup Co | Hair: Jenna White | DJ: Nik Milanovic | Tuxedo: Isaia | Wedding Venue: Holman Ranch | Dress Boutique: Kinsley James Couture Bridal | Groom's Shoes: Carmina Shoemaker | Stationery & Signage: Olive Teapot (bride's mom)

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
A Happy BeeDay Covid Friendly 1st Birthday

We are officially declaring this the sweetest first birthday we have ever seen. But we are also officially declaring the party theme – Honeybees! – the cutest party on earth and totally appropriate for any age. Even 41 (hoping my husband is reading). Planned on the family’s own honey bee and floral farm by mom – who also happens to be wedding photographer Nicole Colwell – this is one of those celebrations that you will bookmark for the most adorable inspiration the internet has to offer.

Being a first-time mother, I had big plans for my daughter’s first birthday party. Those plans and dreams went right out the window when Covid hit and we knew we couldn’t throw the same celebration that we had hoped. 

Despite not having a big party, I decided that we needed some joy in our lives, which resulted in me designing a Happy BeeDay 6 months after her birthday. Being a wedding photographer, and knowing how important the venue is, we have been working on opening up our own space on our floral and honeybee farm. Which couldn’t have been more perfect for this celebration.  

The greenhouse was completed just in time and was the perfect setting for this sweet little honeybees party…also made special because it would be the first family event in our new space. 

I knew we were going with the honeybee and floral theme since it was part of our lives, however, I didn’t love the idea of your traditional yellow and black themed party that I was seeing on Pinterest. Adding a hint of blushy pink to the palette and focusing mostly on black & white, meant that the color scheme felt a little more feminine and a lot more chic. 

BBJ Linen had the perfect buffalo plaid linens which I paired blush plates and wooden chargers to keep an organic feel. I bought napkins that had a cute little honeybee embroidered to set atop the plates along with handprinted bee glasses all the way from the UK. The glasses were definitely the star of the table!

Blush and hints of yellow floral arrangements pulled this look all together. We tried to incorporate elements that were unique to the farm – like a smoker used to calm honey bees – in our table decor to ensure that the space felt beautiful but also personal. 

Glass beehive drink dispensers filled with lemonade along with bear honey jars for cups added a little touch of whimsy. And of course, everyone went home with their own honey jar filled with honey fresh from the farm.

All in all, it was a magical day for our sweetest little honeybee! 

Photography: Nicole Colwell Photography | Event Design: Nicole Colewell Photography | Floral Design: Florals By Kimberly | Wedding Venue: The Ivy Rose Barn | Cakes & Desserts: Blush Baking Co. | Invites: A Paper Wedding | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: The Heirloom Collection by Ivy Rose

This Wedding Has Beautiful Bouquets, Balloons, And a Custom Boba Bar!

Expect the unexpected at this alfresco California wedding. John and Jessica had to cut their 200 person guest list down to 40 due to the pandemic and decided to make lemonade out of lemons. They enlisted the help of event planner extraordinaire CCL Weddings and Events and created an intimate affair filled with special touches- like a custom Boba Cafe. Floral design by Milieu Florals will take your breath away, and you’re sure to get lost in the magic The Great Romance Photo captured in their imagery. Visit the full gallery for all of the unique and chic details.



From the bride… John and I were set up on a blind date by our mutual friends and met on July 23rd, 2018. Fun fact: I had never had a boyfriend and had not given a guy a chance past a first dinner date before meeting John! Little did I know that two years later I would be navigating a wedding in the middle of a worldwide pandemic.



Our planner, and now dear friend Catherine of CCL Weddings and Events, was our rock and emotional support through all the ups and downs. She basically helped us plan a whole new wedding in two months after the pandemic made our original date an impossibility! We started by changing our food from food trucks to Hungry Bear Catering for plated individual courses, assigned seats with guests 6 feet apart for the ceremony, assigned seats by households as much as possible for the reception, and also asked our entire bridal party to be tested before the wedding.



Looking back on it all, our wedding day could not have been more perfect. Even if I were to do it all over again, I can genuinely say I would not have changed a single thing! One of our favorite things about the wedding was how intimate everything was because it allowed us to really slow down, be able to talk to all our guests, and really enjoy the day.



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Videography: Etcetera Productions | Event Planning and Design: CCL Weddings & Events | Floral Design: Milieu Florals | Cake: M Cakes Sweets | Catering: Hungry Bear | Hair and Makeup: Studio MM&B | Entertainment: Chasing Linen | Venue: The Lombardi House | Balloons: PopFest Co. | Bar - Mocktails: The Base Co | Boba: Sharetea | DJ/MC: DJ Aflex @ Hi def group | Desserts: Momofuku Milk Bar | Linen: BBJ La Tavola | Photo: The Great Romance Photo | Photobooth: Instabooth LA | Rentals: Premiere Party Rents | Tabletop Rentals: borrowed BLU

An Intimate Family Affair at Rosewood Miramar Beach Blooming in Fuchsia Hydrangeas

Todays intimate family affair at Rosewood Miramar planned by Hillary J Events proves you don’t have to go over-the-top to make a major statement with your blooms. Wisteria Lane Flowers decorated their day with lush arrangements galore – from the bride’s darling lily of the valley bouquet that’s giving us all the royal vibes, to the intimate tablescape blooming in crowd pleasing pink hydrangeas. We can’t wait for you to see the rest of the gallery – all captured by Shannon Duggan Photography!

From Shannon Duggan Photography… When COVID-19 threw a wrench in Caroline + Chris’s huge country club wedding they opted for the perfect plan B. Their immediate families decided to still celebrate their wedding, but in California. Chris, the groom, is a professional hockey player and was already playing in California. Caroline, the bride, had always dreamed on an intimate wedding reflecting their time in California together. They selected the Rosewood Miramar Beach in Santa Barbara to host their party of 12. They were faced with challenges the week of as shutdowns and new policies were put into place, but the entire team worked quickly to adjust to the changes with as much ease as possible.

From the Bride, Caroline… While it was a hard decision, we knew it was the right decision to go with our gut and cancel our original August wedding in St. Louis, in order to keep our family and friends, who we care about so much, safe. With Chris’ hockey season approaching in late August, along with the many demands that come with owning/operating our business in St. Louis, it dawned on us that our love for each other was paramount and what was most important was figuring out a way to get married that summer. Once we knew we would be able to safely coordinate a ceremony, we decided to escape to Montecito, California for an intimate micro-wedding with our eight immediate family members from St. Louis. Chris and I have always loved spending time in California and I stumbled across the Rosewood Miramar Beach a while back and absolutely fell in love with it’s classic glamour and beauty. It was unlike anything I have ever seen. After realizing we would have to adapt, we immediately made the decision to plan our wedding weekend at the Miramar. 

The ceremony and reception took place at the Rosewood Miramar Beach and our rehearsal dinner was at San Ysidro Ranch. While the planning process felt like a game of Tetris, with the ever-changing nature of the world at the time (I think by the time we actually got married we were on “Plan D”) we were able to overcome all the challenges thrown at us and pull it off. We wanted our wedding to feel very intimate and personal while reflecting a casual yet classic style that enhanced the natural beauty of the setting with flowers, candles and color etc. The ceremony ended up taking place on a private deck on the beach overlooking the ocean as the sun began to set. My brother walked me down the aisle to Coldplay’s “A Sky Full of Stars” (the first concert Chris and I went to, in California). My bouquet was all Lily of the Valley (my Mom planted this flower outside out old house growing up and it has always been my favorite flower and smell). I wore my late grandmother’s vintage cut emerald and diamond ring on my right hand, which was a family heirloom I received on my 21st birthday. All the meaningful details made everything about the moment feel so right. Chris’ brother was the Best Man and Chris’ sister was the Maid of Honor. It was surreal walking out to Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” holding hands as a married couple on the most beautiful sunny day. The celebration continued at the Miramar Beach Bar for small bites and cocktails. 

This was one of our favorite memories of the day sitting in the sun, looking out over the ocean with our family, basking in relief knowing the planning and stressful decision-making components of the wedding were completely worth it. Everyone could not stop smiling. After both of our brothers signed as witnesses to our marriage, we walked over to enjoy a private outdoor dinner under a perfectly set terrace filled with candles and hot pink Hydrangeas. I wanted to add some bright color into the space for the reception, color, to me, brings happiness, and seeing the beautiful bold pink blooms and turquoise vintage style parrot dessert plates that my mom found at Anthropologie, made me smile. The best part was that all ten of us were able to sit at the same farm-style table and enjoy great food and wine, toasting, giving heartfelt speeches and conversation flowing as our favorite music played. Sharing an evening like this with our families was priceless. Looking back on it, we could not be happier that we chose to move forward with a smaller wedding, given the times. While it was not what we had originally planned and we missed so many of our dear friends and family, we are so grateful to have had the opportunity to get married last summer. We are so thankful for our health, the support of our families and friends and the amazing venue and vendors that made our wedding possible. Now, how lucky are we to have such a special place to visit to remind us of all the love we felt on our wedding day. No matter the location, date or size of our wedding our love for each other outshined all the changes and allowed the most perfect day to fall into place.

Photography: Shannon Duggan Photography | Coordination: Alegria by Design | Event Design: Hillary Williams | Floral Design: Wisteria Lane | Dress: Mia Grace Bridal | Invitations: Love Letter Paper | Reception Venue: Rosewood Miramar Beach | Makeup: PAGE BEAUTY | Hair: Dry Bar | Groom's Attire: Suit Supply | Rentals: Bright & Co.

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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A Romantic Affair For These College Sweethearts At Monteverde at Oldstone in New York

For these college sweethearts, finding a venue wasn’t an easy task, but when they saw Monteverde at Oldstone in New York, they knew it was the one! Close to home, they fell in love with the grounds and everything else fell in to place from their event planner, Cathy’s Elegant Events who planned their day to perfection to their amazing photographer CLY BY MATTHEW who captured it all. Check it all out below and be sure to check out their wedding day video by NST Pictures.

From CLY BY MATTHEWKathleen and Taylor started dating in their junior year at Boston College in 2012. After graduation they shuffled back and forth between Boston and New York until they both ultimately settled in Westchester, NY.

On a beautiful summer day in 2018, Taylor proposed to Kathleen while they were taking a walk along the beach in Breezy Point, New York. It is a favorite place of theirs, as Kathleen and her family have spent summers there for generations. Taylor asked Kathleen to wear the ring that had once been his grandmother’s. It was a deeply emotional day that reflected their love for one another and their love of family.

Finding a venue for their upcoming wedding was not an easy task, but when they arrived at Monteverde they knew immediately that it was the perfect setting. The location showcased the peace and serenity of the Hudson River, alongside which Kathleen and Taylor share their home, just south of Monteverde. As breathtaking as the grounds were, they also fell in love with the mansion itself and could imagine their wedding party spending time together before the ceremony in the beautiful bridal suite.

The weather was perfect for their outdoor wedding on October 19, 2019. The hard work and expertise of all their wedding vendors and the Monteverde staff ensured that the day went perfectly and allowed Kathleen and Taylor to fully cherish every moment of their celebration. Their joy, laughter, and love were captured so clearly and elegantly through the exquisite photography of CLY BY MATTHEW. Every stunning photograph brings the joy they felt that day flooding back, to be remembered and felt for years to come.

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Photography: MATTHEW REE PHOTOGRAPHY | Photography: CLY BY MATTHEW | Cinematography: NST Pictures | Event Planning: Cathys Elegant Events | Event Planning: Cathys Elegant Events | Floral Design: Samantha Nass Floral Design | Wedding Dress: JLM Couture | Wedding Dress: Miss Hayley Paige | Ceremony Venue: Monteverde At Oldstone | Lighting: Stortz Lighting | DJ: Intense DJs | Groom's Attire: Generation Tux | Beauty: Laura Moore Beauty | Beauty: Kristie DiCecca

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
The Sweetest Blue and White Baby Shower We Ever Did See

One look at the teddy bear holding a bouquet of balloons and I melted. Throw in a stunning blue + white backdrop, the most darling sweets and treats a girl could want and details and details and details for days and well…you have yourself a baby shower that has perfection written all over it. Designed by Amavi Events with images by Costola Photography, this little celebration is the peanut butter to our jelly.

Knowing that the baby shower was going to be primarily in the dining room, we designed the invitation suite and other details to include the gorgeous blue and white wallpaper in the dining room. Andie’s style is very traditional and timeless; so we carried that throughout the design of the shower.

Minted had a classic, traditional invitation suite that featured a white and gray calligraphy font with touches of modern font to keep it fresh. The invitation set the tone for the day, so we used its design as a kicking off point for the rest of the celebration.

We filled every nook and cranny we could with flowers from The Art of Violets. The flowers we chose were filled with whites, ivory, cream and a pop of blue with wild greenery for a more romantic feel.

The shower was at 2PM, the perfect time for brunch. We went with bite sized chicken and waffles, bagels and a charcuterie spread which was the perfect balance of savory and sweet. We finished brunch with cake – a piece of chocolate and a piece of vanilla (both gluten free!) from a local bakery, Hometown Desserts.

Each place setting had a place card with their name hand painted by Shannon Kirsten and a few pieces of dried pink canary grass held on by a wax seal.

The florals on the dining table were in white vases we found from Target. Some had a scalloped edge and some had a sweet hobnail detail. We found they worked perfectly with the aesthetic we were trying to achieve. 



Time to move guests indoors to open presents. We opened presents around my sister’s fireplace which was adorned with a beautiful piece of garland and a decorated cross on the mantle. The main focus of the room, however, was the adorable bassinet that Stephanie registered for from Pottery Barn Baby. The white wicker gave it a vintage feel and it couldn’t have been cuter with a fluffy pink bow on top.

Once gifts were over, we sent everyone on their way with a small bouquet as their favor. We wrapped greenery and flowers in pink wax paper and tied them off with a bow and tag from Dixie Design that matched the invitation. All in all, the day was a big success and filled with lots of smiles and love for Stephanie and baby.

Photography: Costola Photography | Event Planning: AMAVI Weddings and Events | Floral Design: The Art Of Violets | Cake: Little Bird Sweets | Invitations: Minted | Catering: Those Grazy Girls | Private Home: Private Home | Rentals: Ivory Rose Vintage

A Whimsical Secret Garden Meets Monet’s Water Lilies Wedding

When two worlds collide the results are captivating. A powerhouse team of wedding experts came together with an original concept to create an ethereal, secret garden-inspired editorial. When they arrived on the grounds of their venue The Clifton they couldn’t help but remark on the resemblance to the painting Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies by Claude Monet. The inspiration then shifted to an event experience combining the two concepts together, which Karen Duckett Events pulled together beautifully. Inside the sailcloth reception tent florals by Floral & Bloom inspire. Each detail was artfully captured by cinematographers Deanna and Grant Harrison of Harrison Films and film photographer Hana Gonzalez of Weddings by Hana. Head to the full gallery for all of the eye-catching inspiration.



From Karen Duckett of Karen Duckett EventsWe crafted a color palette of saturated greens, jade, and chartreuse as our pops of color, but wanted a softer base of taupe, cement gray, and cameo pink to allow the bolder colors to really shine. When it comes to eye-catching elements, the balance of color, texture, and detail are key to creating sensory pleasure for all those who partake in the experience.



The focus for this inspiration shoot was heavily on the tabletop details tucked away within the sailcloth tented reception space. Tabletop florals of local limelight and lace hydrangea, garden roses, dahlias, spray roses, butterfly ranunculus, campanula, delphinium, and foxglove were masterfully installed by Rachel Johnson of Floral & Bloom. On the head table, she created a way to bring the eye up by using flowers along the existing columns within the sailcloth tents and a cascading floral runner dripping down to the wooden tent floor.



We hope that the classic, sophisticated garden reception will entice couples to take a second look at the existing grounds and architecture of their chosen venue to create bespoke designs that tie back to natural elements of beauty surrounding their family and friends.



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Photography: Hana Gonzalez Photography | Cinematography: Harrison Films | Floral Design: Floral & Bloom Designs | Wedding Dress: Bella Belle | Wedding Dress: Ava Laurenne Bride | Cake: Jisoo Cake Design | Invitations: Sara Lane Design | Reception Venue: The Clifton | Jewelry: EDEN LUXE Bridal | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Agency: The Artist Agency | Beauty: SARAH KAHN ARTISTRY | Female Model: Kelly Hiotes | Male Model: Elijah Connolly | Planning: Karen Duckett Events + Design | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Albemarle Vintage Limousines | Rentals: MS Events | Rentals: Bride and Joy | Table Numbers: mementos by phi

A Walk Down the Aisle 7 Years in the Making, This Is the Inspiring Story of Chris and Emily Norton’s Wedding Day

Boy do we have a treat for you, ladies and gents… today’s real wedding is a special one to say the least. For those of you who don’t already know about Chris Norton and his inspiring story, he is a former college football player left paralyzed after a game accident when he was 18 years old. Doctors gave him a 3% chance of ever walking again, but Chris was determined to walk for two milestones: his MBA graduation (4 yards), and his wedding (7 yards). Against all odds, he accomplished both – with his dream girl by his side. Now parents to seven children, Chris and Emily’s incredible love story truly brings us to tears. Read on for an interview with Chris and Emily, as they talk to us about the details of their wedding day, what’s next for them, and their recently released documentary, 7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story

To see all the photos from their beautiful wedding day planned and designed by GRO Floral and Event Design – check out the full gallery, all taken by Sarah Kate!

 

1. How did you two meet?

Chris: We met online initially. I formed a deep connection with her right away because she wasn’t afraid to ask me vulnerable questions about my injury. Emily is not a surface level person, she wants to understand people on a deep level. Then we met in person at a public place in Ames, Iowa. I think my jaw dropped when I first saw her in person as she was even more beautiful than her pictures.

 

2. What do you admire most about each other?

Chris: What I admire about Emily is how selfless she is. She will do anything for those she loves and even strangers that need someone. How she is able to connect, love, and give her time to others in need is inspirational to me. The way she takes care of our whole family is incredible. Also, I admire her morals and values. She knows who she is and what she believes in and will always do what is right, never compromising her values. What’s amazing about that is she has been like that since high school. The standard she sets to live a life of strong values for our family has made us all into much better people.

Emily: What I admire about Chris is how hard of a worker he is. He’s constantly working to get better, be a better dad, husband and friend. He works so hard to make others’ lives easier with the things that he learned through his struggles. I love how he was able to not let his injury define him in a bad way but was able to use it and not only make himself better but the people around him. Something that I also really admire about Chris is how he started a foundation to help others with neurological disabilities and does motivational speaking to help others. He’s the most determined person I know.

 

3. When did you know he/she was the one?

Chris: I felt like Emily could be the one after the first night of meeting. She had the looks, intelligence both academically and socially, a passion to serve others, and the morals and values I would want in a wife. She is the total package and I felt like she was way out of my league! I was in love instantly but tried to play it cool lol.

Emily: From the very beginning we had an instant connection A few months after I met Chris, I knew he was the one when I just felt this peace that if I was with him that we would get through anything life threw at us. We both really wanted to help others and make this world a better place. Chris had faith in God and great morals and values. I knew we would be unstoppable together.

 

4. If you could give one piece of marital advice, what would it be?

Chris: Put God in the center of your relationship and to always put in the work to keep a strong relationship. Life is constantly changing whether it’s with family or career but to keep each other a priority is important and something you have to always work at.

Emily: Put God first in your relationship. Pray together every day. Relationships take a lot of work and you have to constantly work at it. Communication is so important. Make sure to handle things head-on and not brush them under the rug because it always comes out.

5. Favorite part of your wedding day?!

Chris: Sharing communion together and looking up at the clouds. We went behind the altar and had our backs to our guests. It felt like we were the only two people in the world at the moment. I was filled with so much peace and joy.

Emily: It’s hard to pick just one favorite moment from our wedding day. A few moments that were really special were when Chris and I just took some moments for us. Just like Chris explained, the moment we took communion was very special. We also snuck out of the reception for a few minutes and sat under the stars. We got that advice from somebody to take some time for you to sneak away where it’s just the two of you because there’s always so much going on and we’re so glad we did because those moments were really special, meaningful and something I will always remember. The wedding walk was also such a special moment. It was pretty cool to accomplish something that we had worked so hard for together as a married couple. We wanted to do the wedding walk to help others know that no matter what you go through there’s always hope, God is always with you and when you go through hard times you just have to keep taking one step at a time.

 

6. Tell us about the design details of your wedding! Any sentimental or DIY touches included in the decor?

Chris: There were so many design details that I don’t know where to begin thanks to Fotolanthropy enlisting the help of GRO Floral and Event Design to create our dream wedding. One of my favorites they created was an aisle walkway for Emily and I to walk seven yards with the words “Above All Else Love Each Other Deeply.” These seven words were each separated by one yard so I knew exactly how far to walk down the aisle to reach my seven yard goal. 

The guest sign in was this beautiful Bible and the guests wrote their name next to their favorite verse. Also, Emily loves the piano and wanted one at the wedding. Instead of getting a large grand piano on the lawn of the golf course, which would have been a nightmare and would have needed tuning, GRO designed a faux grand piano that would sit on an electric keyboard. It was incredible. The flowers were breathtaking. They put a chandelier above the spot we were married and then gifted us the chandelier to have in our home. The attention to detail they have was unreal. Plus, they organized the whole wedding which made it so Emily and I didn’t have to worry about anything other than enjoying the day.

7. Talk to us a little bit about your new documentary – 7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story. What do you hope others will take away from it?

Chris: My hope is that my documentary gives people the courage to choose faith over fear, to see your abilities and not a disability, and to recognize your blessings instead of what you don’t have. The miracle of fostering and adopting. That you are capable of so much more than what you realize. It’s also been amazing to see how people have been inspired to be a better parent, sibling, friend or spouse as a result of watching the film. 7 Yards showcases how instrumental my support system was for me to get to where I am today.

7 Yards is now available on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.

8. What’s next for you two?

Chris: Right now we are parents to seven kids so our main priority is raising our kids to know they are loved, special and children of God. We hope another adoption will take place in 2021. I will continue to inspire and show people how to overcome obstacles and uncertainty through my motivational speaking business and video courses. I also hope to grow my nonprofit, the Chris Norton Foundation, and expand my wheelchair camp for kids with physical challenges and their families.

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From Jodi at FotolanthropyChris and Emily Norton’s wedding was literally years in the making. Not because of all the planning, but rather because of all the practice. Chris was paralyzed playing college football and told he would likely never walk again. He chose to believe in faith and after years of physical therapy and training, he successfully walked across his college graduation stage with his then fiance (Emily) by his side. Shortly after, the couple set the ambitious goal to walk seven yards, side-by-side down their wedding aisle together. They spent hours each week for years practicing their walk, with Emily even wearing a “practice wedding dress” at times. Eventually a wedding date was set and they practiced even more. Their wedding walk was worth fighting for and an accomplishment that they hoped would symbolically represent all they’ve endured and what they can do together.

The couple chose to get married on the sunny Abacoa Golf Course in Jupiter, Florida. It was a beautiful outdoor location and the perfect setting for the wedding walk they had planned at the end of the ceremony. The wedding day was designed and coordinated by the renowned Nathan Johnson of Dallas-based GRO Floral and Event Design. He used 1,500 hydrangea, 200 stems of orchids, 100 stems of tulips, 1,000 roses, and 1,000 stems of stock to transform their ceremony and reception into the wedding of Chris and Emily’s dreams. In addition to a stunning floral altar that featured a hanging chandelier, Nathan’s showstopper at the ceremony was an aisle he specifically designed for the wedding walk. Made of acrylic, it was level enough for Chris to walk on, but also beautiful to look at. Taken from scripture, the seven-word phrase, “Above all else love each other deeply” was written on the aisle with each word being separated by one yard.

Another incredibly special part of Chris and Emily’s wedding involved family. Emily has long had a heart for helping youth and despite Chris’ injury, the young couple chose to say yes to being foster parents. Their foster children, including an older teenager and sibling set of four sisters, all served as members of the wedding party.

Chris and Emily’s story of determination is profiled in the much-anticipated documentary, “7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story,” that is available now on Apple TV and Prime Video. Footage from their ceremony is featured poignantly in the film, allowing viewers to take in exactly how meaningful their wedding was. Video of the wedding walk has been viewed on social media more than 25 million times, capturing hearts around the world.

 

Photography: Sarah Kate, Photographer | Cinematography: Fotolanthropy | Event Design: Gro Designs | Event Planning: Gro Designs | Floral Design: Gro Designs | Wedding Dress: Mikaella | Cake: Johnson's Custom Cakes | Ceremony Venue: Abacoa Golf Club | Reception Venue: Abacoa Golf Club | Bridesmaids' Dresses: David’s Bridal | Catering: Lynch BBQ | Hair: Lori Pfeifer | DJ: TIU Deejays | Groom's Attire: Express | Groomsmen's Attire: Express | Men's Attire: Express | Transportation: Streetrod Golf Cars | Accomodations: Courtyard by Marriott | Beauty: Artistry by Adriana | Location: Abacoa Golf Club | Music: Jordan Kahn Music Company | Photography - Assistance: Josh Aull | Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Stadium Grill | Rentals: Atlas Event Rental | Rentals: DFW Dance Floors

Contemporary Craftsman on the Water

We’re strong believer that family-friendly homes can be the most fun because they bring in practicality, functionality and a whole lot of playful elements and colors. This Craftsman home, designed by Kati Curtis with photographs by Scott Frances – does just that and then some — but with a dash of totally enviable elegance. Take a look!

A young family swore they’d never leave New York City after Rumson interior designers Kati Curtis Design renovated their New York City apartment. Until… a few years and two children later. Where, on the Jersey shore they found their dream home. And, once again, called Kati Curtis Design. KCD quickly mobilized.

In only 9 months, the tired and dreary 1990’s Arts and Crafts home was resurrected into a remarkable and revitalized tour de force. With sensitivity to the architecture of the home, KCD seamlessly mixed the family’s contemporary lifestyle with classic details: dark wood floors were lightened, as was the outdated dark woodwork.

Furniture choices supported all-season living, and coming from Manhattan, open space was a paramount importance (of course!). KCD’s design allows for large family gatherings and parties on the main floor, while a playroom on the 2nd floor gives the children a wide-open play space all their own.

Leaving Manhattan for a home on a private beach, with unobstructed views of the Navesink River, was (fairly) easy; KCD’s design, which captured the spirit of this family in this beautiful home, made it possible. Leaving the City for the suburbs was a hard decision for this family, but KCD incorporated all of the conveniences of City living into the design of the home. A home office, home gym and yoga room, separated playroom and outdoor pool provide everything they needed for their new lifestyle.


Creating a healthy home was a priority for them, and KCD used all non-toxic finishes throughout the home, Greenguard certified cabinets and counter tops, and FSC certified woods in their millwork and furniture. Water-based finishes and natural materials were used throughout. An infrared sauna for detoxing was installed where an existing bathroom was and the basement was converted into a home gym and yoga studio. A large TV streams Zoom yoga classes so our clients never have to leave!

Photography: Scott Frances Photography | Design: Kati Curtis Design

Elevated Romance Overlooking Downtown San Diego

Get ready for sophisticated elegance at its finest. With a black and white color scheme, clean lines, and a backdrop of downtown San Diego this wedding inspiration is checking all the boxes. Amorette Events Co designed a day filled with glamorous touches, and Bloom Theory filled it with white floral moments that wow. You can feel the romance in the imagery by Erica Streelman Photography. Visit the full gallery to fall in love with every last detail.



From Erica Streelman PhotographyOur vision for this editorial gathered some of the most talented vendors from the San Diego wedding market to create a dreamy scene of glamour and romance amongst the stunning backdrop of downtown San Diego.



We were striving for a fashion-forward aesthetic infusing modern lines and just a touch of the old world to wow. A couture-inspired gown by Lihi Hod, a clean, flawless bridal beauty look by Beauty Bespoken, and artisanal florals by Bloom Theory Design are just a sampling of the talent included in this gallery.



Calling back on the imagery evoked through city life, our take on modern luxury is one of deep love for finer details and a new take on elevated romance.



Photography: Erica Streelman Photography | Design: Amorette Events Co | Floral Design: Bloom Theory | Wedding Dress: The Dress Theory | Wedding Dress: Lihi Hod | Wedding Dress: Bella Belle | Cake: Peggy's Kitchen | Invitations: Epoch Design | Reception Venue: Westgate Hotel | Catering: Westgate Hotel | Groom's Attire: Friar Tux | Beauty: Beauty Bespoken | Rentals: Catalog Atelier | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Folklore Vintage Rentals

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Modern Romance At White Rock Canyon in Florida Which Will Transport You To The Northwest!

It’s hard to believe that the below editorial took place in a small city in Florida because when you start scrolling you will be transported somewhere in the Northwest! With not a palm tree in sight, White Rock Canyon offers you a destination-like feel with its beautiful views and industrial space. Ever After Vintage Weddings designed a bit of perfection with a modern, yet romantic shoot mixing bold and soft elements like pastel colors and leather details and a mix of florals (both fresh and foraged!) Every bridesmaid even had a different bouquet – which I think needs to be a trend starting, now! Terrie Images captured all of this magic and I promise you, you’re going to want to see it all! Take a look below and let me know your favorite detail!

From Ever After Vintage WeddingsIn a small city within Central Florida, there is a venue called White Rock Canyon.  Upon arrival, your mind is instantly transported to the Northwest.  There are no Palm trees here, and there’s nothing flat or Florida like at all about it.  This sleek industrial-style venue is a blank canvas for couples to handcraft their one-of-a-kind day.  The perfect destination spot for a Floridian without having to leave home.  Inspired by the raw and natural beauty of the venue, our vision was for a fine art style that communicated both modern romance and earthy elements.  We wanted our colors to reflect natural elements like branches, layers of the earth, rock, dirt, clay, and leather with a touch of romantic muted tones like a warm evening sunset. 

To add in a touch of fine art we included a bit with a monochromatic and ombre feel within the bridesmaid’s florals, dresses, and boutonnieres along with other various elements.  We also kept a minimalist design in a few of the elements to help blend and soften things.  The florals included a mix of both fresh and dried elements with earthy textures like Pussy Willow and Curly Willow Branches.  The ceremony arch was made from a mix of both fresh, dried, and foraged materials that were inspiring and natural.  To complement the venue, elements of limestone were added at the ceremony area as well as captured within the details.  For every bold element, a soft one was added to maintain balance.

Every vendor involved brought all their talent and gave so much of their time ensuring everything was just perfect.  With a variety of elements, Ashley and her team at Love Lee Lane did an amazing job making sure everything ran smoothly and worked personally with our bridesmaids and the couple to work out all the details prior.  Isabel O’Neil Bridal and Bella Bridesmaids went above and beyond dedicating so much time to coordinating the dresses that complement each lady as well as our theme and color palette.  Seeing everyone in their dresses, bouquet in hand afterward was a dream!  Citrus Press Co. and The Pink Mixer Baking Co. did an amazing job taking the inspiration photos provided and coming up with a sleek design that reflected our desire for something minimalist and organic, but yet also more modern and romantic.  It was also fun to see how subtle hints of layers can be found in both designs.  The leather seating chart was definitely a favorite element as well, which offered a more modern take on what is usually a more rustic concept. The head table was dressed in a flowing blush velvet with a dusty shade of lavender napkin and sleek organic place settings.  Everything came together so nicely and the day ended with a beautiful sunset.

Photography: Terrie Images | Design: Lettering Lou | Event Design: Ever After DeAnn | Event Planning: Love Lee Lane | Floral Design: Ever After DeAnn | Wedding Dress: Isabel O'Neil Bridal Collection | Cake: The Pink Mixer Baking Co. | Invitations: Citrus Press Co. | Ceremony Venue: White Rock Canyon | Reception Venue: White Rock Canyon | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids | Beauty: Nereida Padilla | Beauty: Makeup by Janice Bigio | Beauty: Maria Elena | Rentals: Traditions Rentals | Rentals: Over The Top Linens | Rentals: Flock Decor

Classic Meets Colorful in this Tulsa Family Home

So many of us dream of renovating an older home. One with good bones and stories of generations past baked into the very floorboards beneath. Where families have grown, love has outlasted time and the pure workmanship is something to awe inspire. Honoring the old while embracing the new is exactly what Emily Davis Interiors and Our Haus Studio set out to achieve with this stunning renovation in Tulsa, Oklahoma. If you love older homes and crave the beauty of vibrant color, this is a home tour you are not going to want to miss. Photography by Kacey Gilpin.

A full scale renovation was in the cards after this family of 5 found their forever home in the Bren Rose Neighborhood of Tulsa, Okla. The architecture & location were perfect, but the interior left much to be desired. Outdated finishes and a layout that didn’t work for a growing family might have scared many off, but the family, with the help of Emily Davis Interiors, didn’t flinch at the challenge.

“The goal of this project was very straightforward,” says Emily. “To create a fun, timeless home for their family while maintaining the character of the historic structure.”

But historic doesn’t have to mean boring, and this home illustrates that perfectly. Vibrant paint colors and wallpaper were used throughout. “The painter definitely gave us the side eye for a couple of choices, but we won him over in the end!”

Another element that was very important to the homeowners was to incorporate antique pieces, and you will find them in every room of the home. “They just bring so much life & patina to a space! Rooms feel flat without them.”

The outcome of this project is a home that has an open enough layout for modern family life but enough separation of spaces to be able to make a distinct design impact in every room of the house. “I love this project! It is the perfect example of a family staying true to their own style & not worrying about what other people have in their homes. We designed their home for them, and that is such a fun thing to experience!”

Photography: Kacey Gilpin | Design: Emily S. Davis | Architect: Our Haus Studio | Bathroom Fixtures: Delta | Contractor: Truco Development | Entry & Powder Bath Mirrors: Serena & Lily | Nursery Wallpaper: Serena & Lily | Nursery Wallpaper: Serena & Lily | Orchids/Moss/Greenery: Orchid & Olive | Pillows: Little Design Co. | Rugs: the Loom & Co.

An Insider’s Guide For Throwing A Lake Como Wedding

Claudia & Luca of Rossini Photography are an award-winning husband and wife team of Fine Art wedding photographers based in Italy. For more than a decade they have been photographing exclusive international weddings across their beautiful country, and know the ins and outs of all the most iconic locations in Italy, from the Lake region to Venice, to Tuscany, to the Amalfi Coast. Today they will share with us their insider tips on one of the most desired Italian regions for weddings: Lake Como.



What are the best venues in the Como area to get married?

Lake Como has many incredible venues to host a gorgeous wedding: the magic setting of the lake, the amazing historical villas, and the charming “dolce vita” atmosphere will make it an unforgettable experience for the couple and their guests. This is our top ten favorite venues on lake Como you should definitely check out if you are planning your Lake Como wedding:

1. Villa Balbiano
2. Villa Sola Calbiati
3. Villa Erba
4. Villa Pizzo
5. Villa Pliniana
6. Villa Balbianello
7. Villa D’Este
8. Villa Regina Teodolinda
9. Villa Monastero Pax
10. Villa Vittoria



When considering a venue, what do couples need to think about for the most dreamy photos?

The most stunning venues on Lake Como, in our opinion, all have some key factors that place them in our top “picture perfect“ list:

1) Terraces with striking lake views are the perfect setting for a picturesque ceremony and cocktail party.
2) Traditional Italian-style gardens ending directly in the lake waters, decorated with statues and fountains, which are amazing backdrops for memorable photos.
3) Direct boat access, which allows the bridal party to really make an entrance before the ceremony and then the newlyweds to easily escape on a romantic boat ride at sunset, to take some breath-taking couple photos with us!
4) Large and bright luxury suites for the bride and groom to have their getting ready photos taken before the ceremony.
5) Gorgeous dining salons with original all frescos on the walls and ancient chandeliers, which will make a back -up plan B as stunning as the original plan A (not only in your memories but also in the wedding album!)



Which is the best hour for a boat ride?

The best hour for a boat ride is with no doubt golden hour: as photographers, all we want to do is capture that magic warm and soft light in our photos! However, there is a crucial thing to keep in mind when planning your couple session on a boat: Como Lake is surrounded by mountains, which means that sun will hide behind the mountains much earlier than the official sunset time that you can google. In other worlds, if sunset is at 8pm, the lake will have already gone in shade at 7pm, which means that the perfect time for a boat ride will be from 6 to 7pm. Remember this when planning your timing of the day, if not you will miss the perfect light in your photos!

When renting a boat on Lake Como, we would suggest hiring a vintage Riva: they are the most iconic boats you can find on the Lake, and definitely the most beautiful to be photographed! A great company that hires different models of Rivas is Como Classic Boats.

When going on a boat ride, we suggest the bride leave her veil behind, the wind will just be too much and the veil will make her feel uncomfortable! It’s always useful to bring something warm and cozy to cuddle up in, like a pretty shawl. Sometimes the bride and groom like to bring along a pair of cool sunglasses so that we can take some more candid and relaxed photos! Finally, something that definitely shouldn’t miss during a boat ride is a bottle of cold champagne for a romantic toast on the boat!



Photography: Rossini Photography | Cinematography: Gattotigre - Destination Wedding Videography | Cinematography: Marco Abbatangelo | Event Design: Privitera | Event Planning: Sabine Wedding | Event Planning: Distinctive Italy Weddings | Event Planning: Varese Wedding | Event Planning: Varese Wedding | Event Planning: Bespoke Unique Weddings | Event Planning: The Lake Como Wedding Planner | Floral Design: Figli Dei Fiori | Floral Design: Il Profumo Dei Fiori | Floral Design: The garden of love | Wedding Dress: Melania Fumiko | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Cake: La Torteria | Cake: La Torteria Como | Invitations: Beautifuletters | Reception Venue: Villa Monastero | Jewelry: Nea Milano | Groom's Attire: Sanvenero | Wedding Venue: Villa D'Este | Wedding Venue: Villa Del Balbianello | Wedding Venue: Villa Lario | Wedding Venue: Villa Regina Teodolinda | Wedding Venue: Villa Carlotta | Beauty: Daniela Guanziroli | Beauty: Chiara Mari | Beauty: Dani Madeline | Location: Villa Balbiano | Rentals: Lithonia Events Tables and chairs | Rentals: Galli Boat Service | Rentals: Menaggio Water Taxi | Rentals: Lake Como Boat | Rentals: Como Classic Boats

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Wedding Decor and Wedding Accessories Aren’t the Same, but They’re Still Extras That Matter

Although they sound kind of the same, wedding decor and wedding accessories are actually pretty different. Generally speaking, decor is a category that will have a formal delineation in your overall wedding budget – usually around 7-10% of the total spend. Whether they’re signs, strings + strands (garland and ribbon are some of our faves), or creatively-styled installations, the decor has a purpose – and that’s to help elevate your vows and curate a vibe for the day, from start to finish. Guests can’t miss decor, it’s all around them: accentuating the bar at cocktail hour, embellishing the reception tables during dinner, dialing up the festive factor of your photo booth, etc. But with accessories, the impact is a lot more subtle; here, you won’t be looking to make an impression as much as wanting to add special finishing touches to the entirety of your wedding timeline. That’s right, Style Me Pretty’s wedding accessories take a bride from newly-affianced to ready-for-the-aisle, all while celebrating ‘happy tears’ that are bound to stream in between.

If you’re following us, you might say “why do I need accessories if they’re just going to fly under the radar of my guests?” It’s true, a lot of these items might not even cross your party goers’ minds, but that’s OK, if they bring you and your bests joy – even if it’s behind the scenes on the morning of your wedding or in your bridal suite – that’s all that counts! If it involves your flower girls and ring bearers, though, we can totally count on the accessories bringing lots of “AWWWS” from the audience when the kiddos are walking down the aisle… Just saying! 

 

Photo by Blue Rose Wedding Photography

Accessorize your day with these doses of delight.

Hang up that dress or tux in style and step out with a little secret on your sole.

This day is a big deal and so is the apparel you’ll be donning. So, put up signs that give you those celebrity green room kinds of vibes (even Beyoncé probably puts a ‘primping in progress’ sign up before her shows #itswhataqueendeserves, after all) and let your ensembles hang perfectly before it’s time to get dressed👌. If you’re still on the hunt for something blue, our ‘I Do’ handkerchief in powder blue is so lovely – as are our ‘I Do, Me Too’ Shoe Decals

Photo by Natalie Bray

Arm your entourage with their own aisle+altar accoutrements.

You won’t want to be approaching the aisle with nothing for him to carry the rings on and/or her to hold her flowers in. Not to mention, Photoshopping pouts and tantrums out of pre-ceremony captures isn’t a perfect science yet. That’s why we say keep those tinies smiling with his and hers props – a precious pillow for your boy with the baubles and a beautiful basket for your girl with the petals!    

Photo by darini images

And for your bridesmaids, effective tear-blotting doesn’t have to come from Kleenex cushioned in their cleavage. We happen to love the way our Style Me Pretty tissues fit in clutches or fold and blend into the ribbon wrapping of their bouquets. You know, for when they need some extra help ‘keeping it together.” If you have a little extra to spend (especially if you’ll be doing a smaller minimony or micro wedding), both varieties look beautiful atop ceremony chairs. Your guests will be so appreciative! 

Style your cards and guest book table in a way that gets it done.

And by that, we mean not letting your guest registry go untouched. Now, there’s not really an easy way to have your friends and fam ‘follow the yellow brick road’ to this area of your reception – but gold touches attract attention. We’re fans of a gilded vignette, complete with a gold-handled card box and a gold-dipped guest book: they’re just too pretty for guests to pass up!

Photo by Rachel Solomon Fine Art Wedding Photography

Shop the full Style Me Pretty shop now, because every love story looks good with some wedding accessories

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This Bride Requested No Flowers At Her Napa Wedding And The Results Will Leave You Speechless

No flowers? No problem! Jen and Peter requested no blooms at their wedding reception and the result is absolutely breathtaking. With the help of Kathleen Deery Design, they filled their tented affair with foliage, branches, and candles on ceramic pedestals for a look we’re falling in love with. Jenny Schneider Events planned every last detail to perfection, and Melanie Duerkopp Photography captured all the magic in her beautiful imagery. Head to the full gallery for a closer look.



From Jenny Schneider EventsJen and Peter’s celebration took place at her family’s home nestled in California’s wine country. With a first look in the vineyard, the couple exchanged vows framed by blooms designed by Kathleen Deery Design.



The tennis court on the property was transformed into a beautiful tented reception. The bride requested no flowers so we used branches and various types of foliage, plus a few non-fussy hellebores.



Candles on ceramic pedestals dotted the length of the dinner tables and beautiful place settings were the perfect tone for this natural setting. Sometimes the simplest of designs is the most elegant. The festivities concluded with an epic dance party!



Photography: Melanie Duerkopp | Videographer: Weddings on Film | Event Planning: Jenny Schneider Events | Floral Design: Kathleen Deery Design | Wedding Dress: Oscar De La Renta | Cake: Pretty Please Bakeshop | Catering: Sage Catering | Lighting: Illusions Lighting | Band: Elan Artists | Attire concierge: The Wedding Detailor | Beauty: Beauty by Jasmine Chan | Paper: Aerialist Press | Rentals: Standard Party Rentals | Rentals: Theoni Collection | Rentals: Hensley Event Resources | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | String trio: Synchronicity Strings | Tenting: Zephyr Tents

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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