New Hampshire Weddings

Let’s be honest, planning a wedding can be a little complicated.  From the cake to the flowers to the guest list, there’s a lot of decisions to make.  But the one thing you most definitely don’t want to worry about? Choosing the right wedding bands.  Which is why we’re teaming up with the fabulous Long’s Jewelers to help ease the stress a bit.  It’s Rings 101 from Boston’s most beloved jeweler.  Sit back and soak it all in.

1. Choose Your Wedding Ring Style

From the band width to the metal finish to the overall look and feel, narrowing down the style of your band is one of THE most important decisions you’ll make.  Are you and yours a vintage-inspired duo, a modern couple or two sweeties with a love of all things simple and sweet? By choosing the right band width and metal that fit your style personality, you can count on a happy ring buying experience.  Think a 4 mm band in brushed metal or a 10 mm band in a more textured look. Honestly, the options at Long’s Jewelers are endless… and beyond pretty.

2. Understand The Differences In Metal Type

And speaking of metal… understanding the differences between all of the ah-mazing options is totally key. From classic + gorgeous yellow gold (hint: always go for the 18K) to the platinum pretties (hypoallergenic + heavy + long-lasting) to the white gold stunners to the edgy (+ seriously chic) Tungsten or Carbon Fiber rings that are totally you and totally unique.  Not sure which one to choose?  No worries. Long’s Jewelers will walk with you step by step throughout the entire process to make sure you pick a metal that is perfect.

3. Consider Your Lifestyle

Making sure your ring fits into your day to day lifestyle can often be overlooked, but as the staff at Long’s Jewelers will tell you… it’s sooo important.  Which means that whether you spend your days working with your hands (hint, hint: platinum) or play tennis every.single.morning (just say no to the eternity bands), selecting the right band will make alllll the difference.

4. Settle On A Budget

Just like every aspect of your Big Day, you’ll most definitely want to set a budget BEFORE you go ring shopping.  But where, oh where to start?  Long’s Jewelers recommends setting aside $1,000 and heading upward based on those details you are simply swooning over. Think diamond accents, metal type and more. Truly… it all just depends on what you’re looking for.  Our advice?  Start with doing some research online to get a ballpark estimate.  You’ll find it so very, very helpful that you did.

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Can’t wait to put all of your new knowledge to the test?  Join Long’s Annual Wedding Band Weekend March 18-20, 2016 for wall-to-wall wedding bands, a meet and greet with some awesome wedding ring vendors and selection and pricing that will make you sooo happy.  Oh, and there’s also the chance to win $1,000 off your wedding ring, plus even more amazing prizes.  I’m talking a dream honeymoon, suits for your bridal party, dinner and wine, a shopping spree, a pair of TAG Huer watches, gift certificates and more. RSVP here, lovelies.  It’s going to be awesome.

Whether you’re a modern lady with a love of all things contemporary, a classic girl with a passion for romance or happily fall somewhere in between, one thing is certain: accessorizing your look with Mikimoto pearls from Long’s Jewelers is THE best decision you’ll ever make.  Think seriously stunning pieces perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your Big Day… and beyond.  We LOVE.

Pearls for Every Girl with Long's Jewelers

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Pearls for Every Girl with Long's Jewelers

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Family-owned and operated with five locations throughout Massachusetts, Long’s Jewelers knows all there is to know about adding a bit of pretty to your wedding + every day with some of the most beautiful pearls you will ever lay your eyes upon.  I’m talking elegant, sophisticated and jaw-droppingly gorgeous Mikimoto pearls, the epitome of luxurious jewelry.  And when you combine the finest cultured pearls in the world with the trusted + knowledgeable customer service of Long’s Jewelers, well… it just doesn’t get any better.  Just ask our fabulous editors Michelle and Melissa…

Sooo ready to get your pretty on?  Visit Long’s Jewelers TODAY to see just why they’ve been the leader in all things lovely since 1878.  (Hint: They’re amazing.)

An elegant oasis in the middle of the New Hampshire woods; that’s exactly what Tribe Design + Events created for this fall wedding. With beautiful blues and rustic touches, it was a cozy, romantic celebration and I could nestle myself into Kate Preftakes’ pics all day long – see them in our VAULT right this way!

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From Kate Preftakes… Anna and Felix were married at the bride’s family cottage on Sunset Lake in Greenfield, NH. The amazing details of this earthy and elegant wedding were designed by the very talented Tribe Design + Events and I don’t think I could love them any more. Feathers? Yes please! Hand dyed blue fabrics? Swoon. They pretty much had me with the invitations and it only got better from there. It was perfect from start to finish and I am so excited to share all the beauty.

Anna and Felix are both instructors at the North Carolina Outward Bound School and so the couple wanted to incorporate their love of nature in their intimate wedding. They chose the family’s lakeside cottage as the setting and cleared a path through the woods for the ceremony. Feather markers led the way and warm blankets were available for guests. There was a campfire set up and ready to go next to the “tent city” for any guests who wanted to camp there.

Felix has a very musical family and not only did his family provide the gorgeous ceremony and cocktail music, the entire family band took over the stage during the reception (Felix on drums) and rocked it out for the guests! Groove Authority kept the crowd dancing the rest of the night. Anna and Felix both love ice cream and served it with dessert instead of cake from Bedford Farms Ice Cream. For dinner, the guests were treated to the amazing farm to table food from Mayfair Farm in Harrisville, one of my personal favorites. Joe Pye Weeds brought the perfect mix of light and airy flowers to complement the amber and blue details and the whole affair was set under and on Monadnock Tent‘s lovely tent and farm tables.

Beyond all of the beauty from this wedding there was also a wonderful sense of love and happiness. Anna and Felix were both so relaxed and happy throughout the day and it was a truly a joy to work with them. Congratulations to a beautiful couple!

From Tribe Design + Events… It’s pretty sweet in life when the universe takes a moment to give you a sign of affirmation… that you’re with the right person, in the right place or doing the right thing. Call it kismet, serendipity, or luck but we call it awesome. That we were elbow deep experimenting with indigo dye when we were contacted by Anna and Felix was one of those moments. A super chill, down to earth couple who didn’t have much figured out besides a woodsy “backyard” wedding in shades of neutrals with pops of…BLUE! Thank you Universe.

In our first meeting we learned that while Anna and Felix wanted their celebration to be relaxed and comfortable, they also wanted a wedding that guests found “surprisingly elegant.” The beautiful family property in New Hampshire provided endless material for our inspiration phase – from the lush woodland ceremony clearing to the weathered shingled barn-turned-bar area. Rather than a traditional “rustic chic” wedding that aims to co-exist with a natural setting, we wanted the natural elements to take center stage and have their own presence and energy.

Our final design portfolio presented Anna and Felix with a perspective that found its roots in stone and wood balanced with a beautiful lightness and luxury achieved by the addition of ethereal textiles and touches of metallic copper. The invite set the stage for the event with a blue watercolor feather illustration on textured heavyweight cream paper. Arriving at the wedding, guests were greeted by a majestic maple draped with hand dyed blue tassels and an oversized floral installation. As they walked through the woods, handmade trail markers that incorporated fabric, feathers and berries showed guests the way to the ceremony and then from the ceremony to cocktail hour. The lakeside cocktail hour reflected the water in patterned fabric overlays layered on neutral linens and the bar served ginger and bourbon in copper mugs. To bring the outside in, the dinner tent featured long wooden tables, custom two-tone white runners and local garden-grown floral arrangements in vintage amber glass vessels. Native New Hampshire quarried stones were embossed with copper table numbers and served as trivets for the heirloom, locally-grown family-style meal. Hand-dyed blue cotton napkins were embellished with custom napkin rings made of copper, feather and wood. The barn doorway that led guests to the dance tent was asymmetrically draped with three different white fabrics and a 60-foot piece of hand-dyed silk in gradations of blue. And come Saturday, as guests emerged post-ceremony from the woods, they were greeted by a clear blue September sky that perfectly mirrored the pigmentation of the drape. Like we said – kismet, serendipity or luck – we call it beautiful.

Peruse more New England weddings here!

Photography: Kate Preftakes Photography | Event Design: Tribe Design + Events | Floral Design: Joe Pye Weeds Garden | Catering: Mayfair Farm | Makeup: European Esthetics | Hair: James Thomas Salon | Band: Groove Authority | Bartending: Dee Bartending And Event Staffing | Liquor + Beverages: West Concord Liquors | Photography - Assistance: Kate Preftakes Photography | Rentals: Monadnock Tent Rental

A garden wedding in late June, on one of the longest days of the year, with bright blooms and an even brighter Bride and Groom. This is what summer weddings are all about. We’ve rounded up our favorite moments from this beautiful New Hampshire wedding captured by Hello Love Photography, and for even more tender looks and sweet kisses, head on over to our VAULT to get the goods!

Elegant Abenaqui Country Club Wedding

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Elegant Abenaqui Country Club Wedding

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From the Bride… Our wedding inspiration was based on a soft natural color palette, with vintage garden party aspects. White, gold, ranges of pinks, and touches of minty blues set the tone for large, lush spring blooms. Peonies are a floral favorite, and were easy to be inspired by. We wanted a more relaxed, less formal affair on one of the longest days of the year, which is also our existing anniversary. Keeping things light, bright, and romantic, with a few unique touches was the best way to represent who we are as a couple, as well as the future we are looking forward to starting together.

Peruse more New England weddings here!

Photography: Hello Love Photography | Floral Design: Polly's Flower Shoppe | Wedding Dress: Christian Siriano | Hair: Bliss 360 Salon And Spa | Venue: Abenaqui Country Club

Mark your calendars, loves.  The second annual South End Wedding Showcase is happening this September 23rd – 24th from 4 to 8 pm, and let me tell you… this is one pretty party you can’t afford to miss.  Think yummy treats, fabulous vendors and unique products + services, all set against the historical architecture and Victorian charm that is one of our favorite neighborhoods.  Sooo fun.

Picture the coolest bridal showcase you’ve ever attended meets one seriously awesome holiday stroll and you’ll land squarely on the South End Wedding showcase, two evenings of meeting and greeting some of the most talented vendors in all of Boston.  You’ll visit open studios and shops, munch on some goodies, see fabulous demonstrations and talk all things wedding with a group of owners and artists that are sure to take your wedding to the next level.  Not to mention that each business you’ll enter is independently owned and operated, so you can plan the day of your dreams AND support your local community. We love that.

So what are you waiting for, SMPers?  Start making plans to attend the South End Wedding Showcase on September 23rd or 24th from 4 – 8 pm.  You will be treated to an array of special (+ seriously awesome) services and promotions during the event, including free Boston Pedicab rides as transportation, discounted parking and a free glass of bubbly at any Aquitaine Group restaurant.  And don’t forget that shops and studios will be offering up specialty cocktails, champagne toasts and little bites along the way! To register (and we suggest you do), click here!

The South End Wedding Showcase vendors are giving away free raffle prizes to participants who visit all (or the most) of the map locations and tag #SEWS2015 in their Instagram photo of that place! You can see these raffle prizes on display at one of the map locations (to be announced) and prizes will be given away after the event is over and all the hashtags are counted up.

Plus, expect to see some wonderful discounts on merchandise or services at each studio and store. Check back often on our “Participating Studios & Stores” page to see what each map location is offering the evenings of the event!

I love a bride who knows what she wants and totally goes for it.  A bride who describes herself as one part hipster, one part Oscar de la Renta chic and weaves all of her crazy coolness into what can only be described as a fabulous wedding.  Think seriously stunning florals from By Nectar and Converse sneakers for all of that non-stop dancing.  Head to The Vault for every beautiful moment from Ruth Eileen Photography, and then stay tuned for the sweet film from Frame + Anchor below.

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From The Bride… I never second guessed myself. While my personality can range anywhere from Austin hipster to Oscar de la Renta chic, I stuck with my gut. When Steven proposed in ​a ​hot air balloon flying over southern New Hampshire last fall, I knew our lives would always be an adventure, and marriage was just the start. For our wedding, I wanted to combine all aspects of our lives – the adventure, the whimsy, the glamor, and the down-to-earth. It was about having fun and celebrating with the people we love.

Steven has taught me to be more and more of a goof ball, taking life as it comes. Adding elements of his personality to our big day was so important to me. I got to be a bit girly with gorgeous pink flowers and a to-die-for cake, while he got his fun with board games and converse. I couldn’t have asked for a more blessed day to start the rest of my life with my best friend.

Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography | Videography: Frame & Anchor | Floral Design: Nectar Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Vows | Cake: Sifted Cakes by Julius | Invitations: Minted | Catering: Liberty Lane Catering | Hair & Makeup: Ariel Eva Hair & Makeup | Mill: Rivermill At Dover Landing

In the world of drop-dead gorgeous images, Sweet Monday Photography reigns supreme.  Think soft, light-filled captures that are as romantic as they are stunning and you are most definitely on the right track. So when it comes to soaking in the pretty, we’re all about devoting a day to Sweet Monday’s latest masterpiece… a shoot that is chock-full of outdoor beauty and spring-filled happy.

Known for their love of nature and ability to capture those special moments you didn’t even realize were happening, Sweet Monday Photography is endlessly inspired by the New England landscape… and it shows in every moment of this gorgeous styled shoot set against the stunning Mount in the Berkshires. Picture classic meets modern details and colorful blooms with a touch of traditional lovely and a splash of bohemian charm.  It’s all sorts of seriously stunning, lovelies… and it’s just what we’ve come to expect from Sweet Monday Photography.

Whether you’re looking to capture your love against a golden autumn backdrop, or snuggled up with the snow twinkling in the background, Sweet Monday’s talented team of photogs will most definitely preserve those special moments that you will cherish for always.  Contact them now to start your journey to beautiful photography.  You can thank us later, loves.

What: Sweet Monday Photography is offering 20% off any of their standard wedding photography Collections for weddings with either the ceremony or reception taking place outdoors in 2016 or 2017!

How: Interested couples just need to mention this post when inquiring about Sweet Monday’s availability on their wedding date via the contact form on their website. Discount is not applicable for custom Collections, but may be applied to any of the standard packages.  The discount will be honored a total of 10 times on a first come, first served basis.  Click here for more info!

Photography: Sweet Monday Photography | Event Design: LoLo Event Design | Floral Design: Poppy Floral | Wedding Dress: Flair Bridesmaid Boutique | Invitations: Lynn Graham Designs | Jewelry: Ore Jewelry by Sophie Hughes | Makeup Artist: Making Faces Weddings | Hair Stylist: Love Notes by June | Calligraphy: Pier Gustafson | Suit: The Black Tux | Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Mount | Desserts: Tatte Bakery | Models: Model Club Inc. | Rentals: Peterson Party Center

This backyard bash is loaded with so much charm and personality, we just can’t get enough! From shots of the Bride’s fun floral Converse and haybale seating at the ceremony, to the reception’s cheeky signage and rustic milk jug centerpieces, Kate Preftakes Photography was able to perfectly capture this couple’s sweet and silly sides on their beautiful Big Day. Click through the gallery here for more!

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From Kate Preftakes Photography… Maria and Paul were married at Maria’s parent’s home which is adjacent to the Dexter’s Inn in Sunapee, NH. Their theme was a walk through the woods which is exactly what the guests did to go from the ceremony to the inn and reception. God was smiling on them as it was supposed to rain all day but the heavy rain held off long enough for us to get beautiful portraits, and for them to have their ceremony overlooking the mountain. Sure, we got drizzled on, but no one seemed to mind.

This wedding was a labor of love for Maria’s family and everyone worked so hard to make it special. From clearing the trees for the mountain view, to the beautiful tree lit cocktail area, every detail was special. Maria’s mom tracked down old windows, doors, and whiskey barrels to accent the path and cocktail area. Old family quilts and fabric covered hay bales were scattered around for guests to sit on. Adorable candles and signs hung from trees and the overall feeling was pretty magical.

Maria’s dress was perfect for the setting and she and Paul are perfectly paired, not to mention absolutely adorable together. There was an incredible amount of love at this wedding. And even a few surprises! Some friends surprised the couple with doves to release at the end of their ceremony and everyone surprised the couple with a flash mob dance after the toasts. There were tears, and hugs and lots and lots of love. So honored to be a part of this very special day!

From the beautiful Bride… My parents bought their house in Sunapee, NH when I was 13 years old. I made myself a promise that I would get married in their backyard overlooking the mountain. The amount of love that surrounds the home and landscape is truly an indescribable feeling. Lucky for me, my husband felt the exact same way.

From the time I got engaged on August 10th, 2014 (on top of mount Sunapee), I knew that our wedding would be a labor of love. My mother and I have a very special knack for paying attention to detail and going above and beyond expectations. Ironically, Dexter’s Inn is a short walk through the woods and was the perfect venue for our reception. The inn has beautiful grounds, covered in lush green grass, recreational activities and huge white tent to dance the night away.

I envisioned a rustic farm wedding with a whimsical elegance. I traveled to 4 different states picking up whiskey barrels. I traveled to 3 states collecting antique milk bottles from run down farms. Other décor was gathered from various antique shops and flea markets from different travels. I knew I wanted baby’s breath and lavender to create a soft feeling. We ran with those colors and accented them with natural woods and rusted metals. My parents took on their own project and built our wedding arbor from natural birch found in their woods. We focused on creating vignettes and conversation areas throughout the walk from ceremony to reception. We were seeking a humble balance between elegance and comfort. We treated our guests to a southern BBQ, complete with a bride and groom bib. We wanted our wedding to be an extension of our family and the home where our hearts are, I think we did just that.

Photography: Kate Preftakes Photography | Floral Design: Allioops! Flowers | Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal | Cake: Jacques Pastries | Catering: Chill Catering | Groom's Attire: Vera Wang | Wedding Venue: Dexter's Inn

Fall in New England is a magical time with special scents, sights and colors, and an elegant wedding in the heart of it all is basically a dream come true. Emily Delamater captured this one here, complete with rich, jewel-toned florals by Apotheca Flower & Tea Shoppe and a beautiful, blushing Bride. This gallery is full of goodies and don’t miss Matt Devino’s film to guarantee a smile today.

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From The Bride… Tim and I met six years ago working on the national tour of a musical about a wedding. He has always joked that I didn’t fall in love with him until the night he went on as the groom in the show, wearing a fancy 1920’s style white tuxedo, but the truth is that I knew he could be my real-life groom long before that.

Before we were engaged I didn’t have too many set ideas about what my someday wedding might be like, but the one thing I was certain of was that it would be in New Hampshire in October. I was raised in the southern part of the state, and every fall was filled with feelings of comfort, magic, and romance. I lived for the bright colors and crisp air, for apple picking and pumpkin carving, and for the feeling of belonging, to both community and family. When Tim proposed we were very lucky to secure one of the last available October dates at the beautiful Bedford Village Inn, a venue that embraces everything we both love about the season.

We and most of our friends live in Brooklyn and my family recently relocated to the West Coast, so as it turned out we were essentially planning a destination wedding. Fortunately our extraordinary team of vendors made the process almost entirely stress-free. The lovely Alyssa at Apotheca Flower Shoppe took meetings with me over Skype to help bring our vision to life. Emily Delamater, our incredible photographer, flew to New York from Maine to take our engagement photos. My sister is a professional illustrator and designer and we worked together to create the invitations, a wedding logo and all of our paper elements. Most amazingly, the first dress I chose off the rack at a sample sale (literally within the first few minutes I spent dress shopping at all!) happened to be a gorgeous Elie Saab piece. Tara of The Williamsburg Seamster customized its look with expert tailoring.

In terms of design, things really came into focus once I had the dress. A satin ball gown cries out for more formal touches, so I decided on classic black, white and gold as our base colors. I was really in love with the stripe trend that was so popular last year, so to bring in a bit of pattern (and to be a little different) we used a pin dot fabric for the boutonnieres, napkins, cake and gift tables and the wrap on my bouquet. I wanted the floral design to complement the season and the exterior of the venue as well as bring in a bit more romance and color. I also asked Alyssa to incorporate lots of texture, which she delivered in spades! I especially adored all of the Queen Anne’s Lace as a fall-appropriate alternative to Baby’s Breath. Most importantly, a Friday evening wedding that late in the year meant it would be quite dark when our ceremony began, so I tried to embrace the intimate feel by collecting hundreds of candles and lights. The venue boasts beautiful lit birch branches attached to several of its beams, and we tripled their efforts by including additional twinkle lights and branches on half of the reception tables and on either side of our ceremony area and cake table. It felt absolutely magical to be in the space!

The week of the wedding our families stepped up to provide an amazing support system. My mother-in-law sewed the linens for the cake and gift tables. A family friend who is my personal superhero found a local carpenter to build the cake stand and wooden crates for our altar. My grandmother, mother and aunts made homemade jam jars for our favors, and my father, sister and cousin stayed with me at the venue until midnight the night before putting together our photo booth backdrop, centerpieces and ceremony decorations.

The day of our wedding, the chaos subsided and the torrential rain that had troubled us all week cleared. We were blessed to have family and friends travel in from all over the world to be there. Special note must be given to my Bridesman, who was in rehearsals for a major television event in New York that day and still made it to NH in time for our ceremony! Lindsey McKitterick of Lindsey M. Events styled each of our decorative elements to perfection and saved my sanity in the process. My brother generously offered to create our wedding video, and so many of our friends contributed to our ceremony with readings of their choice, songs, and poems. The music director for the tour we met on created new string arrangements for our processional music, including our very own versions of Fun’s “The Gambler” and The Beatles’ “Here, There and Everywhere.” Every speech was beautifully written and delivered. Tim created an amazing jazz playlist for cocktail hour and dinner, and I put together some of our favorite tracks for the dance party that ensued with our talented friend acting as emcee. Nearly all of our guests were performers in one way or another, so believe me, it was QUITE a dance party. The night was perfectly capped by a lantern release outside, as beautifully captured by the video. We are so lucky to have each other, incredible family and friends, and these wonderful memories of our wedding day to cherish for the rest of our lives!

Photography: Emily Delamater Photography | Videography: Matt Devino | Flowers: Apotheca | Cake: Chickadee Hill Cakes | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Makeup: Making Faces Weddings | Hair: Hair That Moves | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Bride's Dress: Pronovias | Calligraphy Fonts: Great Lakes Lettering | Ceremony/Reception Venue: Bedford Village Inn | Day-Of Styling and Coordination: Lindsey M. Events | Dress Alterations: The Williamsburg Seamster | Dress Hanger: BHLDN | Geometric Lanterns: Anthropologie | Invitation Printing: Czar Press | Invitations/Signage: Bride And Her Sister, Steph Devino | Napkin Rental: Dot & Army | Table Numbers: Sweet Carolina Collective

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

Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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If you haven’t yet met Brideside, it’s time you do.  Because honestly?  They are about to change your world.  Think an array of stunning bridesmaid gowns, a could.not.be.easier ordering process, a personal stylist that knows a thing or two about helping you find the dress of your dreams AND a fabulous giveaway for your entire bridal party.  It’s your chance to win a $500 credit towards gorgeous gowns, sans drama, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. 

With one breathtaking collection after another in every style, shape and color of the rainbow, Brideside makes it easier than ever to make your besties forever happy.  Imagine shopping online in your yoga pants with a very fabulous twist – you can see the dresses in person before buying.  In other words? It’s how every girl dreams of bridesmaid dress shopping.  Here’s how it works:

Meet Your Stylist – Browsing gorgeous bridesmaid frocks online just got amazing with the help of one of Brideside’s FREE personal stylists.  Think of them as your very own wedding-style expert who will walk with you step by step throughout the entire process, from helping you create a “closet” of unique + oh-so-chic styles to keeping track of all of the specifics.  And Brideside introduced Jenny Yoo gowns this month, which means even more amazing styles to choose from.

Invite Your Besties to Your Brideside Closet – Now that you and your stylist are filling your Closet with some of the prettiest frocks imaginable, invite your bridal party to view your choices for those much-needed second opinions. And when you add or share a favorite, your stylist can see all of the happenings, so she is totally in the loop.

Try It On at Home! – Want to try on the dress before committing?  Once you have narrowed down all of the wedding loveliness to three must-have styles, Brideside will send them to you or your bridesmaids in a Brideside Box!  That means an at-home fitting party with your own shoes, jewelry and a little (or a lot!) of champagne.  Soooo fun.

Order “The One” – Now that you’ve chosen the perfect gown, you can work directly with your stylist to be sure everyone is fitted properly and that the dress of your dreams is ordered for each and every one of your ‘maids.  Oh, and it’s shipped directly to you.  It’s seriously awesome, and seriously stress-free. Seriously. I know, I know… you can’t wait to get started with Brideside.  Visit their website now or, if you live in Chicago, make an appointment with a stylist here.  You can thank us later.

What: Brideside is giving away a $500 credit to one bridal party! 

How: Simply sign up here by April 1, 2015 to be entered to win!

Who: The winner, chosen completely at random, will be announced right here on SMP on Friday, April 3, 2015.

Good luck, lovelies! xo

Long doesn’t even begin to describe the winter we’ve had up here in New England, so it goes without saying we’ve been aching for some good ol’ spring-inspired pretty over here at SMP HQ. Well, this beyond talented team came to our rescue. Designed by Kate Dawson with stunning florals from Valley Flower Company, lovely stationery from Christa Alexandra, and show-stopping cake from A To Z Cakes – this gallery from Kelsey DeWitt is just the dose of virtual vitamin D we all needed. See even more here. 

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Morgan at Valley Flower Company brought the vision to life through her florals creations of amaryllis, mimosas, ranunculas and parrot tulips. She injecting the vibrant blooms with juicy citrus. The awesome centerpiece popped against the white table and ghost chairs.

I then added touches of white fur and mango velvet reminding us that even in the sundrenched space, that the chilly temperatures weren’t too far away!

Christa Alexandra Designs was the mastermind behind the amazing invitation suite. The acrylic invitation was the focal point (obsessed!) and Christa took Natalia’s watercolors and incorporated them into the remainder of the suite – from the envelope liner to the wine bottle label and signature drink signs.

Our beautiful model wore a sleek shift dress and white pumps with a nod to the mod feel of the shoot. Her earrings (and bright lips!) added the pop of color that was such an important piece of the theme. Her look really came to life when she added a white fur jacket and Kelsey captured her against stark white snow banks. The bouquet she carried was a work of art, bright and lively, wrapped with hand dyed ribbon, velvet and beads.

A to Z cakes took our simple direction “modern, watercolor, brights” and made a cake that was way above our expectations! Our signature drinks incorporated the winter citrus flavors of blood oranges and grapefruit. To top off our dessert/drink buffet Sweetie Pie cookies made beautiful gem shaped cookies (that tasted even better than they looked) Our favors were sugary citrus slices.

Kelsey DeWitt captured the event in the most magical way! The bright light of the space was the perfect canvas for her whimsical, glowy, happy images!

Photography: Kelsey DeWitt Photography | Styling And Design: Kate Dawson Events | Florals: Valley Flower Company | Cake: A To Z Cakes | Venue: Private Residence | Beauty: European Face And Body Studio | Cookies: Sweetie Pies Cookies | Paper Goods: Christa Alexandra Designs | Placecards: The Crafty Smiths | Watercolors (for Invitation): Natalia Wrobel

The perfect cure for a snowy New England weekend?  A whole lot of pretty from BKB & Co., the talented team of photography and cinematography geniuses that know everything there is to know about capturing your big day, and capturing it perfectly.  From their exceptional attention to detail to their amazing customer service to the breathtaking images you’ll receive post-wedding, they’re amazing.

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From BKB & Co.… BKB & Co. is a select team of Boston wedding photographers and cinematographers specializing exclusively in weddings. Our wedding professionals are not only recognized in the industry, but also among wedding clients for our tremendous attention to detail from the moment of inquiry through the final product delivery and thereafter. Our studio was built on a simple motto – to capture each wedding as if it were our own. We are professionals at what we do and believe your wedding should be all about you enjoying your day and stress-free. We understand and value the importance of image capture and ensure your wedding photos stay timeless for you and your family for generations to come.

Founder and Creative Director Brittany K. Blando attended both the New England School of Photography and the College of Art and Design at Lesley University before opening her namesake studio in 2002. Throughout her education, Brittany developed a true passion for photographing weddings. The wedding scene in the Greater Boston area has always been vibrant and diverse, making it an exciting arena to be in. She is extremely sought-after in the New England area, even capturing the wedding of Professional Hockey Player Scott Clemmensen, beauty queen Amanda Kelly and Musician Eric Welsh of the band The Pixies. Her style is editorial imagery with photojournalistic flair, which is a style most requested by area engaged couples. Her talented work, impeccable customer service and quick turn-around time has proven to be why her studio is so highly regarded in New England.

To greater meet the needs of local couples, Brittany launched BKB & Co. in 2013 and expanded the studio’s services with the addition of talented wedding photography and wedding videography professionals. This brilliant team has taken the area by storm and has helped BKB become one of the top wedding services in all of New England. This team is truly a cohesive unit – working on weddings together and focusing on unparalleled customer service, flawless product and stellar turn-around time. Our team members are exclusive to our studio alone and have been personally trained by Brittany to provide our clientele with the images they have come to love and along with the personalized customer service the studio is known to provide.

Most recently, BKB announced the addition of a bridal stylist to the staff. With so many small details needed to be attended to on a wedding day, BKB’s bridal stylist will work alongside the BKB team to ensure any issues that may come up over the course of a wedding are resolved quickly, efficiently, and stress-free for the couple. A “day-of assistant” if you will, our stylist will handle many logistics that can sometimes overwhelm a couple or be a distraction on such a milestone day. For instance, she will distribute and pin boutonnieres and corsages, adjust your bridal gown for wedding photos, help keep the wedding day timeline on schedule, gather important individuals for photos, bustle your gown and of course, carry your favorite lipstick so you will always have it on hand throughout the day. Logistics aside, she will also be there to hold your hand and give you a shoulder to rely on.

We recommended you book the studio well-in-advance as our talented professionals have quickly become the talk in the Boston wedding scene.

BKB & Co. is located in historic Charlestown. Complimentary Garage parking available for our clients, a dock out back if you prefer to come by water taxi and of course the MBTA ferry drops in the Navy Yard.

DISCOUNT! Reserve your wedding with both the BKB & Co. photography and cinematography team and receive 5% off your contract and your choice of an Engagement Session in Charlestown Navy Yard or album upgrade!*

*Exclusive offer for SMP readers, available for new clients until April 30th, 2015 for weddings taking place in Boston, MA 2015 – 2016.

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Welcome to the family, BKB & Co.!  We are so happy to have you! xo

A chilly + snowy weekend in New England is most definitely in need of some sunshine, so we’re delivering it the best way we know how: with a fab introduction to Lynne Reznick Photography, a talented photog that knows a thing or two about capturing the pretty. Think drop-dead gorgeous images filled with those heartwarming moments you’ll want to cherish for always.  Take a look at her stunning work below…

From Lynne Reznick Photography… I chose the tagline “A fresh perspective for your classic love story” for my business because it truly embodies the way that I work and what I aim to capture for every couple I photograph. Each couple’s story is different and the detailed planning of every wedding story deserves to be honored. That said, some of my favorite images are the ones where the unplanned happened and it is was lovely, or adorable, or quietly full of emotion. By capturing the moments big and small, expected and unexpected, I seek to tell each couple’s unique love story as it unfolds and share in a whole lot of love and laughter along the way.

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Welcome to the family, Lynne Reznick Photography!  We are so happy to have you! xo

Loved ones gathered at Windsor Mountain for a weekend filled with waterfront adventures and a laid back spirited affair. From hand-dyed napkins, to heirloom antlers, to the hand painted invitations, to Wild Folk Studio blooms crafted by the Bride herself, every aspect was rustic chic perfection. Complete with laughter filled vows and a sweet walk down the aisle, Cambria Grace captured every moment here!

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From the beautiful Bride… Mark and I wanted our magical forest wedding to be a celebration of the community we created together, our friends and families, not just us. The idea was to have a place where everyone could stay for the entire weekend, have adventures, campfires, and get to know each other. Since we spend a lot of time in New Hampshire camping and hiking, we also got engaged in the White Mountains, a summer camp was the perfect fit. We were going for a laid back, non-traditional, but spirited vibe; a weekend that genuinely reflected us, and that’s exactly what we achieved.

Every aspect of our wedding was created, designed and built by us or our friends and family. Since I am a floral designer in Boston, I decided to do all of my own wedding flowers, with the help of some good souls that were willing to get a bit dirty. I transformed the reception area from a camp dining hall to a magical forest wedding with wild, nature inspired floral arrangements in wood bowls, hundreds of feet of garland draped from the ceiling, and warmed up the space with locally made tapered candles in vintage brass candlesticks. I wanted the napkins to look worn and be different shades of blue. The only way to achieve this look without breaking the budget was to hand-dye the napkins. The finishing touch on the tables were antlers that belonged to Mark’s grandfather.

Many of our loved ones contributed to making our wedding weekend exceptional, from my sister-in-law Megan hand painting our wedding invitations, to our friend Jon marrying us, to our friend Brooke waking up before the sun to help me with florals. And that’s just to name a couple. It was truly a collaboration.

We lucked out with the most beautiful 80 degree fall weekend, while the leaves were in full color. All of our guests were able to take advantage of the waterfront. We swam, kayaked, and canoed.

One detail that was really important to me was to walk down the aisle by myself. My older brother, Alex, passed away when I was in college, and I always envisioned him walking me down. It was my way of honoring him. I was incredibly nervous to walk alone, but I knew he was there with me. Mark met me towards the end of the aisle and walked me the rest of the way.

I remember our ceremony being full of laughter.. Mark made a joke during his vows even though everyone advised him not to. It was hilarious, and perfectly reflects who we are as a couple.

After our wedding reception we had our friend Brendan’s band play a late night show in the camp dance hall. Little did I know Mark had a surprise for me. He jumped on stage and sang with the band “I Love You Always Forever” by Donna Lewis. I wasn’t sure if I should laugh or cry. I did a little of both. It was with-out- a-doubt the most romantic act he has ever done. It was brilliant, and I’m so happy it was caught on tape.

Our absolutely favorite moment for the both of us was watching our worlds collide, and everyone having such a good time. It was a very surreal experience.

Photography: Cambria Grace Photography | Floral Design: Wild Folk Studio | Wedding Dress: Sarah Seven | Invitations: Megan Hanley + Wild Folk Studio | Rings: Erie Basin | Hair & Makeup: Kacie Corbelle | Bridal Boutique: Everthine Bridal Boutique | Bride's Bracelet: Cat Bird | Bridesmaid Dress: Zara | Camp: Windsor Mountain Summer Camp

It’s not very often that I get to go behind the scenes of a gorgeous celebration like this. But when the Bride and Groom are none other than your insanely lovable sister and brother-in-law, then it entails a front row seat. It’s a day that’s one for the books with the perfect Fall weather, warm hot toddies, moments of sparkling glamour and a rustic New Hampshire backdrop. My words do it no justice but you know what does? Ruth Eileen’s incredibly beautiful imagery. Have a look here for even more.

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Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography | Florals: Holly Smith | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas | Reception Venue: Moody Mountain Farm | Catering: The White Apron | Hair: Ashley Hewett | DJ: Audio Events | Men's Attire: The Black Tux

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You can’t wait for your besties to stand beside you on your big day, but styling their look, well… that’s another story.  Because that vision you’ve been dreaming of?  You just don’t have the time to put it all together. Enter Style My Bridal, professional bridesmaid stylists that take all of the guess work out of choosing that perfect gown + accessories with custom suggestions based on your vision.

We’ve all been there: you’ve pinned about a million images of dreamy bridesmaids, but when you try to find time in your busy schedule to search for those perfect dresses, it’s almost impossible.  That’s why Style My Bridal is so genius.  Your personalist stylist will curate a custom look book just for you, and you can choose the vision that is right for you and the ones you love.  And don’t worry about scheduling all of your besties for a day of bridesmaid dress shopping – Style My Bridal will send your dresses directly to YOU, so you can have a fun girls’ day right in the comfort of your own home.  And when you make that final decision, just purchase the dresses + accessories from Style My Bridal.  It’s a one-stop shop of bridal party awesomeness.

So what are you waiting for, loves?  Run, don’t walk, to Style My Bridal and click “Get Started” to start working with your personal stylist. Get started in the month of January and get 15% off your dress purchase by April 1, 2015 by mentioning SMP! (Offer valid for new clients only.)

And don’t forget – you can donate any and all bridesmaid dresses to Style My Bridal for Belle of the Ball to receive $15 off your future dress purchase.  Click here for drop-off locations.

Style My Bridal and Bari Jay Fashions present a New Year ‘Maid of Style Giveaway. Enter to win up to 5 bridesmaid dresses to outfit your bridal party!  Just click here to enter.  Good luck, lovelies!

Photography: Mary Costa Photography | Styling: Style My Bridal | Makeup: Flawless Face And Body | Hair: A&A Hair Boutique | Dresses: Style My Bridal | Garden: Boston Public Garden | Jewelry & Accessories: Style My Bridal | Models: Dynasty Models

While I may be a bit partial to navy, creams and green (my own wedding colors), there is no denying that this summer celebration is beyond beautiful.  Toss in the tulle skirt that the bride added to her gown and I’m downright obsessed. With Kate Preftakes behind the lens and Apotheca working their floral magic, I’ll be in the gallery pinning directly to my own boards for the next several hours.

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From Preftakes Photo… The only thing better than Claire and Kevin’s gorgeous black tie wedding is their love story. The couple first met when Claire was just 12 years old and Kevin’s family was vacationing on Long Island. They had a very shy and innocent first kiss in the sweet summer air when they were kids and then reconnected as adults. They kept in touch through the years and reconnected for their first real date as adults in NYC. They had such a strong bond and just knew it was meant to be. And the rest is history!

Which leads us to this very special wedding day! The couple were married at the Abbey at St. Anselm’s College, Kevin’s alma mater, and their reception was at The Bedford Village Inn. Invitations were by Gus and Ruby and the incredible flowers were by Apotheca Flowers. Claire was stunning in her Vera Wang gown, which she adorned with a tulle skirt. 

This wedding was not only beautiful but so genuine and warm. I loved photographing this stunning, kind couple.

From The Bride… We wanted to have a late summer wedding, I grew up by the beach in the Hamptons so summer has always been the best time of year to me. We decided to have our wedding at the Abbey Church at Saint Anselm College, Kevin’s alma matter and also where his parents met. The Abbey is such a stunning space and Kevin’s cousin who married us is a monk there so we loved the family history that accompanied this venue. We are so lucky that the Bedford Village Inn is right around the corner – it has the perfect blend of rustic sophistication we were looking for and they were so accommodating with every request. I also loved the convenience that a lot of our family and friends could stay there and we could all just go upstairs at the end of the night. While I always envisioned more of a beachy wedding vibe, I decided to embrace the rustic elements of our surroundings and insert our own aesthetic to make it more “us.” When I first got engaged I was overwhelmed by all the gorgeous décor options, but after many hours logged on Pinterest I realized I was most attracted to lush white and green florals – classic, clean and elegant. I was immediately drawn to navy blue for our main color, I love its timelessness and it felt like a natural choice for late summer. From the get-go it was important to me for our big day to have a personalized and cohesive look and feel, so we designed a monogram that we used on our invitations and our printed goods throughout the ceremony and reception. Most importantly, we wanted our guests to have fun – we made sure to book a fun band to boogie down to, late night snacks (mini-sliders and lobster mac & cheese!) to keep the party going, and extra-long sparkles to cap off what will be a truly magical night.

Photography: Kate Preftakes Photography | Floral Design: Apotheca | Cake: Erin McDowell | Invitations: Gus & Ruby Letterpress | Ceremony Venue: Abbey At St. Anselm's | Reception Venue: Bedford Village Inn | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Makeup: Blush | Hair: Laurie Rourke | Band: Brandy Band | Bridal Gown: Bella Bridesmaid

Surrounded by stunning lake views and blooms by Dandelions Florist, these summer camp sweeties made certain that their day was packed with fun and Mikhail Glabets was there to capture every bit of it. It’s outdoor elegance perfectly accomplished – from the boat rides to the sail cloth tented reception and a couldn’t-be-more-in-love duo – if that doesn’t make your heart flutter, the full gallery most definitely will!

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From The Bride…I’m stoked to be able to present my own summer lakeside wedding to you. Having had met at a summer camp on the lake, my husband and I could have not imagined a better place to celebrate our wonderful union. I hope you enjoy the shots of me getting ready with my girls; a little taste of the ceremony; the “first meal”-a Wolfeboro tradition down at the town docks where “Hot Dog Bob” gives the husband and wife their first meal together; the pre-cocktail booze cruise aboard a traditional river boat “The Winni Belle”, the huge bridal party’s arrival in antique Chris crafts, our beloved hound dog Remi hamming up all the attention as we arrive at the Brewster Academy Pinckney Boat House, and last but not least pictures of all of our family and friends living it up at the sail cloth tented reception.

Photography: Mikhail Glabets Lifestyle Photography | Flowers: Dandelions Florist | Wedding Gown: Matthew Christopher | Cake: From Scratch Katie Johnson | Church: St. Katharine Drexel | Shoes: Jack Rogers | Band: Lovely Singers Production | Booze Cruise: Wolfeboro Inn | Bridesmaid and Flower girl dresses: Watters | Chris Craft: "The Millie B"-NH Boat Museum | Reception and Cocktail Hour Venue: Brewster Academy | Ring Bearer Seer Sucker Suit: Hartstrings | Sail Cloth Tent: Exeter Rentals

There’s nothing quite like a nod to nature than a mountain top wedding. Captured by Kate Preftakes Photography and surrounded by glorious views, this couple wed in the exact spot where groom proposed and kept every detail personalized along the way. From the Bride’s handcrafted florals, to the festive Mexican food reception, peek through the gallery and I swear you can almost smell the wildflowers.

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From Kate Preftakes Photography…If there’s one thing that I could share with you from this wedding, besides these lovely images and the pure joy from this couple, it would be the incredible smell of the mountain air mixed with lavender and wildflowers. Heather and Jimmie were married on a mountain top in Harrisville, NH overlooking Mount Monadnock, the very spot where he proposed and they began this journey. The day started with the threat of rain but it never came, and the sun peeked in and out of the clouds all day until finally, it was a glorious view.

Heather and Jimmie put a bit of themselves and their love of nature into every detail of this wedding. Heather is a Marine Biologist and Jimmie is an arborist so they wanted their wedding to be a nod to nature. From the center piece stand tree stumps that Jimmie cut from his parent’s land, to the flower arrangements that Heather made herself, their hands were a part of every detail. As nature lovers they wanted their wedding to be eco-friendly and used dried flowers in recycled glass bottles for their tables, and beautiful felted bird nest balls to decorate their pergola. The felt came from a local farm where Jimmie worked while growing up and I just love that the birds can take the bits of felt to line their nests. They served Mexican food (their favorite) and Heather’s sister made the beautiful cake.

Heather and Jimmie are so perfect for each other and their love shines through wherever they are. It was truly a day filled with joy, love and laughter. And beauty. So much natural New Hampshire beauty.

From The Bride…Jim proposed at the top of Mt.Monadnock, so when we were looking for a place to get married we wanted to be as close to the mountain as possible. We love being up there. Cobb Hill was the first place we looked at and knew it was perfect. We tried to keep everything simple and a nod to nature. The venue is so beautiful we didn’t want to take away from that. We had nesting balls hanging from our pergola, and recycled glass bottles collected by family and friends were used for vases. Jim used wood from a tree he cut down from his parent’s yard to make center piece stands, and he also made our guest book. Trying to stick with doing good by nature we used all dried flowers for our arragnements so the flowers can be used over by guests or ourselves without dying a week later. We tried to do as much as possible ourselves so you can see a bit of us in everything. Also we had Mexican food which is our absolute favorite!

Photography: Kate Preftakes Photography | Invitations: David's Bridal | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Caterer: Hope Stanley | Hair And Makeup: Studio H | Bird Nest Balls: Hope Stanley | Bride's Dress: Catherine Dean/BHLDN | Cobb Hill Estate: Cobb Hill Estate

Filled with love and the prettiest details you ever did see, this gorgeous Wolfeboro Inn wedding (captured beautifully by Shane Godfrey Photography) is one for the books. It’s simply overflowing with pretty – so trust me when I say you’ll want to spend your entire day pouring over this gallery.

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Photography: Shane Godfrey Photography | Floral Design: Dandelions Florist | Wedding Dress: Blue by Enzoani | Catering: Wolfeboro Inn | Hair & Makeup: Making Faces | Band: Drew Yount | Wedding Venue: Wolfeboro Inn | Desserts: O LA LA Creative Cakes