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

5 Holiday Gift Ideas For The Happy Couple In Your Life

Maybe it’s a friend, a co-worker, maybe it’s you–but you definitely know someone who has a wedding coming up or is a happy newlywed. If you’re looking for something to get them this holiday season, you’ve come to the right place! From designer shoes that have oft graced the pages here at SMP to cutting-edge wedding tech that will lighten the planning load, we’ve come up with five holiday gift ideas for the happy couple in your life that they’re sure to love. Happy shopping…

1| Shoes From Bella Belle

PHOTO | @annaandmateo

If you’re a regular here at SMP, then you’re no doubt familiar with Bella Belle shoes. They’re whimsical, delicate, and downright stunning! As far as wedding shoes go, it really doesn’t get any better than this. And, while shoe shopping for someone else may be difficult, we can assure you, you literally can’t go wrong with anything from Bella Belle. For the bride in your life, bridesmaids, and even moms–they’ve got something for everyone. And with so many wedding-related events in their future, they could definitely use a new pair of heels (or two).

2|Essentials From The Wedding Swap App

PHOTO | Sarah Coleman Photography

With the planet seemingly on the brink and everyone’s wallet still recovering from the pandemic, we’re seeing a surge in people looking for a more sustainable approach to the holiday season. Well, we’ve found just the app! Wedding Swap is an app that’s revolutionizing how couples source everything for their weddings from attire to decor. And while we don’t recommend you buy someone’s wedding dress for them, there are a few items couples tend to forget when it comes to planning their big day and you’re sure to find them on Wedding Swap:

Ring Boxes- Sure, their rings will likely come in boxes, but those boxes are usually branded somehow by the store or designer and probably won’t coordinate with their wedding color palette. If you have their wedding invite, refer to that to see which ring boxes may work well with their wedding colors. Just think about how gorg their flat lays and photos will look thanks to you!
Candle Sticks- At a wedding, one can never have too many candles. And while you may not be able to buy enough candles for every table, focus on their sweetheart table. Go with something that fits their personal style as well so that they can use the candlesticks in their home decor or bring them out for special occasions.
Ribbon-Now, we know this one may seem odd, but hear us out. Ribbon is one of the most underrated wedding essentials! And we’re not talking the ribbon you can pick up at your local craft store, we’re talking beautiful, hand-cut silk ribbon–you know the kind. Make sure to add ribbon to your Wedding Swap shopping list. You can use it to wrap the gift and it can double as a prop for photos or can be used around the stem of the bride’s bouquet.

3| Custom Bouquet Portrait By Phantasia Studio

Weddings come and go in the blink of an eye. And while wedding albums are a great way to look back and reminisce, they often get put on a bookshelf and forgotten about until an anniversary or other sentimental occasion. What about gifting your favorite couple a happy reminder of their big day that they can look at all the time? That they could literally hang above their mantle or in their bedroom? Meet Phantasia Studio, an artist that specializes in painting floral portraits! Unlike other methods of bouquet preservation like pressing, drying, or resin blocks, a floral portrait is frozen in time and will forever look as beautiful as the day they walked down the aisle. And because Pantasia Studio can work off of a photograph, the custom floral portrait can be a surprise! She can even incorporate words and music into the artwork like names, dates, snippets of vows, or processional music. She also works in a variety of mediums so she can create a unique piece that fits seamlessly into their interior design. And you’ll never believe us when we tell you the price! These gorgeous pieces of art start at just $2 per square inch! Contact Phantasia Studio today and give them something that they’ll cherish for a lifetime.

4| Personalized Wifey Gear From Birdy Grey

Did you know that Birdy Grey, the super popular bridesmaid brand, also has a ton of personalized gifts? From lace robes and cozy pajamas to denim jackets, they’ve got something for every type of bride. And, now that they’re married, all of their favorite monogrammed essentials will need an update. If you’re the bride, Birdy Grey also has amazing personalized gifts for bridesmaids as well, like coordinating pajamas and robes so you can twin on your big day and travel-friendly accessories like this reusable glass water bottle. Besides being completely adorable, all of these gifts are surprisingly AFFORDABLE! And every penny counts whether you’re planning a wedding yourself or just attending one.

5| Premium TextMyGuests Package

TextMyGuests is the revolutionary new event app that’s helping couples keep all of their guests in the know. From parking info to COVID-19 restrictions and everything in between, couples can update all of their wedding guests with a single text! With their premium option, couples can write unlimited messages, and create unlimited groups (like one for guests and one for the bridal party for rehearsal dinner info, etc.). Now for the best part, TextMyGuests allows couples and guests to share photos from the event seamlessly. No more scrolling the wedding hashtag and trolling the location on IG–everyone gets instant gratification! Is there really a better gift than peace of mind? We think not! Gift a premium event package for just $149. Just create the account, choose the package that works best for you and add the bride and/or groom as hosts. Order now and they’re offering SMP readers 10% off with code SMP10!

We hope that helps narrow down your holiday shopping list and who knows, you may find a few goodies for yourself too. Happy Holidays from everyone here at SMP!

Shoes: Bella Belle | App: The Wedding Swap | App: Text My Guests | Floral Portraits: Phantasia Studio | Gifts: Birdy Grey

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Petit Bouquet

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This Luxury Christmas Wedding Is All The Holiday Cheer You Need!

Looking for some holiday cheer? This ultra-glamorous wedding with floral design by the groom himself, Dale of Silks a Bloom, is an absolute show stopper. Anne Claire Allen Planning & Design helped bring our couple’s special day vision to life in the most epic way, and Erin Wilson Photography beautifully captured the love and joy of the day in her imagery. Each detail in the full gallery is more beautiful than the last, be sure not to miss a single one.

Dale and Sage have celebrated their love for 18 years and when they decided to get married they knew it had to be a Christmas wedding. Dale has loved Christmas for so long, going back to when he was younger and would help his family decorate for Christmas.

This holiday means so much to him, more than words can say. It meant so much to celebrate their love with holiday style. Every detail was perfect because Dale himself owns a floral company Silks a Bloom and he designed everything and his team created this beautiful day. Anne Claire Allen Planning & Design, a wedding planner, and his best friend, helps execute Dale and Sage’s dream to perfection.

Every guest was given an ornament as a gift and every chair had each guest’s name on a small wreath. The evening was not only meant to celebrate Dale and Sage’s love but each celebrating each guest and loved one in their lives. A special detail from Dale and Sage’s day was their attire. Barakat Bespoke in Little Rock designed multiple looks for each groom. They were dressed to perfection.

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Erin Wilson Photography

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Registry Picks From Waterford That Will Help You Think Outside The Box

When you’re setting up your registry, it can be hard to visualize how everything will come together in your home. The great thing about registering for Waterford crystal pieces is that they go with pretty much any decor style. Even if you’re not into ornate designs, they have some great minimalist pieces that can help brighten a modern space.We know you’ve heard the name Waterford, it’s practically synonymous with crystal, so you probably think you know the brand and what they’re all about. Well, we’re here to say guess again! True, their reputation for amazing quality still rings true today, and of course, you can still snag some timeless crystal pieces, but they have some intriguing new additions that may surprise you. Waterford invited us to explore their showroom and here are a few of the gems we discovered that will add some interest to your wedding registry and some flare to your new home as a married couple! Here’s how to think outside the box with your registry:

SHOP THIS LOOK | Aras Decanter Round & Connoisseur Aras Straight Tumblers

Elevate Your After-Work Drink

Every couple needs a good set of tumbler glasses like the Connoisseur Aras Straight Tumblers from Waterford shown above (bonus points if you have a matching decanter). They’re great for entertaining or for an after-work drink with your partner on a Friday night. When staying in looks this good, why go out?

Play With Shape

After you’ve made your list of registry must-haves, explore the options. While you should definitely register for some classic pieces, consider going for options that put their own twist on tradition, like this modern take on the classic carafe. We also love how the matching glasses have a fresh angular silhouette and that both feature smooth frosted crystal on the stems and base!

SHOP THIS LOOK | Lismore Arcus Carafe & Lismore Arcus Universal Wine Glass

Look For Form & Function

Still having trouble deciding what you need? Try going through your daily routine and make note of what functional pieces could be a bit more, shall we say, aesthetically pleasing? For example, ditch your old alarm clock for this stunning Waterford crystal clock. Let’s be real, we all use the alarm on our phone and if you need the time, how much cuter is this to look at?! Or, look at that photo that you’ve kept since your first anniversary in college…we bet the frame could use an update.

SHOP THIS LOOK | Lismore Clock

SHOP THIS LOOK | Lismore Essence Horizontal Frame

Enhance The Everyday

Whether it’s updating your water glasses or glamming up your bathroom routine with this Waterford crystal perfume bottle and ring holder, use your registry as an opportunity to make your every day a little prettier. These days so many of us work from home or at least spend a significant amount of time there, so it’s definitely worth the investment! There have actually been studies about how your living space affects your mood and people who like the way their home looks and feels have better mental health overall. So, do it for your health–what better reason could there be?

SHOP THIS LOOK | Lismore Square Ring Holder & Lismore Tall Footed Perfume Bottle

Register with Waterford for these pieces and keep an eye out for even more innovations and unexpected registry finds by following them @waterford on IG.

Registry Items: Waterford

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Petit Bouquet

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Luxurious White Wedding at Amanzoe Complete With Over 1,000 White Roses

When the rehearsal dinner looked as incredible as it did, it’s no surprise the wedding day was out-of-this-world! Complete with over 1,000 white roses from Studio 7, we can guarantee the ceremony and reception are unlike anything you’ve seen before. Curated and planned by The Event Company, the black and white color palette was complimented perfectly by the bride’s favorite hue – Tiffany blue! See all the spectacular details at the full gallery, captured by Lilli Kad Photography!

From Lilli Kad Photography… Tiffanie & Mark’s wedding weekend was nothing short on spectacular! They fell in love with Amanzoe at first sight and one can see how Amanoze has inspired some of the details and style of the event. The wedding day ended up being a very grand affair. Getting ready at the special Villa 20 at Amanzoe was truly the perfect backdrop for Tiffanie and Mark’s classic bridal party photos. They each had 8-9 groomsmen and bridesmaids so space really was an important factor.

Their equally classic black and white theme tied in with tiffanie’s favourite colour “Tiffany blue” effortlessly. The ceremony and reception set up featured 1000s of white roses. Tiffanie’s mum had lots of white roses at her wedding so she wanted to carry that tradition forward. From a “Tifftini” and a “Markhattan” cocktail, a signature scent of Tiffany and Co’s &Love collection created for Mark and for Tiffanie to Mark’s pocket Square being made out of Tiffanie’s gown, all the little details were thought through and had a special meaning to Tiffanie and Mark.

The veil even had hand stitched pearls in the design of the stars. Tiffanie: ” We started rehearsing for our first dance in October, before our wedding in May. We carved out time to practice in our wedding attire during cocktail hour, and that was a special moment together before dancing in front of everyone after the cutting of the cake.”

Music was the most important part for their wedding day and so it came to no surprise that the entire evening was laced with spectacular programs such as fire dancers on the beach, lots of talented singers and entertainers. Defingou events and Inspiration Live Music really pulled out all the stops and had the guests dancing throughout the night. The night finished with a spectacular showcase of fireworks and we can honestly say that we have never been more in awe of the immaculate planning and styling by The event co!

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Petit Bouquet

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This Luxurious White Welcome Dinner In Greece Looks Like It’s Floating On Water!

This seaside celebration is sure to sweep you off your feet! Held on a plateau built on top of the water, The Event Company designed a rounded dinner table that was big enough to seat every guest at one table! The entire celebration looked as if it was floating on top of the water, and was artfully captured in imagery by Lilli Kad Photography. White florals designed by Studio 7 are the perfect addition to the dreamlike day, prepare to fall in love inside the full gallery.

From Lilli Kad Photography… Tiffanie and Mark’s wedding weekend at Amanzoe in Porto Heli was nothing short of breathtaking. They fell in love with Amanzoe at first sight and one can see how Amanzoe has inspired the details and design of the events. With Amanzoe‘s main feature being the round plateau seemingly floating on blue waters above the clouds, the round table design at the welcome event really felt natural to Anna at The Event Company who styled and planned the wedding to perfection.

We haven’t seen a massive custom-made round table like this before! Tiffanie and Mark had been to many weddings before and always thought that they prefer a style of table where everyone can see each other. The veiled dancers, ethereal and dramatic music program, and the fire pit in the middle of the circle really added the right amount of drama to the night.

Tiffanie said that it really felt like it was a ceremony in its own way. For the table decorations, they referenced the gifts of the ocean. Lots of shells and coral tied in with the actual beach wedding the day after.

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Modern Wedding at the Threshold of Winter and Spring

It’s official, the dark and moody florals at this California wedding are not to be missed. Natalie Choi Events brought Rachel and Dan’s dream wedding day to life, and The Loved Co filled it with blooms that we can’t get enough of. Every inch of this elegant day is artfully captured by Nirav Patel, visit the full gallery to get lost in all the lovely.

Rachel and Dan wanted the concept of their wedding to reflect the beauty of spring emerging from the darkness of winter, as a reflection of their love that bloomed during the pandemic.

Set at the historical Montalvo Arts Center, spring blooms were framed by dark moody plates and soft velvet linens. Our bride, Rachel, wore a two-piece set from Emily Riggs, with an unconventional lace top and black skirt.

Instead of a first dance, Rachel and Dan performed the first song together – their rendition of I love you by Billie Eilish.

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BBJ La Tavola

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An Intimate Maui Wedding Full of Sunshine and Coconuts

Need an instant dose of Vitamin D on this sleepy Monday afternoon? We’ve got just the medicine for you. Consider today’s Maui wedding planned by VOWS Wedding & Event Planning your one-way ticket to paradise. The bride and groom tied the knot under an arbor lush with tropical blooms by Bella Bloom Floral Boutique. Later, guests were welcomed to the seaside reception by a monogrammed coconut escort display that’s guaranteed to go viral. Get on island time at the full gallery, captured by Dmitri and Sandra Photography!

From Owner Katy Roberts of Vows Wedding Wedding & Event Planning… Beautiful couple inside and out, Los Angeles based Lyssa and Michael gave us 6 months to plan and design their multilayered and playful dream day in paradise. Inclusiveness of their intimate group of 40 for the entire wedding weekend was #1 priority. They landed on the spectacular oceanfront lawn at the Wailea Beach Resort by Marriott in South Maui for their wedding venue and home base for celebrating love, family and friendship all weekend at the end of June 2022. Bride Lyssa wanted a classic yet playful look which I think perfectly matches her fun and silly personality.

From our bride Lyssa… Getting married on Maui surrounded by our closest family and friends was a dream come true . Two main priorities for our wedding day were for us and our guests to embrace the tropical island feel of our location and to spend as much intimate and quality time together as we could.

The lawn at the Wailea Beach Resort was the perfect location for our event as the setting next to the ocean waves and lava rock provided a naturally beautiful backdrop. The green and white tropical flower arrangements were absolutely stunning and made the space feel elegant and special but also highlighted the natural landscape and let the natural beauty speak for itself! The white leis placed on the back of everyone’s ceremony chairs were one of our favorite touches that made for a beautiful ceremony space and special treat for our guests. And it was fun to see everyone wearing their leis throughout the rest of the evening!

We kept our ceremony and reception all in one location on the oceanfront lawn; this set-up, including some other specifics of our lay-out that our wedding planner Katy Roberts inspired, helped to facilitate more of that intimate feeling for us and our guests throughout the evening. Her recommendation for us to take some time together after the ceremony, just the two of us, was one we were glad we listened to! The cocktail area was set-up with lounge furniture and lawn games to facilitate easy mingling and hang-out time for our guests. And for our reception area, the dinner tables circling the dance floor with the bistro lights strung overhead created the feeling of an intimate gathering for the entire night! Our day was the perfect balance of time for just us as husband and wife and time celebrating and dancing the night away with our loved ones.

In addition to the lawn games during cocktail hour, we wanted some other fun touches that helped us, and our guests, get in the Aloha spirit! Seeing this was a destination wedding, some of our guests had never been to Hawaii before, so we wanted our wedding day to help them experience that Maui Island feeling. We loved the monogrammed coconuts from Catered Coconuts with the addition of some fun tropical straws and all our guests received a pair of colorful sunglasses as their seating assignment. The group photo of everyone in front of a palm tree with these party favors (and their leis!) made for one of my favorite photos from the wedding!

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Dmitri and Sandra Photography

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A Wine Country Wedding at the Star Lake Vineyards

This wine-country wedding is wildly romantic. From the colorful florals by SHARLA FLOCK DESIGNS to the four-tiered wedding cake decorated with pressed flowers, every inch of this special day was like a work of art. Mandy Scott Events carefully planned every elegant little detail, and Blue Note Weddings captured it all in photography that is sure to stand the test of time. Visit the full gallery for a closer look.

From Blue Note Weddings… What is better than a wine country wedding on a 20-acre estate in the private Sonoma Valley Hills? Emma and Trevor stepped into their wedding day with smiles and adoration for one another bringing their family and friends a day of stylish elegance on a gorgeous vineyard surrounded by sweeping views. Resting on over 22 acres and surrounded by rolling hills with spectacular views of Mt. St. Helena, Starr Lake Vineyards brings an outstanding elevated experience to weddings held there. It was an honor to photograph such a beautiful wedding where the details literally made my heart leap! From the colorful florals to the romantic light that surrounded the couple, this wedding sets a tone of classic beauty with all the right wow factor. No two weddings are the same. When photographing a wedding I think my favorite part is honoring each element that makes each couple’s experience unique. It was clear that Emma and Trevor put a lot of thoughtfulness into their wedding day details.

Mandy Scott of Mandy Scott Events made sure to work closely with the couple to create an intentional wedding day masterpiece. The florals were a dreamy medley designed with just the right amount of classical tones of white roses, Lisianthus, and feathery peonies matched with subtle greens and some complimentary pops of coral Dahlias and hints of lavender Scabiosa. Sharla flock designs created swoon-worthy centerpieces bringing warmth and joyfulness to the reception tables along with a waterfall of cascading arrangement at the sweetheart table that everyone adored. The bride and groom were unified in dappled light on the upper lawn overlooking the stunning 4-acre lake surrounding the Estate. Tears filled guests’ eyes as the couple exchanged vows and rings alongside their adoring bridal party. Emma wore a Monique Lhuillier gown paired with Monolo Blahnik shoes that guests complimented throughout the evening and Trevor stood dapper alongside her in his custom tuxedo from Suit Supply and Magnanni shoes.

The four-tiered wedding cake was on display as an art piece decorated with pressed flowers. The reception took place in front of the rustic barn. Guests enjoyed dinner out alongside a sea of lush green grape vines with the golden sun setting behind. After dinner, the doors of the barn were opened and guests were invited inside to witness Emma and Trevor’s beautiful first dance. We stole the couple away shortly before sunset for some last light portraits at the top of the hillside at a private home nearby overlooking the Star Lake property then ducked into some private vineyards for more golden hour couples portraits. Just after the last dance, Emma changed into an elegant Nadine Marabi feather-cuffed silk PJs paired with her open-toed glittered mule slide Salvatore Ferragamo shoes and Trevor rocked a velvet lapel smoking jacket giving off James Bond vibes. The two stole away in a classic vintage Rolls Royce as guests cheered them off.

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BBJ La Tavola

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Bringing Autumn Romance Indoors at Legacy Acres

Today’s ballroom wedding planned by Jessika McCuin Weddings brought the romance of autumn indoors at Legacy Acres. Tanarah -Luxe Floral and Event Styling knew exactly how to transform the ‘blank canvas’ venue into a foliage-filled dream with tasteful arrangements of garden roses, hydrangea and vibrant leaves. See all the inspiration at the full gallery, all captured by Erin Wilson Photography!

From Erin Wilson Photography… An elegant wedding day for LaQuasha and Raymond. They celebrated big with the most gorgeous fall wedding at Legacy Acres in Conway Arkansas.

From Raymonds velvet dinner jacket to the beautiful cocktails handed out at cocktail hour, every detail was perfect for them.

Their classic wedding cake was such a gem at their wedding and the subtle fall leaves mixed into the florals made it so perfectly autumn.

I know LaQuasha and Raymond waited and planned their wedding for so long it was special to see them tie the knot.

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Erin Wilson Photography

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CON.STRUCT A Look That Your Groomsmen Will Love

Forget muted neutrals, you’re all about color so why should your wedding day be any different? If you’re looking for a brand that can keep up with your appetite for all things vibrant and you’re overall zest for life, we’ve got just the menswear brand for you–CON.STRUCT. They’re revolutionizing menswear by combining timeless suiting cuts with a preppy, modern color palette and some seriously innovative fiber tech! They just launched their Ceremony Collection, and trust us when we say they’ve got EVERYTHING you need for your wedding as far as suiting is concerned. Bridal party? Covered. Groom? Done. And with one major item checked off your wedding to-do list, you get some extra time to chill before the big day. Here are just a few of the reasons we’re so obsessed…

All The Right Colors

5 Timeless Suit Colors

Color is what really sets CON.STRUCT apart from the other brands on the market. Sure, they’ve got the classics: Black, Tan, Ash Gray, and Ink Navy, but they also have a playful shade of bright Laguna blue that would be perfect for a spring or summer wedding. Your girls get to have fun and wear some color, why not let your guys be a little colorful too?

Not Your Grandpa’s Dress Shirts

While a colorful suit may be a little daring for some, everyone can get behind a dress shirt that’s a little more festive than your average workwear. And while their signature Performance Dress Shirts do come in classic colors, it’s the prints for us. Seriously, how fun would a robin’s egg floral shirt be peeking out from under a tan suit?

Accessories That Are The Perfect Match For Your Favorite Brands

Hesitant to go with a color for the guys because it may clash with your bridesmaids’ looks? CON.STRUCT’s already two steps ahead! Not only do they offer all of their stain-resistant accessories (ties, bowties, lapel pins, and pocket squares) in all of the most popular wedding colors, they’ve taken the liberty of matching them perfectly to your favorite bridesmaid dress brands like Dessy, David’s Bridal, and Azazie. To make it foolproof, they even have a chart on their website!

Performance Fabrics

Unlike the materials used in your average suit like heavy wool and wrinkle-prone linen, CON.STRUCT suiting separates are made of fabric that’s actually on your side! Crafted from innovative quick-drying stretch knit fabric that looks like a perfectly tailored suit but feels like your favorite workout wear. Oh, and they smell a lot better than both because they’re treated with SILVADUR™ technology to provide intelligent odor and freshness protection. And get ready to have your mind blown…they’re MACHINE WASHABLE! Every guy has that suit in the back of their closet that just sits there unworn because they’ve been meaning to take it to the dry cleaner. Well, never again! Think about how much wear you and your groomsmen will get out of your new CON.STRUCT suits (and how much you’ll save on dry cleaning!)

Amazing Prices

Speaking of savings, we haven’t even told you the best part yet. These gorgeous, colorful pieces are super affordable! With mix-and-match suiting separates starting at $149.50 for jackets and $89.50 for pants! That’s an entire suit for under $250–and you get to keep it!

Finish styling your bridal party today with CON.STRUCT, the menswear brand that can handle anything a wedding can throw at it, from dancing to spills–your groomsmen (and your photo album) will thank you!

Follow @conxstruct on IG to stay up on the latest color and pattern drops.

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Petit Bouquet

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Chic Napa-Inspired Floral Explosion Styled Shoot

This bold and beautiful wedding inspiration is sure to leave you breathless. Filled with a colorful floral explosion designed by David Kurio Designs. everything from tabletops to the ceiling is adorned with elegant blooms. The entire day was artfully planned and designed by Pearl Events Austin, who thought of every carefully curated detail. Every image by Caroline Lima Photography is more stunning than the last, see them all inside the full gallery.

This chic Napa-inspired styled shoot is sure to make you feel like you are at a vineyard in the south. The bright and airy outdoor cocktail hour features a beautiful bar wrapped with toile vinyl, alabaster grapes showcased next to the fabric bar menu, contemporary cocktail table lamps, and a gorgeous textured cake surrounded by grapes.

Lush and abstract florals filled the tablescapes and hung from the ceiling in the dining space. Every detail down to the intricate floral candles gave the dinner setting such a romantic and intimate feel. To soften the rich-wine-colored florals we added the softest touches of lavender and linen throughout the place settings.

Guests could find their seats with decorative and delicious maccaron place cards. Lastly, our glowing bride showcased the most stunning garden-inspired jewels and exquisite Pronovias dresses.

5 Key Wedding Planning Tips That Translate Perfectly to Your Holiday Entertaining

You’re in party planning mode. And sure, you’ve got your hands full planning a wedding and all, but the holidays have officially arrived–it’s the perfect time to take your newfound entertaining skills on a dry run before the big day. Here are some insider tips for wedding planning that will translate perfectly to your holiday entertaining plans.

1 | GET ORGANIZED

Organization is key when it comes to hosting any event (no matter how big or small). Your wedding planning and holiday party planning should look the same at the beginning–you, a pen and paper, a bev of choice, and (of course) a Pinterest board. And remember, planning anything is a big job, so whether you look to your fiancée or a professional planner, don’t be too proud to ask for help. Mark important dates/deadlines on the calendar, like when you need to have the headcount turned into the caterer or when you need to place orders for decorations so they arrive on time. And make sure to set reminder notifications! We find that it’s helpful to keep everything organized in a binder like this one, so it’s all in one place and easy to find when you need it.

2 | DESIGNATE A PHOTOGRAPHER

Weddings and holiday parties share another common thread–all the people you love in one place. And it’s SOOO important to capture those memories. You’ve probably already hired a photographer for your wedding, and while we would definitely support you hiring a photographer for your holiday party, we understand that may be a little out of the budget. So, instead, give someone at the party the esteemed position of honorary photographer. Everyone’s got that friend or family member that always takes the best photos! Chances are, they’ll take the position to heart and you’ll end up with some beautiful candids that you’ll cherish for years to come. Encourage guests to take photos by setting up some insta-worthy backdrops with garland and cute signs like this one. It’s also a good idea to start a shared album that everyone can add to so you don’t miss a moment!

3 | A SEATING CHART IS ESSENTIAL

Ok, while holidays are certainly magical, they can also be awkward AF, especially when everyone is sitting at the same table. We know creating a seating chart can be tedious, but trust us, it’s ESSENTIAL! Even if everyone gets along (for the most part) you should still think about where everyone is sitting. Seat people together who have common interests or are from the same friend group, etc. To make it super simple, set up place cards ahead of time. That way, when dinner’s served, your guests have already had a chance to find their place. Plus think about how adorable the tablescape will look with festive place card holders like these.

4 | KEEP FAVORS SIMPLE AND USEFUL

Favors add an elegant touch to any occasion and a holiday party is no different. But, don’t panic, you don’t need to spend a ton to make a big impact. The perfect favor is something small (that’s easy to transport) and something your guests can use like these cute tealight holders that can double as table decor. Customize them with your guests’ names and make sure they know to take them home.

5 | GIVE YOUR GUESTS ENOUGH INFO ON THE INVITE

As you’ve no doubt learned on your wedding planning journey, there’s so much more to invites than just when and where. You also need to give your guests important info like dress code and even parking instructions. While that may see a little extra for a holiday party, trust us on this one! Seriously, how many times have you shown up completely overdressed or underdressed to a party and felt out of place? And your future self will thank you when you’re not fielding a million texts for parking instructions as you’re juggling guests arriving and making sure everything makes it out of the oven on time. For a complete breakdown of everything that should be on your invites (for your wedding and beyond) check out our Complete Invitation Wording Guide.

And while we’re here to help your holiday plans go as smoothly as possible, don’t stress about making everything perfect! Like your wedding, all that truly matters is that the people you love are there to celebrate together. Happy Holidays from everyone here at SMP!

A Garden Inspired Wedding In San Jose Done In Sage Green

This California wedding is modern romance at its finest. Filled with a color palette of sage green and black accents, Kindred Events Co transformed a private home into a lush secret garden affair we can’t get enough of. Floral design by Cherries Flowers is beyond dreamy, and Natalie Bray Studios artfully captured the love and joy of the day in her imagery. Visit the full gallery to fall head over heels in love with every last detail.

From Natalie Bray Studios… On a beautiful Summer day, Devon and Nick wed at their private home overlooking San Jose. I had photographed Devon’s sister’s wedding and this was truly so special to be invited back to photograph hers.

Kindred Events Co completely transformed the home to look and feel like a garden with lush flowers and pergolas for an intimate feel at dinner. Modern dinnerware was chosen with matte finishes. Everything complimented and elevated the design beautifully.

Devon and Nick chose soft pinks and sage green with black and gold accents. Devon looked absolutely stunning in her gown with bow accents. She literally sparkled!

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Natalie Bray Studios

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Endlessly Romantic Al Fresco Wedding Editorial

This summer wedding editorial is overflowing with inspiration. You’ll fall in love with all the details, from the bride’s off-the-shoulder Joon Bridal dress to romantic florals by Stems by Em with a hint of moody hues. Every artful image shot by Erin Wilson Photography is more beautiful than the last, see them all inside the full gallery.

From Erin Wilson Photography… This charming outdoor chapel and garden shoot was an absolute dream. I saw this beautiful dress at Joon Bridal and I knew instantly that I just had to document a beautiful editorial with it.

I have always loved Taegan Lovelace and I knew she’d be the most perfect bride model for this stunning shoot. JLK Weddings was the best wedding planner to design and organize this ethereal outdoor wedding inspiration.

Her style is impeccable and every detail was just right. We hope you fall in love with every magical moment.

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Erin Wilson Photography

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Soft-Sophisticated Wedding Inspiration in Michigan Full of Fall Colors

A knockout dress, a sailcloth tent, and a floral installation by Roots Floral Design that will leave you weak in the knees – today’s autumnal inspiration planned by Abby Mckinney Events and styled by Samantha Joy Events truly has it all! Soft sophistication meets Fall romance at the full gallery, all captured to perfection by Rachael Kazmier Photography.

From Rachael Kazmier Photography…In the small coastal town of Holland Michigan, autumn is a magical time when vibrant colors spread across the state. That is what inspired this relaxed and sophisticated wedding editorial. The color palate emulated falling leaves with emphasis on golds and corals, with pops of blue nodding to Lake Michigan.

An intimate ceremony took place in front of the idealic white chapel at Felt Mansion. The bride wore a perfectly pleated gown with drop sleeves and a romantic slit, which brought an air of sophisticated softness.

Abby Mckinney Events planned a reception filled with relaxed elegance in the waterside sailcloth tent. Roots Floral Design wowed with a grand entrance exploding in flowers. Velvet linens and mix-matched dishes made the tablecsapes both chic and fun.

Each detail of this editorial was filled with intention and is sure to wow the future bride who dreams of a soft and sophisticated wedding!

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Rachael Kazmier Photography

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Vera Wang Bride’s 2023 Collection Celebrating a Modern New Sense of Freedom Is A Must See

You guys, the latest collection from Vera Wang Bride is out and we can’t wait to talk about it! Inspired by the joyous influx of post-lockdown weddings and lending itself to an easy sense of celebration, the collection is youthful and sexy with all of the signature Vera Wang hallmarks that you’ve grown to love like hi-lo hems and bustled skirts, clean bandeau tops, and deconstructed ball gowns mixed with debutante design details like belted ties and opera gloves. Styled with bed-head hair, big sunnies, and sneakers, it’s giving cool-girl bride energy in the chicest way.

The Trends

Synonymous with bridal fashion, Vera Wang doesn’t merely follow the trends, she sets them. So, it’s no surprise that the 2023 collection puts the Vera Wang spin on a few of our favorite fashion moments of late. Here’s what to expect…

Detachable Sleeves & Accessories

This collection is all about allowing the bride to customize her look, and the quickest and easiest way to do that is to play with accessories. From sleek fitted sleeves and gloves in satin, lace, and even mesh to full lace peasant sleeves, adding (or removing) these babies will completely transform a look.

Pantsuits

This trend has climbed its way from the rehearsal dinner to reception, and now to the aisle and we’re here for it! We love that while the silhouette is certainly “modern” when it comes to wedding day ensembles, the touches of lace and sheer panels give this look a distinctly feminine feel.

Empire Waist

We’ve all got Bridgerton on the mind, and with silhouettes as pretty as this, it’s easy to see why. Keep an eye out for a few empire-waist gowns in this collection as well as some strategically placed seamlines that give the same feel without all the volume.

Asymmetry

From one-shouldered gowns to organic draping and big bows, asymmetry is big right now and no one does it better than Vera. Our favorite part about an asymmetrical gown is that it keeps you guessing and for your guests that are lining the aisle, there’s not a bad seat in the house.

Exposed Corsetry

This season is all about sophisticated structure paired with “effortless” draping (that actually requires a lot of effort to get that way). If you’ve always dreamed of a fairytale ballgown, corset and all, you’re sure to find “the one” in this collection.

Our Fave Looks

Daymara

This is the dress version of the “no-makeup makeup” look. Maybe it’s the exaggerated sleeves or the mesh turtle neck, but how does this tulle ballgown look so low maintenance? Only Vera could pull that off and we’re obsessed. If you want a ballgown but don’t want anything too fussy, this is the perfect dress for you!

Carmencita

For the bride that lives by, “if you got it, flaunt it”, this hot bandeau top and matching skin-tight mermaid skirt is the only way to go for your big day. It’s also giving Wedding Barbie, which we love.

Belva

The sparkle, the mini-shift dress lining, the off-the-shoulder sleeves, to say we’re obsessed would be an understatement. This dress has rooftop wedding written all over it!

Caridad

Of all the looks in the collection, this is the one that’s really serving red-carpet glam for us. The halter neckline is so sexy and flattering on just about everyone. And we love it paired with the white jacket draped over the shoulder.

Engracia

Perfect for a beach wedding, this barely-there chiffon gown will dance in the wind as you walk down the aisle. The sheer but plunging neckline and strategically placed cut-outs also give this pretty look a sporty vibe.

This collection is now available in stores and has 54 new styles, so we’re just scratching the surface here. As part of the Pronovias Group, every gown is available to order in sizes 32 to 64 (from 0 to 32). See the full collection on their website and click here to find a Vera Wang Bride retailer near you. We can’t wait to see our SMP brides rocking these beauties in the next few months.

Follow @verawangbride on IG and TikTok to see ALL of the looks from their latest collection!

Wedding Dress: Vera Wang

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Petit Bouquet

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An Elegant White Wedding Overlooking Florence’s City Centre

It doesn’t get more fabulous than this white-on-white Florence wedding. From personalized favors to a floral-adorned gelato truck, the team at The Tuscan Wedding carefully curated every detail. Flowers Living filled the day with the most elegant blooms, and David Bastianoni elegantly captured every magical moment in his photography. You’ll fall head over heels in love with all the lovely inside the full gallery.

From The Tuscan Wedding… Lilian & Thomas’ dream fairytale wedding at Belmond Villa San Michele was a picture-perfect day filled with white florals, luxurious cocktails, and romance. Planned and executed to perfection by The Tuscan Wedding, their wedding was unforgettable for them and their guests. This wedding planning team thought of everything from grand entrances to personalized favors. Lillian & Thomas wanted to celebrate their love in one of the most romantic countries, Italy. With its romantic architecture, cultural beauty, and rolling countryside, they decided Florence was the perfect place to say “I Do”. They chose Belmond Villa San Michele, a gorgeous 16th-century villa.

This exclusive venue allowed them to say their vows whilst overlooking Florence’s city center. Lillian wore a stunning white A-Line gown with embroidered applique flowers covering the bodice and skirt. It was the first glimpse into the luxury of the wedding. Thomas wore a classic black dinner suit, tailored to perfection. He was ready to greet his wife-to-be with personalized cufflinks and a perfectly tied bowtie. Their ceremony was touching and romantic, with friends and family there to celebrate their special day. The ceremony was held outside under an arch filled with exquisite white flowers. Flowers Living used an abundance of white roses, peonies, and ranunculus to create this show-stopping display. Furthermore, they lined the aisles with huge bouquets of white hydrangeas and roses.

The Tuscan Wedding is a truly extraordinary wedding planner, thinking of every possible detail to ensure you and your guests have the perfect day. From the moment the guests sat down to celebrate Lilian & Thomas’ wedding, organizers gave fans to every guest to keep them cool in the Italian sun. The flowers on the day perfectly complimented Lillian’s embroidered flowers on her dress. Finally, Lilian & Thomas gave each guest a personalized bottle of sparkling limoncello to take away for an extra touch of elegance. An opulent dinner & reception. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails and gelato on the terrace while the bride and groom took their wedding photos. Gelato is a delicious way to start a reception as it offers a cool refreshment before the main meal, especially on a warm Italian summer’s day, all served from Miss 500′s Ice Cream Vintage Bike. Guests enjoyed an exquisite dinner following the cocktails. Starting with a ceviche paired with vanilla-scented cauliflower, apples, and roasted pistachios, followed by ravioli filled with Italian meats, black truffle, and Parmigiano Reggiano cream. The main course was either a decadent beef fillet with chianti jus and basil vegetables or a roasted salmon and asparagus – a perfect Italian menu to compliment their Italian dream wedding. Finally, they cut and served their wedding cake, designed by TUSCAN WEDDING CAKES, to finish the meal. Gold leaf covered each tier with hand-painted cherry branches and finished with sugar peonies. Fireworks surrounded Lillian & Thomas as they cut the cake, a real bang to start their party.

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The Tuscan Wedding

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Petit Bouquet

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The Identite Collective Holiday Home Tour

After seeing so many gorgeous photos from the home of Anastasia Casey with The Identite Collective, we were SO excited to see it all dressed up for the holidays. The home’s neutral chic design gets further complemented with traditional based Christmas details like magnolia garland and luscious chocolate brown satin ribbon. Take a look and take notes, these guys know what they’re doing.

Its the first year my husband and I will be celebrating at home, so I wanted it to feel traditional. I wanted it to feel festive without being sparkly, so I opted for satin chocolate brown ribbon and raw silk shreds to hang from the wreaths and the tree.

Since our kitchen renovation was just completed, I opted for fresh greens and square wreaths.

Our tree is 9 feet and literally only fits in our stairwell.

Editors note: At the end of the sentence above, Anastasia added an extremely relatable laugh/cry emoji and we wish we could translate it over for you, the reader, because it was truly a value add.

For more holiday home tours check out:

Laine & Layne Holiday Home Tour

Romantic Vintage Inspired Christmas Home Tour

Photographer: Harper Photography | Designer: Anastasia Casey

Sunkissed Mykonos Island Wedding That Celebrates All Things Wanderlust

Are you ready for the magic that is a Mykonos wedding? This island celebration is as stylish as it is fun, much like the iconic destination itself. George Liopetas Fine Art Photographs beautifully captures the love of the day and floral design by Studio 7 is not to be missed. We love the combination of pampas grass and lush white blooms! Leave it to NAIDO to bring a couple’s Big Day vision to life to a tee, you’ll swoon over every last detail in the full gallery.

From George Liopetas Fine Art Photographs… If your wedding is all about enjoying every single minute with your closest and dearest, where bubbly bucket-fueled dancing at sun-dappled boltholes is a way of life, then Josh & Lizzie’s I do’s on the party island, will satisfy your dawn-till-dusker souls. The beautiful couple met 8 years ago in Newcastle when Lizzie was a freshman at university, and before they knew it they were as one. They moved to London and back to NC taking long and short breaks in between to travel the globe with family and friends. It was five years ago when they first set foot on Mykonos and kept coming back every summer, knowing the island of the winds just had to be their wedding destination.

“We love exploring cultures and foods, and Mykonos speaks to our soul- we feel at home here,” the bride confesses. Lizzie and Josh sided with NAIDO‘s Konstantinos Tsoukalas who curated their big day to absolute perfection: a sunkissed wedding with a dash of Mykonian glam. Hadn’t the term’ boho chic’ been so de trop, you’d definitely use it to summarize the entire languid summer scheme. Think flaxen grasses and Lunaria mixed with fresh orchids and ivory David Austins, and an arch divided in half, pampas on one side and greenery on the other.

The reception took place at Mykonos’ iconic Relais & Chateaux – Royal Myconian and was set in silver and gold, a touch of pewter, and mercury, topped with whites. The day began in delicious fashion details and Lizzie’s gifts to her bridesmaids; weaved baskets with pom-pons chockful of skin products and fashionable raffia pouches. After popping a bottle of bubbly and toasting by the pool, Lizzie slipped into her Berta Privee wedding gown and, escorted by her dad, headed down the aisle to marry her beloved. As for the party that followed Lizzie said, “Our priorities were definitely to enjoy every single minute with all of our friends & family that have traveled across the world to celebrate with us. We wanted everyone to have the best and biggest party possible! I wanted to make sure everyone would be dancing from the start, that the drinks would keep flowing and that our people would take in all Mykonos had to give.” Done and done, Lizzie!

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George Liopetas Fine Art Photographs

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Petit Bouquet

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Decorating For Your First Holiday in Your Own Home — Three Christmas Decorating Basics

Chances are you grew up in a home decked out with intentional, well-loved and curated holiday decorations. We’re talking wreaths on every door! Garland WITH Christmas lights! A big ‘ol well-lit tree filled with all kinds of collected ornaments! Ribbons galore! Your mom, a Christmas enthusiast, set the bar HIGH. Now that you’re in your own space you have a whole world open to you! Do you go with an artificial tree? Does it need to be pre-lit? Should you do classic red and green or more neutral? Or what if you went bold with a navy blue color pallet? If you choose a (*gasp*) trend this year will you have to stick to it forever?

Don’t panic — prioritize! Here are three basic elements of holiday decor that you can build from and start off your oh-so-festive Christmas decoration collection.

The Tree

First and foremost — decide on your tree! This is the center point of Christmas decor, so the decisions you make here will help guide your other choices. First decision to make is to weigh out the options of a real or a faux tree. With a real tree, you get the delicious piney scent throughout your home, and acquiring the tree can turn into a fun tradition. However, a real tree sheds and is an occurred expense every year. A faux tree is a heavy initial investment, but you only have to make it once every 10 years (or so) and if you really splurge you can get it pre-lit, and that is a true luxury when decorating. Pro-tip — you might want to wait to get a faux tree after Christmas, the discounts are a present in and of themselves:)

Once you pick your tree, you’ll want to decorate it! Take a free pass your first year to start with the basics — lights and orbed ornaments. Once you’ve got your basics look into things like tree skirts (this one is, biasedly, real cute) memory ornaments, a tree topper, ribbon, and beaded garland.

shop our favorite tree decor glam orbed ornaments | traditional red plaid tree skirt | beaded garland

Greenery

Greenery is the key. You can get it for pretty cheap or splurge and get some gorgeous options — either way it packs a PUNCH. We’re talking garland, tree branches in a vase, bundled tree branches tied up with ribbon, and last but not least wreaths.

A wreath on your front door is like a friendly invitation to come inside and enjoy the merriment, and mini wreaths are so versatile you seriously can’t go wrong with grabbing a handful to deck aaaaall of your halls with (that pun was unintentional but really happily stumbled upon)

But garland is the real heavy hitter here. You can drape it, frame with it, cascade it — it all looks good. Garland can be an investment, so opt for one that you can adapt and dress up, and it will look good year after year!

shop our favorite greenery: Greenery and Pine Holiday Wreath |Mini Wreaths with Ribbon 4 Count |Pine and Eucalyptus Garland

The Mantel

The fireplace mantel is such a focal point to all of those fabulous photos you see on Pinterest, and it holds your ever-important Christmas stockings. If you have one yourself — great! Dress it up with garland, candlesticks, and some festive figurines. Throw up pretty stockings on some cute (and practical) stocking holders and take a moment to really appreciate the fact that you have an extremely coveted home feature!

But if you don’t have a gorgeous trimmed out mantel with a flip-switch gas-burning hearth (you’re not alone, you’re probably the majority!) you’ve got options. Any flat focal point surface can hold your stockings. Think the TV stand, a photo ledge, your dresser, a window ledge, a shelf on a bookcase, down a staircase — kick in the creativity and you’re sure to find a space in your home! And, adding an aforementioned sprig of greenery always ads festivity.

shop our favorite mantel decor: Sweater Knit Stocking | 2 Piece Deer Figurine Set | Gold Stocking Holder 3 Piece Set | 3 Piece Gold Taper Candle Holder Set

It can be overwhelming to fill a home with festivity in your first year. Don’t sweat it, enjoy the journey! And for a little inspiration, check out these beautiful holiday home tours.

Romantic Vintage Inspired Christmas Home Tour

Laine & Layne Holiday Home Tour

If you have a holiday home that’s decked out to the 9’s and you want to share it here, head over to our submissions page for a chance to be featured!

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The Trends

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