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

Bright and Bold Star Wars Themed Maui Wedding

In a galaxy far, far away… (Maui that is 😉) a beautiful bride married her dream guy! Today’s gorgeous couple met while living on the island and decided it was the perfect place to tie the knot. In sorbet colored hues, tropical blooms by Bella Bloom Floral and subtle nods to the groom’s favorite films – the full gallery by Dmitri & Sandra Photography is jam packed with pin-worthy moments.

From Dmitri & Sandra Photography… Brittney and Matthew met while living on Maui, so what better place to tie the knot! After relocating to Florida and an engagement in 2019 they finally had the wedding of their dreams back on the island that means so much to them.

Brittney’s vision of an outdoor affair where her guests felt like royalty was beautifully produced by Opihi Love Weddings. With a fun color palette of soft sherbet hues, shades of pinks and accenting with touches of black, blue and green, the abundance of flowers delighted guests at every turn. Their lush floral aisle led to a semi circle altar, leaving the ocean and palm trees in the background. The inviting design consisting of textural and natural elements created a botanic, garden-like setting for the couple and their guests.

Incorporating Star Wars (Yes Star Wars!) was a surprise to Matthew from Brittney as he is a huge fan. Keeping with their modern, romantic design, little nods to the movies can be seen throughout their reception. From their signage to light sabers and in the end, star trooper costumes, it all blended in tastefully. We enjoyed capturing the joy, love, and beauty of their wedding day.

From our Bride… My ideal wedding is for our guests to arrive and feel like royalty. I want them to eat and drink like kings, and feel like the VIP guests that they are. I also want to them to have fun, and feel like they can see our personalities both shine through in the small details.

From Opihi Love Wedding & Event Design… When Brittney and I starting working on the overall design for her wedding I remember writing down the words, fun, colorful and PARTY. We worked together on adding in little details such as napkins with a different fun print and anemone flowers to tie in the darker color centers with the overall place setting glassware and flatware. Velvet Fox Designs helped to tie in the overall color palette as well with their gorgeous stationary and light wood cane textures which tied in the overall furniture we used throughout the event. The Star Wars theme (a surprise to Matthew) was so fun to incorporate as well through little touches. We went back and forth on gold or clear acrylic chairs but ultimately decided on clear acrylic chairs which I felt was a little more fitting for the theme.

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

Seaside Cape Cod Wedding With All The Coastal Chic Details

Elements of rattan, layered patterns, and interesting textures lead the design aesthetic for this chic Cape Cod wedding. Relaxed elegance filled the day that was artfully planned by Always Yours Events, and filled with endlessly romantic blooms by Beach Plum Floral. The imagery by Hunter Ryan Photo will make you feel as if you’re at the party of the year on the seaside, visit the full gallery for a trip to Nantucket.

From Keri of Always Yours Events… Lauren and Ian’s wedding featured a design inspired by the chic coastal homes of their favorite island of Nantucket. Elegant yet approachable was the aesthetic set to the backdrop of the well-loved Chatham Bars Inn nestled in the heart of Chatham on Cape Cod. This couple had planned to host their wedding in the Summer of 2020, but when the world had other plans, they happily pivoted to a time in which they could celebrate with all of their family and friends. While their beautiful next chapter and life carried on, they still excitedly looked forward to their Wedding Day to come this past July 2022. When approaching their design, Always Yours Events explored a vision with Lauren and Ian that included elements found at home — from rattan chandeliers, layered patterns and textures through textiles, climbing cottage roses, woven baskets filled with coastal grasses and pops of modern style through the use of acrylic. We worked closely with the talented team at Beach Plum Floral to create focal points through florals throughout all of the spaces, making the venue feel truly unique to the couple. To frame the couple, we chose to cover the white pergola set along the beach with climbing roses as found along the lattice and cottages of Nantucket to create an awe-inspiring scene against the seaside backdrop. For the reception, our focal point included a thirty-foot head table with an installation of rattan chandeliers and greenery overhead to create a statement centerpiece, with undulating arrangements of florals mixed with cane accents and taper candles.

Some of our favorite custom details included cuisine inspired by Lauren and Ian’s favorite coastal travels (such as the lemon-scented ricotta canapes with black sea salt inspired by an Amalfi Coast adventure), the mix of woven chargers with white and gold modern flatware from Peak Event Services, the textured and blind impressed menu cards with grommeted place cards by Fete Collection and the tiered wedding cake with coastal home inspired accent layers to bring the design full circle. Since the time that Lauren and Ian had planned to host their wedding, they had a beautiful baby boy named Grady, who attended the wedding. It was an emotional first look for Ian as he held Grady, so he and his son could see Lauren for the first time on this momentous day, captured by the incredible photography team at Hunter Ryan Photo and cinema team at LMV Productions. For the Ceremony, Lauren wore a stunning Ines Di Santo gown with a chic silk bow. In front of all of their closest loved ones, the couple renewed their vows on the second anniversary of their official original wedding day, and it was truly a spectacular, emotive moment for all. The couple danced the night away along the ocean to the sounds of Steve Memmelo and the Classic Yellow Band. Lauren traded her gown for a white party dress and sneakers for late-night dancing. Guests enjoyed desserts and late-night bites before bringing the celebration to a close and heading to an after-party in Chatham center and their favorite local haunt, the Squire. Lauren and Ian’s remarkable wedding could not have been more magical — it was a celebration that exuded their love, told their story, and celebrated the next chapter of their lives together as not only husband and wife, but also as parents. So much love to the Murphys for being a dream couple, and to their vendor team who worked passionately to bring this wedding vision to life for the most deserving couple and family.

From Hunter Ryan Photo… Lauren and Ian began planning their perfect day in 2019 alongside Keri of Always Yours Events. Their wedding was originally scheduled for July 10, 2020 and it quickly became apparent during lockdown that they’d need to reschedule. Which they did – to September of 2020. And by July of 2020 it was once again evident that their September date would need to be moved yet again. But as the saying goes “third times a charm” and they landed on July 10, 2022 (2 years from their original date). Not wanting to delay their love and life – they opted to wed in an intimate backyard ceremony in the summer of 2020, and in 2021 found out they were expecting a baby boy in 2022! Their wedding day in July of 2022 ended up being an even bigger celebration than they had anticipated. It was the beautiful culmination of celebrating their “renewal” of vows, the life they were building together, and everything was made even more special by having their sweet son Grady there with them. He joined mom and dad for their “first look.” Which Lauren patiently waited THREE years to wear her dream dress – and she got to finally show off to the TWO loves of her life! The wedding day was absolutely perfect. 75 degrees and sunny with the most beautiful design. From the stationery to the florals to the rentals, Keri (of Always Yours Events) married all the soft textures of interior design with Nantucket cottage roses and coastal wedding aesthetics. The goal was “coastal living/dining room” feel where guests felt comfortable and welcome, and the design felt seamless with the surroundings of Cape Cod and the Chatham Bars Inn. (fun fact: this linen is BRAND NEW – first wedding it’s ever been used at) After 3 years in the making, there is not a more deserving couple of the most beautiful day! And – those 2 parents LIVED IT UP at their reception – after waiting that long – IT. WAS. A. PARTY!

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

Hunter Ryan Photo

View Portfolio

A Beautiful Blend of Cultures in the Mountains of Utah!

Surrounded by breathtaking backdrops, this couple brought their families together in a Colombian and Jewish wedding in the mountains of Utah at Blue Sky Ranch. With unforgettable views and a stunning chuppah adorned with florals by Brya Designs, the bride and groom became official! Whitney Hunt Photography captured the magic planned by Marae Event Management as they danced the night away with their nearest and dearest!

From the Planner…Eveyln and David often visited the little mountain town of Park City, Utah for family trips. When they started looking at destinations to host their dream celebration, this beautiful location easily climbed to the top of their list. They were drawn to the breathtaking landscapes and wanted to create an experience where their guests not only enjoyed the festivities but their surroundings too.

The wedding was hosted at Blue Sky Ranch and afforded the most stunning backdrop for their celebration. The bride spent the day getting ready with her daughter, mother, and dearest friend at The Lodge at Blue Sky. Once we were ready for the ceremony, the bride was ushered over to the Arena and tucked away so she wouldn’t be seen by her groom, David.

The ceremony took place on the Arena lawn, with sweeping views of the adjacent mountains. Floral pieces capped the ends of the aisles and an aspen chuppah was adorned with soft cream, blush, and tangerine hues. The cocktail hour was hosted on the Arena Terrace. Lounge groupings from Restoration Hardware were placed in a central location, so guests could participate in all aspects of the celebration, but still converse and enjoy the space. Sutherland Linens from BBJ La Tavola provided the perfect texture and tone for the cocktail hour tables, each topped with a collection of small blooms and candles.

Everyone moved into the Arena for a fabulous dinner. The mother of the bride wanted the tablescapes to feel warm and inviting. BBJ La Tavola Tuscany linens were paired with gold accents, terracotta votives, and floating candles. Three large hoop chandeliers with greenery lined the center of the barn.

The musical aspect was such an important piece to the bride and groom. Evelyn spent hours working with her DJ, curating selected options which we broke down into segments for the evening. During one of the first segments, we brought out plush stick ponies and handkerchiefs to play up the ranch aspect. A surprise interlude, later in the evening, included Evelyn and David‘s favorite salsa singer from Miami.

Evelyn and David’s wedding celebration was a beautiful melding of religious and cultural experiences for their guests to enjoy!

Planning with Evelyn was such a fun experience too. Evelyn is an amazing businesswoman; she is the owner of her own company called Hatch and Bloom. She is a Child Development Expert and Therapist, helping parents navigate interactions, experiences, and vital discussions. She’s very focused on the relationships between parents and their children and creating a healthy environment full of love.

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

BBJ La Tavola

View Portfolio

A Sustainable Summer Citrus Backyard Wedding

This sunny citrus-themed Texas wedding tugs on our heartstrings. It’s filled with sustainable choices for a low impact on Mother Earth (and an adorable pup to boot!) Grit + Gold brought the couple’s wildest wedding dreams to life, and bright and cheery floral installations by Moss Floral Design filled the day with a touch of romantic fun. The love and joy of the day radiate in beautiful imagery by Ellen Ashton Photography. Visit the full gallery for endless inspiration.

From Grit + Gold… When Victoria and Patrick met their freshman year at the University of Colorado, they would start as friends, then neighbored in the dorm halls (he was 3 doors down), then began dating and five years later he would propose. Although they had rooted in Boulder and had a great love for Colorado, Victoria knew she would be coming home to Texas for her wedding day. Her family home in Lucas was that place, her happy place. Two things that were a must for the day were zero waste (she is in Environmental Policy) and lots of color. It was important to the couple that we make a small impact on Mother Earth, so sustainable choices were made throughout the planning from recycled seed invites to being paper/plastic free, and even ending the night with a flower petal cannon shoot as a natural sub for confetti. As for design, the couple married their love for traveling with their love of the South. Nothing could have been more stunning than a sailcloth Sperry tent surrounded by the beautiful landscape and towering trees of their ranch. Victoria wanted to ensure that her guests felt right at home and for the day to be pressure free so the processional was removed, no uniform dresses and suits to be purchased, no wedding party requirements.

Instead, she opted for a simple intimate, 30-person ceremony below a huge shade tree that she played under as a child. Moreover, all of those childhood memories included her sister Meredith so it only seemed fitting that Meredith would stand in and officiate their union. It was about family, about those cherished times, and to set an environment for laughter and love. Victoria started the day getting ready in the same room she grew up in… she shared stories about running barefoot through the creek behind the property and the family legacy of her great grandmother, Mary Kay Ash. Comments from the planner, Lottie Fowler of Grit + Gold… We always ask our clients for sentimental heirloom pieces that we might incorporate into the flat lays for the wedding day. Gena, the sweetest MOB you could find, gave us a little diamond bumblebee pin… it belonged to Victoria’s great-grandmother. Gena proceeded to tell me the story of the significance of the bumblebee… She said, “The bumblebee defies all odds, aerodynamically it shouldn’t be able to fly. Its body is too big for its wings but you see… the bumblebee doesn’t know that when it takes flight.” That is the story behind their family legacy with the bumblebee being the icon that Mary Kay chose. Later when capturing photos of Victoria’s bridals we realized that tiny little bees were hiding in her bouquet blooms.

Our color palette was citrus/wildflower inspired with hues of yellow, tangerine, pinks, and greens. We incorporated fruits whether fresh or dried, herbs, and lots of texture as seen in the acacia wood chargers, bamboo chandeliers, and rattan lounge furniture. The design intention was to lend toward relaxation and nature with clay potted plants, a cocktail bar set in the herb garden that mom, Gena tends and toils in, and an Italian rustic-inspired dinner and libations. Just because the wedding party requirements were tossed out did not mean the bride and groom’s most important people were not by their side. Victoria’s bridal party selected playful/cheery colors and mixed patterns for their dresses, with even the moms joining in the fun. While Patrick’s best guys wore a mix of suits from navy to grey. Once the ceremony concluded, another 70 guests arrived by shuttle. Immediately they were greeted by cocktails and music around the pool then led to dinner as the Texas sun set. The guests danced and mingled the night away under a soft glowing tent. Words cannot describe the incredible beauty of the day. Fun Fact: The couple blended both their last names to create a new one. No longer Tadewald or Sherman, now united and bonded as the Tash’s.

Pastels in Positano For This Special Seaside Elopement!

For this romantic elopement, the bride hand-picked her amazing wedding vendors to create the wedding day of her dreams at Villa Magia in Positano. With her romantic style, the day came together with a mix of pastel blooms by Amalfi Loves Weddings, gorgeous bow details on her stunning wedding gown, and the most beautiful seaside backdrop. Amalfi Soirée planned this intimate day from start to finish, including an unforgettable sunset boat ride to the island of Li Galli, all captured by photographer, Sergio Sorrentino.

From Sergio Sorrentino…Just a brushstroke of love every day can make life more exciting! That’s the secret of Erick and Maricris, an adorable couple who decided to add a splash of color to their long-awaited getaway to Italy. In fact, Maricris worked with a selection of amazing vendors to create the wedding day of her dreams, including fine art photographer Sergio Sorrentino and videographer Diego Perrini, with planning and styling by Amalfi Soirée.

The team loved this bride’s romantic style, with her Rosa Clará Soft lace gown with a mermaid train and fluffy bows on the shoulders framing the plunging neckline in the back. A low chignon embellished with crystals, made by Ida Mascolo, completed the look.

The pastel color palette – Blush, Champagne, Peach, and Baby Blue -, was wonderfully suited to the irresistible atmospheres of Villa Magia, in the heart of Positano, and was expertly translated by Amalfi Loves Weddings into summery, airy, and dreamy floral arrangements of garden roses, delphinium, tweedia, hellebore, and lisianthus. A stationery suite was created by Amalfi Soirée and embellished with brushstrokes of color and gold foil, celebrating the groom’s artistic streak.

“Everything was absolutely perfect,” commented the bride, “but my favorite thing was our symbolic ceremony on the sea-view terrace. The sound of the violin and string piano made this moment so intimate and touching. Carmela from Italy Wedding Celebrant, our officiant, chose perfect words.”

After the ceremony, the couple took off for an unforgettable sunset boat tour that took them off the island of Li Galli. After an aperitif on the boat and a few photos on the beach, the evening ended with a candlelight dinner on the terrace of their private suite in Villa Magia, with a menu of traditional Italian dishes and the ever-present wedding cake.

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

Petit Bouquet

View Portfolio

A Family Farm Wedding With A Secret Garden Tented Reception

Wait until you see how this tented reception was transformed into a secret garden! Stacie + Co. planned and designed a day that pulled out all the stops, and floral installations by Bold Catering & Design were nothing short of magical. The fairytale-like wedding was elegantly captured in imagery by Haint Blue Collective, watch the full day unfold inside the full gallery.

From the bride… Chase and I met when I was a freshman in College so February 2013, we went to a place in Auburn to ride four wheelers and we hit it off and were good friends for several years until Feb 2019 when we started to become more than friends.

I had a trip planned to go fishing with some girls in Charleston and the Thursday before it got canceled because of the weather so I decided not to go and we were making plans for our weekend, knowing we had our bible study Saturday morning he said Friday night was to go watch the sunrise in the morning at the farm? I’m a sunrise/sunset lover so I was like uh yesss, why not we never get to do this as we are ALWAYS busy on the weekends. I thought nothing of it, I didn’t even know he had a ring.

As we are driving there, we were jamming out in the car and we get there right on time. He was like let’s take a picture, I was like okay we can just take a selfie? He was like no lets get the background it’s so pretty, I was like ok, so we leaned the phone up and took a couple and he went to start the timer again and I heard the record sound and I was about to say something before he grabbed me and started talking to me. It was the sweetest moment!

Make Your Love Story Last Forever With Keepster

Struggling to find the perfect wedding gift? We’ve got just the thing. It’s sentimental without being cheesy and they’ll never expect it. Have you heard of Keepster?! They make beautiful wedding books with a twist. It’s a love story that you write yourself. Well, you’ve actually already written it–it’s your texts! Keepster lets you collect, curate, and organize your treasured texts and build them into a one-of-a-kind keepsake. Just think of all the cute moments that are captured on your phone, all the moments that have led you to where you are right now…you’re getting married! So surprise your person with a trip down memory lane, Keepster is a gift that they will treasure for a lifetime.

How It Works

We’ve all been there, spending hours pouring over old texts trying to find that funny photo or meaningful message that a loved one sent only to find out it’s no longer there. Our text messages hold some of the most important moments in our lives, so why don’t we treat them like it? Keepster has streamlined the process and designed a desktop application that makes curating and saving your texts super simple. You download Keepster to your computer and it automatically imports your text messages. Select specific messages to include in your book or import them all, it’s up to you. Then, you can choose from sixteen seasonal colors for your cover and even add a photo if you’d like. Next, pick a font that speaks to you and come up with the perfect title for your love story. Now all that’s left is to write the dedication, an intro page where you can pour your heart out to the one you love–a million times better than a greeting card, right?!

Seasons Of Love

As you scroll through your texts, you can watch your relationship as it grows from your first real date to the moment you said yes. Every relationship has its seasons and its sides from the sweet to the spicy and everything in between. So, sort your texts chronologically highlighting major events, or sort them by type like sweet nothings or late-night booty calls. And no book would be complete without some texts that make you LOL.

A Keepster For Every Occasion

While super important, your romantic relationship is only one part of your life. Keepster books are the perfect way to commemorate all of your relationships, from your parents to your BFFs. Here are some other life moments that deserve to be saved in a book:

Popping The (Other) Question

You said yes, so now it’s time to ask your besties the question they’ve been waiting for, “Will you be my bridesmaid?”. What better way to pop the question than with a book of your friendship? From the texts you sent to lift them up to the funny messages you sent each other during class. You’ve been there for each other through it all, so let them know how much their friendship means to you by putting it all on paper.

Thank You Gifts

Your crew deserves something as special as they are and Keepster books make the absolute best thank you gifts! Imagine gifting your girls a Keepster book of all of your texts from your bachelorette party–all of the silly photo ops and drunken typos. Or, think of your parents’ faces when they read the thoughtful birthday messages you sent to them or their texts of encouragement to you when you were having an off day. Keepster is a gift they will actually keep–so much better than jewelry or a tie!

Anniversaries

Your life changes and so does your relationship. Keepster lets you save all of the little moments that make up your big picture so you can look back together and reminisce. So why not make a tradition of gifting your new hubby or wife a Keepster book each year for your anniversary?

The (Un)Official Wedding Album

Yes, you’ve spent a ton on having a professional photographer document your big day, but let’s be real, some of the best photos of your wedding are the ones your BFFs text you during brunch the next day. So, by all means, get your professional photos made into a photo book, but don’t sleep on those texts. Invest in a Keepster for your (un)official wedding album. We promise you won’t regret it!

Follow @keepster_app for more gift ideas and to see the latest cover color drops.

Wedding Books: Keepster

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

Petit Bouquet

View Portfolio

Sophisticated And Stylish Private Estate Palmetto Bluff Wedding

This crisp and cool green and white wedding has it all. Carefully curated details, a beautiful couple, and a whole lot of love. Trish Beck Events planned the picture-perfect day, and Em Creative Floral filled it with florals that bring the love story to life in a way that’s equal parts sophistcated and stylish. Every magical moment is artfully captured in time in the elegant imagery by Sacia Matthews Photography, fall in love with it all inside the full gallery.

From Sacia Matthews Photography… This Palmetto Bluff wedding took place at the Groom’s family’s private home within the community and truly was such a lovely day.

They planned their wedding within 3 months all from NYC with the help ofTrish Beck Events (who started in January, and had the wedding in April), and were so focused on having an intimate (50 guests) day.

They wanted the day to be a reflection of who they were, world travelers that love fashion and met by happenstance in Singapore of all places, with small touches to highlight that throughout the day.

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

718 Creative

View Portfolio

A Clean and Minimal Summer Soiree Among Lavender Fields and Almond Orchards

Can you imagine marrying the love of your life surrounded by lavender fields, almond orchards, citrus gardens, and beautiful farmland? Well, at Bear Flag Farm you don’t have to imagine and this couple did just that with a clean and natural color palette brought to life by Prim Event Studio. With neutral blooms by Golden Fields Floristry, the day was full of texture and beauty with a mixture of white florals and small, special details throughout. Kristine Herman Photography captured it all, and you’re going to want to take a look…, especially at those lavender field shots!

From Kristine Herman Photography…Erini and Cole’s love is instantaneously palpable. This couple was so patient with all of the rules and regulations continuously changing, and after postponing their wedding, we knew this day had to be everything they dreamed of and more. When the venue hunt first began, the couple and bride’s family knew they wanted the wedding to take place on a private estate, and Bear Flag Farm’s gorgeous lavender fields, bursting citrus gardens, almond orchards, and beautiful farmlands were easily selected as the ideal setting.

The bride wanted the overall feel of the wedding to be a very clean palette and natural feeling which lent itself beautifully to the venue. The florals were very greenery forward to go with Erini’s organic vision, with natural “just picked” feeling blooms added in for just the right touch of elegance.

Erini and Cole chose to get married on their date, one year earlier to maintain the same anniversary to their wedding, which also happens to be the bride’s parent’s anniversary and her father’s birthday.

Erini knew she wanted very natural and barely their hair and makeup to still feel like herself, so Marisa Perel did just that — simply enhancing her natural beauty. The look worked beautifully with her full-skirted BHLDN dress. Cole is in the Air Force, and so to match the dress blue uniforms, we worked with The Black Tux for the other groomsmen and paired the bridesmaids in a lighter shade of blue which still felt summery and light. The ceremony benches allowed for a more informal and natural feel than lining up chairs, and the aisle was adorned with tufts of greenery to add just the right amount of pop, while still staying more minimal and letting the setting speak for itself. The couple was married by the groom’s family priest under a beautifully adorned textural altar.

At cocktail hour guests were greeted with a his and hers cocktail before heading under a sailcloth tent in the citrus garden. Since Erini’s family is from Greece, it was essential we source their favorite Greek beer, Mythos, which was a hit!

The dinner tables were kept very minimal yet elegant, staying in a white palette but adding in special details with a beautiful ceramic charger, slightly textured glassware, and a special touch with lavender sprigs on each setting as a nod to the venue. The florals looked effortlessly romantic with lots of greenery and textural elements like scabiosa pods, with pops of different all-white blooms, including the bloomed scabiosa.

After dinner, guests were served poppyseed cake with blackberry curd filling, and we kicked off the dancing with a traditional Greek song, led by the bride’s parents which got everyone on the dance floor. As guests departed they were offered a beautiful favor of olive oil straight from Bear Flag Farm.

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

BBJ La Tavola

View Portfolio

This Interior Designer’s Swoon Worthy Wedding Is A Must See!

You’ll love the stylish details and special touches at our interior designer bride’s wedding! The couple worked with Peninsula Events to bring their big day vision to life, including using their special saying to each other “kiss me you fool” in a multitude of ways throughout the day. Floral design by Festoon in bright bursts of color is a feast for the eyes, and artful imagery by Kailee DiMeglio Photography perfectly captures the love and joy of the day. Visit the full gallery for a closer look at all the fun.

From Kailee DiMeglio Photography… We’ve been part of Sabrina and Elijah’s matrimonial journey since their Secret Garden Engagement shoot last year. Getting to know this lighthearted and fun-loving couple, we were overjoyed when asked to photograph their wedding at the breathtaking Lowndes Grove. Sabrina is an interior designer, so we anticipated the aesthetic would be swoon-worthy. Don’t shy away from admiring every deliberate pop of color or touch of interior artistry in this gallery — it reflects the bliss you feel dancing in your finest summer clothes, with your favorite people, at the most iconic wedding venue in town. Sabrina and Elijah met at Auburn University, where they happily remained friends for three years before realizing they wanted to spend every moment together, and more. After graduation, they endured two years of long-distance love, and many exciting airport rendezvous where Elijah would greet Sabrina demanding “kiss me, you fool.” The couple and their two pups eventually settled down in Houston, all the while knowing they wanted to celebrate their wedding in the Holy City. The forecast was not the most promising, but even under grey skies, Lowndes Grove is a timeless beauty, the parameter of the property enclosed with ancient oak trees and the wide salt marshes of the Ashley River.

The couple and their planner splashed this historic venue with a bright, effervescent color palette, and modern touches, such as neon signage that stated “kiss me, you fool” (also the inscription on Elijah’s wedding band!). It blended seamlessly, with Sabrina in her tiered tulle Vagabond Bridal dress and floral bridal headband as the centerpiece of the entire scene. Sabrina was quietly distressed about the weather, but her bubbly bridesmaids were persistent in their optimism. For the couple’s first look, we set them up on the second-floor piazza of the mansion. The bridal party and family members grabbed their first-row seats, and peered through the porch windows. In his dapper white suit and Brackish Bowtie, he nearly came apart when he saw Sabrina. His glowing bride and all of the onlookers melted at his reaction. It wasn’t the most intimate first look, but it was the most charming. The sky opened up right before the ceremony, but the show must go on!

The guests raced out of the rain and into the refuge of the Sperry tent. Festoon florals helped to create a bright, cheerful atmosphere with technicolor bouquets placed throughout the seating area. We had a good laugh watching Sabrina and Elijah’s pup happily sitting outside the tent in the pouring rain. The orchestra began to play, and the honorary guests made their way across the wet lawn, and down the aisle. Sabrina’s bridesmaids were a fabulous confection of pink hues, patterns, and fabrics, each carrying a whimsical baby’s breath bouquet. With her father by her side, and a chivalrous wedding planner pacing behind them with an umbrella, Sabrina made her way through the rain, over to Elijah. By this time she was laughing, knowing that this stormy ceremony would one day be a cherished memory. Sabrina and Elijah exchanged their vows and their wedding bands, and like two fools, shared their first kiss as Mr. And Mrs. Pickard. Overlooking the coastline, under the protection of the open-air veranda, the wedding guests happily gathered in their seats, awaiting the bridal party’s entrance. Elevated with effervescent pops of color and wild, floral centerpieces, the space felt like a flirtatious country chateau. The dining tables were adorned with powder blue taper candles, rustic bamboo folding chairs, and juicy pigment provided by lemons and oranges in white bowls. After the bridesmaids and groomsmen strutted to their seats, the ecstatic couple made their way to the front for their first dance. They had the time of their life dipping, spinning, and laughing to Josh Turner’s uptempo country bop “Why Don’t We Just Dance.”

The wedding party dined on Southern bites and reveled in the dreamy atmosphere enhanced by good company and stunning interior design. With the couple and their guests eager to tear up the dance floor, Midnight City commenced an energizing performance. As a tribute to Christmas in July, the band sent the wedding party into a tizzy of sing-along ecstasy with Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” Per Sabrina’s request, they learned Taylor Swift’s “Best Day” (an ode to the precious days a young girl spends with her mother) and Sabrina invited her mom forward for a mother-daughter dance. Elijah sang along to every song and played a wicked guitar solo on a bottle of Miller Light, prompting a cleansing sweat that his buddies quickly addressed by pressing icy drinks against his face. Like a rockstar in her chunky retro silver heels and beaded fringe party dress, Sabrina and her hubby took to the stage and thanked all of their loved ones for an unforgettable night. Fueled on endorphins, Jeni’s ice cream, and the couple’s impeccable powder blue wedding cake, guests were ready to give this couple an enthusiastic send-off. The glow stick sea parted and Sabrina and Elijah made their way through a tunnel of their favorite people in the world. High on love and laughter, they drove into the stormy night with their hearts overflowing with joy.

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

Petit Bouquet

View Portfolio

Coastal Chic Annapolis Wedding Celebrating Love

This coastal chic wedding spectacularly celebrates love. Officiated by none other than Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s granddaughter, Clara Spera, the day was as meaningful as it was stylish. Adriana Marie Events planned the dream day, accented by cool shades of blue, and Floral and Bloom brought the event to life with fabulous floral styling. Rebecca Theresa Photography perfectly captured the joy and happiness of the day in her artful imagery. Visit the full gallery for a closer look at all the lovely.

From Rebecca Theresa Photography… Paige and Danielle met on hinge while Paige was in Baltimore for medical school and Danielle was working in DC. They had an instant connection and the conversation was easy. Danielle was so anxious, that she forgot her keys at the restaurant and couldn’t find them for over an hour. Unfortunately for Paige, she was on her surgery rotation and would have to wake up at 4 am the next day, so Danielle ordered her an Uber while her search for her keys continued. Little did they know, keys would become a tradition for the two of them; as they place locks on bridges in every city they visit. They featured this tradition in their seating chart, placing their guest’s names and lock on a gate for them to take as a souvenir! Paige then matched for residency in DC at a pediatric hospital. They got engaged in May of last year in Hawaii (check out our wedding site LoveKennWin. Com for the full story!). Paige proposed with a spa day and walk through a stunning jungle, then set up a picnic on these beautiful cliffs and showed Danielle a slideshow with some surprise celebrity cameos! Danielle proposed the next day by setting up a scavenger hunt throughout Maui with clues and prizes along the way, ending with a sunset and moon rise proposal!

The brides opted for a coastal chic themed wedding on the water at the historic Whitehall Estate. Whitehall stands proudly along the banks of Meredith Creek, Whitehall Creek and Whitehall Bay. The grounds consist of 135 acres of sprawling lawns and fields. This beautifully and lovingly restored National Historic Landmark offers an unparalleled backdrop for your one-of-a-kind meetings, weddings, corporate receptions, and private celebrations. Designed by the same architect who designed the iconic Maryland State House, Whitehall stands as the finest example of Palladian architecture in the country and was the first National Historic Landmark to be designated in the state of Maryland. The house showcases a collection of museum-caliber artwork and antiques. After enlisting the help of luxury wedding planner extraordinaire Adriana Marie Events events, they started planning out their blue, seafoam green, and coastal toned celebration. Officiating their wedding was Clara Spera, the granddaughter of the late honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg. While it, unfortunately, rained for most of the day and forced their ceremony to be under their plan B tent, their floral design by Floral and Bloom provided a romantic and relaxed aesthetic for their guests which was perfect for their waterside nuptials. Guests were wowed by their white circle bar, reception design, light display by White Glove Rentals, and beautiful linens by BBJ La Tavola and Stradley Davidson Linen Collective. They were also blown away with a delicious custom rainbow jello shot by Edibles Incredibles upon the brides’ grand entrance to their reception. The brides shared a dance with their moms, cut their cake, and danced the night away under their magical tented reception space.

From the brides Danielle and Paige… We chose to work with Adriana of Adriana Marie Events because she is a wonderful human who cares so deeply about the couples she works with. What made her stand out from the rest was her attention to detail, her coastal chic style, and most importantly, that she emphasized her desire to craft a wedding that was personalized and unique; a wedding that couldn’t possibly be anyone else’s. These personalized touches were a hit at the wedding, and something we will never forget. We were honored to have Clara Spera, the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s granddaughter, as our wedding officiant. Justice Ginsburg was a friend of Danielle’s grandparents and Danielle’s role model. She had hoped to one day officiate this wedding. We were unbelievably grateful that Clara filled Justice Ginsburg’s shoes and gave the most thoughtful, personal, heartfelt ceremony based off of her grandmother’s prior wedding ceremony readings. For our wedding toast, we passed around rainbow jello shots as opposed to the traditional champagne flutes to highlight our passion for “love is love” while also capturing our reputation of making themed jello shots for every festivity! Adriana helped us create an escort display that included an array of locks on a gate with guests’ names and table numbers to symbolize our tradition of placing love locks in every foreign city we have traveled to together as well as our obsession with escape rooms. Our adored pups were our flower girl and ring bearer, and they were also the theme of our signature cocktails – “Penny’s Punch” and “Jackson’s Juice!” We incorporated loved ones that had passed away by placing charms on our bouquets. The appetizers we chose were a combination of our favorite foods displayed in a unique way – spaghetti and vodka sauce twirled on a fork, bulgogi tacos resting on a lime wedge, and more! As Nutella enthusiasts, we had no choice but to have a Nutella wedding cake!

Paige proposed first in West Maui! She brought Danielle to a surprise outdoor couples massage and spa first, then she led her to a jungle where she got down on one knee in front of a large, stunning tree to pop the question! The photographer was hiding behind a different tree to capture the moment. Paige then led Danielle to a cliff’s edge along the water where a blanket, pillows, and their favorite white wine (Moscato) were waiting for them. Paige made Danielle a slideshow video with tons of pictures of the two of them (and Jackson and Penny, of course) and cameos of two of her favorite celebrities asking her to say yes! One of the celebrities in the video was Jake Scott, the singer of their favorite song, “Tuesdays.” Danielle started her proposal with their favorite nerdy date night activity, an escape room! The final clue of the escape room had a QR code leading Paige to a personalized website with password-protected video clues from Danielle’s mom and Paige’s parents and brother. Paige searched each location that the video clues led her to for items that represented inside jokes the two share, and those items gave her the passwords to open more videos. Danielle then proposed on a natural coral pier when the sun was setting on one side and the moon was rising on the other. Their favorite quote from the song Tuesdays was framed at the proposal spot. It’s obvious that Danielle and Paige are soul mates – two of the locations Danielle picked for her scavenger hunt were right next to the tree and cliff from Paige’s proposal. They also incorporated the same song, Tuesdays, into their proposals! Our wedding day was so magical in every way that even the pouring rain during the ceremony couldn’t ruin it! By the time we made it to the reception, the bottom of our dresses were beautifully decorated by Whitehall’s finest dirt and grass! Despite the rain, Rebecca and Alex managed to capture every detail perfectly and were such a pleasure to work with!

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

BBJ La Tavola

View Portfolio

Modern Monet Styled Shoot With A Luxe Color Palette

With modern Monet inspiration and a luxe color palette, this sophisticated styled shoot has stolen our hearts. Wander design and planning planned a day with elegance at every turn, and Anthera Floral filled it with endlessly romantic florals. Every carefully curated detail was artfully captured in the imagery by Courtney Bowlden, visit the full gallery for endless inspiration.

From Courtney Bowlden… The modern bride wants her wedding design to tell a story. A story of love, beauty, and nourishment for the soul. She wants to savor every moment of her days leading up, surrounded by the people she cherishes and the delicate details with which she has so carefully curated in the months prior. Our Modern Monet Bride draws inspiration from one of the most celebrated painters of the 20th century. Monet’s bold use of contrasting colors, ethereal light, and whimsical movement create the perfect modern fairytale backdrop.

She’s chosen a luxe color palette of surprising hues, focused on lavender, golden yellow, and salmon, with pops of lilac, brilliant yellow, and nude. Her palette and textures indeed transcend the seasons. She fills her day with impactful moments where she can slow down and enjoy the lush stillness of her favorite landscape… the countryside.

A slow afternoon, surrounded by the things she holds nearest and dearest to her heart: enchanting florals, her favorite book, and stationary, a cozy picnic with all the goodies her heart desires. She sets a tablescape for her closest friends and family, lit by golden candlelight and filled with the rich history of a turn-of-the-century schoolhouse. Golden hour light captures her elegant but free spirit nature. She exits ready for a journey anew.

A Grand Affair at the Stifel Theatre in Saint Louis

If you’re the type of bride looking for something classic and romantic, then this special day is for you. Done in a palette of green and white, C & C Events coordinated pure wedding magic. Lush blooms by Magnolia Flowers add to the elegance all artfully captured in imagery by Rochelle Maples Photography. Visit the full gallery for a closer look at all the lovely.

From Rochelle Maples Photography… Ann Katherine and Devin are such a genuine pair and the love that surrounds them was felt throughout their wedding day. They had hoped for a “classic, romantic, elegant and simple” feel to their day with a focus on the true love and happiness between them as well as their families and friends. Any of their wedding guests can tell you that they achieved that feeling in a perfect and beautiful way on their big day!

From the bride… We met fall of 2017 when Devin was visiting his friends at University of Kentucky, which is where I attended college. I had apparently told his friends I thought he was cute, so Devin introduced himself to me and he ended up visiting again 2 days later! I tried to “friend zone” him but clearly, that didn’t work! In 2018 he moved to St. Louis to attend Washu Law school and I started working at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and he proposed to me in 2020!

One weekend he told me we were meeting friends on Art Hill for a picnic and to dress nice because he wanted to take pictures for Christmas. Which I thought was weird because he hates dressing up and taking pictures. We started walking over the bridge at the Grand Basin in Forest Park (which was our route we would always walk on the weekends) and he got down on his knee and asked me to marry him! Our families were hiding and popped out right after! We went to my parent’s house to celebrate, and he surprised me once again with all of our best friends in town!

Our ceremony was at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Clayton with our Reception following at the Stifel Theater. I had always dreamed of my wedding reception being in the Grand Lobby of the Stifel ever since it was renovated years ago. I have dreamt about my wedding since I was a little girl and knew the exact vision I wanted so I got straight to planning. My amazing mom helped me plan the most perfect day and thought through every detail. Devin and I had a private dinner during cocktail hour so we were able to thank everyone for coming to their dinner tables while they ate! Also, I’d like to elaborate on the fact that Devin and his family are from Kentucky and all the people that came in from out of town was humbling. Devin wanted me to have the day that I had always wished for, so he was very flexible in what the day was like to make me happy. It was the most humbling feeling having 200 people in one room that loved us just as much as we loved them.

Old World Elegance on the Amalfi Coast at Villa Astor

We’re closing out the last few moments of summer with an epic Amalfi Coast editorial planned by Krissy Campbell dripping in old world elegance. High fashion, a fine art aesthetic, jaw-dropping blooms by Lettre a Elise Events and Mediterranean sea views at every turn. If you’re looking for Italian destination wedding inspo, look no further. You’re going to want to spend a little extra time at the full gallery by bonphotage, and don’t forget to pin your faves ;)

The winding roads through the Amalfi cliffside towns led us to the Mediterranean escape of Villa Astor right off the Marina Grande in Sorrento, Italy. The blend of this incredible area (and the view!) with a nod to Neo-Roman architecture, Dominican Monastery remnants and lush gardens made it a perfect choice for a dream couple’s intimate Amalfi Coast celebration. I couldn’t wait to create around the natural elements and beauty of the space, while also speaking to current topics of connection, thoughtful luxury, intimate post-COVID destination weddings, fashion and travel at this stunning location.

I wanted to showcase the versatility and options that a coastal Italian venue like Villa Astor could provide to couples for an entire extended and intimate experience for themselves and their guests. We decided to showcase a few vignettes throughout the property that highlighted the beautiful Pompeiian villa and gardens that could be used all year round. We designed a ceremony, two tablescapes, and a dessert table by the talented Mon Annie Cakes. These paired with portraits highlighting luxuries of the area including a speedboat ride and Fiat 500 getaway. We also included dreamy paper goods by two talented stationery artists, Olumis Calligraphy and Studio Wren.

To bring the vignettes to life, we decided on a spring or summer wedding palette and, again, played to the property and its surroundings. I chose colors that weren’t overly bright, yet felt fresh with touches of the colors seen in the indoor living spaces as well, using soft pinks, yellows, and even subtle greens and blues. It was important for us to keep in line with the fine art aesthetic while adding both personal touches and pops of coastal color. I described the couple and their ideal celebration with descriptors such as “elegant, luxury, exclusive, romantic, intimate, refined, travel, sophisticated, coastal, cultured, delicate yet bold, hopeful and lush.”

We also wanted to create a story for this couple that could be reflected in the experience and details of their time at Villa Astor. This is the story of a couple with a love for travel and culture. They want to reflect their connection to the natural and European-style architecture while inspiring their guests to discover for themselves perspectives and stories beyond their own – to embrace the experience of the coastal slowed pace and seaside escape…to celebrate places and people that may surprise, challenge and inspire. Their celebration speaks of their desire to use their travels to connect themselves and others to the innate beauty found in places and people wherever they go.

All of this gave us a wonderful foundation to work with as we designed the experience.

We began to connect with professionals worldwide that could beautifully bring these elements and values to life. We worked with the incredibly talented French floral designer, Lettre a Elise Events, to create stunning floral vignettes that flowed naturally throughout each space – from a show-stopping ceremony installation flowing over the iconic archways, peering out to the sea to two tablescapes, both overlooking the cliffside water, each lush with pops of softly toned florals and taper candles. She also created the most romantic bouquet for the bride, just perfectly sized for her and her delicate, romantic gowns along with her soft bridal hair and makeup by Samantha Pretto. The touch of florals perfectly enhanced the already stunning natural landscape and architecture.

The color palette softly played off tones of early summer and the subtle tones both outside and inside the venue. We had so much fun weaving these together in each of the table details. The backdrop of the villa with the gardens, sea and mountains in view created the perfect spots for multiple outdoor dinner fetes surrounding the wedding day. One of the villa’s checkered balconies held a glass-top oval table highlighted with matted gold touches, stunning paper details and a center brimming with almost a dozen floral arrangements, softening the palette and keeping the space timeless yet bold and luxurious. The second tablescape was set with old-world chairs and paper details, velvet linens and lush floral, nestled against the seaside backdrop along the cliff’s edge. The invitations and day of paper goods by both stationery artists were a truly personal touch as each guest received a unique menu and personal place card, each assembled together with color, texture and design details custom to each attendee. Muted palette tones, combinations of hand calligraphy and typeface along with wax seals, floral art and personalized gifts gave a nod to the inspiration found in the locations and the thoughtful luxury of the entire experience. The texture in the china and flatware pairings (thanks to G&G Party Service) brought a true nod to the simple, yet elegant look of the venue’s iconic architecture and gardens.

The experience was both intimate yet elevated as we showcased the couple’s high taste for fashion and design in the haute couture gowns of Galia Lahav and romantic, yet bold colored gown by Il Giardino Fiorito delle Spose. The groom was not spared in his regal look as well in two different tux designs by Sergio Nesci Boutique. The couple was adorned with Italian jewelry and accessories by New Milano and a bridal ring by Taya.

Lastly, we also wanted to ensure that we captured the couple taking special moments for themselves throughout the experience. This is one of my top priorities as a planner and designer – to provide our couples with not only a stunning space, but the ability to cherish the beauty of the moments together both alone and with their guests. The bride and groom were captured throughout the property and luxurious villa in its natural element with the most perfect golden light and seaside landscape. They escaped in both a quaint Italian car as they were married off and enjoyed a luxury speedboat getaway from the Marina Grande as well.

As you can see through the beautifully captured photos from the Bonphotage team, each detail of the celebration and experience at Villa Astor was thoughtful from beginning to end. The aesthetic and beauty was only heightened by the intimate moments between them and the intentional touches added for themselves and their loved ones. We hope this project inspires a timeless, yet highly personal and thoughtful approach to luxury celebrations on the Italian Amalfi Coast and beyond!

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

bonphotage

View Portfolio

Petit Bouquet

View Portfolio

A Stylish Summer Soirée With Filled With Real Lemon Trees

Come for the elegance, stay for the love. This Montage Palmetto Bluff wedding is filled with chic details, and most importantly fun! Christina Baxter Weddings & Events planned and designed the day covered in pops of color and lots of lemon trees. Floral design by Blossoms Events was nothing short of spectacular, and Abby Jiu Photography artfully captured every magical moment in her elegant imagery. Visit the full gallery for a closer look at all the fun.

From Christina Baxter Weddings & Events… The stylish couple, Harry and Charlotte, started their wedding weekend off with a waterfront welcome party at Moreland Landing at Palmetto Bluff. Their guests got a taste of the Lowcountry with warm, neutral tones and breathtaking views to commence the weekend festivities to come.

The celebration continued with a high fashion summer soiree – brimming with color, love, and laughter. Charlotte was the essence of elegance decked in a delicate lace, boding a gorgeous bouquet of Lily of The Valley, which is a refined choice for any bride, no matter the time of the year. The reception brought a splash of color with lemon tree centerpieces, patterned bridesmaid’s gowns, and bright, gorgeous floral arrangements.

Every detail was curated with Charlotte and Harry’s beaming personality in mind. Their guests were definitely some of the best dressed guests that we’ve seen! And they danced the summer night away for the perfect end to the evening.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/581304676 600 338]

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

BBJ La Tavola

View Portfolio

Petit Bouquet

View Portfolio

When It Comes To Diamonds, Three Is Better Than One

Okay, we need to take a moment to talk about our new favorite engagement ring trend–three-stone rings! When it comes to people, you spend your life searching for the one, but…when it comes to diamonds, three is definitely better than one. And, these three-stone engagement rings from Grown Brilliance have us seeing stars. They’ve got something for everyone, no matter your style. Or you can even create your dream ring from scratch–it’s up to you!

More Bling For Your Buck

We know what you’re thinking, “Three stones? One was expensive enough.” But with Grown Brilliance, your dollar stretches a lot farther than with other traditional diamond retailers because all of their diamonds are lab-grown. So, not only are these stones ethically sourced, but because they are less expensive to create than they are to mine, Grown Brilliance is able to pass that savings on to you. Plus, lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to naturally occurring stones. So dream big babe, with Grown Brilliance, all your engagement ring dreams can come true!

Vintage Vibes

If you’ve always dreamed of getting married at a grand estate, planned on rocking a ballgown with a cathedral train, and you’re going old-school with your veil (blusher and all), then you’re a vintage girl. You’ll probably keep the color palette soft with some lovely pastels and go over the top with your florals because you’ve been dreaming of this moment for as long as you can remember. So, when it comes to choosing your engagement ring, you want to go with something ornate and something a little extra that can hold its own with the rest of your wedding look. For your center stone, pick a shape that speaks to you. Cuts with round edges, like ovals and pear shapes, speak more to the vintage feel. And, don’t be afraid to go bold with your band. We recommend keeping the band all metal instead of pavé so that the three stones are the focus, but throw in an interesting shape or embossing to give your ring that heirloom feel.

Modern Elegance

You like clean lines, but just because you like to keep things simple doesn’t mean you like to play it safe or are afraid to make a statement. Neutrals and bold contrast are the cornerstones of your color palette both in your everyday life and in your dream wedding design. You’ll probably wear a fitted crepe gown that’s all about the silhouette and exquisite tailoring and you’ll need a ring to go with it. With a modern engagement ring, you’ll want to keep the cut of your stones crisp and angular like an emerald cut. And with a cut like that, it’s all about size and clarity. Go big with your center stone, at least one carat, and then use the two side stones to bring balance to the overall design. Because the size of your stones will be the statement, go for a more minimalist band.

Put a little sparkle in your Instagram feed–give @grownbrilliance a follow.

Jewelry: Grown Brilliance

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

Petit Bouquet

View Portfolio

This Couple’s Museum of Natural History Wedding Was Complete with Ring Pops and Dinosaurs

Ready for a roaring good time? Christie and Brian got married at the Fernbank Natural History Museum amongst real dinosaur fossils! Brianne McMullan Events planned the modern romantic day, filled with centerpieces inside acrylic boxes that looked like they could’ve been an exhibit at the museum themselves! Lindsay Coletta brightened the space with bright pops of beautiful flowers, and Laura Watson artfully captured every magical moment. Fall in love with every chic second inside the full gallery.

From Laura Watson… Christie and Brian strayed from traditional southern clichés and played into the modern lines and motifs of Fernbank Natural History Museum in Atlanta throughout their wedding design – from their paper to their florals. Their design showcased the romantic colors of the season, but the pair leaned into the museum aesthetic by placing their centerpieces in delicate acrylic boxes as if on display in a gallery.

They also added sparks of their personality throughout. When Brian proposed, he initially used a ring pop, so they made sure their guests could take part in the romance at their reception with a basket full of Ring Pops at the ready.

Christie chose her brother as her “Man of Honor,” and he fashionably rocked the title in a burgundy suit. And if you’re getting married in a dinosaur museum, you must have dinosaurs at the reception, right?

Bursting With Blooms Bridgerton Inspired Pippin Hill Wedding

The Duke and Dutchess themselves would delight at this Bridgerton-inspired Pippin Hill Farm wedding. Laurel Elise Events planned a day that brought the couple’s love story to life, and Cultivate Event Co filled it with floral installations as far as the eyes could see. You’ll fall in love with every second of the special day artfully captured by Rebecca Theresa Photography. See it all unfold inside the full gallery.

From Rebecca Theresa Photography… Janie and Zach’s Bridgerton-inspired destination wedding at Pippin Hill Farm was an epic celebration with over-the-top florals and panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Using the expertise of Laurel Elise Events, they chose a lavender, pink, green, and ivory design which was seen all throughout their day, from the incredible custom suite and crest by Emily Mayne Studio, to the stunning cake display by Cakes by Rachel. The pair and their family from Dallas hosted just under 150 guests for a complete wedding weekend in Charlottesville, complete with a welcome dinner and post-wedding brunch. The duo first met when Janie showed up late to a pre-orientation program prior to freshman year at Washington & Lee. Everyone else was there already, and she rolled in 10 minutes late smiling and apologizing. Zach was attracted to her immediately and the rest is history. They now have 2 dogs and a cat, all rescues, and we love working from home with them in our Dallas townhome. They had a memorable honeymoon in Paris to complete their fairytale wedding experience. From the bride: “Janie and Zach met at a small college in Virginia, where they fell in love with each other and the Blue Ridge Mountains too. Upon their graduation, they moved to Dallas together to start a new chapter. Two years and three rescue animals later, Zach designed a custom engagement ring with a local jeweler in anticipation of proposing during a family vacation to the beach. But as soon as he had it in his hands, he knew he couldn’t wait another day — he invited Janie to the rooftop deck of their newly purchased home and popped the question as the sun set behind the Dallas skyline. Janie and Zach knew they wanted to celebrate their wedding in front of a sweeping view of the mountains of Virginia.

The first and best decision they made in their wedding planning process was hiring their talented Charlottesville-based planner Elise from Laurel Elise Events. With her careful guidance, they signed with their venue Pippin Hill Farm sight-unseen due to the pandemic. When it came to planning the aesthetics of their wedding, the couple knew only one thing: they LOVED over-the-top florals and greenery! They had even cultivated their own vibrant garden on the same rooftop where Zach had proposed. As Janie was dress shopping, her father pulled a dress that felt “right” the moment she put it on. The sweetheart gown by Mira Zwillinger was covered in gorgeous hand-embroidered leaves that reminded her of Zach and his passion for gardening. It was love at first sight! The dress helped set an organic tone to their wedding theme. On the flight to meet Elise and see Pippin Hill Farm for the first time, Janie watched the first season of Bridgerton, which provided her with more fantastic inspiration. “Romantic, whimsical, overgrown, secret garden, and floral-forward” were all phrases the couple suggested to guide their planner’s creative vision. Per Janie’s request to steer clear of pink, but keep it springy, the team kept to a color scheme of dusty lavender and green. With Elise’s guiding help, the couple settled on vendors and the details of what each one would bring to the big day. At each turn in the creative process, Elise helped incorporate the romantic “secret garden” theme. Even the invitations were decked out in a custom flower print, which tied in the same variety of flowers that their florist Cultivate Event Co would incorporate on the wedding day. On the day-of, Janie wore a gold four-leafed clover tied with a blue ribbon around her ankle, a good-luck charm adorned by each bride in her family. The aisle was lined in organic, vertical arrangements that appeared to grow straight out of the ground. They swayed romantically as the crisp April air whipped through Pippin Hill Farm‘s Vineyard. The altar arrangement matched, and was kept low to preserve the beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As the couple concluded their simple ceremony, Zach stopped halfway down the aisle to dip Janie for one more kiss. Not only was it fantastic material for the photographers and videographers — it was also exhilarating and fun!

As the couple rounded the corner back into Pippin Hill Farm, they were greeted with their first drink as husband and wife: a glass of champagne shared out of a sterling silver “Loving Cup.” The cup was engraved with their initials, which appeared beside those of other couples in Janie’s family who had shared their own first drinks from it. Meanwhile, their guests enjoyed signature cocktails named after the couples’ animals, who made special appearances in the form of watercolor portraits printed on the cocktail napkins. As Janie and Zach exited the cocktail hour on the veranda and entered the reception space, they were amazed by how Elise had transformed it. Smilax dripped from the chandeliers, across the ceilings, and down the walls. The cake was ringed with fresh florals as if it had sprung up from a garden. Above the head table hung an installment of greenery and purple flowers, reminiscent of the wisteria which adorned the Bridgerton home’s façade. The installment, illuminated from below by flickering candlelight, gave a magical and intimate feel to the head table. Beneath it, the couple enjoyed a fantastic toast by the father of the bride and a delicious dinner service as they were surrounded by their closest friends. Janie and Zach opened the dance floor with their first dance to John Denver’s “Annie’s Song,” which once again tied together the beauty of nature with their everlasting love for each other. After dancing the night away with DJ GBaby, the couple enjoyed one last private dance together. As they swayed together, they soaked in the amazing day one last time before heading out in a getaway car. While the whole wedding was a fantastic and magical experience, the couple agrees: “being married is the best part!”

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

BBJ La Tavola

View Portfolio

Spectacular Spring Wedding In The Gardens Of The Meridian House

Spring has sprung in this enchanted Meridian House wedding. Filled with a bright and beautiful color palette in happy hues, A. Griffin Events planned a day we can’t stop dreaming about. Sophie Felts Floral Design created pure wedding magic with a ceremony arch bursting with beautiful blooms. From the super chic bar cart to the indoor garden-like reception, you won’t want to miss a single incredible image captured by Vicki Grafton Photography. Head to the full gallery to fall in love with all the details.

From A. Griffin Events… An early spring wedding in the gardens, groves, and halls of Meridian House, Julie and Gage’s wedding focused on giving their guests a memorable experience and creating a gorgeous, unforgettable wedding day. From the moment guests enter the drive of Meridian House, it felt as though they’ve left the busy DC streets for a place of welcoming grandeur. Floral monograms on the front doors greeted guests before they moved through the home to the garden for a flower-filled ceremony on the lawn. After Julie and Gage exchanged vows, the Linden Grove was alive with cocktails, colorful lounge furniture, and live music where guests mingled.

A colorful escort display featured handpainted acrylic tile coasters for each guest to take home. Cocktail hour concluded with a colorful champagne tower featuring handpainted bottles of Veuve Clicquot by the bride. The dining experience had guests enjoying their meals amidst trees hung with lights, and tables filled with the pastel hues of spring. Iridescent chargers and light blue goblets added a modern touch to the Old-World interiors of Meridian House. Color and whimsy reigned supreme from a flower-filled ceremony on the lawn featuring a pastel arch, to cocktail hour in the Linden Grove where their guests sipped libations from a neon and floral bar and relaxed on colorful lounge furniture, to a watercolor tile seating assignment display, the entire space was vibrant and alive like spring should feel.

The wow moments continued as the evening rolled on. An ombre champagne tower, a plated meal underneath trees adorned with floating candles, and a dramatic dessert presentation featuring two wedding cakes – one of them hanging from a chandelier, the other nestled inside a gold carriage. Their live band kept the party going for hours, with the bride changing into a feathered, sequined second dress that was perfect for dancing. Later, Julie and Gage exited Meridian House with sparklers in hand before heading off to their after party to continue their festivities!

Elegant Montenegro Wedding With Bay And Mountain Views

Surrounded by their closest family and friends, Erika and Ikaikaon exchanged vows on the Bay of Kotor. The beautiful day overlooking the water was expertly planned by Blush Pink Events, who thought of everything from the scenic ceremony to the intimate private villa reception. Serafima Pavlova designed the elegant event filled with romance at every turn. Every magical moment is artfully captured in the imagery by Alexandra and Vladimir Nadtochiy, you can see it all inside the full gallery.

From Alexandra and Vladimir Nadtochiy… Erika & Ikaika exchanged their vows on a beautiful pier in the Bay of Kotor in the circle of their closest friends and family. Wedding planning had started 7 months before the wedding, so we had enough time to think through all the details. The main goal for the venue was to find a place for a small wedding of up to 30 people and make it as intimate as possible. So we chose a secluded private villa in a quiet place in the Bay of Kotor, with a cozy courtyard, where no tourist can disturb the atmosphere of the event.

The ceremony took place at another villa in the same town. The pier had a stunning view of the bay and mountains. To Erika and Ikaika there is no better place to say their vows. For the bridesmaids attire Erica chose flowy blue and gray-blue dresses. This set the main color palette for the entire wedding. Erica knew right away that she wanted to have a round arch for the ceremony – a symbol of rings and infinity. The abundance of greenery against the background of the azure color of the water created a truly unforgettable atmosphere.

A gray-blue velvet tablecloth has become the main accent of the reception decor and delicate centerpieces with peonies and tulips complementing it perfectly, making the overall picture of the celebration absolutely stunning. When the lanterns and candles were lit, the evening created the very intimate atmosphere that we were striving for – an atmosphere of sincere joy, happiness and love in the circle of the loved ones.