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

How to Ensure Your First Kiss Gets Perfectly Captured, From a Wedding Photographer

Your wedding day is finally here, your favorite people are surrounding you, your dream vendor team is capturing all the incredible details and moments you have invested in. Finally, it is time for that long-anticipated moment of your first kiss as married, swoon! I know you want those dreamy, perfect shots for this moment, and I’m sharing my favorite tips from a photographer’s perspective on how to nail it (and make your photographer love you forever!)

Practice Ahead of Time

This is definitely a moment you will want to practice ahead of time. Why? Well, this is your iconic moment. You have to decide as a couple how you want to seal this. Do you want quick and polite, traditional, very dramatic? There are actual levels to this. However, the most important thing is you do not want any awkwardness like open eyes, teeth/head bump, or worse, a little too aggressive and you knock over that gorgeous altar arrangement you paid for!

Hold it for Three Seconds

No matter what type of kiss you decide to go for, the one thing you want to make sure you do is hold this kiss for at least three seconds, preferably five! Why? Because your photographer and videographer will have plenty of time to capture and frame the perfect shot. If you do not hold your kiss long enough, or it is a quick peck, you risk not having the shot captured perfectly, and how sad would that be?!

Go Over the Game Plan with the Officiant

Make sure at your rehearsal to practice your first kiss and get your officiant in on it as well. You will want your officiant to step out of the frame for that shot, so it’s a good one to practice. Most professional officiants know to move, but if you are using a friend or family member, it is a good idea to mention it to them multiple times before the day-of! Most officiant’s will step to the left or right so there is a clear shot of the aisle. Once they move, then you will want to go in for the kiss, and boom, you have a clear, open shot of it to remember!

Kiss and Dip

My favorite first kisses start with a traditional kiss, and slowly evolves into a little bit of a dip! Then you get two different looks for your first kiss and it’s so romantic! In order for this to work best, you will need to have a space that is open enough to do this, and not too much of a logistical issue with your outfits.

The Mid-Aisle Kiss

As you come back up the aisle with all of the cheers and clapping of your family and friends, do a mid-aisle kiss for another perfect shot! Your guests will give you a huge cheer, and it is a great way to cap off the end of your ceremony. If you want to do a mid-aisle kiss, make sure to mention this to your photography and videography team so they can get set in the perfect locations.

No matter what, the first kiss is a moment to remember, and it will be perfect regardless of the logistics, as celebrating love is always perfect in style!

Photography: Sacia Matthews Photography

Cue the Happy Tears, This Is the Story of How Two Became Four

Today’s wedding is a very, very special one. It embodies everything a wedding and a marriage should truly be about – love, joy, and family. You’ll obsess over all the little details from their romantic summer day planned by Slauer Events & Design but you’ll happy cry when you see the handsome groom recite his vows to his blushing bride’s two children (which he adopted on their wedding day.) To grow your heart by two sizes in two seconds, head on over to the full gallery – all taken by Hannah Forsberg!

From Rachel, the Planner & Designer… This couple’s story began years after bride Scarlett first husband, the father of her two children, had passed away. When she met Caleb she knew he was not only a wonderful partner, but would also be an amazing father. On the day they eloped, Caleb adopted Scarlett’s children, making vows during the ceremony to them. Caleb and Scarlett became husband and wife, but even more importantly the four of them became a forever family. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house! Scarlett had envisioned a soft, romantic, and approachable design for their summer celebration.

She wore a blush Alexandra Grecco gown that was especially beautiful in front of their custom made arch backdrop. The paper goods were delicate and clean. The cocktails were handcrafted one by one. To balance the elegant outdoor affair with a more fun and casual element, they brought in their favorite brunch restaurant, Sun in My Belly, local to Atlanta, to cater a picnic lunch. It was a day of joy and togetherness – exactly what marriage and family should be about! The wedding was even more special because Hannah, the photographer, had been adopted from China as a child. This family touched her heart, and it was reflected in the beautiful images she captured of the family. We loved that this shoot highlighted a very important aspect of marriage – family and the home that is created when two people commit their lives to one another!

From Hannah Forsberg… I was born in China and left without a birthdate, name, and ultimately family. I think that’s what inspired me to become a photographer; because I know how important it is to have our stories and loved ones documented. The story of adoption is truly so beautiful, because it’s ultimately being welcomed and loved unconditionally, and especially as a child, knowing that you have someone who calls you their own and being willing to love you despite not being your biological family is incredibly powerful and teaches you a lot about what love truly means. Photographing this day was near and dear to my heart and reminded me of the unconditional love that not only husband and wife have for one another on their wedding day, but the sacrifice and love that any adoptee and adoptive parent needs to have for one another. I feel grateful that I had the opportunity to share this story!

What A Wedding Planner’s Vow Renewal Looks Like Amid COVID-19

Judging by the title, you already know this is going to be good. Today’s darling duo celebrated their love all over again at the iconic Swan House & Gardens, a favorite of ours here at SMP. From a blooming infinity arbor by Ten Point Floral Design that’s about to blow up on Pinterest to a moody Autumn palette that will make you swoon… if you’re thinking this could be a styled shoot it’s so good, then you’re so right. Due to COVID-19, this wedding planner bride turned an upcoming editorial she had already planned into her vow renewal – talk about a girl after our own heart. Check out the full gallery right here, all taken by Nicole Flores Photography!

Atlanta wedding planner, Victoria Miller of LUXE Atlanta Events, and her husband recently renewed their vows at the historic Swan House & Gardens, an iconic mansion in the heart of Atlanta. From dreamy florals, including a lush infinity arbor overflowing with greenery to a live artist who captured the vow renewal ceremony on canvas.

If you ever wondered what a wedding planner would dream up for their own celebration, you can see the entire gallery of images below! Victoria and Tyler had initially been planning to renew their vows this September on their actual anniversary. Due to uncertainties surrounding COVID-19, they decided to move their date up and converted an editorial photoshoot Victoria already had designed into the couple’s vow renewal ceremony.

From the Bride… Although we originally had planned to have 40 guests attend our vow renewal this September, the most important thing to my husband and I was that we got to renew our vows this year. We opted to have only a few of our very closest family members celebrate with us for everyone’s safety. We are so happy that we were able to renew our vows this year without having to put it off because of COVID like many other couples have had to do.

My best advice for couples facing having to alter their wedding plans due to Coronavirus is to prioritize what is most important to you and your fiance while considering what is in the best interest of your guests. That may look like having a more intimate ceremony than you originally planned. You can always plan a celebration for a later date when all of your friends and family can attend safely. We were still able to have our special day with people who surrounded us with love and support. Looking back, we wouldn’t change a single thing!

A ‘Staycation’ Honeymoon That Will Have You Rethinking Your Plane Tickets!

Before you pay for plane tickets for the ultimate destination honeymoon, you need to check out this couple’s ‘staycation’ honeymoon captured by Kristin La Voie Photography! For these two who have experienced their fair share of traveling and a partial long-distance relationship, home sounded like the perfect honeymoon for them. Lauren Field Design helped create a simple, relaxing, and romantic getaway for the couple and let their love steal the show. Check it out below and be sure to read the details of their heartwarming love story!

From Riley and Jack…Jack and I started dating 10 years ago in Charlottesville, Virginia. 6 weeks into our relationship, he’d spend 3 months in South Africa for a humanitarian project. We would speak once over the course of that summer. When he returned, it was as if we had never met. Another year together before Jack would visit South Africa again, me off to Brazil. This time we’d email incessantly, hearts aching. A few more months together before Jack would graduate and move to Nashville where he’d pursue his masters at Vanderbilt while working at their psychiatric hospital. For 2 years, every month and sometimes twice, I’d drive 18 hours to fall into his arms and revel in 48 hours together. I’d watch him grow into a strong, spirited man.

He’d support me as I navigated self-discovery. I would receive my degree and, to save something rare, I’d move to Nashville. 4 years, 3 cities and 2 countries later, on a rock in the middle of the ocean, he’d ask me to marry him. I know that the ring I wear on my finger is not materialistic nor trite. It is symbolic of something intangible, even ethereal. It stands for adventure, devotion, patience; elusive elements of any 2 humans’ bond. I look at my hand, I look at his face, I think of our 9 years together and I am amazed by our love. I think it couldn’t be real. It couldn’t be mine. But no. It is real. It is true. It is ours.

From Lauren Field Design…We were privileged to work with Riley and Jack and to tell their honeymoon story in the Hill Country of Austin. Although both of them are well-traveled, their staycation was relaxing, simple, and fun. We wanted to capture the beauty of their authentic connection in a leisurely way as they spent time together around the property.

How to Honor Multiple Cultural Traditions With Ease on Your Wedding Day

Two days, two breathtaking ceremonies, hundreds of fleurs by Bloom Babes, and countless steal-worthy details brought to you by today’s epic Indian and American wedding. Trust us, when you see how gorgeous their colorful fêtes turned out, it will come as no surprise to learn the bride is a wedding planner herself! To see the many special ways this adorable duo honored their individual cultures throughout the weekend, don’t miss out on the full gallery – all captured by the always fabulous, Sposto Photography!

From Sposto Photography… Lindsay and Sid’s gorgeous wedding was the most colorful, joyful celebration.

With 2 days of excitement, this Indian/American wedding weekend blew our socks off with the most beautiful ceremonies anyone could ask for.

One ceremony on the upper lawn and one on the lower, the 2-day event honored traditional Indian traditions as well as traditional western traditions. I’m so grateful to have been able to document both incredible days.

The bride, an event planner herself, did an incredible job designing and organizing her own wedding and the Gals over at JLM Event Co. Brought all the magic to life.

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Sposto Photography

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A Wedding Photographer’s Guide on How to Pose for Wedding Photos

On your wedding day, the last thing you want is to worry about minute details for getting the dreamy, romantic shots. Investing in the right photographer will definitely ensure that you have the wedding photos of your dreams, but is there a way to enhance your posing for these images? The answer is a resounding yes, and I am sharing with you the same exact tips I share with my couples before their wedding day!

Trust Your Wedding Photographer

This likely goes without saying, but I want you to understand that none of this works if you do not trust your wedding photographer. Trust that they understand the perfect light, location, and styling to give you the images you crave. Trust their process, and trust their art. You will be pleasantly surprised with the result when you allow your photographer the space to just create.

Get Cozy

One of my biggest rules of posing, is that unless I give you instructions not to, you need to get cozy with your partner! This means a lot of touching, getting nice and close, and finding moments of comfort next to your partner. Hands and arm holding are an easy way to stay cozy. If you’re nervous, let that hand/arm hold be your space of comfort. You might feel better even angling your body closer to your partner to create closeness. This is not to say you should be completely on top of each other, but more that you want to have moments of affection, closeness, space for intimate moments to create themselves.

Don’t Over Practice

Something I hear from time to time is that couples will practice everything from their smile, to how they walk, to how they stand in their images. Personally, I just do not find this necessary. Your photographer should be well adept in posing you in the most flattering way for you and your partner, just trust that. There are a few posing tips you can definitely practice – kissing with your eyes closed, lightly kissing, and okay, let’s be honest, it’s okay to practice a few smiles as well. Just do not let it consume you to the point that you have stressed yourself out over it!

Let Love Lead the Way

At the end of the day, your wedding day photos should reflect who you are as individuals and as a couple – a celebration of your union. Let that love shine through your photos. Try to put the stress and anxiety of the day out of your head, and let the moments that are just focused on your love lead the session with your photographer. Seriously, you will be so glad you did!

Posing for your wedding day photos is your photographer’s job, so take this one off of your plate. Come prepared with an open heart and mind, and address any areas of concern with your photographer in the weeks leading up to your wedding day so they are aware and ready to put your mind at ease. Trust me, it will be the best day of your life – enjoy and let your photographer simply snap away!

Photography: Sacia Matthews Photography

Classic, Elegant and Stunningly Beautiful….And Wait Until You See The Dress!

If you’re planning on tying the knot in California, Ebell Long Beach needs to be on your list of venues as a must-see! A timeless space with a touch of modern detail, it was the perfect place for this bride and groom to start their lives together! Pop the Champagne Events planned a classic and elegant day full of beautiful details like the mix of dark chairs with soft colored table settings and romantic blooms by Mitsuko Floral. Check it out below to see the stunning images by Sposto Photography and be sure not to miss the couple’s adorable pooch who made a guest appearance!

From Sposto Photography…Ashanti and Irving’s wedding was nothing short of spectacular! A blending of families and cultures topped off with elegant decor and florals that were TO DIE FOR mixing pale pinks and dark maroons for the perfect arrangements!

Everything about their big day exploded with joy and elegance. From Ashanti’s gorgeous lace cuffed gown (another TO DIE FOR moment) to their stunning cut glass tabletop decor, this wedding was timeless, romantic, and memorable.

The Ebell Long Beach was the perfect mix of timeless and modern to bring their day to life and the details by Pop the Champagne Events were perfectly done!

Another favorite moment was the couple’s adorable dog who was quite photogenic posing for photo after photo! The night ended with endless dancing and celebrating was picture perfect!

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Sposto Photography

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3 Wedding Gowns and One Epic Courtyard Reception in Ostuni, Puglia

Today’s gorgeous couple (no, seriously… these two are a dream) tied the knot in a timeless Puglia wedding surrounded by olive trees and trulli at Masseria Grieco. The bride absolutely took our breath away in her three stunning gowns, one for the ceremony, one for dinner and one to dance the night away. Guests dined in the courtyard under a canopy of string lights at a banquet table designed and decorated to perfection by Impression Villas Weddings with floral from Rollo Fiori. Head on over to the full gallery for the all details, captured by Nastia Vesna & Maksim Gladky!

From Impression Villas Weddings… There is so much charm to be found in the changing of seasons in Puglia, southern Italy, when the weather is not as hot as in mid-summer and all the greenery is still lush and flamboyant. When Amaline and Adrian began dreaming up their special day, they knew they wished to showcase what the beautiful region of Puglia had to offer: natural pastel colors, greenery, delicious food and wine.

The sophistication of the day was exuded through the three wedding dresses that Amaline, a couture wedding dress designer from Australia, created on her own and showcased throughout the day: at the intimate wedding ceremony, at dinner and at the afterparty. The main wedding day palette was olive green and pastel tones, and Amaline chose a minimalist bridal bouquet made of only olive tree branches and tied with a rustic ribbon.

The reception table was decorated with a greenery garland with rare pastel colored blooms for a romantic look, as well as the DIY stationery and limoncello give-aways to create a romantic combination between the two looks. The bride and groom’s chairs were decorated with the wreaths made of the olive tree branches.

A few words about the three wedding dresses:
– The ceremony gown had to be timeless with a point of difference. Handmade, layered flowers adorned the gown from top to train.
– Something softer and lighter was worn for dinner with textured beading and embroidery on a silk satin chiffon. A thigh-high split and another epic train.
– The final “party” gown was a hand-knotted French lace with a plunging neckline, pearl clusters and beaded tassels.

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Did You Know That You Can Give Your Wedding Signage a Second Life?

Truth be told, sadly not too many of the decor options you’ll use at your wedding will [realistically] be used again… Things that say anything about ‘cocktail hour’ or ‘Mr. & Mrs,’ anything that specifically references your wedding date, unless it’s used solely for sentimental purposes, it’s hard to find a place that makes sense for displaying the memories. And we’re all for reminiscing, because who hasn’t spent a few hours or more a week looking at old wedding photos and remembering that best day ever; but when a wedding is already a huge financial commitment, it’s nice to be able to say that some of the finishing touches for your fete can be used as future furnishings.

Evergreen wedding signage is one of those things that [if curated strategically] can be versatile enough to show up and show off in a setting somewhere down the line: like your newlywed home! As you start and continue to build your life and legacy together, what better way to start “putting down roots” than putting relics of your relationship up on the walls for your friends and family to see forever? Your wedding date is the stamp that will anchor the ‘when’ in all of your “Smith Family Est” decor, so you can absolutely start early with wedding signage that won’t go stale. In fact, it’ll keep the memory of your wedding day alive and become even more meaningful with events you plan for years to come.

Our Style Me Pretty Collection of details and decor infuses your marital mood with unabashed style, while putting a smile on all of your guests’ faces. Small touches and timely signs for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception are often precisely what make guests feel welcome, and can take your wedding from basic to beyond. So, you can feel all the more comfortable and confident getting things that will shine on your special day and then continue sparking joy in your hereafter. Get shopping now!!

Photo by Ashley Baumgartner

Welcome them to your vows with something v. inspiring.

Whether they care to admit it or not, guests catch feelings on wedding days, and you can help them embrace that “loving feeling” if you’re setting the stage with all the right allusions to affection. It’s wonderful when couples have members of their bridal party greeting guests as they disperse into the ceremony space, but it’s also a sweet touch to display signage with appropriately wedding-worthy sayings or quotes. Something like this “It Was Always You” wood sign is just the right thing to elicit all the “awwwws” from your attending guests.

‘It Was Always You’ Wood Sign

Keep them engaged throughout the evening.

And as the weather gets cooler, there’s something so warm and toasty about a “Welcome to Our Forever” welcome sign, stain-finished and white screen-printed with a whimsy wreath and calligraphed invitation to join in celebrating your next big chapter. We love a rustic look like this as a mixed media application – with other simply-scripted signs (in wood or acrylic) scattered throughout the room displaying similar love-connoted quotes or marking important must-sees like cocktails or guest records.

‘Welcome To Our Forever’ Wood Sign

‘And Then I Met You’ Wood Sign

Bring the magic back home and mount it where it counts.

Like we said before, even the most beautiful things for your wedding usually get packed up and stowed away as keepsakes – but evergreen signage that isn’t strictly “wedding” as much as it’s about love has a lot more runway IRL. Hanging horizontally above your bed or making lasting impressions on your mantleplace, wherever you choose to have these signs starring in their second act, will be super sweet. Shop our signage on site right now!

Introducing Dear Cleo, a Bridesmaid Collection that Makes Long Distance Dress Shopping Seamless!

Let’s face it, there has never been a crazier time to plan a wedding! Going bridesmaid dress shopping may seem next to impossible, but don’t worry–we’ve got good news! Dear Cleo, the new Seattle-based bridesmaid dress company just launched in January of 2020; their mission–deliver a seamless dress shopping experience for you and your bridesmaids and save the environment in the process offering dresses made with recycled yarns.

How? You might ask. Dear Cleo’s super user-friendly website makes it easy for brides and bridesmaids to organize the dress options that they would like to share with their bridal party. With 50 different style options available in sizes 2-32, there is a perfect dress for everyone! And guess what, more than half of the styles have pockets–that’s right ladies, POCKETS!

If you’ve ever been a bridesmaid before, you know that with flights and hotels, dress shopping trips can add up to a small fortune. With Dear Cleo, brides simply select the style and color(s) that they like and add the options to their virtual showroom. Bridesmaids are invited by e-mail to view the selections and for only $10 per dress try-on, they can request to have up to six dresses delivered straight to their door.

Need a little help making your selection? Their team of expert stylists can work with you directly to curate the perfect collection of dresses, making sure there is something for everyone in your bridal party. Couples and bridesmaids can also order swatches to make sure that the colors coordinate perfectly with the rest of the wedding. With 39 colors to choose from, (yep–39!!) you’re sure to find something you love!

Not only are they keeping you and your bridesmaids safe by offering their try-at-home program, but they are saving the environment one bridesmaid dress at a time. Each and every one of their dresses is made-to-order with fabric created from recycled yarns. That means the dresses aren’t mass-produced and sitting in a warehouse somewhere waiting to be ordered. They are each made specially for you in the exact style, color, and size you need, reducing industry waste and giving you a perfect product in the process!

We know what you’re thinking, made-to-order sounds like it might cost a pretty penny–nope! Every dress, no matter the style, size, or color is just $119! Forget the hassle of in-store pick-ups, in about 6-8 weeks, your bridesmaids will receive their dress in the mail. Oh, and did we mention that shipping for Swatches and Try On Dresses is free?! I don’t know about you, but for us, it’s a no-brainer!

A Multicultural Farmhouse Wedding With A First Look That Brought The Groom To Tears!

For today’s Indian American wedding, the couple beautifully fused together their two cultures with a minimal farmhouse style wedding mixing in traditional Indian garb, but not with your typical brightly colored sari’s. Bride and groom tied the knot at The Farmhouse in a small Texas town with their closest friends and family, which led to an emotional day from the first look to their ‘I Do’s!’ Paige Vaughn Photo captured all the magic including the perfectly planned details by Unveiled Bliss and a stunning floral chandelier by Monica’s Brides. Take a peek below to see all of the love and all of the emotions!

From Paige Vaughn Photo…Caroline, originally from India, and Kyle, originally from the northeast, fused together their two cultures to have an epic Indian-American wedding just outside of Houston, Texas- one that combines the best of modern minimalism and farmhouse style with chic Indian traditions.

For the year leading up to the wedding, Caroline and Kyle fought tirelessly to bring Caroline’s parents and brother to the U.S. but were faced with endless roadblocks because of American immigration policies. A few days before the wedding, the couple was overjoyed to find out they’d gotten a last-minute visa approved for the bride’s family.

With a planning process like that, it was no wonder why the day was so emotionally-charged. Outside of the aesthetics of the wedding, my favorite moment was the heart-breakingly precious first look where Kyle broke down in tears.

The couple dressed in American wedding attire for their ceremony, while having the bridesmaids dress in traditional saris. During the reception, the vibe transformed as traditional Indian drummers and dancers paved the way for Caroline and Kyle to dance the night away in their Indian clothing (a stunning neural set – a juxtaposition to the typical bright Indian wedding clothing). The day was a perfect balance of elegance and fun – you’d never guess the party went down in a small Southern town.

As for how they met, Caroline and Kyle’s first date was in Houston, at a cozy restaurant and it entailed hours and hours of chatting and hitting it off. They liked each other so much that they decided to go for a run the very next morning – A RUN, I KNOW. If that isn’t a match made in heaven, I don’t know what is. Flash forward and these two decided to make it *official* on the banks of Lake Como in Italy.

You Just HAVE To See The Unique Details Of This Wedding….Especially How The Bride Walked Down The Aisle!

It’s all in the details….and the bride’s vision! This bride knew exactly what she wanted from floral accessories to a ‘no color’ color palette to a mirrored aisle, and May Carlson Fine Art Photography captured every bit of it perfectly! A Simple Taste of Elegance pieced together exactly what the bride envisioned for her magical wedding day, and Vintage Bouquet helped those dreams come true with a floral crown and cuffs – accessories that made this 18th century inspired garden party come to life! Check it out below, and take note of the brides TWO stunning gowns!

From the Bride…We met in late 2014, we both worked in the Cardiothoracic ICU. He is a critical care nurse and me, a Respiratory Therapist. I noticed him first, a nurse that took his job so very seriously and cares for his patients like he would his own mother. Our first date was at the Pearl Brewery in San Antonio, Texas. After two years of dating, we flew to Portland Maine to chase waterfalls and catch lobsters. On July 24th, 2017 we took a day-long waterfall tour. It was our last stop, Angel Falls. We hiked up the beautifully scenic Mountain Brook, crossed multiple mountain streams. When we made it to the top, we faced the set of plunging waterfalls and he proposed. It was intimate and very well planned. We enjoyed our 2 and half year engagement with lots of traveling and lots of food. We married on March 7th, 2020.

My Vision:
A Catherine the Great 18th Century Garden Party. An outdoor wedding with a String Quartet playing Classical Music was a must.

Color Palette:
I preferred to not have a “color palette” per se, I requested neutrals, I only wanted colors that naturally occur in nature. I had complete trust in my florist, she had the freedom to create as she pleased.

Style Vision:
ELEGANT TIMELESS GLAMOUR. My hope is when these photos resurface after many years, the style will not be affected by the passage of time.

Unique elements:
Mirror Aisle which was a custom creation. 8ft width x 40ft Length (my Victor Harper Couture Ceremony Gown was quite large).
Flower wall for our Ceremony and Mini Flower wall for our Cake table.
Floral baby’s breath Arm cuffs
Floral baby’s breath Halo inspired by Cicely Tyson
Milk glass centerpieces which I handpicked for each table, no duplicates. These were given away to family as gifts.
My Victor Harper Couture Ceremony Gown had 3 beautiful shades of brown tulle incorporated in the skirt.
String quartet for the Ceremony and Reception.

My favorite moment:
Walking down the mirror aisle to the sound of the String quartet. So many emotions!

Favorite crafted detail:
Mirror aisle/Floral wall/Arm cuffs – I can’t choose just one!

Flowers:
Blush Ranunculus, Soft Blue Tulips, Cherry Blossoms, Sweet Peas, Blush Garden Roses.

Gown:
Ceremony- Victor Harper Couture – satin strapless mermaid gown with draped and jeweled bodice and jaw-dropping layered multi-colored tulle train. Reception- Marchesa Notte with 3D whimsical flowers and tulle overlay, minor alterations were made.

Favors:
My Husband’s Aunt owns a Taiwanese bakery, she made us her famous mini pineapple cakes for our guests to take home!

Cake:
A 3-layer Creme Brulee cake with white chocolate Brush Strokes for aesthetics.

Advice for Brides-to-Be’:
Start planning early! Do not compromise your vision! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE have a wedding planner, this is the only way you will be able to enjoy your big day with NO STRESS.

How to Make Your Micro-Wedding Feel Artfully Curated and Timeless

If you ask us, there are million advantages to hosting a micro-wedding. What’s our favorite, you might ask? Well, besides the sheer intimacy they provide for both you and your guests, our favorite thing about micro-weddings is the ability to break boundaries throughout the curation process, in ways a traditional wedding could never. Looking for some inspiration on how to artfully curate your micro-wedding while keeping it timeless in style? Allow Elle Loren & Co to pave the way. Head on over to the full gallery, captured by Nicole Colwell Photography for all the inspiration (including all the heavenly, bright blooms from Wild Fleurette!)

From Elle Loren & Co… Micro-weddings & elopements are here to stay, and we are elated to be able to focus on a refined look that is artfully curated and feels ever so timeless. We believe in all the small details; putting together a complete flow from the dainty paper suites, that custom Susie Altzman ring (taking our breath away), and waving back at smiling poppy blooms dancing amidst the honey bees. Locally sourced flowers from family-owned farms in Virginia mingled our team of vendors organically. With a smaller guest count, the options for your ceremony location are endless.

We chose a humble wooded grove, through a ray of sunshine, almost as if the universe whispered, love is here. Styling a lush setting for our couple to share vows, we wanted to make the structure disappear with two strong foundations of greenery and blooms shooting up to surround Maddie and Mark. With our ability to really hone in on our couple, we could feel the warmth radiating from their gaze.

We were overjoyed witnessing Maddie’s groom swooning over her! Those blue eyes and statement DAISY earrings were the perfect touch. Whimsical, effortless, and glam vibes. A statement, that is tasteful and delicate. Lovers of everything floral, we let this eloquently flow into our detailed design, using handpicked elements to carefully curate every part of the design. We styled a lush palette of wild greens, yellows and a touch of the white to round out a mountain canvas nestled at Ivy Rose Barn. Our table was adorned with abundance of florals sweeping off the end. White classic ceramic tied the wooden garden chairs and wooden chargers together for a living tablescape, matching the landscape within the valley. Fluttering in a field of wildflowers with your favorite person on the best day ever.

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How to Make a Major Statement With Your Engagement Photos

Trying to figure out a way to make your engagement photos really pop!? Take note from this stunning couple who went bold with their attire – and the results are everythinggg. You might even recognize the handsome soon-to-be groom from today’s rooftop engagement session, Damontre Moore – pro football player for the San Francisco 49ers! Oh, and before you go, don’t forget to check out the full gallery photographed by Ivy Weddings!

From Ivy Weddings… Tiara and Damontre are a power couple in every way! They are so in love and so much fun to be around, and their style and personalities shine. They are a dynamic duo dedicated to making a difference in the community, and between her role as the founder of a non-profit for young ladies and their empowerment, and his role as an NFL pro football player, they are doing just that.

Their rooftop engagement session was the culmination of the vision and style of a leading team of female Black vendors, all hand selected by the bride and groom. Ivy, the founder of Ivy Weddings, captured the images and worked with Shantay of Expressions of Decor who brought the artistic and Spring-inspired florals to life for a stunning downtown Dallas session. Brans Artistry did Tiara’s hair and makeup, Yolanda Haley coordinated, and clothing styling was by celebrity fashion stylist Tiff the Zeta. We are in love with our stunning couple and their images!

Photography: Ivy Weddings | Coordinator: Yolanda Haley | Floral Design: Expressions of Decor | Hair and Makeup: Brans Artistry | Celebrity Stylist: Tiff the Zeta

If You’re Looking for a Garden Oasis Hidden in a Bustling City, This Is Your Dream Venue!

“Romantic, graceful, delicate”… three perfect words by Spell Events to describe McGovern Centennial Gardens in Houston, Texas. Today’s styled shoot embraces the ethereal beauty of the property, complete with cascading blooms and sweet bud vases by Blush Floral Co. The Spring color scheme creates a beautiful juxtaposition against the subtle pops of Fall foliage peaking through the blooms. See all the magic unfold at the full gallery, captured by Marni Wishart Photography!

Tucked away in the bustling city, this garden oasis is a place where we can sit quietly and appreciate tranquility and beauty. Romantic. Graceful. Delicate. A romantic color palette is carefully chosen to reflect the beautiful spring season while a remnant of autumn makes an appearance through the dark red foliage to contrast.

Each delicate arrangement is deliberately styled to communicate love in very unique ways. The cascading blooms that run down the table represent the love that connects two people, deepened through an ongoing commitment to appreciate differences and to growth. The bud vases that texturize the table represent the small details and gestures that matter most.

Love is further highlighted through our models, both dancers, who were called from different parts of the world to one place: the Houston Ballet, where they share their passion for dancing and where they cultivate their love for one another through constant encouragement and laughter. With their graceful movement, each picture of them beautifully encapsulates the moments of joy of their growing love. Every aspect of this shoot: the colors, styling, and movement all work collaboratively to make a lasting impression.

The Ultimate Wedding Color That Never Lets Us Down: Blush!

It is no secret that blush has made its mark in the wedding world! From blooming bouquets to delicate details, it continues to wow us time after time. Today’s inspiration shoot designed by Chic by Nicole does exactly that combining the now, classic, romantic color with neutral gray and soft white! From hand-opened roses (insert heart eye emoji) by Lelili Fleurs to a gorgeous tablescape, Cagdas Yoldas captured all of the soft, elegant details this shoot had to offer and has us continuing to blush over blush!

From Chic by Nicole…Blush has been a staple wedding color for the last few years, maybe even the last decade. Classic, romantic, and soft – who doesn’t love a blush wedding? I wanted to find a way to incorporate blush with the neutral shades of grey and soft whites to create a romantic color palette sure to please those wanting a lighter and airy feel for their big day.

Hand-opened roses and blush ranunculus set the tone for the florals. In conjunction with Lelili we wanted to keep the florals delicate and provide a different take on the popular flower, the rose. Opening up the roses gives them a less traditional look and transforms the arrangements from classic to modern and romantic.

We selected linen menus from Olive Paperie to play with textures on the tablescape along with rose gold cutlery. We tied in the menus with calligraphed place cards as well as a classic invitation suite. I approached Hien-Tu to tie in our color palette and soften the shoots look by creating two custom hand-painted abstracts that we used on the invitation suite, the aisle runner, the table number as well as on the beautiful bar.

A Disney Princess Inspired Wedding at Castello Di Celsa in Siena, Italy

Judging by the title, you know this is going to be good. All you romantic brides, prepare to fall head over heels in love with today’s storybook princess wedding in Siena. Wedding Italy brought the couple’s modern day fairytale vision to life, complete with old world elements around a palette of blush tones, hints of grey and neutrals, with gold accents and lots of greenery. To see all the magic this day has to offer, including Tuscany Flowers’ enchanting floral arrangements, head on over to the full gallery – all taken by Lace and Luce!

From Lace and Luce… Sometimes fate truly brings two couples together, as is the case with Monica and Warren who met almost ten years ago and then didn’t re-connect for 6 years. From the bride “I’m Canadian and Warren is based in Southern California, but we met serendipitously in London, England in 2012. There was an immediate and undeniable spark between the two of us, but the timing wasn’t right. After almost 6 years, we reconnected as if by fate. Warren flew to Canada to finally take me on our first date, and the rest was history. After Warren proposed, he took us on a trip to Greece & Italy to celebrate, which he lovingly referred to as our “engagement-moon”. After falling in love with Italy’s history, culture, food and wine on our “engagement-moon”, we knew it would be the perfect place to start our happily ever after! Our love story has truly been a fairytale, so I wanted to capture that in the wedding design. I found Castello di Celsa (which is a picturesque castle outside of Siena) online and knew immediately that it would be the perfect venue! With the help of our wedding planner, Sonia Gallina with WeddingsItaly, we were able to curate the wedding of our dreams. We wanted to create an ethereal, storybook-princess style for the wedding.

The overall vision was modern day fairytale, with old world elements. My favorite movie growing up was ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and our venue and garden rose-dominant florals really paid homage to that. To compliment our stunning venue, the wedding was designed around a palette of blush tones, hints of grey and neutrals, with gold accents and lots of greenery. These colors were reflected in all the wedding decor including the flower arrangements, day of stationary, and tablescapes. We wanted the florals to have an organic feel, as if they could have been growing naturally on the castle grounds. Our florist, Tuscany Flowers, blew us away with the floral design. The end result was a romantic and elegant fairytale vibe, with a true Tuscan flair. We wanted to curate a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our guests, so we decided on hosting three days of wedding festivities. In addition, wedding days fly by in the blink of an eye, so we intentionally extended the celebration in order to build more memories with our loved ones.

Obsessed with this adorable “Together is a beautiful place to be” sign? Us, too ;) Shop it here!

The wedding weekend began with a Welcome Dinner at Pizzeria La Miniera on Friday, the Wedding Day at Castello di Celsa on Saturday and finished with a private winery tour, wine tasting and lunch at Castello di Fonterutoli on Sunday. Our wedding date, October 5, holds special significance to us because it is my beloved grandmother’s birthday and also the day that she married my grandfather. My grandparents were my biggest inspiration in life, and since I was a little girl, it has been my dream to get married on this date. We paid homage to my grandparents in multiple ways throughout the day. My mother walked me down the aisle to ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ a song that my grandfather still sings to me to this day. Our guestbook table featured a photo of them from their wedding day. I also incorporated them in my ‘something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue’. For my something old I wore my grandmother’s wedding ring on my right hand, and used her hand-beaded purse, which was given to her by my grandfather.

For my something borrowed I had my grandfather’s wedding band tucked in to the purse, and my mother tied a blue ribbon around it as my something blue. It was so special to have both of their wedding rings with us as we got married on the same date, 68 years later. I’m a huge fan of the wedding dress designer, Hayley Paige and I always knew that I would wear one of her stunning designs down the aisle. I booked an appointment for a trunk show at her flagship store, JLM Couture in West Hollywood, with my lovely sister-in-law, Trudi. Prior to the appointment, I saw a new design on Hayley Paige’s instagram page that I absolutely fell in love with. I decided to send her a DM to inquire about the style number of the dress, and if it would be available at my upcoming appointment. To my suprise, Hayley herself responded and informed me that the dress was called ‘Warren’ – the exact same name as my fiance! I knew right then and there (prior to even trying it on) that this was my dress, I feel like it chose me! Much to my surprise, when I went for my appointment I got to meet Hayley Paige in person! It was a dream come true to meet her and have her there for my ‘say yes to the dress’ moment. She ended up drawing me a sketch of me in my gown, and it is something I will cherish forever.”

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Stunning Pastel Micro-Wedding With Overflowing Summer Florals

When today’s beautiful couple was forced to cancel their elegant outdoor wedding at Laurel Court due to COVID, they found somewhere equally as stunning and even more meaningful to celebrate their day – the bride’s family home. With sweeping willow trees and a romantic pond on the property, it made for the perfect place to say “I do!” Emily Rose Florist decorated the space with lush, pastel summer blooms while Chelsey and Jordan Photography captured all the magic! Head on over to the full gallery to check out all the inspiration.

From Chelsey and Jordan Photography… Nicole and Blake both live in Cincinnati, Ohio and immediately fell in love after their first date. They both claim that they knew the other was “the one” and it has been true happiness ever since they both swiped right. As lovers of a good bourbon, classic elegance, and soft pastel colors, they knew their wedding day would emulate these things. Unfortunately, they had to cancel their elegant outdoor wedding at Laurel Court because of COVID and opted, instead, for an intimate backyard ceremony. The bride and groom both got ready at Nicole’s parent’s house as their awesome team of vendors prepared and set up the beautiful details that adorned their celebration.

Emily Rose Florist worked hard creating organic and lush florals that complimented her soft summer color palette. Nicole’s bouquet and Blake’s boutonniere were both hand crafted and were a nice juxtaposition of the grey suit and muted pink bridesmaid dresses! Each bridesmaid was allowed to choose her own dress and was able to show off her personality and unique style. The property the wedding was held on is actually the bride’s parents’ backyard! The beautiful lush green lawn backs up to a pond and a hilly golf course with mature trees and plenty of greenery. Emily Rose Florist created an overflowing floral arch that’s close to the ground to enhance the natural landscape of the property and the beautiful view.

The couple shared personal and intimate vows to one another and there was not a dry eye there. Luckily, they were able to live stream the ceremony to their family and friends who could not be in attendance! Even though the ceremony ended with an unleashing of rain and thunder, they were able to complete their ceremony and first kiss under an awning with the soft raining pattering around them. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a glass of Weller 12 Year, Nicole and Blake’s favorite bourbon and enjoyed listening to smooth jazz as the bride and groom took romantic portraits outside. Nicole was a vision in her Allure Bridal dress as Blake twirled her between the large, sweeping willow trees and walked alongside the romantic pond on the property.

Blake and Nicole chose for their guests to sign their specially created family crest. Nicole commissioned an artist to create a crest with the letter P as the focal point, as her new last name is “Potter.” Around the letter is all of their favorite things- shown in symbol format. It signifies the merging of two individuals- into one loving united entity of marriage. To create a venue-like experience, the gorgeous tablescape, designed by Nicole herself, was adorned with romantically lit candles, specialty linen from La Tavola, unique porcelain plates, hand-crafted menus designed by Rose Gold Studio, and individual floral vases created by Emily Rose Florist. Nicole’s dad was busy grilling up Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse steaks as Nicole’s brother both officiated the wedding and was the bartender for the cocktail hour. The guests snacked on Jeff Ruby hors d’oeuvres as Nicole and Blake shared a dance and joined their group of intimate loved ones to celebrate their marriage in a curated and special way. They ended the evening sharing a delicious and intimate meal and celebrating the joining of two people starting a new life together.

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A Celestial Inspired Editorial With a Half Moon Arbor That’s Out of This World

Our love for today’s celestial styled shoot is truly infinite. From Wildflower AZ’s ridiculously creative half moon arbor to a reception space dripping in twinkle lights from Divinity Lighting + Events that took two whole days to put together – it’s all just too good. Every detail was planned to perfection thanks to Canvas Events along with design by Katina Patriquin Photography and cinematographer Love Story Films. To soak up all this celestial shoot has to offer – rocket to the full gallery for all the inspo.

From Katina Photography… ‘How do we rewrite the stars?’ This is the question posed by photographer Katina Patriquin Photography and cinematographer Love Story Films. The duo, with the help of Canvas Events, designed a style shoot elopement featuring celestial lighting at luxury venue El Chorro in Paradise Valley, Arizona, that will leave you with the magic of true love as infiniteness as the stars in the night sky.

The song ‘Rewrite The Stars’ was the premise of the shoot, and Canvas Weddings found the perfect models for Love Story Films to film and enact the story line of a love that would transcend all notions of tearing them apart. Love knows no reason, no boundaries, no distance. It has a sole intention of bringing people together to a time called forever. With a muted, textured floral palette, the Wildflower AZ artistically designed a half moon arbor that lit up the desert and paired perfectly with the star theme. Gold embellished his & her vow books added the touch of modern & personalization during the ceremony, while focusing on the intimateness of a micro-wedding with a staggered 6 person ceremony chairs.

Celestial lighting by Divinity Lighting + Events will leave you with stars in your eyes. It took the crew 2 days to set up, providing a 20x40ft area of reception space. The table was adorned with black menu cards with gold calligraphy, as black tapered candles provided ambient lighting to the surreal space. A vintage crown was adorned with gold floral elements that complimented the outdoor reception under the celestial lighting, as the bride danced with her groom under the starlit sky.

‘It’s up to you, and it’s up to me
No one can say what we get to be
So why don’t we rewrite the stars? Changing the world to be ours… tonight.’
song lyric ‘Rewrite the Stars’ – The Greatest Showman

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A Colorful Hamptons Inspired Shoot As We Say Goodbye To Another Summer!

As we say goodbye to another (very different) Summer, we can’t help but ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ over this vibrantly colored, Hamptons inspired shoot, photographed by Blue Rose Photography and planned by Carina Van Son Weddings. Bright oranges and lemony yellow florals filled the tables and overflowing bouquet at the Faberfarm, while the bride simply stole the show in her jaw-dropping Galia Lahav gown. Check it out below and hang on to these last days of Summer, just a little bit longer!

From Carina Van Son Weddings…We loved the setting at Seattle’s new venue, Faber Farm. It hosts abundant green fields, beautiful flowers, and the most charming white barn. For this photoshoot, we decided to mix things up. We wanted to create a new take on the farm chic wedding. We were inspired by the tradition of summer parties in the Hamptons and colorful gatherings like the annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic. The result was a marriage of beachy grey shingles, a lush green backyard, and East coast formality with vibrant warm colors, traditional lawn games, and stunning attire.

The idea was for each element of this shoot to be a statement in its own right: a show-stopping blush dress with bold lines, flowers that encompassed a late summer harvest, dewy makeup with a summer glow, a wedding cake filled with texture, and the most incredible handmade sugar flowers. When they all came together, they created a dream wedding setting fit for any summer bride.

From Blue Rose Photography…I knew it was going to be a typical PNW day, even in the summer we get some rainy dreary days. I also knew we wanted this shoot filled with vibrant colors. I used a mix of Portra 800 and Portra 400 film to bring pop and color back into the shoot, I knew Fuji wouldn’t cut it on such a cloudy day. I used the candles to bring a glow in that we wouldn’t get from the sun or golden hour. Our amazing makeup artist also delivered big time when I mentioned wanting a dewy glow to her skin. Goodman Film Lab who developed the film also helped to get these amazing tones. These elements combined took a rather drab day (weather-wise) and made the photos vibrant and rich with color.