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Intimate Ceremony at The Fairmont Grand Del Mar

This intimate wedding ceremony will leave you speechless. Naya and Jordan exchanged vows in a private courtyard surrounded by blooms at the elegant Fairmont Del Grand, while guests watched from a safe distance on their balconies. They even had champagne and cake delivered to their rooms! The couple worked with Lavish Wed to create an unforgettable day full of special touches and swoon-worthy details. Natalie Bray Studios captured the charm of the day to perfection. Visit the full gallery to watch the wedding day unfold.



From Lavish WedNaya wore a slip dress from Grace loves Lace that had an elegant floral design for a romantic touch. The bouquet was bright and vibrant with stunning orchids and garden roses as the feature. Jordan chose a wonderful light mauve for a modern groom look.



The ceremony design circled them with luscious blooms from Eucharis Studio that was a modern take on a circular ceremony design. Since the guests had a view from above, we wanted the ceremony to be beautiful at all angles. During the ceremony, Amy Serrano played her electric violin for a memorable walk down the aisle.



All the guests cheered and clapped from their beautiful suites and were delivered cake and champagne to enjoy with the couple right after the ceremony. It was a beautiful day not to be forgotten!



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Photography: Natalie Bray Studios | Cinematography: hello darling films | Event Planning: Lavish Wed | Floral Design: Eucharis Studio | dress: Grace Loves Lace | Stationary: Luxe Marie Stationery | Ceremony Venue: Fairmont Grand Del Mar | ceremony: Fairmont Grand Del Mar | shoes: Christian Louboutin | tux: The Black Tux | Flat Lay Mat: The Flat Lay Styler | Music: Amy Serrano | linens: APR Event Rentals | models: Naya and Jordan | styling board: V Party & Event | veil: Jana Ann Couture

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
A Chinoiserie Office Makeover in Connecticut

Spring arrives and all of a sudden we’re ready to redecorate. Does anyone else get that fever too? Well, designer and photographer Erin Kestenbaum found herself doing just that and decided it was time to overhaul her home office! Looking to mix a touch of chinoiserie with a few modern touches, Erin turned to a few of her favorite vintage sources to blend old with new. The office was yet another DIY makeover Erin embarked on in the colonial Connecticut home she shares with her husband. We chatted with Erin about her design philosophies and the vision behind her home workspace.

Tell us a little about yourself and your business?

Two and a half years ago, my husband and I bought our first house: a 1940’s Colonial in Coastal Connecticut that needed quite a bit of love. We have been spending our nights and weekends bringing character to the home, with the goal of using our DIY skills to create spaces that are elevated and look professionally executed. Additionally, I shoot interiors photography for designers local to NYC and Connecticut, capturing their own projects alongside my own, and also work in Marketing for a NYC-based retail start-up.

What’s a typical work day for you like?

While I don’t work from my home office on daily basis, I’m typically working in my office during nights and weekends on editing photos, creating design schemes, and blogging about the progress we’re making on our home projects.

How do you blend your love of interiors with photography? 

Every time I’m designing a space, my first consideration is how the room will photograph: what are the key angles of the room, where is there opportunity to craft a shot, and how will people interact and experience the space. Once a project enters an execution phase, I’m shooting photos in the middle to identify what the space might be missing or identifying visually the opportunities to push the space further. And then finally, once a space is completed, I’m capturing the photos of the space. By working with local designers, I’m also able to assist with styling to capturing other incredible spaces, and sharing that love of both interiors and photography with my clients and the homeowners.

Take us through your office, what was your vision when designing the space? Is it in line with the decor of your home or is this room a little different?

When designing the office, my first focus was on the function of the space and laying out the room to allow for more organization and better flow. By moving the desk to the wall most visible from the hallway it created a natural opportunity for a focal point. I had been obsessing for months over this theme of modern chinoiserie: combining a traditional chinoiserie wallpaper mural with more modern furniture and accessories. In every room I design, I’m looking to infuse modern and traditional design together, and I wanted this space to continue that theme. Once I found this epic Tempaper Chinoiserie Wallpaper, it became an anchor for the room, and all the other pieces fell into place. I like to think of the rooms in my home as siblings and not twins: they all share traditional moulding details (like crown moulding and ceiling medallions), immersive wall treatments, modern lighting and vintage casegoods, and the office fits in perfectly without being overly matching to the other rooms.

What are your must haves for a home office – especially for those that spend most of the time working from home?

My essentials for working in an at home office are a comfortable desk chair (this CB2 one was a huge upgrade from my previous very uncomfortable vintage chair), ample task lighting, window treatments to control glare, and a large monitor for editing photos.

What is your favorite thing about the space? (an item, section of the room, etc.)

This is a toss up between the wallpaper mural – the detailing in the printing is so incredible and the metallic sheen is gorgeous, and the vintage Chinese Elmwood desk that I won at auction – it’s from the late 1800’s and was constructed using only dowels with no nails or screws. It’s an amazing example of craftsmanship that you rarely encounter in new furniture.

Did you go totally DIY on this project or did you have a little help?

We DIY-ed this entire project, from hanging the crown moulding, refinishing the floors, hanging the wallpaper, building the window bench and painting the entire space, we did it all.

For someone looking to revamp their office, where should one start?

Start with your functional needs, because without storage, it will quickly look cluttered and be somewhere that you don’t feel inspired to work.

What are your favorite places to shop for pieces? 

I love vintage furniture and spend lots of time scouring Facebook Marketplaces, Craigslist and estate sales for one of a kind treasures that are both unique and also very budget friendly. I also love working with vintage rug vendors that I’ve discovered on Instagram, like Zartiques, for rugs that bring instant patina, warmth, and character to any room. For non-vintage finds, I love CB2 for modern, clean lined furniture and affordable accessories.

What’s on your home ‘wish list’ right now?

Right now, I’m on the hunt for statement-making outdoor dining chairs, lots of planters for our patio, and a great outdoor rug.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone embarking on their own DIY home project?

Document everything! There are so many process photos that I wish I had taken in order to properly share exactly how others in my shoes can accomplish the same project.



Photography: Erin Kestenbaum | Interior Design: Erin Kestenbaum

From Kindergarten Classmates to Husband & Wife! See Their Ultra Chic Wedding at Pelican Hill Resort

Today’s adorable couple tied the knot under the iconic Rotunda at Pelican Hill, complete with hundreds of flowers by Bloom Box, romantic drapery and sweeping views. I mean… does it get any dreamier than that?! Lynden Lane left no detail unturned and kept the festivities going off without a hitch, while the couple and their guests danced the night away in an indoor reception dripping in chandeliers. Read on to learn about their love story (they unknowingly were in the same kindergarten class!) and head on over to the full gallery to see all the steal-worthy details – captured by Feather & Stone!

From the couple… The bride and groom both grew up in Seattle nunknowingly were in the same kindergarten class. Aashima’s family moved away and they wouldn’t meet again until Aashima traveled back to Seattle for a work trip. They met again and fell in love. They took their adventures together to San Francisco and started their lives together in the city. The details of their wedding weekend were extremely and they wanted to give their guests a destination and a wedding experience to remember. Looking up and down the coast of California they landed at the beautiful Pelican Hill Resort. 

Next came the design and the transformation plans! As both the bride and groom were full time professionals working in the city they knew that they wanted to be hands on, but needed to work with a team that could completely create, design and plan the wedding of their dreams. Working with the Lynden Lane Co. They focused on really curating items and design elements that would make their guests feel like the event about their experience. Lynden Lane Co suggested that we work with the impeccable Simone Le Blanc to create custom welcome bags with all of our favorite items, but still with the look and feel of our wedding. 

We worked with Yonder Design to create really beautiful invitations, menus and signage that represented the cohesive botanical evening theme of the event. Lynden Lane worked with the Amber Event Production team to create custom valanced drapery and chandeliers that were different than had ever been done in the ballroom. 

Really focusing one unique, but classic fabrics we tried to create a space that felt true to us, but made the guests feel like they were entering a chic dinner party. We danced the night away to the James Gang Band from West Coast Music and David even touted his DJ skills with Red Shoe La at the after party. It was really the best night of our lives.

Photography: Feather & Stone | Event Planning: The Lynden Lane Company | Floral Design: BloomBox Designs | Entertainment: West Coast Music | Wedding Venue: Pelican Hill Resort | Custom Furniture: The Ark Event Rentals | Lighting & Draping: Amber Event Production | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Paper Gods: Yonder Design | Rentals: Theoni Collection | Tabletop: Casa de Perrin

“Crazy Rich Asians” Director Marries His Dream Girl At An Inspired Garden Feté

The wedding in “Crazy Rich Asians” was spectacular, so it comes as no surprise that the movie’s director would have an equally stunning soiree! Jon M. Chu and his bride Kristin teamed up with A Good Affair to create a garden party in Napa Valley full of classic-meets-modern details. Meaningful elements were the focus of the wedding weekend, like choosing the venue Meadowood Napa Valley due to its beautiful trees that share a name with the couple’s daughter, Willow. You won’t want to miss a single detail beautifully captured by Brandon Bibbins Photographhy and Meg Sexton Photography, from the cozy-chic cocktail lounges to the reception complete with a gorgeous greenery installation. Visit the full gallery for a closer look at this unforgettable event.



From Natalie at A Good AffairJon and Kristin came to me wanting to create a unique wedding that would bring together all their loved ones for an unforgettable destination wedding experience. The couple wanted relaxed elegance with white delicate blooms and lots of natural greenery.



On the wedding day, guests arrived on the croquet lawn at Meadowood greeted with artisan cocktails. Jon had this amazing vision to have a children’s gospel choir dressed in all white singing and escort the guests over to the ceremony. They performed during the ceremony and we were all moved to tears.



We created an incredible design with an al fresco tent for the reception. The highlight of the wedding reception was surprise performances from Jon and Kristin to each other. We worked with each of them to plan the elaborate performances choreographed by So You Think You Can Dance star Christopher Scott. They were both so surprised by one another and guests loved it!



Photography: Brandon Bibbins Photography | Photography: Meg Sexton | Event Planning: A Good Affair Wedding & Event Production | Floral Design: Amy Burke Designs | Reception Venue: Meadowood Napa Valley | Lighting: Twilight Design | DJ: Uptown live Band | Band: Uptown live Band | Tent: Zephyr Tents | Beauty: Professional Makeup Artistry | Paper Goods: Bijou Creative | Rentals: Found Rental Co.

Old World Charm Meets Modern Inspiration At The Swan House

Old meets new at the Atlanta landmark, The Swan House. The venue’s neutral tones made for the perfect complement to a colorful mid-summer inspiration shoot. Krissy Campbell worked tirelessly to create a design that mimicked the couple’s full of life and laughter personalities, and the result is a bright and vivid dream come true. You’ll fall head over heels in love with each inspired image by Bonphotage. Take a peek at the full gallery for all the picture-perfect details.



From BonphotageWe were so excited to use brighter color in a meaningful and timeless way while still adhering to the organic, outdoor elements and Old World, timeless elegance of the property. We chose warmer tones in the paper that helped pull out the soft pinks and neutrals of the architecture and kept the floral within the warmer and deep tones to pop off the cooler velvet Mist Blue table linens.



We chose cleaner lines, neutral colors, and modern elements for the contemporary couple through the beautiful clean white china, gold flatware, candle stands, and clear textured glassware from TableMade. Each guests’ name was scripted on soft paper name cards tied with ribbon, and every menu was handpainted with a delicate script and design.



We hope the laughter, life, color, and romance of this day inspires other couples and professionals to continue to have confidence in the details of their story and personality. We love being able to showcase that these customized and fun details can still within the timeless and elevated spheres of design.



Photography: bonphotage | Cake: cake envy | Stationery: Erin Braun Design | Rings: Mineralogy Design | Tuxedo: Commonwealth Proper | Venue: http://www.aAtlanta History Center: Swan House & Grand Overlook Ballroomtlantahistorycenter.com/ | Day of Coordination: Ashlie Muller Celebrations | Floral: Bouquet Atlanta | Gowns, Shoes, Veil:: Claire Pettibone | Linens: I Do Linens | Planning & Design: Krissy Campbell | Tables & Chairs: Peachtree Tents and Events | Tabletop Rentals: Table Made Co. | model: justin burgess | model: jasmine raiford

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
This Champagne Cocktail is the Only Rhubarb Recipe You Need to Try

This, my friends, is the only rhubarb recipe you need to make. Add a little bubbly and suddenly even the most anti-rhubarbian will be converted. Promise. Crafted by The Coastal Table, styled by Abby Capalbo and snapped by Erin McGinn, this sip puts a fresh twist on the classic French 75 with the addition of this season’s it girl and it’s perfect for warm weather sipping. Give it a go with the simple how-to below!

From Abby Capalbo… With the perfect hue of pink, this happy little cocktail is as delicious as it is pretty. Pour it in your favorite coupe to serve on girls night or make it the signature cocktail for your next soiree – you can’t go wrong with the The Rhubarb 75. It’s such a fun little twist to the always classic and bubbly French 75.

The Rhubarb 75
prep time
20 Minute/s
cook time
15 Minute/s
total time
35 Minute/s
Serves 1Ingredients
  • Rhubarb Simple Syrup
  • 2 cups chopped rhubarb
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Ice
  • 2 ounces gin
  • 1/2 ounce lemon juice
  • 2 ounces prosecco, Champagne, or other sparkling wine
  • Lemon slice or twist for garnish, optional
Instructions
  1. Make rhubarb simple syrup. Place rhubarb, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until thickened, 10-15 minutes. Cool to room temperature. Pour mixture through a fine-mesh strainer, scraping off any syrup from bottom of strainer. Transfer pulp from inside strainer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate (see cook’s note). Store syrup, covered, in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  2. To make a cocktail, fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add gin, lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce rhubarb simple syrup. Strain into a flute or coupe glass. Top with prosecco, Champagne, or other sparkling wine. Garnish with lemon, if desired.
  3. Cook’s note: The reserved pulp may be served on top of ice cream or yogurt.

Photography: Erin McGinn | Styling: Abby Capalbo | Recipe : The Coastal Table

DIY Soy Wax Candles

Whether you’re whipping up these little beauties for your wedding favors or for your own home, crafting up candles is pretty much the most perfect quarantine activity ever. With super simple ingredients and a million ways to personalize, candle making has become a hobby that pays off in amazing smelling dividends. We’re currently loving Vanilla & Clove, Beragamot & Plum, Amber & Patchouli and of course Pumpkin Spice…all oils that you can find on Amazon!

Materials

Soy Wax Flakes
Jelly Jar Containers
Wicks
Double Broiler
Glue Dots
Clothing Pins
Spouted measuring cup or bowl

For Wedding Favors:
Vellum Paper
Printer
Scissors or Paper Cutter
Hole Punch
Glue Dots

instructions

Measure out the amount of wax you need by pouring the flakes into your jelly jar (you can use any vessel you want). Multiply this number by 5 or so (you don’t want to melt too much at one time) and place in double broiler. Gently melt over medium heat until liquified.

Let it cool for about 5-10 minutes then add your essential oils. We did about 10 drops for 5 jelly jars worth of wax.

While that is melting, use a glue dot to adhere your wick to your jelly jar base. Make sure it’s in the center because this will help the candle to burn evenly. Set aside

Pour the melted wax carefully into your jelly jars. Use the clothing pin to make sure your wick stays put and in the center.

Let the candle wax solidify then personalize!

We printed calligraphy names onto vellum sheets then used a paper cutter to trim them into 6″ x .5″ pieces. Then, we punched a hole in between “with love” and the names and slid the vellum sheet right over the wick using glue dots on either side to secure.

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Click play to learn how to make our another party pleaser – DIY Wax Luminaries!

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Photography: Style Me Pretty

A Micro Wedding at a Historic Landmark Home With the Most Lush, Floral Arch You’ve Ever Seen!

One major perk of a smaller guest count? More of your budget spent on heavenly bloomsToday’s adorable duo will inspire you to splurge in the floral department after laying eyes on their gorgeous day planned by Charmed Events Group. In a romantic palette of dusty pink and white, the two exchanged vows under a jaw-dropping arbor from Janna Brown Designs you won’t soon forget. Later, the newlyweds and their nearest and dearest dined in the coveted courtyard at an elegant long table dripping in roses. Can’t wait to pin every image from this day?! Head on over to the full gallery – captured to perfection by Nadia Hung Photography!

From Charmed Events GroupWhen the pandemic hit, Y+B were steadfast in not only not cancelling, but not postponing their wedding. Their original venue in wine country was no longer available, but they were able to find a historic landmark home to hold their wedding at. With a large adjustment of their guest count, they set out to continue with creating a lush, romantic and beautiful day of dusty rose notes to remember their day by. Even though they had to make large changes to make the day happen, no expense was spared in creating the wedding that they envisioned for their closest family and friends, while their extended family and friends looked on via live streaming. Oh, what a day it was! 

The design consisted of a romantic palette of dusty rose notes, and lots and lots of roses! The first impression the guests received was a beautiful, letterpress invitation we created with Aerialist Press, and we even created the same caliber of invitation for those who got a zoom invite! Guests were welcomed to the venue and were immediately wowed by a lush and romantic floral arch that Janna Brown Designs created. 

This arch was very important to the bride and Janna’s team knocked it out of the park, it’s an arch that we will never forget! After the ceremony, the couple immediately did their first dance under the arch to once again, enjoy the flowers as much as possible. After cocktail hour, guests were ushered to the coveted courtyard of the venue for an intimate and elegant dinner. We created one long table that was oozing with lush flowers and romantic details including lots and lots of candlelight, texture in linens and the most special, personalized menus for guests. The bride and groom enjoyed a magical evening in the beautiful courtyard, surround by family, friends and the magic of a candlelit evening. 

For those that have been forced to adjust and make changes to their original wedding plans, be encouraged by our bride who later said, “I am incredibly grateful that many of the forced changes such as reducing guest count and switching the order of events to accommodate the live streaming experience, were actually a blessing in disguise and offered us a way to be present at our wedding that would’ve been almost impossible otherwise.”

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Photography: Nadia Hung Photography | Videography: Dear Lovers | Floral Design: Janna Brown Design Co. | Invitations: Aerialist Press | Catering: Pascaline Fine Art Catering | DJ: Big Fun DJs | Day of Stationery: Blushtype Designs | Linen: BBJ La Tavola | Lounge: The Copper Rose | Planning and Design: Charmed Events Group, LLC | Private Estate: The Mckendrie House | Rentals: Standard Party Rentals

Intimate Wedding Ideas You’ll Want To Try Immediately

Bigger doesn’t always mean better! Masi Events created intimate wedding inspiration that is proof that an “only us” ceremony can be everything you’ve ever dreamed of and more. Having to cut down your guest list could be a blessing in disguise. Say hello to a bigger budget for special touches! Just take one look at the elegant arrangements by Julia Rhode Designs, they’re enough to get any bride’s flower-loving heart beating fast. Why not throw in some outfit changes while you’re at it? This bride has not one but three looks that steal the show! The special touches and perfect details were all beautifully captured by Merari Teruel Photography. Visit the full gallery for endless amounts of inspiration.



From Masi EventsThere’s something magical about an intimate, “only us” ceremony. No guest list to worry about, only embracing the traditions that you love (and ignoring the ones you don’t!)



An intimate affair allows you to splurge a little more on things you may not have been able to before, like fashion, decor, or a vintage car! Our bride stunned in three separate looks from The Find Bridal.



The reception space was beautifully styled with tableware in shades of blue from Tavola Tabletop and the night ended with an artful floral cake from Cloud 9 Bakery. Everything came together perfectly to to show couples who are having to downsize that a smaller event doesn’t have to be any less beautiful, joyful or special.



Photography: Merari Photography | Event Planning: Masi Events | Floral Design: Julia Rohde Designs | Wedding Dress: The final Bride | Cake: Cloud 9 Bakery | Ceremony Venue: Nomi Restaurant | Makeup: Alicia Lewis | Hair: Seventh Level Salon | Groom's Attire: Sartori Amici | Vintage Car: Miami Vintage Prop Cars | Rentals: Nuage Designs | Tablescape: Tavola Tabletop

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
Every New Bride Needs These Things Right Away, Because Planning a Wedding Is a [Equally Beautiful and Stressful] Badge of Honor

It’s a brand new year, pretties, and we don’t think it would be too out of turn to say that we’re seriously pumped about it! 2020 weddings happened, and they were absolutely stunning (truthfully, we were  – and still are – blown away by how perfect the wedding events and intimate vow exchanges were/are), but that’s a testament to the tremendous talent and tenacity of our industry vendors and tastemakers and, of course, the couples who’ve taken all the lemons (or sour grapes, however you’d chalk 2020 up to be) and turned them into the best small batch lemonade we’ve ever seen (or a glass of Shiraz, because tart but so full-bodied and beautiful). 

Yes, 2021 is here, and while we can all breathe a huge sigh of relief, we’re not totally out of the woods yet, especially when it comes to COVID-related contingencies. It might be a while longer, still, until the wedding world – as ‘it was’ –  is restored, but we’re okay with that, because  – 1) micro weddings are cementing their place in our new nuptials normal and 2) wedding planning might be different and probably will be, but newly-engaged love and a hopeful next step into your happily ever after doesn’t have to be compromised. No one can take those bride and groom titles away from you, so it’s just up to you to make the experience special and put your own stamp on it! First things first, though: stepping into the role of the bride entitles you to ALL the fun things fiancée-ship is good for. So, you won’t want to forget those! 

Photo by Kelsey Combe

From your first wedding planning binder and helpful guidance and inspo to get you there, to the coffee mug you’ll want on hand to perk up those planning decisions or caffeinate that creative energy and the wine glass that will be there for you when likewise happy or stressful crossroads come to pass, Style Me Pretty’s Collection is chock full of all the goods you’ll want to grab as soon as that ring is on your finger. The wedding will inevitably be a beautiful best day ever, but everything that comes before it – all the stamps on your passport to ‘partner in life-ing,’ all the punches on your bride card – from just-engaged to getting married in X (single digit) days – is important too, so why shouldn’t it be pretty? 

Here are our favorites for starting your wedding planning journey, all available to shop now on Style Me Pretty!

Photo by Natalie Bray

A planning guide that’s the GOAT.

Once you’ve found a ring holder for that gorgeous new bling of yours, the next thing you’ll want to snag is a wedding planning book or guide that, simply put, gets you through it. And that’s exactly what we envisioned our Ultimate Wedding Guides doing for brides at every stage in the planning process. 

Highlighting everything you need to know when it comes to booking your planner, finding your dream venue, and securing your spirit animal in a photographer, these digital downloads (yaaas to that, too, because that means you can shop, download, save the PDF, and take your peek at all the intel within minutes #quarantinefriendly) include inspiring images, wow-worthy designs, detailed timelines, and even advice from previous brides! We’ve enlisted the help of our amazing community of Little Black Book vendors to create these educational, step-by-step wedding blueprints and we’ve offered them as individual and bundle-able purchases, which makes skipping around or doing a deeper dive into certain wedding details and decisions so much easier. 

A binder that’ll become one of your prized possessions.

If you’ve got a lot of new reading material on your radar, then of course you’ll need a pretty place to put it all! Our blush and gold bridal planner is total #goals in that arena. Not only is there plenty of room to hold all of your guides, there’s an impressive packette of planning pages (a 12-month calendar, monthly timelines/checklists, budget calculators, vendor contact directories, and worksheets for all the curated event categories: photo and music, cake and flowers, fashion and rentals, etc.) and a sticker sheet to personalize ALL of it. 

A box that will pop up in plenty of places before being passed down.

One of our former brides told us that her ‘bridal box’ was a big part of the wedding planning picture for her. And we SO see her point. If you’re more of a memory box over binder kind of bride (and believe us, we’ve had brides in both camps here at Style Me Pretty), then you’d probably prefer to store all of your important, precious, or sentimental wedding things in something like our Wedding Card Box

Here you can keep your congratulations and best wishes cards, copies of your save the date (when you choose one!), a framed edition of your bridal shower invitation, your shoe bag that’ll hold your stunning stilettos on your wedding day, anything, really, that’s specifically meaningful to you throughout your engagement.

Photo by The Ganeys

And when your big day finally arrives, you can use this velvet-lined box to collect cards and gift envelopes. Not to mention, since it’s so neutral – white with gold hardware and simple ‘our wedding’ lettering on the front – it can be passed down to your sister, cousin, best friend, etc. for their own wedding day. Maybe even a keepsake heirloom for a future daughter! 

A mug and a glass with one mission in mind.

Whether you’re waking up in the morning and starting your vendor research bright and early (easy, breezy, right?) or trying to ease the tension that comes with trimming your guest list (which still might be called for/a best-practice in 2021), if you need some liquid encouragement, we’ve got you girl! 

Whether you’re having a steaming hot chocolate bomb or a light and fruity pour of Lambrusco, sip pretty or go all in on a healthy glass and plan with us

However you start planning your wedding, know that you’ve got a whole hype team behind you here at Style Me Pretty. Shop our Ultimate Planning Guides and don’t forget to indulge in the things that proudly say ‘I’m getting married!!’

Photo by Erica Streelman
These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
Escape Into This Sophisticated Mountainside Wedding Inspiration

Are you looking for an inspired escape to the great outdoors? Be prepared to feast your eyes on this breathtaking burst of beauty that’s equal parts chic and in tune with nature. With rolling green hills, tree-lined lakes, and stunning mountain views Cedar Lakes Estate sets the scene for endless inspiration. Drawing concept from a chic New York City couple looking to get away to fresh mountain air, DM Events & Design orchestrated the perfect balance of rustic elegance and classic charm. Stephanie Brauer Photography artfully captured the splendor of the day in the way that only she can. From the trellis of dripping seasonal blooms to a rowboat overflowing with florals, by Porcelain Vine Floral, you are truly in for a treat. Head to the full gallery to get transported.



From DM Events & DesignWhen you’re working with a venue like Cedar Lakes Estate, inspiration and ideas are endless. Whether it’s the dreamy lake views or the impressive camp-like structures meticulously placed throughout the property, as soon as you arrive, you know it’s more than a wedding venue; it’s a true destination.



In keeping with our overall vision, we wanted the dress to feel timeless and romantic. We worked with Kleinfeld to find the perfect pairing for our vision and let out a collective gasp when we first saw Pnina Tornai’s long-sleeve lace showstopper.



We also worked with Tellefsen Atelier, a local artist of small-batch ceramics, to create some of the tabletop items so the design could feel more rounded and organic as opposed to using standard wedding rentals. To complete the design, Sarah and Simon Cake Design took our vision and created a cake that was simply too beautiful to eat!



Photography: Stephanie Brauer Photography | Floral Design: Porcelain Vine Floral | Cake: Sarah & Simon Cake Design | Stationery: Yonder Design | Reception Venue: Cedar Lakes Estate | Calligraphy: Kelsey Malie Calligraphy | Tux: Hugo Boss | Bridal Accessories: Hushed Commotion | Bridal Dress: Pnina Tornai | Bridal Salon: Kleinfeld Bridal | Bridal Shoes: Bella Belle | Hair and make-up: Willow House Beauty | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Models: New Icon NY | Planning & Design: DM Events & Design | Rentals: Party Rental LTD | Tabletop ceramics: Tellefsen Atelier

A Black-Tie Micro Wedding at The Groom’s Family Farm

“It’s about the marriage, not the wedding.” Truer words have never been spoken. When today’s bride needed to let go of her original wedding plans due to COVID, repeating this statement to herself over and over allowed her to realign with the main goal of their wedding weekend – to say “I do” to her forever person! With help from her planner, J.Elliott Style, the beautiful couple tied the knot in a gorgeous black-tie affair in the mountains at the groom’s family farm in Cashiers, NC. To see all the timeless beauty from their day, check out the full gallery – all taken by Elizabeth Lanier Photography!

From the Bride, Victoria… Russell proposed on a gorgeous Friday afternoon in March on the family property where he grew up. We frequented his farm on weekend retreats from busy city life, which made it possible for him to pull off the surprise. A very normal day and car ride down to the farm left me with no inclination of what would later ensue. With the help of family, he had transformed the space with gorgeous blooms, petals, and candles. The answer was an easy yes! Russell had invited our families and many close friends to a surprise engagement party and dinner afterward to celebrate. It was one of the best nights!

We immediately knew we wanted to host our wedding in the mountains of Cashiers, North Carolina, as this is another very special place to the two of us. We’ve spent many weekends in these mountains and loved the beauty of the rolling hills. We drew inspiration from the natural beauty of the surrounding area. When dreaming about my wedding day, I saw lots of natural tones and classic, comfortable elegance all while being surrounded by our closest friends and family in a place that means so much. Wedding planning always seemed daunting to me, so keeping the day as peaceful and laid back as possible was a huge priority, even down to the details. My mother and I made several trips up to Cashiers where we ironed out the day’s details and dreamed about how gorgeous this May evening would be.

Our original plans were to wed May 9, 2020, and I never anticipated anything changing this, certainly not a global pandemic. Towards the middle of March, even though our venue had not closed down yet, I accepted that our May 9th wedding would not be able to proceed as planned. Due to the uncertainty, many believed that the day could still go on, but Russell and I both agreed that we needed to go ahead and pivot our plans. Looking back, making the decision as early as we did was the best call we could have made. Most in similar situations chose to postpone their celebrations to later in the year, or the year following. For us, this was never an option — we wanted to be married and did not want to wait another day. So our search for the second venue began. We chose Russell’s family home, nestled by the lake was the most beautiful little island with an oak tree looking onto the water. Surrounded by our immediate family only, we said our vows. It felt just right! We hosted an intimate dinner party on the summer patio. We incorporated family heirlooms to create a meaningful table setting and pay tribute to those that couldn’t be there with us. We used my great grandmother’s Tiffany & Co China and my Grandmother’s Belgium lace tablecloth that has been passed down. My something blue was a beautiful sapphire ring that was passed down to me by my grandmother and namesake.

Throughout our engagement season, I maintained the statement that “it’s about the marriage, not the wedding”. Letting go of our original wedding plans was tough, but repeating this to myself help me manage the disappointment and realign with the main goal of our wedding weekend: to marry Russell. There were of course aspects of our wedding day that we both had looked so forward to that just could not happen, such as no wedding guests other than our very immediate families. This was not ideal, but we both knew sacrifices would have to be made and leaned on each other. We are forever grateful for our families, specifically both of our mothers, who pulled out all of the stops in a major time crunch to make this day so special for us and host such a meaningful event at home. The day ended up being so perfect just as it was, that I never looked back or thought about our original plans again. I would not change a thing!

By far my favorite memory of the day was the first look and finally getting to see Russell. The time between having to cancel plans for our original wedding to May 9th seemed like a blur. The day really felt so real when I was able to finally see him and the rest felt like a dream. Our wedding photographs were a huge priority to me and the most important investment of our wedding. Choosing Elizabeth Lanier was my first wedding decision and by far my best. Her eye for detail and love for natural light set her apart. Every image was skillfully and expertly executed with the true emotions and beauty of the day on the main display. Russell and I both felt so comfortable and at ease with Sarah Elizabeth behind the lens, which absolutely shows in the images. I could go on and on about how happy we were with Sarah and her photographs, but I will let the images speak for themselves. I would choose Elizabeth Lanier over and over again.

Wedding Photography: Elizabeth Lanier Photography | Wedding Planning: J.Elliott | Floral Design: Floressence Flowers | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Beautifully Baked by Bonne | Stationery: Ink Sugar | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Hair and Makeup: Irrelephant | Wedding Venue: Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club | Groom's Bowtie: Brackish Bowties | Groom's Tux: Knot Standard | Processing: PhotoVision Prints

Coastal, Vacation Vibes After A Huge Storm At The Ocean Course on Kiawah Island!

Their love took them from NYC to Florida and finally South Carolina to The Ocean Course on Kiawah Island where they tied the knot with a light and coastal-inspired day with subtle details and florals by Engaging Events, LLC. From stunning views to quite possibly one of my favorite ceremony displays the couple’s day was nothing short of flawless and Shannon Oleksak Photography captured it all! Check it out below and be sure to check out the full gallery here.

From the Bride…Dave and I met when he was a bartender at my favorite bar in college and our relationship blossomed from there. We entered into a long-distance relationship when I moved to Florida and then bought a house together when I moved home. 

We got engaged in NYC and married in South Carolina and we love that our love has made us travel all around making memories and also excited for what’s to come!

Describe the wedding day: The morning started out with a huge storm which brought the most perfect breeze and cooling effect with clouds and perfect lighting. The ceremony was beautiful with our driftwood branches and flowers that everyone was wowed by. Dinner was delicious and we danced the night away under the tent with the ocean breeze!

What was your vision?: My vision was light, coastal, relaxing vacation vibes. I wanted lots of subtle details and neutrals because the venue was so naturally stunning, I only wanted to compliment everything and take away from nothing!

Advice for future brides: Really listen to your wedding planners. They are pros for a reason, so if they suggest an alternative to something you think is perfect, they know best and have a good reason for it.

Photography: Shannon Oleksak Photography | Event Planning and Design: Engaging Events, LLC | Floral Design: Engaging Events, LLC | Ceremony Venue: Kiawah Island Sanctuary Resort | Reception Venue: Kiawah Island Sanctuary Resort | Hair and Makeup: Vanity Salon | DJ: Scott Sain | Ceremony Music: Chris Teves | Transportation: SC Express | Rentals: Eventworks | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola

Looking for the Silver Lining of Hosting a Microwedding in COVID Times? This Is It!

When COVID came knocking on their dream wedding plans, today’s adorable pair decided to find the silver lining. They turned this frustrating, some would say negative situation into a positive by shifting their perspective. Hosting a microwedding gifted them the opportunity to spend more quality time with the people they love most. Their reduced guest list allowed them to truly relax, steering clear of any typical pressures that come with a hosting a large celebration. And finally, the whole experience served as the perfect reminder of what this day really meant to them. We hope this beautiful story inspires you as much as it did us! Check out the details of their day planned by Londyn & Grey Events at the full gallery, all captured by Brie Thomason Photography.

From the photographerKathryn and Steffen met their Sophomore year at Elon University in North Carolina. Kathryn was looking to transfer to go back west when the two met. If you ask them now, she’ll say she stayed for the educational opportunities, but he knows that wasn’t the only reason. After college, they both moved to New York spending most of their favorite times outside of the city exploring around the Northeast – Connecticut, Upstate NY, NJ, Boston, NH and up to Montreal. Over four years later, they packed up and moved to Denver, Colorado and never looked back! While they’ve always known their appetite for adventure, Colorado has given them the ability to constantly do what they love – hiking, camping, skiing, basically anything that keeps them outside all day. For a trip in Telluride, CO, Steffen planned a hike that was up the ski mountain to the summit of 13K ft in elevation. It was up here that Steffen asked Kathryn to spend the rest of their lives together. Ten years later – with a dog and a cat and lots of trips both near and far – Kathryn & Steffen planned their dream destination wedding for Sun Valley, Idaho. Sun Valley is a place that has meant so much to Kathryn’s family over the years, and now it will be a very special place for Steffen’s family. With the uncertainty of Covid-19, the wedding was postponed from June to September. With that, a change in guest list was also necessary. Thankfully, love was not canceled for this sweet couple. The intimacy of the smaller wedding was cherished by both the couple and the guests attending.

From the bride… When it came time in April to make the final decision on our wedding that was set to be in late June, we couldn’t help but feel discouraged that our long-planned special day was disappearing due to the pandemic. After being engaged for a year and a half and together for over ten years, we were not looking forward to the idea of postponing another year – also seeing the uncertainty of how COVID-19 may still be affecting large celebrations come next summer. When we went through all of our options, this frustration started to turn into an opportunity – a reminder of what this day really means to us. We were able to pause and go back to the core of us, the love we have for each other and the life we want to start. Because of this, It became clear to change our plans to the intimate celebration we had in September with family and close friends. One of the things that made our day so special to us was being able to spend genuine time with everyone who came because of our small guest list. We got to make a week out of our wedding with family and friends whom we don’t get to see a lot, so not having the pressure to tend to responsibilities that typically come with larger weddings allowed both of us to relax and truly enjoy that very special time. Our wedding planner, photographer and everyone we worked with made this day beyond what we could imagine. I’m so obsessed with every detail from the floral to the printing that I have already found how to purchase all of our dinnerware for my own home. There truly is not one thing we would change about our wedding!

From the planner Nestled in the Boulder Mountains of Sun Valley, Idaho sits a historical cabin where celebrities flocked to in the late 30’s. Notables such as Ernest Hememingway, Marilyn Monroe and Gary Cooper were known to frequent the iconic Sun Valley Resort and dine at what is now called, Trail Creek Cabin. This mountain-style log cabin is located next to the rushing waters of Trail Creek with jaw-dropping views of Baldy Mountain in the distance. It has become one of the most sought after places for couples to exchange their vows and party the night away. Steffen and his beautiful bride, Kathryn, decided on Sun Valley as their destination wedding location since Kathryn had frequented the town as a little girl to see her grandparents. Her family then decided to move the area when she was a teenager from Newport Beach, CA and they’ve been visiting ever since. “Sun Valley has alway held a special place in my heart and I wanted to share that day with the most important person in my life”, stated Kathryn. “I wanted the original Sun Valley class and timelessness that still exists there today. And I wanted to book with a local planner that had the same style that I envisioned for my day.” Kathryn and her mother, Kathleen, booked Taylor Holden from Londyn & Grey Events to design and execute their wedding weekend. Kathryn and Taylor worked closely to ensure that Kathryn’s dream vision came to life.

Photography: Brie Thomason Photography | Event Design: Londyn & Grey Events | Event Planning: Londyn & Grey Events | Floral Design: Tara Bella Flowers | Invitations: Lotus & Ash | Reception Venue: Trail Creek at Sun Valley Resort | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Band: New Soul Brigade | Groom's Attire: Arsen Tailoring | Bridal Hair: Bonnie Snell From The Feathered Flip | Bridal Makeup: Ash Aesthetic | Film Lab: The Find Lab | Gown Designer: Estee Couture Bridal | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Casa de Perrin

When Two Photographers Have A Baby, You Get The Most Magical Wintery Shower

Editor’s Note: This whimsical, wintry baby shower for photographer Meredith Jane Photography is picture proof that the magic is in the details. From the elegant invitations to the flawless inclusion of her pup, everything about this gorgeous baby shower makes you want to cozy-up in an elegant chalet.  Take a look at the pictures and take notes! 

We used the loose theme of our husky and “sled dog” with winter touches throughout. Things like a sled to hold gifts, a small camp fire, Russian Tea Cake cookies as favors to look like snowballs and candles surrounded by cotton balls.

Guests were offered a make your own hot chocolate bar and it had all the feels of an elegant winter shower.

Photography: Meredith Jane Photography | cake: Sugar Blossom Cake Shop | Stationary: Elle Ruth Print + Script | shoes: Forever Soles | Rehearsal Dinner Venue: The Adelphi Hotel

10 Ways to Build a Child Friendly Home Without Sacrificing Style

There’s nothing like big plastic door knobs and cabinet latches to put a total buzz kill on your interior design efforts. I speak from experience all. But instead of lamenting over all the ugly it takes to keep your kiddos safe,  take these 10 tips into consideration from the Queen of making child proof look chic. Amanda Barnes Interiors knows a thing or two and her latest nursery? Bananas. See even more captured by Alyssa Rosenheck Photography plus the full home tour here.

PROBLEM: Dirty little hands

Whether you are painting the walls white, taupe or a dark hue, putting paint with an eggshell finish on the wall is the most durable option in areas where little hands can reach. With a damp sponge, you can usually wipe off the remnants of your little artist’s work.

Problem: BIG MESSES (Everywhere)

Make clean up easier on yourself because with kids…the word “stuff” is basically their M.O. Furniture with cubbies (we’re big fans of West Elm and IKEA for these) is a lifesaver and if paired with pretty baskets, can be a really great design statement in any room – from the playroom to the living room.  Ottomans that have a removable lid to throw games and toys into, hooks to hang backpacks and jackets on, dressers and chests to contain art supplies, pretty buckets near the door (if you don’t have a mudroom) for shoes, wall file/mail holders for school binders and folders, labeled baskets at the base of the stair that the kids carry up to put away. Make your furniture work harder for you with better storage and invest in chic matching baskets (and cute luggage tags for labels) and you will find that keeping a tidy house is SO easy.

PROBLEM: Climbers, Jumpers and Divers

So much joy for families is shared with little hands helping in the kitchen. An innovative way to encourage your mini chefs to hone their culinary skills is to hone in on your stool strategies. These are some of our favorites right here as they contain the children and make for a much safer kitchen environment. They are also great for bathrooms. Alternatively, you can have a removable stool top built into your bottom kitchen drawer. When it’s removed, the drawer functions as a standard storage space. When secured into place, it makes for a fabulous stool in the heart of your kitchen (100 lb weight limit).

PROBLEM: Spilt Milk. Or Grape Juice. Or Anything. 

When upholstering areas that are frequented by littles, a smart textile option is an outdoor fabric or a pleather that stretches nicely and feels just like leather. Anything that can be thrown in the wash or wiped down with a wet cloth is pretty indestructible!

PROBLEM: Transitions are Expensive

Moving your baby from a crib to a bed can be daunting and expensive. Most kids furniture is pricey so consider purchasing a full or queen sized bed that they can use for many years to come. You can still use kids linens on bigger beds and mattress protectors come in all sizes. Don’t put your money towards items that have a childish aesthetic, instead invest in quality dressers that they can grow into, organizational pieces that can be updated with more grown-up accessories and baskets, frames for art that are simple and chic (swapping out the artwork/posters/printables/photos) as they grow.

PROBLEM: Escapees

Have a kiddo who loves to run but you want to avoid those hideous door knob covers? This amazing invention from Safety Innovations slides quickly and seems to disappear completely out of sight. As a designer, I loathe all the unattractive safety contraptions we bring into our home. However, as a parent, I insist on them. Without the added easy grip wand, even adults may miss the latch and find themselves struggling to escape!

PROBLEM: Every Surface is a Canvas. Even the sofa. 

Couches, upholstered chairs and ottomans are a big investment. For clients with kiddos (and clients who allow eating outside the kitchen), I encourage them to consider buying a sofa made with a blend of fabrics. A blend wears better over time and handles stains (or crayons in my home) the best. Also consider a print on some of the accessory pieces as prints tend to disguise stains more so than solids. I also encourage them to take the couch fabric sample home first to spill a few things on, toss it in the wash and see how it fares before we commit to buying anything.

PROBLEM: Art. All the art.

If your kids are anything like mine, every day brings a new art project. A great way to show off your kid’s inner Renoir without the cost of custom matting and framing is this clever Ikea Hack. Using the curtain rod and coordinating hook, you can easily showcase their hard work. Even better, you can change it out regularly with almost no work involved. DIGNITET Curtain wire – IKEA RIKTIG Curtain hook with clip – IKEA

PROBLEM: Kids + Marble

Renovating and want the look of marble without the fear of etching and staining? A sure bet is always Caeserstone which is an engineered quartz stone. This stone is resistant to scratches, cracks and stains. It’s also non-porous, doesn’t require any sealing and comes in a variety of gorgeous finishes.

 

PROBLEM: Constant Crumbs

Hands down, the best invention for a parent (and homeowner) ever is the good ‘ol dustbuster! In the time it takes you to pull out your vacuum, the dustbuster can handle crumbs, dirt, food scraps, fur baby hair and just about anything else you put in its way. In my home, we swear by this one and keep it handy in the kitchen. It’s an investment but worth every penny. WARNING: The addiction is real. Remanufactured Dyson DC34 Yellow Cordless Handheld Vacuum

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Sophisticated Nurseries
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Photography: Alyssa Rosenheck Photography | Design : Amanda Barnes Interiors | Nursery Rug: Anthropologie | Nursery Floor Tile : Tabarka Studio | Nursery Crib: Oeuf

A Classic Green and White Wedding on Lake Washington for These High School Sweethearts

After two date changes due to COVID (is anyone else so tired of hearing that word or is it just us?!), these adorable high school sweethearts finally tied the knot in a stunning ceremony overlooking the sparkling waters of Lake Washington. With a little help from Simply By Tamara Nicole, the couple found creative ways to keep the safety of their guests their #1 priority, without sacrificing style. To see every last steal-worthy detail, check out the full gallery – captured to perfection by Blue Rose Photography!

From the Bride… It all began during our last year in high school where we met in a marketing class, Theo and I became good friends. Fast forward 4 years after graduation we went on our first date where our story began! We started traveling near and far going on adventures together. In December 2018 Theo proposed in Disneyland, our happy place. Once we returned we booked a wedding venue in Woodinville for July 11th,2020. We had an amazing time planing our wedding with Tamara from SimplyTamaraNicole, putting together a dream team of vendors. 

My hopes for the wedding was a magical simple black and gold theme with white and neutral flowers. Our team did not disappoint. However 2020 had other plans for us, but this did not discourage us from saying I do. With our team we got creative and booked a new date August 23rd, 2020 at our Woodinville venue. We had to dial it down to a more intimate guest list, which was hard knowing our family would not be able to join us from out of town. However we planned on live steaming our wedding which gave all of our family members the opportunity to be there virtually which all gave us a little peace. 

When Covid-19 threw a curve ball again and state restrictions we changed our date one final time to August 3rd,2020 at a beautiful venue in Kirkland, the Woodmark hotel. We thought this was meant to be, as we were both born and raised in Kirkland. Tamara and our team made the wedding magical. There were white flowers, gold touches and beautiful candles around our whole venue. We had a gorgeous flower arch that served as our alter, which looked on to Lake Washington. We took safety precautions such as masks, and hand sanitizer with small details that made them classy, we didn’t plan on needing these items when we started to plan but they all fell into place as if they were suppose to be there the whole time. Signage was dispersed around the venue with fun verbiage to keep our guests safe. We will never forgot our beautiful day, and we are thankful for our wedding day, being able to celebrate the only certainty during this difficult time, our love. We will never forget August 3rd,2020.

Photography: Blue Rose Photography | dress: The Dress Theory | cakes: Baked | shoes: Stuart Weitzmen | rings: J. Lewis Jewelry | hair and makeup: Yessie Libby | DJ: Integral DJs | tux: The Tuxedo Club | officiant: Arissa Rench | venue: The Woodmark Hotel and Yacht Club | Photo Booth: Snapbar | Planning flowers: Simply By Tamara Nicole | Rentals: CORT Event Furnishings | Rentals: Grand Event Rentals | car: British Motor Coach | custom facemasks: For Your Party | donuts: Top Pot Doughnuts | dress design: Rime Arodaky | earrings: a.b.Ellie | flower girl dress: Target | gelato: Nutty Squirrel Gelato | maids dresses: Show Me Your Mumu | paper goods, signs and calligraphy: The Fancy Cat Studio | veil: Sara Gabriel | video: Bogle Productions | wine: Matthew's Winery

When The Bride Is A Florist, You Know It’s Going To Be Good With A Colorful Fall Palette At Maxwell Mansion!

One of my favorite aspects of a wedding is florals. From dreamy bouquets to elaborate ceremony displays, they capture the feel of the day with colorful palettes and pairings you may not have thought of. For this couple, the bride being a florist herself certainly helped bring this magical floral display to life, created by her work-family, Fleur. The couple said I Do at Maxwell Mansion surrounded by their families and friends and planned by Estera Events. A day full of love, celebrations, and a beautiful tablescape, all captured by Clary Pfeiffer Photography! Take a look!

From the Bride…I proposed to Stephen in the middle of the hottest August day I’ve ever experienced while in New Orleans. I had a whole day planned that culminated with, what I thought would be, a romantic proposal under a 100-year-old live oak in City Park. It was 100 degrees outside with 70% humidity. The ground was so muddy I almost lost a shoe as I insisted we slog through the waterlogged grass to the lake edge so that we could sit on a secluded bench. Stephen knew something was up, but also knew not to complain about the heat and the walking and let me get whatever I had planned out of my system. 

And it was perfect. The Singing Oak in City Park is strung with large, hidden wind chimes that create a soft, tinkling song when the breeze blows across Big Lake. I asked Stephen if he wanted to keep going on these kinds of adventures with me for the rest of our lives, and proposed with a custom gold band engraved with the first line from the original Legend of Zelda: “It’s dangerous to go alone.”

We were so focused on making our wedding day as fun as possible for our guests, planning the ceremony stayed on the back-burner for some time. If it had been up to Stephen, the ceremony itself would only have been 5 minutes long so as to not cut into the time people could be eating and drinking! I wrote my vows the morning before. In typical Stephen fashion, he had written his MONTHS in advance, with plenty of time to proofread and edit.

But what I’ve heard from our guests consistently over the past year was how much they loved our ceremony. That our vows were personal and raw, honest, and relatable. I had no idea that so many of our guests were crying through the entire thing. Our family and friends wanted to hear the truth about our seven-year relationship, about how we came to be standing in front of them, and how we were entering our marriage as a team who still wanted to work together on so many things.

OK BUT THE FLOWERS. My incredible friends and work-family from Fleur created one of the most ethereal, dreamy, altar set-ups I have ever seen. Their work floored me throughout the entire day: from my DREAM PALETTE Bridal bouquet, to the most festive, lush, boat-loads of flower centerpieces which made the tents look like “that dinner party scene from Chocolat” (direct quote from a guest). The texture and warmness of the flowers paired with the eclectic blue glassware and vintage chinoiserie plates created a feast for the eyes, set under intimate bistro lighting. We wanted our guests to feel like they were already all friends at long feasting tables, of course with plenty of wine easily within reach.

Photography: Clary Pfeiffer Photography | Videographer: Vanilla Video | Event Planning: Estera Events | Floral Design: Fleur | Wedding Dress: Elizabeth Dye | Cake: Momofuku Milk Bar | Stationery: Crum & Co | DJ: Bryen Hall | Suit: Indochino | Venue: Maxwell House | Bridal Store: honey bridal | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Chicago Vintage Weddings

21 Decade Trends That Are Simmering Down and The 21 Trends That Are Replacing Them

If there’s one thing this decade brought to light, it’s a lens into our personal lives — and that includes the state of our homes. As a kid, you used to only be able to show off your ~super cute and trendy~ Lizzie McGuire inspired room during after-school hangouts and slumber parties. But now every insta story, snapchat or selfie can contain hints of your home decorating style.

Trends in and of themselves are a bit tricky when it comes to home decor. Sure, buying a velvet jacket to go with your NYE ensemble is tres chic, but you can get some SERIOUS over-analysis-paralysis when trying to pro-and-con a velvet couch. Both are in, both are indicators that you’ve got a grasp on the new “it” thing, but committing to a home decor trend is WAY bigger financial investment.

But here’s the best news — with the transparency of people’s style comes the fluidity of “style rules.” Now that anyone can hit “publish,” a lot of ideas, styles, and trends are emerging in a way that’s a lot less rigid.

Your trends can be inspired by nature! A history book! A Magazine! Your Great Aunt Merial’s Memphis home! The new Architectural Digest feature home!

So in this new decade, it’s less about saying “out with the old and in with the new” and more about watching what people are adding a little more of, and a little less of something else.

1. Less Catalog, More Storied

Ever since Ross Geller and Rachel Green came home with the same apothecary table, the glamor of buying a full set from a catalog really lost its luster. Brand new is fun and shiny, but there’s so much more fun in the hunt of tracking down the ~perfect~ piece from an antique fair with your mom. What’s cool about this trend is the emphasis on the process and time spent on the project rather than the ability to drop oodles of money to replicate exactly what you’re seeing.

2. Less White, More Color

Kitchens especially are seeing a huge surge of color. Don’t feel trapped by only using white. That’s not to say white is leaving. A classic white kitchen will never truly go away, it’s timeless. But people are opting to go big-time bold and add in some of their own color flair to projects.

3. Less Gray, More Cream

The gray color movement came about to be a stark opposition of the O.G. “good for resale tan” color. Because that tan/brown/putrid color skewed most things to look and feel dirty yellow, the next wave was to go so gray that everything almost felt cool and blue. The happy medium is now found in a cream color that brings warmth AND a neutral base.

4. Less Absolute, More Personalization

How many times do you remember hearing you shouldn’t mix metals? Now, how many times do you see that, in fact, you can mix metals and it looks pretty darn good? The thing about the old rules is that you should know them so you can break them intentionally and for impact and to make a space uniquely yours.

5. Less Sleek, More Texture

Shiny surfaces used to be the standard, but the need to include texture is becoming more and more important. The key here is to not lean exclusively towards just one or the other, but have elements of both sleek and texturized to give your whole space some balance.

6. Less Pink Neutral, More Colorful Neutrals

Millennial pink has a special place in our hearts, but we have room in our hearts to recognize that the softest lavender and palest blue can also dub as the “neutral” in a room. In this case, what’s considered neutral is where your eye is allowed to rest when taking in the whole scene.

7. A Lot Less Forced, a Lot More Accepted

One of our favorite things we’re seeing emerge is the idea of embracing the home’s natural character and style, and using it to influence the rest of your design choices. If you’ve got a classic mid-mod home, it’s really hard to make it feel French Provential. Taking cues from your location, your home’s natural style and history makes your space feel much more cohesive.

8. Less Horizontal, More Vertical

Don’t get us wrong, shiplap will always have a place in our home — but vertical lines are really coming in strong. We’re talking paneling, trim and wallpaper. Not everyone is #blessed with 10ft ceilings, but almost everyone wants to make their ceilings look taller, and one of the best ways to do that is by adding the optical illusion of long, tall lines.

9. Less Subway Tile, More Variety

Subway tile will never go away — good gracious it’s a classic. But we’re seeing people opt for more bold tile choices in their kitchen recently and honestly we kind of love it.

10. Less Emphasis on Cabinetry, More Emphasis on Styled Accessories

Open shelving has really changed the kitchen game. The quickest way to a refresh kitchen used to be re-painting the cabinets. But now you not only can re-paint them, but you can even rip those suckers out! And by doing that, you also shine a spotlight on other elements of the kitchen like the stove, your mixing bowls, cooking accessories and copper pans. The ripple effect now makes you pay attention to your kitchen tools to make sure they’re “pretty” enough to be displayed.

11. Less Desert, More Bahamas Meets a British Garden

The desert trend has had a STRONG influence on the past decade, and it’s run is for sure not over. But a new locationally based inspiration is making its way into our trend list and it’s fairly hard to describe so if you have a word for us, please slide it right through to our instagram DM’s because we need to know. Tight floral patterns with pastel colors featuring a heaping of woven elements is emerging and we can only describe it as Britain influenced Bahamas. It’s a completely elegant, a little boho and totally chic.

12. A Little Less Mid-Mod, A Little More #Grandmillenial

Mid-mod isn’t going away, but for a while it seemed like it was the only trendy choice. A new, completely opposite style is emerging and people are calling it #grandmillenial and we are HERE for it. Think embroidery, chinoiserie, English armed sofas and having a set of “nice china.”

13. Less Shiny, More Matte

So you go to pick paint and you think you’re done with the hard choices after FINALLY getting the right shade of white nailed down (hint, Dove White is a crowd-pleaser) ….and then you get to the sheen. High-gloss got some momentum there in the early 2010s for its cleanability in kitchens, but now we’re seeing a much less shiny option on cabinetry, and we have to say it makes our eyes much happier.

14. Less Perfect, More Wabi-Sabi

The idea of Wabi-Sabi was brought back to life in one of the recent Magnolia Journal issues, and it’s the idea of FULLY embracing imperfections and prioritizing them over a perfect form. We’re seeing this mantra embraced with transparency across our feeds and it’s good for the soul, honestly.

15. Less Hiding, More Highlighting

If our top-liked posts of 2019 indicates anything, it’s a love for a good laundry room. Utilitarian rooms like mudrooms, pantries and laundry rooms used to be fairly forgotten. They stored things and did their purpose, but that was about it. Now, however, they produce some of the MOST enviable (and liked) photos on instagram! We’ve moved past hiding these spaces and on to turning them into a highlight of our overall home style.

16. Less Museum, More Function

The perfect, most beautiful, most elegantly decorated house is all fine and dandy  — but if there are too many things “off-limits” to touch than it’s a house, not a home. It used to be thought of as an either/or situation, but this decade is bringing new ways and technologies that allow you to make things equally pretty as they are functional. If you need proof, you can now purchase machine-washable rugs, my friends.

17. Less Defined Style, More Mixing Styles

There are so many different styles to adhere to. Are you Boho? Farmhouse? Coastal? Traditional? There are sections of stores devoted to denoting these types of styles, but now more than ever we’re seeing so many styles blend while STILL looking unified. It’s breaking down strict design parameters and opening up experimental combinations and the results are gorgeous.

18. Less Safe, More Bold

“Think about resale value” — a dwindling restriction. You.Do.You.

19. Less Polished Wood, More Natural Wood

Do you remember those dark brown cabinets of the 2012’s? Kind of tried to look like wood, but didn’t really look like wood. Now don’t think of those again. While they served their time well in creating a “regal” appeal, they’re now being traded for natural, light-gran REAL wood and less shiny colors.

20. A Little Less Airy, A Little More Moody

Bright white will always be timeless, but the moody tones are seriously making a convincing argument. They’re chic, sophisticated and some might dare say a neutral!

21. A Little Less Cluster, More Impact Pieces

Again, gallery walls aren’t going anywhere. If Hogwarts can have it for hundreds of years surely it will never truly go out of style. But if you’re looking for a change of scenery and a quick way to update a trend, swap out the cluster of photos and opt for one LARGE impactful art-piece. It’s tres chic and leaves a big impact.

At the end of the day, trend or not, if you want the velvet couch — get the velvet couch. Trends can only take the joy of your home so far, and when all is said and done the thing that matters most when it comes to the decor in your home is whether or not YOU like it.

So go hit publish on your newly discovered trends! We want to see them. Tag us along and we’ll continue to share the journey.

1. : Unique Vintage | 10.: Whitney and Co Design | 11. : R: The Style Bungalow, L: Gal Meets Glam | 12. : L: Jenkins Interiors, R: Gal Meets Glam | 13. : Kate Walker Design | 14.. : Amber Interiors | 15.: The Fox Group | 16. : Amy Hansen | 17.: Erica Burns | 18.: Billy Jack Brawner III | 19: Studio McGee | 2. : Heidi Caillier Design | 20. : Jen Ferrandi | 21.: Studio McGee | 3. : Studio McGee | 4.: Beautiful Chaos Home | 5.: Tessa Neustadt | 6. : Erin Francois | 7. : Brooke Wagner Design | 8. : L: Alison Geise, R: Gritand Polish | 9.: Amber Interiors

The Perfect Blueprint for Achieving the Feel of an Outdoor Wedding – Indoors!

Today’s heavenly styled shoot from Party Crush Studio brought the beauty of the outdoors in. Leaves, trees and blooms by Wild Club Design looked as if they were growing from the floor up the walls of the space – reminiscent of an autumn scene watercolor painting. All to prove whether it be inclement weather, COVID, or the desire for an intimate wedding… there’s no need to sacrifice that can’t-be-beat outdoor feeling. See how the all star vendor team achieved the look over at the full gallery – all captured by Amanda Wei Photography.

From Amanda Wei PhotographyA chill in the air, the calm of falling leaves, a warm cozy sweater, no better moments to share with the one you are going to spend the rest of your life with. The inspiration behind this seasonal styled shoot. 

Whether it is Covid or the desire to have an intimate wedding, you can take that romantic outdoor wedding and bring it magically inside. No element forgotten, pun intended, where the leaves and trees are showing their watercolors as the music brings the romance to life. 

The warm and soulful sound of the cello matches the heart of the autumn season. This earthy floral installation brings the cold and crisp outdoor nature of autumn to a warm and tranquil indoor setting. Let’s cuddle up close and share a sip of champagne.

Photography: Amanda Wei Photography | Event Design: Party Crush Studio | Event Planning: Party Crush Studio | Floral Design: Wild Club Design | Wedding Dress: La Donna Bridal Atelier | Cake: Emma Cakery | Invitations: Seniman Calligraphy | Rings: Lang Antique | Groom's Attire: Franco Uomo | Officiant: SJM Officiant | Venue: Party Crush Studio | Hair & Make up: Camille Goldston Hair & Make Up Artistry | Rentals: Lux Events And Design