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

This Wedding On A Landing Strip Takes Love To New Heights

On our bride’s family property, in a clearing between the rows of walnut orchards, there’s a landing strip and airplane hanger. In August the landing strip was transformed into what wedding dreams are made of, set inside a sailcloth tent. Jenn Robirds Events filled the day with darling details, like an escort card wall where guests names were “planted” inside flower boxes amongst a bevy of beautiful blooms. Romantic blooms by Organic Flora helped to bring the fairytale to life, and every magically moment was artfully captured in the imagery by Weddings By Scott And Dana. You’ll fall in love with this special day in the full gallery.

From the bride… Drew and I met on a blind date at a brewery in Winters through a mutual friend. We both felt an instant connection and always kept saying that we felt like we could never get bored of each other. A year and a half later we were engaged, and then the wedding couldn’t come fast enough!

Something that was initially important to us was to make sure our faith stood out to everyone in attendance. We did that through our ceremony at the church and with the unique bible quotes throughout our ceremony. Our welcome wall had each guest’s name embossed on a wooden piece, “planted” inside flower boxes among beautiful blooms and smilax.

Inside the tent, we had pink uplighting and beautiful crystal chandeliers adorned with smilax. It made everything feel so romantic and then the greenery and table settings pulled it all together. Also, the monogrammed sign above the bar was one of my favorite things!

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Photography

Weddings By Scott and Dana

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This Colorful Wedding Weekend at the Greenbrier Kicked off With Every Girl’s Dream Bridal Luncheon

Caroline & Teddy’s glamorous wedding weekend was bursting with color (and love) at The Greenbrier, a historic resort that holds a special place in the couple’s hearts! Cheers Darling Events incorporated bold patterns and colors into every aspect of the festivities — from the Lilly Pulitzer-esque bridal brunch to the fun-filled details on the wedding day and the casino-themed afterparty. Gillespies’ refined floral arrangements and daintiest blush linens balanced out the vivid hues of hot pink, green, and coral. See all the Southern charm, comfort, and color in the full gallery, captured by Lisa Blume Photography!

From the Bride… Teddy and I met in Washington, DC at POV when he was in town for a concert, I had just moved there from Florida. We dated long distance and I moved to Roanoke, Va when Covid allowed everyone to work remote. We got engaged on my birthday in Cabo at a beautiful restaurant on the water.

Caroline and Teddy love the The Greenbrier from trips there together but The Greenbrier has been a big part of both families traditions. Teddy’s family and grandparents grew up celebrating New Year’s and other special family occasions there. Caroline’s grandparents also spent a good deal of time at the greenbrier for business conventions. They both wanted to create a special destination weekend at a place like The Greenbrier that all their Florida/Virginia and friends from all over the country could experience the charm and hospitality of the Greenbrier Resort. Since Caroline’s from Florida and Teddy is from Virginia, they knew they wanted a spot where their friends would have a nice weekend of celebrating. We loved all the activities the Greenbrier offers. Many of their guests enjoyed the pool, golf, horseback riding, bowling, and of course the casino!

From the Bride’s mother… My favorite memory would be seeing her walk down the aisle and getting a sneak peak into the Cameo Ballroom before the guests came in . And the Sweet Caroline song on the dance floor. I loved seeing the reception before everyone entered, it was breathtaking! We could not be more pleased with our entire wedding weekend. I also loved having all of our friends and family in one place for the entire weekend, we ran into people everywhere we went which was fun!

The wedding weekend highlights included a festive family dinner Thursday evening at Prime 44, a beautiful Bridesmaid Brunch on Friday in the Presidential Suite-which was also available for first look and other special photos throughout the weekend, the rehearsal dinner and welcome party-the amazing wedding and then the CASINO afterparty. Golf for the guys on Saturday morning.

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Lisa Blume Photography

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MotionWorks Wedding Films

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This Bright And Bold Fall Wedding Celebrates Indian Heritage Beautifully

When it comes to this Charleston wedding brighter is better! A bold color palette with fun pops of pink and orange make this beautiful day, planned by Hill & Co. Creative, shine even brighter. Fabulous floral designs by Stephanie Gibbs Events have us feeling as if we’ve fallen into the prettiest of fairytales. We love the blending of tradition with modern touches, all elegantly captured in the artful imagery by Anne Rhett Photography. Get lost in all the lovely in the full gallery.

From Hill & Co. Creative… When Preeya and I began planning the details of her wedding day it was important to incorporate ties to her Indian heritage. For centuries, the elephant has been regarded as a sacred creature in Indian culture and it is regarded as a well-known cultural symbol for them. We wanted to incorporate them into the design for this reason.

Preeya loves color and it was so fun to be able to include fun pops throughout the entire design. From the table cloths to the taper candles and even the cake design we were sure to brighten up this October day with as many bright hues as possible!

Covid drastically changed the wedding plans. We pivoted the plans from a large outdoor wedding reception, invited only close friends and family, and figured out how to build a mandap inside! In the end it all came together beautifully.

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Anne Rhett Photography

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The Tuscan-Style and Sprawling Landscape of D’Vine Grace Vineyard are What Wedding Dreams are Made Of!

We totally get it — having an Italian destination wedding is what bridal dreams are made of! But, you don’t have to cross the ocean to feel the luxurious & lively Italian spirit and old-world European charm on your wedding day! D’Vine Grace Vineyard, nestled in the outskirts of McKinney, Texas, is a Tuscan-inspired wedding & event venue that will have you and your guests believing you’re in the Italian countryside — rather than just a few miles from downtown Dallas! This enchanting venue sits atop 20 lush green acres of land, sprawling with grapevines, lawns, and water features that create the most picturesque backdrop for a classic, romantic affair.

D’Vine Grace brings the essence of Italy closer to home, and its four newly renovated event spaces, each splendid in its own way, give the happy couple plenty of options when it comes to planning each magical moment of their special day. Make a lavish entrance in front of the palatial venue with its beautiful new entryway, paved driveway, and magnificent new fountain! Languish in the beauty of the Piazza with its two infinity fountains, pristinely manicured flower beds, jasmine vines, and travertine stone walkways, and get ready to marvel at the recently expanded Il Prato — the main event spaced that showcases the natural beauty of fresh landscaping, blooming flowers, and tall trees.

D’Vine Grace is bursting with Italian flair in every way — including how the D’Vine Grace Team treats every couple. From your first tour to after your newlywed sendoff, you and your S.O. will always be a part of the D’Vine Grace family! With exceptional service and world-class attention to detail, you’ll be treated as such on your wedding day and all the moments leading up to it! D’Vine Grace offers gourmet in-house catering and beverage services. With a state-of-the-art kitchen on-site, D’Vine Grace’s master chef can whip up the culinary delights that your heart desires most, and the talented Venue Coordinators will manage the logistics of all things food and beverage-related — from your bridal party brunch to your late-night bite!

D’Vine Grace’s event spaces were constructed with the guest experience in mind. With a decked-out DJ booth and professional-quality audio, lighting, & visual equipment, they are the perfect settings for dazzling on the dance floor all night long! But, D’Vine Grace is not just about the bells and whistles! D’Vine Grace understands that getting the basics right is the foundation for a fairytale day! The venue provides all tables and chairs along with complimentary table linens, napkins, chargers, and even some décor!

So, get to booking (your wedding date, not plane tickets)! Start your forever with a wedding day that is as dreamy as a European vacation and close enough to home for celebrating with all your loved ones!

Photography: Erin Wilson Photography | Wedding Venue: D'Vine Grace Vineyard

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Erin Wilson Photography

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Cool Blue Wedding on the Washington Coast at Roche Harbor Resort

Ready to set sail to the beautiful Washington Coast for today’s real wedding? PNW-loving brides, this one’s for you. Having been raised in the Pacific Northwest, the bride always envisioned marrying her future groom in a classic, coastal wedding near her hometown. Wesley and Erin tied the knot at the historic Roche Harbor Resort on a sunny Summer day surrounded by their closest family and friends. Valley & Co. Events brought their dream vision to life, complete with a nautical-chic indoor reception dripping in lush greenery. See all the coastal details at the full gallery – taken by O’Malley Photographers!

From Valley & Co.… Wesley and Erin met 11 years ago during college in Los Angeles, California, introduced by mutual friends. The first thing Erin remembers thinking about Wes was how funny he was – he just couldn’t stop making her laugh that first night they met! The first big step in their relationship was when they decided to try out a long distance relationship after Wes graduated from college and moved back to the Bay Area for law school, and Erin stayed in LA to finish her last year of college before moving back to WA state for several years. In the beginning (ended up being 7 years total of long distance), things were difficult as they learned to adapt to a different kind of relationship centered around phone calls and facetime, looking months ahead to our next weekend off to see each other in person. As their relationship progressed, it became more and more clear that they were both committed to a relationship and wanted to be together, even with a physical distance of 1000 miles between them.

An incredible part of their 10+ year relationship has been to witness one another of us mature and develop, both personally and professionally. Erin watched Wes graduate from law school, land his first job at a law firm, and pass the California Bar Exam. Wes has watched Erin go through almost a decade of medical education, from 4 years of medical school, to 3 years of internal medicine residency, to finally 3 years of gastroenterology fellowship (1.5 years to go!). Throughout this time, Wes has been Erin’s biggest cheerleader, offering encouragement, reassurance and support. Finally in 2017 their chapter of long distance closed when Erin moved down to San Francisco, where they have lived together since.

Out of their relationship has grown a mutual respect, love, and acceptance of one another, despite their flaws and imperfections. Through their relationship, Erin has learned that Wes is the most patient, thoughtful, warm, genuine, and hilarious person she know, who has made her heart so full while also making her cry with tears (of laughter) countless times. She loves his passion for food and cooking, as well as love for their dog (Cody). They both value family above everything, and it has been wonderful for them to be welcomed into each other’s tight-knit families.

Wedding venue/vision

– Erin grew up in Pacific Northwest (Bellingham, WA) and had spent time with her family visiting the San Juan Islands many times. Although she’s now moved away, she had always envisioned getting married in a beautiful coastal setting close to the water in the PNW

– We picked Roche Harbor Resort on San Juan Island as it felt like a destination wedding in a way, with all of our close family and friends coming together for a memorable island getaway weekend

– Roche Harbor Resort embodies the best of the PNW – beautiful historic hotel, delicious seafood, and a gorgeous island setting filled with wildlife and fun activities (kayaking, boating, etc)

– Our favorite part was having all our close friends and family all come together to be with us and celebrate for an entire weekend – we felt so loved!

– Wedding Vision: Coastal chic, elegant, beachy, nautical touches, incorporating our favorite color (blue) and lots of fresh local seafood

Extra special details to Erin and Wes:

– Color Guard Ceremony at sunset

– How special it was to have our dog, Cody there with us

– Wedding officiated by Erin’s family’s church pastor

– Cocktail Hour with fresh oyster bar

– Embroidered linen napkins with our initials (loved this surprise from Valley & Co.)

– Welcome Bags with ferry boat chocolates and Erin’s mom homemade jam

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Valley & Co.

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Diaries of a Blogger Bride: Get the Inside Scoop on Tiffany Lovelady’s Wedding Planning Journey

My name is Tiffany Lovelady, a Cleveland, OH native and I am currently planning a 2022 wedding! My fiance and I met five years ago through Facebook. He sent me a private message and once I responded, we became inseparable. Our wedding will be a traditional black-tie event, held in a historic bank building that was built in the 1920’s. Our ceremony and reception will be simple but elegant with a neutral color scheme throughout.

Wedding Date: July 10th 2022

Our engagement wasn’t too big of a surprise, as we have discussed marriage for years now. Everything was pretty mutual, we picked out our rings together and decided we both were ready and excited to begin preparing for a new chapter.

Thus far the wedding planning process has been fun and exciting, the stress hasn’t begun yet! It was exciting to secure the venue within our desired month and begin planning out the basics. We picked our color scheme and secured one of the ultimate details that was a must on my list, a huge flower wall backdrop for the ceremony! It was exciting to pick our bridal party members and begin to plan how we will propose to them. I was dreading my first wedding dress try-on appointment but to my surprise, it went amazing and ended up being full of happy water works!

November 2021: 8 months before the wedding!

Proposal Lunch: Our proposal lunch was full of love and laughter. We invited our parents and our future bridesmaids and groomsmen to a private lunch at the local winery. We provided everyone with a three course lunch and presented them with proposal boxes that asked them to be a part of our special day. The boxes stated what their title would be and there were personalized gifts inside. We gifted the bridesmaids with socks that had their title, personalized wine tumblers, eye lashes, a bridesmaid breakdown card, save the date cards and a gift card towards their bridesmaid dresses. The groomsmen were given personalized flasks, cigars, socks with their faces and titles, personalized shot glasses, save the dates and a mini bottle of alcohol. We also provided proposal boxes for our junior bridesmaids, ring bearer and flower girl.

Dress shopping: Kleinfelds was magical! When I first walked through the door I immediately felt like I was watching myself on Say Yes To The Dress! The consultants were really nice and friendly and the entire place was a bridal dream. All of the consultants came out at once and called the name of the bride that they were assigned to assist that day. Once my consultant found me, she took me into my own dressing room, I got changed into the signature Kleinfelds robe and we began to discuss the dress style that I was looking for. Initially she pulled four dresses but out of them, I only liked two. She went back and pulled a few more and I fell in love with a Rivini Austin, it was absolutely beautiful and while I was standing on the pedestal admiring myself, the designer of the gown introduced himself to me! It was such a pleasant surprise. I did not say yes to any of the dresses but the experience was unforgettable and I am so glad my mom and I got to experience such an iconic moment together.

Food tasting: My fiance, my mother, my fiance’s father and myself all attended the food tasting with a very popular chef in the Cleveland area. Chef Eric Wells has cooked intimate dinners for my fiance and I in the past so we already knew that we wanted him to cater our special day. He prepared a slow roasted beef and a delicious herb crusted chicken. For our sides, he prepared mashed potatoes, asparagus and mixed vegetables. The tasting was delicious and we were able to finalize our menu. We will be offering Caesar salad, a choice of salmon and herb crusted chicken for our entrees with a side of mashed potatoes, pasta and mixed vegetables. This will be a plated and served style dinner for our guests to enjoy.

An Elegant And Modern Romantic Wedding Featuring A Circular Ceremony

The fall season is beautifully celebrated in this elegant day designed by To Be Loved Events. Majestic shades of purples, burgundies, and cream play beautifully together in the textures, linens, and florals that help to tell our tale of true love. The standout moment is the ceremony in the round, where white Chiavari chairs encircle a chuppah overflowing with blooms by Blaire Kimball Design. Every magical moment is artfully captured in the imagery by Katie Jackson Photography, watch the whole day unfold in the full gallery.

From To Be Loved Events… Our elegant and modern vision came together with inspiration from the fall season and the color palette of plum purples, burgundys, blushes, and creams. Every detail of our North Ranch Country Club wedding inspiration was designed and styled beautifully by Samantha of To Be Loved Events.

The circle ceremony was composed of beautiful white Chiavari chairs encircling the chuppah covered in blooms, which was entirely created onsite. By allowing space between the floral pieces, it created a sense of whimsy with the illusion that the structure was placed delicately into the center. This unique, modern ceremony style has become more and more popular for 2021 weddings and moving forward.

Our tablescape design incorporated fresh figs along with our gorgeous florals and candle accents. Plum napkins, gold and ivory flatware, elegant china, and unique La Tavola linens were only a few of the details that made the reception a sight to behold in the ballroom. Our vellum menus and calligraphy place cards by The Kimi Collective completed each table setting.

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Royal Films

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To Be Loved Events

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Romantic Estate Wedding In San Jose With Pops Of Lilac And Pink

With a neutral palette of sand, taupe, and grey, accented with pops of lilac and pink, this wedding makes it easy to fall in love. Loop Flowers created the most divine arrangements that made you feel as if you were walking through a romantic garden. Kindred Events Co. carefully curated all of the exquisite details to create an unforgettable event from start to finish. You’ll ooh and aah over all the lovely perfectly captured in time by Natalie Bray Studios, head to the full gallery to fawn over every magical moment.

From Natalie Bray Studios… On a stunning Summer afternoon, Maddie and Ian wed at a Private Estate in the Hills of San Jose. One of their first choices was hiring Joni of Kindred Events Co. to design and plan their event. She created a perfect reflection of the couple with a modern, yet romantic garden aesthetic.

During the ceremony, Maddie and Ian’s dog Rookie and nephew were their ring bearers. It was adorable. The couple chose to walk each other down the aisle and bring in beautiful benches to make everyone feel at home. Two of their closest friends spoke inspiring words to the couple during the ceremony and they had their own personalized vows, which left everyone beaming with joy.

The couple like many others had to postpone their celebration, so this was incredibly special to have all of their favorite people at one of their favorite places. Cocktails and apps were enjoyed around the pool and dinner was set overlooking the hills and sunset was just stunning. Couldn’t have asked for a more heartfelt and joyous celebration for these two.

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Natalie Bray Studios

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Autumn Meets Southern Elegance Editorial Set In California

Autumn elegance meets southern charm in this exquisite editorial. Set at Morgan Hill Estate on 20 acres in the heart of the Temecula Wine Country, our hearts go pitter-patter for all the darling details, textures, and moments of whimsy artfully designed by Bowties & Bouquets. For the reception, New Creation Florals designed three beautiful centerpieces, styled with petite textured bud vases and golden candles to add to the mood. The radiance of the day is beautifully captured in the imagery by XO and Fetti Photography, you can get lost in all the gorgeous touches in the full gallerry.

From Bowties & Bouquets… The stunning Morgan Hill Estate set the scene for this beautiful editorial. It boasts of such epic valley views with a lush garden and is the perfect backdrop for any couple who wants to wow their guests. The goal was to keep the ceremony space minimal with decor, yet make a big impact with the backdrop view and gorgeous floral details.

New Creation Florals added Dahlias, Peonies, Golden Rain Pods and Copper Beach to the vines on the gazebo creating an X frame, a perfect backdrop for the couple’s “I Do’s”. The bistro wooden chairs and petal aisle lead the way to the bride and groom as they exchanged endearing smiles and vows.

The reception was a creative design pairing of classic elegance mixed with modern details and untraditional elements. The scene was set under a Golden Rain Pod Tree which added the most glorious colors to the magical tablescape. Lastly, Naomi chose to move away from the traditional cake and instead opt for a personal mini pie just waiting for each guest. It was the perfect way to create a special yet memorable experience for any guest to feel welcomed to their seat and table.

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Bowties and Bouquets

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A Gift For Everyone On Your List With Our Holiday Gift Guide From the Bride to the Bridal Party!

It’s official… the gift-giving season is upon us…and every year it sneaks up on us and we are left searching for the perfect gift for that special someone in our life. Whether you’re newly engaged or newly married, we have put together a list of some pretty great gifts for everyone from your bridal party to the bride or groom! Looking to wrap something up for the couple, don’t worry we’ve got you covered! So get ready to make your list (and check it twice) and take a peek at our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide!

For the Bride

Olga Berg Clarise Clutch

What better gift for the bride-to-be than a stunning hand-beaded clutch (that doubles as a keepsake) to wear on her wedding day and all of the events leading up to ‘I Do,’ from her engagement party to rehearsal dinner! Big enough to hold all of the essentials, but small enough to hold in the palm of your hand or over your shoulder with an optional shoulder chain for those champagne moments!

What’s even better? Olga Berg offers equally beautiful bags for your gal pals and with code BRIDETRIBE10 you can receive 10% off when you order 3 or more!

Versona Trinket Tray

Whether newly engaged or newly a Mrs. this delicate trinket tray is the perfect affordable gift! Just the right size to keep an engagement ring, wedding band, and more all in one place and beautifully displayed on your bureau. Looking to add on, Versona has other fun gifts for the Bride like their Cozy Bridal Slippers that can be worn getting ready on the big day (and perfect for photo ops!)

Kendra Scott

Anything from Kendra Scott is a good idea! As a bride-to-be or already a wife, we promise you, you can’t go wrong with ornate earrings, an elegant necklace, or even another ring! Kendra Scott can deliver ‘something new’ with their fine jewelry crafted in forever diamonds and 14k gold giving her the option to wear to her shower, ceremony, or every celebration in between and after she says ‘I Do!’

For the Groom

Le Labo

Le Labo, the soulful fragrance brand has hands down some of the best smelling fragrances from parfums to body lotions and even candles. Why not pick out a new scent for your groom-to-be OR even let him pick out his own with one of their Discovery Sets, which lets you sample multiple scents before choosing one.

Harry’s – Holiday Winston Gift Set

Harry’s was created to be different from other shaving companies offering high-quality razors for men made from the finest materials. This Holiday, Harry’s put together their limited-edition Holiday Winston Gift Set which includes 3 German-engineered blade cartridges, foaming shave gel, travel cover – all tied up in a celebratory box! What better gift to get your guy wedding day ready!?

For the Bridal Party

Paintbox – The Paintbox

Who doesn’t love that fresh manicure feeling?! Gift your gal pals an elevated at-home manicure experience with Paint Box’s ‘The Paint Box’ kit which includes an embroidered 100% cotton towel, your choice of Power Couple or Like Glass + Like Fog shiny/matte top coat duo, dual-grit nail file, linework striper brush, a tapered-edged cleanup brush and a double-ended dotting tool all in a luxe keepsake box to give you the ultimate at-home manicure! Your girls (and their hands will thank you!)

Starling Jewelry

Sustainable fine jewelry, transparently priced and handmade in LA, you simply can’t go wrong with a gift from Starling Jewelry! Their pieces tell a story with birth flower and birthstone collections available in necklaces, rings, and more. Pieces that can be personalized and paired together, Starling is the perfect gift for your girls and something you can feel good about as they are one of the new in the industry to offer 14K yellow gold that is 100% recycled!

Style Me Pretty – Bridesmaid Gifts

Asking your BFF’s to stand by your side this Holiday season? The SMP Shop offers a variety of the sweetest bridesmaids gifts to make your job a one-stop-shop! From floral pouches and champagne flutes to eye masks, tumblers + more you can create quite the bundle for each and every one of your girls! Pick one or a few and get ready to pop the question!

For the Couple

Boll & Branch

If you have ever felt Boll & Branch bedding, you know it’s the best of the best! If you haven’t and you’re searching for the perfect gift for the newly engaged or the newlyweds, look no further. Boll & Branch offers the best bedding experience with quality and softness that can’t compare and feels luxurious! With organic cotton, their all-season Signature Hemmed Sheets are the perfect gift for any couple in your life, becoming softer with every wash! We promise you, they’re worth it! AND what’s even better they are offering SMP readers an exclusive: 25% off $500 or more (exclusions apply) with the code JOY25. Offer ends 12/31/2021. So get shopping!

Micro Cotton

Speaking of luxury, it’s time to check out Micro Cotton! Micro Cotton offers sustainable bath towels that feel like gold! 90% of the energy used to produce these bath towels is clean, green, and renewable! Not only are these powder room staples environmentally friendly, but the brand also made a pledge to serve their community and are asking consumers to make the Powder Room Pledge too (you could even win $$!)…..Give the gift of towels and sustainability to that newlywed couple!

Now it’s your turn to get giving! From jewelry and fragrances to bedding and nail care, you’re covered for any of the newly engaged, newlywed, or newly part of an ‘I Do crew!’

When it comes to bridal fashion, sometimes ‘less’ really is ‘more!’ Eva Lendel’s Less Is More 2022 Collection features more than 50 effortlessly gorgeous gowns, inspired by classic wedding styles and silhouettes and infused with a modern spirit. Featuring flowing skirts and laconic details, the collection captures a graceful, feminine essence and radiates pure sophistication with its elevated minimalism. Exuding understated elegance, each dress in the collection was designed to let the person wearing it shine with confidence.

For the bride who loves the look of classic romance & sensuality with a modern touch, Eva Lendel’s dresses are the best of both worlds! The young bridal brand specializes in the marriage of contemporary details and a feminine flair. The Less is More 2022 Collection is a celebration of delicate femininity in all of its forms and includes an array of diverse styles and materials to highlight the natural beauty and self-expression of every bride. The collection features 20 A-line dresses, 29 mermaid styles, 7 ball gowns, 5 midi-length dresses, and 2 jumpsuits that share a simple yet stunning undertone. However, each individual piece in the collection exhibits a one-of-a-kind air to match a variety of unique and distinctive bridal styles

The Less Is More 2022 Collection encapsulates the delight of being a woman, which is translated into silky & smooth fabrics, volumetric design elements, lush 3D lace, and subtle pops of fashion-forward details. The collection also incorporates detachable components, such as capes, trains, overskirts, and boleros, that heighten its beauty and visual appeal while giving a single design the illusion of two distinct bridal looks. Who said you can’t “have it all?!” With Eva Lendel and the Less is More 2022 Collection, you’ll be trending and timeless as you step into your forever!

Wedding Dress: Eva Lendel

Here’s Why That Pricey Wedding Photography Cost Is Worth Every Penny

If you’ve taken the time to look at potential photographers and their pricing, you may have noticed that it can be WAY expensive. But there is absolutely a reason why: wedding photography is in a class of its own. We don’t mean that in an aesthetic, “look how pretty it is” way. We mean that in the nitty gritty amount of work that goes into it way. Wedding photographers develop a unique skill set, dealing with sticky situations, anxious brides, sudden weather changes, and other hiccups. It is through years of trial and effort, practice, training, and development, plus sheer hard work that they have become the artists that they are! And yes, they are artists.

To get all your wedding photography questions answered and more, check out our Ultimate Wedding Photography Guide on Amazon or our SMP Shop!

Photo by Jen Huang Photography

Like most vendors, photographers quote based off the cost of material and their time—but keep in mind, that goes well beyond the number of hours they put in on the day of! An experienced photographer will go all in to make sure they’re ready for your day. They will take time to visit your ceremony and reception sites, to make sure they’re familiar with the surroundings of their snaps, what layout and lighting they’ll be working with, and what (if any) challenges they might face. Not to mention, they will take time to meet with you beforehand to get a sense of who you guys are as a couple and what you’re envisioning for your special day. Then after the wedding is done, they’ll spend marathon days editing photos to produce a gorgeous, well-curated portfolio.

Photo by Dana Cubbage Weddings

So with that in mind, here’s a list of some factors photographers take into consideration when building out their pricing:

Educational Background | Is the photographer academically trained in photography? Are they continuing their development on a regular basis by participating in workshops and conferences?
Years of Experience | How long have they been shooting weddings?
Location | Photographers in large cities and destination locations may charge more for their services.
Awards and Accolades | Has their work earned any honors or distinctions over the years? (This can often show you what kind of weddings they’re exceptional at shooting.)
Published Features | Do they have work featured in prominent and industry-leading wedding publications like Style Me Pretty? While it might not be especially important to you, it does bolster those aforementioned professional accolades.
Hours of Coverage | How long will they be available on your wedding day? Do you need them from morning until midnight, or would six hours suffice?
Second Shooters | A second shooter is, of course, an additional expense, but having one will allow for more moments to be captured during larger weddings. Unless your wedding is small and intimate, a second shooter is pretty much a must. You can trust your photographer’s recommendation on this.
Travel Expenses | Will the photographer need to travel a long distance to attend your wedding? What sort of traveling expenses might they incur? You’ll be responsible for covering these additional costs.
Hours of Editing | So much time and energy is put into editing the photos from your day! As a rule of thumb, the more hours of coverage you have, the more time the gallery will take to edit.
Gear | The tools a photographer uses are costly and, as such, can factor into pricing. This includes state of the art cameras, lenses, lights, reflectors, styling mats, film (if a film photographer), etc. Top notch photographers replace their gear regularly!
Album Costs | Most good photography packages include luxe photo albums, and the cost to have one made will be included in your pricing should you choose to order one. We’re big fans of albums and will always recommend that you do one. Yes, it can add up, but you won’t want to skimp on this—it’s one of the best keepsakes you’ll have in life.
Insurance | Many high-end photographers have business insurance to cover any liability concerns that could arise (for example: if they accidentally break a glass at the venue, or if a guest trips over their camera bag or injures him/herself on a piece of photo equipment).

Because of all these factors, photographers are available for work at several pricing tiers. Keep in mind that those priced lower generally have less experience, less education, and less (or lower quality) equipment. So, if you’re looking at $ versus $$$ vendors, put in some extra time to really research them and their abilities. If you decide to inquire with them, ask about their process and background to make sure you trust them with your day.

“Every photographer is priced differently and offers a different experience to their couples. We are not all the same! Photographers differ by personality, editing style, what medium they use to create their images, the deliverables they offer, the number of shooters they offer, the experience of those second shooters, the number of images they deliver to clients, the amount of hours they spend with you on the wedding day, years of experience, the number of weddings they’ve shot, and many other variables. You’re not just comparing apples to apples when it comes to photographers.”

– Dana Cubbage, Dana Cubbage Weddings

Photo by The Happy Bloom

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Photography

Jen Huang Photography

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A Classic Chicago Garden Wedding Filled With Elegance At Every Turn

Not many people get to marry the love of their life twice, but this couple did just that! Plans of a big wedding were put on hold due to the pandemic, so our lovebirds decided to get married in a small family wedding instead. A year later they got married for the second time, but with the help of Kristina Taheri Special Events they threw the dream day they had been hoping for. The crisp green and white color palette at this gorgeous garden wedding kept things classic, while lush blooms designed by Life In Bloom took the celebration to new heights- literally! Living chandeliers, of greenery and white flowers, were suspended over reception tables for a look guests couldn’t help but love. Kristin La Voie Photography captured every magical moment beautifully in her artful imagery, you can see all the fun in the full gallery.

From Kristin La Voie Photography… From the start of planning, we knew we wanted an outdoor wedding. After visiting venues all around Chicago we fell in love with the beauty and tranquility of the Chicago Botanic Gardens. Considering the natural aesthetic of the venue, we wanted to keep the floral simple and elegant.

We went with whites, neutrals, and greenery to parallel the gardens. Gold pops added elegance to the venue without stealing the show. Our officiant Kelly was a mutual friend of both of ours (unknowingly) before we even met! Kelly was a sorority sister of mine and met Max where she previously worked. It was so special to have her renew our vows and marry us for a second time!

It was so special that we were able to celebrate our first wedding anniversary on the same day as our original wedding. The drinks were flowing, the music was playing, and everyone was having a great time, and despite a forecast that was filled with rain, mother nature cooperated all day! It was everything we dreamed about thanks to our incredible team of vendors!

Early Autumn Winery Wedding Bathed in Golden California Light

After their original wedding celebration was postponed, today’s darling couple finally tied the knot in front of their friends and family on the first anniversary of their legal union – how special is that?! Drawing on the natural beauty of their wedding venue, Chateau St. Jean in Kenwood, CA, the couple chose a playful neutral palette with a hint of moody undertones. Natalie Choi Events brought their wedding day to life, leaving no detail left unturned, while Lambert Floral Studio made our hearts skip a beat with their organic, textural arrangements. See all the can’t miss moment from their day at the full gallery – all taken by Kristine Herman Photography!

From Natalie Choi Events… Joyce & Will were married in the last days of summer leading into fall foliage just starting to turn golden, with Chateau St. Jean the perfect backdrop for their wedding. After postponing their wedding from their originally planned 2020 date, their new wedding date landed on the first anniversary of their legal union.

To complement the natural beauty of late summer-early autumn, we chose a neutral palette with a hint of mood, pulling in luxurious textures such as velvet linens from La Tavola and a modern organic touch with stoneware tabletop rentals from Theoni.

Lambert Floral Studio’s textural floral arrangements celebrated all the best ingredients of the season, from large, lush dahlias to hints of dried grasses. Joyce & Will are two souls who exude so much positivity and glowing joy, the golden tones of their wedding perfectly embody who they are and their love.

Following their ceremony on the lawn with a backdrop of rows of vines and the rolling hills of wine country, guests enjoyed cocktails in the shady Formal Gardens, before rejoining us on the lawn for dinner. Both having been part of a dance crew together, Joyce & Will made sure there was plenty of time for getting down on the dance floor at the end of the night – including a special performance with their parents to Dynamite by BTS.

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Modern Chic Garden Wedding Filled With Carefully Curated Details

You can feel the love pouring out of this California wedding! From hand-drawn calligraphy from the bride’s little sisters to custom edible drink toppers this modern chic wedding is all about the special touches. Cara Goset of Everly By MGE designed a day bringing the couple’s wedding vision to life, and Penelope Pots brought the romance to life with some of the most beautiful blooms we’ve ever seen. The joy of the day is artfully captured in the imagery by Amy Golding, see it all in the full gallery.

From Amy Golding… Since the bride grew up in Southern California, she always dreamed of having part of her wedding include the Mission San Juan Capistrano. The couple gifted their guests, all from out of town, with the sweetest welcome bag filled with their favorite treats plus custom mini bottles of “Casa Kearns” tequila named after them.

Bridesmaids wore mismatched dresses of various shades of pink. The bride’s twin little sisters hand calligraphed the escort signage and the welcome sign as a gift to their older sister.

The couple had custom edible drink toppers for their champagne coupes. Honoring their Japanese heritage, the couple displayed 1000 paper cranes that they folded together. Lanterns hung over the wedding party’s table, and the place settings featured a modern chic design with black glassware and sleek brushed silver flatware.

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Amy Golding

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Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: Shop Holiday Decor at Style Me Pretty for 40% Off Right Now

We’d usually be taking this time — i.e. Thanksgiving Week — to talk ALL about the start of engagement season, but we’ve actually already done that (and will continue all the way through Valentine’s Day ♥️). So, now we can pause on all things soon-to-be-married and embrace some very-merry decorating goals instead. If your home can use some ho-ho-hygge as the holidays draw near, then you’ll want to take a peek at our Style Me Pretty Shop. In addition to all of our wedding products, our best-selling buys and our newer ‘I do’ debuts, we also have a stacked collection of seasonal decor sure to make even the Grinchiest home-owning naysayers (you know who we mean, those who cringe at the sight of any festive home furnishings #WeAllKnowSomeone) change their tune.

From tablescaping secret weapons and whimsical mugs to stylish stockings and tasteful throw pillows, there’s something perfect for every room in your house. Shop now through Tuesday, November 30th, and enjoy your plaid, gold glam, and/or cream and crimson accessories at major savings! We’re combining Black Friday deals with Cyber Monday markdowns — so everything is 40 percent off.

Photo by Anya Kernes

Here are just a few standouts in our list of favorites:

Eat.

A merry serving tray for Santa and his reindeer, cheerful cloth napkins, and charming charger plates to make your holiday place settings all the more magical.

Drink.

A mug made especially for seasonal sips and cold-weather cocoas.

And Be Merry.

All the things that bring a swirl of holiday spirit and a gleeful glow into our humble abodes. From joyful candle holders and good tiding reminders to aesthetic stockings and statement-making accent pillows, these decorative details are full of sparkle.

So, make your list [of the holiday home lewks you like] and check it twice — and scout items in the Style Me Pretty Shop that match up just right. Our holiday shop will be here from now through the New Year, but don’t miss out on our steep Black Friday and Cyber Monday savings. Find your faves and add everything to the cart ASAP, because everything is 40 percent off!

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

Anya Kernes

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Elevated Modern-Retro Fall Wedding Inspiration In Texas

With thoughtful and intentionally playful details, the whimsy of this inspirational shoot is sure to put a smile on your face. Subtle retro nods, carefully curated by The Venue Studio, beautifully befit the setting of this special day. Varying greenery textures, grasses, and small hints of fall foliage designed by Truth and Blooms create a modern, organic look that we can’t get enough of. Every magical moment was lovingly captured in the imagery by Abbey Leigh Photography, you can watch the full day unfold in the full gallery.

From The Venue Studio… I wanted this shoot to embody the wedding venue’s brand through the colors, patterns and fonts that were used. The entire shoot was inspired by the wallpaper designer Morris & Co. that is seen in the staircase leading up to the bridal room. I love how this designer beautifully combines modern and traditional design to create something timeless.

I selected the Morris & Co. Pimpernel pattern to set the tone for the color palette of the shoot. This pattern was used throughout the shoot for fluidity. However, I incorporated the gingham pattern for a pop of color & pattern, that is seen in the venue bridal suite pillows.

This shoot was designed with a bride in mind who isn’t afraid of pattern and color and is willing to incorporate untraditional elements into her special day, like an Oyster bar for guests to enjoy!

Would You Believe Us if We Told You This Was a REAL Wedding?

Get ready to do a double take – because it’s hard to believe this is an actual real wedding. A drop dead gorgeous, statement-sleeve gown, Villa Balbiano, and a firework show to end the night with a bang – I mean, does it get any better? To make it all the more unbelievable, this Lake Como affair was planned in just two short months! All thanks to the talented team at Happy Moments Collector. Julia Kaptelova Photography was there to capture every last detail, we can’t wait to see our Pinterest feeds filled with magic from today’s full gallery!

From Happy Moments Collector… This wedding was planned in less than 2 months! But we were lucky enough having the couple who were very fast with the decision making and very organized! And we are not mentioning how beautiful and model looking the bride and groom are… When we saw the guests on the wedding day – we literally thought we are having only models around! Young and beautiful! The couple fell in love with villa Balbiano and after the site inspection it was 100% match. Villa itself and amazing gardens overlooking the lake – it can’t leave you without taking the breath away.

For the flowers and decor overall we had 2 different opinions and references from the bride and groom and we needed to find some solution that would work for both parties. Groom tended to something more classical and timeless in white/blush colours and the bride, on the contrary, wanted something more saturated in terms of colours and trendy but at the same time natural looking and elegant. So we decided to merge mostly light colours with some hints of burgundy, navy and golden elements. So at the end we had really elegant garden wedding.

Play of high flower arrangements at some tables and lower arrangements with chandelieres hung above added movement and chic to the table setting. Modern garden furniture added trendy look to the aperitif and dinner area. Dinner was accompanied by sets of the cover band playing famous songs together with the touching speeches from the guests and entertainment from the famous talk show host.

Cutting of the cake was done with the background of the fireworks that added so much romance and festive feeling to the moments that everyone was literally fascinated. And we can’t help mentioning the looks of the bride starting from the morning till the end of the event! The main wedding dress was just out of words! Very stylish and fancy. The second black and white dress that was very elegant and at the same time trendy was fantastic as well. The preparation shoot and the wedding itself were such a blast for all of the team of vendors that we are looking forward to the anniversary of this beautiful couple a lot!

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Happy Moments Collector

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Stylish And Sophisticated Wedding Inspiration In North Carolina

Be prepared to have your breath taken away, this North Carolina editorial is one for the books. Filled with three sensational bridal looks, and a bevy of romantic multicolored blooms by Petal and Vine, this inspiration is perfect for the modern bride. Heather Benge Events carefully curated all of the magical moments, and Tanya B McSween artfully captured them all in her beautiful imagery. You’ll fall in love with all the elegance in the full gallery.

From Tanya B McSween… The combo of this gorgeous sunlight-drenched, open-air venue and the perfect fall color palette is giving us all the warm fuzzies for this editorial. The Providence Cotton Mill was the perfect place to bring wedding magic to life.

We paired mauve with shades of greens and burgundy, among other accent colors, along with wood and mixed metal elements to create an epic inspirational wedding shoot. Beautiful colors and sophisticated styling do not disappoint.

Exposed brick and large open arches, beautiful models, and stunning details – what more could you want? This inspiration shoot is sure to fill every heart’s desire.

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

McSween Photography

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Get Gift Giving With Brilliant Earth’s Holiday Gift Guide With Something for Everyone…Even YOU!

Be the star gifter this Holiday season with Brilliant Earth’s standout jewelry pieces that make for the ultimate, unforgettable gift! Trust us — it will light up the room and put a beaming smile on your loved one’s face! With Brilliant Earth’s wide array of ethically-crafted pieces, you’re bound to find something for everyone on your list! So, check it twice, spread some cheer, and start shopping for all the ‘someone specials’ in your life!

Timeless or trendsetting? From maximalism to minimalism, Brilliant Earth has dazzling designs for every sense of style! P.S. We totally recommend a Tennis Bracelet for the effortlessly elegant woman in your life! Any bracelet from Brilliant Earth’s collection, featuring styles in white gold and platinum and a variety of carat weights, will be a winner she’ll LOVE! For those looking to give a gift with meaning and honor the sentimentality of the season, Brilliant Earth is your destination for intentional and purpose-filled pieces. Add a personal touch to your gift with the birthstone collection, engravable collection, and jewelry that gives back.

If you’re not certain about the ‘perfect’ gift, Brilliant Earth’s Holiday Gift Guides are a fantastic place to start — ! There’s one for Her, Him, The Luxe Lover, The Trendsetter, The Minimalist, and Everyone! If you’re still not confident about your final choice, you can always use the “Send As A Gift” feature on Brilliant Earth’s website. With the click of a button, your recipient can put the finishing touch on their gift by selecting their desired metal. You can also take the creative & collaborative approach with Brilliant Earth’s “Create Your Own Necklace” and “Create Your Own Earrings” and have the recipient help design the jewelry piece of their dreams! Or, give the recipient the reins with a gift card to purchase the piece that is uniquely and effortlessly them!

Get ready to RING in a very merry unwrapping experience this year! Brilliant Earth is stocked with sparkling gifts and ready to get you into the spirit of the season with jewelry pieces that bring all the joy without harming the environment. Afterall, the best present is one that is both thoughtfully made and thoughtfully selected!

Jewelry: Brilliant Earth

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Wedding venue/vision

Extra special details to Erin and Wes:

Wedding Date: July 10th 2022

November 2021: 8 months before the wedding!

So with that in mind, here’s a list of some factors photographers take into consideration when building out their pricing:

– Dana Cubbage, Dana Cubbage Weddings

Photo by Anya Kernes

Here are just a few standouts in our list of favorites:

Eat.

Drink.

And Be Merry.

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Wedding venue/vision

Extra special details to Erin and Wes:

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Wedding Date: July 10th 2022

November 2021: 8 months before the wedding!

Join The Conversation

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Join The Conversation

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So with that in mind, here’s a list of some factors photographers take into consideration when building out their pricing:

– Dana Cubbage, Dana Cubbage Weddings

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Photo by Anya Kernes

Here are just a few standouts in our list of favorites:

Eat.

Drink.

And Be Merry.

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

From Our Partners

Little Black Book

Lookbook

International Weddings

US Weddings

Real Weddings

Inspiration Galleries

Explore

Archive

Magazine

Style Me Pretty